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['To determine whether environmental factors or bacterial viability affect the binding of two strains of P. aeruginosa to mouse cornea.', 'Scarified corneas were placed in organ culture and inoculated with P. aeruginosa cell suspensions containing either ATCC 19660 or PAO1 bacterial strains classed as cytotoxic or invasive, respectively. Eyes were incubated in vitro for 1 h after bacterial application at different pH or temperature conditions or in PBS containing various divalent cations. The adhesion of heat-killed or formalin-fixed bacteria was tested similarly. Scanning electron microscopy (scanning EM) was used to quantitate adherent bacteria.', 'P. aeruginosa ATCC 19660 showed an increase in binding at pH 8.0, favored higher temperatures and required both calcium and magnesium for optimum binding. Adherence of PAO1 was enhanced at pH 6.5 and decreased at pH 8.0. This strain favored binding at lower temperatures and did not require either divalent cation for optimum binding. In addition, the presence of magnesium ions resulted in reduced binding for this strain. Both strains exhibited less binding ability after formalin fixation or heat killing.'] Do environmental factors influence P. aeruginosa binding to the wounded mouse cornea?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.8182790279388428,
-0.4580848217010498,
2.3524270057678223
] |
['Although transforming growth factor-betas (TGF-beta s) inhibit epithelial cell proliferation, these same substances stimulate cell proliferation of fibroblasts. In order to elucidate the mechanism of stimulatory activity of TGF-beta on fibroblast, the present study was performed to determine whether TGF-beta might be an indirect mitogen acting through induction of an endogenous growth factor(s) that then acts as the direct mitogen in an autocrine manner in corneal stromal fibroblasts (CSFs).', 'Cell proliferation was determined either by counting cell numbers or by analyzing the incorporation of [3H]-thymidine into DNA. The synthesis of TGF-beta, TGF-beta receptors, FGF-2 and p27 was analyzed by immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting.', 'TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2, and TGF-beta 3 significantly stimulated cell proliferation of CSFs in a dose-dependent manner. The medium conditioned by CSFs and subsequently activated by acid-inhibited cell proliferation of corneal endothelial cells by 40%. When the acid-activated media conditioned by CSFs were immunoprecipitated with either combined anti-TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 antibodies or anti-TGF-beta 3 antibody, all three TGF-beta s, with an apparent molecular size of 25 kDa, were detected, whereas CSFs produced an 80-kDa latent form of TGF-beta 1. These cells can also express TGF-beta type II receptor and betaglycan. Interestingly, CSFs produced and secreted 18-kDa FGF-2, the synthesis of which is further stimulated by either TGF-beta 1 or TGF-beta 3, while both the neutralizing antibody to FGF-2 and the FGF-2 specific antisense oligonucleotide primers significantly inhibited the stimulatory activities of TGF-beta 1 in CSFs. The expression of p27, a negative regulator in cell cycle, was not altered by TGF-beta.'] Do tGF-beta s stimulate cell proliferation via an autocrine production of FGF-2 in corneal stromal fibroblasts?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.2621395587921143,
-1.350107192993164,
2.6500401496887207
] |
['It has been observed previously that the pulmonary metastases of colorectal adenocarcinoma are less responsive to therapy with fluorouracil (FUra) as compared with other sites of metastasis (liver, local). To investigate the basis of this chemoresistance, the levels of thymidylate synthase (TS) mRNA and protein were measured, as TS expression has been shown to be predictive of response to therapy in colorectal cancer.', 'Tumors were obtained from 19 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (12 hepatic and seven pulmonary). TS expression was measured by quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and TS protein levels were measured by Western blotting. The presence of TS amplification was assessed by Southern blotting. Levels of p53 protein were determined using immunohistochemistry.', 'TS mRNA expression was shown to be significantly higher in the pulmonary metastases (mean TS/beta-actin ratio, 19.7; n = 7) as compared with the hepatic metastases (mean TS/beta-actin ratio, 4.7; n = 11) of colorectal cancer. Lower TS expression was observed in patients with hepatic metastases who had received prior FUra versus patients who had not been treated. High levels of TS expression in some samples was associated with low-level (two to three gene copies) increases in TS gene copy numbers and this was observed more frequently in the pulmonary metastatic samples. The increased gene copy numbers occurred both in samples with wild-type p53 and those with mutant p53 tumor-suppressor gene as determined by immunohistochemistry.'] Are higher levels of thymidylate synthase gene expression observed in pulmonary as compared with hepatic metastases of colorectal adenocarcinoma?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.2512996196746826,
-1.4503145217895508,
2.671231508255005
] |
['To determine whether physician specialty is associated with prescription of warfarin to elderly persons with atrial fibrillation.', 'Cross-sectional survey.', 'One hundred and thirty-eight randomly selected general practitioners--all 58 internists and all 27 cardiologists in southern Alberta were surveyed by mail.', 'Physicians identified their preferred drug for stroke prevention generally and in response to two hypothetical cases.', 'Response rates were 66% (general practitioners), 76% (internists) and 89% (cardiologists). Specialists (92%) were more likely than general practitioners (76%) to choose warfarin (P = 0.007). Findings were similar for questions related to case scenarios; however, the magnitude of differences between specialists and general practitioners was less pronounced. Specialists were more likely (77%) to prescribe warfarin for elderly females than were general practitioners (62%, P = 0.08). Similar proportions of specialists (77%) and general practitioners (67%) would prescribe warfarin to elderly males.'] Is physician specialty associated with differences in warfarin use for atrial fibrillation?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 1 |
[
-1.8237661123275757,
1.0206761360168457,
-0.016172287985682487
] |
['Epicardial and endocardial defibrillation electrode systems affect myocardial electrophysiology and sympathetic function differently. Thus, we postulate that antiarrhythmic drugs will interact with these electrode systems differently.', 'Defibrillation energy requirements (DER) at 20% (ED20), 50% (ED50), and 80% (ED80) success were measured at baseline and during lidocaine (10 mg/kg per hour) or D5W treatment for epicardial and endocardial electrodes. Pigs were randomized to treatment (lidocaine or D5W) and electrode system, which resulted in four experimental groups: (1) epicardial electrode + D5W; (2) epicardial electrode + lidocaine; (3) endocardial electrode + D5W; and (4) endocardial electrode + lidocaine. ED50 DER (mean +/- SEM) values at baseline for groups 1-4 were 10.6+/-1, 8.5+/-1, 12.6+/-1, and 12.3+/-1 J, respectively. DER values for groups 1 and 3 during D5W were similar to baseline. Conversely, lidocaine increased ED50 DER values from 8.5+/-1 to 13.5+/-2 J (P < 0.05) in group 2 animals (epicardial electrodes). When lidocaine was administered to group 4 animals (endocardial electrodes), however, ED50 DER values remained similar to baseline values (12.3+/-1 to 14.3+/-2 J, P = NS). Lidocaine increased ED50 DER values by 59% with the epicardial electrode system, which was significantly greater than the 16% increase with the endocardial electrode system (P < 0.05). Electrophysiologic response and electrode impedance were similar between electrode systems.'] Are lidocaine 's effect on defibrillation threshold dependent on the defibrillation electrode system : epicardial versus endocardial?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.2632242441177368,
-1.7900092601776123,
2.025296449661255
] |
['Only one third of patients who have suffered a myocardial infarction can benefit from thrombolytic treatment in the daily clinic practice. The aim of this study is to know the percentage of patients who were treated in a General Hospital and the main exclusion causes to receive thrombolytic treatment.', 'A descriptive study in patients with infarction who were admitted to the Critical Care Unit of a 550 beds Hospital between September-95 and August-96.', "188 patients were admitted with suspicion of myocardial infarction. The 50.53% of them received thrombolytic treatment. The main exclusion causes to receive this treatment were: delay of the patient (18.10%), normal ECG or descended ST (16.50%), contraindications (8%), patient's refusal to receive treatment (0.53%) an uncertain indication of therapy (6.40%)."] Does [ Exclusion cause to thrombolytic treatment in myocardial infarction ]?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.4595682621002197,
-0.3245926797389984,
1.9248087406158447
] |
['The c-met protooncogene encodes the met protein, the receptor for scatter factor/hepatocyte growth factor, a growth factor that modulates the motility and stable interaction of the epithelial cells. This study assesses the expression of met receptor in breast carcinoma and its prognostic value with respect to survival.', 'Immunofluorescence was used to evaluate 91 archival breast carcinoma specimens using a polyclonal antibody to the cytoplasmic domain of the receptor. Cases were scored by two pathologists on a percentage basis and then converted to binary scores (positive or negative) on the basis of a bimodal distribution.', 'Strong expression of met was found in 20 invasive ductal breast tumor specimens (22%). The 5-year survival of patients whose tumors showed decreased met expression was 89%, in contrast to a 52% 5-year survival rate in patients whose tumors expressed met (P = 0.008). This trend also was observed in patients without lymph node metastases at presentation, in whom met negative patients had a 95% 5-year survival compared with only 62% for met positive patients (P = 0.006) Multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model showed met expression to be an independent predictor of survival, with a predictive value nearly equivalent to that associated with lymph node status.'] Is expression of c-met a strong independent prognostic factor in breast carcinoma?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.191631555557251,
-1.4151771068572998,
2.655745029449463
] |
['To describe any relationship between pregnancy rhinitis and weight gain or serum levels of estradiol, progesterone, placental growth hormone, or insulinlike growth factor I.', 'Twenty-seven nonsmoking healthy pregnant women aged 22 to 38 years (mean age, 28 years) who had no history of respiratory allergy or chronic nasal or sinus problems volunteered to enter the study. They had no nasal complaints at entry.', 'Nasal patency was registered daily from early pregnancy until 1 month after delivery. Nasal and oral peak expiratory flow rates were established, and the subjective blockage was scored from 0 to 4, with 0 indicating no blockage. Serum samples were collected and weight was measured on 4 occasions during pregnancy and again at the end of the study. Pregnancy rhinitis was diagnosed if the subjective nasal obstruction score was 1 or higher every morning for at least 6 weeks immediately preceding delivery, then returned to 0 within 2 weeks and remained at 0 until the end of the study. If on any day other signs of respiratory tract infection occurred, that day was excluded.', 'Pregnancy rhinitis was diagnosed in 5 women. These 5 women showed significantly higher levels of placental growth hormone than the women without the diagnosis. No significant difference was found between the 2 groups regarding body weight or any of the other serum levels studied.'] Is serum level of placental growth hormone raised in pregnancy rhinitis?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.029005765914917,
-0.819213330745697,
1.9614901542663574
] |
['The objective of this study was to document alterations in resting energy expenditure (REE), energy intake, and body composition that occur during admission for management of a pulmonary exacerbation in children with cystic fibrosis.', 'A prospective study of 14 children with cystic fibrosis (8 male, 12.5 +/- 3.3 years) was conducted throughout a 14-day hospitalization and again 3 weeks after discharge. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to examine the change in variables across time.', 'Significant increases were documented from days 1 to 14 in weight (37.1 +/- 13.1 kg to 38.4 +/- 13.5 kg) and pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second: 67.6% +/- 19.8% to 78.5% +/- 24.5%). Energy intake was not different between hospitalization and follow-up and averaged 175% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance. REE on day 1 was elevated (122% +/- 11% predicted); however, when expressed with fat free mass as a covariate, no significant changes were noted in REE throughout the eight measurements.'] Is acute pulmonary exacerbation associated with increased energy expenditure in children with cystic fibrosis?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.6651748418807983,
-1.053161382675171,
1.8288694620132446
] |
['Transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-beta 2) is a pluripotent cytokine which has been suggested to play a number of roles in ocular physiologic and pathologic states. Intraocular fluid (i.o.f.) levels of TGF-beta 2 are quite high. Although the sources of ocular TGF-beta are not completely defined, the retinal pigment epithelium, the epithelium of the ciliary body and trabecular meshwork cells all secrete it. In this study we utilized canine lens and rabbit ciliary pigmented epithelial cell cultures to quantitate the in vitro secretion of TGF-beta 2. In addition, the effects of aphakia or the presence of cataractous lenses on IOF TGF-beta 2 levels were determined.', 'Lens and ciliary body epithelial cell culture supernatants and aqueous humors were assayed for total TGF-beta 2 levels by ELISA and bioassay.', 'TGF-beta 2 accumulated in the media bathing lens epithelial cell cultures (0.7 +/- 0.03 ng/ml at day 2) and ciliary pigmented epithelial cell cultures (0.8 +/- 0.06 ng/ml at day 2) in a time-dependent manner. Surprisingly, aqueous humor from aphakic rabbit eyes contained significantly higher levels of TGF-beta 2 than their contralateral phakic controls. Furthermore, aqueous humor from canine eyes with cataracts also contained significantly higher levels of TGF-beta 2 than normal eyes.'] Does the lens influence aqueous humor levels of transforming growth factor-beta 2?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.2906668186187744,
-1.3931264877319336,
2.6973259449005127
] |
['Ongoing clinical trials have revived interest in hypertonic saline (HTS) for postinjury resuscitation; these studies have documented serum Na+ concentrations > or = 170 mmol/L. Recent animal studies have shown that HTS enhances T-cell and monocyte function, but effects on the polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) remain unclear. The postinjury lipid mediators platelet-activating factor (PAF) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) have been implicated in PMN priming for cytotoxicity, which is believed to be important in the pathogenesis of multiple organ failure. We hypothesized that HTS would stimulate PMN superoxide (O2-) and elastase release from PAF- and LTB4-primed PMNs.', "Isolated PMNs from five donors were primed for 5 minutes with 200 nmol/L PAF or 1 micromol/L LTB4 in Kreb's-Ringer's phosphate with dextrose at a Na+ concentration of 140 mmol/L (normal serum Na+ concentration), pelleted, and resuspended in Kreb's-Ringer's phosphate with dextrose for 10 minutes at a Na+ concentration of 130 to 170 mmol/L. O2- generation was measured by superoxide dismutase-inhibitable reduction of cytochrome c and elastase release by cleavage of N-methoxysuccinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Val p-nitroanilide.", 'HTS with Na+ concentration up to 170 mmol/L had no significant effect on O2- production or elastase release from quiescent cells. Na+ concentration of 160 and 170 mmol/L, however, activated PAF- and LTB4-primed PMNs for enhanced elastase release with no effect on O2- production.'] Does hypertonic saline activate lipid-primed human neutrophils for enhanced elastase release?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.2838218212127686,
-1.4023860692977905,
2.719923257827759
] |
['A new commercially available rapid qualitative bedside immunoassay for cardiac troponin T has been developed. The aim of the study was to investigate whether this new rapid bedside cardiac troponin T assay facilitates diagnosing myocardial infarction in a pre-hospital setting.', 'We evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of the new rapid bedside troponin T assay for myocardial infarction. In 68 patients with acute, central, crushing chest pain, who were strongly suspected of having myocardial infarction, the emergency doctor performed preclinically a bedside cardiac troponin T test. The results were compared with the diagnosis after admission to hospital, using the criteria of the World Health Organization.', 'The diagnosis of myocardial infarction was confirmed in 16/68 (24%) patients after admission to hospital, but only in 4/16 (25%) patients with myocardial infarction was a positive result observed preclinically with this test. The result was false positive in 1/5 patients (20%).'] Is bedside troponin T testing useful for early out-of-hospital diagnosis of myocardial infarction?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.187894821166992,
-1.1827847957611084,
2.51755690574646
] |
['Post-ischaemic reactive hyperaemia in the forearm has been suggested as a marker of resistance vessel function. The contribution of forearm composition to the kinetics of reactive hyperaemia is largely unknown. The body composition of men and women differs in that women have a higher body fat content and less lean body mass.', 'In the present study, we investigated whether the kinetics of reactive hyperaemia in the forearm in 14 healthy subjects (seven men and seven women) show gender-specific differences and whether forearm composition contributes to such differences.', 'Peak reactive hyperaemic flow as well as 1-min-flow debt repayment (measured by venous occlusion plethysmography) were significantly higher in male than in female study participants. This difference was explained to > 60% by gender-specific differences in forearm relative muscle mass (as determined by magnetic resonance imaging). The half-life of the reactive hyperaemic response, on the other hand, was not different between men and women and did not show an association with forearm muscle.'] Does forearm composition contribute to differences in reactive hyperaemia between healthy men and women?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.3358659744262695,
-0.7783147692680359,
2.218323230743408
] |
['Allergen specific nasal challenge (ASNC) is an optimal method to study the pathophysiological mechanisms sustaining the allergic inflammation and in particular the adhesion molecule system, which is involved in cellular infiltration of nasal mucosa. Topical steroids have been accepted as a highly effective anti-inflammatory therapy for allergic rhinitis.', 'The aim of this double-blind placebo- controlled study was the evaluation of clinical and cytological parameters, including ICAM-1 expression on nasal epithelial cells, after a 4 week treatment with nasal fluticasone propionate (200 microg/daily) or placebo, using the model of ASNC.', 'Twenty allergic rhinitics underwent nasal challenge before and after treatment. The following parameters were evaluated: (i) nasal symptoms (rhinorrhoea, itching, sneezing, obstruction), (ii) inflammatory cells (eosinophils and neutrophils), (iii) ICAM-1 expression on nasal epithelial cells at baseline, 30 min (early phase) and 6 h (late phase) after ASNC.', 'Fluticasone propionate was capable of reducing: (i) clinical symptoms during both early (P<0.001) and late phase (P<0.04), (ii) eosinophil (P<0.002) and neutrophil (P<0.001) infiltrate during late phase, and (iii) ICAM-1 expression on nasal epithelial cells during both early (P < 0.01) and late phase (P < 0.03).'] Does intranasal fluticasone propionate reduce ICAM-1 on nasal epithelial cells both during early and late phase after allergen challenge?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.3695454597473145,
