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['Previous studies have shown that anti-GQ1b antibodies induce massive neuromuscular blocking. If anti-GM1 and -GD1a antibodies have similar effects on the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) in human limb muscles, this may explain selective motor involvement in axonal Guillain--Barré syndrome (GBS).', 'Axonal-stimulating single-fibre electromyography was performed in the extensor digitorum communis muscle of 23 patients with GBS, including 13 with the axonal form whose sera had a high titre of serum IgG anti-GM1 or -GD1a antibodies.', 'All patients with axonal or demyelinating GBS showed normal or near-normal jitter, and no blocking.'] Is neuromuscular transmission impaired in axonal Guillain -- Barré syndrome? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4824626445770264,
-1.2857356071472168,
2.84040904045105
] |
['Mutation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) results in a discordant cell signaling, leading to the development of various diseases. However, the mechanism underlying the alteration of downstream signaling due to such mutation has not yet been completely understood at the system level. Here, we report a phosphoproteomics-based methodology for characterizing the regulatory mechanism underlying aberrant EGFR signaling using computational network modeling.', 'Our phosphoproteomic analysis of the mutation at tyrosine 992 (Y992), one of the multifunctional docking sites of EGFR, revealed network-wide effects of the mutation on EGF signaling in a time-resolved manner. Computational modeling based on the temporal activation profiles enabled us to not only rediscover already-known protein interactions with Y992 and internalization property of mutated EGFR but also further gain model-driven insights into the effect of cellular content and the regulation of EGFR degradation. Our kinetic model also suggested critical reactions facilitating the reconstruction of the diverse effects of the mutation on phosphoproteome dynamics.'] Does phosphoproteomics-based modeling define the regulatory mechanism underlying aberrant EGFR signaling? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.654370069503784,
-0.821119487285614,
2.529791831970215
] |
['Abnormal β-catenin immunohistochemistry and mutations of the β-catenin gene (CTNNB1) have been reported in adrenocortical adenomas (ACAs), but the frequencies of these defects and the phenotype of such tumors have not been clearly determined.', 'The objective of the study was to describe the Wnt/β-catenin pathway alterations in 100 ACAs and their association with clinicopathological characteristics.', "One hundred consecutive ACAs (excluding Conn's adenomas) were studied clinically by β-catenin immunohistochemistry and direct sequencing of CTNNB1.", 'Thirty-five ACAs were nonsecreting adenomas (NSAs), 19 were subclinical cortisol secreting adenomas (SCSAs), and 46 were cortisol secreting adenomas (CSAs). Fifty-one tumors had abnormal cytoplasmic and/or nuclear β-catenin immunohistochemical staining, indicating Wnt/β-catenin pathway alteration. Thirty-six tumors showed CTNNB1 mutations, which all showed abnormal immunohistochemical β-catenin accumulation. Among the 64 nonmutated tumors, only 15 (23%) showed cytoplasmic and/or nuclear β-catenin staining (P < 0.0001). Tumors with CTNNB1 mutations were predominantly nonsecreting (61% NSAs, 22% SCSAs, 16% CSAs) whereas nonmutated tumors were predominantly secreting (20% NSAs, 17% SCSAs, 62% CSAs) (P < 0.0001). Mean tumor size and weight were, respectively, 4.2 cm (± 1.3) and 28.4 g (± 21.4) for tumors with CTNNB1 mutations vs. 3.4 cm (± 0.9) and 18.2 g (± 8.2) for nonmutated tumors (P < 0.01).'] Is wnt/β-catenin pathway activation in adrenocortical adenomas frequently due to somatic CTNNB1-activating mutations , which are associated with larger and nonsecreting tumors : a study in cortisol-secreting and -nonsecreting tumors? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7749215364456177,
-1.577019214630127,
2.3620693683624268
] |
['Caudal-related homeobox protein 2 (Cdx2) is an intestine-specific transcription factor that is important for intestinal development and intestine-specific gene expression. Cdx2 regulates intestinal cell-cell adhesion, proliferation, and the transcriptional activities of Wnt and β-catenin in cell culture systems. We generated transgenic mice that overexpress Cdx2 in the small intestinal and colonic epithelium to investigate the role of Cdx2 in differentiation and function of the intestinal epithelium.', 'We established 4 different lines of villin-Cdx2 transgenic mice. Intestines were collected from infant, 3-month old, and wild-type mice. Genes of interest and cell lineage markers were examined by polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry.', 'Villin-Cdx2 transgenic mice had complex phenotypes that were associated with transgene expression levels. The 2 lines that had the greatest levels of transgene expression had significant, preweaning failure to grow and death; these were the result of early epithelial maturation and alterations in nutrient digestion and absorption. Fat malabsorption was a prominent feature. Other effects associated with the transgene expression included loss of Paneth cell markers, increases in goblet cells, and migration of proliferating, EphB2-expressing cells to the crypt base. Loss of Paneth cell markers was associated with reduced nuclear localization of β-catenin but not homeotic posteriorization of the epithelium by Cdx2.'] Do cdx2 levels modulate intestinal epithelium maturity and Paneth cell development? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4300434589385986,
-1.2792694568634033,
2.7501187324523926
] |
['Schistosomiasis remains a major public health problem in endemic countries and is caused by infections with any one of three primary schistosome species. Although there are no vaccines available to date, this strategy appears feasible since natural immunity develops in individuals suffering from repeated infection during a lifetime. Since vaccinations resulting in both Th1- and Th2-type responses have been shown to contribute to protective immunity, a vaccine formulation with the capacity for stimulating multiple arms of the immune response will likely be the most effective. Previously we developed partially protective, single Th- and B cell-epitope-based peptide-DNA dual vaccines (PDDV) (T3-PDDV and B3-PDDV, respectively) capable of eliciting immune responses against the Schistosoma japonicum 22.6 kDa tegument antigen (Sj22.6) and a 62 kDa fragment of myosin (Sj62), respectively.', 'In this study, we developed PDDV cocktails containing multiple epitopes of S. japonicum from Sj22.6, Sj62 and Sj97 antigens by predicting cytotoxic, helper, and B-cell epitopes, and evaluated vaccine potential in vivo. Results showed that mice immunized with a single-epitope PDDV elicited either Tc, Th, or B cell responses, respectively, and mice immunized with either the T3- or B3- single-epitope PDDV formulation were partially protected against infection. However, mice immunized with a multicomponent (3 PDDV components) formulation elicited variable immune responses that were less immunoprotective than single-epitope PDDV formulations.'] Do the nature and combination of subunits used in epitope-based Schistosoma japonicum vaccine formulations affect their efficacy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.316737174987793,
-1.2671964168548584,
2.6630947589874268
] |
['Devriesea agamarum infection causes chronic proliferative dermatitis, especially in desert dwelling lizards. The present study was concerned with evaluating persistency of D. agamarum in the environment and the evaluation of the efficacy of various disinfection procedures.', 'First, the survival of D. agamarum was assessed both in dermal crusts obtained from clinically and naturally infected lizards, and during periods of prolonged nutrient starvation on dry surface, in moist sand and in distilled water. Secondly, a modified European Suspension Test was performed to determine the efficacy of eight procedures for the disinfection of equipment, environmental surfaces and the topical treatment of D. agamarum-associated dermal lesions. The bacterium proved to persist and remain viable for up to 57 days in dermal crusts and for more than 5months in moist sand and distilled water. In contrast, survival on dry surfaces was limited. The results of the described dilution-neutralization method demonstrated that most of the tested disinfection procedures were sufficient in achieving a 5-decimal logarithmic reduction in the number of D. agamarum colony-forming units. The use of relatively low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and a boric and peracetic acid solution on the other hand resulted in insufficient reduction in viable counts.'] Does prolonged environmental persistence require efficient disinfection procedures to control Devriesea agamarum-associated disease in lizards? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5122673511505127,
-0.9118959307670593,
2.585419178009033
] |
['HLA antibodies might contribute to the pathogenesis of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). HLA antibody detection methods include ELISA, flow cytometry, and multiplex bead-based assays, as well as the older lymphocytotoxicity assay, and it is not obvious how to compare results across platforms.', 'Five hundred twenty-five serum samples were selected from 7841 donors in the Leukocyte Antibody Prevalence Study (LAPS) repository based on risk for the development of HLA antibodies, using the number of pregnancies as the risk factor. Subjects included 81 males and females with 0 (n = 187), 1 (n = 67), or 2+ pregnancies (n = 190). Replicate frozen serum aliquots were sent blinded to four different HLA antibody assay manufacturers for detection using five different assays.', 'The flow cytometry and multiplex bead based-assays typically resulted in a larger proportion of HLA antibody positive samples compared with ELISA based assays. Latent variable analysis was used to derive a new set of consensus cutoffs, which yielded similar sensitivities across test platforms and increased concordance amongst assays. Assay agreement was higher in ever pregnant females than in males and never-pregnant females.'] Is agreement among HLA antibody detection assays higher in ever-pregnant donors and improved using a consensus cutoff? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8407566547393799,
-1.4079288244247437,
2.3304569721221924
] |
['Immunolabeling of metaphase chromosome spreads can map components of the human epigenome at the single cell level. Previously, there has been no systematic attempt to explore the potential of this approach for epigenomic mapping and thereby to complement approaches based on chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and sequencing technologies.', 'By immunostaining and immunofluorescence microscopy, we have defined the distribution of selected histone modifications across metaphase chromosomes from normal human lymphoblastoid cells and constructed immunostained karyotypes. Histone modifications H3K9ac, H3K27ac and H3K4me3 are all located in the same set of sharply defined immunofluorescent bands, corresponding to 10- to 50-Mb genomic segments. Primary fibroblasts gave broadly the same banding pattern. Bands co-localize with regions relatively rich in genes and CpG islands. Staining intensity usually correlates with gene/CpG island content, but occasional exceptions suggest that other factors, such as transcription or SINE density, also contribute. H3K27me3, a mark associated with gene silencing, defines a set of bands that only occasionally overlap with gene-rich regions. Comparison of metaphase bands with histone modification levels across the interphase genome (ENCODE, ChIP-seq) shows a close correspondence for H3K4me3 and H3K27ac, but major differences for H3K27me3.'] Does immunostaining of modified histones define high-level features of the human metaphase epigenome? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.408280611038208,
-1.2224042415618896,
2.770989179611206
] |
['Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are normally produced in respiratory and photosynthetic electron chains and their production is enhanced during desiccation/rehydration. Nitric oxide (NO) is a ubiquitous and multifaceted molecule involved in cell signaling and abiotic stress. Lichens are poikilohydrous organisms that can survive continuous cycles of desiccation and rehydration. Although the production of ROS and NO was recently demonstrated during lichen rehydration, the functions of these compounds are unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the role of NO during rehydration of the lichen Ramalina farinacea (L.) Ach., its isolated photobiont partner Trebouxia sp. and Asterochloris erici (Ahmadjian) Skaloud et Peksa (SAG 32.85 = UTEX 911).', 'Rehydration of R. farinacea caused the release of ROS and NO evidenced by the fluorescent probes DCFH₂-DA and DAN respectively. However, a minimum in lipid peroxidation (MDA) was observed 2 h post-rehydration. The inhibition of NO in lichen thalli with c-PTIO resulted in increases in both ROS production and lipid peroxidation, which now peaked at 3 h, together with decreases in chlorophyll autofluorescence and algal photobleaching upon confocal laser incidence. Trebouxia sp. photobionts generate peaks of NO-endproducts in suspension and show high rates of photobleaching and ROS production under NO inhibition which also caused a significant decrease in photosynthetic activity of A. erici axenic cultures, probably due to the higher levels of photo-oxidative stress.'] Is fungal-associated NO involved in the regulation of oxidative stress during rehydration in lichen symbiosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.603073835372925,
-1.1021822690963745,
2.7788491249084473
] |
['To develop an artificial neural network to predict significant fibrosis (F≥2) (ANN-SF) in HIV/Hepatitis C (HCV) coinfected patients using clinical data derived from peripheral blood.', 'Patients were randomly divided into an estimation group (217 cases) used to generate the ANN and a test group (145 cases) used to confirm its power to predict F≥2. Liver fibrosis was estimated according to the METAVIR score.', 'The values of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) of the ANN-SF were 0.868 in the estimation set and 0.846 in the test set. In the estimation set, with a cut-off value of <0.35 to predict the absence of F≥2, the sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), and positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) were 94.1%, 41.8%, 66.3% and 85.4% respectively. Furthermore, with a cut-off value of >0.75 to predict the presence of F≥2, the ANN-SF provided Se, Sp, PPV and NPV of 53.8%, 94.9%, 92.8% and 62.8% respectively. In the test set, with a cut-off value of <0.35 to predict the absence of F≥2, the Se, Sp, PPV and NPV were 91.8%, 51.7%, 72.9% and 81.6% respectively. Furthermore, with a cut-off value of >0.75 to predict the presence of F≥2, the ANN-SF provided Se, Sp, PPV and NPV of 43.5%, 96.7%, 94.9% and 54.7% respectively.'] Does an artificial neural network improve the non-invasive diagnosis of significant fibrosis in HIV/HCV coinfected patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.5434406399726868,
-1.8141765594482422,
1.3755321502685547
] |
['Glutamatergic transmission is one of the main components of the stress response; nevertheless, its role in the emotional stress sequelae is not known. Here, we investigated whether interactions between group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 and metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 [mGluR5]) and Homer proteins mediate the delayed and persistent enhancement of fear induced by acute stress.', 'Antagonists and inverse agonists of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 and mGluR5 were injected into the hippocampus after immobilization stress and before contextual fear conditioning. Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 was displaced from constitutive Homer scaffolds by viral transfection of Homer1a or injection of Tat decoy peptides. The effects of these manipulations on stress-enhanced fear were determined.', 'We show that stress induces interactions between hippocampal mGluR5 and Homer1a; causes a sustained, ligand-independent mGluR5 activity; and enhances contextual fear. Consistent with this mechanism, enhancement of fear was abolished by delayed poststress application of inverse agonists, but not antagonists, of mGluR5. The effect of stress was mimicked by virally transfected Homer1a or injection of Tat-metabotropic glutamate receptor C-tail decoy peptides into the hippocampus.'] Do metabotropic glutamate receptor 5/Homer interactions underlie stress effects on fear? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.622880220413208,
-1.0578962564468384,
2.668767213821411
] |
['Leptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone that has been shown to exert both beneficial metabolic effects and potentially adverse vascular effects in preclinical studies. The primary aim of this study was to determine the effects of leptin receptor signaling pathways on atherosclerosis in the setting of obesity and hyperlipidemia.', 'Mice were generated with deficiency of apolipoprotein E (ApoE(-/-)) and either wild-type leptin receptor expression (Lepr(+/+), ApoE(-/-)), mutant leptin receptor expression defective in all leptin receptor signaling pathways (Lepr(db/db), ApoE(-/-)), or mutant leptin receptor expression with selective deficiency of leptin receptor-STAT3 signaling (Lepr(s/s), ApoE(-/-)). At 27 weeks of age (including 7 weeks on a Western diet), Lepr(db/db), ApoE(-/-) developed severe obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and increased atherosclerosis compared to Lepr(+/+), ApoE(-/-) mice. Despite similar obesity and hyperlipidemia to Lepr(db/db), ApoE(-/-) mice, Lepr(s/s), ApoE(-/-) developed less atherosclerosis than Lepr(db/db), ApoE(-/-) mice. Adipose tissue macrophage content, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and fatty-acid-binding protein 4 levels were also reduced in Lepr(s/s), ApoE(-/-) mice compared to Lepr(db/db), ApoE(-/-) mice.'] Are leptin receptor-induced STAT3-independent signaling pathways protective against atherosclerosis in a murine model of obesity and hyperlipidemia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2973055839538574,
-1.3452271223068237,
2.6701436042785645
] |
