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['Vitamin D is a fat-soluble hormone necessary for calcium homeostasis. Recently, studies have demonstrated that vitamin D may be important to the health of the cardiovascular system.', 'Adults ≥ 50 years of age with heart failure were recruited for assessment of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentrations. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing was used to assess functional capacity. Proximal muscle strength was evaluated with a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer [corrected] (Biodex, Shirley, NY), and health status was assessed with the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire. Univariate associations between physical performance and health status measures and 25OHD followed by a linear regression model were used to study associations, adjusting for other potential explanatory variables.', 'Forty adults 67.8 ± 10.9 years of age (55% women and 57.5% African American) with mean ejection fraction 40% were analyzed (New York Heart Association class II in 70% and class III in 30%). Comorbidities included 77.5% hypertension and 47.5% diabetes. The mean 25OHD concentration was 18.5 ± 9.1 ng/mL, and mean peak Vo₂, 14 ± 4 mL/kg/min. In univariate regression analysis, 25OHD was positively associated with peak Vo₂ (P = .045). Multivariable regression analysis sustained positive association between 25OHD and peak Vo₂ (P = .044) after adjusting for age, race, and respiratory exchange ratio (adjusted R² = 0.32). Association between proximal muscle strength with the 25OHD concentration was not significant. The Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire physical limitation domain score was negatively associated with 25OHD (P = .04) but was not sustained in multivariable analysis.'] Is serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration associated with functional capacity in older adults with heart failure? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6664197444915771,
-1.5773634910583496,
2.193967342376709
] |
['Previous studies demonstrated that ventricular response to stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is frequently abnormal in patients with a systemic right ventricle (RV). However, the clinical implications of these findings remained unknown. We sought to evaluate whether abnormal response to stress CMR predicts adverse outcome in patients with a systemic RV.', 'Thirty-nine adult patients (54% male; mean age 26, range 18-65 years) with a systemic RV underwent stress CMR to determine the response of RV volumes and ejection fraction (EF). During follow-up, cardiac events, defined as hospitalization for heart failure, cardiac surgery, aborted cardiac arrest, or death, were recorded. The prognostic value of an abnormal response to stress, defined as lack of a decrease in RV end-systolic volume (ESV) or lack of an increase in RV EF, was assessed.', 'We frequently observed an abnormal response to stress, as RV ESV did not decrease in 17 patients (44%), and RV EF did not increase in 15 patients (38%). After a mean follow-up period of 8.1 years, 8 (21%) patients had reached the composite end point. The inability to decrease RV ESV during stress was predictive for cardiac events with a hazard ratio of 2.3 (95% CI 1.19-88.72, P = .034), as was the inability to increase RV EF with a hazard ratio of 2.3 (95% CI 1.31-81.59, P = .027).'] Does ventricular response to stress predict outcome in adult patients with a systemic right ventricle? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.123585820198059,
-1.3122730255126953,
1.5134611129760742
] |
['Atrial fibrosis is a hallmark of atrial structural remodeling (SRM) and leads to structural and functional impairment of left atrial (LA) and persistence of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study was conducted to assess LA reverse remodeling after catheter ablation of AF in mild and moderate-severe LA SRM.', 'Catheter ablation was performed in 68 patients (age 62 ± 14 years, 68% males) with paroxysmal (n = 26) and persistent (n = 42) AF. The patients were divided into group 1 with mild LA SRM (<10%, n = 31) and group 2 with moderate-severe LA SRM (>10%, n = 37) by delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (DEMRI). Two-dimensional echocardiography, LA strain, and strain rate during left ventricular systole by velocity vector imaging were performed pre and at 6 ± 3 months postablation. The long-term outcome was monitored for 12 months.', 'Patients in group 1 were younger (57 ± 15 vs 66 ± 13 years, P = .009) with a male predominance (80% vs 57%, P < .05) as compared to group 2. Postablation, group 1 had significant increase in average LA strain (Δ↑: 14% vs 4%, P < .05) and strain rate (Δ↑: 0.5 vs 0.1 cm/s, P < .05) as compared to group 2. There was a trend toward more patients with persistent AF in group 2 (68% vs 55%, P = .2), but it was not statistically significant. Group 2 had more AF recurrences (41% vs 16%, P = .02) at 12 months after ablation.'] Is echocardiographic left atrial reverse remodeling after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation predicted by preablation delayed enhancement of left atrium by magnetic resonance imaging? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4471734762191772,
-1.7032732963562012,
2.1165177822113037
] |
['Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR1) are known to be related to thyroid tumorigenesis. The aim of the study was to examine the expressions and serum levels of VEGF, VEGFR1, IGF1, and IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) compared with patients with nodular goiter (NG).', "We examined 39 patients with DTC who had a clinical history of at least 2 years and compared them with 25 patients who had a pathological diagnosis of NG after thyroidectomy. Serum VEGF, VEGFR1, and IGF1 levels were measured in both patient groups. The expressions of VEGF, VEGFR1, IGF1, and IGF1R were analyzed by the immunohistochemical method in the paraffin blocks of patients' thyroidectomy samples of the patients.", 'The immunostainings scores for VEGF, VEGFR1, IGF1, and IGF1R were found to be higher in patients with DTC than in those with NG. Only VEGFR1 expression was related to lymph node metastasis at the time of surgery. None of the expressions were related to the long-term prognosis of the patients. Serum VEGF was found to be higher in patients with progressive DTC than in patients in clinical remission.'] Is vEGFR1 expression related to lymph node metastasis and serum VEGF may be a marker of progression in the follow-up of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2434048652648926,
-1.2331645488739014,
2.5361061096191406
] |
['Delayed onset of vastus medialis (VM) activity compared with vastus lateralis activity is a reported cause for patellofemoral pain. The delayed onset of VM activity in patellofemoral pain patients likely causes an imbalance in muscle forces and lateral maltracking of the patella; however, evidence relating VM activation delay to patellar maltracking is sparse. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between VM activation delay and patellar maltracking measures in pain-free controls and patellofemoral pain patients.', 'Patellar tilt and bisect offset, measures of patellar tracking, correlate with VM activation delay in patellofemoral pain patients classified as maltrackers.', 'Case control study; Level of evidence, 3.', 'Vasti muscle activations were recorded in pain-free (n = 15) and patellofemoral pain (n = 40) participants during walking and jogging. All participants were scanned in an open-configuration magnetic resonance scanner in an upright weightbearing position to acquire the position of the patella with respect to the femur. Patellar tilt and bisect offset were measured, and patellofemoral pain participants were classified into normal tracking and maltracking groups.', 'Correlations between VM activation delay and patellar maltracking measures were statistically significant in only the patellofemoral pain participants classified as maltrackers with both abnormal tilt and abnormal bisect offset (R(2) = .89, P < .001, with patellar tilt during walking; R(2) = .75, P = .012, with bisect offset during jogging). There were no differences between the means of activation delays in pain-free and all patellofemoral pain participants during walking (P = .516) or jogging (P = .731).'] Does patellar maltracking correlate with vastus medialis activation delay in patellofemoral pain patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4382319450378418,
-1.5045690536499023,
1.9133458137512207
] |
['This study was aimed at providing the possible mechanisms for the medicinal use of Phyllanthus emblica in diarrhea.', 'The in vivo studies were conducted in mice, while isolated rabbit jejunum and guinea-pig ileum were used for the in vitro experiments.', 'The crude extract of Phyllanthus emblica (Pe.Cr), which tested positive for alkaloids, tannins, terpenes, flavonoids, sterols and coumarins, caused inhibition of castor oil-induced diarrhea and intestinal fluid accumulation in mice at 500-700 mg/kg. In isolated rabbit jejunum, Pe.Cr relaxed carbachol (CCh) and K(+) (80 mM)-induced contractions, in a pattern similar to that of dicyclomine. The preincubation of guinea pig-ileum with Pe.Cr (0.3 mg/mL), caused a rightward parallel shift in the concentration-response curves (CRCs) of acetylcholine without suppression of the maximum response. While at the next higher concentration (1 mg/mL), it produced a non-parallel rightward shift with suppression of the maximum response, similar to that of dicyclomine, suggesting anticholinergic and Ca(2+) channel blocking (CCB)-like antispasmodic effect. The CCB-like activity was further confirmed when pretreatment of the tissue with Pe.Cr, shifted the CRCs of Ca(2+) to the right with suppression of the maximum response, similar to nifedipine or dicyclomine. The activity-directed fractions of Pe.Cr showed a combination of Ca(2+) antagonist and anticholinergic like components in all fractions but with varying potency.'] Are the antidiarrheal and spasmolytic activities of Phyllanthus emblica mediated through dual blockade of muscarinic receptors and Ca2+ channels? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3216514587402344,
-1.3576678037643433,
2.757197380065918
] |
['\u2002 Arterial compliance and endothelium-dependent vasodilation are two characteristics of the vessel wall. In the Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS) study we studied the relationships between arterial compliance and endothelium-dependent vasodilation versus the Ankle-Brachial index (ABI), a clinically used index of peripheral artery disease.', '\u2002 In the population-based PIVUS study (all aged 70), arterial compliance was determined by ultrasound as the distensibility of the carotid artery and the stroke volume to pulse pressure (SV/PP) ratio by echocardiography, while endothelium-dependent vasodilation was assessed by the invasive forearm technique with acetylcholine (EDV) and brachial artery ultrasound (FMD) in 519 subjects in whom the Ankle-Brachial index was investigated.', '\u2002 After adjustments for gender and Framingham risk score, distensibility in the carotid artery and the SV/PP ratio were significantly reduced in subjects with a reduced ABI (< 0.9) in both legs (n=15, P\u2003=\u20030.0006 and P\u2003=\u20030.0003, respectively). Endothelium-dependent vasodilation was not significantly related to a reduced ABI.'] Is arterial stiffness , but not endothelium-dependent vasodilation , related to a low Ankle-Brachial index . The Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors ( PIVUS )? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2827250957489014,
-1.2642436027526855,
2.6728038787841797
] |
['Cytokines of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily exert effects on proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation in various cell types. Cancer cells frequently acquire resistance to the anti-proliferative signals of TGF-β, which can be due to mutations in proteins of the signalling cascade. We compared the TGF-β-related signalling properties in B-cell lymphoma cell lines that were sensitive or resistant to TGF-β-induced anti-proliferative effects.', 'TGF-β sensitive cell lines expressed higher cell surface levels of the activin receptor-like kinase 5 (Alk-5), a TGF-β receptor type 1. The expression levels of the other TGF-β and bone morphogenetic protein receptors were comparable in the different cell lines. TGF-β-induced phosphorylation of Smad2 was similar in TGF-β sensitive and resistant cell lines. In contrast, activation of Smad1/5 was restricted to cells that were sensitive to growth inhibition by TGF-β. Moreover, with activin A we detected limited anti-proliferative effects, strong phosphorylation of Smad2, but no Smad1/5 phosphorylation. Up-regulation of the TGF-β target genes Id1 and Pai-1 was identified in the TGF-β sensitive cell lines. Constitutive phosphorylation of MAPK p38 was restricted to the TGF-β sensitive cell lines. Inhibition of p38 MAPK led to reduced sensitivity to TGF-β.'] Does tGF-β-induced growth inhibition in B-cell lymphoma correlate with Smad1/5 signalling and constitutively active p38 MAPK? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3473269939422607,
-1.27992844581604,
2.6185097694396973
] |
['C-reactive protein (CRP) is a key molecule in inflammation and tissue homeostasis and is produced locally by renal tubular epithelial cells. Its significance of expression in contrast to expression of cytotoxic T cell (CTL) markers remains to be elucidated.', 'By means of real-time PCR, we determined mRNA levels of CRP in 66 renal allograft biopsies with acute allograft failure and in 34 biopsies with chronic dysfunction. Results were compared to expression of CTL components (perforin, granzyme B) and were correlated with histologic diagnoses and outcome.', 'CTL markers were found in most biopsies, and thus were not specific for particular histologies, although expression levels increased significantly with Banff rejection grades. Expression of CRP was highly specific for rejection episodes in acute failure (p < 0.0001) as well as for transplant glomerulopathy or de novo/recurrent glomerulonephritis in chronic failure (p < 0.005). Finally, the presence of CRP expression in renal allografts was associated with a deteriorating 1-year graft function in acute (p < 0.01) as well as chronic allograft dysfunction (p = 0.077).'] Is local expression of C-reactive protein associated with deteriorating graft function in acute and chronic failure of kidney transplants? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2870094776153564,
-1.3760948181152344,
2.732465982437134
] |
['To increase middle molecule clearances, high-flux dialyzers with increased internal filtration have been developed. However, dialyzer design and structure may affect thrombin generation and platelet activation, thereby risking increased clotting and reduced dialyzer clearances.', 'Coagulation parameters, platelet, white cell and endothelial activation markers were measured prior to and following dialysis sessions in 12 patients using two different dialyzers designed for increased internal filtration.', 'Prior to dialysis, patients had evidence of activation of coagulation with increased factor VIII:C, thrombin-antithrombin complexes and prothrombin fragment 1+2, increased platelet activation, with raised platelet factor 4, β-thromboglobulin levels and increased fibrinolysis (raised D-dimers). Dialysis was associated with the release of soluble platelet integrin, sP selectin, increased endothelial activation with increased levels of von Willebrand factor (vWF) antigen (vWF:Ag) and vWF propeptide (vWF:pp) and sE selectin. There was no difference in tinzaparin levels at the end of the dialysis session using either dialyzer, as shown by anti-Xa activity - 0.145 ± 0.027 versus 0.11 ± 0.017 IU/ml, respectively.'] Do dialyzers designed to increase internal filtration result in significantly increased platelet activation and thrombin generation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3154375553131104,
-1.3934614658355713,
2.793794870376587
] |
['Papaver somniferum (opium poppy) is the source for several pharmaceutical benzylisoquinoline alkaloids including morphine, the codeine and sanguinarine. In response to treatment with a fungal elicitor, the biosynthesis and accumulation of sanguinarine is induced along with other plant defense responses in opium poppy cell cultures. The transcriptional induction of alkaloid metabolism in cultured cells provides an opportunity to identify components of this process via the integration of deep transcriptome and proteome databases generated using next-generation technologies.', 'A cDNA library was prepared for opium poppy cell cultures treated with a fungal elicitor for 10 h. Using 454 GS-FLX Titanium pyrosequencing, 427,369 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) with an average length of 462 bp were generated. Assembly of these sequences yielded 93,723 unigenes, of which 23,753 were assigned Gene Ontology annotations. Transcripts encoding all known sanguinarine biosynthetic enzymes were identified in the EST database, 5 of which were represented among the 50 most abundant transcripts. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) of total protein extracts from cell cultures treated with a fungal elicitor for 50 h facilitated the identification of 1,004 proteins. Proteins were fractionated by one-dimensional SDS-PAGE and digested with trypsin prior to LC-MS/MS analysis. Query of an opium poppy-specific EST database substantially enhanced peptide identification. Eight out of 10 known sanguinarine biosynthetic enzymes and many relevant primary metabolic enzymes were represented in the peptide database.'] Does integration of deep transcriptome and proteome analyses reveal the components of alkaloid metabolism in opium poppy cell cultures? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2605929374694824,
-1.3683329820632935,
2.734565496444702
] |
['Self-efficacy can be affected by mastery experiences and somatic sensations. A novel exercise experience and associated sensations may impact self-efficacy and subsequent behaviors. We investigated the effect of a single exercise session on self-efficacy for sedentary endometrial cancer survivors compared with sedentary women of a similar age, but with no cancer history.', 'Twenty survivors and 19 controls completed an exercise session performed as a submaximal cycle ergometry test. Sensations and efficacy were measured before and after exercise. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed. Regression models were used to determine predictors of self-efficacy and subsequent exercise.', 'Self-efficacy increased for both survivors and controls, but survivors had a higher rate of increase, and the change predicted subsequent exercise. The association between exercise-related somatic sensations and self-efficacy differed between the 2 groups.'] Does an acute exercise session increase self-efficacy in sedentary endometrial cancer survivors and controls? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.096270799636841,
-0.5457760691642761,
1.632979154586792
] |
['Bilateral ureteroscopy can be done in 1 sitting, obviating the need for multiple procedures. We analyzed our experience with same session bilateral ureteroscopy to determine its safety and efficacy.', 'In this retrospective study of a 9-year period at Emory University Hospital 1,575 consecutive ureteroscopic procedures were done, of which 95 (6.0%) were done as same session bilateral ureteroscopy, thus constituting our study cohort. Bilateral procedures were performed for urolithiasis in 71 cases, urothelial carcinoma in 9, ureteral stricture in 2 and another indication in 13. Patients were followed at least 1 month postoperatively to evaluate procedural success and assess perioperative complications.', 'Mean age of the 44 male and 40 female patients was 49.8 years. Multiple procedures were done in 9 patients and same session bilateral ureteroscopy was done in 93 of 95 (98%). Intraoperative and postoperative (greater than 1 month) bilateral stone-free rates were 86% and 64%, respectively. The mean change in serum creatinine postoperatively was 0.02 mg/dl (range -0.9 to 1.3). No patient had acute postoperative azotemia. Postoperative complications in 9.7% of patients included pain necessitating an emergency room visit in 4, pyelonephritis/urinary tract infection in 2, and urinary retention, intractable stent pain leading to early removal and urosepsis/death in 1 each.'] Is same session bilateral ureteroscopy safe and efficacious? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.743360161781311,