-1.3621082305908203,
2.827246904373169
] |
['To examine the relationships between psychophysical perceptions and the electrically evoked auditory brainstem responses (EABRs) in multichannel cochlear implant (CI) users and to determine the effectiveness of EABRs in electrode failure.', 'A descriptive study reported the EABR characteristics while the different electrodes were activated. Characteristics of the EABR and of the perceptual measures served as compared variables in a correlational study.', 'The study was carried out in the audiology clinic of an otolaryngology department at a university hospital.', 'The subjects consisted of nine consecutively selected habitual Digisonic DX1OR multichannel CI users. Seven patients were postlinguistically deafened adult patients; two were congenitally deaf children.', "Ipsilateral recordings were performed using a previously published method. Morphology, latency, and amplitude measures of the EABR recordings were described, computed, and compared with the literature data for EABRs obtained while activating other types of CI and for acoustically evoked ABRs. Correlations between EABRs and behavioral perception thresholds were analyzed using the parametric Pearson's correlation test.", 'EABRs allowed the authors to detect failure of no. 10 electrode integrity in one child. Perceptual threshold measures were found to be highly significantly related to the EABR threshold across subjects and electrode position (n = 31, r = 0.98; P < 0.001; linear regression equation: perceptual threshold = 1.06 EABR threshold + 0.76). The latencies and amplitudes were found to be similar to those described in the literature.'] Do correlation between electrical auditory brainstem response and perceptual thresholds in Digisonic cochlear implant users?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.0438196659088135,
-1.3605256080627441,
2.4083452224731445
] |
['To compare serum creatine kinase (CK) values in patients with ectopic pregnancy vs patients with threatened miscarriage or normal pregnancy.', "An observational case-control study was performed at an urban teaching hospital. Pregnant women with a quantitative beta-hCG obtained for suspicion of ectopic pregnancy were evaluated. Excluded were cases with recent trauma, i.m. injections, surgery, or history of heart, liver, or muscle disease. The serum beta-hCG and CK values were recorded and compared between groups with 1-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparison procedure at the overall 0.05 level.", 'The 15 ectopic, 28 threatened miscarriage, and 21 normal pregnancy cases were of similar gestational ages (p = 0.2), ranging from 3 to 12 weeks. Although the CK values for ectopic pregnancy (88.8 +/- 33.6 IU/L) exceeded those for threatened miscarriage (65.9 +/- 59.0 IU/L) and normal pregnancy (56.0 +/- 38.1 U/L) (p = 0.02), there was significant overlap between groups. CK values were at or above a cutoff of 74 IU/L in 80% (95% confidence interval: 52-96%) of ectopic pregnancies, 25% (11-45%) of threatened miscarriages, and 14% (3-36%) of normal pregnancies.'] Is serum creatine kinase an unreliable predictor of ectopic pregnancy?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.5050796270370483,
-1.3516511917114258,
1.9105064868927002
] |
["Hydrolyzed milk formulas (HFs) are given to infants allergic to cow's milk proteins and, for preventive reasons, to atopy-prone newborns for which breast feeding is not feasible. The ultimate properties of HFs are not only a reduced allergenicity but also decreased immunogenic capacity combined with good taste and caloric value. No information is available concerning the capacity of HFs to induce immune responses.", 'We sought to determine the residual immunogenic capacity of partially (pHF) and extensively hydrolyzed milk formula (eHF), and we studied the cellular reactivity of cord blood-derived (n = 71) mononuclear cells induced by 10 different HFs.', 'To test the effect of HF on T-helper cells, beta-casein-specific T-cell clones (TCCs, n = 21) from individuals allergic to milk were established, and T-cell proliferation and cytokine profiles (interferon-gamma and IL-4) were determined on stimulation with HF.', 'We found significantly reduced proliferative responses of eHF compared with milk proteins. Whey-based pHF displayed the same proliferative capacity as unmodified milk proteins. As expected, extensively processed whey products displayed lower cellular responses compared with partially hydrolyzed products (pHF whey vs eHF whey, p < 0.0001). No difference in cellular response was found between casein-based pHF and casein-based eHF. Beta-casein-specific TCCs (n = 21) proliferated in response to casein-derived hydrolysates (14% with casein/whey-based pHF, 4% with casein-based pHF, and 0% with casein-based eHF). Whey-based pHF was also found to induce proliferation in beta-casein-specific TCCs, indicating the presence or the generation of peptides displaying cross-reactivity with these whey-derived hydrolysates. TCCs stimulated with whey- or casein-based pHF or eHF produced the same amount of cytokines (IL-4, interferon-gamma) as the same clones stimulated with unmodified products.'] Are cord blood mononuclear cells and milk-specific T-cell clones tools to evaluate the residual immunogenicity of hydrolyzed milk formulas?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.1845200061798096,
-1.3861039876937866,
2.618166446685791
] |
['African-American children use the emergency department (ED) for asthma care more than their Caucasian counterparts.', 'We sought to compare ED utilization for asthma care by race, adjusting for prescriptions filled for antiinflammatory medications, type of index visit (specialist vs nonspecialist), and demographic variables.', 'An index asthma visit was identified for a cohort of managed care enrollees aged 4 to 11 years. Information on asthma encounters and drug claims data was evaluated during a prospective observation period of 12 months.', 'African-American race was associated with one or more ED visits during the observation period (relative risk [RR] = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.3 to 2.5, p < 0.01). After adjusting for index visit type, prescriptions filled, and selected demographic variables, African-American race remained associated with post-index ED utilization (adjusted RR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.0 to 2.4, p = 0.05). Additional findings included an inverse relationship between African-American race and antiinflammatory medications among children with nonspecialist index visits (RR = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.3 to 0.9, p = 0.02) and a positive relationship between African-American race and hospitalization after an ED visit for asthma care (RR = 10.2, 95% CI = 1.4 to 74.8, p < 0.01).'] Do racial differences in emergency department use persist despite allergist visits and prescriptions filled for antiinflammatory medications?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.2955660820007324,
-0.3091123402118683,
1.7694412469863892
] |
['In non-diabetic subjects, an attenuated systemic norepinephrine (NE) responsiveness may contribute to the mechanisms of action of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor treatment. We determined whether ACE inhibitor treatment influences systemic and renal haemodynamic responsiveness to exogenous NE, as well as urinary albumin excretion during NE, in microalbuminuric insulin-dependent diabetic (IDDM) patients, representing a patient category that benefits by strict blood pressure control.', 'In seven microalbuminuric IDDM patients, systemic and renal responsiveness to NE, infused at individually determined threshold [deltamean arterial pressure (MAP)=0 mmHg], 20% pressor (deltaMAP=4 mmHg) and pressor (deltaMAP=20 mmHg) doses, were compared before and after 8 weeks treatment with enalapril, 10 mg daily. Blood glucose was clamped at 5 mmol/l and insulin was infused at 30 mU/kg/h.', 'Enalapril decreased MAP (P<0.05) and microalbuminuria (P<0.05), whereas effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) increased (P<0.01) and glomerular filtration rate remained unaltered. The filtration fraction tended to decline (P=0.09). The ACE inhibitor-induced fall in MAP disappeared at NE pressor dose, and the overall mean increase in MAP in response to NE was even higher with than without enalapril (P<0.05). After enalapril, the ERPF remained higher at all NE doses (P<0.05), but the magnitude of the NE-induced fall in ERPF was not altered by ACE inhibition treatment. Overnight urinary albumin excretion fell with ACE inhibition (P<0.05), but this effect was not seen during NE infusion. The angiotensin II/active renin ratio and serum aldosterone levels remained lower with enalapril at all NE doses (P<0.05).'] Are norepinephrine-induced blood pressure rise and renal vasoconstriction attenuated by enalapril treatment in microalbuminuric IDDM?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.0436227321624756,
-1.55116605758667,
2.6035289764404297
] |
['To investigate the effects of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on end-expiratory lung volume (EELV) and mean oscillated flow rate (VOSC) during high-frequency chest compression (HFCC) in normal subjects and patients with severe COPD.', 'Comparative study.', 'Pulmonary function and lung mechanics laboratory, University of Alberta Hospitals.', 'Six normal subjects (five male; one female) and six patients with clinically stable COPD (five male; one female) with hypercapnia.', 'A pneumatic vest system was operated at 10 Hz with a mean chest wall pressure of 16 cm H2O to provide the HFCC. A closed-circuit spirometer system permitted measurement of HFCC- and PEEP-induced changes in EELV that were expressed as per cent baseline functional residual capacity (FRC). An isothermic chamber connected near the mouthpiece permitted measurement of VOSC.', 'For the normal subjects, HFCC caused a significant decrease in EELV to 82.0% of FRC (p < or = 0.01) and the addition of 4.8+/-0.5 cm H2O of PEEP during HFCC increased EELV to 97.5% FRC. In the COPD patients, HFCC decreased EELV to 92.3% of FRC (p < or = 0.01), and the addition of 3.7+/-1.0 cm H2O of PEEP increased EELV to 98.4% FRC. For the normal subjects, increasing EELV to near FRC caused VOSC during expiration to increase 14.6% (p < or = 0.01), but there was no significant effect on VOSC during inspiration (5.1% increase). In the COPD patients, PEEP increased VOSC during both inspiration (30.5%) and expiration (57.0%) (both, p < or = 0.01).'] Do effects of positive end-expiratory pressure on oscillated flow rate during high-frequency chest compression?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.804677128791809,
-1.4059960842132568,
2.1765034198760986
] |
['To determine if atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) level is associated with mortality in the oldest old and to develop a comprehensive model of mortality in the oldest old using clinical and laboratory parameters.', 'Prospective cohort study with 7 years of follow-up.', 'A 725-bed life care facility.', '282 frail older individuals (mean age 88, range 70-102).', 'Variables measured included age, gender, Charlson Comorbidity Index, functional measurements, weight, blood pressure, and multiple laboratory variables, including ANP. Main outcome measurement was death.', 'Eighty-four percent (237/282) of subjects died during the 7-year follow-up period. On univariate analysis, the risk ratio (RR) for ANP tertile was 1.28. On bivariate analysis, adjusting for the development of congestive heart failure, the RR was 1.22. On multivariate analysis, the following variables were associated with mortality: ANP tertile (RR 1.24), age (RR 1.04), female gender (RR 0.43), Charlson Comorbidity Index score (RR 1.13), mentation score (RR 1.27), BUN/Cr ratio (RR 1.04), albumin level (RR 0.63), and hemoglobin level (RR 0.84).'] Does atrial natriuretic peptide level contribute to a model of future mortality in the oldest old?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.9437671899795532,
-1.3047341108322144,
2.394190788269043
] |
['To evaluate the effects of halofuginone, a specific inhibitor of collagen type I synthesis, on the postoperative formation of abdominal adhesions in rats.', 'Postoperative adhesions remain the leading cause of small bowel obstruction in the Western world. Surgical trauma causes the release of a serosanguineous exudate that forms a fibrinous bridge between two organs. This becomes ingrown with fibroblasts, and subsequent collagen deposition leads to the formation of a permanent adhesion. Most of the drugs used have been clinically ineffective, and none has been specific to a particular extracellular matrix molecule. Therefore, there are serious concerns about the toxic consequences of interfering with the biosynthesis of other collagens, other matrix proteins, or vital collagen-like molecules.', 'Adhesions were induced by scraping the cecum until capillary bleeding occurred. The adhesions were scored 21 days later. Halofuginone was either injected intraperitoneally (1 microg/25 g body weight) every day, starting on the day of operation, or added orally at concentrations of 5 or 10 mg/kg, starting 4 days before the operation. Collagen alpha1(I) gene expression was evaluated by in situ hybridization, total collagen was estimated by Sirius red staining, and collagen type III was detected by immunohistochemistry.', 'The adhesions formed between the intestinal walls were composed of collagen and were populated with cells expressing the collagen alpha1(I) gene. Regardless of the administration procedure, halofuginone significantly reduced the number and severity of the adhesions. Halofuginone prevented the increase in collagen alpha1(I) gene expression observed in the operated rats, thus reducing collagen content to the control level. In fibroblasts derived from abdominal adhesions, halofuginone induced dose-dependent inhibition of collagen alpha1(I) gene expression and collagen synthesis. Collagen type III levels were not altered by adhesion induction or by halofuginone treatment.'] Does halofuginone -- an inhibitor of collagen type I synthesis -- prevent postoperative formation of abdominal adhesions?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.4961602687835693,
-1.2811486721038818,
2.816662073135376
] |
['Numerous in vitro tests have suggested that a disturbed cellular glutathione homeostasis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.', 'Using validated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods, glutathione concentrations were determined in plasma and in cytosol of CD4+ lymphocytes and CD14+ cells of HIV-seropositive individuals and healthy control subjects. We measured concentrations of total glutathione, which is the sum of reduced (GSH) and oxidised (GSSG) glutathione and mixed disulphides of which there are two fractions: soluble mixed disulphides (GSSR) and protein bound glutathione (ProSSG). Also, non-protein-bound glutathione was measured, which is the sum of GSH, GSSG and GSSR. Thirty-five healthy control subjects and 35 HIV-infected individuals participated in the study.', 'We found that in CD4+ lymphocytes from HIV-seropositive individuals, total glutathione levels were significantly higher than in healthy control subjects, whereas the fraction of non-protein-bound glutathione was not different. This can only be explained by an increase in the protein-bound fraction of glutathione indicating the presence of oxidative stress in CD4+ lymphocytes of HIV-seropositive individuals. Glutathione measurements of cytosol of CD14+ cells and plasma were, however, not compatible with significant increased oxidation. Glutathione precursors (cysteine, cysteinylglycine, glutamylcysteine and homocysteine) and products of lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances) were also measured in plasma and did not differ between healthy control subjects and HIV-seropositive individuals.'] Is glutathione homeostasis disturbed in CD4-positive lymphocytes of HIV-seropositive individuals?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.26828932762146,
-1.394352674484253,
2.6912031173706055
] |
['One of the main distinctions between different theories describing protein folding is the predicted sequence of secondary structure formation and compaction during the folding process. Whether secondary structure formation precedes compaction of the protein molecules or secondary structure formation is driven by a hydrophobic collapse cannot be decided unequivocally on the basis of existing experimental data.', 'In this study, we investigate the refolding of chemically denatured, disulfide-intact ribonuclease A (RNase A) by monitoring compaction and secondary structure formation using stopped-flow dynamic light scattering and stopped-flow CD, respectively. Our data reveal the formation of a considerable amount of secondary structure early in the refolding of the slow folding species of RNase A without a significant compaction of the molecules. A simultaneous formation of secondary structure and compaction is observed in the subsequent rate-limiting step of folding.'] Is initial hydrophobic collapse necessary for folding RNase A?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.702415943145752,
-0.019788838922977448,
1.8020613193511963
] |
['DNA helicases play a fundamental role in all aspects of nucleic acid metabolism and defects in these enzymes have been implicated in a number of inherited human disorders. DnaB is the major replicative DNA helicase in Escherichia coli and has been used as a model system for studying the structure and function of hexameric helicases. The native protein is a hexamer of identical subunits, which in solution forms a complex with six molecules of the loading protein DnaC. DnaB is delivered from this complex onto the DNA template, with the subsequent release of DnaC. We report here the structures of the DnaB helicase hexamer and its complex with DnaC under a defined set of experimental conditions, as determined by three-dimensional cryoelectron microscopy. It was hoped that the structures would provide insight into the mechanisms of helicase activity.', 'The DnaB structure reveals that six DnaB monomers assemble as three asymmetric dimers to form a polar, ring-like hexamer. The hexamer has two faces, one displaying threefold and the other sixfold symmetry. The six DnaC protomers bind tightly to the sixfold face of the DnaB hexamer. This is the first report of a three-dimensional structure of a helicase obtained using cryoelectron microscopy, and the first report of the structure of a helicase in complex with a loading protein.'] Do three-dimensional reconstructions from cryoelectron microscopy images reveal an intimate complex between helicase DnaB and its loading partner DnaC?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.412407636642456,
-0.8838023543357849,
2.383758306503296
] |
['Pain in chronic pancreatitis is due to intraglandular neural affection and to pancreatic duct drainage obstruction with an increased intraductal pressure. To achieve pain relief, medical, surgical and endoscopic procedures have been developed.', 'To evaluate the efficacy of pancreatic duct stenting in patients with narcotic-dependent pain due to chronic pancreatitis.', "From May-1994 to May-1996, ten patients (medium age: 47.5 yr) with alcoholic chronic pancreatitis were selected for this procedure. Pancreatography showed single or multiple Wirsung strictures in all cases. Papillotomy and pancreatic duct sphincterotomy were performed before stenting. Strictures were negotiated with a 7F dilating catheter over a guide wire, and intraductal calculi were removed as well. We used 7F plastic stents with variable lengths (5-10 cm), that were exchanged when the patient presented pain recurrence. Stent survival time was defined as the patient's pain-free time.", 'In 6 of the 10 patients stent placement was carried out successfully. A single distal Wirsung stricture was diagnosed in 3 patients while in the remaining 3 there were several strictures associated to ductal lithiasis in two of them. Mean time to achieve pain relief was 3 days and mean stent survival time was 166.5 days. There were no complications due to the procedure.'] Does endoscopic pancreatic stent drainage improve pain in chronic pancreatitis?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.079380989074707,
-1.278256893157959,
2.389453411102295
] |