['This prospective study aimed to determine whether carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and biomarkers can enhance the predictive value of classic atherosclerosis risk factors (RFs) for cardiovascular (CV) event risk in patients with confirmed atherosclerosis.', 'Baseline levels of hs-CRP, Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α), Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGF-β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and Nt-proBNP were measured in 304 subjects (189 men) aged 64.2±9.4 years, with confirmed atherosclerotic occlusive disease. Maximum CIMT values of common, bulb and internal carotid arteries were measured and expressed as mean CIMT value. The incidences of CV death, myocardial infarction (MI), ischemic stroke (IS) and symptomatic lesion progression were recorded.', 'During 44.7±12.1 months of follow-up, CV events occurred in 61 (20.1%) patients. Age (odds ratio: OR=1.04; p=0.013), diabetes (OR=2.01; p=0.007), LDL-cholesterol>3.35mmol/L (OR=2.03; p=0.007), previous MI (OR=2.14; p=0.003) and previous IS (OR=3.35; p<0.001) were found independent CV event RFs. Adding biomarkers or CIMT to classic RFs revealed that levels of TNF-α>6pg/mL (OR=1.77; p=0.024), hs-CRP>6mg/L (OR=1.69; p=0.009) or CIMT>1.25mm (OR=5.11; p<0.001) were independently associated with CV event risk. While Nt-proBNP was found RF of CV death (OR=1.19; p=0.003) and MI (OR=1.19; p=0.002). In patients with RFs plus TNF-α>6pg/mL and hs-CRP>6mg/L, a 2- and 5-year event-free survival was 8% and 4%, respectively, as compared to 42% and 33% in those with RFs but lower TNF-α and hs-CRP levels. While, CIMT<1.25mm increased a 2- and 5-year CV event-free survival probability to 79% and 73%, respectively, despite classic RFs presence.'] Are carotid intima-media thickness , hs-CRP and TNF-α independently associated with cardiovascular event risk in patients with atherosclerotic occlusive disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3989075422286987,
-1.7492552995681763,
2.1567063331604004
] |
['urinary tract infection is a common problem during pregnancy. Asymptomatic bacteriuria can cause the development of serious complications affecting both the mother and foetus. Urine culture, the traditional screening test is relatively expensive, time consuming and requires a microbiology laboratory and trained staff. However simpler, less expensive tests which include urine multistix and urine gramstain better suited for developing countries are available.', 'to determine the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of multistix nitrite, leucocyte esterase (LE) and urine gram staining for asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy.', 'A cross-sectional study was carried out from 1st July to 31st October 2007, at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) on 125 consenting asymptomatic pregnant women. A structured proforma was used to collect information from the women and a midstream urine specimen collected in two sterile bottles. One was tested with Multistix® for the presence of nitrite and leucocyte esterase and the other for bacteriological culture and urine gram stain.', 'using the gold standard of urine culture, the sensitivities of Multistix® nitrite and leucocyte esterase were each 14% and the specificity 100% and 96% respectively. Urine gram stain had a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 74.7%.'] Do reliability of urine multistix and gram stain in the detection of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3384649753570557,
-1.185620665550232,
2.7106504440307617
] |
['People with Type D-Distressed-personality have a general tendency towards increased negative affectivity (NA), while at the same time inhibiting these emotions in social situations (SI). Type D personality is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease. Whether Type D personality is a cardiovascular risk factor in healthy populations remains to be investigated. In the present study, the relations between Type D personality and classical cardiovascular risk factors, i.e. metabolic syndrome and lifestyle were investigated in a Dutch community sample.', 'In a cross-sectional study 1592 participants were included, aged 20-80 years. Metabolic syndrome was defined by self-report, following the International Diabetes Federation-IDF-guidelines including an increased waist circumference, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes. In addition lifestyle factors smoking, alcohol use, exercise and dietary habits were examined. Metabolic syndrome prevalence was stratified by Type D personality (a high score on both NA and SI), lifestyle and confounders age, gender, having a partner, higher education level, cardiac history, family history of cardiovascular disease.', 'Metabolic syndrome was more prevalent in persons with a Type D personality (13% vs. 6%). Persons with Type D personality made poorer lifestyle choices, adhered less to the physical activity norm (OR = 1.5, 95%CI = 1.1-2.0, p = .02), had a less varied diet (OR = 0.50, 95%CI = 0.40-0.70, p < .0005), and were less likely to restrict their fat intake (OR = 0.70, 95%CI = 0.50-0.90, p = .01). Type D personality was related to a twofold increased risk of metabolic syndrome (OR = 2.2, 95%CI = 1.2-4.0, p = .011), independent of lifestyle factors and confounders.'] Is type D personality associated with increased metabolic syndrome prevalence and an unhealthy lifestyle in a cross-sectional Dutch community sample? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3796230554580688,
-1.0052753686904907,
1.4538812637329102
] |
['Using the FIV model, we reported previously that CD4+CD25+ T regulatory (Treg) cells from FIV+ cats are constitutively activated and suppress CD4+CD25- and CD8+ T cell immune responses. In an effort to further explore Treg-mediated suppression, we asked whether Treg cells induce anergy through the alteration of production of cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases and their inhibitors.', 'Lymphocytes were obtained from control or FIV+ cats and sorted by FACS into CD4+CD25+ and CD8+ populations. Following co-culture with CD4+CD25+ cells, CD8+ targets were examined by Western blot for changes in cyclins D3, E and A, retinoblastoma (Rb) protein, as well as the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor p21cip1. Following co-culture with CD4+CD25+cells, we observed up-regulation of p21cip1 and cyclin E, with down-regulation of cyclin D3, in CD8+ cells from FIV+ cats. As expected, CD8+ targets from control cats were quiescent with little up-regulation of p21cip1 and cyclin E. There was also a lack of Rb phosphorylation in CD8+ targets consistent with late G1 cell cycle arrest. Further, IL-2 mRNA was down regulated in CD8+ cells after co-culture with CD4+CD25+ Treg cells. Following CD4+CD25+ co-culture, CD8+ targets from FIV+ cats also had increased Foxp3 mRNA expression; however, these CD8+Foxp3+ cells did not exhibit suppressor function.'] Do cD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells from FIV+ cats induce a unique anergic profile in CD8+ lymphocyte targets? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.125854730606079,
-1.3293919563293457,
2.4328420162200928
] |
['Major trauma is characterized by an overwhelming pro-inflammatory response and an accompanying anti-inflammatory response that lead to a state of immunosuppression, as observed after septic shock. Diminished monocyte Human Leukocyte Antigen DR (mHLA-DR) is a reliable marker of monocyte dysfunction and immunosuppression. The main objective of this study was to determine the relation between mHLA-DR expression in severe trauma patients and the development of sepsis.', 'We conducted a prospective observational study over 23 months in a trauma intensive care unit at a university hospital. Patients with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) over 25 and age over 18 were included. mHLA-DR was assessed by flow cytometry protocol according to standardized protocol. Mann-Whitney U-test for continuous non-parametric variables, independent paired t test for continuous parametric variables and chi-square test for categorical data were used.', 'mHLA-DR was measured three times a week during the first 14 days. One hundred five consecutive severely injured patients were monitored (ISS 38 ± 17, SAPS II 37 ± 16). Thirty-seven patients (35%) developed sepsis over the 14 days post-trauma. At days 1-2, mHLA-DR was diminished in the whole patient population, with no difference with the development of sepsis. At days 3-4, a highly significant difference appeared between septic and non-septic patients. Non- septic patients showed an increase in mHLA-DR levels, whereas septic patients did not (13,723 ± 7,766 versus 9,271 ± 6,029 antibodies per cell, p = .004). Most importantly, multivariate logistic regression analysis, after adjustment for usual clinical confounders (adjusted OR 5.41, 95% CI 1.42-20.52), revealed that a slope of mHLA-DR expression between days1-2 and days 3-4 below 1.2 remained associated with the development of sepsis.'] Is lack of recovery in monocyte human leukocyte antigen-DR expression independently associated with the development of sepsis after major trauma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6738049983978271,
-1.5847203731536865,
2.3182220458984375
] |
['Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a major cause of chronic gastritis. Statins have several pleotropic effects and their mechanisms of action could be related to anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, and immunomodulatory effects.', 'To determine whether statin therapy affects the severity of chronic gastritis.', 'In a retrospective study, we evaluated 516 patients who underwent upper endoscopy. One-hundred and ninety-eight patients had chronic gastritis, The 198 patients with chronic gastritis were divided into two groups: group 1 comprised patients with a history of statin therapy and group 2 comprised patients with no history of statin therapy. Both groups were compared for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), underlying diseases, drug therapy, alcohol consumption, smoking and the serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). The presence of H. pylori was determined by gastric biopsy and rapid urease test. The grade and severity of gastritis were assessed using the updated Sydney classification system in two gastric biopsy specimens that were taken from each participant in each group.', 'Of the 198 patients with chronic gastritis, 49% of the patients had mild gastritis and 51% had moderate to severe gastritis. From the results of a multiple logistic regression analysis after adjusting for confounding variables that included age, gender, and BMI, we found that elevated serum CRP levels (odds ratio (OR) 2.33; 95% confidence interval (CI)\u2003= 0.8-2.6, p = .02), H. pylori (OR 1.99; CI 0.14-2.4, p = .04), and the use of statin (OR 1.64; CI = 0.71-1.77, p = .05) independently predict the severity of chronic gastritis.'] Does long-term statin therapy affect the severity of chronic gastritis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6914552450180054,
-1.569771409034729,
2.2375283241271973
] |
['To investigate the effects and the protective mechanism of iridoid glycosides (IG) enriched from Folium syringae leaves on ulcerative colitis (UC) model induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) in rats.', 'UC in rats was induced by colonic administration with TNBS. IG (80, 160 and 240 mg/kg) was administered for 2 weeks to experimental colitis rats. The inflammatory degree was assessed by macroscopic score, histology and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured with biochemical methods. The protein expressions of nuclear factor-kappaBp65 (NF-κBp65) and mRNA expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and NF-κBp65, were determined by immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative PCR, respectively.', 'IG significantly ameliorated macroscopic damage and histological changes, reduced the activity of MPO, depressed MDA and NO levels and effectively inhibited the protein and mRNA expressions of NF-κBp65, TNF-α and IL-6 in the colon tissues of experimental colitis in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the effects of IG (160 mg/kg and 240 mg/kg) were superior to salicylazosulfapyridine (150 mg/kg).'] Does anti-inflammatory effects of iridoid glycosides fraction of Folium syringae leave on TNBS-induced colitis in rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.213306188583374,
-1.446984052658081,
2.7159667015075684
] |
['Cornus kousa F.Buerger ex Miquel, an oriental medicinal plant, has been traditionally used for the treatment of hyperglycemia, but its molecular mechanism remains unknown. The goal of this study was to investigate the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) ligand-binding activity of Cornus kousa and to determine the effects of Cornus kousa on insulin sensitization in 3T3-L1 cells for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.', 'PPARγ luciferase transactivation assay was used to evaluate the PPARγ ligand-binding activity of Cornus kousa leaf extract. Western blot analysis, oil Red O staining, and glucose uptake assay were performed to evaluate PPARγ agonistic activity and insulin sensitizing effects of Cornus kousa leaf extract (CKE) in 3T3-L1 cells.', 'CKE increased PPARγ ligand-binding activity in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, CKE enhanced adipogenesis and the expression of PPARγ target proteins, including glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) and adiponectin, as well as proteins involved in adipogenesis, including PPARγ and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Furthermore, CKE led to significant induction of glucose uptake and stimulated insulin signaling, but not to activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling. The enhanced glucose uptake by CKE were abolished by treatment with bisphenol a diglycidyl ether (BADGE), a PPARγ antagonist, or LY294002, an inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), but not by compound C, an AMPK inhibitor.'] Does cornus kousa F.Buerger ex Miquel increase glucose uptake through activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and insulin sensitization? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4244368076324463,
-1.274035930633545,
2.747774124145508
] |
['Chloroquine causes rare but life-threatening toxicity. The prognostic value of plasma chloroquine concentrations in acute poisonings remains poorly investigated. We investigated the hypothesis that blood chloroquine concentrations better predicted chloroquine poisoning severity than plasma concentrations.', 'A prospective study of consecutive chloroquine poisonings admitted to an intensive care unit from 2003 to 2007 was performed with simultaneous measurements of blood and plasma chloroquine (chloroquine and desethylchloroquine) concentrations. A population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model described epinephrine infusion rate, our surrogate marker of cardiovascular toxicity, as function of blood or plasma chloroquine concentrations.', 'Forty-four patients [29F/15M, 33 years (25-41), median (25-75th percentile), 34% with cardiac arrest] were included. Management included mechanical ventilation (80%), 8.4% sodium bicarbonate (66%), epinephrine [73%, maximal rate: 2.8 mg/h (0.8-5.0)], and extracorporeal life support (16%). Seven patients died. Blood [6.7 mg/L (4.0-13.0)] and plasma [1.5 mg/L (1.2-2.9)] chloroquine concentrations were weakly, although significantly correlated (r = 0.66, p < 0.0001, Spearman test). Admission chloroquine concentrations correlated with the reported ingested dose (r = 0.70 for blood vs. 0.48 for plasma), QRS duration (r = 0.82 vs. 0.64), lactate concentrations (r = 0.63 vs. 0.47), and epinephrine infusion rates (r = 0.70 vs. 0.62). Chloroquine concentrations differed significantly between patients with and without cardiac arrest (p = 0.0002 for blood vs. 0.02 for plasma). A one-compartment pharmacokinetic (PK) model adequately described blood chloroquine concentrations. An effect compartment linked to the blood compartment adequately described plasma chloroquine concentrations. Using a sigmoidal E(max) pharmacodynamic (PD) model, epinephrine infusion rate was better predicted with blood than plasma concentrations (p < 0.01), suggesting that time-course of blood concentrations is a better prognostic value than plasma concentrations.'] Are blood concentrations better predictors of chioroquine poisoning severity than plasma concentrations : a prospective study with modeling of the concentration/effect relationships? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9120709896087646,
-1.533951759338379,
2.4796504974365234
] |
['Loss of functional Myostatin results in a dramatic increase in skeletal muscle mass. It is unknown what role miRNAs play in Myostatin mediated repression of skeletal muscle mass. We hypothesized that Myostatin genotype would be associated with the differential expression of miRNAs in skeletal muscle.', 'Loss of functional Myostatin resulted in a significant increase (p < .001) in miR-1, miR-133a, miR-133b, and miR-206 expression. In contrast, Myostatin genotype had no effect (P > .2) on miR-24 expression level. Myostatin genotype did not affect the expression level of MyoD or Myogenin (P > 0.5).'] Does myostatin genotype regulate muscle-specific miRNA expression in mouse pectoralis muscle? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.068267822265625,
-0.9196605086326599,
2.052311897277832
] |
['Despite long standing iodine supplementation in Iran the prevalence of goiter remains high in some areas. In the present study we investigated the possible role of thiocyanate as a goitrogen in the etiology of goiter in Isfahan, Iran.', 'A total of 2331 (6-13 year old) school children were selected by multistage random sampling. Thyroid size was estimated in each child by inspection and palpation. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and urinary thiocyanate (USCN) were measured.', 'Overall, 32.9% of the 2331 students had goiter. The median UIC was 195.5 μg/L. The mean ± SD of USCN in goitrous and nongoitrous subjects was 0.42 ± 0.28 mg/dL and 0.41 ± 0.32 mg/dL, respectively (P=0.86). USCN level in goitrous and nongoitrous boys was 0.41 ± 0.32 mg/dL and 0.43 ± 0.37 mg/dL, respectively (P=0.67). USCN level in goitrous and nongoitrous girls was 0.43 ± 0.26 mg/dL and 0.40 ± 0.28 mg/dL, respectively (P=0.43).'] Does thiocyanate status play a role in the etiology of residual goiter in school children of Isfahan , Iran? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.8518834114074707,
-1.4414992332458496,
1.398092269897461
] |
['Intradialytic hypotension remains the most common complication of routine outpatient hemodialysis treatments. There is debate as to the optimum dialysate sodium concentration, with hypotonic dialysates potentially causing intracellular swelling and hypertonic ones intracellular dehydration.', 'Multi-frequency bioimpedance was used to assess extracellular and intracellular fluid volumes in 53 adult hemodialysis patients. Dialysate sodium was checked by ion electrophoresis.', 'The mean decrease in extracellular volume and intracellular volumes were 1.01 ±0.09 and 0.88 ±0.18 kg, respectively. The median dialysate to sodium gradient was -3 mmol/L (-1 to -6), with a median dialysate sodium of 136 mmol/L (136-138). There was no association between changes in body fluid composition and sodium concentrations, or gradients. The mean difference between dialysate sodium prescribed and delivered was 2.4 ±0.8 mmol/L.'] Does negative dialysate to sodium gradient lead to intracellular volume expansion post hemodialysis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7602572441101074,
-1.6066797971725464,
2.378586769104004
] |
