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['The Killip classification categorizes heart failure (HF) in acute myocardial infarction, and has a prognostic value. Although non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is increasing steadily, little information is available about the prognostic value of low Killip class in this scenario. Our aim was to assess the prognostic value of mild HF in NSTEMI.', '835 patients with NSTEMI between 2005 and 2007 were prospectively recruited. Patients in Killip-1 (K1=684) or Killip-2 class (K2=113) were selected (38, with K>2, excluded). Clinical, angiographic, treatment strategies, and 30-day all-cause mortality, together with other cardiovascular outcomes were recorded.', 'K2 patients were mostly women (K1 27.9% vs K2 48.0%, p<0.001) and older (K1 66.6years vs K2 73.8years, p<0.001) with a higher frequency of diabetes mellitus (p<0.001) and hypertension (p<0.001). Smoking was less frequent in the K2-group (p=0.003). A previous infarction/revascularization history was similar in both groups. The infarction size, assessed by Troponin I/Creatin kinase, did not differ between groups (p=0.378 and p=0.855). Multivessel coronary disease and revascularization procedures were less common in group K2 (p=0.015 and p=0.005 vs group K1, respectively). Patients in K2 had a worse prognosis in terms of maximum Killip class, death and major adverse cardiovascular events (p<0.001). After multivariate analysis, mild HF at presentation was an independent risk factor for mortality (OR=6.50; IC 95%: 2.48-16.95; p<0.001).'] Is mild heart failure a mortality marker after a non-ST-segment acute myocardial infarction?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.6665924787521362,
-1.6356399059295654,
2.2852706909179688
] |
["Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) result from pathophysiologically distinct dysregulated immune responses, as evidenced by the preponderance of differing immune cell mediators and circulating cytokine expression profiles. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that act as negative regulators of gene expression and have an increasingly recognized role in immune regulation. We hypothesized that differences in circulating immune cells in CD and UC patients are reflected by altered miRNA expression and that miRNA expression patterns can distinguish CD and UC from normal healthy individuals.", 'Peripheral blood was obtained from patients with active CD, inactive CD, active UC, inactive UC, and normal healthy adults. Total RNA was isolated and miRNA expression assessed using miRNA microarray and validated by mature miRNA quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction.', 'Five miRNAs were significantly increased and two miRNAs (149* and miRplus-F1065) were significantly decreased in the blood of active CD patients as compared to healthy controls. Twelve miRNAs were significantly increased and miRNA-505* was significantly decreased in the blood of active UC patients as compared to healthy controls. Ten miRNAs were significantly increased and one miRNA was significantly decreased in the blood of active UC patients as compared to active CD patients.'] Do peripheral blood microRNAs distinguish active ulcerative colitis and Crohn 's disease?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.3952457904815674,
-0.9193440079689026,
2.298983573913574
] |
['The temporoparietal fascial flap is a thin, pliable, well-vascularized, locoregional flap that can be a reasonable alternative to traditional free flap reconstruction, but its utility for reconstruction of orbitomaxillary defects is often overlooked. The authors investigated the rationale for and benefits of the use of this flap over free tissue transfer in a well-defined subset of head and neck cancer cases.', 'The records of all patients who underwent temporoparietal fascial reconstruction for orbitomaxillectomy between 1993 and 2008 were reviewed. Demographic data, preoperative plans, operative details, and outcomes were assessed to (1) determine the overall outcomes for the temporoparietal fascial flap and (2) analyze preoperative and intraoperative factors that led to the choice of this flap instead of the originally planned free flap.', 'Nineteen patients (mean age, 56 years) were included in this study. Ten (53 percent) were initially considered for free flap reconstruction. Among them, the principal reasons for electing the temporoparietal fascial flap were (1) smaller-than-anticipated extent of resection, (2) need for coverage of implant or bone or thin prosthesis support, and (3) patient comorbidities. Nine resections (47 percent) involved the orbit alone, two (11 percent) involved the maxilla alone, and eight (42 percent) involved a combination of the two. Five patients (26 percent) received neoadjuvant radiation. Four (21 percent) experienced complications (flap failure, ectropion, enophthalmos with intraoral mesh extrusion, and partial skin graft loss). Mean follow-up time was 36 +/- 27 months.'] Is the temporoparietal fascial flap an alternative to free flaps for orbitomaxillary reconstruction?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.0223169326782227,
-1.4135510921478271,
2.443979501724243
] |
["The retrieval deficit hypothesis states that the lack of deficit in recognition often observed in patients with Parkinson's disease is because of the low retrieval requirements of the task, given that these patients have retrieval and not encoding deficits. To test this hypothesis we investigated recognition memory by familiarity in Parkinson's patients and in patients with Lewy Bodies disease and Parkinson with dementia.", "We analyzed to what extent the experimental groups were able to recognize by familiarity in a typical yes/no recognition memory task. The experimental groups were patients with early nondemented Parkinson's disease, advanced nondemented Parkinson's disease, demented Parkinson's patients, and patients with dementia with Lewy Bodies. We compared their performance with a group of young and another group of old healthy participants. The estimation of familiarity was made by analyzing recognition of word targets and distractors consisting of combinations of different letters in comparison with a condition in which targets and distractors were composed of similar letters, even though subjects were unaware of the independent variable.", "The results indicate that familiarity was used at the same level by controls, patients with early Parkinson's disease and patients with dementia with Lewy Bodies. Although late Parkinson patients also used familiarity, its effect was only marginally significant. Patients with Parkinson's disease and dementia were not capable of using familiarity in recognition memory."] Is recognition by familiarity preserved in Parkinson 's without dementia and Lewy-Body disease?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 1 |
[
-2.3401906490325928,
0.9139128923416138,
0.5174906253814697
] |
['To determine the activation of Mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinases in and around cartilage subjected to mechanical damage and to determine the effects of their inhibitors on impaction-induced chondrocyte death and cartilage degeneration.', 'The phosphorylation of MAP kinases was examined with confocal microscopy and immunoblotting. The effects of MAP kinase inhibitors on impaction-induced chondrocyte death and proteoglycan (PG) loss were determined with fluorescent microscopy and 1, 9-Dimethyl-Methylene Blue (DMMB) assay. The expression of catabolic genes at mRNA levels was examined with quantitative real-time PCR.', 'Early p38 activation was detected at 20 min and 1h post-impaction. At 24h, enhanced phosphorylation of p38 and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK)1/2 was visualized in chondrocytes from in and around impact sites. The phosphorylation of p38 was increased by 3.0-fold in impact sites and 3.3-fold in adjacent cartilage. The phosphorylation of ERK-1 was increased by 5.8-fold in impact zone and 5.4-fold in adjacent cartilage; the phosphorylation of ERK-2 increased by 4.0-fold in impacted zone and 3.6-fold in adjacent cartilage. Furthermore, the blocking of p38 pathway did not inhibit impaction-induced ERK activation. The inhibition of p38 or ERK pathway significantly reduced injury-related chondrocyte death and PG losses. Quantitative Real-time PCR analysis revealed that blunt impaction significantly up-regulated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13, Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and ADAMTS-5 expression.'] Does mechanical impact induce cartilage degradation via mitogen activated protein kinases?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.307523488998413,
-1.3194384574890137,
2.6623525619506836
] |
['To determine, in serial fixed-flexion (FF) radiographs of subjects with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), the importance of, and basis for, the effect of alignment of the medial tibial plateau (MTP), as determined by the inter-margin distance (IMD), on joint space narrowing (JSN).', 'Baseline and 12-month X-rays of 590 knees with Kellgren and Lawrence grade (KLG) 2/3 OA from the public-release dataset of the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) were assigned to subgroups based upon IMD at baseline (IMD(BL)) and the difference between IMD(BL) and IMD(12 mos). Relationships of JSN to IMD(BL) and to the difference between IMD(BL and) IMD(12 mos) were evaluated.', 'In all 590 knees, mean JSN was 0.13 ± 0.51 mm (P<0.0001) and MTP alignment and replication of IMD(BL) in the 12-month film were, in general, poor. JSN was significantly (P=0.012) more rapid in Subgroup A (IMD≤1.70 mm at both time points) than in Subgroup B (both IMDs>1.70 mm): 0.15 ± 0.43; 0.08 ± 0.47. Within Subgroup B we identified a subset, Subgroup B1, in which, although alignment was poor at both time points, the large IMD(BL) was, by chance, highly reproduced by IMD(12 mos) (difference between the two IMDs=0.01 ± 0.27 mm, NS). JSN in Subgroup B1 was 0.06 ± 0.41 mm and did not differ from that in other knees of Subgroup B (P=0.87). The standardized response mean (SRM) in all 590 knees and Subgroups A, B and B1 was 0.25, 0.34, 0.17 and 0.06, respectively. Independent of IMD(BL), JSN correlated significantly with the difference between the IMDs in the two radiographs (r=0.17, P=0.0001).'] Does alignment of the medial tibial plateau affect the rate of joint space narrowing in the osteoarthritic knee?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.254712462425232,
-1.5385233163833618,
1.9063472747802734
] |
['Adjuvant chemotherapy for stage II colon cancer remains controversial but may be considered for patients with high-risk features. Recent studies have shown that elevated neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a worse prognostic factor and a predictor of response to chemotherapy in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether NLR predicts risk of recurrence in patients with stage IIA colon cancer undergoing curative resection without adjuvant chemotherapy.', 'We retrospectively reviewed 141 consecutive patients with stage IIA colon cancer treated with curative surgery alone from 2002 to 2006. NLR, as well as demographics, clinical, histopathologic, and laboratory data were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify prognostic factors associated with recurrent-free survival (RFS).', "Cox's regression analysis demonstrated that elevated NLR (>4) (hazard ratio, 4.88; P\u2009<\u20090.01) and less lymph node sampling (<15 lymph nodes; hazard ratio, 3.80; P\u2009<\u20090.05) were adverse prognostic factors for RFS. The 5-year RFS was 91.4% (95% CI, 88.6-94.2%) for patients with normal NLR and 63.8% (51.1-76.3%) for patients with elevated NLR. The 5-year RFS for patients with 0, 1, and 2 of the identified risk factors was 95.1%, 87.4%, and 33.3%, respectively (P\u2009<\u20090.001)."] Does elevated preoperative neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio predict risk of recurrence following curative resection for stage IIA colon cancer?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.4780694246292114,
-1.7084697484970093,
2.1188716888427734
] |
['Mural thickening and permeability changes in patients with amyloid angiopathy (CAA) and chronic hypertension are implicated in the pathophysiology of multiple, chronic subclinical microbleeds. The Spot sign, contrast extravasation on CT angiography, predicts hematoma expansion and is presumed to represent acute vessel damage. We hypothesize that the Spot sign is more common in patients without multiple prior chronic microbleeds.', 'A retrospective study was conducted of 59 patients presenting within 6 hours of primary intracranial hemorrhage onset undergoing CT angiography and MRI. CT angiography spot sign presence was documented blinded to MRI. Hematoma expansion was defined as >6 mL or 30% enlargement. The Boston criteria were applied to microbleed interpretation dichotomizing subjects into probable and negative CAA. Basal ganglia, thalamic, and brain stem microbleed location were interpreted as chronic hypertensive pattern. Univariate logistic regression and ordinal logistic regression analysis identified significant predictive factors between spot-positive and -negative patients or microbleed pattern.', 'The incidence of spot positivity was 42%, 22%, and 0% for CAA-negative, chronic hypertensive, and CAA-positive patients, respectively (P=0.01). CAA-negative patients had higher baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (P=0.039), larger follow-up hematoma volume (P=0.02), and poorer Rankin score (P=0.049) than chronic hypertensive or CAA-positive patients. After age adjustment, spot-positive (P=0.023), age-related white matter change (P=0.041), number of microbleeds (P<0.0001), and modified Rankin score (P=0.027) remained significantly different between groups.'] Is the spot sign more common in the absence of multiple prior microbleeds?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.0170445442199707,
-1.5188212394714355,
2.5901522636413574
] |
['To review the role of heme oxyenase-1 in organ transplantation and explore the potential applications targeted on overexpression of heme oxyenase-1 gene.', 'The data cited in this review were mainly obtained from the articles listed in Medline and PubMed, published from January 1996 to December 2008. The search terms were "heme oxygenase-1" and "transplantation".', 'Articles regarding the role of heme oxyenase-1 in organ transplantation and its protective role in transplants were selected. Protective effects of heme oxygenase-1 overexpression using a gene transfer approach against ischaemic reperfusion injury during transplantation were widely explored.', 'Local heme oxygenase-1 overexpression in the graft ameliorates the ischaemic reperfusion injury. This is due to removal of heme, a potent prooxidant and proinflammatory agent, but also because of generation of biologically active products.'] Is heme oxygenase-1 the candidate targeting for organ transplantation?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.8899340629577637,
-0.48102685809135437,
2.4432647228240967
] |
['To investigate whether zoledronate (ZOL) can cause a cytotoxic response in dental pulp-derived cells (DPCs) in vitro.', 'Cell activity was assessed utilizing MTT tests, (3) [H]thymidine, and (3) [H]leucine incorporation assays in human DPCs in response to ZOL. Cell activity assays were also preformed on calcium phosphate-coated plates. Cell death was analysed with annexin V/propidium iodide, trypan blue staining and Western blot analysis.', 'Micromolar concentrations of ZOL were required to decrease the activity of DPCs. The decreased activity of DPCs was associated with the occurrence of apoptosis and necrosis. No adverse effects were observed when DPCs were cultured on calcium phosphate-coated plates with ZOL.'] Does the response of dental pulp-derived cells to zoledronate depend on the experimental model?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.5234885215759277,
-1.1673697233200073,
2.767976760864258
] |
['To determine the prevalence of alterations in blood pressure (BP) in patients with Type 1 diabetes who are normoalbuminuric and normotensive; and to evaluate the association with genetic, clinical and metabolic factors. MATERIAL/ METHODS: Normoalbuminuric, normotensive Type 1 diabetic patients (no.=85) had their ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) performed over 24 h, together with measurement of HbA1c and lipid profile, polymorphisms of the ACE gene, non-midriatic retinography, and the "historical HbA1c" calculated (mean of all the determinations available on the patient).', 'Of the 85 patients, a mean of 18.8% had pathologic values of BP over the 24 h, 31.8% during active periods and 22.4% during rest periods; in 42% there was a non-dipper pattern in BP. The patients with alterations of BP had higher body mass index (BMI), higher levels of glycemia and of triglycerides, and decreased levels of HDL cholesterol. The "historical HbA1c" was significantly higher in the patients with the non-dipper pattern (8.6 ± 1.4% vs 7.9 ± 1.4%; p=0.046). Pulse pressure was directly associated with male gender (p=0.006) and with BMI (p=0.001). No differences were detected in the distribution of the polymorphisms of the ACE gene as a function of the BP alterations.'] Are alterations in arterial pressure in patients with Type 1 diabetes associated with long-term poor metabolic control and a more atherogenic lipid profile?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.2252533435821533,
-1.3600058555603027,
2.64095401763916
] |
['The thymus serves as a critical site of T-lymphocyte ontogeny and selection. Thymic infection by HIV-1 is known to disrupt thymocyte maturation by both direct and indirect means; however, the mechanism behind these effects remains poorly defined. Macrophages represent one of the most important peripheral targets of HIV-1 infection, are resident in the thymic stroma, and play a central role in thymocyte maturation.', 'Studies presented here define three primary features and outcomes of thymic macrophages (TM) and HIV-1 infection: (1) The distinctive TM phenotype (surface markers and cytokine production measured by immunofluorescence, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction) relative to macrophages from other sources (blood [monocyte-derived macrophages] and bone marrow); (2) infection of TM by different HIV-1 subtypes (X4, R5, and X4/R5) measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and polymerase chain reaction; and (3) consequences of HIV-1 infection on cytokine production by TM measured by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.', 'The results demonstrate that TM display a distinctive phenotype of HIV-1 receptors (CD4(lo), CXCR4(lo), CCR5(med), CCR3(hi)), chemokine production (macrophage inflammatory protein-1α(+); regulated on activation, normal T expressed and secreted(+); macrophage inflammatory protein-1b(-); stromal cell-derived factor -1(-)); and cytokine production (tumor necrosis factor-α(+), interleukin-8(+), macrophage colony-stimulating factor(+), interleukin-6(-)) relative to either monocyte-derived macrophages or bone marrow. TM were infected in vitro with R5 and X4/R5-tropic HIV-1 subtypes, and developed syncytia formation during long-term X4/R5 culture. In contrast, TM supported only transient replication of X4-tropic HIV-1. Lastly, infection of TM with HIV-1 abolished the production of all cytokines tested in long-term in vitro cultures.'] Does hIV-1 infection inhibit cytokine production in human thymic macrophages?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.4375336170196533,