['Lipocortin I, induced by corticosteroids in vivo is considered to be related to cell activation and differentiation in mononuclear phagocytes, key cells in the process of epithelioid cell granuloma formation in sarcoidosis. Therefore, we focused on the expression of lipocortin I gene in mononuclear phagocytes in patients with sarcoidosis.', 'The amounts of transcripts of lipocortin I gene obtained from both BAL fluid macrophages and blood monocytes were measured by RT-PCR and HPLC, and then standardized as the ratio of lipocortin I/beta-actin for comparison.', '1. Smoking did not affect the expression of lipocortin I gene in BAL fluid macrophages and monocytes. 2. There were no differences in the amounts of expression in BAL fluid macrophages between patient groups (nonsmokers and smokers), or between patients and healthy subjects. 3. The gene expression in BAL fluid macrophages was higher than that in monocytes in patients with IPF (macrophages 1.23 +/- 0.48, vs monocytes 0.50 +/- 0.38, p < 0.05) and healthy subjects (nonsmokers: 1.66 +/- 1.17, vs 0.34 +/- 0.26, p < 0.05, smoker: 1.98 +/- 0.96, vs 0.34 +/- 0.48, p < 0.05, but sarcoidosis patients showed a higher expression of lipocortin I gene even in monocytes (2.62 +/- 1.87, vs 2.66 +/- 2.21).'] Is lipocortin I gene expression higher in blood monocytes than in BAL fluid macrophages in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.5686036348342896,
-1.5730860233306885,
2.081300973892212
] |
['Myopia has been found to be predominantly axial in nature, i.e. myopic eyes have longer than normal axial lengths, with corneal radius variations having only a small influence on the magnitude of the refractive error. In this study we assess whether a similar relationship exists for hyperopia.', 'Biometric data were collected on 57 subjects with either emmetropic or hyperopic refractive errors ranging in magnitude from -0.37 D to +17.25 D. Our main analysis concentrated on subjects with less than +10 D of hyperopia (group 1, n = 53), as subjects with +10 D of hyperopia or more (group 2, n = 4) exhibited marked differences in their biometric characteristics.', 'Analysis of group 1 data revealed a significant relationship (r2 = 0.611, p = 0.0001) between the degree of hyperopia and the measured axial lengths. A weak but statistically significant relationship (r2 = 0.128, p = 0.009) was also found between mean corneal radius measures and mean spherical refractive errors, with the mean corneal radius flattening with increasing hyperopia. In group 2, three of the four subjects exhibited much steeper corneal characteristics than predicted from the group 1 data.'] Is hyperopia predominantly axial in nature?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-0.5933390855789185,
-0.8835160136222839,
0.6862782835960388
] |
['We previously reported that a cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC) was produced in the pituitary gland and that it influenced anterior pituitary hormone release. In this study we investigated the effect of Unkei-to, a Japanese herbal medicine, on CINC production in the rat anterior pituitary gland and the pituitary folliculo-stellate-like cell line (TtT/GF).', 'Dispersed normal anterior pituitary cells and the folliculo-stellate-like cell line TtT/GF were used to test the effect of Unkei-to on CINC secretion and CINC mRNA accumulation. Concentrations of CINC in the conditioned media were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and levels of CINC mRNA were analyzed by Northern blot analysis.', "Unkei-to (20 micrograms/ml) significantly increased the secretion of CINC by normal anterior pituitary cells within 12 hr of incubation. Unkei-to also stimulated CINC secretion from TtT/GF cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Unkei-to (20 micrograms/ml) increased CINC mRNA accumulation in TtT/GF cells within 3 hr of incubation and also caused a 13-fold increase in the secretion of CINC from TtT/GF cells compared with the vehicle group within 24 hr of incubation. Finally, we found that some of the Unkei-to's ingredients, Evodiae fructus and Pinelliae tuber, markedly stimulated CINC secretion from TtT/GF cells."] Does the herbal medicine unkei-to stimulate cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant production in the pituitary folliculo-stellate-like cell line ( TtT/GF )?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.249664068222046,
-1.2639281749725342,
2.5692288875579834
] |
['To determine the prevalence of chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori (HP) in patients with established coronary artery disease (CAD) and in healthy controls. Furthermore, to investigate whether HP infection is associated with inflammatory parameters, lipid concentrations and degree and progression of CAD.', 'A case-control study combined with a prospective angiographic study.', 'Stockholm Metropolitan Area, Sweden.', 'A material consisting of 92 young men aged 40.9 +/- 3.2 (mean +/- SD) years, with previous myocardial infarction and documented coronary atherosclerosis, and 95 healthy sex-matched controls, aged 43.2 +/- 3.0 (mean +/- SD) years, with similar socio-economic status and ethnic background was analysed for the prevalence of HP seropositivity, plasma concentrations of the inflammatory parameters fibrinogen, tumour necrosis factor alpha and orosomucoid, and serum concentrations of lipids. The impact of HP seropositivity on degree and progression of CAD, as assessed by quantitative coronary angiography, was also determined.', 'The study population of mainly Scandinavian origin had a low prevalence of HP seropositivity in comparison with previously published European populations. No significant increase in HP seropositivity was found in patients compared with controls (42.2 vs. 32.6%). Furthermore, HP infection was not associated with increased levels of inflammatory parameters, lipid concentrations or with degree of angiographically determined CAD at baseline, or progression of CAD and clinical events over 5 years.'] Is helicobacter pylori seropositivity associated with inflammatory parameters , lipid concentrations and degree of coronary artery disease?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.351999282836914,
-1.226780891418457,
2.6966865062713623
] |
['To investigate the relationship between occurrence of the matrix metalloproteinase-generated neoepitope VDIPEN and proteoglycan (PG) loss in arthritis, and to examine the role of interleukin-1 (IL-1) in VDIPEN expression.', 'VDIPEN expression was investigated in murine antigen-induced arthritis by immunolocalization studies on joint sections. The involvement of IL-1 in VDIPEN expression was studied by blocking of IL-1 using IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra).', 'Profound PG loss was evident early in arthritis, without significant VDIPEN expression. Full expression of the neoepitope appeared after a few days, when PG depletion was severe, and disappeared at late stages when cartilage showed recovery from PG depletion. At sites where chondrocyte death occurred and cartilage did not recover from the initial cartilage depletion, VDIPEN expression remained present. Prophylactic IL-1Ra treatment of arthritic mice resulted in almost complete prevention of VDIPEN expression. However, IL-1Ra had only a minor effect on PG depletion, emphasizing that there is no correlation between VDIPEN and early PG depletion.'] Does interleukin-1 receptor antagonist prevent expression of the metalloproteinase-generated neoepitope VDIPEN in antigen-induced arthritis?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.5215818881988525,
-1.2017011642456055,
2.780688524246216
] |
['To determine the effects of cimetidine on the steady-state pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of atorvastatin, a 3-hydroxymethyl-glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor.', 'Twelve healthy subjects participated in a randomized two-way crossover study. Each subject received atorvastatin 10 mg every morning for 2 weeks and atorvastatin 10 mg every morning with cimetidine 300 mg four times a day for 2 weeks, separated by a 4-week washout period. Steady-state pharmacokinetic parameters (based on an enzyme inhibition assay) and lipid responses were compared.', 'Pharmacokinetic parameters and lipid responses were similar following administration of atorvastatin alone and atorvastatin with cimetidine. Mean values for Cmax (the maximum concentration) were 5.11 ng eq.ml(-1) and 4.54 ng eq.ml(-1), for tmax (the time to reach maximum concentration) 2.2 h and 1.3 h, for AUC0-24 (area under the concentration-time curve from time 0 h to 24 h) 58.6 ng eq.h.ml(-1) and 58.5 ng eq.h.ml(-1), and for t1/2 (terminal half-life) 10.1 h and 17.0 h, respectively, following administration of atorvastatin alone and atorvastatin with cimetidine. Following treatment with atorvastatin alone and atorvastatin with cimetidine, mean values for the percentage change from baseline for total cholesterol were -29.5% and -29.9%, for low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol -41.0% and -42.6%, for high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol 6.3% and 5.8%, and for triglycerides -33.8% and -25.8%, respectively.'] Does cimetidine alter atorvastatin pharmacokinetics or LDL-cholesterol reduction?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.8684152364730835,
-1.5420154333114624,
2.475820779800415
] |
['Losartan is metabolised to its active metabolite E-3174 by CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 in vitro. Itraconazole is an inhibitor of CYP3A4, whereas fluconazole affects CYP2C9 more than CYP3A4. We wanted to study the possible interaction of these antimycotics with losartan in healthy volunteers.', 'A randomised, double-blind, three-phase crossover study design was used. Eleven healthy volunteers ingested orally, once a day for 4 days, either itraconazole 200 mg, fluconazole (400 mg on day 1 and 200 mg on days 2-4) or placebo (control). On day 4, a single 50-mg oral dose of losartan was ingested. Plasma concentrations of losartan, E-3174, itraconazole, hydroxy-itraconazole and fluconazole were determined over 24 h. The blood pressure and heart rate were also recorded over 24 h.', 'The mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve [AUC(0-infinity)] of E-3174 were significantly decreased by fluconazole to 30% and to 47% of their control values, respectively, and the t1/2 was increased to 167%. Fluconazole caused only a nonsignificant increase (23-41%) in the AUC and t1/2 of the unchanged losartan. Itraconazole had no significant effect on the pharmacokinetic variables of losartan or E-3174. The ratio AUC(0-infinity)(E-3174)/AUC(0-infinity)losartan was 60% smaller during the fluconazole than during the placebo and itraconazole phases. No clinically significant changes in the effects of losartan on blood pressure and heart rate were observed between fluconazole, itraconazole and placebo phases.'] Does fluconazole but not itraconazole decrease the metabolism of losartan to E-3174?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.6724035739898682,
-1.6040335893630981,
2.2991886138916016
] |
['The effect of inhaled nitric oxide (NO) treatment on pulmonary function in the setting of adult respiratory distress syndrome is controversial. We examined the effect of inhaled NO on pulmonary function in an isolated rabbit lung model of oleic acid (OA)-induced acute lung injury. We hypothesized that NO would decrease pulmonary artery pressure and improve oxygenation.', 'Rabbit heart-lung blocks were isolated, flushed in vivo, harvested, and immediately perfused with whole blood and ventilated with 50% oxygen (O2). Pulmonary artery pressure was determined every 15 seconds for 60 minutes of perfusion. Oxygenation was determined by blood gas analysis of pulmonary venous effluent at 0, 20, 40, and 60 minutes after initiation of OA infusion. Rabbits were randomized into four study groups: saline control; OA control, which received a 20-minute infusion of 50% OA/ethanol solution; NO treatment (20 ppm NO inhaled before OA infusion); and NO control, which underwent NO (20 ppm) pretreatment, followed by saline infusion. Pulmonary artery pressure, oxygenation (arteriovenous O2 difference), compliance, and wet/dry lung weight were determined.', 'Pretreatment with NO caused significant increases in pulmonary artery pressure (NO treatment versus NO control and saline control; no significant difference between NO treatment group and OA control group), and did not improve oxygenation in our model.'] Does nitric oxide potentiate acute lung injury in an isolated rabbit lung model?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.4706928730010986,
-1.1669070720672607,
2.7076644897460938
] |
['To assess the effect of nocturnal light intensity on circadian adaptation to simulated night work.', 'Normal young men and women, simulated night work, home sleep.', 'We compared temperature rhythm phase shifts following timed exposure to high (approximately 5700 lux 3 hours/day), medium (approximately 1230 lux 3 hours/day) or constant low-intensity (< 250 lux) light during consecutive night shifts. Subjects (n = 35) followed a schedule of 7 days baseline, 6 days of 8-hour night shifts (with day sleep delayed 10 hours from baseline sleep), and 4 days of recovery. Subjects wore dark sunglasses while outdoors during daylight. Sleep logs were completed after each 8-hour sleep/dark period. Night work fatigue was rated by questionnaire.', 'During the 3rd through 5th days of night work, most subjects in the high and medium groups (100% and 85%) exhibited phase delays large enough that their body temperature minima occurred within the daytime sleep/dark period. Only 42% of subjects in the low group exhibited phase delays large enough to meet this criterion of circadian adaptation. The phase shifts of the high and medium groups were not significantly different, and were significantly different from the low group. Larger phase shifts were correlated with more sleep and less fatigue.'] Does medium-intensity light produce circadian rhythm adaptation to simulated night-shift work?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 1 |
[
-1.0497331619262695,
1.221635103225708,
-0.8137465715408325
] |
['Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most common cause of viral intrauterine infection. Fetal damage is mostly linked to maternal primary infection. It is therefore important to differentiate primary from non-primary infection in pregnant females. IgM tests often used for this purpose are not reliable enough.', 'To evaluate an HCMV-IgG urea-elution assay for its ability to distinguish primary from non-primary infection. In this assay, soaking the antigen-antibody complex with an urea containing solution frees antibodies with low avidity but has no influence on those with high avidity. An avidity index (AI) was calculated: AI = (OD with urea/OD without urea) x 100.', 'HCMV-IgG avidity was measured on a single serum of 79 patients with past infection (pregnant women, graft recipients and blood donors) and of 63 patients (78 sera) with documented seroconversion (pregnant women and graft recipients). Sixty-one pregnant women positive or equivocal for HCMV-IgM but without a documented seroconversion were included in this study.', 'Most (72/79) of the patients with past infection had an AI > 65% and all but one had an AI > 50%. In pregnant women, in the case of a primary infection within the past 3 months, AI are usually (51/53) < 50% and never > 65%. Among the IgM positive pregnant women who lack a seroconversion history, 38 had AI > 65% suggestive of an infection that had occurred at least 3 months earlier, 11 had an AI in a grey area between 50 and 65% and 12 had an AI < 50%, suggestive of a recent primary infection.'] Does avidity of IgG antibodies distinguish primary from non-primary cytomegalovirus infection in pregnant women?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.3470224142074585,
-1.5728693008422852,
1.9423298835754395
] |
['This study sought to evaluate whether myocardial viability, as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), reliably predicts postrevascularization left ventricular (LV) recovery.', 'Compared with positron emission tomographic findings, MRI has proved to be a reliable technique for the identification of residual myocardial viability. However, the predictive accuracy of MRI-assessed preserved end-diastolic wall thickness (DWT) and dobutamine-induced systolic wall thickening (SWT) for LV functional recovery has not yet been evaluated.', 'Rest and low dose dobutamine MRI was performed in 43 patients with a chronic infarct (> or =4 months since ischemic event) and LV dysfunction who had undergone revascularization of the infarct-related vessel. On the basis of segmental evaluation of corresponding short-axis tomograms, infarct regions were graded viable by MRI if 1) DWT was > or =5.5 mm, and 2) dobutamine-induced SWT was > or =2 mm in > or =50% of dysfunctional segments related to the infarct region. Functional recovery was defined as SWT > or =2 mm in > or =50% of infarct-related segments at rest 4 to 6 months after successful revascularization.', 'Recovery of regional SWT could be observed in 27 (63%) of 43 patients. Comparison MRI grading before and after revascularization indicated that dobutamine-induced SWT was a better predictor of LV functional recovery (sensitivity 89%, specificity 94%) than was preserved DWT (sensitivity 92%, specificity 56%). Segments that remained akinetic after revascularization had significantly lower DWT (6.0+/-3.1 mm [n = 219] vs. 9.8+/-2.6 mm [n = 188], p < 0.001) than those with improved SWT. Left ventricular ejection fraction increased significantly in patients with dobutamine-induced SWT than in those with no contractile reserve (14+/-9% vs. 3+/-9%, p < 0.0002), and the magnitude of this increase was correlated with the number of dobutamine-responsive segments per infarct region (r = 0.68, p < 0.0001).'] Does dobutamine magnetic resonance imaging predict contractile recovery of chronically dysfunctional myocardium after successful revascularization?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.6840227842330933,
-1.6859029531478882,
2.3593006134033203
] |
['This study sought to assess the effects of sequential coronary artery occlusion during minimally invasive coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) on hemodynamic variables and left ventricular systolic function by means of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).', 'Clinical and experimental studies suggest a protective effect of ischemic preconditioning in patients with acute coronary syndromes. However, the effect of repetitive myocardial ischemia on myocardial mechanical function in humans is not completely understood.', 'Seventeen patients with left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) stenosis > or =70% and normal rest left ventricular systolic function referred for minimally invasive CABG underwent intraoperative TEE for assessment of regional left ventricular wall motion and measurement of hemodynamic variables at baseline (baseline 1), during a 5-min coronary occlusion (occlusion 1), after a 5-min reperfusion period (baseline 2) and a during a second coronary occlusion during bypass anastomosis (occlusion 2).', 'Left ventricular wall motion score (LVWMS) increased significantly from baseline (16.0) to occlusion 1 (21.4+/-3.1 [mean +/- SD], p < 0.05) and occlusion 2 (21.8+/-3.1, p < 0.05). No difference in LVWMS was noted between occlusions 1 and 2. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure increased significantly from baseline (25+/-6 mm Hg) to occlusion 1 (32+/-7 mm Hg, p < 0.05) and occlusion 2 (33+/-6 mm Hg, p < 0.05). Pulmonary artery diastolic pressure also increased significantly from baseline (12+/-4 mm Hg) to occlusion 1 (16+/-4 mm Hg, p < 0.05) and occlusion 2 (16+/-4 mm Hg, p < 0.05). No significant differences in pulmonary artery pressures were noted between occlusions 1 and 2.'] Does transient ischemia limit subsequent ischemic regional dysfunction in humans : a transesophageal echocardiographic study during minimally invasive coronary artery bypass surgery?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.1384146213531494,
-1.4474844932556152,
2.638775587081909
] |
['For severe forms of psoriasis vulgaris, the antipsoriatic fumaric acid esters (FAE) therapy has recently gained increasing acceptance and importance. Until today, there is little knowledge about the mode of action of FAE. However, some evidence exists indicating immunosuppressive effects.', 'The aim of this study was to examine the systemic, particularly the immunological changes in patients suffering from psoriasis treated with FAE over a long period of time, since we expect to see pharmacological effects of FAE at this point.', 'This study is based on continuously recorded clinical data and laboratory parameters of 10 patients, who were treated over a period of 12 months with FAE. A quantitative analysis of lymphocytes and their subtypes was carried out by means of flowcytometric methods.', '3 months after starting treatment with FAE, a clinical effect with a remission index > 95% was achieved in all 10 patients examined. This remained constant until the end of this study. Focusing on leukopenia, and particularly on lymphopenia as important parameters, these effects were found in all patients. The lymphocyte subpopulations data demonstrated extensive proportionate reductions. Within the T cell fraction a stronger suppression of CD8+ lymphocytes was observed.'] Do fumaric acid esters suppress peripheral CD4- and CD8-positive lymphocytes in psoriasis?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.4219706058502197,