-1.436456322669983,
2.1769192218780518
] |
['Increased lactate is an important biochemical marker in diagnosis of children with suspicion of mitochondrial disorders. A diagnostic dilemma may originate if analyses are performed after seizures, when the increased lactate levels may be considered to result from the seizures. To address this problem, we ascertained the diagnostic value of lactate and alanine in blood (B) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in children with mitochondrial disorders (n = 24), epilepsy (n = 32), psychomotor retardation (n = 23), meningitis (n = 12) and meningism (n = 16).', 'Lactate concentration was measured using a spectrophotometric method. Amino acids in serum and CSF were analyzed by ion exchange chromatography with ninhydrin detection.', 'Average blood and CSF-lactate levels were significantly higher in children with mitochondrial disorders (3.87 ± 0.48 and 4.43 ± 0.55 mmol/l) and meningitis (2.77 ± 0.45 and 8.58 ± 1.08 mmol/l) than in children with epilepsy (1.72 ± 0.13 and 1.62 ± 0.04 mmol/l), psychomotor retardation (1.79 ± 1.40 and 1.68 ± 0.06 mmol/l) or meningism (1.70 ± 0.13 and 1.64 ± 0.07 mmol/l). Blood and CSF-alanine levels were also higher in children with mitochondrial disorders (558 ± 44 and 51 ± 8 μmol/l) than in children with epilepsy (327 ± 23 and 27 ± 3 μmol/l) or psychomotor retardation (323 ± 27 and 26 ± 3 μmol/l). The CSF-lactate levels of children with epilepsy were similar whether the samples were obtained 3 ± 0.6 h after an attack of brief seizures or from children without history of recent seizures.'] Is elevated CSF-lactate a reliable marker of mitochondrial disorders in children even after brief seizures? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.283022403717041,
-1.5005321502685547,
1.8714171648025513
] |
['Phytophthora infestans is the most devastating pathogen of potato and a model organism for the oomycetes. It exhibits high evolutionary potential and rapidly adapts to host plants. The P. infestans genome experienced a repeat-driven expansion relative to the genomes of Phytophthora sojae and Phytophthora ramorum and shows a discontinuous distribution of gene density. Effector genes, such as members of the RXLR and Crinkler (CRN) families, localize to expanded, repeat-rich and gene-sparse regions of the genome. This distinct genomic environment is thought to contribute to genome plasticity and host adaptation.', 'We used in silico approaches to predict and describe the repertoire of P. infestans secreted proteins (the secretome). We defined the "plastic secretome" as a subset of the genome that (i) encodes predicted secreted proteins, (ii) is excluded from genome segments orthologous to the P. sojae and P. ramorum genomes and (iii) is encoded by genes residing in gene sparse regions of P. infestans genome. Although including only ~3% of P. infestans genes, the plastic secretome contains ~62% of known effector genes and shows >2 fold enrichment in genes induced in planta. We highlight 19 plastic secretome genes induced in planta but distinct from previously described effectors. This list includes a trypsin-like serine protease, secreted oxidoreductases, small cysteine-rich proteins and repeat containing proteins that we propose to be novel candidate virulence factors.'] Do analyses of genome architecture and gene expression reveal novel candidate virulence factors in the secretome of Phytophthora infestans? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5522632598876953,
-0.538247287273407,
2.2305781841278076
] |
['Recent technological advancements have made high throughput sequencing an increasingly popular approach for transcriptome analysis. Advantages of sequencing-based transcriptional profiling over microarrays have been reported, including lower technical variability. However, advances in technology do not remove biological variation between replicates and this variation is often neglected in many analyses.', 'We propose an empirical Bayes method, titled Analysis of Sequence Counts (ASC), to detect differential expression based on sequencing technology. ASC borrows information across sequences to establish prior distribution of sample variation, so that biological variation can be accounted for even when replicates are not available. Compared to current approaches that simply tests for equality of proportions in two samples, ASC is less biased towards highly expressed sequences and can identify more genes with a greater log fold change at lower overall abundance.'] Does empirical bayes analysis of sequencing-based transcriptional profiling without replicate? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-2.068916082382202,
1.005392074584961,
0.3898262083530426
] |
['Although hypnotics are primarily used by older people, the residual effects the morning after a single nighttime intake of the two most commonly prescribed hypnotics, zolpidem (Zp) and zopiclone (Zc), on older middle-aged drivers have not been evaluated and compared.', "Sixteen healthy subjects, 55 to 65\xa0years of age, participated in this double-blind, balanced, cross-over study. Zc (7.5\xa0mg), Zp (10\xa0mg) and flunitrazepam (Fln) (1\xa0mg) or a placebo was administered at each subject's home at 11.00\xa0pm. The next morning, at 9.00\xa0am, the subjects had to drive in a simulated monotonous driving environment for 1\xa0h. During each morning session, two blood samples were collected, and subjective feelings of alertness were completed three times.", 'In comparison to placebo, Zp and Zc equivalently and significantly impaired the standard deviation of lateral position, the standard deviation of speed and the number of road exits. Detectable blood concentrations were found with Zp in 11 subjects at 8.30\xa0am and at 1.30\xa0pm. The subjective alertness factor was significantly impaired with Zp.'] Do zolpidem and zopiclone impair similarly monotonous driving performance after a single nighttime intake in aged subjects? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8939530849456787,
-1.2615264654159546,
2.2389373779296875
] |
['Although aberrant methylation of key genes in the progression of colorectal neoplasia has been reported, no model-based analysis of the incremental changes through the intermediate adenoma stage has been described. In addition, the biological drivers for these methylation changes have yet to be defined. Linear mixed-effects modelling was used in this study to understand the onset and patterns of the methylation changes of SFRP2, IGF2 DMR0, H19, LINE-1 and a CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) marker panel, and they were correlated with DNA methyltransferase 3B (DNMT3B) levels of expression in a sample set representative of colorectal neoplastic progression.', 'Methylation of the above CpG islands was measured using quantitative pyrosequencing assays in 261 tissue samples. This included a prospective collection of 44 colectomy specimens with concurrent normal mucosa, adenoma and invasive cancer tissues. Tissue microarrays from a subset of 64 cases were used for immunohistochemical analysis of DNMT3B expression.', 'It is shown that the onset and pattern of methylation changes during colorectal neoplastic progression are locus dependent. The CIMP marker RUNX3 was the earliest CpG island showing significant change, followed by the CIMP markers NEUROG1 and CACNA1G at the hyperplastic polyp stage. SFRP2 and IGF2 DMR0 showed significant methylation changes at the adenomatous polyp stage, followed by the CIMP markers CDKN2A and hMLH1 at the adenocarcinoma stage. DNMT3B levels of immunohistochemical expression increased significantly (p < 0.001) from normal to hyperplastic and from adenomatous polyps to carcinoma samples. DNMT3B expression correlated positively with SFRP2 methylation (r = 0.42, p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.56), but correlated negatively with IGF2 DMR0 methylation (r = 0.26, p = 0.01, 95% CI -0.45 to -0.05). A subset of the CIMP panel (NEUROG1, CACNA1G and CDKN2A) positively correlated with DNMT3B levels of expression (p < 0.05).'] Are sequential DNA methylation changes associated with DNMT3B overexpression in colorectal neoplastic progression? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2041473388671875,
-1.4946397542953491,
2.7291512489318848
] |
['Folate has been implicated as a potential aetiological factor for colorectal cancer. Previous research has not adequately exploited concentrations of folate in normal colonic mucosal biopsies to examine the issue.', 'Logistic regression models were used to estimate ORs and 95% CIs of adenoma according to the tissue concentration of folate using asymptomatic average-risk women (40-70 years) in a colorectal cancer screening study. Of the 1593 eligible women who were offered enrolment, 1483 (93%) participated. Colonoscopy was complete to the caecum in 98.7% (1463/1483) of the subjects, and normal colonic tissue biopsies were obtained from 813 (56%) of these, of whom 170 had at least one adenoma.', 'A marginal reduction in risk for proximal adenomas (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.09) but not distal adenomas (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.43 to 2.37) was observed among women in the highest quintile of tissue folate concentration. A significant reduction in risk for advanced adenoma was observed for women in the highest quintile of tissue folate concentration (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.93). Defining the outcome as proximal adenomatous and/or hyperplastic polyps, statistically significant inverse associations with tissue concentrations of folate were also observed (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.95 for quintile 5 vs quintile 1).'] Does concentration of folate in colorectal tissue biopsies predict prevalence of adenomatous polyps? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.340990662574768,
-1.629169225692749,
1.9562510251998901
] |
['Manual hyperinflation (MH) can be performed as part of airway management in intubated and mechanically ventilated patients to mobilize airway secretions. Although previous studies demonstrated MH to be associated with hemodynamic and respiratory instability, we hypothesized MH to cause fewer adverse events (AEs) when performed by experienced and trained nurses in stable critically ill patients.', 'The incidence and type of AEs associated with MH were studied in a 28-bed mixed medical-surgical Intensive Care Unit. A difference in mean arterial pressure (MAP) or heart rate (HR) >15%, a decrease in peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) >5%, and a change in end-tidal (et)-CO2 >20% were considered AEs. A decrease of MAP to ≤60 mmHg, any new arrhythmia, and a decrease of SpO2 ≤90% were all considered severe AEs. Also, all changes in medication were considered severe AEs.', 'A total of 107 MH maneuvers in 74 patients, performed by 57 nurses, were observed and analyzed. A total of 17 MH maneuvers (16%) were associated with any AE; 7 maneuvers (6%) were associated with a severe AE. Overall, MH did not affect MAP. MH caused a statistically significant but clinically irrelevant increase of HR (from 87±24 to 89±22 bpm). In one patient the MAP dropped from 70 mmHg to 60 mmHg, requiring adjustment of vasopressor therapy; one patient developed ventricular tachycardia requiring electric cardioversion. In general, MH did not affect SpO2. In one patient SpO2 dropped below 90%, requiring additional oxygen supply for 10 minutes. MH caused a statistically significant but clinically irrelevant increase of et-CO2 levels (from 4.4±0.9 to 4.5±1.0 kPa). Five patients developed anxiety/agitation during or shortly after MH, mandating additional sedation in four patients. Occurrence of (severe) AEs was not associated with any specific patient or MH characteristic.'] Is manual hyperinflation associated with a low rate of adverse events when performed by experienced and trained nurses in stable critically ill patients -- a prospective observational study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0332143306732178,
-1.401579737663269,
2.4598755836486816
] |
['The objectives of this study were to retrospectively analyze the value of preoperative evaluation and to analyze the risk factors of long-term mechanical ventilation in heart transplant recipients.', 'We analyzed the data of 106 patients prepared to receive heart transplants. Before the operation, according to the pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and transpulmonary gradient (TPG), the patients were divided into 2 groups: a pulmonary hypertension (PH) group and a pulmonary artery pressure normal (N) group. The vasodilator conditioning test as a predictive factor was performed in the PH group. Univariate analysis and logistic regression were used to examine the relationship between risk factors and long-term mechanical ventilation. The 30-day and long-term survival rates were followed.', 'PVR and TPG significantly decreased among the PH group after intravenous infusion epoprostenol and inhalation (nitric oxide). After preoperative evaluation, 96 patients underwent heart transplantation. There were no short-term deaths related to PH. There was no significant difference in mortality between the PH group and the N group. PH, hypotension after cardiopulmonary bypass, renal dysfunction, donor heart ischemia time, and ejection fraction <25% were risk factors for long-term mechanical ventilation. PH was not related to long-term deaths.'] Does preoperative evaluation improve the outcome in heart transplant recipients with pulmonary hypertension -- retrospective analysis of 106 cases? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.181414842605591,
-1.172658920288086,
2.3919496536254883
] |
['Epidemiologic evidence suggests that prenatal growth influences adult blood pressure. Nutritional factors, including salt intake, also influence blood pressure. However, it is unknown whether prenatal growth modifies the association between salt intake and blood pressure in later life.', 'Our aim was to examine whether the relation between salt intake and adult blood pressure is modified by birth weight.', 'We studied 1512 participants of the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study who were born between 1934 and 1944. Information on birth weight was abstracted from birth records, and preterm births were excluded. During a clinical study, at the mean age of 62 y, blood pressure, weight, and height were measured. Diet was assessed with a validated food-frequency questionnaire. The relation between salt intake and blood pressure was tested by a piecewise multivariate regression analysis with the best fitting breakpoints to birth weight and salt intake.', 'An inverse association was observed between birth weight and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (P = 0.02). No significant association between salt intake and SBP was observed in the whole study population. Of those whose birth weight was ≤3050 g, a 1-g higher daily salt intake was associated with a 2.48-mm Hg (95% CI: 0.40, 4.52 mm Hg) higher SBP (P = 0.017) until the saturation point of 10 g. Of those whose birth weight exceeded 3050 g, SBP was not significantly associated with salt intake. For diastolic blood pressure, no significant relations were observed.'] Is the association between salt intake and adult systolic blood pressure modified by birth weight? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.636983036994934,
-1.168360710144043,
1.899303674697876
] |
['Puerto Rican adults have prevalent metabolic abnormalities, but few studies have explored fruit and vegetable (FV) intake and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in this population.', 'We tested the hypothesis that greater FV intake and variety are associated with a lower 10-y risk of CHD and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations.', 'In a cross-sectional study of ≈1200 Puerto Rican adults aged 45-75 y, we assessed FV intake with a food-frequency questionnaire. The 10-y risk of CHD was assessed with the Framingham risk score (FRS) in participants free of cardiovascular disease. CRP was measured in fasting serum.', 'Variety, but not quantity, of FV intake was inversely associated with FRS after adjustment for the following: sex; waist circumference; perceived stress; alcohol use; intakes of energy, trans fatty acids, and saturated fatty acids; and use of supplements, cardiovascular medications, and diabetes medications (P = 0.02). However, the association was attenuated after adjustment for income (P = 0.11). Variety, but not quantity, was associated with a lower serum CRP concentration after adjustment for age, sex, smoking status, alcohol use, servings of FV, white blood cell count, diastolic blood pressure, diabetes, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medication use, intakes of energy and vitamin B-6, waist circumference, perceived stress, and income. The adjusted odds of a high CRP concentration for those in the highest compared with the lowest tertile of FV variety was 0.68 (95% CI: 0.49, 0.94).'] Is greater variety in fruit and vegetable intake associated with lower inflammation in Puerto Rican adults? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.9321755766868591,
-1.481178879737854,
1.3785747289657593
] |
['Overexpression of the HER2 receptor is a biomarker for predicting those patients who may benefit from trastuzumab therapy. Radiolabelled Affibody molecules can be used to visualize HER2 expression in tumour xenografts with high sensitivity. However, previous studies demonstrated that the difference in uptake in xenografts with high and low HER2 expression levels is not proportional to the difference in expression levels. We hypothesized that discrimination between tumours with high and low HER2 expression may be improved by increasing the injected dose (reducing the specific activity) of the tracer.', 'The influence of injected dose of anti-HER2 (111)In-DOTA-Z(HER2 342) Affibody molecule on uptake in SKOV-3 (high HER2 expression) and LS174T (low expression) xenografts was investigated. The optimal range of injected doses enabling discrimination between xenografts with high and low expression was determined. To verify this, tumour uptake was measured in mice carrying both SKOV-3 and LS174T xenografts after injection of either 1 or 15 μg (111)In-DOTA-Z(HER2:342).', 'An increase in the injected dose caused a linear decrease in the radioactivity accumulation in the LS174T xenografts (low HER2 expression). For SKOV-3 xenografts, the dependence of the tumour uptake on the injected dose was less dramatic. The injection of 10-30 μg (111)In-DOTA-Z(HER2:342) per mouse led to the largest difference in uptake between the two types of tumour. Experiments in mice bearing two xenografts confirmed that the optimized injected dose enabled better discrimination of expression levels.'] Does optimal specific radioactivity of anti-HER2 Affibody molecules enable discrimination between xenografts with high and low HER2 expression levels? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8463915586471558,
-1.5463032722473145,
2.3861632347106934
] |
['Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality among solid organ transplant recipients. Prophylaxis using valganciclovir (VGCV) in orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) recipients is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration and its use is controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of VGCV in CMV prophylaxis in OLT recipients.', 'We carried out a retrospective, single-centre study including all OLT procedures performed during 2005-2008. Patients with early death (at ≤ 30 days), without CMV serology or prophylaxis, or with follow-up of <1 year were excluded.', 'The overall incidence of CMV disease was 6% (n= 9). The ganciclovir (GCV) and VGCV groups had similar incidences of CMV disease (4.6% vs. 7.0%; P= 0.4) and similar distributions of disease presentation (CMV syndrome vs. tissue-invasive CMV; P= 0.4). Incidences of CMV infection, as well as disease presentation, were similar between the high-risk (CMV D+/R-) and non-high-risk groups (P= 0.16). Although acute cellular rejection occurred more frequently in patients who developed CMV disease (P= 0.005), overall survival in these patients did not differ from that in patients who did not develop CMV infection (P= 0.5).'] Is valganciclovir an effective prophylaxis for cytomegalovirus disease in liver transplant recipients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7530766725540161,
-1.4743270874023438,
2.2334845066070557
] |
['Patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma or hepatolithiasis often develop segmental cholangitis (SC), but it is unclear whether hepatectomy for patients with SC can be performed safely.', 'Rats were subjected to segmental bile duct ligation (SBDL) with LPS (SC group) or a saline (Sham group) infusion into the bile duct of the ligated lobes. The rats were sacrificed at 3, 24 and 48 h after the SBDL. For another experiment, the rats were subjected to partial hepatectomy (PHx) for the ligated lobes. Hepatic regeneration rates and the expression of regeneration-associated genes were evaluated.', 'In the SC group, severe parenchymal damage was observed in the acute phase (3 h). Altered gene expression in the liver in response to biliary infection occurred not only in the infected lobes but also in the non-infected lobes. In the rats of the SC group, both the hepatic regeneration rate and serum HGF levels were significantly lower than in the Sham group.'] Does segmental cholangitis impair hepatic regeneration capacity after partial hepatectomy in rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.50012469291687,
-1.1076200008392334,
2.6152048110961914
] |
['Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is regarded as the most serious complication of pancreatic surgery. The preoperative risk stratification of patients by simple means is of interest in perioperative clinical management.', 'Based on prospective data, we performed a risk factor analysis for POPF after pancreatoduodenectomy in 62 patients operated between 2006 and 2008 with special focus on clinical parameters that might serve to predict POPF. A predictive score was developed and validated in an independent second dataset of 279 patients operated between 2001 and 2010.', "Several pre- and intraoperative factors, as well as underlying pathology, showed significant univariate correlation with rate of POPF. Multivariate analysis (binary logistic regression) disclosed soft pancreatic texture (odds ratio [OR] 10.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.80-62.20) and history of weight loss (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.04-0.66) to be the only independent preoperative clinical factors influencing POPF rate. The subjective assessment of pancreatic hardness by the surgeon correlated highly with objective assessment of pancreatic fibrosis by the pathologist (r = -0.68, P < 0.001, two-tailed Spearman's rank correlation). A simple risk score based on preoperatively available clinical parameters was able to stratify patients correctly into three risk groups and was independently validated."] Does a simple scoring system based on clinical factors related to pancreatic texture predict postoperative pancreatic fistula preoperatively? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1885323524475098,
-1.2556167840957642,
2.5093460083007812
] |
['The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of two adhesive systems and the post space region on the degree of conversion of dual resin cement and its bond strength to root dentin.', "One three-step etch-and-rinse (All-bond 2, Bisco) and another one-step self-etch (Xeno III, Dentsply) adhesive systems were applied on 20 (n=10) crownless bovine incisors, at 12-mm-deep post space preparation, and a fiber post (DT Light Post, Bisco) was cemented using a dual cure resin cement (Duo-Link, Bisco). Three transverse sections (3 mm) were obtained, being one from each study region (cervical, middle and apical). The degree of conversion of the dual cure resin cement was determined by a micro-Raman spectrometer. The data (%) were submitted to repeated-measures analysis of variance and Tukey's test (p<0.05).", 'For both groups, the degree of conversion means (%) (All bond 2cervical = 69.3; All bond 2middle = 55.1; All bond 2apical= 56; Xeno IIIcervical = 68.7; Xeno IIImiddle = 68.8; Xeno IIIapical = 54.3) were not significantly different along the post space regions (p<0.05).'] Do the adhesive system and root canal region influence the degree of conversion of dual resin cement? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8430801630020142,
-1.4897171258926392,
2.447556495666504
] |
['To assess the prevalence of insomnia symptoms, their associated factors and daytime symptoms in the general population of Sweden.', 'This is a cross-sectional postal survey performed in the general population of Sweden aged between 19 and 75 years (6 million inhabitants). A total of 1209 out of 1705 randomly selected participants from the National Register of the Total Population completed the questionnaire. The participation rate was 71.3%. Participants filled out a paper-pencil questionnaire composed of 157 items covering sociodemographic characteristics, sleeping habits and environment, sleep quality and sleep symptoms, and health status.', 'We found 32.1% (95% confidence interval: 29.5-34.8%) of the sample reported having difficulty initiating (DIS) or maintaining sleep (DMS) or non-restorative sleep accompanied with sufficient sleep (NRS) at least 4 nights per week: 6.3% of the sample had DIS, 14.5% had DMS and 18.0% had NRS. Results from logistic regressions showed that restless legs symptoms, breathing pauses during sleep and depressive or anxious mood were associated with DIS and DMS but not NRS. Living in an urban area (OR:2.0) and drinking alcohol daily (OR:4.6) were associated only with NRS. Daytime symptoms were reported by over 75% of subjects with insomnia symptoms. DIS, DMS and NRS were associated with daytime fatigue but not excessive sleepiness as measured by the Epworth scale. DIS was associated with the use of sleeping pills or natural sleeping aid compounds in multivariate models.'] Does prevalence and correlate of insomnia in the Swedish population aged 19-75 years? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6605981588363647,
-0.6528457999229431,
1.4066975116729736
] |
['The sequences of membrane-spanning domains (MSDs) on the gp41 subunit are highly conserved among many isolates of HIV-1. The GXXXG motif, a potential helix-helix interaction motif, and an arginine residue (rare in hydrophobic MSDs) are especially well conserved. These two conserved elements are expected to locate on the opposite sides of the MSD, if the MSD takes a α-helical secondary structure. A scanning alanine-insertion mutagenesis was performed to elucidate the structure-function relationship of gp41 MSD.', 'A circular dichroism analysis of a synthetic gp41 MSD peptide determined that the secondary structure of the gp41 MSD was α-helical. We then performed a scanning alanine-insertion mutagenesis of the entire gp41 MSD, progressively shifting the relative positions of MSD segments around the helix axis. Altering the position of Gly694, the last residue of the GXXXG motif, relative to Arg696 (the number indicates the position of the amino acid residues in HXB2 Env) around the axis resulted in defective fusion. These mutants showed impaired processing of the gp160 precursor into gp120 and gp41. Furthermore, these Env mutants manifested inefficient intracellular transport in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi regions. Indeed, a transplantation of the gp41 MSD portion into the transmembrane domain of another membrane protein, Tac, altered its intracellular distribution. Our data suggest that the intact MSD α-helix is critical in the intracellular trafficking of HIV-1 Env.'] Does the membrane-spanning domain of gp41 play a critical role in intracellular trafficking of the HIV envelope protein? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.385531187057495,
-1.1134283542633057,
2.575984001159668
] |
['To examine if preoperative microalbuminuria is associated with an increased risk of long-term adverse outcomes following elective cardiac surgery and if it provides additional prognostic information beyond the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE).', 'In a prospective follow-up study, we included 1049 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery from 1 April 2005 to 30 September 2007. Microalbuminuria (urine albumin/creatinine ratio between 2.5 and 25 mg mmol(-1)) was assessed preoperatively in a morning spot-urine sample. We used population-based medical registries for follow-up from day 31 until day 365 postoperatively, and compared all-cause death, myocardial infarction, cerebral stroke and a composite outcome of severe infections including septicaemia, deep or superficial sternal wound infection, or leg wound infection among patients with or without microalbuminuria using Cox proportional hazard and competing risk regressions.', 'Microalbuminuria was found in 175 (18.5%) out of 947 patients available for follow-up. The adjusted risks of all-cause death (adjusted hazard ratio 2.3 (95% confidence interval 1.1-4.9)), stroke (adjusted hazard ratio 2.9 (95% confidence interval 1.1-7.8)) and severe infection composite outcome (adjusted hazard ratio 2.4 (95% confidence interval 1.2-4.9)) were doubled to tripled in patients with preoperative microalbuminuria. The risk of myocardial infarction was not increased. Adding information on microalbuminuria improved the predictive accuracy of the EuroSCORE regarding mortality (areas under receiver operating characteristic curves were: for the EuroSCORE 0.73 (95% confidence interval 0.65-0.81) and for EuroSCORE+microalbuminuria 0.76 (95% confidence interval 0.68-0.83).'] Is microalbuminuria associated with high adverse event rate following cardiac surgery? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3746780157089233,
-1.6017707586288452,
1.9911410808563232
] |
['Tissue-specific markers are useful for identification of tumour type in advanced cancers of unknown origin. This study investigated the expression of glutamate decarboxylase 1 (GAD1) in prostate and control tissue compared with the established prostate-specific markers prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA).', 'A tissue microarray was constructed of 36 prostate adenocarcinomas, eight benign prostate samples and benign and malignant control tissues from urinary bladder, lung and rectum. Immunohistochemistry for GAD1, PSA and PSMA was performed. The products of staining intensity and extent were analysed. The GAD1 antibody was validated by Western blot. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed on malignant and benign samples from each tissue type.', 'GAD1 and PSA immunostains were significantly stronger in malignant and benign prostatic tissue than in controls. PSMA was stronger in prostate cancer than in urothelial and rectal cancer but had a lower specificity than GAD1 and PSA. GAD1 expression decreased with increasing Gleason score. RT-PCR confirmed the presence of mRNA for GAD1, PSA and PSMA in prostate samples.'] Is gAD1 a biomarker for benign and malignant prostatic tissue? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.31461238861084,
-1.3625514507293701,
2.7843222618103027
] |
['Eccentric contractions induce muscle fiber damage that is associated with delayed-onset muscle soreness and an impaired ability of the muscle to generate voluntary force. Pain and pathophysiological changes within the damaged muscle can delay or inhibit neuromuscular responses at the injured site, which is expected to have an effect on reflex activity of the muscle.', 'The aim of the study was to investigate the reflex activity of knee muscles to rapid destabilizing perturbations, before, immediately after, and 24 and 48 h after eccentric exercise.', 'Bipolar surface EMG signals were recorded from 10 healthy men with seven pairs of electrodes located on the knee extensor muscles (vastus medialis, rectus femoris, and vastus lateralis) and knee flexor muscles (the medial and lateral heads of the hamstring and the medial and lateral heads of gastrocnemius) of the right leg during rapid perturbations.', 'The maximal voluntary contraction force decreased by 24% ± 4.9% immediately after exercise and remained reduced by 21.4% ± 4.1% at 24 h and by 21.6% ± 9.9% at 48 h after exercise with respect to baseline. During the postexercise postural perturbations, the EMG average rectified value of the knee extensor muscles was significantly lower than baseline (P < 0.001). Moreover, the decrease in average rectified value over time during postexercise sustained contractions was greatest compared with the session before exercise (P < 0.0001).'] Does delayed-onset muscle soreness alter the response to postural perturbations? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5874570608139038,
-1.3101119995117188,
1.912191390991211
] |
['In patients with acute heart failure (HF) there is an inverse relation between blood pressure (BP) and mortality but the prognostic impact of the change in BP between admission and discharge is not known. The primary objective was to study the impact of the change in BP during a hospitalisation for acute HF on prognosis.', 'We studied 208 consecutive patients admitted with acute heart failure and discharged alive, age 77 ± 10 years, 49.5% women.', 'BP at admission was 145 ± 35/85 ± 9 mmHg compared to 132 ± 24/76 ± 13 mmHg at discharge. The average number of BP lowering medications at admission and discharge was 2.1 ± 1.2 and 2.8 ± 1.0 respectively. The average number of BP lowering medications with dose increased at discharge compared to admission was 0.3 ± 0.5. Univariate predictors of all-cause mortality at 12 and/or 40 months were admission SBP and DBP, discharge DBP, decrease in SBP and DBP during hospitalisation, age, eGFR, number of added BP-lowering medications during the hospitalisation and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Multivariate predictors at 12 and/or 40 month were admission DBP, decrease in DBP, age, eGFR, LVEF and number of new BP-lowering medications added during the hospitalisation.'] Does change in blood pressure during hospitalisation for acute heart failure predict mortality? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.381308376789093,
-1.1237576007843018,
0.7256461381912231
] |
['Compared with a wealth of information regarding coral-reef recovery patterns following major disturbances, less insight exists to explain the cause(s) of spatial variation in the recovery process.', "This study quantifies the influence of herbivory and water quality upon coral reef assemblages through space and time in Tutuila, American Samoa, a Pacific high island. Widespread declines in dominant corals (Acropora and Montipora) resulted from cyclone Heta at the end of 2003, shortly after the study began. Four sites that initially had similar coral reef assemblages but differential temporal dynamics four years following the disturbance event were classified by standardized measures of 'recovery status', defined by rates of change in ecological measures that are known to be sensitive to localized stressors. Status was best predicted, interactively, by water quality and herbivory. Expanding upon temporal trends, this study examined if similar dependencies existed through space; building multiple regression models to identify linkages between similar status measures and local stressors for 17 localities around Tutuila. The results highlighted consistent, interactive interdependencies for coral reef assemblages residing upon two unique geological reef types. Finally, the predictive regression models produced at the island scale were graphically interpreted with respect to hypothesized site-specific recovery thresholds."] Do water quality and herbivory interactively drive coral-reef recovery patterns in American Samoa? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-1.9963666200637817,
1.1938121318817139,
0.10257456451654434
] |
['In comparison to the comprehensive analyses performed on virulence gene expression, regulation and action, the intracellular metabolism of Salmonella during infection is a relatively under-studied area. We investigated the role of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle in the intracellular replication of Salmonella Typhimurium in resting and activated macrophages, epithelial cells, and during infection of mice.', 'We constructed deletion mutations of 5 TCA cycle genes in S. Typhimurium including gltA, mdh, sdhCDAB, sucAB, and sucCD. We found that the mutants exhibited increased net intracellular replication in resting and activated murine macrophages compared to the wild-type. In contrast, an epithelial cell infection model showed that the S. Typhimurium ΔsucCD and ΔgltA strains had reduced net intracellular replication compared to the wild-type. The glyoxylate shunt was not responsible for the net increased replication of the TCA cycle mutants within resting macrophages. We also confirmed that, in a murine infection model, the S. Typhimurium ΔsucAB and ΔsucCD strains are attenuated for virulence.'] Does an incomplete TCA cycle increase survival of Salmonella Typhimurium during infection of resting and activated murine macrophages? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.541053056716919,
-0.9897407293319702,
2.5243895053863525
] |
['Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) contribute to increased morbidity, mortality, length of stay, and excessive cost of care.', 'This study was an observational cohort study using historical controls in the setting of a 9-bed surgical intensive care unit in a Level I trauma center; all patients admitted or transferred into the unit were enrolled in the study.', 'A quality improvement intervention protocol was instituted to reduce CLABSI incidence with a 3-month effectiveness study using 2% chlorhexidine gluconate-impregnated cloths for daily patient bathing; education of surgical intensive care unit staff on changes to CLABSI prevention protocol and all existing CLABSI prevention policies and bundles already in place; and compliance monitoring and documentation.', 'The 3-month effectiveness study showed a decrease in CLABSI rates from 12.07 CLABSIs per 1000 central line-days to 3.17 CLABSIs per 1000 central line-days (73.7% rate reduction; P = .0358).'] Does daily chlorohexidine gluconate bathing with impregnated cloths result in statistically significant reduction in central line-associated bloodstream infections? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3265421390533447,
-1.1194820404052734,
2.5665526390075684
] |
["Cigarette smoking is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke. To date, a useful and convenient method of predicting such events in smokers has not been established. The rheological properties of blood assessed by the microchannel method reflect the blood's viscosity and the state of microthrombus formation, which may predict cardiovascular thrombotic events.", "Blood fluidity was assessed in 74 smoking patients (54 men, 20 women, mean age 57.9 years) by measuring the blood passage time (BPT) in an aliquot (100 µl) of blood using the Micro Channel Array Flow Analyzer. BPT was significantly related with smoking variables such as daily consumption of tobacco (r = 0.236, P = 0.044), Brinkman's index (r = 0.252, P = 0.033), the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (r = 0.257, P = 0.029), and the score of a self-rating depression scale (r = 0.236, P < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that an independent BPT determinant was daily consumption of tobacco (r = 0.326, P = 0.045). Furthermore, smoking cessation markedly decreased BPT from 63.0 s to 49.7 s (P = 0.002) at 3 months after the start of therapy."] Is high blood viscosity closely associated with cigarette smoking and markedly reduced by smoking cessation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0398507118225098,