-1.322190523147583,
2.8847904205322266
] |
['Hypertrophic scarring following surgical procedures, trauma and especially burns can lead to severe functional and cosmetic impairment, causing a decrease in the quality of life. Although a wide choice of treatments is offered, few therapeutic methods are universally accepted because of their side effects.', 'The effects of the essential oil (EO) extracted from rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (Umbelliferae) in human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFs) are investigated for the first time.', 'Chemical composition of hydrodistilled EO obtained from rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The effects of EO on cell viability, apoptosis rate, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and caspase-3 in HSFs were investigated.', 'The experimental results showed that EO significantly inhibited cell viability, elicited morphological changes and induced apoptosis in HSFs. EO also evidently increased the loss of MMP, the levels of LDH release and cellular ROS production, and the activity of caspase-3.'] Does essential oil from rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong induce apoptosis in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.715287446975708,
-0.9227892756462097,
2.739363431930542
] |
['Several secondary metabolites from herbal nutrient products act as weak estrogens (phytoestrogens), competing with endogenous estrogen for binding to the estrogen receptors and inhibiting steroid converting enzymes. However, it is still unclear whether these compounds elicit estrogen dependent transcription of genes at physiological concentrations.', 'We compare the effects of physiological concentrations (100 nM) of the two phytoestrogens Enterolactone and Quercetin and the suspected phytoestrogen Curcumin on gene expression in the breast cancer cell line MCF7 with the effects elicited by 17-beta-estradiol (E2).', 'All three phytocompounds have weak effects on gene transcription; most of the E2 genes respond to the phytoestrogens in the same direction though to a much lesser extent and in the order Curcumin > Quercetin > Enterolactone. Gene regulation induced by these compounds was low for genes strongly induced by E2 and similar to the latter for genes only weakly regulated by the classic estrogen. Of interest with regard to the treatment of menopausal symptoms, the survival factor Birc5/survivin and the oncogene MYBL1 are strongly induced by E2 but only marginally by phytoestrogens.'] Does reference profile correlation reveal estrogen-like trancriptional activity of Curcumin?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.625218629837036,
-1.1104297637939453,
2.8142476081848145
] |
['Elevated plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels have been identified as a pathogenic factor causing a variety of pathological changes in different cells and tissues. In vertebrates, Hcy is produced solely from S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) through the catalysis of AdoHcy-hydrolase. The direction of AdoHcy-hydrolase activity is determined by its cytosolic substrate concentrations, thereby controlling intracellular AdoHcy levels. Most S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet)-dependent methyltransferases are regulated in vivo by the ratio of AdoMet/AdoHcy, which is termed "methylation potential" (MP). To test whether high rates of erythropoietin (EPO) expression is reduced by a low MP in vivo we choosed the model of increased EPO production following carbon monoxide (CO) exposure in rats in which high transcriptional activity is responsible for renal EPO production.', 'To induce a sustained hyperhomocysteinemia in rats, we infused i.v. a low or high dose of Hcy resulting in Hcy plasma levels of 87.4+/-6.2 and 300.8+/-23.7 mumol/l, respectively. Renal tissue contents of AdoHcy, AdoMet, and adenosine (Ado) were measured after freeze clamp by means of HPLC. Within 4h of CO exposure EPO serum levels increased from 13.6+/-0.4 (control) to 2254.8+/-278.3 mIU/ml. Only high dose of Hcy reduces both, the MP from 40.8+/-2.0 to 8.2+/-1.0 in the kidney as well as EPO serum levels by 40% compared to control rats.'] Is hyperhomocysteinemia associated with decreased erythropoietin expression in rats?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.841699481010437,
-1.5450499057769775,
2.3878989219665527
] |
['Aseptic osteolysis has been the single most important factor limiting the longevity of a THA. A great deal of attention has been focused on the development of implants and materials that minimize the development of osteolysis. The monoblock porous tantalum acetabular cup was designed to minimize osteolysis, but whether it does so is unclear.', 'We evaluated the incidence of osteolytic lesions after THA using a monoblock porous tantalum acetabular component.', 'We retrospectively reviewed 51 patients who had a THA using a monoblock porous tantalum acetabular cup. At a minimum of 9.6 years postoperatively (average, 10.3 years; SD, 0.2 years; range, 9.6-10.8 years), a helical CT scan of the pelvis using a metal suppression protocol was obtained. This scan was evaluated for the presence of osteolysis.', 'We found no evidence of osteolysis on CT scan at an average of 10.3 years.'] Does a monoblock porous tantalum acetabular cup have no osteolysis on CT at 10 years?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.0685818195343018,
-1.446584701538086,
2.6335043907165527
] |
['Patients who undergo treatment may suffer preventable medical errors. Some of these errors are due to diagnostic imaging procedures.', 'To compare the frequency of diagnostic errors in different age groups in an urban European population.', 'A total of 19 129 reported radiologic examinations were included. During a 6-month period, the analyzed age groups were: children (aged 0-9 years), adults (40-49 years), and elderly (86-95 years).', 'The frequency of radiologic examinations per year was 0.3 in children, 0.6 in adults, and 1.1 in elderly. Significant errors were significantly more frequent in the elderly (1.7%) and children (1.4%) compared with adults (0.8%). There were 60 false-positive reports and 232 false-negative reports. Most errors were made by staff radiologists after hours when they reported on examinations outside their area of expertise.'] Does the frequency of diagnostic errors in radiologic reports depend on the patient 's age?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 1 |
[
-0.2455284744501114,
0.2733885943889618,
-0.782368540763855
] |
['Olanzapine (OLZ) is known to cause weight gain and metabolic disturbances, which may have serious implications with respect to medical comorbidities such as metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance.', 'The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs) which are widely used as antihypertensive agents, valsartan (VAL) and telmisartan (TEL), on insulin resistance in patients with schizophrenia treated with OLZ.', 'Thirty inpatients with schizophrenia with OLZ monotherapy over 8 weeks participated in this study. To assess insulin resistance, the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), fasting plasma glucose (PG) levels and immunoreactive insulin (IRI) levels were measured [HOMA-IR = fasting PG level (mmol/L) x fasting IRI level (μU/ml)/22.5]. VAL add-on treatment was performed in insulin-resistant patients (HOMA-IR\u2009>\u20091.6) for 12 weeks. After a 12-week VAL washout period, TEL add-on treatment was carried out for 12 weeks. The effects of ARBs on insulin resistance and other metabolic variables were assessed.', 'In all 30 patients, both body mass index and abdominal circumference were strongly correlated with HOMA-IR. Twelve patients showed high HOMA-IR and were deemed to be insulin resistant. Add-on therapy of VAL and TEL resulted in a significant decrease in fasting IRI levels and HOMA-IR. No differences in any effects were observed between VAL and TEL. No adverse effects of either ARBs were observed in this study.'] Do angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers improve insulin sensitivity in patients with schizophrenia being treated with olanzapine?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.2095603942871094,
-1.4309580326080322,
2.6088104248046875
] |
['Migration of colonic lamina propria fibroblasts (CLPF) is an important mechanism during wound healing in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The concentration of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is increased in the intestinal mucosa of IBD patients. We therefore investigated the role of PGE2 in CLPF migration.', "Primary cultures of CLPF were isolated from healthy controls and Crohn's disease patients. Migration assays were performed in the Boyden chamber and scratch assays. EP receptors, PGE2, intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), expression and distribution of F-actin, alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA), and myosin light chain (MLC) were determined by immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).", 'All four EP receptor subtypes were present on CLPF. PGE2 and agonists to the EP2 and EP4 receptor reduced the migration of CLPF. Blockade of the EP2 and the EP4 receptor inhibited the effect of PGE2 on CLPF migration. An increase in intracellular cAMP reduced CLPF migration. PGE2 increased the concentrations of cAMP in CLPF, with abrogation after addition of EP2 and EP4 receptor antagonists. PGE2 and forskolin decreased the expression of alpha-SMA and F-actin and reduced cell polarization and lamellipodium formation in a scratch assay. In addition, forskolin reduced the phosphorylation of MLC (pMLC) and led to lack of accumulation of pMLC in the leading edge of CLPF.'] Does prostaglandin E2 inhibit migration of colonic lamina propria fibroblasts?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.4075403213500977,
-1.340590000152588,
2.791774272918701
] |
['The purpose of this study was to determine the rates of late preterm inductions without a medical indication from birth certificate data and to compare them with rates that were obtained from medical charts.', 'The Ohio Perinatal Quality Collaborative, which comprises 20 hospitals in Ohio that came together in 2008 for the purpose of decreasing nonmedically indicated scheduled deliveries, abstracted data on all scheduled births between 36 weeks and 38 weeks 6 days of gestation. We compared labor inductions with "elective" documented or no indication documented in charts to birth certificate data for inductions with no maternal or fetal complications recorded.', 'Birth certificates overestimate rates of induction without medical indication compared with chart abstraction (11% vs 1%; P < .0001). The monthly difference between chart abstraction and birth certificates averages 10.1%.'] Are rates of labor induction without medical indication overestimated when derived from birth certificate data?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 0 |
[
0.15656210482120514,
-0.12088629603385925,
-0.7906845211982727
] |
['Defective immune function is an important cause of tumor development. Accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) associated with inhibition of dendritic cell (DC) function is one of the major immunological abnormalities in cancer. However, the molecular mechanism of the phenomenon remains unclear.', 'We evaluated T cell stimulatory activity and interleukin (IL)-12 production of DC in a mouse model of liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] mice). Then we detected the frequency of MDSC in spleen, peripheral blood (PB), lymph node (LN) and tumor tissue of HCC mice and its potential mechanisms. We also evaluated IL-10 production of MDSC and mechanism by which MDSC inhibit DC function.', 'Toll-like receptor (TLR)-ligand (LPS, CpG, poly(I:C))-induced IL-12 production of DC was decreased in HCC mice compared with control. The T cell stimulatory activity of DC was lower in HCC mice than in controls. Meanwhile, an increase in the frequency of MDSC in tumor development was detected in spleen, PB, LN and tumor, and the IL-10 levels were higher in HCC mice derived MDSC than in control. Furthermore, the MDSC inhibited TLR-ligand-induced IL-12 production of DC by IL-10 production and suppressed T cell stimulatory activity of DC. Finally, we demonstrated that the increase in the frequency of MDSC was mediated by MyD88-NF-kB pathway.'] Does up-regulated myeloid-derived suppressor cell contribute to hepatocellular carcinoma development by impairing dendritic cell function?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.367719888687134,
-1.2866467237472534,
2.701834201812744
] |
['The purposes of this study were to determine whether salivary levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and cortisol are associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or correlated with performance on the Continuous Performance Test (CPT).', "Fifty ADHD patients and 50 age- and gender-matched controls aged between 6 and 12 years were included in this cross-sectional study. DHEA and cortisol levels were determined from saliva samples collected by the passive drool method at 08:00 h. ADHD patients subsequently performed a computerized Continuous Performance Test (CPT). ADHD symptoms were evaluated with the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham, Version IV Scale for ADHD (SNAP-IV), completed by the patients' parents, and with the ADHD Rating Scale (ADHD-RS), administered by a child psychiatrist.", 'Saliva DHEA levels and DHEA/cortisol ratios differed significantly between ADHD patients and controls. Among ADHD patients, saliva DHEA levels and DHEA/cortisol ratios were independently correlated with composite scores of CPT distractibility and CPT impulsivity. Basal levels of cortisol were not significantly associated with ADHD.'] Is salivary dehydroepiandrosterone , but not cortisol , associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.263122797012329,
-1.0253123044967651,
2.306035041809082
] |
['Pre-eclampsia, a syndrome usually accompanied by incomplete spiral arterial modification, occurs at an increased frequency in diabetic women. Hyperglycemia in non-obese type 1 diabetic (NOD) mice impairs gestational spiral arterial remodeling despite high local levels of interferon gamma (Ifng), the triggering cytokine in mice. Pregnancies in NOD.Ifng(-/-) mice were assessed to investigate this issue.', 'Fecundity was assessed using the breeding history, flushing of preimplantation embryos and histological and morphometric studies of implantation sites in normoglycemic (n-) and hyperglycemic (d-) females of NOD.Ifng(-/-) and NOD genotypes.', 'NOD.Ifng(-/-) but not NOD mice are mostly infertile. In NOD.Ifng(-/-), copulation often does not result in a post-implantation pregnancy. Defective fertilization and delayed preimplantation development limit n-NOD.Ifng(-/-) fertility, and both mechanisms are exacerbated by hyperglycemia. At mid-gestation, implantation sites in n-NOD.Ifng(-/-) and n-NOD mice are histologically similar. However, in d-NOD.Ifng(-/-), there is minimal development of spiral arteries, hypertrophy of the myometrial region containing uterine Natural Killer (uNK) cells and a deficit in cytoplasmic granule formation in the uNK cells.'] Does interferon gamma contribute to preimplantation embryonic development and to implantation site structure in NOD mice?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.3556182384490967,
-1.395918369293213,
2.823221206665039
] |
['Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G displays immunotolerogenic properties toward the main effector cells involved in graft rejection through inhibition of natural killer cell- and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-mediated cytolysis, and CD4 T-cell alloproliferation. An increase in serum and graft levels of HLA-G has been noted in transplant patients with improved allograft survival. However, the clinical relevance of soluble serum HLA-G molecules in tolerant pediatric and young adult liver transplant patients remains to be studied.', 'We examined the serum HLA-G levels in 42 pediatric and young adult liver transplant patients with a mean age of 15 years; 13 patients had operational tolerance (TOL), with complete immunosuppression withdrawal for 2.3 to 13.2 years.', 'Median HLA-G level in patients with acute rejection (AR) was similar to the level in pediatric healthy volunteers (9.9 vs. 4.2 U/mL, P=0.13). HLA-G was higher in patients with stable liver function on immunosuppression (54.6 U/mL) than in patients with AR (P=0.01) and healthy volunteers (P=0.003), but almost 6-fold lower than in TOL patients (325.4 U/mL). HLA-G did not correlate with clinical confounders or a history of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease or Epstein-Barr virus; although levels in the TOL group were negatively correlated with time after immunosuppression withdrawal (r=-0.75, P=0.003). In rejectors, HLA-G levels trended to negatively correlate with a higher number (r=-0.58) and greater severity of AR episodes (r=-0.56) after 1 year posttransplantation.'] Does expression of soluble HLA-G identify favorable outcomes in liver transplant recipients?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.9925118684768677,
-1.4982647895812988,
2.492064952850342
] |
['Polycomb group (PcG) proteins play a crucial role in cellular senescence as key transcriptional regulators of the Ink4a/Arf tumor suppressor gene locus. However, how PcG complexes target and contribute to stable gene silencing of the Ink4a/Arf locus remains little understood.', 'We examined the function of Zinc finger domain-containing protein 277 (Zfp277), a novel zinc finger protein that interacts with the PcG protein Bmi1. Zfp277 binds to the Ink4a/Arf locus in a Bmi1-independent manner and interacts with polycomb repressor complex (PRC) 1 through direct interaction with Bmi1. Loss of Zfp277 in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) caused dissociation of PcG proteins from the Ink4a/Arf locus, resulting in premature senescence associated with derepressed p16(Ink4a) and p19(Arf) expression. Levels of both Zfp277 and PcG proteins inversely correlated with those of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in senescing MEFs, but the treatment of Zfp277(-/-) MEFs with an antioxidant restored the binding of PRC2 but not PRC1 to the Ink4a/Arf locus. Notably, forced expression of Bmi1 in Zfp277(-/-) MEFs did not restore the binding of Bmi1 to the Ink4a/Arf locus and failed to bypass cellular senescence. A Zfp277 mutant that could not bind Bmi1 did not rescue Zfp277(-/-) MEFs from premature senescence.'] Does a novel zinc finger protein Zfp277 mediate transcriptional repression of the Ink4a/arf locus through polycomb repressive complex 1?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.2882444858551025,
-1.2059614658355713,
2.4969685077667236
] |