['Previous studies suggest a link between gut microbiota and the development of ulcerative colitis (UC) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Our aim was to investigate any quantitative differences in faecal bacterial compositions in UC and IBS patients compared to healthy controls, and to identify individual bacterial species that contribute to these differences.', 'Faecal microbiota of 13 UC patients, 11 IBS patients and 22 healthy volunteers were analysed by PCR-Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) using universal and Bacteroides specific primers. The data obtained were normalized using in-house developed statistical method and interrogated by multivariate approaches. The differentiated bands were excised and identified by sequencing the V3 region of the 16S rRNA genes.', 'Band profiles revealed that number of predominant faecal bacteria were significantly different between UC, IBS and control group (p < 10-4). By assessing the mean band numbers in UC (37 ± 5) and IBS (39 ± 6), compared to the controls (45 ± 3), a significant decrease in bacterial species is suggested (p = 0.01). There were no significant differences between IBS and UC. Biodiversity of the bacterial species was significantly lower in UC (μ = 2.94, σ = 0.29) and IBS patients (μ = 2.90, σ = 0.38) than controls (μ = 3.25, σ = 0.16; p = 0.01). Moreover, similarity indices revealed greater biological variability of predominant bacteria in UC and IBS compared to the controls (median Dice coefficients 76.1% (IQR 70.9 - 83.1), 73.8% (IQR 67.0 - 77.5) and 82.9% (IQR 79.1 - 86.7) respectively). DNA sequencing of discriminating bands suggest that the presence of Bacteroides vulgatus, B. ovatus, B. uniformis, and Parabacteroides sp. in healthy volunteers distinguishes them from IBS and UC patients. DGGE profiles of Bacteroides species revealed a decrease of Bacteroides community in UC relative to IBS and controls.'] Do ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel patients exhibit distinct abnormalities of the gut microbiota? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.679563045501709,
-1.4532599449157715,
2.112154483795166
] |
['Concern exists over the subsequent development of hypertension after shock wave lithotripsy for the treatment of symptomatic urolithiasis. Referral bias and lack of long-term followup have been limitations of prior studies.', 'We identified all Olmsted County, Minnesota residents with a diagnosis of urolithiasis from 1985 to 2008. The charts were electronically queried for hypertension and obesity by diagnostic codes, and use of shock wave lithotripsy by surgical codes. All patients first diagnosed with hypertension before or up to 90 days after the first documented kidney stone were considered to have prevalent hypertension and were excluded from analysis. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association of shock wave lithotripsy with a subsequent diagnosis of hypertension.', 'We identified 6,077 patients with incident urolithiasis with more than 90 days of followup. We excluded 1,295 (21.3%) members of the population for prevalent hypertension leaving 4,782 patients with incident urolithiasis for analysis. During an average followup of 8.7 years new onset hypertension was diagnosed in 983 (20.6%) members of the cohort at a mean of 6.0 years from the index stone date. Only 400 (8.4%) patients in the cohort were treated with shock wave lithotripsy. There was no significant association between shock wave lithotripsy and the development of hypertension in univariate (p = 0.33) and multivariate modeling controlling for age, gender and obesity (HR 1.03; 95% CI 0.84, 1.27; p = 0.77).'] Is shock wave lithotripsy predictive of hypertension among community stone formers at long-term followup? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.765547275543213,
-1.2261388301849365,
2.0192229747772217
] |
["Pyrenophora teres f. teres is a necrotrophic fungal pathogen and the cause of one of barley's most important diseases, net form of net blotch. Here we report the first genome assembly for this species based solely on short Solexa sequencing reads of isolate 0-1. The assembly was validated by comparison to BAC sequences, ESTs, orthologous genes and by PCR, and complemented by cytogenetic karyotyping and the first genome-wide genetic map for P. teres f. teres.", 'The total assembly was 41.95 Mbp and contains 11,799 gene models of 50 amino acids or more. Comparison against two sequenced BACs showed that complex regions with a high GC content assembled effectively. Electrophoretic karyotyping showed distinct chromosomal polymorphisms between isolates 0-1 and 15A, and cytological karyotyping confirmed the presence of at least nine chromosomes. The genetic map spans 2477.7 cM and is composed of 243 markers in 25 linkage groups, and incorporates simple sequence repeat markers developed from the assembly. Among predicted genes, non-ribosomal peptide synthetases and efflux pumps in particular appear to have undergone a P. teres f. teres-specific expansion of non-orthologous gene families.'] Do a first genome assembly of the barley fungal pathogen Pyrenophora teres f. teres? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2140283584594727,
-1.1818559169769287,
2.5268099308013916
] |
['The incorporation of sex and gender-specific analysis in medical research is increasing due to pressure from public agencies, funding bodies, and the clinical and research community. However, generations of knowledge and publication trends in this discipline are currently spread over distinct specialties and are difficult to analyze comparatively.', 'Using a text-mining approach, we have analysed sex and gender aspects in research within nine clinical subspecialties--Cardiology, Pulmonology, Nephrology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Haematology, Oncology, Rheumatology, Neurology--using six paradigmatic diseases in each one. Articles have been classified into five pre-determined research categories--Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Clinical research, Management and Outcomes. Additional information has been collected on the type of study (human/animal) and the number of subjects included. Of the 8,836 articles initially retrieved, 3,466 (39%) included sex and gender-specific research and have been further analysed.', 'Literature incorporating sex/gender analysis increased over time and displays a stronger trend if compared to overall publication increase. All disciplines, but cardiology (22%), demonstrated an underrepresentation of research about gender differences in management, which ranges from 3 to 14%. While the use of animal models for identification of sex differences in basic research varies greatly among disciplines, studies involving human subjects are frequently conducted in large cohorts with more than 1,000 patients (24% of all human studies).'] Does analysis of sex and gender-specific research reveal a common increase in publications and marked differences between disciplines? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-2.3466267585754395,
1.4853534698486328,
0.17302227020263672
] |
['The health and longevity effects of body weight reduction resulting from exercise and caloric restriction in rodents are well known, but less is known about whether similar effects occur with weight reduction from the use of a pharmaceutical agent such as sibutramine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.'] Does no compelling evidence that sibutramine prolong life in rodents despite providing a dose-dependent reduction in body weight? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.6573116779327393,
-0.3780217170715332,
2.2242431640625
] |
['The possible effect of obesity in the outcome of treated children with abdominal pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) has not yet been studied. We hypothesized that obesity is associated with a poor long-term prognosis in children with FGIDs.', 'Prospective cohort study in an outpatient clinic-based sample of patients diagnosed with abdominal pain-related FGIDs. Principal outcome measured was persistence of pain at long-term follow-up (12-15 months). Frequency of pain, intensity of pain, school absenteeism and disruption of daily activities were compared between obese and non-obese subjects.', 'The group mean age was 13.27±3.84 years, distribution of diagnosis was 32% (functional abdominal pain), 42.5% (irritable bowel syndrome) and 25.5% (functional dyspepsia). Overall, 20.2% of patients were obese. A total of 116 patients (61.7%) reported abdominal pain and 72 (38.3%) were asymptomatic at long-term follow-up. Obese patients were more likely to have abdominal pain (P<0.0001), higher intensity of pain (P=0.0002), higher frequency of pain (P=0.0032), school absenteeism (P<0.0001) and disruption of daily activities (P<0.0001) at follow-up than non-obese patients.'] Does obesity predict persistence of pain in children with functional gastrointestinal disorders? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.673129916191101,
-0.34852150082588196,
1.1789331436157227
] |
['To determine susceptibility genes for high myopia in Singaporean Chinese.', 'A meta-analysis of 2 genome-wide association (GWA) datasets in Chinese and a follow-up replication cohort in Japanese.', 'Two independent datasets of Singaporean Chinese individuals aged 10 to 12 years (Singapore Cohort Study of the Risk factors for Myopia [SCORM]: cases = 65, controls = 238) and more than 21 years (Singapore Prospective Study Program [SP2]: cases = 222, controls = 435) for GWA studies, and a Japanese dataset aged more than 20 years (cases = 959, controls = 2128) for replication.', 'Genomic DNA samples from SCORM and SP2 were genotyped using various Illumina Beadarray platforms (>HumanHap 500). Single-locus association tests were conducted for each dataset with meta-analysis using pooled z-scores. The top-ranked genetic markers were examined for replication in the Japanese dataset. Fisher P was calculated for the combined analysis of all 3 cohorts.', 'High myopia, defined by spherical equivalent (SE) ≤ -6.00 diopters (D); controls defined by SE between -0.50 and +1.00 D.', 'Two SNPs (rs12716080 and rs6885224) in the gene CTNND2 on chromosome 5p15 ranked top in the meta-analysis of our Chinese datasets (meta P = 1.14 × 10(-5) and meta P = 1.51 × 10(-5), respectively) with strong supporting evidence in each individual dataset analysis (max P = 1.85 × 10(-4) in SCORM: max P = 8.8 × 10(-3) in SP2). Evidence of replication was observed in the Japanese dataset for rs6885224 (P = 0.035, meta P of 3 datasets: 7.84 × 10(-6)).'] Do genome-wide association studies reveal genetic variants in CTNND2 for high myopia in Singapore Chinese? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.5691989064216614,
-1.5203534364700317,
1.075713872909546
] |
['To investigate whether previous laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR) affected adversely key outcome measures in radical prostatectomy, including perioperative data, pathologic data, complications, potency, continence, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA). We have shown previously that LIHR does not preclude safe endoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy (EERPE).', 'EERPE is the standard approach to radical prostatectomy in our unit. Between 2001 and June 2009 we encountered 92 patients who had previously undergone LIHR who underwent our standard technique of EERPE other than modification of port placement and development of the extraperitoneal space. We recorded our standard perioperative/postoperative dataset. Twelve-month follow-up data were available from 75 of 92 patients with 6-month follow-up of the remaining 17.', 'Fifty-nine patients had undergone previous unilateral total extraperitoneal hernioplasty (TEP): 16 bilateral TEP, 15 unilateral transabdominal extraperitoneal hernioplasty (TAPP), and 2 bilateral TAPP. Although we needed to modify our technique, there was no increase in our operative time (153 minutes). Where indicated, we were able to perform bilateral nerve sparing and pelvic lymphadenectomy on the contralateral side to the LIHR. There were no major complications and no blood transfusions. Our positive margin rate, continence, and potency rates did not differ from our series of 2000 consecutive EERPEs. Ninety-four-point-seven percent of men had an undetectable PSA at 12 months.'] Does previous laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair adversely affect the functional or oncological outcomes of endoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.014652967453003,
-1.499369740486145,
2.5360188484191895
] |
["Late Onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) is the leading cause of dementia. Recent large genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified the first strongly supported LOAD susceptibility genes since the discovery of the involvement of APOE in the early 1990s. We have now exploited these GWAS datasets to uncover key LOAD pathophysiological processes.", 'We applied a recently developed tool for mining GWAS data for biologically meaningful information to a LOAD GWAS dataset. The principal findings were then tested in an independent GWAS dataset.', 'We found a significant overrepresentation of association signals in pathways related to cholesterol metabolism and the immune response in both of the two largest genome-wide association studies for LOAD.'] Does genetic evidence implicate the immune system and cholesterol metabolism in the aetiology of Alzheimer 's disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.7937076091766357,
-0.1786125898361206,
2.1150431632995605
] |
['Autologous transplanted fat has a high resorption rate, providing a clinical challenge for the means to reduce it. Erythropoietin (EPO) has non-hematopoietic targets, and we hypothesized that EPO may improve long-term fat graft survival because it has both pro-angiogenic and anti-apoptotic properties. We aimed to determine the effect of EPO on the survival of human fat tissue after its transplantation in nude mice.', 'Human fat tissue was injected subcutaneously into immunologically-compromised nude mice, and the grafts were then treated with either 20 IU or 100 IU EPO. At the end of the 15-week study period, the extent of angiogenesis, apoptosis, and histology were assessed in the fat grafts. The results were compared to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-treated and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-treated fat grafts. The weight and volume of the EPO-treated grafts were higher than those of the PBS-treated grafts, whose weights and volumes were not different from those of the VEGF-treated grafts. EPO treatment also increased the expression of angiogenic factors and microvascular density, and reduced inflammation and apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in the fat grafts.'] Does erythropoietin improve the survival of fat tissue after its transplantation in nude mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3150055408477783,
-1.2591530084609985,
2.6037302017211914
] |
['Cerebral white matter lesions (WMLs) are radiologic markers of small vessel disease in brain, and inflammatory processes were related to WMLs. We propose to determine if elevated leukocyte count was associated with a higher risk of WMLs.', '1586 asymptomatic subjects who visited our hospital for a routine health check-up were enrolled. Leukocyte counts were measured and the presence of moderate to severe WMLs was determined by brain MRI.', 'Thirty (1.9%) had moderate to severe WMLs, and a significant greater proportion (4.1%) of subjects in the highest leukocyte count quartile had moderate to severe WMLs. After adjusting by C-reactive protein, aspirin use and cardiovascular risk factors, the highest quartile of leukocyte count (≥6.7×10⁹/L) was significantly associated with moderate to severe WMLs compared with the lowest quartile [adjusted odds ratio, 4.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-15.5].'] Is elevated leukocyte count in asymptomatic subjects associated with a higher risk for cerebral white matter lesions? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5859118700027466,
-1.436721920967102,
2.0367488861083984
] |
['To investigate the roles of Twist1 and Y-box binding protein-1 (YB-1) and their potential as therapeutic targets in bladder cancer (BC), as both have been suggested to play important roles in tumour growth, invasion and drug resistance.', 'Bladder cancer cell lines (TCCsup, UMUC3, T24 and KK47 cells) were used. Twist1 and YB-1 expression levels were assessed by luciferase reporter assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot analysis. Tumour growth and cell cycle were analysed by cell proliferation assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Invasive and motile abilities were investigated by scratch-wound test and migration assay, respectively. Cytotoxicity assay was performed to determine drug sensitivity.', 'The findings showed that Twist1 regulated YB-1 expression in BC cells. Both Twist1 and YB-1 were involved in cell growth, invasion, motility and resistance to cisplatin and doxorubicin, but not to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).'] Do twist1 and Y-box-binding protein-1 promote malignant potential in bladder cancer cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.466724395751953,
-1.1990067958831787,
2.751883029937744
] |
['Plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) increases during exercise by release from active muscles and during prolonged exercise also from the brain. The IL-6 release from muscles continues into recovery and we tested whether the brain also releases IL-6 in recovery from prolonged exercise in humans. Additionally, it was evaluated in mice whether brain release of IL-6 reflected enhanced IL-6 mRNA expression in the brain as modulated by brain glycogen levels.', 'Nine healthy male subjects completed 4 h of ergometer rowing while the arterio-jugular venous difference (a-v diff) for IL-6 was determined. The IL-6 mRNA and the glycogen content were determined in mouse hippocampus, cerebellum and cortex before and after 2 h treadmill running (N = 8).', 'At rest, the IL-6 a-v diff was negligible but decreased to -2.2 ± 1.9 pg ml(-1) at the end of exercise and remained low (-2.1 ± 2.1 pg ml(-1) ) 1 h into the recovery (P < 0.05 vs. rest). IL-6 mRNA was expressed in the three parts of the brain with the lowest content in the hippocampus (P < 0.05) coupled to the highest glycogen content (3.2 ±\u20030.8 mmol kg(-1) ). Treadmill running increased the hippocampal IL-6 mRNA content 2-3-fold (P < 0.05), while the hippocampal glycogen content decreased to 2.6 ± 0.6 mmol kg(-1) (P < 0.05) with no significant changes in the two other parts of the brain.'] Is in humans IL-6 released from the brain during and after exercise and paralleled by enhanced IL-6 mRNA expression in the hippocampus of mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.1212859153747559,
-1.5201560258865356,
1.6824662685394287
] |
['Although numerous studies have reported negative associations between sleep duration and body size, no studies of this association have focused on Hispanic groups, which was the goal of this work.', 'Data are from adults in the 1982-1984 Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (HHANES), which enrolled Cuban-Americans, Mexican-Americans, and Puerto Ricans. HHANES included self-reported sleep duration and several anthropometric measures. Principle component analysis extracted a single variable to represent body size. Linear regression models stratified by Hispanic group predicted body size from sleep duration adjusting for age, sex, education, income, marital status, household size, and acculturation.', 'Average age was 36-44 years and 52-64% were women. Average sleep duration was 7.3-7.7 h. Shorter sleep duration was associated with larger body size in Mexican-Americans only. The regression coefficient indicated that on average a Mexican-American adult who reported sleeping for 4 h would have a body size that was larger by 0.12 times the standard deviation for body size than a Mexican-American adult reporting 8 h of sleep (all other covariates being equal). This effect was similar to the effect of 10 years of age, which would be associated with an increase in body size by 0.10 times the standard deviation of body size.'] Does association between sleep duration and body size differ among three Hispanic groups? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 0 | [