-1.312333345413208,
2.4625229835510254
] |
['Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) effectiveness in major depression has so far been studied mainly with high-frequency (>1 Hz) administration (HF-TMS). However, some available studies with low-frequency TMS (LF-TMS) have provided similar response rates to HF-TMS with better tolerance, but the evidence is mixed and controversial.', 'Randomized, controlled, two arm, clinical trial. 34 Major Depression patients were randomly assigned to receive 20 sessions of real or sham TMS of the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex as adjuvant treatment to pharmacotherapy. The main stimulation parameters were 20 trains at 110% of the motor threshold for 60 s at a frequency of 1 Hz. Blinded external evaluators administered the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.', 'Both treatment groups significantly improved, although there were no statistical differences between them. In the real TMS group patients age inversely correlated with improvement of depressive symptoms at the end of the study (r=-0683 p=0.002). The percentage of decrease in scores on the Hamilton Scale was greater in subjects younger than 45 years old vs. others (41.3 +/- 22.6 vs. 15.1 +/- 15.8; t=2.8 df=16, p=0.011). These real TMS subgroups did not differ significantly in their history of previous depressive disorders, or in the refractoriness indicators of the current episode.'] Does age predict low-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation efficacy in major depression? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.95034921169281,
-1.3392080068588257,
2.3113760948181152
] |
['Prospective observational study.', 'To investigate the potential association between fibrinogen, bleeding, and transfusion requirements after scoliosis surgery.', 'Bleeding complications during and after orthopedic surgery are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Early identification of patients with increased risk of excessive bleeding offers the possibility to initiate countermeasures. Fibrinogen is a key protein in the coagulation cascade, and thus a potential biomarker for bleeding risk.', 'A total of 82 otherwise healthy patients (mean age: 15 ± 3 years, 85% girls) undergoing surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were included in the study. Patient variables (age, gender, operation time, and thrombosis prophylaxis), preoperative laboratory variables (hemoglobin, platelet count, activated partial thromboplastin time [aPTT], prothrombin time [PT], and fibrinogen), peroperative and postoperative bleeding volume, and transfusions were registered. Correlations between laboratory variables and bleeding volume were calculated with Pearson test. Patient variables and laboratory variables were compared with Student t test between patients with bleeding volume in the upper quartile ("bleeders") and the remaining patients, and between patients with extensive transfusion (defined as >2 U of packed red cells) and no or limited transfusions (≤ 2 U).', 'Mean fibrinogen concentration was 3.0 ± 0.7 g/L (range, 1.3- 4.9). Mean total perioperative bleeding volume was 1552 ± 1019 mL (range, 100-5800 mL). Total bleeding volume correlated significantly with preoperative fibrinogen concentration (r = -0.31, P = 0.005) but neither with platelet count, aPTT, nor PT (P = 0.61, 0.46, and 0.57, respectively). Bleeders had significantly lower preoperative fibrinogen plasma concentration (2.6 ± 0.6 vs. 3.1 ± 0.6 g/L, P = 0.002). Of total, 16% (13/82) of the patients were transfused with >2 U of packed red cells. Patients with extensive transfusions had significantly lower preoperative fibrinogen plasma concentration (2.5 ± 0.7 vs. 3.1 ± 0.6 g/L, P = 0.002), while preoperative platelet count, aPTT, and PT did not differ.'] Is preoperative fibrinogen plasma concentration associated with perioperative bleeding and transfusion requirements in scoliosis surgery? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3674949407577515,
-1.6781983375549316,
2.011795997619629
] |
['Weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is associated with reductions in health status and quality of life. We evaluated whether gastrojejunal stoma diameter is a risk factor for weight regain after RYGB.', 'We examined data collected over 4 years from consecutive patients referred to a tertiary care bariatric center for upper endoscopy after RYGB. We used linear regression analysis to determine the association between the gastrojejunal stoma diameter and weight regain. We applied a logistic regression model using clinical and endoscopic parameters to develop a prediction rule for weight gain after RYGB.', 'Among 165 patients included in our study, 59% had significant weight regain (≥ 20% of maximum weight lost after the RYGB) and 41% did not. The mean percentage of maximal weight lost after RYGB that was regained in the entire cohort was 30% ± 22%. Gastrojejunal stoma diameter was associated significantly with weight regain after RYGB surgery in univariate analysis (β = .31, P < .0001). This association remained significant after adjusting for several known or purported risk factors for weight regain (β = .19, P = .003). We developed a simple prediction rule for weight regain after RYGB using a 7-point scoring system that includes the gastrojejunal stoma diameter, race, and percentage of maximal body weight lost after RYGB; a cut-off score of 4 or more points had an area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.76 and a positive predictive value of 75%.'] Does gastrojejunal stoma diameter predict weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2679959535598755,
-1.6348309516906738,
1.8942281007766724
] |
['We assessed 636 epileptic spasms seen in 11 children (median 44 spasms per child) and determined the spatial and temporal characteristics of ictal high-frequency oscillations (HFOs) in relation to the onset of spasms.', "Electrocorticography (ECoG) signals were sampled from 104-148 cortical sites per child, and the dynamic changes of ictal HFOs were animated on each individual's three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance (MR) image surface.", 'Visual assessment of ictal ECoG recordings revealed that each spasm event was characterized by augmentation of HFOs. Time-frequency analysis demonstrated that ictal augmentation of HFOs at 80-200 Hz was most prominent and generally preceded those at 210-300 Hz and at 70 Hz and slower. Recruitment of HFOs in the rolandic cortex preceded the clinical onset objectively visualized as electromyographic deflection. The presence or absence of ictal motor symptoms was related more to the amplitude of HFOs in the Rolandic cortex than in the seizure-onset zone. In a substantial proportion of epileptic spasms, seizure termination began at the seizure-onset zone and propagated to the surrounding areas; we referred to this observation as the "ictal doughnut phenomenon." Univariate analysis suggested that complete resection of the sites showing the earliest augmentation of ictal HFOs was associated with a good surgical outcome.'] Do statistical mapping of ictal high-frequency oscillations in epileptic spasms? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.37280535697937,
-1.0995423793792725,
2.598054885864258
] |
['Blockade of T cell costimulatory molecules represents a promising new method of attenuating donor-reactive T cell responses to promote graft survival following transplantation. However, recent studies in murine models have shown the presence of an initial high frequency of naïve donor-reactive T cells may render this strategy ineffective.', 'In this report, we examined the phenotypic changes associated with CD28 blockade on T cells stimulated at increasing precursor frequencies in vitro.', 'We found that treatment with the CD28 blocker CTLA-4 Ig resulted in downregulation of the alpha chain of the IL-2 receptor (CD25) in a division-dependent manner. Significantly, blockade of the CD28 pathway was more effective in down-regulating CD25 when the donor-reactive T cell population was present at low as compared to high precursor frequency.'] Does cD28 blockade induce division-dependent downregulation of interleukin-2 receptor alpha? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5208680629730225,
-1.1038155555725098,
2.6447207927703857
] |
['The therapeutic ratio for ionising radiation treatment of tumour is a trade-off between normal tissue side-effects and tumour control. Application of a radioprotector to normal tissue can reduce side-effects. Here we study the effects of a new radioprotector on the cellular response to radiation. Methylproamine is a DNA-binding radioprotector which, on the basis of published pulse radiolysis studies, acts by repair of transient radiation-induced oxidative species on DNA. To substantiate this hypothesis, we studied protection by methylproamine at both clonogenic survival and radiation-induced DNA damage, assessed by γH2AX (histone 2AX phosphorylation at serine 139) focus formation endpoints.', 'The human keratinocyte cell line FEP1811 was used to study clonogenic survival and yield of γH2AX foci following irradiation (¹³⁷Cs γ-rays) of cells exposed to various concentrations of methylproamine. Uptake of methylproamine into cell nuclei was measured in parallel.', 'The extent of radioprotection at the clonogenic survival endpoint increased with methylproamine concentration up to a maximum dose modification factor (DMF) of 2.0 at 10 μM. At least 0.1 fmole/nucleus of methylproamine is required to achieve a substantial level of radioprotection (DMF of 1.3) with maximum protection (DMF of 2.0) achieved at 0.23 fmole/nucleus. The γH2AX focus yield per cell nucleus 45 min after irradiation decreased with drug concentration with a DMF of 2.5 at 10 μM.'] Does protection by methylproamine of irradiated human keratinocytes correlate with reduction of DNA damage? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.103170156478882,
-1.473740577697754,
2.6402080059051514
] |
['Tenosynovitis is common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but knowledge is limited regarding its response to anti-inflammatory treatment. This study used ultrasonography (US) to examine the distribution and responsiveness of tenosynovitis to anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) treatment in RA patients.', 'Twenty patients with RA were examined at baseline and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after starting adalimumab treatment, and grey-scale (GS) and power Doppler (PD) US scoring (semi-quantitative range 0-3) of wrist and ankle tendons was performed in addition to assessment of the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28), C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).', 'The extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon in the wrists and the closely related tendons tibialis posterior (TB) and flexor digitorum longus (FDL) in the ankles were most often inflamed. Median sum scores for this reduced number of tendons at baseline/12-month follow-up were 5/0.5 for GS (p < 0.001) and 4/0 for PD (p < 0.05), with reductions in the US scores during follow-up as large as those found for sum scores of all tendons. The standardized response means (SRMs) for sum GS or PD scores of the reduced number of tendons were higher (range -0.53 to -0.93) than for the sum scores of all tendons (-0.23 to -0.74), and showed larger responsiveness than CRP (-0.10 to -0.43) and ESR (-0.03 to -0.71).'] Does ultrasonography show significant improvement in wrist and ankle tenosynovitis in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with adalimumab? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6192606687545776,
-1.6622319221496582,
2.2456464767456055
] |
['Children and adolescents, family history positive (FH+) for alcoholism, exhibit differences in brain structure and functional activation when compared to family history negative (FH-) counterparts. Given that frontal brain regions, and associated reciprocal connections with limbic structures, undergo the most dramatic maturational changes during adolescence, the objective of this study was to compare functional brain activation during a frontally mediated test of response inhibition in 32 adolescents separated into low-risk (FH-) and high-risk (FH+) groups.', 'Functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) blood oxygen level-dependent data were acquired at 1.5 Tesla during performance of Stroop Color Naming, Word Reading, and Interference. Preprocessing and statistical analyses, covaried for age, were conducted in SPM99 using a search territory that included superior, middle, and inferior frontal gyri (trigone region), anterior cingulate gyrus (CG), and left and right amygdala.', 'Significantly greater activation in the fronto-limbic search territory was observed in FH+ relative to FH- subjects during Stroop Interference. In addition, a significant regression between brain activation and family history density was observed, with a greater density being associated with increased activation in regions including middle frontal gyrus (BA9) and CG (BA24).'] Do adolescents at risk for alcohol abuse demonstrate altered frontal lobe activation during Stroop performance? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4180967807769775,
-0.9447453022003174,
2.436174154281616
] |
['c-Myb is expressed at high levels in immature progenitors of all the hematopoietic lineages. It is associated with the regulation of proliferation, differentiation and survival of erythroid, myeloid and lymphoid cells, but decreases during the terminal differentiation to mature blood cells. The cellular level of c-Myb is controlled by not only transcriptional regulation but also ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis. We recently reported that mouse c-Myb protein is controlled by ubiquitin-dependent degradation by SCF-Fbw7 E3 ligase via glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3)-mediated phosphorylation of Thr-572 in a Cdc4 phosphodegron (CPD)-dependent manner. However, this critical threonine residue is not conserved in human c-Myb. In this study, we investigated whether GSK3 is involved in the regulatory mechanism for human c-Myb expression.', 'Human c-Myb was degraded by ubiquitin-dependent degradation via SCF-Fbw7. Human Fbw7 ubiquitylated not only human c-Myb but also mouse c-Myb, whereas mouse Fbw7 ubiquitylated mouse c-Myb but not human c-Myb. Human Fbw7 mutants with mutations of arginine residues important for recognition of the CPD still ubiquitylated human c-Myb. These data strongly suggest that human Fbw7 ubiquitylates human c-Myb in a CPD-independent manner. Mutations of the putative GSK3 phosphorylation sites in human c-Myb did not affect the Fbw7-dependent ubiquitylation of human c-Myb. Neither chemical inhibitors nor a siRNA for GSK3β affected the stability of human c-Myb. However, depletion of GSK3β upregulated the transcription of human c-Myb, resulting in transcriptional suppression of γ-globin, one of the c-Myb target genes.'] Does gSK3 regulate the expressions of human and mouse c-Myb via different mechanisms? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2617361545562744,
-1.1287586688995361,
2.3489136695861816
] |
['Apolipophorin-III (ApoLp-III) is known to play an important role in lipid transport and innate immunity in lepidopteran insects. However, there is no evidence of involvement of ApoLp-IIIs in the immune responses of dipteran insects such as Drosophila and mosquitoes.', 'We report the molecular and functional characterization of An. gambiae apolipophorin-III (AgApoLp-III). Mosquito ApoLp-IIIs have diverged extensively from those of lepidopteran insects; however, the predicted tertiary structure of AgApoLp-III is similar to that of Manduca sexta (tobacco hornworm). We found that AgApoLp-III mRNA expression is strongly induced in the midgut of An. gambiae (G3 strain) mosquitoes in response to Plasmodium berghei infection. Furthermore, immunofluorescence stainings revealed that high levels of AgApoLp-III protein accumulate in the cytoplasm of Plasmodium-invaded cells and AgApoLp-III silencing increases the intensity of P. berghei infection by five fold.'] Does apolipophorin-III mediate antiplasmodial epithelial responses in Anopheles gambiae ( G3 ) mosquitoes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5582597255706787,
-0.9697291254997253,
2.5589373111724854
] |
['We recently reported that obese and non-obese patients with asthma have similar airflow limitation and bronchodilator responsiveness, but obese patients have more symptoms overall. There is limited information on the effect of obesity on asthmatics of varying severity measured by objective physiological parameters. Understanding how obesity affects asthmatics of differing severity can provide insights into the pathogenesis of asthma in the obese and a rationale for the therapeutic approach to such patients.', 'Participants with asthma from two American Lung Association--Asthma Clinical Research Center (ALA-ACRC) studies were grouped by tertiles of airflow obstruction (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)%) predicted, FEV(1)/forced vital capacity (FVC)) and methacholine reactivity (PC(20)FEV(1)). Within each tertile, we examined the independent effect of body mass index (BMI), divided into normal weight, overweight, and obese categories, on lung function, airway reactivity, and symptoms.', 'Overall, both FEV(1) and FVC decreased and symptoms worsened with increasing BMI; airway reactivity was unchanged. When stratified by the degree of airflow obstruction, higher BMI was not associated with greater airway reactivity to methacholine. Higher BMI was associated with more asthma symptoms only in the least obstructed FEV(1)/FVC tertile. When stratified by degree of airway reactivity, BMI was inversely associated with FVC in all PC(20)FEV(1) tertiles. BMI was directly associated with asthma symptoms only in those with the least airway reactivity.'] Is effect of obesity on asthma phenotype dependent upon asthma severity? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0790791511535645,
-1.2329145669937134,
2.370396137237549
] |
['Resistance to broad-spectrum antibiotics by gram-negative organisms is increasing. Resistance demands more resource utilization and is associated with patient morbidity and death. We describe the implementation of infection reduction protocols, including antibiotic stewardship, and assess their impact on multi-drug-resistant (MDR) healthcare-acquired gram-negative infections.', 'Combined infection reduction and antibiotic stewardship protocols were implemented in the surgical and trauma intensive care units at Vanderbilt University Hospital beginning in 2002. The components of the program were: (1) Protocol-specific empiric and therapeutic antibiotics for healthcare-acquired infections; (2) surgical antibiotic prophylaxis protocols; and (3) quarterly rotation/limitation of dual antibiotic classes. Continuous healthcare-acquired infection surveillance was conducted by independent practitioners using National Heath Safety Network criteria. Linear regression analysis was used to estimate trends in MDR gram-negative healthcare-acquired infections.', 'A total of 1,794 gram-negative pathogens were isolated from healthcare-acquired infections during the eight-year observation period. The proportion of healthcare-acquired infections caused by MDR gram-negative pathogens decreased from 37.4% (2001) to 8.5% (2008), whereas the proportion of healthcare-acquired infections caused by pan-sensitive pathogens increased from 34.1% to 53.2%. The rate of total healthcare-associated infections per 1,000 patient-days that were caused by MDR gram-negative pathogens declined by -0.78 per year (95% confidence interval [CI] -1.28, -0.27). The observed rate of healthcare-acquired infections per 1,000 patient days attributable to specific MDR gram-negative pathogens decreased over time: Pseudomonas -0.14 per year (95% CI -0.20, -0.08), Acinetobacter-0.49 per year (95% CI -0.77, -0.22), and Enterobacteriaceae -0.14 per year (95% CI -0.26, -0.03).'] Are infection reduction strategies including antibiotic stewardship protocols in surgical and trauma intensive care units associated with reduced resistant gram-negative healthcare-associated infections? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8134914636611938,