['In recent years, a great interest has been dedicated to the development of noninvasive predictive models to substitute liver biopsy for fibrosis assessment and follow-up. Our aim was to provide a simpler model consisting of routine laboratory markers for predicting liver fibrosis in patients chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) in order to optimize their clinical management.', 'Liver fibrosis was staged in 386 chronic HBV carriers who underwent liver biopsy and routine laboratory testing. Correlations between routine laboratory markers and fibrosis stage were statistically assessed. After logistic regression analysis, a novel predictive model was constructed. This S index was validated in an independent cohort of 146 chronic HBV carriers in comparison to the SLFG model, Fibrometer, Hepascore, Hui model, Forns score and APRI using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.', 'The diagnostic values of each marker panels were better than single routine laboratory markers. The S index consisting of gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), platelets (PLT) and albumin (ALB) (S-index: 1000 x GGT/(PLT x ALB(2))) had a higher diagnostic accuracy in predicting degree of fibrosis than any other mathematical model tested. The areas under the ROC curves (AUROC) were 0.812 and 0.890 for predicting significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in the validation cohort, respectively.'] Does simpler score of routine laboratory tests predict liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.6638716459274292,
-1.5036559104919434,
2.2025914192199707
] |
['Methodological difficulties associated with QT measurements prompt the search for new electrocardiographic markers of repolarization heterogeneity.', 'We hypothesized that beat-to-beat 3-dimensional vectorcardiogram variability predicts ventricular arrhythmia (VA) in patients with structural heart disease, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, and implanted implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs).', 'Baseline orthogonal electrocardiograms were recorded in 414 patients with structural heart disease (mean age 59.4 ± 12.0; 280 white [68%] and 134 black [32%]) at rest before implantation of ICD for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death. R and T peaks of 30 consecutive sinus beats were plotted in 3 dimensions to form an R peaks cloud and a T peaks cloud. The volume of the peaks cloud was calculated as the volume within the convex hull. Patients were followed up for at least 6 months; sustained VA with appropriate ICD therapies served as an end point.', 'During a mean follow-up time of 18.4 ± 12.5 months, 61 of the 414 patients (14.73% or 9.6% per person-year of follow-up) experienced sustained VA with appropriate ICD therapies: 41 of them were white and 20 were black. In the multivariate Cox model that included inducibility of VA and use of beta-blockers, the highest tertile of T/R peaks cloud volume ratio significantly predicted VA (hazard ratio 1.68, 95% confidence interval 1.01 to 2.80; P = .046) in all patients. T peaks cloud volume and T/R peaks cloud volume ratio were significantly smaller in black subjects (median 0.09 [interquartile range 0.04 to 0.15] vs. median 0.11 [interquartile range 0.06 to 0.22], P = .002).'] Does beat-to-beat three-dimensional ECG variability predict ventricular arrhythmia in ICD recipients?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.6980897188186646,
-1.6323285102844238,
2.3195767402648926
] |
['\u2002Despite the myriad uses of Annona senegalensis Pers. (Annonaceae) leaves in folklore medicine of Nigeria, the basis is yet to be substantiated by scientific investigations.', '\u2002To investigate the antioxidant (in vitro and in vivo) and drug detoxification potential of aqueous extract of A. senegalensis leaves in CCl₄-induced hepatocellular damage.', "\u2002In vitro antioxidant activity of the aqueous extract of A. senegalensis leaves was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), H₂O₂, superoxide ion, 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) and ferric ion models while in vivo antioxidant and drug detoxification activities of the extract at 100, 200, and 400\u2009mg/kg body weight were done by assaying the levels of enzymic and non-enzymic indices in CCl₄-induced hepatocellular damage.", '\u2002The extract at 1\u2009mg/mL scavenged DPPH, H₂O₂, superoxide ion, and ABTS radicals, whereas ferric ion was significantly (P <0.05) reduced. The levels of alkaline and acid phosphatases, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, reduced glutathione, vitamins C and E, glutathione S-transferase, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (reduced):Quinone oxidoreductase, uridyl diphosphoglucuronyl transferase, malondialdehyde, and lipid hydroperoxide that decreased in CCl₄ treated animals were significantly attenuated by the extract in a manner similar to the animals treated with the reference drug.'] Does antioxidant and drug detoxification potential of aqueous extract of Annona senegalensis leave in carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatocellular damage?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.339503526687622,
-1.2855700254440308,
2.7158823013305664
] |
['Individuals with the rare genetic disorder Williams-Beuren syndrome (WS) are known for their characteristic auditory phenotype including strong affinity to music and sounds. In this work we attempted to pinpoint a neural substrate for the characteristic musicality in WS individuals by studying the structure-function relationship of their auditory cortex. Since WS subjects had only minor musical training due to psychomotor constraints we hypothesized that any changes compared to the control group would reflect the contribution of genetic factors to auditory processing and musicality.', 'Using psychoacoustics, magnetoencephalography and magnetic resonance imaging, we show that WS individuals exhibit extreme and almost exclusive holistic sound perception, which stands in marked contrast to the even distribution of this trait in the general population. Functionally, this was reflected by increased amplitudes of left auditory evoked fields. On the structural level, volume of the left auditory cortex was 2.2-fold increased in WS subjects as compared to control subjects. Equivalent volumes of the auditory cortex have been previously reported for professional musicians.'] Does leftward lateralization of auditory cortex underlie holistic sound perception in Williams syndrome?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.8191351890563965,
0.24351176619529724,
1.6357697248458862
] |
["Neonatal gene therapy is a promising strategy for treating diseases diagnosed before or shortly after birth. Early and long-term expression of therapeutic proteins may limit the consequences of genetic mutations and result in a potential 'cure'. Adeno-associated viral vectors have shown promise in many areas of adult gene therapy but their properties have not been systematically investigated in the neonate.", 'In these studies, using a constitutive promoter expressing luciferase, animals were administered one of ten serotypes of adeno-associated virus (AAV) on the second day of life. Examination of expression, organ growth and vector distribution, maintenance of expression and copy number were measured.', 'All serotypes demonstrated expression and, in general, transduction of all organs within 3 days, albeit with different biodistribution patterns and expression levels. The highest expression was detected with AAVrh10, whereas the lowest was detected with AAV4. Expression and genomes declined with growth over the first 10 weeks of life; thereafter, to day 100, expression and genomes remained relatively stable. With the highest expressing vectors, whole animal expression at 100 days declined to approximately 10% of that detected on the fifth day. AAVrh10 maintained the highest expression level and copy number throughout these studies.'] Does rH10 provide superior transgene expression in mice when compared with natural AAV serotypes for neonatal gene therapy?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.060941457748413,
-1.0075795650482178,
2.03012752532959
] |
["Several classes of histone deacetylases (HDACs) are expressed in the spinal cord that is a critical structure of the nociceptive pathway. HDAC-regulated histone acetylation is an important component of chromatin remodeling leading to epigenetic regulation of gene transcription. To understand the role of histone acetylation in epigenetic regulation of pathological pain, we have studied the impact of different classes of HDACs in the spinal cord on inflammatory hyperalgesia induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA).", 'We intrathecally applied inhibitors specific to different classes of HDACs and evaluated their impact on inflammatory hyperalgesia. Pre-injected inhibitors targeting class I as well as II (SAHA, TSA, LAQ824) or IIa (VPA, 4-PB) HDACs significantly delayed the thermal hyperalgesia induced by unilateral CFA injection in the hindpaw. Existing hyperalgesia induced by CFA was also attenuated by the HDAC inhibitors (HDACIs). In contrast, these inhibitors did not interfere with the thermal response either in naïve animals, or on the contralateral side of inflamed animals. Interestingly, MS-275 that specifically inhibits class I HDACs failed to alter the hyperalgesia although it increased histone 3 acetylation in the spinal cord as SAHA did. Using immunoblot analysis, we further found that the levels of class IIa HDAC members (HDAC4, 5, 7, 9) in the spinal dorsal horn were upregulated following CFA injection while those of class I HDAC members (HDAC1, 2, 3) remained stable or were slightly reduced.'] Does inhibition of class II histone deacetylases in the spinal cord attenuate inflammatory hyperalgesia?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.441986083984375,
-1.257720947265625,
2.6966094970703125
] |
['Although the relationship between allergic inflammation and lung carcinogenesis is not clearly defined, several reports suggest an increased incidence of lung cancer in patients with asthma. We aimed at determining the functional impact of allergic inflammation on chemical carcinogenesis in the lungs of mice.', 'Balb/c mice received single-dose urethane (1 g/kg at day 0) and two-stage ovalbumin during tumor initiation (sensitization: days -14 and 0; challenge: daily at days 6-12), tumor progression (sensitization: days 70 and 84; challenge: daily at days 90-96), or chronically (sensitization: days -14 and 0; challenge: daily at days 6-12 and thrice weekly thereafter). In addition, interleukin (IL)-5 deficient and wild-type C57BL/6 mice received ten weekly urethane injections. All mice were sacrificed after four months. Primary end-points were number, size, and histology of lung tumors. Secondary end-points were inflammatory cells and mediators in the airspace compartment.', 'Ovalbumin provoked acute allergic inflammation and chronic remodeling of murine airways, evident by airspace eosinophilia, IL-5 up-regulation, and airspace enlargement. Urethane resulted in formation of atypical alveolar hyperplasias, adenomas, and adenocarcinomas in mouse lungs. Ovalbumin-induced allergic inflammation during tumor initiation, progression, or continuously did not impact the number, size, or histologic distribution of urethane-induced pulmonary neoplastic lesions. In addition, genetic deficiency in IL-5 had no effect on urethane-induced lung tumorigenesis.'] Does allergic inflammation impact chemical-induced carcinogenesis in the lungs of mice?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.5186965465545654,
-1.2365717887878418,
2.8413281440734863
] |
['Prolonged weaning from mechanical ventilation has a major impact on ICU bed occupancy and patient outcome, and has significant cost implications.There is evidence in patients around the period of extubation that helium-oxygen leads to a reduction in the work of breathing. Therefore breathing helium-oxygen during weaning may be a useful adjunct to facilitate weaning. We hypothesised that breathing helium-oxygen would reduce carbon dioxide production during the weaning phase of mechanical ventilation.', 'We performed a prospective randomised controlled single blinded cross-over trial on 19 adult intensive care patients without significant airways disease who fulfilled criteria for weaning with CPAP. Patients were randomised to helium-oxygen and air-oxygen delivered during a 2 hour period of CPAP ventilation. Carbon dioxide production (VCO2) was measured using a near patient main stream infrared carbon dioxide sensor and fixed orifice pneumotachograph.', 'Compared to air-oxygen, helium-oxygen significantly decreased VCO2 production at the end of the 2 hour period of CPAP ventilation; there was a mean difference in CO2 production of 48.9 ml/min (95% CI 18.7-79.2 p = 0.003) between the groups. There were no significant differences in other respiratory and haemodynamic parameters.'] Does helium-oxygen reduce the production of carbon dioxide during weaning from mechanical ventilation?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.072084665298462,
-1.2635431289672852,
2.394545555114746
] |
['To study whether post-surgical and/or post-ablative thyroglobulin (Tg) concentrations may serve as independent predictors of disease recurrence in patients treated for TNM stage I or II well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma (WDTC).', 'An observational retrospective study with a median follow-up of 16 years (range 10-24).', 'Post-operative and post-ablative Tg concentrations, age, tumour size, local infiltration and nodal metastasis at primary surgery as well as disease recurrences and cancer-specific deaths were evaluated in 495 low-risk (TNM stages I and II) patients, the majority of whom had total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine remnant ablation as initial treatment.', 'Fifty-one patients (10.3%) experienced disease recurrence during follow-up. In multiple logistic regression analysis, post-ablative Tg concentrations (odds ratio (OR) 3.72, confidence interval (CI) 1.71-8.05, P=0.0009) and local infiltration on primary surgery (OR 2.66, CI 1.03-6.90, P=0.04) were the only independent predictors of recurrence.'] Is post-ablative serum thyroglobulin an independent predictor of recurrence in low-risk differentiated thyroid carcinoma : a 16-year follow-up study?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.119922637939453,
-1.348059892654419,
2.536738872528076
] |
['Pancreatic beta-cells release insulin via an electrogenic response triggered by an increase in plasma glucose concentrations. The critical plasma glucose concentration has been determined to be approximately 3 mM, at which time both insulin and GABA are released from pancreatic beta-cells. Taurine, a beta-sulfonic acid, may be transported into cells to balance osmotic pressure. The taurine transporter (TauT) has been described in pancreatic tissue, but the function of taurine in insulin release has not been established. Uptake of taurine by pancreatic beta-cells may alter membrane potential and have an effect on ion currents. If taurine uptake does alter beta-cell current, it might have an effect on exocytosis of cytoplasmic vesicle. We wished to test the effect of taurine on regulating release of insulin from the pancreatic beta-cell.', 'Pancreatic beta-cell lines Hit-TI5 (Syrian hamster) and Rin-m (rat insulinoma) were used in these studies. Cells were grown to an 80% confluence on uncoated cover glass in RPMI media containing 10% fetal horse serum. The cells were then adapted to a serum-free, glucose free environment for 24 hours. At that time, the cells were treated with either 1 mM glucose, 1 mM taurine, 1 mM glucose + 1 mM taurine, 3 mM glucose, or 3 mM glucose + 1 mM taurine. The cells were examined by confocal microscopy for cytoplasmic levels of insulin.', 'In both cell lines, 1 mM glucose had no effect on insulin levels and served as a control. Cells starved of glucose had a significant reduction (p<0.001) in the level of insulin, but this level was significantly higher than all other treatments. As expected, the 3 mM glucose treatment resulted in a statistically lower (p<0.001) insulin level than control cells. Interestingly, 1 mM taurine also resulted in a statistically lower level of insulin (p<0.001) compared to controls when either no glucose or 1 mM glucose was present. Cells treated with 1 mM taurine plus 3 mM glucose showed a level of insulin similar to that of 3 mM glucose alone.'] Does taurine regulate insulin release from pancreatic beta cell lines?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.058529853820801,
-1.3619492053985596,
2.4033620357513428
] |
['The lipid metabolism of varicose veins (VVs) remains unknown. To elucidate the pathogenesis of VV, we utilized the novel technique of imaging mass spectrometry (IMS).', 'We obtained VV tissues from 10 limbs of 10 VV patients who underwent great saphenous vein stripping. As control vein samples, we harvested segmental vein tissues from 6 limbs of 6 patients with peripheral artery occlusive disease who underwent infra-inguinal bypass with reversed saphenous vein grafting. To identify the localisation of lipid molecules in the VV tissues, we performed matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization IMS (MALDI-IMS). We also performed MS/MS analyses to identify the structure of each molecule.', 'We obtained mass spectra directly from control vein tissues and VV tissues and found a unique localisation of lipid molecules in the VV tissues. We localised lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) (1-acyl 16:0), phosphatidylcholine (PC) (1-acyl 36:4) and sphingomyelin (SM) (d18:1/16:0) at the site of the VV valve.'] Does imaging mass spectrometry reveal unique lipid distribution in primary varicose veins?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.3308265209198,
-1.312967300415039,
2.7674169540405273
] |
['Bronchoscopic microsampling (BMS) is a novel and direct method with which to obtain epithelial lining fluid (ELF) from the lungs. Analysis of DNA hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) is expected to be a sensitive tool for the early detection of lung cancer. It has been reported that the existence of EGFR mutations and EML4-ALK gene rearrangements are related to the sensitivity of corresponding kinase inhibitors. We aimed to evaluate the suitability of ELF as a sample for analyzing molecular changes specific for lung cancer.', 'We collected ELF from 61 lung cancer patients by BMS from the airway close to the peripheral lung nodule and purified the nucleic acids. We performed methylation specific PCR in each ELF as well as matched serum and tumor tissue for TSGs for DNA methylation analysis. We also examined EGFR mutations and EML4-ALK rearrangement.', 'The sensitivity for detecting DNA hypermethylation in ELF vs serum was 74.1% vs 18.5%. We found 60.1% of patients had at least one hypermethylation in ELF, while only 27.9% had it in serum. Of note, DNA hypermethylation was detected even in stage I patients (60.0%) and the detection rate was almost the same level in each stage. We also found the sensitivity for detecting EGFR mutation in ELF vs serum was 58.3% vs 8.3%. We detected an EML4-ALK fusion gene using ELF in one patient.'] Is bronchoscopic microsampling a useful complementary diagnostic tool for detecting lung cancer?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.209095001220703,
-1.3713207244873047,
2.639573097229004
] |