-1.2054498195648193,
2.709759473800659
] |
['The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the association of calcipotriol ointment (50 micrograms/g) plus cyclosporine versus cyclosporine alone in the treatment of moderate psoriasis (mean PASI: 13).', 'Twenty patients were enrolled in this right-left open study. All the patients admitted were treated with cylosporine at an initial dose of 4.5 mg/kg/day; in case of clinical improvement this dosage was reduced by 0.5 mg/kg/day every 15 days. In each patient we chose two similar, symmetrical lesions and calcipotriol ointment was applied only on the right lesion, twice a day, until the healing of the lesion or for 1 month. Patients were checked at baseline and every 15 days.', 'Eighteen patients completed the study and 17 of the 18 presented more evident improvement on the side treated with combined therapy, while only one patient showed a better result on the side treated with cyclosporine alone. A significant difference of the total score was already present after 15 days of therapy and was confirmed at the following check-ups.'] Does calcipotriol improve the efficacy of cyclosporine in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.3865996599197388,
-1.450287103652954,
1.9173471927642822
] |
['We evaluated the influence of the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) gene on coronary plaque morphology and calcification in patients with angiographically documented coronary artery disease (CAD).', 'The ACE I/D polymorphism has been associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction in patients with the DD genotype but not with the presence of native CAD.', 'We studied 146 patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty for stable angina pectoris by means of preinterventional intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Qualitative and quantitative criteria were used to classify the target lesions as poorly or highly echoreflective or as calcified. Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify the I/D polymorphism, with a second insertion-specific PCR in DD genotypes to prevent mistyping.', 'The ACE genotype groups (DD 46, ID 68, II 32) were well matched for the basic characteristics. Patients with the DD genotype had significantly more calcified lesions (DD 80%, ID 57%, II 66%; unadjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30 to 6.92, p = 0.008) and more calcifications >180 degrees of the vessel circumference (DD 22%, ID 10%, II 6%; OR 2.80, 95% CI 1.05 to 7.63, p = 0.03). The prevalence of myocardial infarction was not significantly associated with coronary calcification (OR 1.44, 95% CI 0.72 to 2.88, p = 0.31).'] Is insertion/deletion polymorphism of the angiotensin I-converting enzyme gene associated with coronary artery plaque calcification as assessed by intravascular ultrasound?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.945718765258789,
-1.624590277671814,
2.5770702362060547
] |
["'New pressor protein' was observed after tryptic activation of human and rat plasma in vitro, which is done conventionally for prorenin measurements.", 'It is potently pressor, heat labile, possesses enzyme activity, and has a relative molecular mass > 30 kDa with isoelectric point(s) 4.7-4.9. New pressor protein equivalent to only 0.01 ml human, or rat, plasma injected intravenously quickly raises systolic blood pressure in 300 g anesthetized, ganglion-blocked, bioassay rats by about 15 mmHg. For unknown reasons, this is potentiated to about 45 mmHg after treatment with angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitors (such as captopril and enalapril). New pressor protein activity in rats remains normal 24 h after bilateral nephrectomy, suggesting that it has an extrarenal origin and, furthermore, excluding the possibility of an association with renin-angiotensin system. Systolic blood pressure elevation is greater than the diastolic one, implicating cardiotonic effects. Human plasma new pressor protein was purified using standard biochemical techniques and its N-terminal sequence (19 residues) found to be homologous with the beta factor XIIa fragment of coagulation factor XII. This was supported by demonstrating inhibition of new pressor protein activity in vitro using the factor XII-specific corn trypsin inhibitor. Also, human new pressor protein activity in humans congenitally deficient in coagulation factor XII is very low. The high potency and multiphasic, cardiotonic effects of injected new pressor protein suggest that it interacts synergistically with other systems in the body. This was confirmed by showing that, within 10 min of total bilateral adrenalectomy, responses to new pressor protein decreased markedly.'] Does potent 'new pressor protein ' related to coagulation factor XII is potentiate by inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.3632242679595947,
-1.3843399286270142,
2.8160667419433594
] |
['Increasing cardiovascular parasympathetic nervous activity could have antihypertensive effects. Low-dose transdermal scopolamine increases vagal-cardiac modulation of sinus node and baroreflex sensitivity in healthy subjects and in cardiac patients.', 'To study the short-term effects of transdermal scopolamine on blood pressure and cardiovascular autonomic control in patients with mild essential hypertension.', 'A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial with 12 untreated middle-aged [aged 39+/-5 years (mean+/-SD)] patients with mild essential hypertension.', 'We recorded the electrocardiogram, auscultatory sphygmomanometric and continuous photoplethysmographic finger arterial pressure, and spirometry signals with patients supine and 70 degrees tilted during controlled (0.25 Hz) breathing. Cardiovascular autonomic regulation was analyzed with power spectrum analysis of R-R interval and arterial pressure variability and a spontaneous sequence method for baroreflex sensitivity. In addition, a deep-breathing test was performed to assess maximal breathing-related sinus arrhythmia.', 'Transdermal scopolamine treatment significantly decreased blood pressure both when patients lay supine and when they were in the 70 degrees tilted position. Scopolamine also slowed heart rate and increased baroreflex sensitivity and R-R interval high-frequency variability for both body positionings. In addition, scopolamine accentuated respiratory sinus arrhythmia during deep breathing and blunted the tilt-induced increase in heart rate. Scopolamine did not affect blood pressure variability.'] Does low-dose transdermal scopolamine decrease blood pressure in mild essential hypertension?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.5016543865203857,
-1.268248200416565,
2.8361754417419434
] |
['To investigate the influence of image display location on endoscopic task performance in endoscopic surgery.', "The image display system is the only visual interface between the surgeon or interventionist and the operative field. Several factors influence the correct perceptual processing and endoscopic manipulation from images. One of these is location of the image display with respect to the surgeon and to the operative site. The present study was conducted to investigate whether endoscopic task performance improves under two conditions: when the surgeon-to-monitor visual axis is aligned with the forearm-instrument motor axis and when the image display is close to the operator's manipulation workspace.", "An endoscopic task (tying an intracorporeal surgeon's knot) was performed under standardized conditions except for varying monitor locations. These altered the direction of view--in front of, to the left, and to the right of the operator's head and hands. In each of these view directions, the monitor was placed at the surgeon's eye level and lower down, at the level of the operator's hands. The outcome measures were the execution time, knot quality score and performance quality score.", 'Task performance was better with frontal view direction: execution time was shorter (p < 0.0001) and the performance score was higher (p < 0.005) than with side viewing, with no significant difference between right and left viewing directions. With frontal view direction, hand-level "gaze-down" viewing resulted in a shorter execution time (p < 0.01) and a higher performance score (p < 0.01) than eye-level viewing.'] Is task performance in endoscopic surgery influenced by location of the image display?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.5481356382369995,
-1.1169354915618896,
1.7111856937408447
] |
['The mechanism by which many cytochrome P450 (CYP) isozymes decrease during liver regeneration is unclear. Peptides and growth factors are thought to be involved. Putrescine, the first polyamine synthesised by ornithine decarboxylase, peaks early following partial hepatectomy and is known to play an essential role in hepatic regeneration. Gamma amino butyric acid was reported as a physiologic inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase. In this work we studied the possible involvement of putrescine in the CYP reduction during liver regeneration.', 'Hepatectomised, putrescine-treated sham, and GABA-treated hepatectomised rats were used throughout. Total hepatic cytochrome P450, o-dealkylase activities (CYP1A1 and CYP2B1/2), nifedipine oxidase activity (CYP3A4), and Western blot assays of their respective apoproteins were analysed in liver microsomes. Putrescine levels in hepatic tissue were also measured.', 'Partial hepatectomy and putrescine treatment induced a significant diminution in total CYP (50% and 30% of sham-operated rats, respectively). Gamma amino butyric acid treatment prevented this decrease in partially hepatectomised rats. Nifedipine oxidase activity of partially hepatectomised and putrescine-treated rats significantly decreased to 43% and 60% of that in sham-operated rats, respectively. Again, gamma amino butyric acid prevented the diminution in partially hepatectomised rats. No significant changes were observed in o-dealkylase activities.'] Does putrescine decrease cytochrome P450 3A4 levels during liver regeneration in the rat?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.2052838802337646,
-1.4308891296386719,
2.6048057079315186
] |
['Experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU), an established model for human endogenous (autoimmune) posterior uveitis, is a CD4+ T cell-mediated disease inducible in Lewis rats by intradermal inoculation with retinal antigens. Immunohistochemical studies have previously documented the lymphocyte profiles during various stages of the disease process. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of macrophages in EAU.', 'EAU was induced in Lewis rats, and the effect of macrophage depletion, using the drug dichlorodimethylene diphosphonate (Cl2MDP) encapsulated in liposomes and administered intravenously, was assessed based on the clinical and histological profile of the disease.', 'The results have shown that in control animals macrophages occur early, feature prominently throughout the course of the disease and display considerable heterogeneity: marrow-derived ED1+ cells and ED3+ cells are the major infiltrating cells, with many cells also expressing ED7 and ED8. In contrast, few cells expressed the ED2 antigen during EAU, even though ED2+ "resident" macrophages occur in the normal choroid. Macrophage depletion, using intravenously injected dichloromethylene diphosphonate (Cl2MDP) enclosed in liposomes, caused a delay in the onset and a reduction in the severity of EAU when administered during the "effector" stage of the disease, i.e. 9-11 days after inoculation with retinal antigen. The delay in disease onset was greater when liposomes were mannosylated and was accompanied by a reduction in the overall inflammatory cell infiltrate into the eye and reduced tissue damage. In addition, there was a reduction in the level of expression of MHC Class II antigen and CR3 (ED7) antigen, a marker of macrophage activation, in Cl2MDP-treated animals compared to controls.'] Are marrow-derived activated macrophages required during the effector phase of experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis in rats?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.438992738723755,
-1.3545706272125244,
2.891634464263916
] |
['The amplification of oncogenes in cancer cells is often mediated by paired acentric chromatin bodies called double minute chromosomes (DMs), which can accumulate to a high copy number because of their autonomous replication during the DNA synthesis phase of the cell cycle and their subsequent uneven distribution to daughter cells during mitosis. The mechanisms that control DM segregation have been difficult to investigate, however, as the direct visualization of DMs in living cells has been precluded because they are far smaller than normal chromosomes. We have visualized DMs by developing a highly sensitive method for observing chromosome dynamics in living cells.', "The human histone H2B gene was fused to the gene encoding the green fluorescent protein (GFP) of Aequorea victoria and transfected into human HeLa cells to generate a stable line constitutively expressing H2B-GFP. The H2B-GFP fusion protein was incorporated into nucleosomes without affecting cell cycle progression. Using confocal microscopy, H2B-GFP allowed high-resolution imaging of both mitotic chromosomes and interphase chromatin, and the latter revealed various chromatin condensation states in live cells. Using H2B-GFP, we could directly observe DMs in living cancer cells; DMs often clustered during anaphase, and could form chromosomal 'bridges' between segregating daughter chromosomes. Cytokinesis severed DM bridges, resulting in the uneven distribution of DMs to daughter cells."] Does histone-GFP fusion protein enable sensitive analysis of chromosome dynamics in living mammalian cells?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.548204183578491,
-0.7336551547050476,
2.2866833209991455
] |
['Low-dose heparin devoid of anticoagulant activity inhibits T-lymphocyte heparanase activity, which is crucial in T-cell migration to target tissues.', 'The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of low-dose enoxaparin (Clexane), a low-molecular-weight heparin, as monotherapy in lichen planus.', "Included in the study were 10 patients with widespread histopathologically proven lichen planus (LP) associated with intense pruritus of several months' duration. Patients were given 3 mg enoxaparin, subcutaneously once weekly; three patients received four injections, and seven patients received six injections.", 'In nine patients the itch disappeared within 2 weeks. Within 4 to 10 weeks in eight of these patients, there was complete regression of the eruption with residual postinflammatory hyperpigmentation; in one patient, there was marked improvement. In one patient, no effect was observed. Of the four patients who also had oral LP, only one showed improvement. No side effects were observed in any of the patients.'] Is low-dose low-molecular-weight heparin ( enoxaparin ) beneficial in lichen planus : a preliminary report?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.400731325149536,
-1.2254472970962524,
2.6870265007019043
] |
['This study tests the hypothesis that postcardioplegia electrophysiologic recovery is influenced by the duration of cardioplegic arrest.', 'Pigs were randomized to various durations of cardioplegic arrest (group I, 15 minutes; group II, 60 minutes; group III, 120 minutes). Electrophysiologic data included limb lead, atrial and ventricular epicardial, and ventricular endocardial electrocardiograms. Variables included times for earliest electrical activity and sinus rhythm; number of defibrillations; mechanism for reperfusion ventricular fibrillation; and time until last ventricular fibrillation.', 'Time to last ventricular fibrillation was 73+/-8, 134+/-23, and 238+/-23 seconds for groups I, II, and III (mean+/-standard error of the mean; p < 0.05 between group III versus groups I and II). The number of defibrillations was 1.0+/-0.3, 5.8+/-1.2, and 10.5+/-1.1 for groups I, II, and III (p < 0.05 between groups). The time to sinus rhythm was 66+/-8, 192+/-27, and 249+/-23 seconds for groups I, II, and III (p < 0.05 group I versus groups II and III). The most common mechanism for reperfusion arrhythmias was an accelerating ventricular tachycardia that initiated fibrillation (79 of 167 episodes). However, in many instances postdefibrillation amplifier saturation masked the initiation of reperfusion arrhythmias.'] Does arrest duration influence postcardioplegia electrophysiologic recovery and reperfusion arrhythmias?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.0123751163482666,
-1.477468490600586,
2.4766016006469727
] |
['To assess the effect of selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) on intestinal secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) concentrations in a model of intestinal bacterial overgrowth and bacterial translocation induced by an elemental diet in rats.', 'Laboratory study.', 'University hospital, Germany.', '45 specific pathogen free female Crl:CD(R) BR rats.', 'For 7 days, 3 groups of rats were fed orally with standard chow (n = 15), total parenteral nutrition solution (ORAL-TPN, n = 15), or ORAL-TPN plus tobramycin (20 mg/L) and polymyxin E (25 mg/L) (ORAL-TPN + SDD).', 'Bacterial translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), numbers of gram negative enterobacteria and total aerobic bacteria in the caecum, and intestinal concentrations of sIgA.', 'The incidence of bacterial translocation was significantly increased in the group given ORAL-TPN (8/15, 53%) compared with the group given chow (1/15, 7%, p < 0.01). Supplementation of ORAL-TPN with SDD reduced translocation to 0/15. The ORAL-TPN group had a pronounced overgrowth of aerobic bacteria in the caecum, mainly by gram negative enterobacteria, which was prevented by the SDD. The concentrations of intestinal sIgA were significantly reduced in the ORAL-TPN group. SDD resulted in both the soluble and insoluble sIgA fractions in the gut being within the reference ranges.'] Is microbial translocation and impairment of mucosal immunity induced by an elemental diet in rats prevented by selective decontamination of the digestive tract?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.227583408355713,
-1.4144234657287598,
2.7227821350097656
] |
['Lactobacillus casei is a nonpathogenic gram-positive bacterium widely used in dairy products and has been shown to enhance the cellular immunity of the host.', 'To examine the inhibitory effect of L. casei on IgE production, splenocytes obtained from ovalbumin (OVA)-primed BALB/c mice were restimulated in vitro with the same antigen in the presence of heat-killed L. casei. The effect of this bacterium on T helper (Th) phenotype development was also examined with naive T cells from OVA-specific T cell receptor-transgenic mice.', 'L. casei induced IFN-gamma, but inhibited IL-4 and IL-5 secretion, and markedly suppressed total and antigen-specific IgE secretion by OVA-stimulated splenocytes. The inhibitory effect of L. casei on IgE, IL-4, and IL-5 production was partially abrogated by addition of neutralizing antibody to IFN-gamma. Augmented IL-12 production was also observed in the cell cultures containing L. casei, and anti-IL-12 monoclonal antibody completely restored the IgE, IL-4, and IL-5 production to the control levels. The IL-12 augmentation by L. casei was macrophage-dependent. The Th cell development assay showed the ability of L. casei to induce Th1 development preferentially. This effect was also completely blocked by anti-IL-12 antibody.'] Does lactobacillus casei inhibit antigen-induced IgE secretion through regulation of cytokine production in murine splenocyte cultures?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.4290950298309326,
-1.2973886728286743,
2.815556526184082
] |