0.09630437940359116,
-0.5058446526527405,
-0.4414557218551636
] |
['We investigate the influence that inguinal fat has on maximal quadriceps response to femoral nerve magnetic stimulation.', 'Vastus lateralis M-wave amplitude and quadriceps twitch peak torque were measured (i) in lean and overweight subjects and (ii) when slices of pig fat ranging from 2 to 18 mm in thickness were placed between the coil and the nerve.', 'In overweight group, the maximal response could not be elicited when intensity was ≤90% and ≤85% of maximal power for twitch torque and M-wave amplitude, respectively. The maximal response was obtained at 80% of maximal power in the lean group. Negative correlations between relative twitch torque changes and inguinal thickness were observed. Fat thickness altered quadriceps response at 14 mm and 8 mm in the lean and overweight groups, respectively.'] Does fat tissue alter quadriceps response to femoral nerve magnetic stimulation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0485126972198486,
-0.6932518482208252,
1.8342571258544922
] |
['Spina bifida cystica (SBC) is a group of neurodevelopmental defects caused by improper neural tube closure, which may be responsible for deficits in cognitive functions. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in normal appearing deep gray and white matter brain regions in SBC patients compared with controls through diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and correlate these changes with neuropsychometric tests.', 'Conventional magnetic resonance imaging and neuropsychometric tests were performed on 13 patients and ten controls. DTI-derived fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) were quantified in different brain regions in controls and patients.', 'Significantly decreased FA was observed in caudate nuclei, putamen, genu, splenium, and increased FA was found in middle cerebellar peduncle (MCP) in patients compared with controls. We observed significantly increased MD in genu and splenium. However, increased MD was found in fornix of patients compared with controls. Majority of neuropsychological tests were found to be significantly impaired and some of these showed significant correlation with DTI metrics in genu, splenium, and MCP in these patients.'] Do cognitive functions correlate with diffusion tensor imaging metrics in patients with spina bifida cystica? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.39009165763855,
-1.2618703842163086,
2.7060000896453857
] |
['Continuous treatment with nitroglycerin (GTN) causes tolerance and endothelial dysfunction, both of which may involve endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) dysfunction. eNOS dysfunction may be linked to depletion of tetrahydrobiopterin, and folic acid may be involved in the regeneration of this cofactor. It has been demonstrated that 10 mg⁄day folic acid supplementation prevents the development of GTN tolerance and GTN-induced endothelial dysfunction. However, the efficacy of daily lower-dose folic acid supplementation for preventing these phenomena has not been investigated.', 'To determine the effect of 1 mg⁄day folic acid supplementation on responses to sustained GTN therapy.', 'On visit 1, 20 healthy male volunteers were randomly assigned to receive either oral folic acid (1 mg⁄day) or placebo for one week in a double- blind study. All subjects also received continuous transdermal GTN (0.6 mg⁄h). On visit 2, forearm blood flow was measured using venous occlusion strain-gauge plethysmography in response to incremental intra-arterial infusions of acetylcholine, N-monomethyl-L-arginine and GTN. Subjects in both groups displayed significantly decreased responses to acetylcholine and N-monomethyl-L-arginine infusions compared with a control group that received no treatment. Responses to GTN were also significantly diminished in both groups (P<0.05 for all).'] Does daily low-dose folic acid supplementation prevent nitroglycerin-induced nitric oxide synthase dysfunction and tolerance : a human in vivo study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1859424114227295,
-1.5136678218841553,
2.6612496376037598
] |
['The effects of 30 min of exercise on postprandial lipaemia in the overweight and obese are unknown as previous studies have only investigated bouts of at least 60 min in lean, healthy individuals. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a single 30-min bout of resistance, aerobic or combined exercise at moderate-intensity would decrease postprandial lipaemia, glucose and insulin levels as well as increase resting energy expenditure and increase fat oxidation following a high fat meal consumed 14 h after the exercise bout, in overweight and obese individuals compared to no exercise. We also compared the effects of the different exercise modalities.', 'This study was a randomized cross-over design which examined the postprandial effects of 30 min of different types of exercise in the evening prior to a breakfast meal in overweight and obese men and women. Participants were randomized on four occasions, each one-week apart, to each condition; either no exercise, aerobic exercise, resistance exercise or a combination of aerobic exercise and resistance exercise.', 'An acute bout of combination training did not have any significant effect on postprandial measurements compared to no exercise. However, aerobic exercise significantly reduced postprandial triglyceride levels by 8% compared to no exercise (p=0.02) and resistance exercise decreased postprandial insulin levels by 30% compared to aerobic exercise (p=0.01).'] Does acute exercise improve postprandial cardiovascular risk factors in overweight and obese individuals? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.02799654006958,
-0.6350733041763306,
1.7538164854049683
] |
['Recent studies indicated that soluble OX40 ligand (OX40L) levels were increased in acute coronary syndrome. But the association between sOX40L and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) has not been evaluated.', 'We measured plasma soluble OX40L (sOX40L) and Interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels in 35 patients with stable angina pectoris, 30 patients with risk factors of coronary artery disease, and 20 age and sex-matched controls. Carotid (IMT) was measured by B-mode ultrasound.', 'Plasma sOX40L levels were positively correlated with Carotid IMT (r = 0.376, P = 0.001) and inversely correlated with IL-10 (P = -0.394, P = 0.000). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that sOX40L (p = 0.019) was an independent predictor for Carotid IMT progression after adjusting for the classical cardiovascular risk factors.'] Is increased soluble OX40L associated with carotid intima-media thickness? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.051640748977661,
-1.4528982639312744,
2.531214952468872
] |
['Lutein is recovered at high concentration in the human macula lutea. Recent studies suggest that this micronutrient might be implicated in prevention of age-related macular degeneration.', 'to identify genes which affect blood and retina lutein concentrations among candidate genes (intestinal sterol transporters and carotenoid oxygenases).', 'a comparative plus an observational study.', 'twenty-nine healthy subjects for the comparative study and 622 subjects for the observational study.', "all the participants were genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the candidate genes. Fasting plasma lutein concentrations were measured in all the participants and after 6 months' supplementation, with either a lutein-rich supplement or a placebo, in the 29 subjects who participated in the comparative study. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD), which is a measure of macula concentration of lutein, was measured before and after the dietary intervention in the 29 subjects. Associations between SNPs and plasma lutein and MPOD were assessed by partial least square (PLS) regression followed by univariate analysis. Observed associations between SNPs and plasma lutein were verified by haplotype-based association analysis in the cohort of 622 subjects.", 'plasma lutein levels and MPOD.', 'six SNPs in four genes (ABCG8, BCMO1, CD36, and NPC1L1) explained 25% and 38% of the plasma and MPOD variance, respectively. Subjects with TT at the BCMO1 rs7501331 locus had lower (P < 0.05) plasma lutein than CT subjects. Subjects with CC at the CD36 rs13230419 locus had lower (P < 0.05) plasma lutein than subjects who carried a T allele. The association between CD36 and plasma lutein was confirmed in the cohort of 622 subjects. Subjects with TT at the BCMO1 rs7501331 locus had a higher (P < 0.05) MPOD, and subjects with GG at rs1761667 CD36 locus had a higher (P < 0.05) MPOD than those with an A allele.'] Are genetic variants in BCMO1 and CD36 associated with plasma lutein concentrations and macular pigment optical density in humans? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8517814874649048,
-1.3606102466583252,
2.192469596862793
] |
['The modified Th2 response, defined as an IgG4 response in the absence of IgE, is suggested to protect against the development of allergic sensitization. However, studies suggesting this protective effect all had a cross-sectional design, making it impossible to study the development of both responses.', 'We aimed to study the dynamics in IgG4 antibodies in relation to allergic sensitization in an occupational cohort of starting laboratory animal workers. Moreover, we studied the relation between exposure, antibody responses, atopy and self reported allergic symptoms.', 'A total of 110 starting animal workers were followed for 2 years. IgG4 antibodies against rats and mice were assessed. Workers were tested for allergic sensitization and exposure to animal allergens was estimated. Symptom status was assessed using questionnaires.', 'Rat and mouse specific IgG4 antibodies were present before the development of allergy and did not significantly change over time. Allergic sensitization was related to exposure and atopic status but high levels of IgG4 showed no protective effect. In contrary, workers that developed mouse specific sensitization during follow up had higher levels of mouse specific IgG4. Symptoms were related to allergic sensitization and IgG4 levels did not influence that relationship.'] Do igG4 antibodies against rodents in laboratory animal workers protect against allergic sensitization? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2729220390319824,
-0.6342995166778564,
1.9419777393341064
] |
['Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent form of arthritis and accounts for substantial morbidity and disability, particularly in older people. It is characterised by changes in joint structure, including degeneration of the articular cartilage, and its aetiology is multifactorial with a strong postulated genetic component.', 'A meta-analysis was performed of four genome-wide association (GWA) studies of 2371 cases of knee OA and 35 909 controls in Caucasian populations. Replication of the top hits was attempted with data from 10 additional replication datasets.', 'With a cumulative sample size of 6709 cases and 44 439 controls, one genome-wide significant locus was identified on chromosome 7q22 for knee OA (rs4730250, p=9.2 × 10⁻⁹), thereby confirming its role as a susceptibility locus for OA.'] Does meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies confirm a susceptibility locus for knee osteoarthritis on chromosome 7q22? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9559916257858276,
-1.1790615320205688,
2.255866050720215
] |
['Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) are highly specific for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and have been implicated in disease pathogenesis. Recent ongoing evidence indicates that the ACPA response broadens before precipitation of full-blown RA, as indicated by a more extensive isotype usage and an increased citrullinated epitope recognition profile. Nonetheless, the evolution of the ACPA response is still poorly understood and might intrinsically differ from the protective responses against pathogens.', 'The avidity and the avidity maturation of ACPA in relation to the avidity of antibodies against recall antigens were analysed.', 'The avidity of ACPA was significantly lower than the avidity of antibodies to the recall antigens tetanus toxoid and diptheria toxoid. Moreover, ACPA did not show avidity maturation during longitudinal follow-up and ACPA avidity was also relatively low in patients who displayed extensive isotype switching.'] Do anti-citrullinated protein antibodies have a low avidity compared with antibodies against recall antigens? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.454928398132324,
-1.1466786861419678,
2.6396639347076416
] |
['The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the reason for non-response (caused by immunogenicity or not) to a first tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor defines whether a second TNF inhibitor will be effective.', "This cohort study consisted of 292 consecutive patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), all treated with etanercept. A total of 89 patients (30%) were treated previously with infliximab or adalimumab ('switchers'), and the remaining 203 (70%) were anti-TNF naive. All switchers were divided into two groups: with and without antibodies against the previous biological. Differences in clinical response to etanercept between switchers with and without antibodies and patients who were anti-TNF naive were assessed after 28 weeks of treatment using changes in Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28).", 'After 28 weeks of treatment, response to etanercept did not differ between patients who were anti-TNF naive and switchers with anti-drug antibodies (ΔDAS28=2.1 ± 1.3 vs ΔDAS28=2.0 ± 1.3; p = 0.743). In contrast, switchers without anti-drug antibodies had a diminished response to etanercept treatment compared to patients who were TNF naive (ΔDAS28 =1.2±1.3 vs ΔDAS28 = 2.1 ± 1.3; p = 0.001) and switchers with antibodies (ΔDAS28 =1.2±1.3 vs ΔDAS28 = 2.0 ± 1.3; p = 0.017).'] Does the presence or absence of antibodies to infliximab or adalimumab determine the outcome of switching to etanercept? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4724210500717163,
-1.5921179056167603,
2.0336732864379883
] |
['Matricellular proteins are extracellular regulators of cellular adhesion, signaling and performing a variety of physiological behaviors such as proliferation, migration and differentiation. Within vascular microenvironments, matricellular proteins exert both positive and negative regulatory cues to vascular endothelium. The relative balance of these matricellular cues is believed to be critical for vascular homeostasis, angiogenesis activation or angiogenesis resolution. However, our knowledge of matricellular proteins within vascular microenvironments and the mechanisms by which these proteins impact vascular function remain largely undefined. The matricellular protein lipocalin-7 (LCN7) is found throughout vascular microenvironments, and circumstantial evidence suggests that LCN7 may be an important regulator of angiogenesis. Therefore, we hypothesized that LCN7 may be an important regulator of vascular function.', 'To test this hypothesis, we examined the effect of LCN7 overexpression, recombinant protein and gene knockdown in a series of in vitro and in vivo models of angiogenesis. We found that overexpression of LCN7 in MB114 and SVEC murine endothelial cell lines or administration of highly purified recombinant LCN7 protein increased endothelial cell invasion. Similarly, LCN7 increased angiogenic sprouting from quiescent endothelial cell monolayers and ex vivo aortic rings. Moreover, LCN7 increased endothelial cell sensitivity to TGF-β but did not affect sensitivity to other pro-angiogenic growth factors including bFGF and VEGF. Finally, morpholino based knockdown of LCN7 in zebrafish embryos specifically inhibited angiogenic sprouting but did not affect vasculogenesis within injected embryos.'] Is lipocalin-7 a matricellular regulator of angiogenesis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4748404026031494,
-1.2175077199935913,
2.7729294300079346
] |
['Free-flying insectivorous bats occasionally collide with stationary objects they should easily detect by echolocation and avoid. Collisions often occur with lighted objects, suggesting ambient light may deleteriously affect obstacle avoidance capabilities. We tested the hypothesis that free-flying bats may orient by vision when they collide with some obstacles. We additionally tested whether acoustic distractions, such as "distress calls" of other bats, contributed to probabilities of collision.', 'To investigate the role of visual cues in the collisions of free-flying little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) with stationary objects, we set up obstacles in an area of high bat traffic during swarming. We used combinations of light intensities and visually dissimilar obstacles to verify that bats orient by vision. In early August, bats collided more often in the light than the dark, and probabilities of collision varied with the visibility of obstacles. However, the probabilities of collisions altered in mid to late August, coincident with the start of behavioural, hormonal, and physiological changes occurring during swarming and mating. Distress calls did not distract bats and increase the incidence of collisions.'] Does vision impair the abilities of bats to avoid colliding with stationary obstacles? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-2.686913251876831,
2.73828387260437,
-0.8092966675758362
] |
['Abnormal germline DNA methylation in males has been proposed as a possible mechanism compromising spermatogenesis of some men currently diagnosed with idiopathic infertility. Previous studies have been focused on imprinted genes with DNA methylation in poor quality human sperms. However, recent but limited data have revealed that sperm methylation abnormalities may involve large numbers of genes or shown that genes that are not imprinted are also affected.', 'Using the methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction and bisulfite sequencing method, we examined methylation patterns of the promoter of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene (NG_013351: 1538-1719) in sperm DNA obtained from 94 idiopathic infertile men and 54 normal fertile controls. Subjects with idiopathic infertility were further divided into groups of normozoospermia and oligozoospermia. Overall, 45% (41/94) of idiopathic infertile males had MTHFR hypermethylation (both hemimethylation and full methylation), compared with 15% of fertile controls (P<0.05). Subjects with higher methylation level of MTHFR were more likely to have idiopathic male infertility (P-value for trend \u200a= 0.0007). Comparing the two groups of idiopathic infertile subjects with different sperm concentrations, a higher methylation pattern was found in the group with oligozoospermia.'] Is idiopathic male infertility strongly associated with aberrant promoter methylation of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase ( MTHFR )? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.159132719039917,