['To investigate if a central cholinesterase inhibitor will reduce falling frequency in subjects with Parkinson disease (PD) with advanced postural instability.', 'Falling due to postural instability is a significant problem in advancing PD, and is minimally impacted by dopaminergic therapy. Anticholinergic medications increase falling in the elderly. Further, CNS cholinergic neuron loss occurs in PD. We hypothesized that acetylcholine augmentation may reduce frequent falling in subjects with PD.', "We enrolled 23 subjects with PD who reported falling or nearly falling more than 2 times per week. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover design, subjects were given 6 weeks of donepezil or placebo with a 3-week washout between phases. The primary outcomes were daily falls and near falls reported on postcards. Secondary outcomes included scores on the Activities of Balance Confidence Scale, Berg Balance Scale, Clinical Global Impression of Change, Folstein Mini-Mental State Examination, and the motor section of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale.", 'Fall frequency per day on placebo was 0.25 ± 0.08 (SEM) compared with 0.13 ± 0.03 on donepezil (p < 0.05). The frequency of near falls was not significantly different between phases. The secondary outcomes did not differ; however, there was a trend to improvement on the subject-completed Global Impression of Change scale.'] Does effects of a central cholinesterase inhibitor on reducing fall in Parkinson disease?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.25724458694458,
-1.0148329734802246,
2.256453514099121
] |
['Spinal muscular atrophy is one of the most common neuromuscular disorders in children. Associated with progressive muscular weakness, it may assume a chronic course. In chronic disorders it is of utmost importance to determine the quality of life level.', 'To determine the level of quality of life in a cohort of SMA children and adolescents, and study its relation to motor ability.', 'From the children and adolescents with confirmed SMA diagnosis (presence of deletion) followed at a University Hospital, we selected those that were 4 years or older. They were classified as SMA type II or III according to their best motor ability, evaluated according to the modified Hammersmith functional score, and undertook the AUQEI Portuguese version to determine quality of life. This is an Institutional Review Board approved study and consent was given by all those included.', 'Thirty-three children and adolescent with a mean age of 10.28 (± 4.71) took part of the study. The fourteen SMA type II had a mean Hammersmith score of 11 (± 9.50) and AUQEI of 55.85 (± 7.16), while the nineteen SMA type III scored 31.10 (± 12.30) and 52.94 (± 4.85). No significant difference was found when quality of life scores was compared among those groups.'] Does self-reported quality of life have no correlation with functional status in children and adolescents with spinal muscular atrophy?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.6937264204025269,
-0.43629297614097595,
1.2013509273529053
] |
['Chromosomal region 16p13 has been reported to harbour variants associated with several autoimmune diseases, including type I diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.', 'To test whether variants in the 16p13 region are also associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by performing a candidate locus study in the Chinese Han population.', 'Tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) encompassing 50 kb upstream and downstream of the 250 kb linkage disequilibrium block, previously implicated in several autoimmune diseases, were analysed in 1047 patients with SLE and 1205 controls. The SNP showing the strongest association with SLE was then replicated in an independent cohort of 1643 cases and 5930 controls.'] Are polymorphisms at 16p13 associated with systemic lupus erythematosus in the Chinese population?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.1579415798187256,
-1.1865739822387695,
2.4125900268554688
] |
['Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a genetically heterogeneous, multisystemic disorder characterised by progressive retinal dystrophy, obesity, hypogenitalism, learning difficulties, renal abnormalities and postaxial polydactyly, with only the last two antenatally observable. BBS is inherited as an autosomal recessive disorder, and 14 genes have been identified to date (BBS1-BBS14). In addition, a complex digenic inheritance has been established in some families. Mutations of the BBS10 gene on chromosome 12q21.2 account for 20% of BBS cases.', 'Given the fact that mutations in BBS genes have already been found in Meckel-like fetuses, and in light of the major contribution of BBS10 to BBS, the BBS10 gene was sequenced in 20 fetal cases and a child diagnosed antenatally presenting with characteristic renal anomalies and polydactyly, but without biliary dysgenesis.', 'Recessive mutations were identified at the BBS10 locus in five cases: four fetuses and a child. Interestingly, one of them had situs ambiguus, a rare feature in BBS. In the child, BBS gene screening identified a heterozygous BBS6 nonsense mutation in addition to the homozygous BBS10 mutation, in accordance with the suggested multigenic inheritance of the disease.'] Are bBS10 mutations common in 'Meckel'-type cystic kidneys?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.4615325927734375,
-0.9538083672523499,
2.4336161613464355
] |
['\u2002This study was planned to investigate whether smoker chronic periodontitis patients exhibit different salivary concentrations of C-telopeptide pyridinoline cross-links of type I collagen (ICTP) and osteocalcin (OC) compared to the non-smoker counterparts.', 'Whole saliva samples, full-mouth clinical periodontal recordings were obtained from 33 otherwise healthy chronic periodontitis patients and 36 systemically, periodontally healthy control subjects. Chronic periodontitis patients and healthy control subjects were divided into smoker and non-smoker groups according to their self reports. Salivary ICTP, OC levels were determined by Enzyme-linked Immunoassays.', 'Healthy control groups exhibited significantly lower values in all clinical periodontal measurements (P\u2003<\u20030.001). Smoker periodontitis patients revealed similar clinical periodontal index values with non-smoker counterparts (P\u2003>\u20030.05). Chronic periodontitis patients exhibited significantly higher salivary OC levels than healthy controls (P\u2003<\u20030.05). Smoker periodontitis patients revealed lower salivary OC levels than non-smoker counterparts (P\u2003<\u20030.001). Log ICTP levels in non-smoker chronic periodontitis patients were higher than non-smoker controls (P\u2003<\u20030.05). Smoker healthy control group revealed higher log ICTP levels than non-smoker counterparts (P\u2003<\u20030.001).'] Are salivary osteocalcin levels decreased in smoker chronic periodontitis patients?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.6398309469223022,
-1.513200283050537,
2.1509032249450684
] |
['Aceruloplasminemia is a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease associated with brain and liver iron accumulation which typically presents with movement disorders, retinal degeneration, and diabetes mellitus. Ceruloplasmin is a multi-copper ferroxidase that is secreted into plasma and facilitates cellular iron export and iron binding to transferrin.', 'A novel homozygous ceruloplasmin gene mutation, c.2554+1G>T, was identified as the cause of aceruloplasminemia in three affected siblings. Two siblings presented with movement disorders and diabetes. Complementary DNA sequencing showed that this mutation causes skipping of exon 14 and deletion of amino acids 809-852 while preserving the open reading frame. Western blotting of liver extracts and sera of affected patients showed retention of the abnormal protein in the liver. Aceruloplasminemia was associated with severe brain and liver iron overload, where hepatic mRNA expression of the iron hormone hepcidin was increased, corresponding to the degree of iron overload. Hepatic iron concentration normalized after 3 and 5months of iron chelation therapy with deferasirox, which was also associated with reduced insulin demands. During short term treatment there was no clinical or imaging evidence for significant effects on brain iron overload.'] Is hepatic but not brain iron rapidly chelated by deferasirox in aceruloplasminemia due to a novel gene mutation?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.4000227451324463,
-1.349929690361023,
2.8181698322296143
] |
['B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) is characterized by accumulation of CD5(+) B lymphocytes. Decreased VLA-4 (Cd49d/CD29) and CD11a expression and defective adhesion in B-CLL have been previously shown, although there was no substantial data about its importance in immunobiology of B-CLL. The hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor, c-met, plays a role in adhesion by acting on VLA-4. c-met and VLA-4 share crucial signaling molecules in cell survival. In this study, relationship between expressions of c-met and CD49d, CD11a, and additional common signaling molecules in B-CLL was investigated.', 'White blood cells from 24 patients with CLL were studied by flow cytometry and/or western blotting prior to and after culturing with recombinant HGF. HGF level from sera was measured with a bead-based flow cytometric assay.', 'c-metα and c-metβ were expressed on B-CLL cells, while no expression was observed on normal donor CD19+ cells. This increase was inversely correlated with decreased expression of adhesion molecules. Serum level of HGF in B-CLL was found to be increased. In vitro experiments showed that HGF supported survival in B-CLL cells supporting the possible function of HGF/c-met pathway in B-CLL. Furthermore, expressions of critical signaling molecules shared by both VLA-4 and HGF/c-met systems including Bcl-XL, Akt, PI3K, and phospho-bad(136) following HGF stimulations of B-CLL cells have been found to be increased.'] Does aberrant expression of c-met and HGF/c-met pathway provide survival advantage in B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.3332011699676514,
-1.327526569366455,
2.6564090251922607
] |
['Infusions of Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. flowering tops have been used traditionally in Portugal to control hyperglycaemia and a previous study revealed that daily administration of the infusion during a 3-week period promoted the recovery of glucose tolerance by a mechanism different from inhibition of glucose absorption and direct promotion of insulin secretion. We know report the study of the ethyl acetate fraction of Coreopsis tinctoria flowers infusion aiming to confirm flavonoids as bioactive metabolites. To give one step forward into the antihyperglycaemic mechanism of action of this traditionally used plant we also studied the activity of Coreopsis tinctoria flavonoids on the pancreatic function of glucose-intolerant rats. A standard antioxidant, Trolox, was also studied for comparative purposes as the antioxidant mechanism has been frequently purposed as one of the mechanisms mediating antihyperglycaemic effects of flavonoid-rich extracts.', 'Thirteen compounds, mainly of flavanone and chalcone flavonoidal type, have been identified in this fraction by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS, and the major one (marein) quantified by HPLC-UV. The fraction (125 mg containing 20 mg of marein/kg b.w.) and Trolox (50 mg/kg b.w.) were administered daily by oral gavage to normal and STZ (40 mg/kg b.w.)-induced glucose-intolerant Wistar rats for 3 weeks. Blood glucose levels were measured weekly by Oral Glucose Tolerance Test. Pancreatic function was evaluated by plasma lipase of treated and non-treated glucose-tolerant and- intolerant rats after the 3-week treatment period.', 'After 2 weeks oral treatment with Coreopsis tinctoria AcOEt fraction the animals were no longer glucose-intolerant, an effect maintained over the remaining experimental period. Additionally, plasma lipase values of glucose-intolerant animals treated with the AcOEt fraction (13.5 ± 0.84 U/L) showed a clear reduction when compared with the glucose-intolerant group (34.60 ± 1.76 U/L; P<0.001) and normoglycaemic control (8.35 ± 0.69 U/L) demonstrating recovery of pancreatic function. On the other hand, treatment with standard antioxidant Trolox had no effect on glucose homeostasis of glucose-intolerant rats. The oral treatment with Coreopsis tinctoria fraction caused no hepatotoxicity, as determined by blood alanine and aspartate transaminases, and had also no effect on glucose homeostasis and pancreatic function of normal rats.'] Does the flavonoid-rich fraction of Coreopsis tinctoria promote glucose tolerance regain through pancreatic function recovery in streptozotocin-induced glucose-intolerant rats?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.0619966983795166,
-1.5082088708877563,
2.5957467555999756
] |
['Chymosin is an important industrial enzyme widely used in cheese manufacturing. Kluyveromyces lactis is a promising host strain for expression of the chymosin gene. However, only low yields of chymosin (80 U mL(-1) in shake flask culture) have been obtained using K. lactis GG799. The aim of this study was to increase the amount of recombinant calf chymosin secreted by K. lactis GG799 by disrupting the PMR1 gene.', 'Kluyveromyces lactis GG799 harbouring the disrupted PMR1 gene showed reduced growth in ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid-containing and Ca(2+) -deficient medium, but Ca(2+) supplementation eliminated the growth problem. The calf chymosin gene was ligated into the K. lactis GG799 expression vector, generating the plasmid pKLAC1-N-prochymosin. The linearised plasmid was homologously integrated into the genome of K. lactis GG799. In shake flask culture, chymosin activity was 496 U mL(-1) in the K. lactis PMR1-deficient mutant, sixfold higher than that in wild-type K. lactis GG799.'] Does disruption of PMR1 in Kluyveromyces lactis improve secretion of calf prochymosin?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.2017178535461426,
-1.351342797279358,
2.5162205696105957
] |
['The CCR5 chemokine receptor occurs in a wild-type (wt) and a nonfunctional deleted form (Δ32). Reports suggested that Chlamydia-induced reproductive tract pathology is attenuated in women bearing Δ32. The authors asked whether the mutation affects synovial prevalence and burden of Chlamydia trachomatis.', 'Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) defined CCR5 genotype in synovial tissue DNA from 218 individuals: 21 controls, 110 with reactive arthritis (ReA), 83 with undifferentiated oligoarthritis (UO), 4 with osteoarthritis (OA). Disease durations were 0.5 to 21 years. Additional PCR assays defined the presence of C trachomatis DNA. Bacterial load was assessed by real-time PCR in selected samples.', 'Five controls were wt/Δ32, 16 were wt/wt; 2 of 21 controls (both wt/wt) were PCR positive for C trachomatis. Eighty-five (44%) patients with arthritis were PCR positive for C trachomatis (69 ReA and 16 UO). For patients with ReA, 14 (13%) had wt/Δ32, 10 (71%) of whom were PCR positive. Nineteen patients with UO (23%) were wt/Δ32, with 1 (1%) PCR positive. No differences existed for gender or other factors. One patient with OA had wt/Δ32. In ReA and UO samples, wt/Δ32 heterozygotes had a 5- to 10-fold higher bacterial burden than did wt/wt patients (P = 0.03), regardless of diagnosis.'] Does functional CCR5 receptor protect patients with arthritis from high synovial burden of infecting Chlamydia trachomatis?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.5939658880233765,
-1.6409823894500732,
2.2084946632385254
] |
['Single-dose administration of selective serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake blockers has been shown to alter emotional processing in both behavioral and fMRI studies in healthy volunteers. Mirtazapine is a clinically established antidepressant with different pharmacological actions from monoamine reuptake inhibitors, involving blockade of noradrenaline α(2)-adrenoceptors and multiple 5-HT receptor subtypes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a single dose of mirtazapine on the neural processing of emotional faces in healthy volunteers.', 'Twenty-eight participants were randomized to receive either a single dose of mirtazapine (15 mg) or placebo. Two hours later, participants underwent an fMRI scan, in which they classified fearful and happy faces on the basis of gender. Mood and subjective experience were also measured.', 'Whole-brain analysis showed significant group × emotion interactions in a right amygdala-hippocampal region and left fronto-striatal cortex. Post hoc analyses revealed significantly reduced activation to fear and greater activation to happy faces in both regions under mirtazapine.'] Does a single dose of mirtazapine modulate neural responses to emotional faces in healthy people?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.3384897708892822,
-1.1896817684173584,
2.5607306957244873
] |
['To assess the impact of an asthma educational program provided by a nurse combined with asthma counseling provided by a pharmacist on asthma knowledge, quality of life and clinical outcomes in Taiwanese patients with asthma.', 'All patients were recruited from Pulmonary Medicine outpatient clinic, the Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. Asthma education was given in three one-hour sessions offered during monthly clinic visits.', 'A total of 91 asthma patients were randomly assigned to a nurse-administered education program (Group 1), the education program with additional pharmacist counseling (Group 2), or a control group receiving routine care only (control). Three questionnaires were used for assessment at months 0, 3 and 6. Outcomes were compared between groups to determine efficacy.', 'Asthma knowledge, health-related quality of life, and medication adherence were measured at baseline and 3 and 6 months after enrollment.', 'A total of 104 patients were enrolled; 91 completed the study. Knowledge scores of patients in Groups 1 and 2 increased significantly compared to control group. Both intervention groups showed significant increases in knowledge scores with longer follow-up. Group 2 showed a significant improvement in clinical symptoms between baseline (month 0) and month 6 (4.99 vs. 4.21, P=0.008). No significant differences in medication adherence were seen among groups.'] Does clinical pharmacist counseling improve outcomes for Taiwanese asthma patients?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 1 |
[
-0.46029049158096313,
1.3247805833816528,
-1.5734221935272217
] |