['Transient hypothyroxinemia (TH) of prematurity has been correlated with poor neurodevelopmental outcome. However, the relationship between thyroid function and neonatal mortality and brain injury has not been described.', 'To investigate the relationship between thyroid function and neonatal outcome.', 'Review of infants weighing <1500 grams admitted to a single level III newborn intensive care unit (n = 342). Serum total T4 values of initial newborn screening of infants dying before hospital discharge were compared with those of surviving infants. Total T4 values from infants with and without intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) also were compared.', 'T4 values strongly correlated with gestational age (r = .56). Overall, 289 (85%) of 342 infants had TH. None of the infants had true congenital hypothyroidism. T4 values of infants with cystic PVL (n = 15) were not statistically different from those for infants who did not develop cystic PVL. Infants with IVH (n = 58) had a lower T4 value than did infants who did not develop IVH (5.4 +/- 3.4 microg/dL vs 7.8 +/- 3.6 microg/dL). Infants who died before hospital discharge (n = 24) had a lower T4 value than did infants discharged to home (3.4 +/- 2.2 vs 7.9 +/- 3.7 microg/dL). After controlling for potential confounding variables, T4 value remained associated with an increased odds of IVH (odds ratio: 1.2; 95% confidence interval: 1.05 to 1.4) and mortality (odds ratio: 2.3; 95% confidence interval 1.6 to 3.4).'] Is low serum thyroxine on initial newborn screening associated with intraventricular hemorrhage and death in very low birth weight infants?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-0.9243968725204468,
-1.5797696113586426,
1.5820856094360352
] |
['The human prostate carcinoma cell line, LNCaP, proliferates under stimulation by a limited number of mitogenic signals, which include members of the growth factor and steroid hormone families. Androgens and epidermal growth factor (EGF) are among the LNCaP cell mitogens. We tested the hypothesis that these mitogens stimulate LNCaP cell proliferation at least in part through the induction of cyclin D1, a protein requisite for cell cycle progression, which is expressed in the G1 phase of the cell cycle.', 'LNCaP cells were grown in serum-free medium with 10 ng/ml or 100 ng/ml EGF, 0.1 nM or 1.0 nM mibolerone (a potent androgen agonist), or vehicle (distilled water or 0.01% ethanol). Expression of cyclin D, mRNA, and protein were assessed by Northern and Western blot analyses. Transcription regulation was assessed by nuclear runoff assay.', 'Western analyses demonstrated that EGF stimulated cyclin D1 protein expression 4-fold over 12 hr. Northern analyses showed a 4-fold increase in mRNA expression, peaking within 4 hr of EGF stimulation. There were no effects on cyclin D1 protein or mRNA expression with mibolerone treatments. We further explored the mechanism of cyclin D1 induction. LNCaP cells stimulated for 1 hr with EGF demonstrated a 2-fold increase in cyclin D1 message, as assayed by nuclear runoff transcription assay. In addition, we demonstrated the involvement of the protein kinase C pathway in mediating the EGF induction of cyclin D1.'] Does epidermal growth factor induce cyclin D1 in a human prostate cancer cell line?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.360394239425659,
-1.2854022979736328,
2.7171576023101807
] |
['Osteopontin (OPN) is a secreted extracellular matrix (ECM) protein found in bone, as well as associated with epithelial cells. The main objective of these studies was to test in vitro the hypothesis that interaction with OPN stimulates proliferation of a quiescent subpopulation of prostate epithelial cells with high proliferative potential.', 'To simulate conditions that restrict proliferation and inhibit terminal differentiation of basal cells in vivo, control cultures grew on substrate coated with collagen (CO) or fibronectin (FN), in medium containing low levels of growth factors.', 'Under growth-restricting conditions, most prostate epithelial cells with high proliferative potential, seeded in control secondary cultures, were quiescent within the time frame of the studies, as indicated by the small number of large colonies in these cultures. Growing prostate epithelial cells (PR) under the same growth-restricting conditions, but on substrate coated with OPN instead of CO or FN, stimulated proliferation of a subpopulation of single cells with high proliferative ability as indicated by: 1) dose-dependent increase in the percentage of single cells incorporating bromodeoxyuridine, i.e., proliferating PR; and 2) subsequent dose-dependent increase in the percentage of large colonies. The OPN effect was not merely due to preferential attachment to OPN, because PR attachment to OPN, CO, or FN was identical. PR attachment to OPN was inhibited in the presence of GRGDTP or an antibody against the integrin subunit alphav, but not in the presence of an RGES peptide or a nonspecific IgG.'] Does osteopontin stimulate a subpopulation of quiescent human prostate epithelial cells with high proliferative potential to divide in vitro?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.5876641273498535,
-1.1656672954559326,
2.8342490196228027
] |
['Testosterone treatment of rats produces prostatic hypertrophy and detrusor overactivity. Whether or not the detrusor overactivity can be related to an increase in the responsiveness of lower urinary tract smooth muscles is not known.', 'Male Sprague-Dawley rats were given daily injections of testosterone propionate for 2 weeks. Effects on cystometric parameters and on the responsiveness of isolated detrusor, urethral, and prostate smooth muscle preparations to drugs and electrical field stimulation were investigated.', 'Testosterone treatment increased prostatic weight twofold (controls, 768 mg; testosterone-treated, 1,478 mg), but not bladder weight (103 mg vs. 116 mg). Micturition pressure (77%), bladder capacity (75%), residual volume (56%), and micturition volume (83%) increased significantly in treated animals, and bladder overactivity developed. No effect of intraarterial doxazosin on these changes was observed. The differences in urodynamic parameters between control and testosterone-treated rats could not be correlated with changes in bladder, urethral, or prostate excitatory innervation, as revealed by responses to electrical field stimulation, or by smooth muscle responses to different contractant drugs.'] Does testosterone-induced prostatic growth in the rat cause bladder overactivity unrelated to detrusor hypertrophy?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.5653741359710693,
-1.138914942741394,
2.7505884170532227
] |
['To investigate the effects of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor pentoxifylline on hyperactivated motility and acrosome reaction in human sperm and to determine whether its stimulatory effects occur via increased intracellular calcium levels.', 'Prospective study.', 'Academic tertiary care facility.', 'Healthy male donors.', 'The effects of pentoxifylline on hyperactivated motility, acrosome reaction, and intracellular calcium were studied and compared with the effects of progesterone. Thapsigargin, a known mobilizer of intracellular calcium, also was used as positive control.', 'Hyperactivated motility was assessed by computer-assisted sperm motion analysis using the HTM-IVOS, acrosome reaction was evaluated with the fluorescent probe fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled Pisum sativum agglutinin, and intracellular calcium was determined by fura-2 using spectrofluorometry.', 'Pentoxifylline significantly increased both hyperactivated motility and acrosome reaction. Enhancement of hyperactivated motility by pentoxifylline in the capacitation medium persisted for up to 5 hours after pentoxifylline was washed from the medium. It also enhanced the percentage of acrosome-reacted spermatozoa after 4 hours of incubation. These effects occurred in the presence of a marginally significant decrease in intracellular calcium.'] Is increase of intracellular calcium a cause of pentoxifylline-induced hyperactivated motility or acrosome reaction in human sperm?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.592322826385498,
-1.2058335542678833,
2.874877452850342
] |
['To evaluate two commonly used methods of sperm preparation with respect to their effects on sperm morphology (strict criteria).', 'Auto-controlled, split sample study performed on the semen of 74 male partners of couples enrolled for IVF.', 'In vitro fertilization and andrology laboratories at a tertiary care, major teaching hospital.', 'Seventy-four male partners of couples who were scheduled to undergo IVF.', 'Equal halves of the same semen sample were evaluated for strict criteria sperm morphology before and after preparation by differential gradient centrifugation using Percoll (Pacific Andrology, Montrose, CA) and by the standard swim-up method.', 'The percentage of morphologically normal sperm was assessed using strict criteria before and after the two methods of sperm preparation. Specific parameters studied were individual abnormalities of the head, midpiece, and tail.', 'Sperm preparation using differential gradient centrifugation with Percoll produced a significantly greater number of specimens with normal sperm morphology and also showed higher absolute quantitative improvement over the swim-up method. The two methods were comparable in regard to their effects on specific sperm abnormalities (i.e., head, midpiece, and tail defects).'] Is preparation by differential gradient centrifugation better than swim-up in selecting sperm with normal morphology ( strict criteria )?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.0111210346221924,
-0.7457859516143799,
1.80629301071167
] |
['We investigated the ability of T-wave pseudonormalization and ST-segment elevation, which are demonstrated in infarct-related leads during submaximal exercise testing, to predict late recovery of contractile function.', 'We studied 88 consecutive patients (73 males, mean age 59 +/- 8 years) with anterior infarction, persistent T-wave inversion and a documented lesion of the proximal segment of the left anterior descending coronary artery. They all underwent 2D-echocardiography on admission, 4 weeks as well as 6 months after myocardial infarction to evaluate the dysfunction score and the ejection fraction. Submaximal (75% of maximal predicted heart rate) exercise testing was performed in 80 patients 2 weeks after myocardial infarction following discontinuation of treatment.', 'During exercise testing, 59 of the 88 patients showing negative T-waves on the resting electrocardiogram exhibited pseudonormalization (group A) in at least three adjacent precordial leads, whilst 29 (group B) did not. Patients of group A more frequently exhibited an early creatine kinase peak (41% vs 24%, P < 0.05) and residual angiographic perfusion (97% vs 69%, P < 0.05). The dysfunction score did not change in group B (from 19 +/- 7 to 22 +/- 4), but decreased in group A (from 18 +/- 4 to 11 +/- 6 P < 0.05). The ejection fraction was similar in the two groups on admission (group A: 48 +/- 7%, group B: 45 +/- 10%), but was significantly different at 4-week (52 +/- 99 vs 42 +/- 11%, P < 0.05) and 6-month follow-up (58 +/- 9 vs 44 +/- 10%, P < 0.01). The concomitant presence of ST-segment elevation and T-wave normalization showed the highest positive predictive value for left ventricular function recovery (100%).'] Does exercise-induced T-wave normalization predict recovery of regional contractile function after anterior myocardial infarction?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.5759639739990234,
-1.6098206043243408,
2.1264474391937256
] |
['Ischaemic preconditioning reduces myocardial infarct size in animal models. Clinical data suggest that episodes of angina immediately before acute myocardial infarction may be associated with smaller infarct size in man. However, it is unclear whether ischaemic episodes preceding acute myocardial infarction also affect contractile recovery in patients.', 'In this study we investigated the recovery of regional myocardial function after thrombolysis in two groups of patients at their first Q-wave acute myocardial infarction; in one group (n = 42) myocardial infarction occurred unheralded, whereas patients of the second group (n = 48) had experienced new-onset angina in the 48 h that preceded infarction. Echocardiographic analysis of myocardial regional function in the infarct area was done at 2, 24 and 72 h after thrombolysis, and at 1 week, and 1 and 3 months follow-up.', 'Peak level of MB-creatine kinase was significantly lower in patients with new-onset angina (96 +/- 47 as compared with 221 +/- 108 IU.l-1, P < 0.01), as was the area under the MB-creatine kinase curve (1321 +/- 876 as compared to 3879 +/- 1555 U.l-1/36 h, P < 0.01). Hypokinetic segments were fewer in patients with pre-infarction angina. Similarly, wall motion score improved significantly earlier in patients who had new-onset angina before acute myocardial infarction. Thus, contractile recovery was more rapid in patients with previous angina than in those in whom infarction occurred unheralded. Complications during the in-hospital outcome and other variables considered during the 4-week follow-up were similar between groups.'] Is new-onset angina preceding acute myocardial infarction associated with improved contractile recovery after thrombolysis?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.8058019876480103,
-1.4913197755813599,
2.2722623348236084
] |
['To assess determinants of coronary artery disease progression in men with previous myocardial infarction.', 'A total of 102 unselected non-diabetic Swedish men (age 40.4 +/- 3.6, range 23-44 years) entered the study 3-6 months after a first myocardial infarction. The programme included metabolic and haemostatic investigations and routine coronary angiography at baseline, followed by re-angiography 5 years later. Of the original cohort, 76 patients underwent a second angiogram. Separate semiquantitative scoring systems were used for diffuse coronary atherosclerosis and distinct stenoses in 15 proximal coronary segments. Smoking, global severity of coronary atherosclerosis and presence of multi-vessel disease at baseline (P < 0.001) characterized patients with severe progression of both diffuse and focal lesions. Higher plasma levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.01) and low density lipoprotein triglycerides (P < 0.05), a lower plasma high density lipoprotein2 cholesterol level (P < 0.05) and higher plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity (P < 0.05), together with a high baseline stenosis score (P < 0.001) characterized patients with severe progression of coronary atherosclerosis. On the other hand, more pronounced fasting and post-prandial glycaemia (P < 0.05), together with higher plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity (P < 0.01) characterized severe progressors with respect to coronary stenosis. Multivariate analysis identified the presence of multi-vessel disease as an independent predictor of progression of both coronary atherosclerosis (P = 0.008) and stenoses (P = 0.007), whereas a high low density lipoprotein triglyceride level (P < 0.01) was independently related to progression of coronary atherosclerosis and a high fasting glucose level (P = 0.02) to progression of coronary stenoses.'] Is progression of coronary artery disease in young male post-infarction patients linked to disturbances of carbohydrate and lipoprotein metabolism and to impaired fibrinolytic function?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.2934410572052,
-1.3877520561218262,
2.764616012573242
] |
['Histamine is considered a major mediator in the process of gastric acid secretion. When acid peptic activity overpowers the mucosal defense mechanism, peptic ulceration may develop. Is the hyperreactivity of patients with duodenal ulcer to histamine also expressed in the skin?', 'The aim of the present study was to assess the reactivity of patients with duodenal ulcer to histamine as reflected in the skin, by comparing the erythema and the cutaneous blood flow response to histamine in duodenal ulcer patients and healthy controls.', 'Twenty volunteers participated in the study: 10 duodenal ulcer patients and 10 age and gender matched healthy controls. Histamine was topically administered to the back and to the volar side of the forearm, and the induced response was quantified by spectrophotometry and laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF). The extent of the response and time parameters were compared.', 'The maximum response, as measured by LDF, was greater in the peptic ulcer patients (P < 0.05) compared to healthy controls. Aging was accompanied by decreased responsiveness in both groups.'] Do duodenal ulcer patients exhibit a greater skin response to histamine?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.2738678455352783,
-1.172327995300293,
2.4755845069885254
] |
["Itraconazole increases the risk of skeletal muscle toxicity of some 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A' (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors by increasing their serum concentrations. We studied possible interactions of itraconazole with simvastatin and pravastatin.", 'Two randomized, double-blind, two-phase crossover studies were performed with use of an identical design, one with simvastatin (study I) and one with pravastatin (study II). In both studies, 10 healthy volunteers received either 200 mg itraconazole or placebo orally once a day for 4 days. On day 4, each subject ingested a single 40 mg dose of simvastatin (study I) or pravastatin (study II). Serum concentrations of simvastatin, simvastatin acid, pravastatin, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, itraconazole, and hydroxyitraconazole were determined.', 'In study I, itraconazole increased the peak serum concentrations (Cmax) and the areas under the serum concentration-time curve [AUC(0-infinity)] of simvastatin and simvastatin acid at least tenfold (p < 0.001). The Cmax and AUC(0-infinity) of total simvastatin acid (naive simvastatin acid plus that derived by hydrolysis of the lactone) were increased 17-fold and 19-fold (p < 0.001), respectively, and the half-life (t1/2) was increased by 25% (p < 0.05). The AUC(0-infinity) of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors was increased fivefold (p < 0.001) and the Cmax and t1/2 were increased threefold (p < 0.001). In study II, itraconazole slightly increased the AUC(0-infinity) and Cmax of pravastatin, but the changes were statistically nonsignificant (p = 0.052 and 0.172, respectively). The t1/2 was not altered. The AUC(0-infinity) and Cmax of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors were increased less than twofold (p < 0.05 and p = 0.063, respectively) by itraconazole. There were no differences in the serum concentrations of itraconazole and hydroxyitraconazole between studies I and II.'] Is simvastatin but not pravastatin very susceptible to interaction with the CYP3A4 inhibitor itraconazole?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.4669976234436035,
-1.6650428771972656,
2.0913455486297607
] |
['Survival after orthotopic liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma is limited by a high rate of tumor recurrence. A polymerase chain reaction assay based on the detection of albumin mRNA expression in peripheral blood for detection of hematogenous micrometastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma has been described, which may help to select candidates for orthotopic liver transplantation.', 'The prognostic value of a highly sensitive nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay was evaluated in comparison with the TNM-classification of the International Union against Cancer in a population of liver transplant candidates.', 'Eighty patients with liver disease and 42 control patients were evaluated. Six of 21 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and 11 of 59 patients with other diseases of the liver were positive for albumin reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, making this assay an indicator of ongoing liver damage without absolute specificity for hepatocellular carcinoma. Twelve patients with hepatoma were followed after liver transplantation and seven of those patients had a tumor recurrence within 12 months. Six of these patients with recurrence had International Union against Cancer stage IV A tumors preoperatively, while only one of them was positive for albumin reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction before transplantation. Only one patient with a stage I to III tumor had a recurrence within 12 months.'] Is preoperative TNM-classification a better prognostic indicator for recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation than albumin mRNA in peripheral blood . Liver Transplant Oncology Group?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.3748562335968018,
-1.3364677429199219,