-1.362243890762329,
2.492021083831787
] |
['Expression of the meningioma-associated protein (MAC30) was increased in several types of tumors, including esophageal, gastric and colon tumors, compared to normal tissue. MAC30 expression levels gradually increased from normal colorectal mucosa to primary colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer spreading to the lymph nodes. MAC30 expression was related to survival in patients with colorectal cancer. However, there is no study on MAC30 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).', 'Therefore, MAC30 expression in OSCC was investigated and possible associations of MAC30 expression with clinicopathological variables in OSCC have been analyzed. MAC30 expression was immunohistochemically examined in 20 normal oral mucosa and 43 OSCC specimens.', 'Expression levels of MAC30 in the cytoplasm markedly increased from normal oral epithelial cells to primary OSCC. Strong cytoplasmic staining was significantly higher in primary OSCC compared to normal oral mucosa samples (51 vs. 20%, p = 0.019). Furthermore, MAC30 expression levels in primary tumors of patients with lymph node metastasis exceeded levels in those without metastasis (65 vs. 35%, p = 0.048), and MAC30 expression in poorly differentiated tumors was higher than in well-differentiated ones (90 vs. 39%, p = 0.005).'] Does overexpression of MAC30 in the cytoplasm of oral squamous cell carcinoma predict nodal metastasis and poor differentiation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.07973051071167,
-1.2810180187225342,
2.3776938915252686
] |
['Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of visual impairment. A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; rs3775291) in the Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) gene has recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of AMD in Caucasian populations. The aim of this study was to examine this association in Chinese persons with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to AMD and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).', 'This was an observational cross-sectional study in Singapore. Study subjects were of Chinese ethnicity and included patients with exudative maculopathy and normal control subjects. The diagnoses of CNV and PCV were made based on fundus examination, fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography findings. Genomic DNA was extracted, and genotypes were determined by bidirectional DNA sequencing. We compared the allele and genotype frequencies between subjects with CNV and PCV with controls using the software PLINK.', 'A total of 246 subjects with exudative maculopathy (consisting of 126 with CNV and 120 with PCV) and 274 normal control subjects were recruited. The distribution of rs3775291 SNP genotypes for CNV and PCV was not significantly different from that for normal controls.'] Is toll-like receptor 3 polymorphism rs3775291 associated with choroidal neovascularization or polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in Chinese subjects? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0371041297912598,
-1.4142515659332275,
2.4751505851745605
] |
['Autosomal recessive hypotrichosis simplex (ARHS) presents with progressive hair loss mainly affecting the scalp area. In a small number of families, the condition has been associated with mutations in three distinct genes: DSG4, LIPH and LPAR6.', 'To identify the molecular basis of ARHS in a consanguineous family of Turkish extraction.', 'We used a combination of microsatellite marker screening and direct sequencing.', 'We identified a novel missense mutation (c.C587T) in the human LPAR6 gene, resulting in the amino acid substitution p.P196L. The mutation affects a highly conserved amino acid residue, and is predicted to disrupt signalling through the P2Y5 receptor.'] Does a novel mutation in LPAR6 cause autosomal recessive hypotrichosis of the scalp? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4914495944976807,
-1.1819517612457275,
2.7625441551208496
] |
["The safety and short-term outcome of laparoscopic surgery for recurrent ileocolic Crohn's disease was compared with the outcome following primary resection.", 'Between June 2002 and June 2010, 59 consecutive unselected patients (30 of whom had recurrent disease) underwent laparoscopic ileocolic resection. Four primary resections and one revision were performed as a single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) procedure.', 'There was no difference between the two groups in terms of age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) grade or the presence or absence of fistulating disease. The median operating time was significantly longer for the revision group (125 min vs 85 min; P < 0.001). The rate of conversion was 8.5%, morbidity was 20% and mortality was 0% (P = not significant between groups). Risk factors for conversion included a complex fistula, fibrosis and the need to carry out multiple stricturoplasty. Patients in whom surgery was converted had a longer hospital stay and a higher morbidity (40%). The median hospital stay was 3 days, the return to theatre rate was 5% and the re-admission rate was 5% (P = not significant between groups).'] Is laparoscopic surgery for recurrent ileocolic Crohn 's disease as safe and effective as primary resection? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7833880186080933,
-1.252316951751709,
1.9967458248138428
] |
['Trans-urocanic acid is isomerized to cis-urocanic acid (C-UCA) by ultraviolet radiation. C-UCA suppresses immunity in vitro and in vivo in animals; its effect on human skin is unknown. We sought to determine whether its topical application to normal skin suppresses induction of immunity to dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB).', 'Forty subjects applied C-UCA (0%, 0.02%, 0.2%, or 2%) for 17 days. A 40-mcg dose of DNCB was then applied to induce immunity. Subjects were challenged for immunity at 6-week follow-up by occluding doses of DNCB (0, 3.125, 6.25, or 12.5 mcg) on untreated normal skin. Induced immunity was measured by area of erythema and induration 2 and 4 days postchallenge.', 'No significant differences were found in incidence of sensitization by C-UCA concentration (P=.59). DNCB sensitization developed in all 10 subjects induced through 0% C-UCA (placebo); only 23 of 30 patients were sensitized through skin treated with C-UCA. Mean areas of erythema and induration induced through C-UCA-treated skin were less than those in controls (P < 0.05). The number of Langerhans cells in C-UCA-treated skin was unaffected. Laboratory tests of immune function and lymphocyte numbers were unchanged.'] Does urocanic acid suppress induction of immunity in human skin? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0587687492370605,
-1.4536830186843872,
2.5252327919006348
] |
['Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the principal etiological factor in skin carcinogenesis. In vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated previously that oxidative DNA damage, mitochondrial mass and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) changes are associated with skin cell response to UVR stress.', 'Spontaneously immortalized human skin keratinocytes were irradiated with increasing sub-lethal doses of simulated sunlight irradiation (SSI) using a Q-Sun solar simulator. The effects of SSI on reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, mitochondrial mass and MMP were then determined.', 'SSI induced mitochondrial mass increase post low SSI (0.25-2.5 J/cm²), whereas higher SSI doses (5.0 and 7.5 J/cm²) decreased mitochondrial mass. Mitochondrial mass increased with time post 5.0 J/cm² irradiation and all changes in mass were independent of cell density status. Changes in ROS and MMP were cell density dependent. Additionally, an inverted dose-dependent decrease in ROS formation was observed 3 h post SSI with the lower SSI dose (0.25 J/cm²).'] Do cell-density-dependent changes in mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species production in human skin cells post sunlight exposure? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.239625930786133,
-1.2201546430587769,
2.4808549880981445
] |
['Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have increased resistance to cancer chemotherapy. They can be enriched as drug-surviving CSCs (D-CSCs) by growth with chemotherapeutic drugs, and/or by sorting of cells expressing CSC markers such as aldehyde dehydrogenase-1 (ALDH). CSCs form colonies in agar, mammospheres in low-adherence cultures, and tumors following xenotransplantation in Scid mice. We hypothesized that tranilast, a non-toxic orally active drug with anti-cancer activities, would inhibit breast CSCs.', 'We examined breast cancer cell lines or D-CSCs generated by growth of these cells with mitoxantrone. Tranilast inhibited colony formation, mammosphere formation and stem cell marker expression. Mitoxantrone-selected cells were enriched for CSCs expressing stem cell markers ALDH, c-kit, Oct-4, and ABCG2, and efficient at forming mammospheres. Tranilast markedly inhibited mammosphere formation by D-CSCs and dissociated formed mammospheres, at pharmacologically relevant concentrations. It was effective against D-CSCs of both HER-2+ and triple-negative cell lines. Tranilast was also effective in vivo, since it prevented lung metastasis in mice injected i.v. with triple-negative (MDA-MB-231) mitoxantrone-selected cells. The molecular targets of tranilast in cancer have been unknown, but here we demonstrate it is an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonist and this plays a key role. AHR is a transcription factor activated by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and other ligands. Tranilast induced translocation of the AHR to the nucleus and stimulated CYP1A1 expression (a marker of AHR activation). It inhibited binding of the AHR to CDK4, which has been linked to cell-cycle arrest. D-CSCs expressed higher levels of the AHR than other cells. Knockdown of the AHR with siRNA, or blockade with an AHR antagonist, entirely abrogated the anti-proliferative and anti-mammosphere activity of tranilast. Thus, the anti-cancer effects of tranilast are AHR dependent.'] Are breast cancer stem-like cells inhibited by a non-toxic aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4049508571624756,
-1.322866439819336,
2.7686562538146973
] |
['To determine whether integrin-linked kinase (ILK) controls the organization of the actin cytoskeleton in the trabecular meshwork (TM) by regulating integrin co-signaling.', 'The cell binding domain and the Heparin II (Hep II) domain of fibronectin were used to activate α5β1 and α4β1 integrin signaling, respectively, in differentiated human TM (HTM) cells. The role of ILK was determined using either ILK small interfering RNA (siRNA) to knockout ILK expression or the ILK inhibitors, KP392 and QLT0267. The knockdown of ILK expression was verified by Western blot analysis. The presence of actin stress fibers and focal adhesions was determined by labeling cultures with phalloidin and anti-talin or ILK antibodies, respectively.', 'Cell spreading in differentiated HTM cells required ILK, since ILK siRNA and the ILK inhibitors significantly reduced cell spreading, actin polymerization, and the localization of talin and ILK in focal adhesions (FAs). Both cell spreading and the localization of talin and ILK to FAs in differentiated HTM cells could be rescued by inducing α4β1 integrin signaling with a recombinant Hep II domain of fibronectin, even though α4β1 integrins were not found in FAs. In the absence of ILK inhibition, the Hep II domain had minimal effect on α5β1 integrin-mediated spreading.'] Does integrin-linked kinase regulate integrin signaling in human trabecular meshwork cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.440934896469116,
-1.0992342233657837,
2.6104929447174072
] |
['The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is considered a primary site of pathology in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the most prevalent form of irreversible blindness worldwide in the elderly population. Extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) acts as a key signaling molecule in numerous cellular processes, including cell death. The purpose of this study was to determine whether extracellular ATP induces apoptosis in cultured human RPE.', 'RPE apoptosis was evaluated by caspase-3 activation, Hoechst staining, and DNA fragmentation. Intracellular Ca(2+) levels were determined by both a cell-based fluorometric Ca(2+) assay and a ratiometric Ca(2+) imaging technique. P2X(7) mRNA and protein expression were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and confocal microscopy, respectively.', "The authors found that both the endogenous P2X(7) agonist ATP and the synthetic, selective P2X(7) agonist 2',3'-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)-ATP (BzATP) induced RPE apoptosis, which was significantly inhibited by P2X(7) antagonist oxidized ATP (oATP) but not by the P2 receptor antagonist suramin; both ATP and BzATP increase intracellular Ca(2+) via extracellular Ca(2+) influx; both ATP- and BzATP-induced Ca(2+) responses were significantly inhibited by oATP but not by suramin; ATP-induced apoptosis was significantly inhibited or blocked by BAPTA-AM or by low or no extracellular Ca(2+); and P2X(7) receptor mRNA and protein were expressed in RPE cells."] Does activation of P2X receptors induce apoptosis in human retinal pigment epithelium? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3705108165740967,
-1.3151785135269165,
2.694204807281494
] |
['Claudins, a large family of essential tight junction (TJ) proteins, are abnormally regulated in human carcinomas, especially claudin-7. The aim of this study was to investigate claudin-7 expression and alterations in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).', "Expression of claudin-7 was analysed in 132 cases of OSCC organized in a tissue microarray. Claudin-7 mRNA transcript was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction and the methylation status of the promoter was also assessed. Claudin-7 was negative in 58.3% of the cases. Loss of claudin-7 protein expression was associated with recurrence (P = 0.019), tumour size (P = 0.014), clinical stage of OSCC (P = 0.055) and disease-free survival (P = 0.015). Down-regulation of the claudin-7 mRNA transcripts was observed in 78% of the cases, in accordance with immunoexpression. Analysis of the methylation status of the promoter region of claudin-7 revealed that treatment of O28 cells (that did not express claudin-7 mRNA transcripts) with 5-Aza-2'-Deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dC) led to the re-expression of claudin-7 mRNA transcript."] Is claudin-7 down-regulation an important feature in oral squamous cell carcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.327362060546875,
-1.356273889541626,
2.693819999694824
] |
['Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is becoming a standard imaging tool during cardiac surgery as well as an important diagnostic tool in cardiology and in intensive care, resulting in an increasing demand for TEE training. To address the problem of limited time for learning during TEE studies, we have developed a novel online application that allows users to visualize each of the 20 standard diagnostic TEE views in conjunction with a three-dimensional (3D) heart model that can be rotated and "cut away" above the echo plane to reveal the internal cardiac structures. This study is an evaluation of the educational benefit of this application.', "The application was evaluated using a pre-test/post-test design assessing the improvement of subjects' test scores following three days of access to the application. The subjects were postgraduate fellows in anesthesia, cardiology, and cardiac surgery.", 'Ten subjects showed a significant increase (31%) in their test scores after an average of 130 min of access to the application over a three-day period (P < 0.001, effect size = 1.9). Using five-point Likert scales, the users indicated that the application was a useful addition to their training (4.7), they would recommend the application to their colleagues (4.9), and they found the application easy to use (4.4).'] Does an interactive online 3D model of the heart assist in learning standard transesophageal echocardiography views? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.637852668762207,
-0.9627686738967896,
1.58790922164917
] |
['Legionella pneumophila (LPN) can cause a lethal infectious disease with a marked inflammatory response in humans. However, the mechanism of this severe inflammation remains poorly understood. Since necrosis is known to induce inflammation, we investigated whether LPN induces necrosis in macrophages. We also analyzed the involvement of lysosomal cathepsin B in LPN-induced cell death.', 'The human monocytic cell line THP-1 was infected with LPN, NUL1 strain. MG132-treated cells were used as apoptotic control cells. After infection, the type of cell death was analyzed by using microscopy, LDH release and flow cytometry. As a proinflammatory mediator, high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB-1), was measured. Cathepsin B activity was also measured and the inhibitory effects of cathepsin B on LPN-induced cell death were analyzed.', 'THP-1 cells after treatment with high dose of LPN showed necrotic features with releasing HMGB-1. This necrosis and the HMGB-1 release were inhibited by a specific lysosomal cathepsin B inhibitor and were characterized by a rapid and high activation of cathepsin B that was not observed in apoptotic control cells. The necrosis was also accompanied by cathepsin B-dependent poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage.'] Does legionella pneumophila induce cathepsin B-dependent necrotic cell death with releasing high mobility group box1 in macrophages? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.445892572402954,
-1.3264436721801758,
2.8583590984344482
] |
['Ty1 is a long terminal repeat retrotransposon of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, with a replication cycle similar to retrovirus replication. Structurally, Ty1 contains long terminal repeat (LTR) regions flanking the gag and pol genes that encode for the proteins that enable Ty1 mobility. Reverse transcriptase produces Ty1 complementary (c)DNA that can either be integrated back into the genome by integrase or recombined into the yeast genome through homologous recombination. The frequency of Ty1 mobility is temperature sensitive, with optimum activity occurring at 24-26°C.', 'In this study, we identified two host genes that when deleted allow for high temperature Ty1 mobility: RFX1 and SML1. The protein products of these genes are both negative regulators of the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase, a key enzyme in regulating deoxyribonucleotide triphosphate (dNTP) levels in the cell. Processing of Ty1 proteins is defective at high temperature, and processing is not improved in either rfx1 or sml1 deletion strains. Ty1 mobility at high temperature is mediated by homologous recombination of Ty1 cDNA to Ty1 elements within the yeast genome. We quantified cDNA levels in wild type, rfx1 and sml1 deletion background strains at different temperatures. Southern blot analysis demonstrated that cDNA levels were not markedly different between the wild type and mutant strains as temperatures increased, indicating that the increased Ty1 mobility is not a result of increased cDNA synthesis in the mutant strains. Homologous recombination efficiency was increased in both rfx1 and sml1 deletion strains at high temperatures; the rfx1 deletion strain also had heightened homologous recombination efficiency at permissive temperatures. In the presence of the dNTP reducing agent hydroxyurea at permissive temperatures, Ty1 mobility was stimulated in the wild type and sml1 deletion strains but not in the rfx1 deletion strain. Mobility frequency was greatly reduced in all strains at high temperature. Deletion of the S-phase checkpoint pathway Dun1 kinase, which inactivates Sml1 and Rfx1, reduced Ty1 mobility at a range of temperatures.'] Do regulators of ribonucleotide reductase inhibit Ty1 mobility in saccharomyces cerevisiae? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1554365158081055,