['Mast cells are increased in isolated mitral regurgitation (MR) in the dog and may mediate extracellular matrix loss and left ventricular (LV) dilatation. We tested the hypothesis that mast cell stabilization would attenuate LV remodeling and improve function in the MR dog.', 'MR was induced in adult dogs randomized to no treatment (MR, n = 5) or to the mast cell stabilizer, ketotifen (MR + MCS, n = 4) for 4 months. LV hemodynamics were obtained at baseline and after 4 months of MR and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at sacrifice. MRI-derived, serial, short-axis LV end-diastolic (ED) and end-systolic (ES) volumes, LVED volume/mass ratio, and LV 3-dimensional radius/wall thickness were increased in MR and MR + MCS dogs compared with normal dogs (n = 6) (P < .05). Interstitial collagen was decreased by 30% in both MR and MR + MCS versus normal dogs (P < .05). LV contractility by LV maximum time-varying elastance was significantly depressed in MR and MR + MCS dogs. Furthermore, cardiomyocyte fractional shortening was decreased in MR versus normal dogs and further depressed in MR + MCS dogs (P < .05). In vitro administration of ketotifen to normal cardiomyocytes also significantly decreased fractional shortening and calcium transients.'] Does mast cell stabilization decrease cardiomyocyte and LV function in dogs with isolated mitral regurgitation?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.3080568313598633,
-1.3476064205169678,
2.644023895263672
] |
['Angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), erythropoietin, and angiopoietin play important roles in the pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy. Increased amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are also known to associated with diabetic retinopathy and VEGF expression. This study evaluated the effect of a simvastatin on ROS generation and the changes in various angiogenic factors in the retinas of diabetic rats.', 'The rats were divided into normal, diabetes mellitus (DM), and simvastatin-treated groups (each group, n\u2009=\u200910). Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin into 20 Sprague-Dawley rats. After diabetic induction, simvastatin (5mg/kg) was administered orally to ten rats. The expression levels of VEGF, erythropoietin, angiopoietin 1 and 2, and NADPH oxidase were examined in rat retinas by RT-PCR and Western blot. Superoxide formation was examined by dihydroethidium (DHE) staining.', 'DHE analysis revealed increased superoxide formation in the retinas of the diabetic group, which was decreased in the group treated with simvastatin. Western blot analysis showed that NADPH oxidase levels were decreased in the diabetic group and remained normal in the simvastatin-treated group. Simvastatin treatment blocked hyperglycemia-induced increases in VEGF, angiopoietin 2 and erythropoietin levels, as demonstrated by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis.'] Does simvastatin suppress expression of angiogenic factors in the retinas of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.3743817806243896,
-1.367321252822876,
2.7505621910095215
] |
['A multi-center international cohort study.', 'To evaluate the reliability and validity of the third version of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM III), separately for patients with traumatic spinal cord lesions (SCLs).', 'A total of 13 spinal cord units in six countries from North America, Europe and the Middle-East.', 'SCIM III and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) were assessed for 261 patients with traumatic SCLs, on admission to rehabilitation and before discharge, by two raters. Conventional statistical measures were used to evaluate the SCIM III reliability and validity.', "In almost all SCIM III tasks, the total agreement between the paired raters was >80%. The κ coefficients were all >0.6 and statistically significant. Pearson's coefficients of the correlations between the paired raters were >0.9, the mean differences between raters were nonsignificant and the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were ≥ 0.95. Cronbach's α values for the entire SCIM III scale were 0.833-0.835. FIM and SCIM III total scores were correlated (r=0.84, P<0.001). SCIM III was more responsive to changes than FIM. In all subscales, SCIM III identified more changes in function than FIM, and in 3 of the 4 subscales, differences in responsiveness were statistically significant (P<0.02)."] Is sCIM III reliable and valid in a separate analysis for traumatic spinal cord lesions?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.097602128982544,
-1.0520861148834229,
1.257906436920166
] |
['To investigate the mechanisms underlying the satiety-promoting effects of a novel protease inhibitor concentrate derived from potato (PPIC).', 'The acute and prolonged effects of oral PPIC administration (100 mg kg(-1) per day) on food intake, body weight and gastric emptying were evaluated in healthy rats. Parameters of body weight, food intake, plasma glucose, insulin and cholecystokinin (CCK) were measured. Duodenal proteolytic activity and CCK expression were determined in tissue extracts. Intestinal STC-1 cell culture model was used to investigate the direct effect of PPIC on CCK transcript level and secretion.', 'Acute oral administration of PPIC reduced immediate food intake during the first 2 h following the treatment, delayed gastric emptying and decreased proteolytic activity in the duodenum. Repeated oral ingestion of PPIC reduced weight gain in male rats and significantly elevated the plasma CCK levels. Although duodenal mucosal CCK mRNA levels increased in response to PPIC administration, the concentrate failed to elevate CCK expression or release in STC-1 cells. The 14-day ascending dose range study (33-266 mg kg(-1) PPIC per day) showed no adverse side effects associated with PPIC administration.'] Do potato protease inhibitors inhibit food intake and increase circulating cholecystokinin levels by a trypsin-dependent mechanism?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.3256094455718994,
-1.2968323230743408,
2.6675171852111816
] |
['Quantification of abdominal fat and its regional distribution has become increasingly important in assessing the cardiovascular risk.', 'To examine the effects of 16 weeks of a hypocaloric diet with a caloric restriction of 500 Kcal per day (WL) or the same dietary intervention plus resistance training (WL+RT) on regional variation of abdominal visceral (visceral adipose tissue (VAT)) and subcutaneous (subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT)) fat loss. Second, to identify the single-image that best represents total magnetic resonance imaging measurements of total VAT and SAT volume before and after WL or WL+RT intervention.', 'A total of 34 obese (body mass index: 30-40 kg m(-2)) women, aged 40-60 years, were randomized to three groups: a control group (C; n = 9), a diet group (WL; n = 12) and a diet plus resistance training group (WL+RT; n = 13) with the same caloric restriction as group WL and a 16-week supervised whole-body RT of two sessions per week.', 'WL+RT programs lead to significant changes in the location of highest mean VAT area from L3-L4 to L2-L3 discal level from pre- to post- intervention, whereas after WL the greatest relative VAT losses were located at L5-S1. Similar decreases in the SAT areas at all discal levels were observed after WL and WL+RT.'] Does weight-loss diet alone or combined with resistance training induce different regional visceral fat changes in obese women?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.9915876388549805,
-1.2373733520507812,
2.2925772666931152
] |
['A 3-month follow-up, observational, prospective, multicenter, study in traumatic spinal cord-injured (SCI) patients with neuropathic pain (NP).', 'To assess the effectiveness and safety of oxycodone treatment in SCI patients with anticonvulsants-refractory NP.', "'Spinal injury follow-up units' throughout Spain.", 'Data regarding NP characteristics were collated from male and female adults with traumatic SCI and difficult-to-control central NP of moderate-to-severe intensity (visual analog scale (VAS) ≥4) persisting ≥1 month, who had been para- or tetraplegic for ≥2 months, had been previously treated with anticonvulsants and were now treated with oxycodone.', 'In all, 54 out of the 57 patients recruited were assessable. A total of 81% were men and the mean age was 46.4. Patients were treated with oxycodone, 83% combined with anticonvulsant. Pain intensity (VAS: 7.1 ± 1.3-4.3 ± 1.7) and Lattinen total score (13.2 ± 3-7.7 ± 3.4) decreased significantly (P < 0.001) along the study. No patient got worse regarding pain impact on physical activity and on sleep (Lattinen scale). EQ-5D VAS showed a trend to increase (P = 0.061) and the index of preference values increased significantly from baseline to month 3 (0.26-0.62; P < 0.001). A total of 53.7% patients showed at least one treatment-related adverse event, with constipation being the most frequent one (33.3%).'] Does oxycodone improve pain control and quality of life in anticonvulsant-pretreated spinal cord-injured patients with neuropathic pain?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.6315199136734009,
-1.4699457883834839,
2.0589070320129395
] |
['Circulating concentrations of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) have been recently reported to be elevated in several chronic disorders. However, no study has ever examined the association between circulating HO-1 concentrations and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).', '581 cases with newly-diagnosed T2DM (New-T2DM) and 611 comparison controls were recruited in this two-phase case-control study, comprising 420 cases and 429 controls collected in the first phase study and 161 cases and 182 controls in the second phase replication study. Analyses, using both separated data and combined data from the two-phase studies, show that plasma HO-1 concentrations were significantly increased in New-T2DM cases compared to controls (P<0.001). Plasma HO-1 concentrations were significantly correlated with plasma glucose concentrations, HOMA-beta and HOMA-IR (P<0.001). After adjustment for age, sex, BMI and family history of diabetes, the ORs for New-T2DM in the highest quartile of plasma HO-1 concentrations, compared with the lowest, was 8.23 (95% CI 5.55-12.21; P for trend <0.001). The trend remained significant after additional adjustment for fasting plasma glucose/insulin, HOMA-beta/HOMA-IR, TC/TG, smoking, drinking and history of hypertension, and even in further stratification analysis by age, sex, BMI, smoking, drinking and history of hypertension.'] Is plasma heme oxygenase-1 concentration elevated in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.8387788534164429,
-1.2692694664001465,
2.143014430999756
] |
['Cerebral hemodynamic derangement is well known in patients with fulminant hepatic failure. The advent of transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) enabled noninvasive observation of cerebral hemodynamics. To evaluate its clinical usefulness, we examined longitudinal cerebral hemodynamic parameters in patients with fulminant hepatic failure and severe acute hepatitis.', 'The six subjects were four patients with fulminant hepatic failure, one with severe acute hepatitis and one with severe acute exacerbation on chronic hepatitis. The pulsatility indices of the right middle cerebral artery were used as parameters of cerebral hemodynamics.', 'The pulsatility indices of the two patients with a deteriorating course had elevated to >1.00, whereas those of the two patients undergoing recovery were within normal limits, as well as of the patients with acute hepatitis or acute exacerbation on chronic hepatitis.'] Does cerebral pulsatility index by transcranial Doppler sonography predict the prognosis of patients with fulminant hepatic failure?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.210993528366089,
-0.9666646718978882,
2.253602981567383
] |
['To determine the course of glycemic decline in a pediatric cohort with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by defining longitudinal changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and insulin requirement. We also followed markers of insulin reserve (fasting C-peptide and IGFBP-1) over time.', 'Participants included two groups: (1) T2DM Nonacidotic (NA) (n = 46); and (2) T2DM diabetic ketoacidosis (n = 13). HbA1c, insulin dose, and fasting C-peptide and IGFBP-1 were obtained at baseline and every 6 months for 4 years.', 'At baseline, Mann Whitney tests demonstrated that the diabetic ketoacidosis group had higher HbA1c (P = .002), required more insulin (P = .036), and had lower C-peptide (P = .003) than the NA group. Baseline insulin dose (Spearman r = -0.424, P = .009) and baseline IGFBP-1 (Spearman r = -0.349, P = .046) correlated negatively with C-peptide. Over time, HbA1c, insulin dose, and C-peptide changed significantly in a complex manner, with group differences. HbA1c reached a nadir at 6 to 12 months and began to rise after 1.5 years. Insulin requirements reached a nadir at 1 year and began to rise after 2 years.'] Does glycemic control in youth with type 2 diabetes decline as early as two years after diagnosis?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.7585862874984741,
-1.3372352123260498,
2.1063313484191895
] |
['BMS-191095 is an opener of the mitochondrial ATP-regulated potassium channel, which has been shown to provide cytoprotection in models of ischemia-reperfusion induced injury in various tissues. This study aimed at checking the protective action of BMS-191095 under the conditions of oxidative stress or disruption of intracellular calcium homeostasis.', 'The cytoprotective potential of BMS-191095 was tested in C2C12 myoblasts injured by treatment with H(2)O(2) or calcium ionophore A23187. The influence of the opener on intracellular calcium levels, calpain activity and respiration rates were determined.', 'BMS-191095 protected myoblasts from calcium ionophore A23187-induced injury, but not from H H(2)O(2)-induced injury. A23187-mediated cell damage was also prevented by calpain inhibitor PD 150606. A23187 administration led to a transient increase in cytosolic calcium levels, concomitant activation of calpains and a decrease in state 3 respiration rates, indicating mitochondrial dysfunction. Co-administration of BMS-191095 diminished calpain activation in A23187-treated cells but did not prevent mitochondrial damage. In the presence of BMS-191095, restoration of cytosolic calcium concentrations to basal levels after A23187 treatment was considerably faster which may underly the reduced activation of calpains.'] Is the cytoprotective action of the potassium channel opener BMS-191095 in C2C12 myoblasts related to the modulation of calcium homeostasis?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.406771421432495,
-1.2837154865264893,
2.7322027683258057
] |
['Local elution of zoledronic acid from a porous implant reportedly enhances periimplant bone formation and implant fixation. However, there is no information in the literature on the extent to which eluted bisphosphonate remains localized around the implant or becomes systemically distributed.', 'We ascertained to what extent eluted zoledronic acid remains local and whether there is systemic exposure after local elution from porous implants.', 'A hydroxyapatite-coated porous tantalum implant dosed with 100 μg (14)C-labeled zoledronic acid was implanted into the left femoral intramedullary canal of six dogs. Bone samples near to and distant from the implant were harvested from three dogs at 6 weeks and three dogs at 52 weeks. The concentration of radiolabeled bisphosphonate in each sample was quantified using liquid scintillation spectrophotometry and its distribution in periimplant bone was revealed by exposing histologic sections to autoradiography film.', 'In all six dogs, the concentration of zoledronic acid in immediate periimplant bone was two orders of magnitude higher than in any other sampled tissue, averaging 732.6 ng/g at 6 weeks and 377.2 ng/g at 52 weeks. Minute amounts of zoledronic acid (≤ 7.2 ng/g) were detected throughout the skeleton, indicating some escape into the circulation after local elution. Autoradiographs revealed the greatest concentration of zoledronic acid on and within the implant, with rapid decrease short distances away and no uptake within the femoral cortex.'] Does bisphosphonate remain highly localized after elution from porous implants?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.098461866378784,
-1.508523941040039,
2.6826488971710205
] |
['To determine activity and safety of capecitabine at a moderate dose of 2000 mg/m(2) as first-line therapy for metastatic breast cancer.', 'In this prospective phase II trial, patients with HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer received first-line capecitabine 2000 mg/m(2) on days 1-14 every 3 weeks. The primary aim was to exclude a time to progression (TTP) <6 months. Secondary end-points were overall response rate, overall survival (OS), toxicity and quality of life.', 'Median age of the 161 included patients was 65 years. Median TTP and OS were 7.3 months [95% (confidence interval) CI: 6.2-8.4] and 17.1 months (95% CI: 14.0-20.3), respectively. An overall response rate of 26.1%, including 13 complete remissions was observed. Patients developing grade I-III hand-foot syndrome had a significantly longer TTP and OS and patients >65 years also achieved a significantly longer TTP. Haematological grade I-IV toxicities were leucopenia (64.0%), anaemia (50.9%) and thrombocytopenia (28.0%). Relevant non-haematological toxicities were hand-food-syndrome (37.3%), fatigue (34.2%), nausea (29.8%) and diarrhoea (20.5%). Quality of life assessment revealed an improved emotional function, but worsening of nausea and vomiting from cycle 1-10.'] Is first-line therapy with moderate dose capecitabine in metastatic breast cancer safe and active : results of the MONICA trial?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.2424004077911377,
-1.376362681388855,
2.6857872009277344
] |
['To identify and characterise clusters of emergency department (ED) visits for fall injuries during the 2007-2008 winter season.', 'Hospital ED chief complaints and diagnoses from hospitals reporting to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention BioSense system were analysed. The authors performed descriptive analyses, used time series charts on data aggregated by metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), and used SaTScan to find spatial-temporal clusters of visits from falls.', 'In 2007-2008, 17 clusters of falls in 13 MSAs were found; the median number of excess ED visits for falls was 71 per day. SaTScan identified 11 clusters of falls, of which seven corresponded to MSA clusters found by time series and five included more than one state/district. Most clusters coincided with known periods of snowfall or freezing rain.'] Does automated monitoring of clusters of fall associated with severe winter weather using the BioSense system?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 1 |
[
-1.8010965585708618,
1.283524751663208,
-0.08105118572711945
] |
['Learning followed by a period of sleep, even as little as a nap, promotes memory consolidation. It is now generally recognized that sleep facilitates the stabilization of information acquired prior to sleep. However, the temporal nature of the effect of sleep on retention of declarative memory is yet to be understood. We examined the impact of a delayed nap onset on the recognition of neutral pictorial stimuli with an added spatial component.', 'Participants completed an initial study session involving 150 neutral pictures of people, places, and objects. Immediately following the picture presentation, participants were asked to make recognition judgments on a subset of "old", previously seen, pictures versus intermixed "new" pictures. Participants were then divided into one of four groups who either took a 90-minute nap immediately, 2 hours, or 4 hours after learning, or remained awake for the duration of the experiment. 6 hours after initial learning, participants were again tested on the remaining "old" pictures, with "new" pictures intermixed.'] Does delayed onset of a daytime nap facilitate retention of declarative memory?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 1 |