-1.248132348060608,
2.101365089416504
] |
['Uterine leiomyomas occur in 30-70% of reproductive-age women. Leiomyoma reduce implantation, increase miscarriage risk, and increase menstrual bleeding. We hypothesized that endometrial defects induced by leiomyoma result in menorrhagia and reproductive dysfunction.', 'We evaluated the effect of leiomyoma on endometrial gene expression essential for implantation and hemostasis both in vivo and in primary endometrial stromal cells (ESC).', 'We conducted a case control and in vitro study at a university medical center.', 'The study included 24 subjects with or without leiomyoma. INTERVENTION/MAIN OUTCOME MEASURED: Endometrium, myometrium, leiomyoma, and ESC were obtained. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate TGF-β3, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptors (BMPRs), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), and thrombomodulin in vivo. BMP-2 secretion was assessed by ELISA. ESC were treated with recombinant human (rh) BMP-2 or rhTGF-β3. Expression of HOXA10, LIF, BMPRs, antithrombin III (ATIII), thrombomodulin, and PAI-1 was assessed by quantitative RT-PCR.', 'ESC from controls secreted more BMP-2 than those from women with leiomyoma. HOXA10 and LIF expression increased after rhBMP-2 treatment of normal but not leiomyoma-associated ESC. In vivo leiomyoma-associated endometrium expressed lower levels of BMPR 1A, 1B, and 2 than controls. Leiomyoma expressed high levels of TGF-β3; TGF-β3 treatment of ESC reduced expression of BMPRs. Similarly, leiomyoma-associated endometrium expressed less PAI-1 and thrombomodulin in vivo. In ESC, TGF-β3 reduced expression of PAI-1, ATIII, and thrombomodulin.'] Do leiomyoma simultaneously impair endometrial BMP-2-mediated decidualization and anticoagulant expression through secretion of TGF-β3? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2707149982452393,
-1.4774116277694702,
2.7428042888641357
] |
['To determine whether a home-based exercise program is able to increase functional capacity (FC) and reduce heart rate variability (HRV) in postmenopausal women with coronary heart disease.', 'Regular exercise training has been shown to improve both FC and HRV. However, those studies were conducted within institutional training programs, and few have included women.', "Thirty-two postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to either an experimental or control group with 16 participants in each group. Those in the experimental group underwent home-based exercise training, 3 times a week for 8 weeks. On the first and final week, each participant's HRV was measured, and their FC was evaluated using a 6-minute walking test.", 'After 8 weeks, the FC of those who had undergone the home-based exercise program showed a significant improvement compared with subjects in the control group (P = .001). The total power (ms2), high-frequency (ms2), and low-frequency (ms2) indexes of HRV were also significantly improved over control values.'] Does a home-based exercise program improve heart rate variability and functional capacity among postmenopausal women with coronary artery disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-0.7925331592559814,
0.6139205694198608,
-0.5982220768928528
] |
['This study assessed the value of C-reactive protein as a predictor of disease severity and response to infliximab therapy in patients with chronic pulmonary sarcoidosis.', "Sera were collected through week 52 from 138 patients with chronic pulmonary sarcoidosis who received placebo or infliximab in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. We evaluated the response to therapy by baseline CRP using a dichotomous cutpoint (0.8 mg/dL) for the change from baseline in percent-predicted forced vital capacity (FVC), Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), Borg's CR10 dyspnea score, and Physician Organ Assessment (POA).", "CRP was elevated in 36% of patients at baseline, and was significantly reduced by infliximab by week 2. Among patients with elevated baseline CRP, infliximab-treated patients improved significantly compared with placebo-treated patients in percent-predicted FVC (+2.5 versus -2.6%), 6MWD (+8.0 versus -34.1), Borg's CR10 dyspnea score (pre-6MWD -0.8 versus +0.9, post-6MWD -1.1 versus +0.8), and POA (-3.1 versus -0.3). Patients with lower CRP levels at baseline did not show significant differences between the placebo and infliximab groups in most endpoints evaluated."] Does c-reactive protein predict response to infliximab in patients with chronic sarcoidosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9231714010238647,
-1.4638749361038208,
2.3484253883361816
] |
['Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a frequent complication of diabetes mellitus. The efficacy of common ED therapies is low for diabetes-associated ED.', 'To explore the effects of transplantation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) on improving erectile function of streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.', "Male Sprague Dawley rats were injected either with STZ to induce diabetes or with citrate buffer as controls. Rat BM-MSCs were harvested and labeled with CM-DiI (Chloromethylbenzamido derivatives of 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate), and then transplanted into corporal cavernosum of STZ-induced diabetic rats. Four weeks after transplantation, all rats were analyzed for erectile function and penile histology.", 'Erectile function was evaluated by the ratio between intracavernous pressure (ICP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) during electrostimulation of cavernous nerve. Fate of transplanted BM-MSCs was identified using immunofluorescence staining. Smooth muscle and endothelium in corpora cavernosum were assessed using immunohistochemistry.', 'After BM-MSCs transplantation, the ICP/MAP ratio was increased significantly compared with diabetic controls. Content of smooth muscle and endothelium in corporal cavernosa of BM-MSCs transplanted rats was significantly increased compared to diabetic controls. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that CM-DiI-labeled BM-MSCs could stay in corporal cavernosa for at least 4 weeks and some of them expressed von Willebrand Factor, CD31, calponin, or α-smooth muscle actin, cells markers for endothelial cells or smooth muscle cells, respectively.'] Does intracavernous transplantation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells restore erectile function of streptozocin-induced diabetic rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3412599563598633,
-1.4658269882202148,
2.783970355987549
] |
["According to the DSM-IV-TR, the concept of taijin-kyofusho (fear of interpersonal relations) is both unique to East Asia and a culture-bound syndrome. In the indigenous diagnostic classification system in Japan, taijin-kyofusho consists of four subtypes, i.e. sekimen-kyofu (phobia of blushing), shubo-kyofu (phobia of a deformed face/body), jiko-shu-kyofu (phobia of one's own foul body odour), and jiko-shisen-kyofu (phobia of one's own glance). Each subtype except for phobia of one's own glance can be adequately assigned to a respective existing category in the DSM-IV-TR. The aim of the study was to introduce clinical features of phobia of one's own glance to western psychiatrists.", "Description of a series of cases with jiko-shisen-kyofu (phobia of one's own glance).", 'All of our cases shared the unique feature that they suffered from the preoccupation that their own glance was offensive to others, and as a result were socially withdrawn themselves.'] Is jiko-shisen-kyofu ( fear of one 's own glance ) , but not taijin-kyofusho ( fear of interpersonal relations ) , an east Asian culture-related specific syndrome? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.78882098197937,
-0.11886387318372726,
1.9395744800567627
] |
['The aim of this study was to analyze the cell-specific expression of E- and N-cadherin and β-catenin in developing human lung tissues from 12 to 40 weeks of gestation.', 'Forty-seven cases of developing human lung including pseudoglandular, canalicular, saccular and alveolar periods were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for E- and N-cadherin and β-catenin and twenty-one cases were also investigated by RT-PCR for E- and N-cadherin and β-catenin. For identifying the lung cells, the sections were also stained with antibodies against thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) and caveolin-1. Normal adult lung tissue was used as a control. E-cadherin was strongly expressed in epithelium of bronchi and large bronchioles from week 12 onwards and it was also positive in alveoli in pretype II cells and type II cells. N-cadherin was present in most of the epithelial cells of bronchi and the largest bronchioles during the pseudo-glandular and canalicular periods. N-cadherin was not detected in epithelium of developing alveoli. β-catenin was strongly membrane-bound and positively expressed in bronchial epithelium from week 12 to week 40; it showed nuclear positivity in both developing airway epithelium and in the cells underneath the epithelium during pseudo-glandular period and to a lesser degree also in the canalicular period. β-catenin was positive in pretype II cells as well as in type I and type II pneumocytes within alveoli. RT-PCR analyses revealed detectable amounts of RNAs of E- and N-cadherin and β-catenin in all cases studied. The amounts of RNAs were higher in early stages of gestation.'] Are epithelial N-cadherin and nuclear β-catenin up-regulated during early development of human lung? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.283705949783325,
-1.373263955116272,
2.7425570487976074
] |
['Substantial heterogeneity in HIV prevalence has been observed within sub-Saharan Africa. It is not clear which factors can explain these differences. Our aim was to identify risk factors that could explain the large differences in HIV-1 prevalence among pregnant women in Harare, Zimbabwe, and Moshi, Tanzania.', 'Cross-sectional data from a two-centre study that enrolled pregnant women in Harare (N = 691) and Moshi (N = 2654) was used. Consenting women were interviewed about their socio-demographic background and sexual behaviour, and tested for presence of sexually transmitted infections and reproductive tract infections. Prevalence distribution of risk factors for HIV acquisition and spread were compared between the two areas.', 'The prevalence of HIV-1 among pregnant women was 26% in Zimbabwe and 7% in Tanzania. The HIV prevalence in both countries rises constantly with age up to the 25-30 year age group. After that, it continues to rise among Zimbabwean women, while it drops for Tanzanian women. Risky sexual behaviour was more prominent among Tanzanians than Zimbabweans. Mobility and such infections as HSV-2, trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis were more prevalent among Zimbabweans than Tanzanians. Reported male partner circumcision rates between the two countries were widely different, but the effect of male circumcision on HIV prevalence was not apparent within the populations.'] Does sexual behaviour reflect HIV-1 prevalence differences : a comparison study of Zimbabwe and Tanzania? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-2.036318063735962,
2.652259349822998,
-1.0837242603302002
] |
['To investigate the prevalence of the genital mollicutes, Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), Mycoplasma hominis (MH), Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) and Ureaplasma parvum (UP), and their associations with cervicitis in a sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic population. Clinical correlates of MG infection were also assessed.', '527 women were enrolled in a cross-sectional study at two STI clinics in Sydney between June 2006 and January 2010. Genital mollicutes were detected by multiplex PCR testing of cervical swabs, and associations with cervicitis were analysed. Cervicitis was defined as >30 polymorphonuclear cells per high-power field in at least three non-adjacent fields of cervical mucus on Gram stain.', 'MG was found in 4.0% of women, MH in 17.1%, UU in 14.1%, and UP in 51.8%. MG was the only mollicute associated with cervicitis (unadjusted prevalence ratio (PR) 1.85, 95% CI 1.52 to 2.26, p<0.0001), and this association remained after adjustment for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection (adjusted PR 1.24 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.48), p=0.02). MG was significantly associated with women being HIV positive (p=0.03), but not with age, vaginal discharge, commercial sex work, being of culturally and linguistically diverse background, or concurrent CT infection. Two of the 21 women with MG had ectopic pregnancies.'] Is mycoplasma genitalium associated with cervicitis and HIV infection in an urban Australian STI clinic population? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3412400484085083,
-1.5573586225509644,
1.9151363372802734
] |
['We investigated the incidence, clinical predictors and prognostic value of worsening renal function (WRF) regarding 1-year mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).', "We collected in-hospital data from 447 patients hospitalized for AMI in our institute within 12h of symptoms' onset. WRF was defined as a 25% or more decrease in estimated glomerural filtration rate during hospital stay. From blood samples obtained on admission and throughout hospitalization hemoglobin, white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, B-type natriuretic peptide, plasma glucose, troponin I and baseline and peak creatinine levels were measured. Ejection fraction was calculated on admission with 2D echocardiography. All patients underwent coronary arteriography and the revascularization status (complete or not) was also recorded. The end point was all-cause mortality after one-year of follow-up.", 'WRF was detected in 63 pts (16.7%) and age, ejection fraction and white blood cell count emerged as the only independent predictors. The incidence of 1-year mortality was 10.7% (48 deaths). Patients with WRF exhibited higher 1-year mortality (37.5% vs. 6.3%, log rank p<0.001) and were characterized by more severe and less completely treated coronary artery disease, greater degree of myocardial necrosis and marked neurohormonal activation. By applying multivariate Cox regression analysis WRF, B-type natriuretic peptide, ejection fraction and admission diastolic blood pressure were identified as the only independent predictors of death.'] Is in-hospital worsening renal function an independent predictor of one-year mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.218463897705078,
-1.4295960664749146,
2.746738910675049
] |
['Rasgrf1 is imprinted in mouse, displaying paternal allele specific expression in neonatal brain. Paternal expression is accompanied by paternal-specific DNA methylation at a differentially methylated domain (DMD) within the locus. The cis-acting elements necessary for Rasgrf1 imprinting are known. A series of tandem DNA repeats control methylation of the adjacent DMD, which is a methylation sensitive enhancer-blocking element. These two sequences constitute a binary switch that controls imprinting and represents the Imprinting Control Region (ICR). One paternally transmitted mutation, which helped define the ICR, induced paramutation, in trans, on the maternal allele. Like many imprinted genes, Rasgrf1 lies within an imprinted cluster. One of four noncoding transcripts in the cluster, AK015891, is known to be imprinted.', 'Here we demonstrate that an additional noncoding RNA, AK029869, is imprinted and paternally expressed in brain throughout development. Intriguingly, any of several maternally inherited ICR mutations affected expression of the paternal AK029869 transcript in trans. Furthermore, we found that the ICR mutations exert different trans effects on AK029869 at different developmental times.'] Is a non-coding RNA within the Rasgrf1 locus in mouse imprinted and regulated by its homologous chromosome in trans? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2652039527893066,
-0.9773418307304382,
2.317944049835205
] |
['To study with MRI the hands of consecutive PMR patients, who were not selected on the basis of peripheral arthritis, with a correlation to clinical and laboratory findings.', 'Twenty-six hands of 15 PMR patients and 26 hands of 13 healthy controls were studied by extremity-dedicated MRI for the presence of synovitis, tenosynovitis, soft-tissue oedema, bone marrow oedema and erosions.', 'Sixteen (61.6%) of the 26 PMR hands and 4 (15.4%) of the 26 control hands showed tenosynovitis (P\u2009=\u20090.001). Extensor tendon tenosynovitis was seen in 9 (34.6%) of the 26 PMR hands, but in only 1 (3.8%) control hand (P\u2009=\u20090.002) and flexor tenosynovitis was seen in 12 (46.1%) of the 26 PMR hands and in 4 (15.4%) of the 26 control hands (P\u2009=\u20090.03). All other features were similar in the two groups.'] Is polymyalgia rheumatica associated with extensor tendon tenosynovitis but not with synovitis of the hands : a magnetic resonance imaging study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3748342990875244,
-1.2046796083450317,
2.708446979522705
] |
['To conduct a pilot study to evaluate the blood levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neuron specific enolase (NSE) and S-100B as prognostic markers for neurological outcome 6 months after hypothermia treatment following resuscitation from cardiac arrest.', 'Prospective observational study.', 'One intensive care unit at Uppsala University Hospital.', 'Thirty-one unconscious patients resuscitated after cardiac arrest.', 'None.', 'Unconscious patients after cardiac arrest with restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) were treated with mild hypothermia to 32-34°C for 26h. Time from cardiac arrest to target temperature was measured. Blood samples were collected at intervals of 1-108h after ROSC. Neurological outcome was assessed with Glasgow-Pittsburgh cerebral performance category (CPC) scale at discharge from intensive care and again 6 months later, when 15/31 patients were alive, of whom 14 had a good outcome (CPC 1-2). Among the predictive biomarkers, S-100B at 24h after ROSC was the best, predicting poor outcome (CPC 3-5) with a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 100%. NSE at 96h after ROSC predicted poor outcome, with sensitivity of 57% and specificity of 93%. BDNF and GFAP levels did not predict outcome. The time from cardiac arrest to target temperature was shorter for those with poor outcome.'] Is s-100B superior to NSE , BDNF and GFAP in predicting outcome of resuscitation from cardiac arrest with hypothermia treatment? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6484498977661133,
-1.563938856124878,
2.1970431804656982
] |
['The expression of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein survivin has been shown to be a significant prognostic indicator in various human cancers. The aim was to assess its expression and prognostic value in salivary gland adenocarcinoma and muco-epidermoid carcinoma.', "Survivin expression was analysed in 48 patients with parotid gland cancer (21 muco-epidermoid, 27 adenocarcinomas) by means of immunohistochemistry. The experimental findings were correlated with clinicopathological and survival parameters. A high cytoplasmic expression of survivin was found in 30% of the examined tumours without any significant correlation with the patients' clinicopathological characteristics (P > 0.05). Within all patients, the estimated overall survival rate of muco-epidermoid carcinomas was significantly better than that of adenocarcinomas (P = 0.013). A high cytoplasmic survivin expression significantly indicated a poor 5-year disease-free survival rate compared to patients with a low cytoplasmic survivin expression in the whole group (P = 0.001) and in adenocarcinomas (P = 0.004). In a multivariate analysis, a high cytoplasmic survivin expression was the only independent prognostic indicator for a significantly poorer 5-year disease-free survival rate (P = 0.001)."] Is cytoplasmic expression of survivin an independent predictor of poor prognosis in patients with salivary gland cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1240041255950928,