2.7776808738708496
] |
['Patients with cirrhosis tend to have esophageal variceal bleeding episodes at night, rather than during the day time. Since human beings carry on ordinary activities in the upright posture in the day time and are recumbent at night, we hypothesized that posture may be a factor related to a circadian variation of variceal bleeding. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of upright posture on esophageal varices hemodynamics in patients with cirrhosis.', 'Nine patients with cirrhosis and esophageal varices were included in a crossover study performed on 2 separate days. On the non-endoscopic day, cardiac output, portal vein flow velocity, and superior mesenteric artery flow velocity were measured with percutaneous Doppler ultrasonography. Plasma renin activity and plasma norepinephrine concentrations were also determined. On the endoscopic day, in addition to the above measurements, esophageal varices flow velocity was measured using transesophageal Doppler ultrasonography. These measurements were performed in the supine position and 20 min after the assumption of the upright position.', 'On the non-endoscopic day, the upright posture significantly decreased cardiac output, portal vein flow velocity, and superior mesenteric artery flow velocity. Plasma renin activity and plasma norepinephrine concentration were significantly increased after assumption of the upright position. On the endoscopic day, similar hemodynamic and hormonal changes were observed. In addition, the upright posture significantly decreased esophageal varices flow velocity. Furthermore, the magnitude of the reduction in esophageal varices flow velocity (-42%) was significantly greater than that in portal vein flow velocity (-22%, p<0.01) and that in superior mesenteric artery flow velocity (-25%, p<0.01). Although the change in esophageal varices flow velocity was not significantly correlated with that in plasma renin activity (r=-0.28) and that in plasma norepinephrine concentration (r=-0.10), it was significantly correlated with the change in superior mesenteric artery flow velocity (r=0.73, p<0.05).'] Does upright posture decrease esophageal varices flow velocity in patients with cirrhosis?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.9173682928085327,
-1.3912824392318726,
2.3117942810058594
] |
['To compare total plasma antioxidant capacity and selected individual antioxidants in patients with varying degrees of severity of sepsis.', 'A prospective, observational, consecutive case study.', 'A 16-bed intensive care unit (ICU) in a university teaching hospital.', 'None.', 'Forty-six healthy controls, ten ICU patients, nine patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), 11 septic patients, and 14 septic shock patients. Plasma was obtained in healthy patients scheduled for minor surgery immediately before anesthesia and in ICU patients within 24 hrs of admittance to the unit or diagnosis of SIRS, sepsis, or septic shock.', 'Using the total peroxyl radical trapping method, we found plasma antioxidant capacity to be lower in septic patients but higher in septic shock patients, as compared with controls. Bilirubin was the greatest contributor to the increase with shock, followed by uric acid. Neopterin also correlated with the peroxyl radical trapping antioxidant parameter values.'] Is total plasma antioxidant capacity always decreased in sepsis?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.318223476409912,
-1.1388018131256104,
2.571650981903076
] |
['This study evaluated the long-term impact of endoluminal low power red laser light (LPRLL) on restenosis in an atherosclerotic rabbit model.', 'Despite widespread application of balloon angioplasty for treatment of coronary artery disease, restenosis limits its clinical benefits. Restenosis is a complex process and may be partly attributed to the inability of the vascular endothelium to regenerate and cover the denuded area at the site of arterial injury. We previously demonstrated that LPRLL stimulates endothelial cell proliferation in vitro and contributes to rapid endothelial regeneration after balloon injury in nonatherosclerotic rabbits.', 'Rabbit abdominal aortas (n = 12) were treated in separate zones with balloon dilation and balloon dilation plus laser illumination. Endoluminal laser therapy was performed using a laser-balloon catheter delivering a single dose of 10 mW for 3 min from a helium-neon laser (632 nm). Angiography was performed before and after treatment and was repeated 8 weeks before harvesting the aortas.', 'Quantitative angiographic analysis demonstrated no differences in the minimal lumen diameter (MLD) between the two zones before treatment; an increase in the MLD in both zones after balloon angioplasty and a significant versus slight reduction of the MLD in the balloon treatment versus balloon plus laser zones at 8 weeks. Histologic examination showed a very high level of myointimal hyperplasia in the balloon treatment zones but a minimal level in the LPRLL-treated zones. Morphometric analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in the lumen area, intimal area and intima/media ratio between the balloon versus balloon plus laser treatment sites.'] Does photoremodeling of arterial wall reduce restenosis after balloon angioplasty in an atherosclerotic rabbit model?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.3280527591705322,
-1.4574246406555176,
2.8272056579589844
] |
['Smooth muscle cell proliferation is a key event in the development of intimal hyperplasia after arterial injury. Heparin can suppress smooth muscle cell proliferation in vitro and prevents intimal hyperplasia after arterial injury, but the mechanisms of action are poorly understood. Recently, we observed that heparin inhibited serum-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase in smooth muscle cells, but heparin did not inhibit signaling induced by platelet-derived growth factor BB and basic fibroblast growth factor, both ligands of tyrosine kinase receptors. Here, we examined the possibility that heparin inhibits signaling by thrombin and other activators of heterotrimeric G-proteins.', 'Baboon aortic smooth muscle cells were stimulated with thrombin, angiotensin II, endothelin-1, and lysophosphatidic acid in the presence or absence of heparin. After stimulation, mitogen-activated protein kinase activity was measured with an in-gel phosphorylation assay, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase-1 was immunoprecipitated from the same samples, and activity was measured with recombinant mitogen-activated protein kinase as a substrate. DNA synthesis was measured by 3H-thymidine labeling and scintillation counting.', 'Heparin inhibited sustained activity of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase-1 and mitogen-activated protein kinase and prevented DNA synthesis induced by thrombin, angiotensin II, endothelin-1, and lysophosphatidic acid.'] Does heparin inhibit thrombin-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling in arterial smooth muscle cells?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.5271880626678467,
-1.172352910041809,
2.7387566566467285
] |
['Airway inflammation is a hallmark of asthma, therefore current treatment recommendations include the use of inhaled glucocorticosteroids (GCS). However, there is little evidence that the effects of inhaled GCS are dose dependent.', 'The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of a second-generation GCS, budesonide, delivered by Turbuhaler, in adults with chronic asthma.', 'In a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, multicenter, parallel-group study, 473 subjects 18 to 70 years of age received either placebo or budesonide (200, 400, 800, or 1600 microg total daily dose) administered twice daily. Primary efficacy end points were mean change from baseline for FEV1 and morning peak expiratory flow. Safety was assessed by reported adverse events and by a cosyntropin-stimulation test.', 'The mean baseline FEV1 was 63% to 66% of predicted normal value between groups. All doses of budesonide were more effective than placebo (p < 0.001). The mean changes in morning peak expiratory flow were 12, 22, 27, and 30 L/min in the 200, 400, 800, and 1600 microg budesonide total daily dose groups, respectively, and -27 L/min for the placebo group. A statistically significant dose-response effect for the mean change from baseline over the 12-week study was seen for both morning peak expiratory flow and FEV1. Budesonide-treated subjects also demonstrated significant reduction in asthma symptoms and bronchodilator use compared with placebo. There were no clinically significant differences in treatment-related adverse experiences among groups.'] Is budesonide delivered by Turbuhaler effective in a dose-dependent fashion when used in the treatment of adult patients with chronic asthma?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.09517502784729,
-1.4032247066497803,
2.509458303451538
] |
['In a previous study we found that high angiotensin II levels in relation to the corresponding urinary sodium excretion aggravate left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients. To analyze whether a dysregulation of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system determines left ventricular structure in young individuals, we examined whether the response of angiotensin II after increasing salt intake is related to left ventricular structure.', 'In 51 young, male Caucasians with normal or mildly elevated blood pressure, left ventricular structure, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure and dietary sodium intake (as estimated by 24-hour sodium excretion) were determined in parallel with plasma renin activity, angiotensin II, and aldosterone concentrations. Angiotensin II concentration and 24-hour sodium excretion were measured twice: firstly on a normal Bavarian diet and secondly at high salt intake to determine the resulting suppression of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.', 'Body mass index (r = 0.42, p < 0.001) and both systolic (r = 0.28, p < 0.05) and diastolic (r = 0.25, p < 0.05) 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure correlated with left ventricular mass. No direct relationship was found between left ventricular structure and baseline angiotensin II concentration. The lower the physiological decrease of angiotensin II after high oral salt intake, i.e. the higher the angiotensin II level after salt intake remained, the greater was left ventricular mass (r = 0.38; p < 0.006) even after taking 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure into account (partial correlation; r = 0.43, p < 0.005). Consistently, angiotensin II concentration at high salt intake correlated with left ventricular mass independently of ambulatory blood pressure (partial correlation: r = 0.29, p < 0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed that the increase in sodium excretion at high salt intake was related to the decrease in angiotensin II levels in normotensive (r = -0.43, p < 0.05), but not in hypertensive subjects (r = 0.16, n.s.). The changes in angiotensin II concentration at high salt intake were related to left ventricular mass in hypertensive (r = 0.43, p < 0.02), but not in normotensive individuals (r = 0.21, n.s.).'] Does inadequate suppression of angiotensin II modulate left ventricular structure in humans?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.8243144750595093,
-1.519382357597351,
2.314652919769287
] |
['Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a potent and pleiotropic stimulator of immune cells, binds to neutrophils via CD14, but less densely than to monocytes. The present study was designed to investigate whether cytokines modulate LPS binding to neutrophils via CD14.', 'Neutrophils were cultured with LPS after pretreatment with cytokines, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1alpha), or granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). Binding of LPS and CD14 expression on neutrophils were analyzed by flow cytometry, using anti-LPS and anti-CD14 monoclonal antibodies (mAb).', 'LPS alone showed only slight binding to neutrophils, but pretreatment with IFN-gamma or TNF-alpha before LPS exposure markedly increased LPS binding and CD14 expression on the surfaces of neutrophils. The dramatic increase in LPS binding was not seen with IL-1alpha or G-CSF. Anti-CD14 blocking mAb completely inhibited the binding effect.'] Do interferon-gamma ( IFN-gamma ) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha ( TNF-alpha ) enhance lipopolysaccharide binding to neutrophils via CD14?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.403520345687866,
-1.3317816257476807,
2.7327208518981934
] |
['The appropriate management of gallstones in patients undergoing renal transplantation is controversial. Screening for gallstones and subsequent prophylactic cholecystectomy has been recommended by some authors for kidney transplant candidates. Our program does not practice routine pretransplant screening for gallstones, and we reviewed our data to determine the outcome of our management approach.', 'We reviewed the records of the 1,364 currently followed patients who have undergone kidney transplant at our institution since 1985 in order to evaluate the morbidity and mortality of biliary disease in the post-transplant period. We attempted to contact all patients by telephone or mail survey for the presence of biliary tract disease or operations.', 'Six hundred and sixty-two patients were fully evaluated. Fifty-two (7.85%) required cholecystectomy for stone disease. Seven patients underwent incidental cholecystectomy during other operations, 2 patients developed acalculus cholecystitis, and 14 patients with asymptomatic cholelithiasis are being followed up. Surgical indications included 38 biliary colic, 9 acute cholcystitis, 3 gallstone pancreatitis, and 2 patients who were asymptomatic. Fifty-two patients underwent 30 laparoscopic cholecystectomies, 20 open cholecystectomies, and 2 conversions. Surgery occurred from 7 days to 9.6 years following transplantation. Overall, the median hospital stay (no postoperative stay) was 4 days (range 1 to 57). Patients undergoing laparoscopy had a median stay of 2 days compared with 7 days for those undergoing an open procedure. Complications were seen in 6 patients (11.5%) with no morbidity and no graft loss. The 1-, 2-, and 5-year graft survival was 98%, 96%, and 85%, respectively, in patients undergoing cholecystectomy.'] Is prophylactic cholecystectomy indicated following renal transplantation?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.1367146968841553,
-1.6223437786102295,
1.6334338188171387
] |
['Older black women are less likely to undergo mammography and are more often given a diagnosis of advanced-stage breast cancer than older white women.', 'To investigate the extent to which previous mammography explains observed differences in cancer stage at diagnosis between older black and white women with breast cancer.', 'Retrospective cohort study using the Linked Medicare-Tumor Registry Database.', "Population-based data from three geographic areas of the United States included in the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program (Connecticut; metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia; and Seattle-Puget Sound, Washington).", 'Black and white women 67 years of age and older in whom breast cancer was diagnosed between 1987 and 1989.', 'Medicare claims were used to classify women according to mammography use in the 2 years before diagnosis as nonusers (no previous mammography), regular users (> or =2 mammographies done at least 10 months apart), or peri-diagnosis users (mammography done only within 3 months before diagnosis). Information on mammography use was linked with SEER data to determine cancer stage at diagnosis. Stage was classified as early (in situ or local) or late (regional or distant).', 'Black women were more likely to not undergo mammography (odds ratio [OR], 3.00 [95% CI, 2.41 to 3.75]) and to be given a diagnosis of late-stage disease (OR, 2.49 [CI, 1.59 to 3.92]) than white women. When women were stratified by previous mammography use, the black-white difference in cancer stage occurred only among nonusers (adjusted OR, 2.54 [CI, 1.37 to 4.71]). Among regular users, cancer was diagnosed in black and white women at similar stages (adjusted OR, 1.34 [CI, 0.40 to 4.51]). In logistic modeling, previous mammography alone explained about 30% of the excess late-stage disease in black women. In a separate model, previous mammography explained 12% of the excess late-stage disease among black women after adjustment for sociodemographic and comorbidity information.'] Does mammography use help to explain differences in breast cancer stage at diagnosis between older black and white women?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.7913016080856323,
-1.1605473756790161,
2.00838565826416
] |
['We tested the hypothesis that short-chain organic acids in the colon derived from dietary pectin, wheat bran, and oat bran are protective against the development of colon cancer because they induce transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, which in turn inhibits cell growth by inducing cyclin-directed kinase (cdk) inhibitors.', 'U4 human colon carcinoma cells differentiate into water- and salt-transporting columnar enterocytes and therefore model normal colonocytes. The composition and kinase activity of cdk/cyclin complexes were determined by immunoprecipitation and Western blotting studies in U4 cells treated in vitro with short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) mixtures that mimic the digestion products of wheat bran, oat bran, pectin, and cellulose (as control), which is largely unfermentable.', 'Induction of the cdk inhibitors p21cip1 and p27kip1 by fiber-mimicking SCFA mixtures occurs much more rapidly and is many-fold greater than their induction by TGF-beta1. The SCFA mixtures most effective in causing growth inhibition and cdk inhibitor production mimicked those from wheat bran > oat bran > pectin.'] Do short-chain fatty acids induce cell cycle inhibitors in colonocytes?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.6048190593719482,
-1.0736641883850098,
2.7044496536254883
] |
['Rotaviruses are the major cause of pediatric gastroenteritis worldwide. The target cell of rotavirus infection is the mature enterocyte of the small intestine. Recently, intestinal epithelial cells have been shown to produce chemoattractant mediators in response to cytokine stimulation and bacterial infection, suggesting a potentially important role of epithelial cells in initiating immune responses. In this study, the production of chemokines by cultured intestinal epithelial cells after rotavirus infection was investigated.', 'Two human intestinal epithelial cell lines (HT29 and Caco-2) were infected with sucrose-purified rotavirus (strain SA114F) and assayed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for chemokine expression. Virus-like particles and inactivated rotavirus were used to test the importance of viral attachment and replication.', 'Increased messenger RNA expression and secretion of immunoreactive interleukin 8, growth-related peptide alpha, and RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted) were detected in rotavirus-infected cells. Chemokine production was time and dose dependent and required viral replication.'] Does rotavirus infection of cultured intestinal epithelial cells induce secretion of CXC and CC chemokines?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.6366169452667236,
-1.1023890972137451,
2.866919994354248
] |
['Hydrogen sulfide is one of the main malodorous compounds in human flatus. This toxic gas also has been implicated in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis. Therefore, a treatment that reduces colonic H2S levels could be clinically useful in the treatment of flatus odor and of ulcerative colitis. In this study the ability of bismuth subsalicylate, a compound that binds H2S, to reduce H2S release in the colon, was tested.', 'Homogenates made from human and rat feces were incubated with and without bismuth subsalicylate, and gas production was measured. Fecal samples from 10 healthy subjects were analyzed before and after ingestion of bismuth subsalicylate (524 mg four times a day) for 3-7 days.', 'Fecal homogenates showed a dose-dependent relationship between the concentration of bismuth subsalicylate and H2S release. Treatment of subjects with bismuth subsalicylate produced a >95% reduction in fecal H2S release.'] Does bismuth subsalicylate markedly decrease hydrogen sulfide release in the human colon?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.207930088043213,
-1.1138637065887451,
2.354618549346924