-1.2755969762802124,
2.468858242034912
] |
['Maintenance of appropriate capillary blood glucose in cardiovascular surgery patients has been associated with improved outcomes, including lower mortality. Interpatient variability in insulin resistance can make management difficult, leading to unexpected episodes of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. To improve postoperative glucose control at our institution, a patient-specific insulin-resistance-guided (IRG) protocol was developed.', 'Prospective data were gathered on 100 consecutive cardiovascular surgery patients managed with our standard insulin infusion protocol and 100 patients managed using the IRG protocol. Clinical characteristics and glycemic indices were analyzed for the two groups. Primary endpoints included (1) percentage of time spent in the target range, (2) number of hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic episodes, (3) time to achievement of target blood glucose, and (4) the total daily dose of insulin required.', 'The IRG protocol resulted in significant improvements, including increased percentage of time spent in the normoglycemic range (82.5% versus 65.8%, p < 0.001), reduced rate of hypoglycemic episodes (0.12 versus 0.99, p < 0.01), reduced rate of hyperglycemic episodes (capillary blood glucose >126 mg/dL: 4.8 versus 8.2, p < 0.01), and a reduced time to the first measurement in the target range. Total daily dose of insulin was mildly increased, but failed to reach statistical significance (92.48 versus 82.64 units, p = 0.32).'] Does patient-specific insulin-resistance-guided infusion improve glycemic control in cardiac surgery? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.751122236251831,
-1.3158283233642578,
2.0872962474823
] |
['It has been proven that CC chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) is closely related with the lymph node metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but the mechanism of NSCLC metastasis is not very clear. The aim of this study is to investigate the expressions of CCR7 and MMP-9 in NSCLC and the relationship of their expressions, and to explore the mechanism of CCR7 promoting NSCLC metastasis.', 'The expressions of CCR7 and MMP-9 protein were detected in 90 specimens of human primary NSCLC by immunohistochemical SP method. Human large lung cell line BE1 cells were pre-incubated with CCL19 for 24 h; the changes of MMP-9 were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot.', 'Immunohistochemistry showed that CCR7 was distributed in cytoplasm and/or membrane of tumor cells and MMP-9 was distributed in cytoplasm of cancer cells. The expressions of CCR7 and MMP-9 protein were found to be 70% (63/90) and 65.5% (59/90) in NSCLC, respectively. The expressions of CCR7 and MMP-9 protein were closely related to the clinical stages (P=0.003, P=0.001) and lymph node metastasis (P=0.004, P=0.003) of NSCLC, but there was no correlation with age, gender, histology (P > 0.05). Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between CCR7 and MMP-9 (r=0.342, P=0.001). In addition, the expressions of MMP-9 mRNA and protein levels were increased in CCL19 pre-incubated group (P < 0.05).'] Does [ Chemokine receptor 7 induce metastasis of NSCLC via upregulating MMP-9 expression ]? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.785507321357727,
-1.5073606967926025,
2.262801170349121
] |
['Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in patients exposed to environmental radioiodine after the Chernobyl accident is thought to have a relatively aggressive clinical course. Long-term results of treatment are not well known, especially in comparison with sporadic PTC.', 'The determination of risk factors for PTC recurrence in a controlled for baseline factors group of patients with radiation-related and sporadic PTC.', 'Retrospective cohort study involving patients treated for PTC and followed-up in 1991-2008. Risk factors were assessed by stratified analysis using the proportional hazard model.', 'Referral center-based.', 'A total of 497 patients were enrolled. Patients exposed to radioiodine were 172 individuals with reconstructed individual radiation thyroid doses ranging 51-3170 mGy. Patients with sporadic PTC included 325 individuals matched to exposed patients for sex, age ± 5 yr and time to treatment ± 2 yr.', 'Cancer recurrence.', 'Nodal disease increased the recurrence rate (HR = 5.21; 95% CI = 1.63-16.7) while the presence of tumor capsule (HR = 0.17; 95% CI = 0.06-0.45) and, particularly, treatment according to the Revised American Thyroid Association Management Guidelines for Patients with Thyroid Nodules and Differentiated Thyroid Cancer significantly reduced it (HR = 0.16; 95% CI = 0.06-0.42). None of the tested variables interacted with radiation factor.'] Does radiation exposure significantly contribute to the risk of recurrence of Chernobyl thyroid cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1675798892974854,
-1.244767427444458,
2.511563777923584
] |
['This study investigated the effects of inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) during the first postpartum cycle in marmosets housed with a fertile male where a 90% fertility rate is normal.', 'On resumption of mating, females were treated with either 25 mg/kg aflibercept, a potent VEGF inhibitor, or control Fc protein (n=6 per group) at the time of ovulation. Effects on timing of pregnancy were monitored by measuring plasma progesterone, chorionic gonadotropin (CG) and uterine palpation.', 'In five of six Fc-treated controls, the postpartum rise in progesterone was maintained and followed by a sustained rise in CG by Day 30 posttreatment indicating pregnancy. In all six aflibercept-treated animals, progesterone secretion was suppressed in the treatment cycle and a CG rise did not occur by Day 30. Pregnancy was delayed to the next cycle, significantly extending interbirth interval compared to controls. Posttreatment deliveries and infant development were normal.'] Does inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor during the postovulatory period prevent pregnancy in the marmoset? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.445183277130127,
-1.0607434511184692,
2.532602310180664
] |
['the molecular basis for atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability with high risk of plaque rupture and thromboembolism is complex. We investigated whether clinical estimates of plaque stability correlate with differentially expressed mRNA transcripts within the lesion.', 'endarterectomy samples from patients undergoing surgery for symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid stenosis were prospectively collected and clinical parameters recorded in the Biobank of Karolinska Carotid Endarterectomies. mRNA expression profiling (n = 40) and quantitative RT-PCR (n = 105) revealed increased levels of fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4/aP2) in lesions from patients with recent symptoms of plaque instability compared to asymptomatic patients (array: FC = 2, P < 0.05; RT-PCR: P < 0.05). At the mRNA level, FABP4/aP2 correlated with the cell markers CD36, CD68 and CD163 of monocyte/macrophage lineage as well as with CD4-positive T cells. FABP4/aP2 mRNA expression was also correlated with enzymes of the leukotriene pathway, 5-lipoxygenase and leukotriene A4 hydrolase. In addition, analysis of transcript profiles identified CD52 and adipophilin as the mRNAs with the highest correlation with FABP4/aP2. Expression of FABP4/aP2 by macrophages and CD52 by T cells in the lesion was confirmed by immunohistochemistry.'] Is expression of fatty acid-binding protein 4/aP2 correlated with plaque instability in carotid atherosclerosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3171207904815674,
-1.4259511232376099,
2.7614240646362305
] |
['We examined the role of prosthesis-patient mismatch on left ventricular mass regression after aortic valve replacement for chronic aortic valve regurgitation.', 'We selected patients who had complete preoperative and follow-up echocardiograms with measurement of left ventricular mass. Patients were excluded who had moderate or greater aortic valve stenosis, concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting, or mitral valve procedures.', "Patients' mean age was 55\xa0± 17 years; 21% were female. The mean preoperative indexed left ventricular mass was 150\xa0± 45 g/m(2). Patients with mildly (n\xa0=\xa044; mean indexed mass, 126\xa0± 15 g/m(2)), moderately (n\xa0=\xa031; mean indexed mass, 168\xa0± 11 g/m(2)), or severely (n\xa0=\xa015; mean indexed mass, 241\xa0± 34 g/m(2)) increased preoperative indexed left ventricular mass, were similar, except for lower ejection fractions, larger end-diastolic dimensions, and larger ventricular wall thicknesses in the severely enlarged group (P\xa0<\xa0.001). Thirteen patients had prosthesis-patient mismatch and were similar to patients without prosthesis-patient mismatch, except for a greater body surface area, fewer mechanical valves, and smaller valve sizes in those with prosthesis-patient mismatch (P\xa0<\xa0.05). At a mean follow-up of 3.2\xa0± 2.4 years, the average reduction in indexed left ventricular mass was 50\xa0± 38 g/m(2); late mass regression was unrelated to labeled valve size, prosthesis-patient mismatch, or measured indexed effective aortic valve area. A greater preoperative indexed left ventricular mass (P\xa0<\xa0.001) was an independent predictor of greater left ventricular mass regression. Despite having greater left ventricular mass regression, patients with severe preoperative indexed left ventricular mass did not return to normal values (mean, 142\xa0± 25 g/m(2))."] Is regression in left ventricular mass after aortic valve replacement for chronic aortic regurgitation unrelated to prosthetic valve size? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.327621579170227,
-1.733572006225586,
2.050173044204712
] |
['High-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) is a DNA-binding protein and cytokine highly expressed in atherosclerotic lesions, but its pathophysiological role in atherosclerosis is unknown. We investigated its role in the development of atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice.', 'Apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice fed a high-fat diet were administered a monoclonal anti-HMGB1 neutralizing antibody, and the effects on lesion size, immune cell accumulation, and proinflammatory mediators were assessed using Oil Red O, immunohistochemistry, and real-time polymerase chain reaction. As with human atherosclerotic lesions, lesions in ApoE-/- mice expressed HMGB1. Treatment with the neutralizing antibody attenuated atherosclerosis by 55%. Macrophage accumulation was reduced by 43%, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression was attenuated by 48% and 72%, respectively. CD11c+ dendritic cells were reduced by 65%, and the mature (CD83+) population was reduced by 60%. Treatment also reduced CD4+ cells by nearly 50%. mRNAs in lesions encoding tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β tended to be reduced. Mechanistically, HMGB1 stimulated macrophage migration in vitro and in vivo; in vivo, it markedly augmented the accumulation of F4/80+Gr-1(Ly-6C)+ macrophages and also increased F4/80+CD11b+ macrophage numbers.'] Does high-mobility group box protein 1 neutralization reduce development of diet-induced atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein e-deficient mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.265465497970581,
-1.4225791692733765,
2.713923931121826
] |
['Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) has been reported to decrease vascular lesion formation. However, the critical role of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) PPARγ in vascular lesion formation following transplantation is not well understood. In this study, we investigated the role of VSMC PPARγ-mediated signaling in transplantation-associated vascular lesion formation.', 'Carotid arteries from smooth muscle cell-selective PPARγ knockout (SMPG KO) and wild-type mice were transplanted to CBA/CaJ recipient mice. The recipient mice received a control diet or pioglitazone-containing diet. Pioglitazone reduced vascular lesion formation in transplanted wild-type, but not in SMPG KO carotid arteries. Histological analysis suggested that PPARγ attenuates vascular lesion formation through antiinflammatory signaling, as evidenced by the increase of intimal inflammatory cells and tumor necrosis factor-α expression in SMPG KO allografts. Intravital microscopy revealed increased inflammatory cell rolling and attachment to endothelial cells in small blood vessels of SMPG KO mice following cytokine stimulation. SMPG KO mice, as shown by Western blotting, have elevated vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry demonstrated SMPG KO allografts have increased VCAM-1.'] Does vascular smooth muscle cell peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ mediate pioglitazone-reduced vascular lesion formation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.433393716812134,
-1.3354490995407104,
2.809476375579834
] |
['horizontal gaze palsy with progressive scoliosis (HGPPS) is a rare congenital disorder caused by mutation in the ROBO3 gene. It is characterized by absent horizontal eye movements with progressive scoliosis developing in childhood and adolescence. To our knowledge, both diffusion tensor imaging evaluation in HGPPS patients who present with stroke and truncating stop codon mutation in the ROBO3 gene have yet to be reported.', 'we present a man with HGPPS who experienced a left pure motor stroke as a result of a left corona radiata infarct on diffusion-weighted imaging. Diffusion tensor imaging tractography confirmed the presence of uncrossed corticospinal tracts, accounting for the ipsilateral deficit. He was also found to possess a novel ROBO3 stop codon mutation on genetic testing.'] Do ipsilateral stroke in a patient with horizontal gaze palsy with progressive scoliosis and a subcortical infarct? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.6040608882904053,
-1.0572595596313477,
2.7587714195251465
] |
['we have shown that anti-Nogo-A immunotherapy to neutralize the neurite growth inhibitory protein Nogo-A results in functional improvement and enhanced plasticity after ischemic stroke in the adult rat. The present study investigated whether functional improvement and neuronal plasticity can be induced by this immunotherapy when administered to the chronic stroke-impaired rat.', 'adult rats were trained to perform the skilled forelimb reaching test, followed by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion to impair the preferred forelimb. Nine weeks after stroke, animals showing a profound deficit were randomly distributed to 3 groups: no treatment, control antibody, or anti-Nogo-A antibody (11C7). Animals were tested weekly after stroke surgery and daily after antibody treatment until the end of the study. Biotin dextran amine tracing was injected into the nonlesioned forelimb motor cortex at the end of behavioral testing to determine axonal plasticity.', 'all rats showed similar forelimb impairment before treatment. Animals treated with anti-Nogo-A immunotherapy started to show improvement 3 weeks after treatment. Such improvement became significantly better than stroke-only control and control Ab-treated animals, and persisted to the end of the study. Biotin dextran amine-labeled axonal fiber analysis also showed significant enhanced corticorubral axonal sprouting from the contralesional forelimb motor cortex to the deafferented red nucleus in the anti-Nogo-A immunotherapy rats.'] Does delayed anti-nogo-a therapy improve function after chronic stroke in adult rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4652929306030273,
-1.2189029455184937,
2.716731548309326
] |
['Subjects with depression might request more healthcare services. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of depressive symptoms with hospitalization and mortality rates in a general unselected older population.', 'We assessed the association of the 30-items Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) score with one-year hospitalization and mortality in all 344 subjects aged 75+ living in Tuscania (Italy). This population had been enrolled in a national study of the genetic determinants of health status. Analyses were conducted using continuous, as well as categorical GDS score levels.', 'After adjusting for potential confounders, depressive symptoms were associated in Cox regression modelling with hospitalization (relative risk, RR = 1.05; 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.01-1.09; p = 0.016), but not with mortality (RR = 1.06; 95% CI = 0.96-1.16; p = 0.246). Increasing GDS score levels were associated with increasing risk of hospitalization (p for trend = 0.033). Up to 39% of hospitalizations might be attributed to depression.'] Are depressive symptoms associated with hospitalization , but not with mortality in the elderly : a population-based study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4966799020767212,
-0.4343942105770111,
1.1342871189117432
] |
['The aim of the current study was to test the hypothesis that vascular and endothelial functional responses to acute mental stress are abnormal in patients with apical ballooning syndrome (ABS).', 'Apical ballooning syndrome is a transient cardiomyopathy that occurs predominantly in post-menopausal women and may be triggered by acute mental stress. The mechanism for ABS is unknown.', 'Reactive hyperemia as a parameter of endothelial function and vascular responses to acute mental stress were measured using peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) at baseline and following 3 acute mental stress tests in female patients with ABS (n = 12, at least 6 months after being hospitalized or diagnosed with ABS), post-menopausal female controls (n = 12), and female patients with myocardial infarction (MI) (n = 4). Plasma catecholamine levels were measured at baseline and following the 3 mental stress tests.', 'Reactive hyperemia PAT scores following mental stress were significantly lower in patients with ABS compared with post-menopausal controls (p < 0.05). The PAT scores during mental stress were significantly lower in patients with ABS compared with patients with MI and post-menopausal controls (p < 0.05). There were no differences in PAT scores during acute mental stress in patients with MI versus post-menopausal controls. Furthermore, catecholamine levels were significantly increased in patients with ABS, compared with post-menopausal controls, following acute mental stress testing (p < 0.05).'] Are endothelial function and vascular response to mental stress impaired in patients with apical ballooning syndrome? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2269997596740723,