[
-1.6524676084518433,
1.0537245273590088,
-0.2608765959739685
] |
['Friedreich ataxia is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease caused by reduced expression levels of the frataxin gene (FXN) due to expansion of triplet nucleotide GAA repeats in the first intron of FXN. Augmentation of frataxin expression levels in affected Friedreich ataxia patient tissues might substantially slow disease progression.', 'We utilized bioinformatic tools in conjunction with chromatin immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assays to identify transcription factors that influence transcription of the FXN gene. We found that the transcription factors SRF and TFAP2 bind directly to FXN promoter sequences. SRF and TFAP2 binding sequences in the FXN promoter enhanced transcription from luciferase constructs, while mutagenesis of the predicted SRF or TFAP2 binding sites significantly decreased FXN promoter activity. Further analysis demonstrated that robust SRF- and TFAP2-mediated transcriptional activity was dependent on a regulatory element, located immediately downstream of the first FXN exon. Finally, over-expression of either SRF or TFAP2 significantly increased frataxin mRNA and protein levels in HEK293 cells, and frataxin mRNA levels were also elevated in SH-SY5Y cells and in Friedreich ataxia patient lymphoblasts transfected with SRF or TFAP2.'] Is expression of human frataxin regulated by transcription factors SRF and TFAP2?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.4245402812957764,
-1.252296805381775,
2.7462151050567627
] |
['Depression in the elderly might represent a prodromal phase of Alzheimer disease (AD). High levels of plasma amyloid beta-42 (Aβ42) were found in prestages of AD and also in depressed patients in cross-sectional studies. This study examined the association of emerging late-onset depression (LOD) and AD with plasma Aβ42 in a sample of never depressed and not demented persons at baseline.', 'Prospective 5-year longitudinal study.', 'A community dwelling of older adults (N = 331) from the Vienna Transdanube Aging study.', 'Laboratory measurements, cognitive functioning, and depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline, 2.5, and 5 years follow-ups.', 'After exclusion of converters to AD, regression analysis revealed that higher plasma Aβ42 at baseline was a positive predictor for conversion to first episode of LOD. Independent of whether persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) at 2.5 years were included or excluded into regressions, higher plasma Aβ42 at baseline was a significant predictor for the development of probable or possible AD at 5 years. Higher conversion to AD was also associated with male gender but not with either higher scores on the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), with stroke or cerebral infarction nor apolipoprotein E ε4 allele. No association was found for an interaction between plasma Aβ42 levels and GDS.'] Does plasma amyloid beta-42 independently predict both late-onset depression and Alzheimer disease?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.2360851764678955,
-1.1979405879974365,
2.458465576171875
] |
['Melioidosis, caused by infection with Burkholderia (B.) pseudomallei, is a severe illness that is endemic in Southeast Asia. Osteopontin (OPN) is a phosphorylated glycoprotein that is involved in several immune responses including induction of T-helper 1 cytokines and recruitment of inflammatory cells.', 'OPN levels were determined in plasma from 33 melioidosis patients and 31 healthy controls, and in wild-type (WT) mice intranasally infected with B. pseudomallei. OPN function was studied in experimental murine melioidosis using WT and OPN knockout (KO) mice. Plasma OPN levels were elevated in patients with severe melioidosis, even more so in patients who went on to die. In patients who recovered plasma OPN concentrations had decreased after treatment. In experimental melioidosis in mice plasma and pulmonary OPN levels were also increased. Whereas WT and OPN KO mice were indistinguishable during the first 24 hours after infection, after 72 hours OPN KO mice demonstrated reduced bacterial numbers in their lungs, diminished pulmonary tissue injury, especially due to less necrosis, and decreased neutrophil infiltration. Moreover, OPN KO mice displayed a delayed mortality as compared to WT mice. OPN deficiency did not influence the induction of proinflammatory cytokines.'] Does osteopontin impair host defense during established gram-negative sepsis caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei ( melioidosis )?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.399954319000244,
-1.2351945638656616,
2.66656756401062
] |
['TNF was the first cytokine employed for cancer therapy, but its use was limited due to its insufficient selectivity towards malignant cells. Fructose induces transient hepatic ATP depletion in humans and rodents due to the liver-specific fructose metabolism via fructokinase, while other cells e.g. Muscle cells metabolize fructose via hexokinase. Under ATP depleted conditions hepatocytes are protected against TNF-induced apoptosis. Our aim was to identify metabolic differences between normal and malignant liver cells that can be exploited for selective immunotherapy.', 'We analyzed the expression and activities of enzymes involved in fructose metabolism in primary hepatocytes and hepatoma cell lines. Furthermore, we studied the influence of hexokinase II (HKII) on fructose-mediated ATP depletion and cytoprotection in murine hepatocytes.', 'Primary mouse, rat and human hepatocytes depleted of ATP by fructose were fully protected against TNF-induced cytotoxicity. By contrast, hepatic tumor cell lines showed increased HKII expression, lack of fructose-mediated ATP depletion and, therefore, remained susceptible to TNF/ActD-induced apoptosis. Inhibition of hexokinases restored fructose-induced ATP depletion in hepg2 cells. Finally, hypoxia-inducible factor1 (HIF1)-mediated up-regulation of HKII prevented fructose-induced ATP depletion and overexpression of HKII inhibited fructose-mediated cytoprotection against TNF-induced apoptosis in primary murine hepatocytes.'] Are malignant but not naïve hepatocytes of human and rodent origin killed by TNF after metabolic depletion of ATP by fructose?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.6207895278930664,
-1.07548189163208,
2.7478439807891846
] |
['To evaluate the potential role of key DNA repair proteins in the sensitivity of normal human fibroblasts to ionising radiations.', 'Radiosensitivity of six human fibroblast strains established from skin biopsies of women who had undergone conservative breast surgery and received a curative breast conserving radiotherapy was measured by colony-formation assay. The expression level of RAD51, BRCA1 and p53 proteins were studied using western blot analysis.', 'The six fibroblast strains represent a typical spectrum of normal human radiosensitivity with the surviving fraction measured for a dose of 3.5 Gy (SF3.5) ranging from 0.21 to 0.40. We found that these differences in cell survival did not correlate with the expression of RAD51, BRCA1 nor p53 in the tested normal human fibroblast strains.'] Does expression of RAD51 , BRCA1 and P53 correlate with cellular radiosensitivity of normal human fibroblasts?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.463524103164673,
-1.0573687553405762,
2.5897107124328613
] |
['In vitro investigations of human innate immune responses to extracellular bacteria commonly utilise killed preparations in preference to live organisms. The effects of the bacterial preparation method on the activation of innate signalling pathways by the common opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus epidermidis (SE) are unknown.', 'Mononuclear cell cytokine expression patterns induced by live (LSE), heat-killed (HKSE) and ethanol-killed SE (EKSE) were characterized at the transcriptional and translational level. Toll-like receptor (TLR)-activating capacity of the preparations was analysed using TLR-transfected human embryonic kidney cells.', 'Live SE activated NF-κB, STAT1, type I interferon, and inflammasome pathways. Killed preparations engaged the NF-κB pathway, but had significantly lower capacity to activate other innate immune pathways.'] Does method of bacterial killing differentially affect the human innate immune response to Staphylococcus epidermidis?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.7163636684417725,
-0.8728185296058655,
2.7265660762786865
] |
['To determine if hemodynamic profiling using noninvasive impedance cardiography (ICG) reliably identifies the patient with severe (SPRE) or superimposed (SuPRE) preeclampsia.', 'Late gestation hypertensive pregnant patients underwent immediate ICG evaluation. Findings were compared between patients subsequently achieving or not achieving American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists criteria for SPRE or SuPRE.', 'Patients with severe disease were more likely to have depressed cardiac function and higher systolic blood pressure, mean arterial blood pressure, systemic vascular resistance, and thoracic fluid content compared to nonsevere hypertensive disease.'] Does impedance cardiography facilitate differentiation of severe and superimposed preeclampsia from other hypertensive disorders?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.7258989810943604,
-0.8678582310676575,
2.6921043395996094
] |
['Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are characterized by persistent orofacial pain and have diverse etiologic factors that are not well understood. It is thought that central sensitization leads to neuronal hyperexcitability and contributes to hyperalgesia and spontaneous pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are currently the first choice of drug to relieve TMD pain. NSAIDS were shown to exhibit anticonvulsant properties and suppress cortical neuron activities by enhancing neuronal voltage-gated potassium KCNQ/Kv7 channels (M-current), suggesting that specific activation of M-current might be beneficial for TMD pain.', "In this study, we selected a new anticonvulsant drug retigabine that specifically activates M-current, and investigated the effect of retigabine on inflammation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in rats. The results show that the head withdrawal threshold for escape from mechanical stimulation applied to facial skin over the TMJ in inflamed rats was significantly lower than that in control rats. Administration of centrally acting M-channel opener retigabine (2.5 and 7.5 mg/kg) can dose-dependently raise the head withdrawal threshold of mechanical allodynia, and this analgesic effect can be reversed by the specific KCNQ channel blocker XE991 (3 mg/kg). Food intake is known to be negatively associated with TMJ inflammation. Food intake was increased significantly by the administration of retigabine (2.5 and 7.5 mg/kg), and this effect was reversed by XE991 (3 mg/kg). Furthermore, intracerebralventricular injection of retigabine further confirmed the analgesic effect of central retigabine on inflammatory TMJ."] Does activation of voltage-gated KCNQ/Kv7 channels by anticonvulsant retigabine attenuate mechanical allodynia of inflammatory temporomandibular joint in rats?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.274223804473877,
-1.3985823392868042,
2.648392677307129
] |
['Genetic variation is thought to contribute to the etiology of hypertension, and E-selectin is a candidate essential hypertension-associated gene. This study thus sought to investigate possible genetic associations between the T1880C, C602A and T1559C polymorphisms of E-selectin and essential hypertension.', 'Hypertensive patients (n = 490) and healthy normotensive subjects (n = 495) were screened for the genotypes T1880C, C602A and T1559C using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction after DNA extraction to identify representative variations in the E-selectin gene. The associations between genotypes and alleles of the three mutations and essential hypertension were then analyzed using a case-control study.', 'Hypertensive patients and normotensive subjects were significantly different with respect to the genotypes CC, CA and AA (P = 0.005) and the C-allele frequency of C602A (P = 0.001). A comparison of dominant versus recessive models also revealed significant differences between the two groups (P = 0.004 and P = 0.02). When subgrouped by gender, these indexes differed significantly between normotensive and essential hypertensive males, but not in females. The additive model of the T1559C genotype did not differ between essential hypertensive and normotensive groups overall (P = 0.39), but it was different between hypertensive and normotensive males (P = 0.046) and females (P = 0.045). The CC + TC versus TT frequency of T1559C was also different in the recessive model of male hypertensive and normotensive groups (P = 0.02). Further analysis showed that C602A and T1559C were significantly associated with hypertension (C602A: OR = 7.58, 95%CI = 1.53-11.97, P < 0.01; and T1559C: OR = 6.77, 95%CI = 1.07-1.83, P < 0.05). The frequency of the C-C-C haplotype was significantly higher in hypertensive patients than in control individuals as well as in hypertensive and normotensive males (P = 0.008 and 0.01). The frequency of the C-A-T haplotype was higher only in male hypertensives and normotensives (P = 0.015). Furthermore, there was a significant interaction between E-selectin and gender (P = 0.02 for C602A and 0.04 for T1559C).'] Are e-selectin gene polymorphisms associated with essential hypertension : a case-control pilot study in a Chinese population?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.224941372871399,
-1.567078709602356,
1.7262957096099854
] |
['Two thaumatin-like proteins (TLPs) were previously identified in phloem exudate of hybrid poplar (Populus trichocarpa x P. deltoides) using proteomics methods, and their sieve element localization confirmed by immunofluorescence. In the current study, we analyzed different tissues to further understand TLP expression and localization in poplar, and used immunogold labelling to determine intracellular localization.', 'Immunofluorescence using a TLP antiserum confirmed the presence of TLP in punctate, organelle-like structures within sieve elements. On western blots, the antiserum labeled two constitutively expressed proteins with distinct expression patterns. Immunogold labelling suggested that TLPs are associated with starch granules and starch-containing plastids in sieve elements and phloem parenchyma cells. In addition, the antiserum recognized TLPs in the inner cell wall and sieve plate region of sieve elements.'] Are thaumatin-like proteins differentially expressed and localized in phloem tissues of hybrid poplar?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.4230587482452393,
-1.2795120477676392,
2.802588701248169
] |
['Within the scanning model of translation initiation, reinitiation is a non-canonical mechanism that operates on mRNAs harboring upstream open reading frames. The h subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 3 (eIF3) boosts translation reinitiation on the uORF-containing mRNA coding for the Arabidopsis bZip transcription factor, AtbZip11, among others. The RPL24B protein of the large ribosomal subunit, which is encoded by SHORT VALVE1, likewise fosters translation of uORF-containing mRNAs, for example mRNAs for auxin response transcription factors (ARFs).', 'Here we tested the hypothesis that RPL24B and eIF3h affect translation reinitiation in a similar fashion. First, like eif3h mutants, rpl24b mutants under-translate the AtbZip11 mRNA, and the detailed spectrum of translational defects in rpl24b is remarkably similar to that of eif3h. Second, eif3h mutants display defects in auxin mediated organogenesis and gene expression, similar to rpl24b. Like AtbZip11, the uORF-containing ARF mRNAs are indeed undertranslated in eif3h mutant seedlings.'] Are translation reinitiation and development compromised in similar ways by mutations in translation initiation factor eIF3h and the ribosomal protein RPL24?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.378373146057129,
-0.7386033535003662,
2.1291160583496094
] |
['Matrix Gla protein (MGP) is a calcification inhibitor and alterations in circulating MGP have been observed in different populations characterized by vascular calcification. We hypothesized that patients with calcific valvular aortic stenosis (AS) would have dysregulated circulating MGP levels.', 'We examined plasma levels of nonphosphorylated carboxylated and undercarboxylated MGP (dp-cMGP and dp-ucMGP, respectively) in 147 patients with symptomatic severe AS and in matched healthy controls.', 'We further investigated the relationship between MGP levels and aortic pressure gradients and valve area by echocardiography and measures of heart failure. Finally, we assessed the prognostic value of elevated plasma dp-ucMGP level in relation to all-cause mortality in patients with AS.', 'We found markedly enhanced plasma levels of dp-cMGP and in particular of dp-ucMGP in patients with symptomatic AS. Although only weak correlations were found with the degree of AS, circulating dp-ucMGP was associated with cardiac function and long-term mortality in multivariate analysis.'] Is undercarboxylated matrix Gla protein associated with indices of heart failure and mortality in symptomatic aortic stenosis?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.4140756130218506,
-1.292217493057251,
2.743168830871582
] |
['Depression and being overweight are correlated health problems in adulthood. Adolescence is a significant period for the onset and increase of depression and obesity, especially among girls. Pubertal development also occurs with concomitant increases in weight. Thus, it is not yet clear whether the association between depression and being overweight can be explained by pubertal development.', 'We examined the association between depressive mood, body weight, and pubertal status in adolescent girls.', 'The design was cross-sectional. In 962 young adolescent Dutch girls (age range, 11.9-15.9) weight and height measurements were used to calculate height, age, and gender-standardized body weight (zBMI). Questionnaires assessed depressive mood (the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression, CES-D, inventory) and menarcheal status (pre or post).', 'The correlation between menarcheal status and body weight (r\u2009=\u20090.34, p\u2009<\u20090.001) was not affected by depressive mood, and the correlation between menarcheal status and depressive mood (r\u2009=\u20090.20, p\u2009<\u20090.001) was not affected by body weight. A small correlation between depressive mood and body weight (r\u2009=\u20090.12, p\u2009<\u20090.01) largely disappeared after controlling for menarche.'] Do different mechanisms underlie post-menarchial increase in depression and weight?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.1586389541625977,
-0.7780917286872864,
1.9668627977371216
] |