-1.4110784530639648,
2.543280839920044
] |
['Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is generally considered a restrictive procedure. However, studies with nuclear medicine techniques have demonstrated that gastric motility changes occur following LSG. These motility changes could represent complementary mechanisms of weight loss. Therefore, we analyzed the stomach motility before and after LSG by means of dynamic MRI.', 'In this prospective pilot study, five female patients with a mean BMI of 51.6 kg/m(2) underwent MRI 1 day before LSG and 6 days and 6 months after LSG. Dynamic steady-state free precession sequences were used to analyze the gastric motility after ingestion of 500 ml water with a temporal resolution of 0.86 s. Axial image stacks were also repeatedly acquired to determine the intragastric fluid volume over time.', 'Mean excess body mass index loss was 60.6% after 6 months. Dynamic analysis showed that antral propulsive peristalsis was preserved immediately after surgery and during follow-up, but fold speed increased significantly from 2.7 mm/s before LSG to 4.4 mm/s after 6 months. The sleeve itself remained without recognizable peristalsis in three patients and showed only uncoordinated or passive motion in two patients. Consequently, the fluid transport through the sleeve was markedly delayed, whereas the antrum showed accelerated propulsion with the emptying half-time decreasing from 16.5 min preoperatively to 7.9 min 6 months after surgery.'] Does time-resolved MRI after ingestion of liquids reveal motility changes after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy -- preliminary results? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3944361209869385,
-1.2575913667678833,
2.7390661239624023
] |
['Onychomycosis is multifactorial in origin. Studies have suggested an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance and human leukocyte antigen DR4 (HLA-DR4) has been shown to protect against onychomycosis in an Ashkenazi Jewish population.', 'This study investigates HLA class II association in a Mexican Mestizo population with Trichophyton rubrum onychomycosis.', 'This was a prospective case-control study. Mexican Mestizos with a clinical diagnosis of onychomycosis and culture positive for T. rubrum were recruited, together with age- and sex-matched controls. First-degree relatives were also investigated for onychomycosis. Case-control samples were HLA typed by polymerase chain reaction sequence-specific primer based analysis.', 'Twenty-one cases and 42 controls were recruited with a mean age of 40 years (range: 18-58 years). HLA-DR6 was found in seven (33%) cases and 19 (45%) controls [P < 0.023, odds ratio (OR) = 0.088, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.01-0.71]. Six (29%) cases and three (7%) controls had an affected child (P < 0.043, OR = 9.15, 95% CI: 1.07-78.31), and 13 (62%) cases and 12 (29%) controls had an affected first-degree relative (P < 0.02, OR = 4.0, 95% CI: 1.1-14.3).'] Does hLA-DR6 association confer increased resistance to T. rubrum onychomycosis in Mexican Mestizos? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6373755931854248,
-1.5799458026885986,
2.2206296920776367
] |
['Bacterial trigger possibly causes disease exacerbation in enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) patients. Microbes initiate immune responses through Toll-like receptors (TLRs). We studied TLR expression on blood and SF monocytes and the effect of TLR ligands on peripheral blood (PB) mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in ERA patients.', 'PB from 26 ERA patients and 19 healthy subjects and paired SF from 13 patients were collected. Dual-colour flow cytometry was done for TLR and CD14 expression. Results are expressed as median fluorescence intensity (MFI). Real-time PCR was done for TLRs. PBMCs were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or peptidoglycan and levels of IL-6 and MMP-3 measured in the culture supernatants.', "PBMCs from ERA patients had higher expression of TLR-2 [MFI 295.5 (48.1-598) vs 179 (68.7-442); P\u2009<\u20090.05] and TLR-4 [MFI 448 (178-2581) vs 402 (229-569); P\u2009<\u20090.05] as compared with controls. TLR-9 expression showed no significant difference between the two groups. In paired samples, SF mononuclear cells (SFMCs) had higher expression of both TLR-2 [MFI 485 (141-1683) vs 353 (118-598); P\u2009<\u20090.05] and TLR-4 [MFI 1016 (42.4-3159) vs 513 (193-2581); P\u2009<\u20090.05] as compared with PBMCs. Difference in TLR-9 expression was not significant. TLR RNA expression data were similar. Patients' PBMCs produced more IL-6 (13.51 vs 6.54\u2009ng/ml) and MMP-3 (61 vs 32.9\u2009ng/ml) as compared with those of the controls, on stimulation by LPS. With peptidoglycan also, IL-6 (30.58 vs 10.84) and MMP-3 (102.54 vs 49.45) were higher than in controls."] Is expression of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 increased in peripheral blood and synovial fluid monocytes of patients with enthesitis-related arthritis subtype of juvenile idiopathic arthritis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4423344135284424,
-1.6895220279693604,
2.0731077194213867
] |
['Motor recovery after stroke depends on the integrity of ipsilesional motor circuits and interactions between the ipsilesional and contralesional hemispheres. In this sham-controlled randomized trial, we investigated whether noninvasive modulation of regional excitability of bilateral motor cortices in combination with physical and occupational therapy improves motor outcome after stroke.', 'Twenty chronic stroke patients were randomly assigned to receive 5 consecutive sessions of either 1) bihemispheric transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) (anodal tDCS to upregulate excitability of ipsilesional motor cortex and cathodal tDCS to downregulate excitability of contralesional motor cortex) with simultaneous physical/occupational therapy or 2) sham stimulation with simultaneous physical/occupational therapy. Changes in motor impairment (Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer) and motor activity (Wolf Motor Function Test) assessments were outcome measures while functional imaging parameters were used to identify neural correlates of motor improvement.', 'The improvement of motor function was significantly greater in the real stimulation group (20.7% in Fugl-Meyer and 19.1% in Wolf Motor Function Test scores) when compared to the sham group (3.2% in Fugl-Meyer and 6.0% in Wolf Motor Function Test scores). The effects outlasted the stimulation by at least 1 week. In the real-stimulation group, stronger activation of intact ipsilesional motor regions during paced movements of the affected limb were found postintervention whereas no significant activation changes were seen in the control group.'] Does bihemispheric brain stimulation facilitate motor recovery in chronic stroke patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2974088191986084,
-1.2443671226501465,
2.598942756652832
] |
['To analyze, during two different moments of liver regeneration, the effect of the immunosuppressant Tacrolimus on the 70% hepatectomy model-induced liver regeneration in adult rats.', 'Forty Wistar adult rats, weighing 510.08 + 11.66 g were randomly divided into two groups, each group divided into two subgroups according to the death day after 70% hepatectomy . According to the group of study, rats received 0.1 mg/kg/day of Tacrolimus or the same volume of saline solution, by gavage. After three days of pre-therapy, all animals were submitted to 70% hepatectomy by resection of median and left lateral hepatic lobes which were weighed for posterior calculation of liver regeneration by Kwon\'s formula. Twenty four hours or seven days after hepatectomy ten rats of each group were killed; the remaining liver (regenerated) was entirely resected, weighed and sampled for mitotic index on hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemical assays with PCNA and Ki-67 markers. Data were statistically analyzed by Mann-Whitney or Student "t" tests, with significance level of 5% (p<0.05).', "Rats receiving tacrolimus showed statistically significant higher levels of liver regeneration when compared to placebo according to Kwon's formula, mitotic index and PCNA marker. Identical trend was found with Ki-67 marker, but without statistical significance."] Does [ Tacrolimus-based immunossuppresion favour liver regeneration induced by extent hepatectomy in rats ]? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9881243705749512,
-1.452183485031128,
2.532923698425293
] |
["To investigate whether maintaining the chondrocyte's native pericellular matrix prevents collagen-induced up-regulation of collagenase-3 (MMP-13) and whether integrin α1 (ITGα1) and/or discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) modulate MMP-13 expression and which signalling pathway plays a role in collagen-stimulated MMP-13 expression.", 'Goat articular chondrocytes and chondrons were cultured on collagen coatings. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) oligonucleotides targeted against ITGα1 and DDR2 were transfected into primary chondrocytes. Chemical inhibitors for mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK1) (PD98059), focal adhesion kinase (FAK) (FAK inhibitor 14), mitogen-activated protein kinase 8 (JNK) (SP600125) and protein kinase C (PKC) (PKC412), and a calcium chelator (BAPTA-AM) were used in cell cultures. Real-time PCR was performed to examine gene expression levels of MMP-13, ITGα1 and DDR2 and collagenolytic activity was determined by measuring the amount of hydroxyproline released in the culture medium.', "Maintaining the chondrocyte's native pericellular matrix prevented MMP-13 up-regulation and collagenolytic activity when the cells were cultured on a collagen coating. Silencing of ITGα1 and DDR2 reduced MMP-13 gene expression and collagenolytic activity by primary chondrocytes cultured on collagen. Incubation with the PKC inhibitor strongly reduced MMP-13 gene expression levels. Gene expression levels of MMP-13 were also decreased by chondrocytes incubated with the MEK, FAK or JNK inhibitor."] Is collagen-induced expression of collagenase-3 by primary chondrocytes mediated by integrin & alpha ; 1 and discoidin domain receptor 2 : a protein kinase C-dependent pathway? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.438382625579834,
-1.302722454071045,
2.785167694091797
] |
['Long pentraxin PTX3 is an inflammatory mediator and a component of the humoral arm of innate immunity. PTX3 expression is increased in animals with acute lung injury (ALI) and in patients with sepsis or acute respiratory distress syndrome and is considered to be a potential biomarker for these diseases. However, the role of PTX3 in the pathogenesis of ALI is not fully understood. We hypothesized that PTX3, as an important immune modulator, may determine the severity of ALI.', 'Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was intra-tracheally administrated to PTX3 knock-out (PTX3-KO) and wild-type (WT) mice. Lung injury, neutrophil infiltration, cell death, fibrin deposition, and tissue factor expression in the lung were determined. Local and systemic inflammatory responses were assessed by measuring cytokines in the lung and plasma.', 'LPS instillation induced ALI in both PTX3-KO and WT mice. Interestingly, PTX3 deficiency significantly increased the magnitude/extent of lung injury compared to that in WT mice. The severe lung injury was accompanied by elevated neutrophil infiltration, cell death, and fibrin deposition in the lung. PTX3 deficiency also enhanced LPS-induced tissue factor expression/activation in the lung and increased tumor necrosis factor-alpha and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels in the plasma.'] Does long pentraxin PTX3 deficiency worsen LPS-induced acute lung injury? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.444492816925049,
-1.2823280096054077,
2.7754392623901367
] |
['To investigate plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of pentraxin 3 (PTX3), a prototypic long pentraxin protein induced by proinflammatory signals, in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and its relation with SAH-associated vasospasm.', 'Serial plasma and CSF samples were collected from 38 consecutive SAH patients admitted to the Neurosurgical Intensive Care. PTX3 concentrations were analyzed in relation to clinical status and clinical vasospasm (defined as neuro-worsening and angiographic confirmation of vessel narrowing). Since neutrophils are an important source of preformed PTX3, myeloperoxidase (MPO) in CSF was measured to assess the correlation with CSF PTX3 and establish whether blood contamination was the determinant of PTX3 increase.', 'PTX3 was elevated in all SAH patients both in plasma and CSF. Acute peak (first 48 h after SAH) CSF PTX3 was significantly higher in patients who later developed vasospasm [median 13.6 (range 2.3-51.9) ng/ml] compared to those who did not [3.2 (0.1-50.5) ng/ml, p = 0.03]. The temporal pattern of CSF PTX3 in patients with vasospasm was triphasic with a peak during the first 48 h after SAH, a subsequent decrease in the following 48-96 h and a secondary significant increase with the occurrence of vasospasm. A loose correlation between CSF PTX3 and MPO was observed (r(2) = 0.13), indicating that following SAH there is a brain production of PTX3.'] Is cerebrospinal fluid pentraxin 3 early after subarachnoid hemorrhage associated with vasospasm? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0017192363739014,
-1.589461088180542,
2.565351724624634
] |
['Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is associated with natalizumab treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). It has been hypothesized that natalizumab mobilizes JC virus (JCV)-infected haematopoietic progenitor cells mediating viraemia and subsequently this disease.', 'The objective of this study was to investigate peripheral haematopoietic progenitor cells for evidence of JCV DNA in MS patients treated with natalizumab.', 'We assessed JCV and cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA in magnetically separated CD34+ haematopoietic progenitor cells, peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma of 67 natalizumab-treated patients with MS and six PML patients.', 'Viral DNA was not detectable in CD34+ haematopoietic progenitor or peripheral blood mononuclear cells from any sample. Two plasma samples from patients with MS while undergoing natalizumab treatment were JCV-positive. In one case clinically manifest PML developed 8 months thereafter.'] Do cD34+ progenitor cells mobilized by natalizumab are not a relevant reservoir for JC virus? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.319392681121826,
-1.4210879802703857,
2.7961678504943848
] |
['Various factors affect joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The influence of body mass index (BMI) is not adequately known. As BMI is potentially modifiable, we studied its influence on radiological joint damage in patients with RA.', 'Treatment-naive patients with early RA (< 24 mo) were included. Demographic data were collected along with swollen joint count (SJC), tender joint count (TJC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and IgM-rheumatoid factor (IgM-RF). Radiographs of hands and feet were obtained. BMI and Disease Activity Score for 28-joint count (DAS28-ESR) were calculated. Joint damage was assessed using the Simplified Erosions Narrowing Score (SENS).', 'A total of 101 patients were studied (81 women; mean age 41.91 ± 11.99 yrs). Mean disease duration was 10.77 ± 6.73 months; 55 patients (54.5%) were IgM-RF-positive. Mean BMI was 22.82 ± 4.66 kg/m(2) with 24 (23.8%) patients having low, 42 (41.6%) normal, and 35 (34.7%) high BMI. Mean SENS score was 16.81 ± 11.10; mean DAS28 was 6.23 ± 0.96. Significant correlation was noted between SENS and DAS28 (r = 0.28; p < 0.005). There was significant negative correlation between BMI and SENS (r = -0.509; p < 0.0005). In patients with low BMI, mean SENS (26.62 ± 13.45) was significantly higher than in patients with normal (15.88 ± 8.38; p < 0.001) and high BMI (11.20 ± 7.32; p < 0.001). Patients with normal BMI also had significantly higher SENS scores than those with high BMI (p < 0.05). One-way ANOVA did not reveal significant differences in DAS28 between groups. SENS was significantly higher in the IgM-RF-positive group (19.55 ± 11.36) than in the IgM-RF-negative group (13.54 ± 9.94; p < 0.01); DAS28 was not different between the 2 groups (6.22 ± 0.98 vs 6.26 ± 0.96, respectively). Within the 2 IgM-RF groups, a significant negative correlation was seen between BMI and SENS. Multiple regression analysis revealed RF, DAS28, and BMI were independently associated with SENS. BMI accounted for 23.04% of the variance in SENS independent of DAS28 and IgM-RF.'] Is low body mass index adversely associated with radiographic joint damage in Indian patients with early rheumatoid arthritis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.9201017022132874,
-1.7623425722122192,
1.659045934677124
] |
['Genetic components play important roles in the incidence and development of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Aminopeptidase regulator of tumor necrosis factor receptor shedding 1 (ERAP1) was recently found to be associated with AS in North American and British cohorts. We evaluated whether ERAP1 is associated with AS in a Chinese Han population.', "A sample of 50 patients and 50 healthy controls was recruited for preliminary screening for informative single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). Then 6 SNP of suggestive significance in the initial screening were followed up in a large sample of 471 patients with AS and 456 ethnically matched controls. Diagnosis of AS followed the 1984 modified New York criteria. Linkage disequilibrium coefficient (D' and r(2)) and haplotypes were estimated by Haploview. Result. Two SNP (rs27434, p = 0.00039, and rs27529, p = 0.0083) in ERAP1 other than that reported previously were found to be significantly associated with AS. Haplotype analysis using 5 SNP within 1 linkage disequilibrium block identified 2 risk haplotypes (GATGT and GACGT) and 1 protective haplotype (GGTGT) for AS."] Is eRAP1 associated with ankylosing spondylitis in Han Chinese? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8872140645980835,
-1.5196778774261475,
2.4492874145507812
] |
['Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a procedure with many complications that sometimes can be devastating. To give better advice to patients referred for PEG regarding risk of complications, important risk factors should be known.', 'To evaluate whether age, body mass index, albumin levels, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, indication for PEG, and comorbidity influence the risk of mortality or peristomal infection after PEG insertion.', 'Prospective cohort study from 2005 to 2009. Follow-up 14 days after PEG.', 'University hospital.', 'This study involved 484 patients referred for PEG.', 'PEG.', 'Mortality within 30 days and peristomal infection within 14 days after PEG insertion. All risk estimates were calculated with 95% CIs and adjusted for confounding.', 'Among 484 patients, 58 (12%) died within 30 days after PEG insertion. Albumin <30 g/L (hazard ratio [HR], 3.46; 95% CI, 1.75-6.88), CRP ≥10 (HR, 3.47; 95% CI, 1.68-7.18), age ≥65 years (HR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.20-4.25) and possibly body mass index <18.5 (HR, 2.04; 95% CI, 0.97-4.31) were associated with increased mortality. Patients with a combination of low albumin and high CRP levels had a mortality rate of 20.5% compared with 2.6% among patients with normal values, rendering an over 7-fold increased adjusted risk of mortality (HR, 7.45; 95% CI, 2.62-21.19).'] Do albumin and C-reactive protein levels predict short-term mortality after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in a prospective cohort study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7715736627578735,