-1.1368346214294434,
2.3816723823547363
] |
['Cirrhosis is an important risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in China, while little is known of the genetic susceptibility to hepatocarcinogenesis. Traditional approaches to identification of novel genetic predisposition genes have focused on protein encoding genes. There is evidence to suggest that microRNAs (miRNA) may play an important role in tumorigenesis. Recent studies have implicated that the rs11614913 SNP in miR-196a2 may be associated with susceptibility to lung cancer, congenital heart disease, breast cancer, as well as reduced survival in non-small cell lung cancer. This study aims to assess whether this functional polymorphism can influence susceptibility to and the progression of cirrhosis-related HCC.', '532 patients with hepatic cirrhosis (310 patients with HCC and 222 patients without HCC) were enrolled. DNA was extracted from blood specimens, and miR-196a2 polymorphism was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). In addition, tumour tissues of liver (n=59) were obtained from the studied HCC patients for measurement of miR-196a expression levels.', 'The frequency of the CC genotype among HCC patients was higher than that in the control group, implying that the cirrhotic patients with the CC genotype or C allele containing genotypes (CT and CC) may have a higher risk of HCC. However, in a subsequent analysis of the association between this polymorphism and clinicopathological characteristics, there was an association between rs11614913 genotype and tumour size (p=0.046), but not with tumour number, grade, stage, invasiveness or Child-Pugh grade. In a genotype-phenotype correlation analysis using 59 tumour tissues of liver, rs11614913 CC or carrying at least one C allele was associated with significantly increased mature miR-196a expression (p=0.006 or =0.002).'] Is a variant in microRNA-196a2 associated with susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma in Chinese patients with cirrhosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1338016986846924,
-1.3998656272888184,
2.5722320079803467
] |
['The aims of this study were to examine the prognostic relevance of platelet-derived growth factor-α receptor (PDGFRA) expression in human osteosarcomas and to evaluate the mutation status of exon 12 and exon 18 of the PDGFRA gene.', 'PDGFRA expression was examined in 100 human osteosarcomas by immunohistochemistry using paraffin embedded tumour tissues, and capillary sequencing of genomic DNA was performed to search for mutations in exons 12 and 18 of the PDGFRA gene.', 'Ninety-six osteosarcomas showed PDGFRA expression ranging from 4% to 90% (mean 40%, median 37.5%, SD 27.11%). Furthermore, DNA sequence of exon 12 and exon 18 of the PDGFRA gene were not altered in 40 tumours with high PDGFRA expression. Overall and disease-free survival analysis did not reveal any differences between osteosarcoma patients with high PDGFRA expression and patients with low PDGFRA expression.'] Is expression of platelet-derived growth factor-alpha receptor in human osteosarcoma a predictor of outcome? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.369434118270874,
-1.1794081926345825,
2.570220947265625
] |
['The aim of the study was to investigate the role of lymphangiogenesis in human cervical cancer progression.', 'The expression of VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGFR-3, podoplanin (D2-40), LYVE-1 and Prox-1 was studied by immunohistochemistry in 72 cases of invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix. For lymphatic endothelial markers lymphatic vessel density (LVD) was assessed. Correlations with lymphatic vessel invasion, nodal metastases, tumour grade, FIGO stage, and inflammation were also evaluated.', 'VEGF-D expression significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis, lymphatic emboli and FIGO stage as well as with peritumoural LVD. A marginally significant correlation was also found between the expression of VEGF-C and prognostic parameters. Lymphatic tumour emboli were successfully identified using D2-40 immunohistochemistry and peritumoural D2-40 LVD significantly correlated with lymphatic vessel invasion. However, LVD as assessed by multiple lymphatic markers was not associated with lymphatic metastasis. There was a significant correlation of Prox-1 and LYVE-1 LVD with the inflammatory stromal reaction.'] Is tumour expression of lymphangiogenic growth factors but not lymphatic vessel density implicated in human cervical cancer progression? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3317809104919434,
-1.376471996307373,
2.770481824874878
] |
["Cytochrome c when released from mitochondria into cytosol triggers assembly of the apoptosome resulting in caspase activation. Recent evidence suggests that reduced cytochrome c is unable to activate the caspase cascade. In this study, we investigated whether a chemical reductant of cytochrome c, N,N,N',N'-tetramethylphenylene-1,4-diamine (TMPD), which we have previously shown to block cytochrome c-induced caspase activation, could prevent ischaemia-induced apoptosis in the rat perfused heart.", 'The Langendorff-perfused rat hearts were pretreated with TMPD and subjected to stop-flow ischaemia or ischaemia/reperfusion. The activation of caspases (measured as DEVD-p-nitroanilide-cleaving activity), nuclear apoptosis of cardiomyocytes (measured by dUTP nick end labelling assay), mitochondrial and cytosolic levels of cytochrome c (measured spectrophotometrically and by elisa), and reperfusion-induced necrosis (measured as the activity of creatine kinase released into perfusate) were assessed.', 'We found that perfusion of the hearts with TMPD strongly inhibited ischaemia- or ischaemia/reperfusion-induced activation of caspases and partially prevented nuclear apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. TMPD did not prevent ischaemia- or ischaemia/reperfusion-induced release of cytochrome c from mitochondria into cytosol. TMPD also inhibited ischaemia/reperfusion-induced necrosis.'] Does tetramethylphenylenediamine protect the isolated heart against ischaemia-induced apoptosis and reperfusion-induced necrosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.430288553237915,
-1.3456006050109863,
2.8120899200439453
] |
['in adults, noninvasive ventilation via a helmet is associated with significantly greater noise than nasal and facial masks. We hypothesized that noise exposure could be increased with neonatal helmet continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in comparison with conventional nasal CPAP (nCPAP). Our primary objective was to compare the noise intensity produced by a neonatal helmet CPAP and a conventional nCPAP system. Furthermore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of the gas flow rate and the presence of the humidifier and the filter on noise levels during neonatal helmet CPAP treatment.', 'in this bench study, noise intensity was measured in the following settings: helmet CPAP, nCPAP, incubator and the neonatal intensive care unit. In helmet CPAP, noise measurements were performed at different gas flow rates (8, 10 and 12 l/min), while in nCPAP, the flow rate was 8 l/min. For both CPAP systems, the level of pressure was maintained constant at 5 cmH(2) O.', 'during neonatal helmet CPAP, the median (interquartile range) noise levels were significantly higher than those during nCPAP: 70.0 dB (69.9-70.4) vs. 62.7 dB (62.5-63.0); P<0.001. In the helmet CPAP, the noise intensities changed with increasing flow rate and with the presence of a humidifier or a filter.'] Is noise exposure increased with neonatal helmet CPAP in comparison with conventional nasal CPAP? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6767988204956055,
-1.2879306077957153,
2.0269463062286377
] |
['Vitamin D receptors have been mapped throughout the brain suggesting a role for vitamin D in psychosomatic disorders. Results from previous epidemiological studies on relation between vitamin D status and depression are equivocal. Also, limited information is available relating vitamin D status with depression in young adult US population.', 'Data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used to assess association between serum vitamin D and depression in 7970 non-institutionalized US residents, aged 15-39 y. Assessment of depression was done using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule developed by the National Institute of Mental Health. After accounting for several confounding variables in multivariate logistic regression analysis, we estimated odds ratios (OR) for having depression in vitamin D deficient persons in comparison to vitamin D sufficient persons.', 'Women, non-Hispanic blacks, persons living below poverty, persons who did not consume supplements, persons living in South and West regions and in urban areas, persons with higher BMI, and persons with current depression had higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency compared to their counterparts. OR for having current depressive episodes in persons with serum vitamin D ≤ 50 nmol/L is significantly higher relative to those with serum vitamin D ≥ 75 nmol/L (OR = 1.85; P = 0.021).'] Are serum vitamin D concentrations related to depression in young adult US population : the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8055939674377441,
-0.5045162439346313,
1.3770487308502197
] |
['Early atherosclerosis and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have been reported in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Oxidative stress is an accepted risk factor for the development of CVD.', 'To evaluate the association between oxidative stress markers [ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), total antioxidant status (TAS), and total oxidant status (TOS) levels], carotid intima- media thickness (CIMT), endocrine and metabolic parameters in patients with PCOS. MATERIALS, SUBJECTS, AND METHODS: We studied 52 patients with PCOS and 36 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls. The diagnosis of PCOS was made according to the Rotterdam criteria. Metabolic, hormonal parameter and IMA, TAS, TOS levels were measured.', 'No statistically significant difference was determined in relation to age, BMI and waist-hip ratio, IMA, TAS, and TOS levels between groups. Mean IMA level was higher in PCOS patients, however, statistical significant difference was not observed. Mean CIMT and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance levels were significantly higher in patients with PCOS than in control subjects.'] Are oxidative stress markers valuable markers in lean and early age of polycystic ovary syndrome patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4059627056121826,
-1.2996487617492676,
2.7674126625061035
] |
['Haemodialysis (HD) initiation is unplanned in up to 50% of patients, mainly due to late diagnosis and/or late nephrology referral. In these patients, time does not permit the multidisciplinary predialysis care that is associated with increased independent renal replacement therapy (RRT) modality choice and better access to kidney transplantation. We established a Renal Triage Nurse (RTN) position to educate suboptimal HD starts and to facilitate transition to independent modalities of RRT.', 'Adult patients starting HD from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2008 with < 180 days nephrology follow-up and surviving at least 180 days were included (suboptimal HD starts). The RTN educated suboptimal HD starts beginning in December 2006. Patients initiating RRT via the multidisciplinary predialysis clinic (MPC) were included for comparison. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between being seen by the RTN and achieving independent modalities of RRT.', 'There were 176 patients: 78 suboptimal HD starts (38 of these were educated by the RTN) and 98 patients initiated RRT after a minimum 180-day follow-up at the MPC. Of the RTN patients, 27.8% switched to independent RRT modalities (peritoneal dialysis n = 7, home haemodialysis n = 1, transplant n = 2). RTN patients were more likely to live alone (33.3% versus 10.8%, P = 0.02) and to have cerebrovascular disease (25.0% versus 7.1%, P = 0.03); however, adjusting for these variables, suboptimal HD starts seen by the RTN were more likely to transition to independent RRT (OR 3.75, 95% CI 1.08-13.05) than those not seen. The proportion starting on an independent modality via the MPC was 39.8%. The RTN achieved a rate of independent RRT not statistically different to that observed in patients starting RRT via the MPC (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.19-2.94 in multivariable analysis).'] Does dedication of a nurse to educating suboptimal haemodialysis start improved transition to independent modalities of renal replacement therapy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.1055774688720703,
-1.6161963939666748,
1.6716628074645996
] |
['There is ongoing debate regarding the initiation of psoriatic plaque as primarily arising from an anomaly in epidermal keratinocytes (KCs) or from abnormalities in immunocytes that secondarily activate otherwise normal KCs. In mice engineered to overexpress the angiopoietin receptor Tie2 in KCs, skin spontaneously develops the characteristic clinical, histological and immune cell phenotypes of psoriasis which can be reversed with either transgene repression or ciclosporin administration, suggesting key roles for both KCs and T cells in mediating the skin disease in this murine model.', 'To determine if antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and macrophages alone are sufficient to sustain psoriasiform inflammation in the KC-Tie2 murine model of psoriasis.', 'Clodronate liposomes were intradermally injected into involved dorsal skin of KC-Tie2 or control animals once a week for 6weeks and acanthosis, angiogenesis, immune cell infiltration and cytokine production were quantitated using immunohistochemistry and interactive image analyses, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISAs) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).', 'Clodronate liposome injection eliminated CD11c+, F4/80+ and CD11b+ cells in the skin and returned CD8+ T-cell numbers to control mouse levels. APC depletion in KC-Tie2 mouse skin resulted in resolution of the acanthotic skin phenotype, decreased dermal angiogenesis, and a return to control mouse levels for interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-6, IL-23 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression and modest reductions in interferon-γ and IL-17.'] Does depletion of antigen-presenting cells by clodronate liposomes reverse the psoriatic skin phenotype in KC-Tie2 mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.483863115310669,
-1.3265719413757324,
2.8688316345214844
] |
['Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common disorder that is often associated with suicide. We have recently suggested that elevation may play a role in regional variations in rates of suicide. We hypothesize that there is also a significant correlation between incidence of MDD and elevation of residence.', 'The substate estimates from the 2004 to 2006 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) report from SAMHSA was used to extract substate level data related to percentages of people 18 years or older who experienced serious psychological distress or a major depressive episode in the past year. Mean elevation of each substate region was calculated by averaging the weighted elevations of its relevant counties. Average elevation for United States counties was calculated using the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) elevation dataset. Pearson correlation coefficients were computed to investigate the association between average substate elevation and rate of serious psychological distress or major depressive episode.', "There was a significant correlation between percentage of people experiencing serious psychological distress in the past year in a substate region and that substate region's mean elevation (r=0.18; p=0.0005), as well as between the percentage of people having at least one major depressive episode in the past year in a substate region and that substate region's mean elevation (r=0.27; p0.0001)."] Does incidence of major depressive episode correlate with elevation of substate region of residence? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.1136503219604492,
-0.7765454053878784,
1.0604238510131836
] |
['Around about 1970, a gentamicin-loaded poly (methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) bone cement brand (Refobacin Palacos R) was introduced to control infection in joint arthroplasties. In 2005, this brand was replaced by two gentamicin-loaded follow-up brands, Refobacin Bone Cement R and Palacos R + G. In addition, another gentamicin-loaded cement brand, SmartSet GHV, was introduced in Europe in 2003. In the present study, we investigated differences in gentamicin release and the antibacterial efficacy of the eluent between these four cement brands.', "200 μm-wide gaps were made in samples of each cement and filled with buffer in order to measure the gentamicin release. Release kinetics were related to bone cement powder particle characteristics and wettabilities of the cement surfaces. Gaps were also inoculated with bacteria isolated from infected prostheses for 24 h and their survival determined. Gentamicin release and bacterial survival were statistically analysed using the Student's t-test.", 'All three Palacos variants showed equal burst releases but each of the successor Palacos cements showed significantly higher sustained releases. SmartSet GHV showed a significantly higher burst release, while its sustained release was comparable with original Palacos. A gentamicin-sensitive bacterium did not survive in the high gentamicin concentrations in the interfacial gaps, while a gentamicin-resistant strain did, regardless of the type of cement used. Survival was independent of the level of burst release by the bone cement.'] Does gentamicin release from commercially-available gentamicin-loaded PMMA bone cement in a prosthesis-related interfacial gap model and their antibacterial efficacy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.135134220123291,
-1.445805311203003,
2.6562609672546387
] |