['We investigated the mechanism and clinical significance of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-induced chemoresistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).', 'The correlation between the expression of different EMT regulators and chemoresistance genes, such as excision repair cross complementation group 1 (ERCC1), was evaluated in cancer cell lines from the NCI-60 database and four human HNSCC cell lines. Ectopic expression of Snail or short-interference RNA-mediated repression of Snail or ERCC1 was done in HNSCC cell lines. Cell viability was examined for cells after cisplatin treatment. A luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation were used to identify the transcriptional regulation of ERCC1 by Snail. Immunohistochemical analysis of Snail, Twist1, ERCC1, hypoxia inducible factor-1 α (HIF-1α), and NBS1 were done in samples from 72 HNSCC patients receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy.', 'The correlation between the expression of Snail and ERCC1 was confirmed in different cell lines, including HNSCC cells. In HNSCC cell lines, overexpression of Snail in the low endogenous Snail/ERCC1 cell lines FaDu or CAL-27 increased ERCC1 expression, and hypoxia or overexpression of NBS1 also upregulated ERCC1. Knockdown of Snail in the high endogenous Snail/ERCC1 cell line OECM-1 downregulated ERCC1 expression and attenuated cisplatin resistance. Furthermore, suppression of ERCC1 in Snail- or NBS1-overexpressing HNSCC cells enhanced sensitivity to cisplatin. Snail directly regulated ERCC1 transcription. In patients with HNSCC, coexpression of Snail and ERCC1 correlated with cisplatin resistance and a poor prognosis.'] Does regulation of excision repair cross-complementation group 1 by Snail contribute to cisplatin resistance in head and neck cancer?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.3976104259490967,
-1.3307832479476929,
2.7966442108154297
] |
['The cellular immune responses that protect against tuberculosis have not been identified.', 'We assessed baseline interferon γ (IFN‐γ) and lymphocyte proliferation assay (LPA) responses to antigen 85 (Ag85), early secretory antigenic target 6 (ESAT‐6), and Mycobacterium tuberculosis whole cell lysate (WCL) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected and bacille Calmette‐Guérin (BCG)-immunized adults with CD4 cell counts of >or= 200 cells/μL who received placebo in the DarDar tuberculosis vaccine trial in Tanzania. Subjects were followed prospectively to diagnose definite or probable tuberculosis.', 'Tuberculosis was diagnosed in 92 of 979 subjects during a mean follow‐up of 3.2 years. The relative risk of tuberculosis among subjects with positive IFN‐γ responses to Ag85 was 0.51 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.26-0.99; P = .049), to ESAT‐6 was 0.44 (95% CI, 0.23-0.85; P = .004), and to WCL was 0.67 (95% CI, 0.49-0.88; P = .002). The relative risk of tuberculosis was not significantly associated with baseline LPA responses. In a multivariate Cox regression model, subjects with IFN‐γ responses to ESAT‐6 and WCL had a lower hazard of developing tuberculosis, with a hazard ratio for ESAT‐6 of 0.35 (95% CI, 0.16–0.77; P = .009) and a hazard ratio for WCL of 0.30 (95% CI, 0.16-0.56; P < .001).'] Do interferon γ responses to mycobacterial antigens protect against subsequent HIV-associated tuberculosis?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.6159824132919312,
-1.6187670230865479,
2.2580912113189697
] |
['The pine wood nematode (PWN), Bursaphlenchus xylophilus, which collaborates with its associated bacteria to form ecosystem and has interaction among them, is the pathogen of pine wilt disease. This study focused on revealing the bacterial diversity of ecosystem of pine wood nematode and its associated bacteria.', 'The metagenome of ecosystem of bacteria associated with the PWN was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene library and 454 sequencing.', 'The results showed that 25 OTUs (Operational Taxonomic Units) were obtained from the library according to sequences similarity of 97%, which affiliated to Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria and Bacteroidetes. The dominant bacteria were belonged to Gammaproteobacteria, especially Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in this class dominated the library. In terms of dominant bacteria, the results revealed by metagenome were similar to that of 16S rRNA gene library.'] Do [ Diversity of bacteria associated with pine wood nematode revealed by metagenome ]?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.1748526096343994,
0.08212687075138092,
1.241523027420044
] |
['To study the interaction of streptococcal collagen-like protein 1 (Scl1) of M41-type group A streptococcus (GAS) ATCC12373 with low-density lipoprotein (LDL).', 'We cloned, expressed and purified the recombinant proteins rScl1 and its V region rScl1-V, designated as C176 and C176V, derived from Scl1. 41 of M41-type GAS. The binding of rScl1 to LDL was detected with affinity chromatography-binding assay, Western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and whole cell binding assays were used to detect the interactions of whole GAS cells with LDL.', 'The results demonstrated that C176 and C176V could specifically bind purified LDL, and M41-type GAS cells expressing native Sell could bind LDL whereas M6-type GAS could not.'] Does [ Scl1 of M41-type group A streptococcus bound low-density lipoprotein ]?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.2940022945404053,
-1.1918582916259766,
2.600257635116577
] |
['Ingestion of glucosinolates has previously been reported to improve endothelial function in spontaneously hypertensive rats, possibly because of an increase in NO availability in the endothelium due to an attenuation of oxidative stress; in our study we tried to see if this also would be the case in humans suffering from essential hypertension.', '40 hypertensive individuals without diabetes and with normal levels of cholesterol were examined. The participants were randomized either to ingest 10 g dried broccoli sprouts, a natural donor of glucosinolates with high in vitro antioxidative potential, for a 4 week period or to continue their ordinary diet and act as controls. Blood pressure, endothelial function measured by flow mediated dilation (FMD) and blood samples were obtained from the participants every other week and the content of glucosinolates was measured before and after the study. Measurements were blinded to treatment allocation.', 'In the interventional group overall FMD increased from 4% to 5.8% in the interventional group whereas in the control group FMD was stable (4% at baseline and 3.9% at the end of the study). The change in FMD in the interventional group was mainly due to a marked change in FMD in two participants while the other participants did not have marked changes in FMD. The observed differences were not statistically significant. Likewise significant changes in blood pressure or blood samples were not detected between or within groups. Diastolic blood pressure stayed essentially unchanged in both groups, while the systolic blood pressure showed a small non significant decrease (9 mm Hg) in the interventional group from a value of 153 mm Hg at start.'] Does ingestion of broccoli sprouts improve endothelial function in humans with hypertension?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.1414968967437744,
-1.2713725566864014,
2.4202113151550293
] |
['Four liters or more of orally taken polyethylene glycol solution (PEG) has proved to be an effective large-bowel cleansing method prior to colonoscopy. The problem has been the large volume of fluid and its taste, which is unacceptable to some examinees. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of 2\xa0l PEG combined with senna compared with 4\xa0l PEG for bowel preparation.', 'The design was a single-center, prospective, randomized, investigator-blinded study with parallel assignment, in the setting of the Endoscopy Unit of Umeå University Hospital. Outpatients (n\xa0=\xa0490) scheduled for colonoscopy were enrolled. The standard-volume arm received 4\xa0l PEG, and the low-volume arm received 36\xa0mg senna glycosides in tablets and 2\xa0l PEG. The cleansing result (primary endpoint) was assessed by the endoscopist using the Ottawa score. The patients rated the subjective grade of ease of taking the bowel preparation. Analysis was on an intention-to-treat basis.', 'There were significantly more cases with poor or inadequate bowel cleansing after the low-volume alternative with senna and 2\xa0l PEG (22/203) compared with after 4\xa0l PEG (8/196, p\xa0=\xa00.027). The low-volume alternative was better tolerated by the examinees: 119/231 rated the treatment as easy to take compared with 88/238 in the 4\xa0l PEG arm (p\xa0=\xa00.001).'] Is low-volume bowel preparation inferior to standard 4 1 polyethylene glycol?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.6108776330947876,
-1.6818742752075195,
2.281240701675415
] |
['Preterm birth is an enormous public health problem, affecting over 12% of live births and costing over $26 billion in the United States alone. The causes are complex, but twin studies support the role of genetics in determining gestation length. Despite widespread use of the mouse in studies of the genetics of preterm birth, there have been few studies that actually address the precise natural gestation length of the mouse, and to what degree the timing of labor and birth is genetically determined.', 'To further develop the mouse as a genetic model of preterm birth, we developed a high-throughput monitoring system and measured the gestation length in 15 inbred strains. Our results show an unexpectedly wide variation in overall gestation length between strains that approaches two full days, while intra-strain variation is quite low. Although litter size shows a strong inverse correlation with gestation length, genetic difference alone accounts for a significant portion of the variation. In addition, ovarian transplant experiments support a primary role of maternal genetics in the determination of gestation length. Preliminary analysis of gestation length in the C57BL/6J-Chr#(A/J)/NaJ chromosome substitution strain (B.A CSS) panel suggests complex genetic control of gestation length.'] Is mouse gestation length genetically determined?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.298908233642578,
-0.5818473696708679,
2.058340549468994
] |
['It is not known whether individuals with Parkinson disease (PD) can practice movements mentally. Before this question can be addressed, a reliable imagery assessment tool must be established. The recently developed Kinesthetic and Visual Imagery Questionnaire (KVIQ) is valid for non-disabled individuals and individuals with stroke. We have extended this work by examining the test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of the KVIQ in individuals with PD.', 'Eleven individuals with mild to moderate PD were assessed, while on medication, by the same examiner at 2 sessions (5-12 days apart). Test-retest reliability was measured using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). To examine concurrent validity, KVIQ scores from the second session were compared with a gold standard, the revised Movement Imagery Questionnaire, using Spearman rank order correlation coefficients.', 'There was no significant difference between total KVIQ scores for the test-retest sessions (P > 0.05). Overall, test-retest reliability of the KVIQ was good (ICC = 0.87), and reliability of the subscale of the KVIQ for indexing visual imagery and kinesthetic imagery was also good (ICC = 0.82 and 0.95, respectively). However, the subscale indexing axial visual imagery showed less reliability (ICC = 0.74), suggesting that individuals with PD were not as reliable when imagining axial visual movements as they were for imagining limb movements. Concurrent validity between the second session KVIQ score and the revised Movement Imagery Questionnaire score (gold standard) was excellent (rho = 0.93).'] Is the Kinesthetic and Visual Imagery Questionnaire a reliable tool for individuals with Parkinson disease?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.3477318286895752,
-1.3477280139923096,
1.7121597528457642
] |
['Neuromuscular dysfunction in critically ill patients is attributed to either critical illness myopathy (CIM) or critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) or a combination of both. However, it is unknown whether differential diagnosis has an impact on prognosis. This study investigates whether there is an association between the early differentiation of CIM versus CIP and clinical prognosis.', 'The authors included mechanically ventilated patients who featured a Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS-II) ≥ 20 on three consecutive days within the first week after intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Fifty-three critically ill patients were enrolled and examined by conventional nerve-conduction studies and direct muscle stimulation (184 examinations in total). The first examination was conducted within the first week after admission to the ICU.', 'In this cohort of critically ill patients, CIM was more frequent (68%) than CIP (38%). Electrophysiological signs of CIM preceded electrophysiological signs of CIP (median at day 7 in CIM patients vs day 10 in CIP patients, p<0.001). Most patients with CIP featured concomitant CIM. At discharge from ICU, 25% of patients with isolated CIM showed electrophysiological signs of recovery and significantly lower degrees of weakness. Recovery could not be observed in patients with combined CIM/CIP, even though the ICU length of stay was significantly longer (mean 35 days in CIM/CIP vs mean 19 days in CIM, p<0.001).'] Is critical illness myopathy frequent : accompanying neuropathy protracts ICU discharge?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.7768434286117554,
-1.4217824935913086,
2.2148165702819824
] |
['A very weak relationship has been reported between the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of patients with asthma and their degree of airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR), evaluated in terms of sensitivity. However, this relationship still has not been sufficiently explored for bronchial reactivity indices.', 'To analyse the relationship between bronchial reactivity and sensitivity with the HRQL of patients with stable asthma, identifying the functional parameters that determine HRQL.', 'In 103 consecutive patients with stable asthma, HRQL was evaluated using the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ). Patients underwent spirometry and non-specific bronchial provocation with methacoline. Sensitivity (PD(20)) and reactivity (dose-response slope (DRS), continuous index of responsiveness (CIR) and bronchial reactivity index (BRI)) of the dose-response curve were analysed.', 'BRI presented significant differences with different degrees of asthma severity. Although patients with AHR showed poorer quality of life than patients without AHR, the AQLQ total score was not related to PD(20) but rather to DRS (r=-0.784), CIR (r=-0.712) and BRI (r=-0.776). The indices of bronchial reactivity reached a negative correlation with all the domains of the AQLQ. In a multiple linear regression model, BRI, DRS, FIV(1) (forced inspiratory volume in 1 s) and VCIN (inspiratory vital capacity) were identified as independent predictors of the AQLQ total score (r(2)=0.742, p<0.001).'] Are bronchial reactivity indices determinants of health-related quality of life in patients with stable asthma?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.018627643585205,
-1.3898537158966064,
2.4485743045806885
] |
['Ursolic acid (UA) is a ubiquitous molecule in the plant kingdom with specific anticancer effects that have been shown in vitro and in vivo. Although UA can inhibit the proliferation of liver cancer cells and induce apoptosis of many types of tumor cells, the molecular mechanism of its anti-hepatoma activity is still not well defined. The objective of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect and mechanisms of UA on the human hepatoma cell line SMMC-7721.', 'After treatment with UA, the growth inhibition of SMMC-7721 cells was assessed by MTT assay. Cells were also evaluated by flow cytometric analysis, Wright-Giemasa staining, Hoechst 33258 staining and transmission electron microscope after they were induced by UA. DNA microarray technology was used to investigate the gene expression pattern of SMMC-7721 cells exposed to UA 40 micromol/L. The molecular mechanism of cells death was analyzed by real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting.', 'The proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells was significantly inhibited in a dose- and time-dependent manner after UA treatment. UA induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The DNA microarray analysis indicated that 64 genes were found to be markedly up- or down-expressed, including GDF15, SOD2, ATF3, and fos. The result of Western blotting showed the apoptotic proteins p53 and Bax were up-regulated while the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was down-regulated. Real-time RT-PCR confirmed UA could up-regulate the mRNA expressions of GDF15, SOD2, ATF3 and down-regulate the mRAN expression of fos. Meanwhile these effects were partly blocked by pretreatment with the p53 inhibitor Pft-alpha.'] Does ursolic acid induce human hepatoma cell line SMMC-7721 apoptosis via p53-dependent pathway?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.368060350418091,
-1.3417093753814697,
2.736567735671997
] |
['Astrocyte swelling is an important consequence of hepatic encephalopathy, and aquaporin-4 has been reported to play a vital role in this swelling. Ammonia causes astrocyte swelling and is also known to modulate aquaporin-4 expression in the astrocyte foot processes. The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism of ammonia-induced aquaporin-4 expression, which has been suggested to involve the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway.', 'We exposed cultured astrocytes to ammonium chloride, an in vitro model of hepatic encephalopathy. The purity of cultured astrocytes was evaluated by fluorescent glial fibrillary acidic protein labeling; cell morphology was assessed by light microscopy; the expression of aquaporin-4, phospho-p38, and p38 were detected by Western blotting analysis. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way factorial analysis of variance, and the relationship between variables was calculated by linear regression using SPSS version 13.0 program for Windows (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA).', 'The purity of cultured astrocytes was (96.6 +/- 1.4)%. Astrocytes swelled significantly when exposed to 5 mmol/L ammonium chloride for 24 hours as compared to non-exposed astrocytes. Co-treatment with 10 micromol/L SB203580 (an inhibitor of p38) attenuated the degree of ammonium chloride induced astrocyte swelling. Western blotting analysis revealed that the expression levels of phospho-p38 and aquaporin-4 in ammonium chloride treated cells were significantly increased relative to the control group (P < 0.001); SB203580 co-treatment inhibited the increased expression of phospho-p38 and aquaporin-4 relative to the ammonium chloride treated group (P = 0.002 and P = 0.015 respectively). The phosphorylation of p38 and upregulation of aquaporin-4 were highly correlated (r = 0.909). There were no significant differences in total p38 expression among the groups (P = 0.341).'] Does ammonia induce upregulation of aquaporin-4 in neocortical astrocytes of rats through the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.1973583698272705,