] |
['The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is under investigation as a therapeutic target for cancers. Colon cancer cell lines are variably dependent on autocrine stimulation of EGFR. We therefore examined the effects of a selective EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, PD 153035, on proliferation and survival of five colon cancer cell lines whose autonomous proliferation is either EGFR ligand dependent or EGFR ligand independent.', 'Effects of inhibitors were screened by MTS growth assays, [3H]thymidine incorporation, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling assay, fluorescence microscopy, immunoblotting, and in vitro protease assays.', 'PD 153035 caused dose-dependent cytostasis (200 nmol/L to 1 micromol/L) and apoptosis (>10 micromol/L) in ligand-dependent cell lines and caused variable apoptosis (>10 micromol/L) but no cytostasis in ligand-independent cell lines. Apoptosis induced by 10 micromol/L PD 153035 was not associated with induction of p53 protein expression but was accompanied by activation of caspases that cleave poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, lamin B1, and Bcl-2. Inhibition of caspase 3-like protease activity by DEVD-fluoromethylketone significantly delayed the onset of PD 153035-induced apoptosis.'] Does inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor kinase induce protease-dependent apoptosis in human colon cancer cells?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.4002444744110107,
-1.3006927967071533,
2.7184791564941406
] |
['Disulfide exchange reactions are catalyzed by thiol/disulfide oxidoreductases. These enzymes possess a thioredoxin fold and contain a catalytic disulfide with the sequence Cys-X-X-Cys at the N terminus of an alpha helix. Despite these similarities, the various members differ strongly in their redox potentials (-122 mV to -270 mV). Using the strong oxidant DsbA from Escherichia coli as a model system, we investigated whether the redox properties of these enzymes can be modulated rationally by exchange of the X-X dipeptide.', 'The X-X dipeptide of DsbA (Cys30-Pro31-His32-Cys33) was exchanged by the dipeptides of eukaryotic protein disulfide isomerase (PDI; Gly-His), glutaredoxin (Pro-Tyr), and thioredoxin (Gly-Pro) from E. coli. All variants were less oxidizing than wild-type DsbA and their redox potentials were in the order of the related natural enzymes (DsbA > PDI > glutaredoxin > thioredoxin). The equilibrium constant between glutathione and the thioredoxin-like variant increased 1200-fold compared with wild-type DsbA. The variants also showed a strong increase in the pKa of the nucleophilic cysteine (Cys30). As for glutaredoxin and thioredoxin, the catalytic disulfide stabilized the corresponding variants while destabilizing wild-type DsbA and the PDI-like variant.'] Does a single dipeptide sequence modulate the redox properties of a whole enzyme family?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.283407688140869,
-1.1946085691452026,
2.461845874786377
] |
['This study sought to investigate the relations between plasma antioxidant status, extent of atherosclerosis and activity of coronary artery disease.', 'Previous studies indicate that increased antioxidant intake is associated with decreased coronary disease risk, but the underlying mechanisms remain controversial.', 'Plasma samples were obtained from 149 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization (65 with stable angina, 84 with unstable angina or a myocardial infarction within 2 weeks). Twelve plasma antioxidant/oxidant markers were measured and correlated with the extent of atherosclerosis and the presence of an unstable coronary syndrome.', 'By multiple linear regression analysis, age (p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (p < 0.001), male gender (p < 0.001) and hypercholesterolemia (p = 0.02) were independent predictors of the extent of atherosclerosis. No antioxidant/oxidant marker correlated with the extent of atherosclerosis. However, lower plasma ascorbic acid concentration predicted the presence of an unstable coronary syndrome by multiple logistic regression (odds ratio [OR] 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.40 to 0.89, p = 0.01). The severity of atherosclerosis also predicted the presence of an unstable coronary syndrome (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.47, p = 0.008) when all patients were considered. When only patients with significant coronary disease were considered (at least one stenosis >50%), ascorbic acid concentration (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.85, p = 0.008) and total plasma thiols (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.80, p = 0.004) predicted the presence of an unstable coronary syndrome, whereas the extent of atherosclerosis did not.'] Does low plasma ascorbic acid independently predict the presence of an unstable coronary syndrome?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.3655387163162231,
-1.608840823173523,
1.9117950201034546
] |
['We sought to evaluate the efficacy of alpha-adrenergic blocking agents in counteracting left ventricular (LV) dysfunction occurring after transient ischemia in humans.', 'The mechanisms underlying postischemic LV dysfunction are largely unknown.', 'Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) provides a clinical model of ischemia and reperfusion. In 50 patients undergoing coronary stenting for 77+/-5% stenosis, LV function was monitored by transesophageal echocardiography during and 30-min after PTCA. Fifteen minutes after stenting, 15 patients received 12 microg/kg body weight of the alpha-blocker phentolamine intracoronarily, 15 patients received 600 microg/kg of the alpha1-blocker urapidil intravenously, 10 patients received the combination of phentolamine and 1.2 mg of propranolol intracoronarily, and 10 patients received saline.', 'Fifteen minutes after successful coronary dilation, significant contractile dysfunction occurred in previously ischemic and nonischemic myocardium. LV dysfunction was accompanied by an increase in coronary resistance and diffuse vasoconstriction. Alpha-blockers counteracted LV dysfunction and coronary resistance and the increase in vasoconstriction. Phentolamine and urapidil increased global LV shortening from 34+/-9% to 45+/-8% and to 49+/-8%, respectively (p < 0.05). After the administration of propranolol combined with phentolamine, LV dysfunction remained unchanged (34+/-6%), as in control subjects.'] Is postischemic left ventricular dysfunction abolished by alpha-adrenergic blocking agents?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.136263608932495,
-1.5145645141601562,
2.633190155029297
] |
['The clinical syndrome of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), diagnosed in about 5% of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), has been shown to be associated with pouchitis after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether UC patients with cholangitis on liver biopsy at proctocolectomy, with or without the clinical syndrome of PSC, have an increased risk of inflammatory changes in the ileal reservoir mucosa and clinical pouchitis.', 'Of the consecutive 81 UC patients treated with restorative proctocolectomy with ileal J reservoir at Tampere University Hospital between 1985 and 1991, 73 with peroperative liver biopsy were included. A peroperative liver biopsy was obtained during proctocolectomy. After a median follow up of 64 months, pouch biopsy specimens were obtained. Periods of clinical pouchitis were diagnosed by means of clinical criteria alone or by clinical criteria combined with the results of previous pouch endoscopies in all patients.', 'Ten patients (14%) showed histologic features consistent with small-duct PSC on liver biopsy. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography had previously been performed on four of these patients, and all four had large-duct PSC. Patients with cholangitis had significantly more severe chronic, but not acute, inflammation in the pouch mucosa than patients without cholangitis. At least one episode of pouchitis occurred in 30% of the patients without cholangitis as compared with 90% of the patients with cholangitis. Chronic pouchitis was more frequent in the group with cholangitis than in the group without it (70% versus 11%).'] Are chronic inflammatory changes in the pouch mucosa associated with cholangitis found on peroperative liver biopsy specimens at restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.010050058364868,
-1.4217890501022339,
2.4219467639923096
] |
['Focal adhesion sites are cell-matrix contacts that are regulated by phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2)-dependent pathways. Vinculin is a major structural component of these sites and is thought to be engaged in multiple ligand interactions at the cytoplasmic face of these contacts. Cytoplasmic vinculin is considered to be inactive due to its closed conformation involving intramolecular head-tail interactions. Recently, the vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP), a substrate of cyclic AMP-dependent or cyclic GMP-dependent kinases and a component of focal adhesion sites, was shown to bind to vinculin.', 'VASP-vinculin complexes could be immunoprecipitated from cell lysates and, using immunofluorescence, both proteins were found to colocalize in nascent focal adhesions. Consistent with the view that vinculin must be activated at these sites, we found that PIP2, levels of which are elevated during the early stages of adhesion, bound to two discrete regions in the vinculin tail, disrupting the intramolecular head-tail interaction and inducing vinculin oligomerization. Vinculin-VASP complex formation was greatly enhanced by PIP2 and both the EVH1 and EVH2 domains of VASP participated in vinculin binding.'] Is the interaction of the cell-contact proteins VASP and vinculin regulated by phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.495465040206909,
-1.084394931793213,
2.608705997467041
] |
["More than 90% of Ewing's sarcomas (ES) contain a fusion of the EWS and FLI1 genes, due to the t(11;22)(q24;q12) translocation. At the molecular level, the EWS-FLI1 rearrangements show great diversity. Specifically, many different combinations of exons from EWS and FLI1 encode in-frame fusion transcripts and result in differences in the length and composition of the chimeric protein, which functions as an oncogenic aberrant transcription factor. In the most common fusion type (type 1), EWS exon 7 is linked in frame with exon 6 of FLI1. As the fundamental pathogenetic lesion in ES, the molecular heterogeneity of these fusion transcripts may have functional and clinical significance.", 'We performed a clinical and pathologic analysis of 112 patients with ES in which EWS-FLI1 fusion transcripts were identified by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Adequate treatment and follow-up data were available in 99 patients treated with curative intent. Median follow-up in these 99 patients was 26 months (range, 1 to 140 months). Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed that included other prognostic factors, such as age, tumor location, size, and stage.', 'Among the 99 patients suitable for survival analysis, the tumors in 64 patients contained the type 1 fusion and in 35 patients contained less common fusion types. Stage at presentation was localized in 74 patients and metastatic in 25. Metastases (relative risk [RR] = 2.6; P = .008), and type 1 EWS-FLI1 fusion (RR = 0.37; P = .014) were, respectively, independent negative and positive prognostic factors for overall survival by multivariate analysis. Among 74 patients with localized tumors, the type 1 EWS-FLI1 fusion was also a significant positive predictor of overall survival (RR = 0.32; P = .034) by multivariate analysis.'] Is eWS-FLI1 fusion transcript structure an independent determinant of prognosis in Ewing 's sarcoma?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.9792934656143188,
-1.4881768226623535,
2.4282891750335693
] |
['Despite development of many chemotherapeutic regimens, colorectal cancer continues to have a high mortality. One of the major new potential therapies is interleukin-12, a heterodimeric cytokine produced by antigen presenting cells. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the role of interleukin-12 in stimulating a cell-mediated anti-tumor response against a number of colon adenocarcinoma tumor models. However, it is unknown whether patients with colorectal cancer have impaired interleukin-12 production. A study was performed to investigate production of interleukin-12 preoperatively and the relationship between these levels and disease stage at surgery.', "Preoperative peripheral blood mononuclear cells from colorectal cancer patients and age-matched controls were stimulated by Staphylococcus aureus Cowan's Strain 1 (0.0075 percent wt/vol) in vitro for 24 hours. Expression of interleukin-12 was then assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A single pathologist assessed the tumors for stage according to TNM and Dukes classifications.", 'Twenty-eight patients with colorectal cancer and 14 controls were recruited for the study. Interleukin-12 production was significantly impaired in patients with colorectal cancer compared with controls (P = 0.014), especially those with advanced disease: Dukes C, P = 0.001 and T4, P < 0.05.'] Is impaired interleukin-12 production associated with a defective anti-tumor response in colorectal cancer?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.1708788871765137,
-1.4845058917999268,
2.6704649925231934
] |
['By using a technique designated sham fecaloma, we were able to identify two types of segmentary motor phenomenon: displacement motor phenomena and nondisplacement motor phenomena. The aim of the study contained herein was to evaluate for identification of patients with different types of slow-transit constipation.', 'Studies were performed in healthy subjects (n = 5; colonic transit time <30 hours) and in constipated patients (n = 6; colonic transit time >125 hours; normal rectoanal manometry). A Foley-type recording probe with two perfused catheters (proximal and distal) was used. A rigid sigmoidoscope was used to place the probe at the sigmoid colon. Values recorded by the distal catheter were subtracted (point by point) from the values recorded by the proximal catheter. Subtraction curves were analyzed to quantify characteristics of displacement motor phenomena (an anally directed pressure gradient) and nondisplacement motor phenomena (an orally directed pressure gradient).', 'All healthy subjects had contractions during the recording session. Displacement motor phenomena were predominant (displacement motor phenomena/30 minutes = 21.2 +/- 13.2; range, 3-39). Constipated patients yielded two different patterns: three patients had a very small number of contractions, and three patients had a prevalence of nondisplacement motor phenomena, with numbers similar to numbers of displacement motor phenomena in healthy subjects. A comparison of the patterns of constipated patients revealed a statistically significant difference (P = 0.039).'] Do patterns of colonic motility as recorded by a sham fecaloma reveal differences among patients with idiopathic chronic constipation?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.0283915996551514,
-1.3892377614974976,
2.421842098236084
] |
['We previously showed that treatment with a competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist GPI-3000 (GPI) improved short-term physiological recovery after incomplete global cerebral ischemia complicated by dense acidosis. We tested the hypothesis that GPI administered after resuscitation from cardiac arrest would improve a more long-term recovery as measured by neurobehavioral assessment and neuropathology 4 days after resuscitation.', 'Anesthetized dogs were subjected to 7 minutes of cardiac arrest followed by vest cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Neurobehavioral outcomes were scored daily on a score ranging from 0 (normal) to 500 (worst). On the fourth day, the animals were killed, and neuropathology was evaluated in a blinded manner in the hippocampus and the neocortex by hematoxylin and eosin staining and by determination of percentage of injured neurons. Three groups of animals were treated in a randomized, blinded protocol with either saline (SAL), low-dose GPI (5 mg/kg followed by 1 mg/kg per hour for 2 hours), or high-dose GPI (25 mg/kg, followed by 5 mg/kg per hour for 2 hours).', 'The mortality rate was higher in animals receiving GPI than in saline-treated control animals (4 of 15 deaths in SAL, 6 of 15 in the low-dose GPI group, and 9 of 18 in the high-dose GPI group). Neurobehavioral scores were depressed in GPI-treated animals compared with saline-treated control animals in a dose-dependent manner, with 96-hour scores of essentially normal (9+/-2) in saline-treated animals compared with those animals with significant impairment (181+/-47) treated with high-dose GPI. Neuropathological damage in the neocortex was most severe in GPI-treated animals, with the percentage of injured neurons dependent on the dose: 8.3%+/-2.7% SAL, 13.2%+/-6.4% low-dose GPI, and 39.4%+/-10.1%, high-dose GPI. CA1 neuronal damage was severe regardless of treatment.'] Does treatment with the competitive NMDA antagonist GPI 3000 improve outcome after cardiac arrest in dogs?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.9021939039230347,
-1.5044658184051514,
2.339613437652588
] |
['Cerebral arteriolar dilation to N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) is a neuronally mediated multistep process that is sensitive to cerebral hypoxia and ischemia (H/I). We tested the hypothesis that topical pretreatment with the selective potassium channel agonists NS1619 and aprikalim preserves the vascular response to NMDA after consecutive H/I.', 'Pial arteriolar diameters were measured in anesthetized piglets with the use of a closed cranial window and intravital microscopy. Arteriolar responses to NMDA (10(-5), 5 x 10(-5), and 10(-4) mol/L) were recorded before and 1 hour after 10 minutes of hypoxia (8.5% O2 in N2) plus 10 minutes of ischemia (H/I). Ischemia was induced by increasing intracranial pressure. Subgroups were topically pretreated with 10(-5) mol/L NS1619, 10(-6) mol/L aprikalim, 10(-6) mol/L calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), or 10(-5) mol/L papaverine. We also examined the effects of H/I on vascular responses to kainate (10(-4) mol/L) to assess specificity of neuronal injury.', 'Arteriolar responses to NMDA were significantly attenuated after H/I. Baseline compared with post-H/I arteriolar diameters were 9+/-4% versus 3+/-2% at 10(-5) mol/L, 22+/-4% versus 4+/-2% at 5 x 10(-5) mol/L, and 33+/-4% versus 7+/-2% at 10(-4) mol/L (mean+/-SE; all P<.05, n=7). Pretreatment with NS1619 and aprikalim preserved the arteriolar responses to NMDA after H/I. For NS1619 (n=6), values were as follows: 9+/-2% versus 6+/-4% at 10(-5) mol/L, 19+/-6% versus 21+/-5% at 5 x 10(-5) mol/L, and 35+/-3% versus 31+/-5% at 10(-4) mol/L. For aprikalim (n=7), values were as follows: 6+/-2% versus 8+/-2% at 10(-5) mol/L, 22+/-6% versus 15+/-3% at 5 x 10(-5) mol/L, and 41+/-5% versus 32+/-6% at 10(-4) mol/L. In contrast, piglets pretreated with CGRP (n=6) or papaverine (n=5) showed no preservation of the vascular response to NMDA after H/I, although these compounds dilated the arterioles to an extent similar to that with NS1619/aprikalim. Kainate-induced arteriolar dilation (n=6) was largely preserved after H/I compared with preischemic responses.'] Do potassium channel activators protect the N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced cerebral vascular dilation after combined hypoxia and ischemia in piglets?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.8214231729507446,
-1.6381698846817017,
2.4411733150482178
] |