-1.5344288349151611,
2.3330092430114746
] |
['Cardiomyocytes switch substrate utilization from fatty acid to glucose under ischemic conditions; however, it is unknown how perturbations in glycolytic enzymes affect cardiac response to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Hexokinase (HK)II is a HK isoform that is expressed in the heart and can bind to the mitochondrial outer membrane.', 'We sought to define how HKII and its binding to mitochondria play a role in cardiac response and remodeling after I/R.', 'We first showed that HKII levels and its binding to mitochondria are reduced 2 days after I/R. We then subjected the hearts of wild-type and heterozygote HKII knockout (HKII(+/)⁻) mice to I/R by coronary ligation. At baseline, HKII(+/)⁻ mice have normal cardiac function; however, they display lower systolic function after I/R compared to wild-type animals. The mechanism appears to be through an increase in cardiomyocyte death and fibrosis and a reduction in angiogenesis; the latter is through a decrease in hypoxia-inducible factor-dependent pathway signaling in cardiomyocytes. HKII mitochondrial binding is also critical for cardiomyocyte survival, because its displacement in tissue culture with a synthetic peptide increases cell death. Our results also suggest that HKII may be important for the remodeling of the viable cardiac tissue because its modulation in vitro alters cellular energy levels, O₂ consumption, and contractility.'] Does reduction in hexokinase II levels result in decreased cardiac function and altered remodeling after ischemia/reperfusion injury? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4189226627349854,
-1.2278598546981812,
2.708707094192505
] |
['α-Actinins cross-link actin filaments, with this cross-linking activity regulating the formation of focal adhesions, intracellular tension, and cell migration. Most non-muscle cells such as fibroblasts express two isoforms, α-actinin-1 (ACTN1) and α-actinin-4 (ACTN4). The high homology between these two isoforms would suggest redundancy of their function, but recent studies have suggested different regulatory roles. Interestingly, ACTN4 is phosphorylated upon growth factor stimulation, and this loosens its interaction with actin.', 'Using molecular, biochemical and cellular techniques, we probed the cellular functions of ACTN4 in fibroblasts. Knockdown of ACTN4 expression in murine lung fibroblasts significantly impaired cell migration, spreading, adhesion, and proliferation. Surprisingly, knockdown of ACTN4 enhanced cellular compaction and contraction force, and increased cellular and nuclear cross-sectional area. These results, except the increased contractility, are consistent with a putative role of ACTN4 in cytokinesis. For the transcellular tension, knockdown of ACTN4 significantly increased the expression of myosin light chain 2, a element of the contractility machinery. Re-expression of wild type human ACTN4 in ACTN4 knockdown murine lung fibroblasts reverted cell spreading, cellular and nuclear cross-sectional area, and contractility back towards baseline, demonstrating that the defect was due to absence of ACTN4.'] Is α-actinin-4 essential for maintaining the spreading , motility and contractility of fibroblasts? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.455073595046997,
-1.1288317441940308,
2.6366755962371826
] |
["Cancer stem cells are a chemotherapy-resistant population capable of self-renewal and of regenerating the bulk tumor, thereby causing relapse and patient death. Ewing's sarcoma, the second most common form of bone tumor in adolescents and young adults, follows a clinical pattern consistent with the Cancer Stem Cell model - remission is easily achieved, even for patients with metastatic disease, but relapse remains frequent and is usually fatal.", "We have isolated a subpopulation of Ewing's sarcoma cells, from both human cell lines and human xenografts grown in immune deficient mice, which express high aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH(high)) activity and are enriched for clonogenicity, sphere-formation, and tumor initiation. The ALDH(high) cells are resistant to chemotherapy in vitro, but this can be overcome by the ATP binding cassette transport protein inhibitor, verapamil. Importantly, these cells are not resistant to YK-4-279, a small molecule inhibitor of EWS-FLI1 that is selectively toxic to Ewing's sarcoma cells both in vitro and in vivo."] Does high ALDH activity identify chemotherapy-resistant Ewing 's sarcoma stem cells that retain sensitivity to EWS-FLI1 inhibition? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.6267831325531006,
-0.9129564166069031,
2.646357536315918
] |
['To evaluate the role of initial visual acuity (VA) as a potential prognostic factor for final VA in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).', 'A retrospective data analysis involving 163 patients with macular edema secondary to BRVO treated according to the recommendations of the Branch Vein Occlusion Study Group was performed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models, and receiver-operating characteristics analysis. The analyses take factors into account that can potentially influence final visual result: sex, age, type of occlusion (major temporal or macular), grid photocoagulation and ischemia.', 'The final VA ≤ 0.1 was statistically significantly related to initial VA ≤ 0.16 and age > 70 years. Sex, type of occlusion, grid photocoagulation and ischemia did not significantly influence the prediction of final VA based on age and initial VA.'] Is initial visual acuity an important prognostic factor in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3950488567352295,
-1.1565568447113037,
2.637979745864868
] |
['Delivery of current health care services focuses on interdisciplinary teams and greater involvement of health care providers such as nurses and pharmacists. This requires a change in role perception and acceptance, usually with some resistance to changes. There are few studies investigating the perceptions of general practitioners (GPs) towards community pharmacists increasing their participation in roles such as clinical medication reviews. There is an expectation that these roles may be perceived as crossing a clinical boundary between the work of the GP and that of a pharmacist.', 'Thirty-eight GPs who participated in the General Practitioner-Pharmacists Collaboration (GPPC) study in New Zealand were interviewed at the study conclusion. The GPPC study investigated outcomes of a community pharmacist undertaking a clinical medication review in collaboration with a GP, and potential barriers. The GPs were exposed to one of 20 study pharmacists. The semi-structured interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim then analysed using a general inductive thematic approach.', 'The GP balanced two themes, patient outcomes and resource utilisation, which determined the over-arching theme, value. This concept was a continuum, depending on the balance. Factors influencing the theme of patient outcomes included the clinical versus theoretical nature of the pharmacist recommendations. Factors influencing resource utilisation for general practice were primarily time and funding.'] Does general practitioner perceptions of clinical medication review undertaken by community pharmacists? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-2.6748335361480713,
1.6671411991119385,
0.2243935763835907
] |
['The purpose of this study was to clarify the role and clinical significance of metastasis associated in colon cancer 1 in resected stage I non-small cell lung cancers.', 'Tumor specimens were collected from 146 consecutive patients who underwent a complete resection for stage I lung adenocarcinoma from 1998 to 2007 at the University of Occupational and Environmental Health. We analyzed the expression of metastasis associated in colon cancer 1 mRNA of primary lung adenocarcinomas by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.', 'The average postoperative observation period was 49.4 months. Thirteen (8.9%) of 146 patients had recurrences after surgery. Overexpression of metastasis associated in colon cancer 1 mRNA was identified in 62 patients (42.5%). Metastasis associated in colon cancer 1 was overexpressed in 9 (69.2%) of 13 patients and 53 (39.9%) of 133 patients with and without recurrence, respectively (P = .004). The median metastasis associated in colon cancer 1 copy number was 3.0 and 1.4 in patients with and without tumor recurrence, respectively. Metastasis associated in colon cancer 1 overexpression was associated with poorer disease-free survival according to the survival analysis (P = .033).'] Is overexpression of MACC1 mRNA in lung adenocarcinoma associated with postoperative recurrence? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0320115089416504,
-1.2735097408294678,
2.318618059158325
] |
['Structural right atrial abnormalities have been described in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). However, little is known about electrocardiographic signs of atrial involvement in ARVC because no systematic studies have been conducted.', 'P-wave-triggered signal-averaged orthogonal electrocardiogram from 40 ARVC patients (46 ± 15 years, 16 females) was compared with recordings from age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects for assessment of P-wave duration and morphology. P-wave morphology was classified with regard to the P-wave polarity in leads X, Y, and Z.', 'P-wave duration was longer in patients (135 ± 18 vs 124 ± 12 milliseconds; P = .003). Two typical P-wave morphologies were identified in the controls: positive in X and Y and negative (45%) or biphasic (55%) in Z. In patients with ARVC , typical P waves were seen in only 60%, whereas 15 patients (37%) had atypical P-wave positive in all 3 leads (P < .0001). The presence of atypical P waves in the ARVC group was not associated with the presence of either structural or functional right ventricular abnormality.'] Is abnormal atrial activation common in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.217395782470703,
-1.3776164054870605,
2.656675338745117
] |
['To determine the impact of limitations in daily activities and pain on quality of life (QoL) in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) visiting a rheumatologist.', 'Patients diagnosed by the rheumatologist with primary hand, knee or hip OA were consecutively included from August 2005 to April 2009. QoL was assessed by Short Form-36, with the physical component summary score (PCS), calculated using data from a norm-based population. Self-reported pain and function in patients with hand OA was assessed by the Australian/Canadian OA hand index (AUSCAN) pain (range 0-20) and AUSCAN function (range 0-36). Linear regression analyses were performed to investigate associations between PCS and demographic characteristics, and between PCS and pain and function in patients with OA.', 'Hand OA was diagnosed in 95% of 460 included patients (89% women, mean age 61 years). PCS was lowered in patients with OA. Patients with hand OA reported a considerable amount of pain (mean 9.5 (SD 4.3)) and disability (mean 16.5 (SD 8.6)). AUSCAN function was associated with PCS (adjusted β=-0.3, 95% CI -0.4 to -0.2), but AUSCAN pain was not.'] Are limitations in daily activities the major determinant of reduced health-related quality of life in patients with hand osteoarthritis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.944158673286438,
-0.8485894203186035,
1.7828011512756348
] |
['FM is a condition that preferentially affects women. Sex hormones, and in particular oestrogens, have been shown to affect pain processing and pain sensitivity, and oestrogen deficit has been considered a potentially promoting factor for FM. However, the effects of oestrogen treatment in patients suffering from FM have not been studied. Here, we examined the effect of transdermal oestrogen substitution treatment on experimental as well as self-estimated pain in women suffering from FM.', 'Twenty-nine post-menopausal women were randomized to either 8 weeks of treatment with transdermal 17β-oestradiol (50\u2009µg/day) or placebo according to a double-blind protocol. A self-estimation of pain, a set of quantitative sensory tests measuring thresholds to temperature, thermal pain, cold pain and pressure pain, and a cold pressor test were performed on three occasions: before treatment, after 8 weeks of treatment and 20 weeks after cessation of treatment.', 'Hormonal replacement treatment significantly increased serum oestradiol levels as expected (P\u2009<\u20090.01). However, no differences in self-estimated pain were seen between treatment and placebo groups, nor were there any differences between the two groups regarding the results of the quantitative sensory tests or the cold pressor test at any of the examined time points.'] Does hormonal replacement therapy affect self-estimated pain or experimental pain responses in post-menopausal women suffering from fibromyalgia : a double-blind , randomized , placebo-controlled trial? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4033396244049072,
-1.1618459224700928,
2.603564500808716
] |
['The integrity of the blood brain barrier (BBB) after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) is controversial in children. We tested the hypothesis that the BBB is disrupted by HCA.', 'Forty-one piglets (mean weight 11 kg) were randomly allocated to acute and survival experiments. Five groups (25 piglets, 5 per group) underwent acute studies: anesthesia alone (control); CPB at 37°C with full-flow (FF); CPB at 25°C with very low flow (LF); HCA at 15°C, and HCA at 25°C. Two groups (16 piglets, 8 per group) underwent survival studies: CPB at 25°C with LF and HCA. In the acute studies, Evans blue dye (EBD) extravasation through the BBB into the brain was measured using two methods: EBD absorbance of homogenized brain, and immunohistochemical localization of EBD-linked albumin for cortex, caudate nucleus, thalamus, hippocampus, and cerebellum. In the survival studies, cerebral histology was assessed with hematoxylin-eosin stain after sacrifice at 4 days after surgery.', 'The BBB disruption was clearly observed around watershed areas for 25°C HCA compared with other conditions. Microscopic data showed that leakage of EBD in 25°C HCA was more severe than control in all brain areas (p < 0.05), and EBD and albumin were colocalizing. Histologic damage scores were significantly higher in watershed areas with 25°C HCA.'] Does hypothermic circulatory arrest increase permeability of the blood brain barrier in watershed areas? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.067060947418213,
-1.5406293869018555,
2.5609004497528076
] |
['Although herbs have long been alternatively applied for cancer treatment in China, its treatment effects and their potential mechanisms have not been sufficiently investigated. The chinese herb Spatholobus suberectus (SS) is commonly prescribed to cancer patients. In this study, the anti-cancer effect of SS and its molecular mechanisms have been investigated.', 'The effect of SS on cell proliferation was studied by cell growth assay and flow cytometry on breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and colon cancer cell line HT-29. The role of SS in apoptosis was studied by flow cytometry, DNA fragmentation assay and mitochondrial membrane potential assay. Expression of proteins associated with cell cycle and apoptosis was determined by Western blot analysis. The in vivo effect of SS was tested in nude mouse cancer xenografts.', 'Cell growth assay showed that SS effectively inhibits tumor cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometry analysis showed that SS could arrest the cell cycle at G2/M checkpoint, which is associated with DNA damage and activation of phosphor-Chk1/Chk2. The pro-apoptotic effect of SS was demonstrated by Annexin V-PI staining and mitochondrial membrane potential assay. In vivo experiments show that the efficiency of SS alone group was superior to docetaxel or to docetaxel and SS combined. No obvious body weight loss or blood toxicity was observed in SS tested animals.'] Does spatholobus suberectus inhibit cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis and arresting cell cycle at G2/M checkpoint? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4114701747894287,
-1.2763354778289795,
2.7616701126098633
] |
['The aim of this study was to investigate the association of long-term residential exposure to fine particles with carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT).', 'Experimental and epidemiological evidence suggest that long-term exposure to air pollution might have a causal role in atherogenesis, but epidemiological findings are still inconsistent. We investigate whether urban particulate matter (PM) air pollution is associated with CIMT, a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis.', 'We used baseline data (2000 to 2003) from the HNR (Heinz Nixdorf Recall) study, a population-based cohort of 4,814 participants, 45 to 75 years of age. We assessed residential long-term exposure to PM with a chemistry transport model and measured distance to high traffic. Multiple linear regression was used to estimate associations of air pollutants and traffic with CIMT, adjusting for each other, city of residence, age, sex, diabetes, and lifestyle variables.', 'Median CIMT of the 3,380 analyzed participants was 0.66 mm (interquartile range 0.16 mm). An interdecile range increase in PM(2.5) (4.2 μg/m(3)), PM(10) (6.7 μg/m(3)), and distance to high traffic (1,939 m) was associated with a 4.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.9% to 6.7%), 1.7% (95% CI: -0.7% to 4.1%), and 1.2% (95% CI: -0.2% to 2.6%) increase in CIMT, respectively.'] Is urban particulate matter air pollution associated with subclinical atherosclerosis : results from the HNR ( Heinz Nixdorf Recall ) study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2825286388397217,
-1.5355682373046875,
1.8261641263961792
] |
['This study was to assess the clinical relevance of the blood granulocytes to lymphocytes (G/L) ratio as an early marker of surgical stress in patients with colorectal cancer.', 'Thirty-three patients with colorectal cancer were prospectively to undergo laparoscopic-assisted (n=12) or open (n=21) surgical resection. Granulocyte and lymphocyte counts were used to calculate the G/L ratios in blood samples from all patients before the operation and post-operatively on days 1, 3 and 7. Additionally, serum inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and macrophage (M)-CSF were assayed as markers of surgical stress.', 'Seven of 33 patients developed unexpected complications. Serum IL-6 (P<0.0001), G-CSF (P=0.0257), and M-CSF (P<0.0001) were higher on day 1 vs before the operation. Similarly, the G/L ratios were higher on days 1-3 vs before the operation (P<0.0001) and then gradually decreased together with the surgical stress levels. The G/L ratios and the numbers of granulocytes and lymphocytes in the blood showed no correlation with serum IL-1β or TNF-α. In contrast, the G/L ratios and the numbers of granulocytes in the blood showed significant correlation with IL-6 (Rs=0.710, P<0.0001, Rs=0.653, P<0.0001, respectively), with G-CSF (Rs=0.626, P<0.0001, Rs=0.578, P<0.0001), with M-CSF (Rs=0.470, P<0.0001, Rs=0.372, P<0.0001). However, the number of lymphocytes showed inverse correlation with IL-6 (Rs=-0.493, P<0.0001), G-CSF (Rs=-0.440, P<0.0001) and M-SCF (Rs=-0.443, P<0.0001).'] Is the perioperative granulocyte/lymphocyte ratio a clinically relevant marker of surgical stress in patients with colorectal cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.183487892150879,
-1.679288387298584,
1.8301630020141602
] |