-1.4349281787872314,
2.6336724758148193
] |
['Hepatic fibrosis is associated with elevated sinusoidal pressure, which can be transmitted to the hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in the perisinusoidal space of Disse. Here, we sought to determine the effects of pressure on cellular growth and Src-dependent signaling pathways in the rat HSCs.', "Cultured rat HSCs were exposed to pressures (0 to 80 mmHg) by using a pressure-inducing apparatus. The proliferation of the cells was determined by a 5-bromo-2'-deoxy-uridine (BrdU) incorporation assay. Reverse transcription-PCR and Western-blot analysis were used to examine the mRNA and protein levels of representative molecules in Src-dependent signaling pathways.", 'Pressure at 10 to 20 mmHg applied to the HSCs over 1 h upregulated Brdu incorporation and expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and type I collagen, while a higher pressure of 40-80 mmHg did not have noticeable effect. The mRNA level of beta (3) integrin was increased by 1-h application of 5 to 20 mmHg. Immunoblot with phospho-specific antibodies demonstrated the phosphorylation of Src (Tyr418), focal adhesion kinase (FAK) (Tyr397), Akt (Ser473) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) (Thr421/Ser424) was increased in response to 10-mmHg pressure. Herbimycin A, an inhibitor of Src phosphorylation, attenuated the pressure-induced HSC proliferation and phosphorylation of above-mentioned signaling molecules.'] Does pressure activate Src-dependent FAK-Akt and ERK1/2 signaling pathways in rat hepatic stellate cells?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.4126861095428467,
-1.380036473274231,
2.855559825897217
] |
['Children with perforated appendicitis have a relatively high risk of intra-abdominal abscesses. There is no evidence that prolonged antibiotic treatment after surgery reduces intra-abdominal abscess formation. We compared two patient groups with perforated appendicitis with different postoperative antibiotic treatment protocols.', 'We retrospectively reviewed patients younger than age 18\xa0years who underwent appendectomy for perforated appendicitis at two academic hospitals between January 1992 and December 2006. Perforation was diagnosed during surgery and confirmed during histopathological evaluation. Patients in hospital A received 5\xa0days of antibiotics postoperatively, unless decided otherwise on clinical grounds. Patients in hospital B received antibiotics for 5\xa0days, continued until serum C-reactive protein (CRP) was <20\xa0mg/l. Univariate logistic regression analysis was performed on intention-to-treat basis. p\xa0<\xa00.05 was considered significant.', 'A total of 149 children underwent appendectomy for perforated appendicitis: 68 in hospital A, and 81 in hospital B. As expected, the median (range) use of antibiotics was significantly different: 5 (range, 1-16) and 7 (range, 2-32) days, respectively (p\xa0<\xa00.0001). However, the incidence of postoperative intra-abdominal abscesses was similar (p\xa0=\xa00.95). Regression analysis demonstrated that sex (female) was a risk factor for abscess formation, whereas surgical technique and young age were not.'] Does prolonged antibiotic treatment prevent intra-abdominal abscesses in perforated appendicitis?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.07083261013031,
-1.6652086973190308,
1.706734538078308
] |
['Renal inflammation and nephrin downregulation contribute to albuminuria in diabetes. We studied, in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, the effect of rosiglitazone (RSG), a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ agonist, on renal macrophage infiltration, MCP1, and nephrin expression in relation to albuminuria.', 'We investigated control and diabetic rats treated or untreated with RSG. Animals were sacrificed at 1, 3, and 9 months. Renal MCP1 and nephrin expression were studied by immunoblotting, renal macrophage infiltration by immunohistochemistry, and albuminuria by ELISA. Electron microscopy was used to assess glomerular ultrastructural morphology. In vitro experiments were conducted in isolated cultured rat glomeruli.', 'Glycaemic control was similar in diabetic rats treated and untreated with RSG, and blood pressure was comparable in all groups. RSG prevented diabetes-induced albuminuria at 9 months, and renal macrophage infiltration and MCP1 upregulation at 3 and 9 months. Diabetes-mediated nephrin downregulation was abolished by RSG. Diabetes-induced glomerulosclerosis, glomerular basement membrane thickening, and foot process fusion were not affected by RSG. In isolated glomeruli, MCP1 directly induced nephrin downregulation and this was prevented by RSG. RSG had no effect on nephrin expression.'] Does peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ agonist rosiglitazone prevent albuminuria but not glomerulosclerosis in experimental diabetes?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.3787448406219482,
-1.3463330268859863,
2.729234218597412
] |
['We investigated the therapeutic effect of a single dose of sesame oil against gentamicin-induced renal damage in rats.', 'Experimental rats were subcutaneously injected with gentamicin (100 mg/kg/day for 7 days) to induce renal injury. Sesame oil (1, 2 or 4 ml/kg) was given orally 24 h after the last dose of gentamicin. Control rats were treated with saline only. Renal injury, histopathological examination, histochemical staining, osteopontin expression, superoxide anion, nitric oxide, peroxynitrite radical and lipid peroxidation were assessed 24 h after sesame oil administration.', 'Serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine as well as renal osteopontin expression, superoxide anion, nitric oxide, peroxynitrite radical and lipid peroxidation levels were higher in gentamicin-treated rats than in control rats. Sesame oil significantly decreased all the tested parameters compared with gentamicin-alone rats. Furthermore, histopathological and histochemical staining showed that renal tubules had recovered and regenerated in the sesame oil-treated rats.'] Does sesame oil accelerate kidney healing following gentamicin-induced kidney injury in rats?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.264902114868164,
-1.2642977237701416,
2.561441659927368
] |
['The loss of AP-2alpha and increased activity of cAMP-responsive element binding (CREB) protein are two hallmarks of malignant progression of cutaneous melanoma. However, the molecular mechanism responsible for the loss of AP-2alpha during melanoma progression remains unknown.', 'Herein, we demonstrate that both inhibition of PKA-dependent CREB phosphorylation, as well as silencing of CREB expression by shRNA, restored AP-2alpha protein expression in two metastatic melanoma cell lines. Moreover, rescue of CREB expression in CREB-silenced cell lines downregulates expression of AP-2alpha. Loss of AP-2alpha expression in metastatic melanoma occurs via a dual mechanism involving binding of CREB to the AP-2alpha promoter and CREB-induced overexpression of another oncogenic transcription factor, E2F-1. Upregulation of AP-2alpha expression following CREB silencing increases endogenous p21(Waf1) and decreases MCAM/MUC18, both known to be downstream target genes of AP-2alpha involved in melanoma progression.'] Does cREB inhibit AP-2alpha expression to regulate the malignant phenotype of melanoma?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.5033202171325684,
-1.0375534296035767,
2.5472192764282227
] |
['Current management of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa) is very effective; however, tumor recurrence with Castrate Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC) and subsequent metastasis lead to poor survival outcome, suggesting that there is a dire need for novel mechanistic understanding of tumor recurrence, which would be critical for designing novel therapies. The recurrence and the metastasis of PCa are tightly linked with the biology of prostate cancer stem cells or cancer-initiating cells that is reminiscent of the acquisition of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) phenotype. Increasing evidence suggests that EMT-type cells share many biological characteristics with cancer stem-like cells.', 'In this study, we found that PCa cells with EMT phenotype displayed stem-like cell features characterized by increased expression of Sox2, Nanog, Oct4, Lin28B and/or Notch1, consistent with enhanced clonogenic and sphere (prostasphere)-forming ability and tumorigenecity in mice, which was associated with decreased expression of miR-200 and/or let-7 family. Reversal of EMT by re-expression of miR-200 inhibited prostasphere-forming ability of EMT-type cells and reduced the expression of Notch1 and Lin28B. Down-regulation of Lin28B increased let-7 expression, which was consistent with repressed self-renewal capability.'] Is epithelial to mesenchymal transition mechanistically linked with stem cell signatures in prostate cancer cells?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.5906994342803955,
-1.0622602701187134,
2.717716693878174
] |
['Gastroesophageal reflux is common among patients with postnasal drainage. We investigated whether proton pump inhibitor therapy improved symptoms in patients with postnasal drainage without sinusitis or allergies.', 'In a parallel-group, double-blind, multi-specialty trial, we randomly assigned 75 participants with continued symptoms of chronic postnasal drainage to groups that were given 30 mg of lansoprazole twice daily or placebo. Participants were followed up for 16 weeks. Symptoms were assessed at baseline and after 8 and 16 weeks. Ambulatory pH and impedance monitoring assessed presence of baseline reflux. The primary objective of the study was to determine if acid suppressive therapy improved postnasal drainage symptoms. The secondary objective was to assess if pH and impedance monitoring at baseline predicted response to treatment.', 'Postnasal drainage symptoms improved significantly among patients given lansoprazole compared with placebo. After 8 and 16 weeks, participants given lansoprazole were 3.12-fold (1.28-7.59) and 3.50-fold (1.41-8.67) more likely to respond, respectively, than participants given placebo. After 16 weeks, median (interquartile) percent symptom improvements were 50.0% (10.0%-72.0%) for participants given lansoprazole and 5.0% (0.0%-40.0%) for participants given placebo (P = .006). Neither baseline presence of typical reflux symptoms nor esophageal physiologic parameters predicted response to therapy.'] Does proton pump inhibitor therapy improve symptoms in postnasal drainage?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.1335299015045166,
-1.3674604892730713,
2.5324621200561523
] |
['Barthel Index (BI) measures functional status. Our aim was to analyze if BI and other factors not included in Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) predict mortality in general population with community acquired pneumonia (CAP).', 'Prospective observational study including all patients with CAP diagnosed in 2006. Endpoint of study: 30-day mortality. Variables not included in PSI as BI were analyzed. Strength of association was determined by odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval.', '550 patients, mean age of 60.3 ± 20.8, were included. 32 were lost during follow-up and 518 patients were finally analyzed. 44 (8.5%) patients died in the first 30 days after CAP diagnosis. In bivariate analysis, mortality was significantly more frequent in patients with PSI ≥ IV (19.2% vs 1.9%), BI≤80 points (23.9% vs 2.9%), multilobar infiltrate (20% vs 6%), diabetes mellitus (14.9% vs 6.5%), influenza vaccination (11.9% vs 6.6%) and pneumococcal vaccination (16.7% vs 6%). In multivariate analysis, mortality independently associated factors were: BI ≤80, OR: 3.9(CI95% 1.4-10.5; p < 0.001); PSI ≥ IV OR: 3.9(1.2-12.7; p < 0.05); and multilobar infiltrate OR: 2.9(1.1-7.3; p = 0.05).'] Does functional status determined by Barthel Index predict community acquired pneumonia mortality in general population?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-0.7531977891921997,
-1.6311354637145996,
1.4966708421707153
] |
['Chondrosarcoma represents the second most common primary malignant bone tumor causing significant morbidity due to local recurrence and limited treatment options. Conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy has been proven to be largely ineffective to this sarcoma. Here we report that sorafenib is effective in growth inhibition of chondrosarcoma cell lines in vitro.', 'Chondrosarcoma cell lines (SW1353 and CRL7891) were treated with sorafenib. Flow cytometry, DAPI assay, and Western blotting were employed to determine the effects of sorafenib in inhibitory proliferation and induce apoptosis in chondrosarcoma cells in vitro.', 'The results showed that sorafenib effectively inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in chondrosarcoma cells, which was concurrent with inhibition of the expression of phospho-MEK and phospho-ERK. Further more the expression levels of cyclin D1, Rb and anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-xl and Mcl-1 significantly reduced, but no changes in Bcl-2 and Bax. We although detected the expression of Akt, JNK, p38 and their respective phosphoprotein, but did not found meaningful changes.'] Does sorafenib induce growth inhibition and apoptosis of human chondrosarcoma cells by blocking the RAF/ERK/MEK pathway?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.437791109085083,
-1.2368537187576294,
2.7375917434692383
] |
['Nuclear components targeted by autoantibodies are a characteristic feature of the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The nucleosome, a major autoantigen, is released in patients with SLE as a result of a disturbed apoptosis and/or an insufficient clearance of apoptotic debris. During apoptosis the nucleosome is modified, thereby creating more immunogenic epitopes. Subsequently, epitope spreading will lead to the formation of autoantibodies against unmodified chromatin components. However, characterization of B cell epitopes specific for apoptotic chromatin modifications is hampered by the fact that the existing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were originally selected on non-apoptotic chromatin. Here, we describe a novel approach for generating mAbs from lupus mice that are specific for apoptosis-induced chromatin modifications.', 'Hybridomas were generated from pre-diseased and diseased lupus mice using standard fusion methods. Selection occurred on isolated apoptotic chromatin. Antibodies were further characterized by ELISA, western blot and immunofluorescence staining with apoptotic and non-apoptotic chromatin/cells. In addition, reactivity was determined with subnucleosomal complexes and with nucleosomes treated with trypsin or DNase I. Finally, reactivity was determined with cells treated with the histone deacetylase inhibitor TSA.', 'Most generated mAbs appeared to be nucleosome specific with a clear preference for apoptotic nucleosomes compared to normal nucleosomes. Although the exact elucidation of the epitopes of these mAbs specific for apoptosis-associated nucleosome modifications remains a major challenge, the epitopes contain both DNA and histones, whereby the histone tails play a role in establishing the epitopes. Most importantly, the conformational epitopes of these nucleosome-specific antibodies seem to contain acetylated residues.'] Do lupus-derived monoclonal autoantibodies against apoptotic chromatin recognize acetylated conformational epitopes?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.450873613357544,
-1.285789966583252,
2.8334598541259766
] |
['Cisplatin chemotherapy often causes acute kidney injury in cancer patients. The causative mechanisms of cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury include renal inflammation, activation of p53 tumour suppressor protein and tubular apoptosis. Luteolin, a flavone found in medicinal herbs and plants, has been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticarcinogenic activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-apoptotic effect of luteolin on cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury and the molecular mechanism.', 'C57BL/6 mice were treated with cisplatin (20 mg/kg) with or without treatment with luteolin (50 mg/kg for 3 days). Renal function, histological changes, degree of oxidative stress and tubular apoptosis were examined. The effects of luteolin on cisplatin-induced expression of renal p53, PUMA-α and Bcl-2 family proteins were evaluated.', 'Treatment of mice with cisplatin resulted in renal damage, showing an increase in blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, tubular damage, oxidative stress and apoptosis. Treatment of cisplatin-treated mice with luteolin significantly improved renal dysfunction, reducing tubular cell damage, oxidative stress and apoptosis. Examination of molecules involving apoptosis of the kidney revealed that treatment of cisplatin increased the levels of p53 and its phosphorylation, PUMA-α, Bax and caspase-3 activity that were significantly decreased by treatment with luteolin.'] Does luteolin ameliorate cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury in mice by regulation of p53-dependent renal tubular apoptosis?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.50227427482605,
-1.2471091747283936,
2.7834601402282715
] |
['to compare the mortality rates of elderly demented and nondemented subjects and the differential association of midlife risk factors with mortality according to dementia status.', ': Prospective historical study.', 'community based.', 'from the 10,059 male Jewish civil servants who participated in the Israel Ischemic Heart Disease study in the 1960s, the 1,713 who were evaluated for dementia in 1999/2000 and who were unequivocally classified as demented or nondemented.', ': Midlife sociodemographic and cardiovascular risk factors, late-life dementia, and mortality.', 'over a period of 6 years, 718 (42%) subjects died. Of the 307 demented subjects, 71.8% died and of the 1,407 nondemented subjects, 35.4% died. Multivariate survival analyses showed that compared with subjects without dementia, demented subjects had a hazard ratio [HR] for mortality of 2.27 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.92-2.68). Other risk factors associated with mortality were socioeconomic status (HR 0.94 [0.88-1.00]), higher systolic (HR 1.16 per 20 mm Hg [1.06-1.28 mm Hg]) and diastolic blood pressure (HR 1.15 per 10 mm Hg [1.06-1.25 mm Hg]), and ever smoking (HR 1.38 [1.18-1.61]). Midlife total cholesterol was not associated with mortality (1.01 per 40 mg/dL [0.93-1.10 mg/dL]). None of the interactions of the risk factors with dementia was significant.'] Does late-life dementia predict mortality beyond established midlife risk factors?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.2475651502609253,
-0.5562407374382019,
0.8348062038421631
] |
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