['Oral mucosal melanoma (OMM) is a clinically rare disease with poor prognosis. Various treatment methods have been investigated with the aim of improving the prognosis. This study aimed to analyze the data of a single institution in the management of OMM.', 'A total of 78 consecutive OMM patients were included in this retrospective study. The intraoral lesion was treated either by cryotherapy, surgery or both; the neck was treated by neck dissection or observation; post-operative chemotherapy with dimethyl triazeno imidazole carboxamide and cisplatin was performed in some patients. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for statistical analysis.', 'Among the 78 patients, there were 50 males and 28 females with an average age of 53.8 years (ranging from 27 to 85 years). The most common sites of OMM were the hard palate and gingiva. The main cause of death in OMM was distant metastasis. No significant difference was found between the intraoral/cervical lesion recurrence/post-operative distant metastasis and the intraoral lesion site/biopsy method/treatment method. The metastasis rate of cervical lymph node was high in the OMM patients, even in the patients with clinically negative necks. Cervical lesion recurrence was correlated with N stage and intraoral lesion recurrence. The survival period was longer in the patients with T3 staging, clinical stage III disease, with post-operative chemotherapy and without post-operative distant metastasis when compared to those patients with T4a staging, clinical stage IV disease, without post-operative chemotherapy and with post-operative distant metastasis.'] Are neck dissection and post-operative chemotherapy with dimethyl triazeno imidazole carboxamide and cisplatin protocol useful for oral mucosal melanoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.268824338912964,
-1.4685869216918945,
2.784385919570923
] |
["To characterize mechanisms of hand contamination with faecal indicator bacteria and to assess the presence of selected pathogens on mothers' hands in Tanzania.", 'A household observational study combined with repeated microbiological hand rinse sampling was conducted among 119 mothers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. All hand rinse samples were analysed for enterococci and Escherichia coli, and selected samples were analysed for genetic markers of Bacteroidales, enterovirus and pathogenic E. coli.', "Using the toilet, cleaning up a child's faeces, sweeping, cleaning dishes, preparing food and bathing were all found to increase faecal indicator bacterial levels on hands. Geometric mean increases in colony forming units per two hands ranged from 50 (cleaning dishes) to 6310 (food preparation). Multivariate modelling of hand faecal indicator bacteria as a function of activities recently performed shows that food handling, exiting the household premises and longer time since last handwashing with soap are positively associated with bacterial levels on hands, while bathing is negatively associated. Genetic markers of Bacteroidales, enterovirus and pathogenic E. coli were each detected on a subset of mothers' hands."] Does bacterial hand contamination among Tanzanian mothers vary temporally and following household activities? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4896647930145264,
-0.051079049706459045,
1.7420880794525146
] |
['Animal studies have demonstrated an interaction between posture and the effect of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on regional ventilation and lung blood flow. The aim of this study was to explore this interaction in humans.', 'Regional lung blood flow and ventilation were compared between mechanical ventilation with and without PEEP in the supine and prone postures. Six normal subjects were studied in each posture. Regional lung blood flow was marked with In-labeled macroaggregates and ventilation with Technegas (Tc). Radiotracer distributions were mapped using quantitative single-photon emission computed tomography.', 'In supine subjects, PEEP caused a similar redistribution of both ventilation and blood flow toward dependent (dorsal) lung regions, resulting in little change in the V/Q correlation. In contrast, in prone subjects, the redistribution toward dependent (ventral) regions was much greater for blood flow than for ventilation, causing increased V/Q mismatch. Without PEEP, the vertical ventilation-to-perfusion gradient was less in prone postures than in supine, but with PEEP, the gradient was similar.'] Does positive end-expiratory pressure redistribute regional blood flow and ventilation differently in supine and prone humans? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.241386651992798,
-0.990861713886261,
2.349154472351074
] |
['Although hypoxic late preconditioning (LPC) limits ischemia-reperfusion injury in vitro, its cardioprotective effect is not established in vivo.', 'In part 1, rats were exposed to 4 h of hypoxia (16%, 12%, 8% oxygen) before 24 h of reoxygenation. In part 2, normoxic rats received early preconditioning with sevoflurane (1 minimum alveolar concentration [MAC] for 3 × 5 min), continuous administration of 1 MAC sevoflurane, or 11 mg · kg · h propofol. Thereafter, all rats underwent 25 min of regional myocardial ischemia and 120 min of reperfusion. After reperfusion, hearts were excised for infarct staining. The expression of protein kinase C (PKC)α and PKCε was assessed by Western blot analysis and the expression of heme oxygenase-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.', 'In normoxic control rats, infarct size was 62 ± 6% of the area at risk. Hypoxic LPC reduced infarct size (LPC16: 36 ± 11%, LPC12: 38 ± 10%, LPC8: 39 ± 11%; each P < 0.001) to approximately the same magnitude as sevoflurane-preconditioning (40 ± 8%; P < 0.001). Combined LPC16 and sevoflurane preconditioning was not superior to either substance alone. Continuous sevoflurane or propofol was not protective. The PKC inhibitor calphostin C abolished the cardioprotective effects of LPC16. PKCε, but not PKCα, expression was increased 6 and 28 h after hypoxic LPC. Heme oxygenase-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor were transiently up-regulated after 6 h.'] Does hypoxia induce late preconditioning in the rat heart in vivo? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8712645769119263,
-1.6301438808441162,
2.5050535202026367
] |
['Urinary tract stricture results from excess collagen deposition at an injured area. Paclitaxel (Sigma-Aldrich®) prevents coronary artery restenosis by inhibiting vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and collagen production. We evaluated the effects of paclitaxel on ureteral smooth muscle cell proliferation and collagen production.', 'Three phases of experiments were done in canine smooth muscle cells. In phase 1 we used proliferation assay to study smooth muscle cells exposed to various concentrations of paclitaxel during 7 days. Phase 2 consisted of 6-day enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect the total amount of type III collagen produced by smooth muscle cells exposed to paclitaxel. In phase 3 we assessed smooth muscle cell membrane damage using a lactate dehydrogenase cytotoxicity assay in which cells were exposed to escalating paclitaxel concentrations for 14 days.', 'Proliferation studies showed that 10 and 100 nM paclitaxel significantly inhibited ureteral smooth muscle cell proliferation. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed significantly decreased type III collagen production at 100 nM. Cytotoxicity testing showed that 1 to 100 nM paclitaxel did not harm smooth muscle cells.'] Does paclitaxel inhibit ureteral smooth muscle cell proliferation and collagen production in the absence of cell toxicity? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.211838960647583,
-1.3356720209121704,
2.5816211700439453
] |
['Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an accepted interventional technique to treat refractory ascites in cirrhotic patients with severe portal hypertension. The expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) covered stent-graft (cs-TIPS) gives a better shunt patency rate than uncovered stents (ncs-TIPS). Our aim was to retrospectively evaluate whether cs-TIPS indeed improves refractory ascites and overall survival in a more effective way than ncs-TIPS in patients with cirrhosis.', 'From 1992 to 2006, 222 cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites underwent a TIPS-procedure. In 126 patients a ncs-TIPS was inserted, in the remaining 96 patients a csTIPS was inserted. Liver transplantation and/or death were the end points of the follow-up.', 'The baseline characteristics of both groups were similar: age (55 +/- 11 years, ncs-TIPS/56 +/- 10 years, cs-TIPS), alcoholic cirrhosis (73% ncs-TIPS/80% cs-TIPS), Child-Pugh (9 +/- 2.0 ncs-TIPS/9.2 +/- 1.3 cs-TIPS) and MELD (15 +/- 6 ncs-TIPS/15 +/- 4.9 cs-TIPS), except that the bilirubin level was higher in the cs-TIPS group (2.5 +/- 2.7 mg/dL in cs-TIPS vs. 1.5 +/- 3.6 mg/dL in ncs-TIPS). One year shunt dysfunction occurred in 49% (n=63) of the ncs-TIPS vs. 19% (n = 18) of the cs-TIPS (P < 0.0001) and post TIPS encephalopathy in 56% (n=70) of the ncs-TIPS vs. 22% (n = 22) in the cs-TIPS group. Ascites control and overall survival were better in the cs-TIPS (P = 0.0071). The gain in survival in the cs-TIPS patients occurred especially in patients with a baseline MELD score <16 (P < 0.0001). Post TIPS encephalopathy and ncs-TIPS were independently related with poor survival (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0150; respectively).'] Are covered stents better than uncovered stents for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites : a retrospective cohort study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8258209228515625,
-1.6313544511795044,
2.4364256858825684
] |
['To determine the role of platelets in stimulating mouse and human neutrophil activation and pulmonary injury in sickle cell disease (SCD).', 'Both platelet and neutrophil activation occur in SCD, but the interdependence of these events is unknown. Platelet activation and binding to leukocytes were measured in mice and patients with SCD and in controls. Relative to controls, blood obtained from mice or patients with SCD contained significantly elevated platelet-neutrophil aggregates (PNAs). Both platelets and neutrophils found in sickle PNAs were activated. Multispectral imaging (ImageStream) and conventional flow cytometry revealed a subpopulation of activated neutrophils with multiple adhered platelets that expressed significantly more CD11b and exhibited greater oxidative activity than single neutrophils. On average, wild-type and sickle PNAs contained 1.1 and 2.6 platelets per neutrophil, respectively. Hypoxia/reoxygenation induced a further increase in PNAs in mice with SCD and additional activation of both platelets and neutrophils. The pretreatment of mice with SCD with clopidogrel or P-selectin antibody reduced the formation of PNAs and neutrophil activation and decreased lung vascular permeability.'] Does p-selectin-mediated platelet-neutrophil aggregate formation activate neutrophils in mouse and human sickle cell disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.504194974899292,
-1.1972601413726807,
2.737926483154297
] |
['Triple therapy with amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and a proton-pump inhibitor is a common therapeutic strategy for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). However, frequent appearance of clarithromycin-resistant strains is a therapeutic challenge. While various quinones are known to specifically inhibit the growth of H. pylori, the quinone 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (DHNA) produced by Propionibacterium has strong stimulating effect on Bifidobacterium. We were interested to see whether DHNA could inhibit the growth of H. pylori in in vitro or in vivo experimental setting.', 'The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of DHNA was determined by the agar dilution method. The inhibitory action of DHNA on the respiratory activity was measured by using an oxygen electrode. Germ-free mice infected with H. pylori were given DHNA in free drinking water containing 100 μg/mL for 7\u2003days.', "DHNA inhibited H. pylori growth at low MIC values, 1.6-3.2 μg/mL. Likewise, DHNA inhibited clinical isolates of H. pylori, resistant to clarithromycin. However, DHNA did not inhibit other Gram negative or anaerobic bacteria in the normal flora of the human intestine. Both H. pylori cellular respiration and adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) generation were dose-dependently inhibited by DHNA. Similarly, the culture filtrates of propionibacterial strains inhibited the growth of H. pylori, and oral administration of DHNA could eradicate H. pylori in the infected germ-free mice."] Does the bifidogenic growth stimulator inhibit the growth and respiration of Helicobacter pylori? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3415539264678955,
-1.386362075805664,
2.7960474491119385
] |
['We characterize changes in review quality by individual peer reviewers over time.', 'Editors at a specialty journal in the top 11% of Institute of Scientific Information journals rated the quality of every review, using a validated 5-point quality score. Linear mixed-effect models were used to analyze rating changes over time, calculating within-reviewer trends plus predicted slope of change in score for each reviewer. Reviewers at this journal have been shown comparable to those at other journals.', "Reviews (14,808) were performed by 1,499 reviewers and rated by 84 editors during the 14-year study. Ninety-two percent of reviewers demonstrated very slow but steady deterioration in their scores (mean -0.04 points [-0.8%] per year). Rate of deterioration was unrelated to duration of reviewing but moderately correlated with mean reviewer quality score (R=0.52). The mean score of each reviewer's first 4 reviews predicted subsequent performance with a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 47%. Scores of the group stayed constant over time despite deterioration because newly recruited reviewers initially had higher mean quality scores than their predecessors."] Do longitudinal trends in the performance of scientific peer reviewers? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-1.596044898033142,
2.490516424179077,
-1.4065696001052856
] |
['To investigate the effect of total salvianolic acid (TSA) on ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced rat mesenteric microcirculatory dysfunctions.', 'Male Wistar rats were randomly distributed into 5 groups (n = 6 each): Sham group and I/R group (infused with saline), TSA group, TSA + I/R group and I/R + TSA group (infused with TSA, 5 mg/kg per hour). Mesenteric I/R were conducted by a ligation of the mesenteric artery and vein (10 min) and subsequent release of the occlusion. TSA was continuously infused either starting from 10 min before the ischemia or 10 min after reperfusion. Changes in mesenteric microcirculatory variables, including diameter of venule, velocity of red blood cells in venule, leukocyte adhesion, free radicals released from venule, albumin leakage and mast cell degranulation, were observed through an inverted intravital microscope. Meanwhile, the expression of adhesion molecules CD11b/CD18 on neutrophils was evaluated by flow cytometry. Ultrastructural evidence of mesenteric venules damage was assessed after microcirculation observation.', 'I/R led to multiple responses in mesenteric post-capillary venules, including a significant increase in the adhesion of leukocytes, production of oxygen radicals in the venular wall, albumin efflux and enhanced mast cell degranulation in vivo. All the I/R-induced manifestations were significantly reduced by pre- or post-treatment with TSA, with the exception that the I/R-induced increase in mast cell degranulation was inhibited only by pre-treatment with TSA. Moreover, pre- or post-treatment with TSA significantly attenuated the expression of CD11b/CD18 on neutrophils, reducing the increase in the number of caveolae in the endothelial cells of mesentery post-capillary venules induced by I/R.'] Does total salvianolic acid improve ischemia-reperfusion-induced microcirculatory disturbance in rat mesentery? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3621091842651367,
-1.445695400238037,
2.833000898361206
] |
["A multicenter genome-wide association scan for Crohn's Disease (CD) has recently reported 40 CD susceptibility loci, including 29 novel ones (19 significant and 10 putative). To gain insight into the genetic overlap between CD and ankylosing spondylitis (AS), these markers were tested for association in AS patients.", "Two previously established associations, namely with the MHC and IL23R loci, were confirmed. In addition, rs2872507, which maps to a locus associated with asthma and influences the expression of the ORMDL3 gene in lymphoblastoid cells, showed a significant association with AS (p\u200a=\u200a0.03). In gut biopsies of AS and CD patients, ORMDL3 expression was not significantly different from controls and no correlation was found with the rs2872507 genotype (Spearman's rho: -0.067). The distribution of p-values for the remaining 36 SNPs was significantly skewed towards low p-values unless the top 5 ranked SNPs (ORMDL3, NKX2-3, PTPN2, ICOSLG and MST1) were excluded from the analysis."] Do evidence for significant overlap between common risk variants for Crohn 's disease and ankylosing spondylitis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0088367462158203,
-1.3778362274169922,
2.415820598602295
] |
['NF2 is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by development of bilateral vestibular schwannomas and other benign tumors in central nervous system. Loss of the NF2 gene product, Merlin, leads to aberrant Schwann cell proliferation, motility, and survival, but the mechanisms by which this tumor suppressor functions remain unclear. One well-defined target of Merlin is the group I family of p21-activated kinases, which are allosterically inhibited by Merlin and which, when activated, stimulate cell cycle progression, motility, and increased survival. Here, we examine the effect of Pak inhibition on cells with diminished Merlin function.', 'Using a specific peptide inhibitor of group I Paks, we show that loss of Pak activity restores normal cell movement in cells lacking Merlin function. In addition, xenografts of such cells form fewer and smaller tumors than do cells without Pak inhibition. However, in tumors, loss of Pak activity does not reduce Erk or Akt activity, two signaling proteins that are thought to mediate Pak function in growth factor pathways.'] Are p21-Activated kinases required for transformation in a cell-based model of neurofibromatosis type 2? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.637819766998291,
-0.8570943474769592,
2.4999890327453613
] |
["Fatigue is reported to reduce health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in chronic diseases. Studies on the importance of fatigue and its implications for the patient's HRQOL in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remain scarce and need to be explored.", 'To investigate the influence of chronic fatigue on both generic and disease-specific HRQOL in IBD.', 'Patients in remission, with mild and moderate IBD completed the Fatigue Questionnaire, the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) and the Norwegian version of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (N-IBDQ). In addition, demographic and clinical variables were obtained.', "In total, 140 patients were included; the mean age of patients with chronic fatigue was 44.2 years (s.d. = 15.8), that of nonfatigued was 44.7 years (s.d. = 16.0). Ulcerative colitis (UC)/Crohn's disease (CD) = 92/48. Chronic fatigue was associated, after controlling for covariates, with a reduction of HRQOL scores in 6/8 SF-36 dimensions in UC and 5/8 dimensions in CD. In N-IBDQ, chronic fatigue was associated with a reduction of HRQOL in four subdimensions and total score in CD and all dimensions in UC."] Is chronic fatigue associated with impaired health-related quality of life in inflammatory bowel disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1384198665618896,
-1.219877004623413,
2.4013049602508545
] |
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