['Although international guidelines on pulmonary rehabilitation acknowledge that psychological factors contribute to exercise intolerance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the few empirical studies investigating this association have found inconsistent results.', "The purpose of this study is to investigate whether negative affect and beliefs about exercise of patients with COPD would be related to baseline 6-min walk (6-MW) test results in a pulmonary rehabilitation setting, after correction for physical variables (sex, age, height, weight, and lung function). A second aim was to examine whether patients' beliefs are associated with treatment outcomes, as measured by an improvement in 6-MW distance.", 'A 12-week pulmonary rehabilitation program was completed by 166 patients. Beliefs (perceived necessity and concerns) about exercise and negative affect were assessed by a questionnaire. Clinical data were obtained from medical records.', "Baseline 6-MW distance was positively related to younger age, male gender, better pulmonary function, and having fewer concerns about exercise. After rehabilitation, patients had increased their walk distance by 12% (32 m), on average. Baseline physiological and psychological variables were unrelated to patients' response to treatment (increase in walk distance). However, subgroup analysis showed that for patients with mild to moderate airflow obstruction, concerns about exercise were negatively related to response to treatment."] Are concerns about exercise related to walk test results in pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with COPD? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.193451166152954,
-0.1802896112203598,
1.4468271732330322
] |
['This study investigates the effect of the N-terminal region of a synthetic porcine ameloblastin peptide on the proliferation and differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells (PDLC).', "We used a cell counter to assess the effect of ameloblastin peptides on the proliferation of PDLC. To investigate the effect of ameloblastin peptides on the differentiation of PDLC, we examined quantitative analysis of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity by the Bessey-Lowry enzymological method, mineral nodule formation by Dahl's method, and expression of mineralization-related genes by RT-PCR. We used an anti-ameloblastin antibody to determine whether stimulation of ALP activity was caused by the peptide.", 'At all concentrations examined, the effect of the ameloblastin peptide on cell proliferation was not significantly different compared with the control. However, the peptide significantly stimulated ALP activity in a dose-dependent manner. ALP activity was significantly inhibited by an anti-ameloblastin antibody, which caused ALP levels to revert to their approximate levels in the untreated condition. At concentrations greater than 1ng/ml, the peptide promoted mineralized nodule formation of PDLC. And the peptide induced higher expressions of ALP and bone sialoprotein (BSP) than the control.'] Does synthetic ameloblastin peptide stimulate differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.432631254196167,
-1.2413125038146973,
2.7750649452209473
] |
['Stroke risk factors differ depending on the subtype of stroke; moreover, the distribution of risks is different among countries and races.', 'Mass health screening data were collected from the Akita Prefectural Federation of Agricultural Cooperative for Health and Welfare from 1991 to 1998. Cerebrovascular events were determined from the Akita stroke registry from 1991 to 2001. Then, clinical risk factors for stroke, such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus, were assessed in the different subtypes of stroke.', 'A total of 156,892 persons were included in this study (76,330 men and 80,562 women), and 1,323 subjects had a stroke during the 3 years of the screening period. The distribution of subtypes such as cerebral hemorrhage (CH), cerebral infarction (CI) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) was 27.3, 55.9 and 16.8%, respectively. Mean age and systolic and diastolic blood pressures (BPs) were significantly higher in stroke cases. CH and CI occurred more frequently in men, whereas SAH occurred more frequently in women. Serum total cholesterol (TC) <160 mg/dl was a risk factor for hemorrhagic stroke (CH and SAH), whereas TC >280 mg/dl increased the risk of CI. A multivariable analysis revealed that the lower TC level (<160 mg/dl) and the higher BP increased the relative risk of hemorrhagic stroke.'] Are blood pressure and total cholesterol level critical risks especially for hemorrhagic stroke in Akita , Japan? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2142387628555298,
-1.065835952758789,
1.3002889156341553
] |
['Blood cytokines and chemokines have been proposed as biomarkers for tuberculosis (TB). Recently, some immune mediators found in the urine of patients with renal dysfunctions have also been suggested as potential biomarkers. Finding biomarkers for TB in urine would present several advantages over blood in terms of collection and safety. The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of cytokines and chemokines in the urine of patients with pulmonary TB at the time of diagnosis. In a subgroup, the evaluation was also performed during TB treatment and at therapy completion. Patients with lung diseases other than TB, and healthy subjects were also enrolled.', 'Urine samples from 138 individuals, after exclusion of renal dysfunctions, were collected during an 18 month-period. Among them, 58 received a diagnosis of pulmonary TB, 28 resulted having lung diseases other than TB, and 34 were healthy subjects. Moreover, 18 TB patients, 9 of whom were tested 2 months after AFB smear sputum reversion and 9 of whom were cured of TB were also included. Cytokines and chemokines in urine were evaluated using a Cytometric-Bead-Array-Flex-Set. IP-10 detection in 49 subjects was also carried out in parallel by using an Enzyme Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA).', 'IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-8, MIP-1α, MIP-1β and RANTES were poorly detected in all urine samples. Conversely, IP-10 was consistently detected in urine and its level was significantly increased in patients with lung disease compared to healthy subjects (p < 0.001). Increased IP-10 levels were found in both pulmonary TB and lung diseases other than TB. Moreover lower IP-10 levels were found in cured-TB patients compared to the levels at the time of diagnosis, and this difference was close to significance (p = 0.06). Interestingly, we demonstrated a significant correlation between the data obtained by flow cytometry and ELISA (r² 0.82, p < 0.0001).'] Is iP-10 detection in urine associated with lung diseases? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8364285230636597,
-1.427432894706726,
2.3513121604919434
] |
['Intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) is an important determinant of progression and destabilization of atherosclerotic plaque. We recently demonstrated that IPH is an independent predictor of future cardiovascular events after carotid endarterectomy. Thus far, it is unknown whether clinical patient characteristics, such as medication use, are associated with the occurrence of IPH. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of IPH with clinical patient characteristics.', '1070 consecutive patients who underwent a carotid (n=794) or femoral (n=276) endarterectomy were included. Endarterectomy specimens were subjected to histopathological examination. IPH was observed in 644/794 (81%) carotid and 175/276 (63%) femoral plaques. Carotid IPH was positively correlated with advanced age (69 years [IQR: 62-75] vs. 65 years [IQR: 57-73]; P=0.002) and coumarin-type anticoagulation use prior to operation (104/116 [90%] with coumarin derivatives vs. 540/678 [80%] without coumarin derivatives; P=0.01). Carotid IPH was less frequently observed in patients that used statins prior to endarterectomy (468/595 [79%] with statin vs. 176/199 [88%] without statin; P=0.002). In multivariate analysis, age, coumarin-type anticoagulation use and statin use were independently correlated with carotid IPH. No association was observed between femoral IPH and clinical patient characteristics.'] Are age and coumarin-type anticoagulation associated with the occurrence of intraplaque hemorrhage , while statins are associated less with intraplaque hemorrhage : a large histopathological study in carotid and femoral plaques? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.841163992881775,
-1.5742053985595703,
2.441462516784668
] |
['During SCUBA diving, breathing at increased pressure leads to a greater tissue gas uptake. During ascent, tissues may become supersaturated, and the gas is released in the form of bubbles that typically occur on the venous side of circulation. These venous gas emboli (VGE) are usually eliminated as they pass through the lungs, although their occasional presence in systemic circulation (arterialization) has been reported and it was assumed to be the main cause of the decompression sickness. The aims of the present study were to assess the appearance of VGE after air dives where no stops in coming to the surface are required and to assess their potential occurrence and frequency in the systemic circulation.', 'Twelve male divers performed six dives with 3 d of rest between them following standard no-decompression dive procedures: 18/60, 18/70, 24/30, 24/40, 33/15, and 33/20 (the first value indicates depth in meters of sea water and the second value indicates bottom time in minutes). VGE monitoring was performed ultrasonographically every 20 min for 120 min after surfacing.', 'Diving profiles used in this study produced unexpectedly high amounts of gas bubbles, with most dives resulting in grade 4 (55/69 dives) on the bubble scale of 0-5 (no to maximal bubbles). Arterializations of gas bubbles were found in 5 (41.7%) of 12 divers and after 11 (16%) of 69 dives. These VGE crossovers were only observed when a large amount of bubbles was concomitantly present in the right valve of the heart.'] Does venous and arterial bubbles at rest after no-decompression air dive? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4540990591049194,
-0.8245440125465393,
1.4364268779754639
] |
['Regular exercise has been shown to protect against breast cancer risk, and one possible mechanism is through a reduction in inflammation. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 16 wk of aerobic exercise training on adipokines and inflammatory markers in healthy young women.', 'Participants were 319 sedentary women aged 18-30 yr, with body mass index of 18-40 kg · m, randomized to an exercise intervention or no exercise for approximately 16 wk. Adiponectin, leptin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and amyloid A (AA) were measured at baseline and after 16 wk. Adiponectin was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and AA, CRP, and leptin were measured by multiplex bead array assays.', 'Exercise significantly decreased CRP levels in the exercise group compared with the control group (-1.41 mg · L in exercisers vs -0.005 mg · L in controls, P = 0.040), and this effect was largely driven by changes in CRP that occurred in the obese exercisers. There was no effect of exercise on levels of SAA, adiponectin, or leptin. There was also no effect of exercise on stress and depression scores. Neither change in percent body fat nor change in fitness influenced the effects of exercise on these inflammatory markers.'] Does sixteen weeks of exercise reduce C-reactive protein levels in young women? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8572369813919067,
-1.1022975444793701,
1.9424989223480225
] |
['Amniotic membrane (AM) is the inner layer of the placenta, which is in contact with the fetus; it has been used for transplantation in ocular surface diseases. It has been reported that amniotic membrane promotes epithelialization, inhibits angiogenesis and diminishes ocular inflammation. A persistent epithelial defect is the delay in epithelial wound healing caused by infiltrating inflammatory cells into the cornea and amniotic membrane transplantation has been successfully used in its treatment, however the mechanism of action in inhibiting inflammation it is not well understood. This study was aimed at determining whether denuded amniotic membrane (dAM) induces anti-inflammatory effects on peripheral blood mononuclear cells.', 'Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were cultured on dAM. Proliferation and apoptosis assays were performed on PBMC; and synthesis and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by these cells was analyzed.', 'dAM induced apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation of PBMC; and abolished the synthesis and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines even when they were LPS stimulated. In contrast, when PBMC were cultured on hydrophilic membrane cell culture inserts, apoptosis was not significantly induced, cell proliferation was conserved, and synthesis and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines were not affected.'] Is amniotic membrane an immunosuppressor of peripheral blood mononuclear cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.656494140625,
-1.1111788749694824,
2.888556480407715
] |
["The identification of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients who are at greater risk of lung damage could be clinically valuable. Thus, we attempted to replicate previous findings and verify the possible association between three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs c.-52G>A, c.-44C>G and c.-20G>A) in the 5' untranslated region (5' UTR) of the β defensin 1 (DEFB1) gene and the CF pulmonary phenotype.", 'Genomic DNA from 92 Italian CF patients enrolled in different regional CF centres was extracted from peripheral blood and genotyped for DEFB1 SNPs using TaqMan(®) allele specific probes. In order to avoid genetic confounding causes that can account for CF phenotype variability, all patients were homozygous for the F508del CFTR mutation, and were then classified on the basis of clinical and functional data as mild lung phenotype (Mp, n=50) or severe lung phenotype patients (Sp, n=42).', 'For the c.-20G>A SNP, the frequency of the A allele, as well as the AA genotype, were significantly more frequent in Mp than in Sp patients, and thus this was associated with a protective effect against severe pulmonary disease (OR=0.48 and 0.28, respectively). The effect of the c.-20G>A A allele is consistent with a recessive model, and the protective effect against Sp is exerted only when it is present in homozygosis. For the other two SNPs, no differences were observed as allelic and genotypic frequency in the two subgroups of CF patients.'] Is a polymorphism in the 5 ' UTR of the DEFB1 gene associated with the lung phenotype in F508del homozygous Italian cystic fibrosis patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9936282634735107,
-1.4328489303588867,
2.462841510772705
] |
['To determine whether low-dose prednisolone affects body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), also considering inflammation and physical disability.', 'This cross-sectional study included 100 patients (50 women) with RA with a median (IQR) disease duration of 8 (4-15) years. Fifty patients had been treated with prednisolone (5-7.5 mg) for at least 2 years (the P-group) and 50 patients matched for gender and age had not (the NoP-group). Body composition and BMD were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Disease activity (28-joint Disease Activity Score, DAS28) and physical disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire, HAQ) were assessed.', 'The total patient group had increased fat mass (FM) and a high trunk:peripheral fat ratio, of which 38% had a fat free mass index (FFMI, kg/m²) below the 10th percentile of a reference population. The P-group had significantly higher FM but similar lean body mass (LBM) and BMD compared with the NoP-group. In multivariate analyses, treatment with prednisolone and a higher HAQ score were significantly and independently associated with higher FM but not with LBM. Higher C-reactive protein (CRP) was independently associated with lower LBM. Higher HAQ score and low weight were significantly and independently associated with lower BMD at femoral neck and lumbar spine.'] Is treatment with low-dose prednisolone associated with altered body composition but no difference in bone mineral density in rheumatoid arthritis patients : a controlled cross-sectional study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.182720422744751,
-1.3602445125579834,
2.6232104301452637
] |
['The effect of preoperative smoking status on the outcome of cardiac surgery remains unclear. Preoperative cessation may be associated with reduced postoperative pulmonary complications and in older patients preoperative smoking status appears to have a greater impact on outcome. This study was designed to assess the relationship between age, preoperative smoking status and outcomes from cardiac surgery.', 'We performed a single-centre, retrospective cohort study to compare in-patient cardiac surgical mortality and morbidity in current smokers and never-smokers. We analysed the cardiac surgical population in its entirety and in age-stratified subsets using univariate and logistic regression analyses.', 'During a five-year period ending March 2007, 10.8% of all patients (n=554) undergoing cardiac surgery were current smokers. Five hundred and fifty-four never-smokers undergoing cardiac surgery during the same period were identified. Overall, the smokers had a tendency towards higher in-patient mortality (4.3 vs. 2.3%, P=0.067) and increased rates of morbidity. Amongst over 70-year-olds, the current smokers had significantly higher rates of pulmonary complications (24.7 vs. 8.2%, P<0.0002), new renal replacement therapy (17.3 vs. 3.1%, P<0.0001) and infections (44.4 vs. 23.8%, P<0.0007). They had longer intensive care stay (6.2 vs. 2.8 days, P=0.002) with more intensive care unit readmissions (19.8 vs. 5.2%, P<0.0002) and significantly increased in-patient mortality (14.8 vs. 2.1%, P<0.0001). In the elderly smokers, mortality was significantly associated with the rate of pulmonary complications (P=0.03). Preoperative smoking status remained a predictor of pulmonary complications after logistic regression.'] Does current smoking predict increased operative mortality and morbidity after cardiac surgery in the elderly? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5056012868881226,
-0.9802185893058777,
1.5141236782073975
] |
["The μ opioid receptor (μOR) undergoes rapid endocytosis after acute stimulation with opioids and most opiates, but not with morphine. We investigated whether prolonged activation of μOR affects morphine's ability to induce receptor endocytosis in enteric neurons.", 'We compared the effects of morphine, a poor μOR-internalizing opiate, and (D-Ala2,MePhe4,Gly-ol5) enkephalin (DAMGO), a potent μOR-internalizing agonist, on μOR trafficking in enteric neurons and on the expression of dynamin and β-arrestin immunoreactivity in the ileum of guinea pigs rendered tolerant by chronic administration of morphine.', 'Morphine (100 μmol/L) strongly induced endocytosis of μOR in tolerant but not naive neurons (55.7% ± 9.3% vs 24.2% ± 7.3%; P < .001) whereas DAMGO (10 μmol/L) strongly induced internalization of μOR in neurons from tolerant and naive animals (63.6% ± 8.4% and 66.5% ± 3.6%). Morphine- or DAMGO-induced μOR endocytosis resulted from direct interactions between the ligand and the μOR because endocytosis was not affected by tetrodotoxin, a blocker of endogenous neurotransmitter release. Ligand-induced μOR internalization was inhibited by pretreatment with the dynamin inhibitor, dynasore. Chronic morphine administration resulted in a significant increase and translocation of dynamin immunoreactivity from the intracellular pool to the plasma membrane, but did not affect β-arrestin immunoreactivity.'] Does morphine induce μ opioid receptor endocytosis in guinea pig enteric neurons following prolonged receptor activation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3156898021698,
-1.3023947477340698,
2.689246416091919
] |
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