['Loss of residual renal function has a profound effect on the survival of peritoneal dialysis patients. Less is known of the impact of peritoneal function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of solute transport on clinical outcome in CAPD patients.', 'Two hundred and ten consecutive patients commencing CAPD since 1990 were enrolled into a single centre prospective longitudinal observational study of urea, protein, and peritoneal kinetics. On entry, and at 6-monthly intervals, estimations were made of weight, body mass index (BMI), plasma albumin, Kt/V, residual renal function (RRF), NPCR, low-molecular-weight solute transport (D/Pcreat), and peritoneal protein losses. All patients were censored in 1996, regardless of treatment modality.', 'During the 6-year follow up period (median 22 months) there were 51 deaths, and the actuarial survival was 58% at 5 years. Urea, protein and peritoneal kinetics varied with time on dialysis: as anticipated there was a reduction in Kt/V, attributable to loss of RRF, whereas plasma albumin was stable for the first 2 years of treatment, but subsequently started to decline, a trend that became significant at 42 months. Peritoneal kinetics stabilized within the first 6 months of treatment and then showed a trend of increased solute transfer with time on treatment, which became significant by the end of the study. Comparing survivors with non-survivors Kt/V and RRF were similar at the start of treatment, but loss of RRF occurred significantly earlier in non-survivors than survivors (0.37 vs 0.68, P=0.02 at 6 months, 0.19 vs 0.54, P=0.01 at 12 months). D/Pcreat was also identical at commencement of treatment, but subsequently whilst survivors had stable solute transfer, non-survivors had consistently higher solute transfer beyond 6 months that reached increasing significance after 18 months, (0.70 vs 0.67, P=0.05 at 18 months, 0.72 vs 0.66, P=0.03 at 24 months). A Cox proportional hazard model constructed for the variables age, sex, BMI, albumin, Kt/V and D/Pcreat at 6 months of treatment indicated that low Kt/V (P=0.004), high D/Pcreat (P=0.013) and age (P=0.028) were independent predictors of death.'] Does peritoneal solute transport predict survival on CAPD independently of residual renal function?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.519569754600525,
-1.5297811031341553,
2.0031931400299072
] |
['Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous collection of leukemic disorders ranging from chemotherapy-sensitive subsets [inversion 16 and t(8;21)], which often can be cured with cytosine arabinoside alone, to the most resistant subsets, which can survive even supralethal levels of combination alkylator chemotherapy (cytogenetic subsets monosomy 5 and monosomy 7).', 'To analyze the expression of BCL-2 family genes, which are expressed in these subsets of AML, we used PCR sequence amplification reactions that are dependent on oligonucleotide primers representing the BH1 and BH2 homology domains to generate the unique regions between BH1 and BH2. These primers are conserved among all members of the BCL-2 gene family and are separated by a 150 nucleotide region sequence between the BH1 and BH2 domains. The PCR products unique to each BCL-2 family member were cloned directionally into sequencing vectors. The identity of the insert of each clone was determined by slotblots of the DNA amplified from individual colonies and by hybridization with radioactive probes specific to the bcl-2, bcl-x, or bax genes.', 'We found that bcl-2 is the predominant member expressed in AML samples with a poor prognosis (-5, -7), whereas the transcripts of bcl-x are higher than those of bcl-2 in the AML samples with a good prognosis [inv16, t(8;21)]. No significant difference in bax expression was detected between AML subsets of good and bad prognosis. The ratio of bcl-xlong, which inhibits apoptosis, to bcl-xshort, which promotes apoptosis, was determined by amplification with a pair of primers specific to bcl-x followed by separation of the PCR product on agarose gels. Bcl-xlong and bcl-xshort appeared as bands of different molecular mass on a molecular weight gel and were visualized by ethidium bromide staining or Southern blot analysis with a bcl-x-specific probe.'] Is ratio of bcl-xshort to bcl-xlong different in good- and poor-prognosis subsets of acute myeloid leukemia?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.13899564743042,
-1.5235817432403564,
2.654407024383545
] |
['Postoperative hemodynamic disturbances in obstructive jaundice are associated with complications such as shock and renal failure. Gut-derived endotoxemia may underlie these complications. Recently, we have shown that cholestyramine treatment prevents gut-derived endotoxemia in bile duct-ligated (BDL) rats (Houdijk APJ, Boermeester MA, Wesdorp RIC, Hack CE, van Leeuwen PAM: Tumor necrosis factor unresponsiveness following surgery in bile duct-ligated rats. Am J Physiol 271: G980-G986, 1996).', 'The effect of cholestyramine on systemic hemodynamics and organ blood flows after a laparotomy was studied in 2 wk BDL rats using radioactive microspheres.', 'Compared with sham-operated rats, postoperative BDL rats had 1) lower blood pressure (p < .05) and heart rate (p < .001) with higher cardiac output (p < .05), 2) lower splanchnic blood flow (p < .05), 3) lower renal blood flow (p < .01), and 4) higher splanchnic organ and renal-vascular resistances. Cholestyramine treatment in BDL rats prevented the postoperative decrease in blood pressure by increasing cardiac output (p < .01). In addition, cholestyramine maintained splanchnic blood flow at sham levels (p < .05). Furthermore, cholestyramine also prevented the fall in renal blood flow after surgery in BDL rats.'] Does gut endotoxin restriction improve postoperative hemodynamics in the bile duct-ligated rat?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.4580748081207275,
-1.2573702335357666,
2.795191526412964
] |
['Ethanol is known to inhibit proteolysis and to cause intracellular protein accumulation in the liver. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism underlying the antiproteolytic effect of ethanol.', 'The effects of ethanol on proteolysis and cell volume were assessed in the isolated perfused rat liver by established tracer techniques.', 'Infusion of ethanol (20 mmol/L) led to an increase of the intracellular water space by 9.3% +/- 0.4% (n = 3), which was abolished by methylpyrazole and mimicked by acetaldehyde (5 mmol/L). Ethanol-induced cell swelling was completely abolished by bumetanide (5 micromol/L), an inhibitor of Na-K-2Cl cotransport. Ethanol (20 mmol/L) inhibited proteolysis by 18.6% +/- 2.0% (n = 4) in a colchicine-sensitive way. This antiproteolytic effect was quantitatively mimicked by equipotent hyposmotic hepatocyte swelling and by acetaldehyde. Ethanol-induced inhibition of proteolysis was abolished in the presence of methylpyrazole (100 micromol/L), bumetanide (5 micromol/L), furosemide (100 micromol/L), and insulin (35 nmol/L), i.e., conditions that also prevented ethanol-induced cell swelling.'] Does bumetanide-sensitive cell swelling mediate the inhibitory effect of ethanol on proteolysis in rat liver?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.349024772644043,
-1.2952739000320435,
2.7107815742492676
] |
['Opioids induce antinociceptive effects after peripheral administration in experimental and clinical studies. The results of the clinical studies are conflicting. The objective of this study was to examine a possible analgesic effect of incisionally administered morphine on postoperative pain in patients undergoing inguinal herniotomy during general anesthesia.', 'Forty-six consecutive outpatients were included in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. At conclusion of herniotomy 5 mg morphine was injected incisionally in 11 patients, intravenously in 10, and subcutaneously in 13. The placebo group of 12 had saline injected in the incision. Postoperative pain at rest and during mobilization was assessed with a visual analog scale. Assessments were made immediately before and after herniotomy, at 2, 4, and 6 hours after surgery, and on the second and seventh postoperative day. Postoperative morphine and acetaminophen consumptions were recorded within the same period.', 'There were no significant differences in visual analog scores between the groups at any time during the study. Overall differences in postoperative acetaminophen and morphine consumptions were insignificant.'] Does incisional morphine have no analgesic effect on postoperative pain following inguinal herniotomy?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.2384603023529053,
-1.2487249374389648,
2.563261032104492
] |
['Mutations involving the oncogene K-ras in colorectal cancer may be related to tumor aggressiveness. However, the value of K-ras gene determination as a prognostic marker has not been clearly established.', 'The results from 98 patients recruited in a prospective study analyzing the effect of a K-ras mutation as a prognostic factor in colorectal cancer are reported.', 'Disease-free (P = 0.02) and overall survival (P = 0.03) were significantly reduced for patients harboring a K-ras mutation. Two specific mutations demonstrated a significantly increased risk of disease recurrence, namely, 12-TGT (P = 0.04) and 13-GAC substitutions (P = 0.002). Patients with either of these substitutions had a 2-year disease-free survival rate of 37% compared with that of 67% for the group of patients harboring any other mutation type or a wild-type status (P = 0.01).'] Does the type of K-ras mutation determine prognosis in colorectal cancer?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.5417217016220093,
-0.7363758683204651,
1.3106589317321777
] |
['Our laboratory has previously shown that delta-opioid receptors are involved in the cardioprotective effect of ischemic preconditioning in the rat heart. However, this class of receptors consists of two subtypes, delta1, and delta2, and mu- or kappa-opioid receptors may also exist in the heart. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis that ischemic preconditioning is mediated through stimulation of one or both delta-opioid receptor subtypes.', 'Anesthetized, open chest, male Wistar rats were assigned to 1 of 14 groups. All animals were subjected to 30 minutes of occlusion and 2 hours of reperfusion. Ischemic preconditioning was elicited by three 5-minute occlusion periods interspersed with 5 minutes of reperfusion. Two doses of 7-benzylidenenaltrexone (BNTX; 1 and 3 mg/kg i.v.), a selective delta1-opioid receptor antagonist, or naltriben (NTB; 1 and 3 mg/kg i.v.), a selective delta2-opioid receptor antagonist, were given before ischemic preconditioning. To test for a role of mu-opioid receptors, rats were pretreated with beta-funaltrexamine (beta-FNA; 15 mg/kg s.c), an irreversible mu-opioid receptor antagonist, 24 hours before ischemic preconditioning or given the mu-opioid receptor agonist D-Ala,2N-Me-Phe,4glycerol5-enkephalin (DAMGO) as three 5-minute infusions (1, 10, and 100 microg/kg per infusion i.v., respectively) interspersed with 5-minute drug-free periods before the prolonged ischemic and reperfusion periods (lowDAMGO, medDAMGO, and hiDAMGO, respectively). The involvement of kappa-opioid receptors was tested by administering one of two doses of nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI; 1 and 5 mg/kg i.v.) before ischemic preconditioning. Infarct size (IS) as a percent of the area at risk (AAR) was measured by triphenyltetrazolium stain. Ischemic preconditioning markedly reduced IS/AAR (14+/-4%, P<.05) compared with control (55+/-4%). NTB, beta-FNA, and nor-BNI were unable to block the cardioprotective effect of ischemic preconditioning. In addition, DAMGO had no effect on IS/AAR. However, the high dose of BNTX (3 mg/kg i.v.) significantly attenuated the cardioprotective effect of ischemic preconditioning (39+/-5%; P<.05 versus control and ischemic preconditioning).'] Is ischemic preconditioning in the intact rat heart mediated by delta1- but not mu- or kappa-opioid receptors?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.163503408432007,
-1.4242501258850098,
2.5936622619628906
] |
['Improvement in endothelial function may be an important mechanism by which estrogen replacement therapy protects postmenopausal women against coronary artery disease. However, combined hormone replacement therapy is more frequently used owing to the risk of uterine cancer with estrogen-only therapy. Concurrent progesterone treatment may attenuate the beneficial effects of estrogens not only on the lipid profile but also on the endothelium.', 'We studied endothelial vasomotor function in 100 healthy postmenopausal women aged 53.3+/-2.9 years randomized to either combined hormone replacement therapy (n=46) or no substitution (n=54) 2.9+/-0.5 years earlier. In addition, 30 healthy premenopausal women aged 30.3+/-4.2 years were studied. With external ultrasound, brachial artery diameter was measured at rest, during reactive hyperemia (with increased flow causing endothelium-dependent dilation), and after sublingual nitroglycerin (causing endothelium-independent dilation). Compared with premenopausal women, flow-mediated dilation was significantly reduced in both postmenopausal groups. In the postmenopausal women, total cholesterol was lower in the treated women (5.66+/-0.83 versus 6.13+/-0.92 mmol/L; P=.025), whereas HDL cholesterol was similar (1.91+/-0.53 versus 1.85+/-0.46 mmol/L; P=NS). Dilation to flow and to nitroglycerin was similar in the two postmenopausal groups (flow: 2.5+/-2.9% versus 2.2+/-2.2%, P=NS; nitrate: 18.7+/-5.9% versus 17.2+/-6.2%, P=NS).'] Does combined hormone replacement therapy protect women against the age-related decline in endothelium-dependent vasomotor function?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.7300339937210083,
-1.5569210052490234,
2.2450413703918457
] |
['The aim of the study contained herein was to investigate the association between blood transfusion and long-term outcome for patients treated for colorectal cancer, controlling for the effect of other prognostic factors. We also wanted to study whether blood storage time influenced the prognosis.', "Cox's proportional hazards regression analysis was used to analyze data from 336 patients who survived resection with curative intent. Median follow-up was 5.8 (2-16.8) years or until death.", "Local recurrences and distant metastases were significantly more frequent when more than two units of blood had been transfused. In the multivariate Cox's analysis, with backward elimination of nonsignificant factors at the 10 percent level, the following risk factors were significantly related to death by colorectal cancer: tumor stage (T stage and N stage), perforation of tumor, age, and the need for a blood transfusion. Transfusions of more than two units of blood were independently and significantly associated with death from colorectal cancer (relative hazard, 2.7; 95 percent confidence intervals, 1.4-5.2). Time of blood storage had no effect on the prognoses. In patients dying from diseases unrelated to colorectal cancer, age and American Society of Anesthesiologists group were significantly related to death, whereas blood transfusion was not."] Do perioperative blood transfusions reduce long-term survival following surgery for colorectal cancer?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.3330767154693604,
-0.7763662934303284,
2.2211995124816895
] |
['The contribution of the polymorphism of complement C4A and C4B alleles to the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) was studied in Japanese patients.', 'C4A and C4B typing was carried out in 44 SSc patients and in 83 normal subjects using electrophoresis followed by immunofixation and immunoblotting. HLA-DR typing and HLA DRB1*15 and *08 genotyping were carried out by the PCR method and the PCR-SSCP method, respectively.', 'In SSc with diffuse scleroderma, the frequency of C4BQ0 was significantly increased (44.4%, p < 0.001, pc < 0.01). In SSc with antitopoisomerase I antibody (a-Scl-70) C4BQ0 was also increased (50.0%, p < 0.001, pc < 0.01). Association analysis indicated that the increase in C4BQ0 was not primary but reflected an increase in HLA-DRB1*1502. In contrast, C4A/Q0 was significantly increased in limited scleroderma (53.8%, p < 0.005, pc < 0.05) and SSc without a-SCL-70 (53.8%, p < 0.005, pc < 0.05).'] Are c4A and C4B null alleles genetic markers of different types of systemic sclerosis in Japanese patients?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.7290464639663696,
-1.5176177024841309,
2.3054099082946777
] |
['The purpose of our study was to investigate the relationship between misery perfusion (increased oxygen extraction fraction, OEF) and baseline risk factors in patients with carotid occlusion.', 'One-hundred seventeen patients with atherosclerotic carotid occlusion were studied prospectively by clinical evaluation, laboratory testing, and positron emission tomography (PET). PET measurements of cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV), and OEF were made on enrollment in the study. Increased ipsilateral OEF was identified by comparison with 18 normal control subjects. Twenty-five baseline clinical, epidemiological, and arteriographic risk factors were assessed on study entry. Student t tests, chi(2) tests, and Fisher exact tests with Bonferroni correction were used to assess statistical significance (P<.05).', 'Of 117 patients, 44 had increased OEF distal to the occluded carotid and 73 had normal OEFs. Thirty-nine of the 81 patients with prior ipsilateral ischemic symptoms had high OEFs (42%), whereas only 5 of the 31 asymptomatic patients had high OEFs (16%, P<.001). All of the other baseline risk factors were similar between the two groups of patients.'] Is increased oxygen extraction fraction associated with prior ischemic events in patients with carotid occlusion?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-1.7180908918380737,
-1.4504660367965698,
2.203413963317871
] |
['Whether mutations in the putative haemochromatosis gene (HFE) and hepatitis C virus act independently to precipitate porphyria cutanea tarda is unknown. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between mutations in HFE, hepatitis C and porphyria cutanea tarda.', "The frequencies of the C282Y and H63D mutations in HFE were determined in 27 patients with porphyria cutanea tarda and compared with the reported control frequencies. In addition, the presence of hepatitis C virus infection was identified and related to the patients' HFE status.", 'The C282Y mutation was found in 44.4% of patients compared with the control frequency of 12% (p<0.001). Three patients were homozygous for the C282Y mutation, two of whom did not meet current clinical diagnostic criteria for expressed haemochromatosis. The proportion of patients with the H63D mutation did not differ from the reported control frequency. The mean transferrin saturation and serum ferritin concentration were similar in porphyria cutanea tarda patients who were homozygous normal and heterozygous for the C282Y mutation, but greater in both groups than previously reported in healthy controls. Seven (25.9%) patients were anti-HCV IgG positive. None of these patients carried the C282Y mutation. Porphyria cutanea tarda patients heterozygous for the C282Y mutation and patients with anti-HCV antibodies had elevated transferrin saturations and serum ferritin concentrations.'] Are the C282Y mutation in the haemochromatosis gene ( HFE ) and hepatitis C virus infection independent cofactors for porphyria cutanea tarda in Australian patients?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.1021244525909424,
-1.3092066049575806,
2.386418581008911
] |
['Fatty liver has been associated with an increased risk of primary graft non-function and drug toxicity. However, these effects have been observed mainly in fatty liver with inflammation, a situation characterized by an overall reduction in cytochrome P-450 (CYP)-dependent activities as well as a contrasting increase in CYP2E1 activity. Our aim was to examine the impact of liver-fat accumulation on CYP in two animal models of fatty liver without necroinflammation.', 'Ducks were force-fed with a high-glucidic diet and male Wistar rats, after 48 h fasting, were refed a high-glucidic, fat-free diet for 48 h. Total CYP, aminopyrine- (AND), erythromycin-N-demethylase (END) and chlorzoxazone hydroxylase (CZOHase) activities as well as CYP2E1 and CYP3A proteins were quantified on microsomal proteins.', 'Livers from force-fed ducks exhibited significant decreases in total CYP, AND, END and CZOHase activities, inversely correlated with fat-liver content. Refeeding male Wistar rats a high-glucidic, fat-free diet after 48 h fasting, resulting in a 235% increased liver fat content, was associated with a decrease in total CYP (55%), AND (78%), END (55%) and CZOHase (62%) activities as well as in CYP3A (70%) and CYP2E1 (80%) protein content. A significant inverse correlation was observed between CYP and total lipid content.'] Is reduction in hepatic cytochrome P-450 correlated to the degree of liver fat content in animal models of steatosis in the absence of inflammation?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.2496659755706787,
-1.193523645401001,
2.463606357574463
] |
['To quantify spontaneous and activation-induced apoptosis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of HIV-infected patients and to look for correlations between PBMC apoptosis levels, stages of HIV disease, CD4 count, and plasma viral load.', '75 consecutive inpatients and outpatients infected with HIV (mean CD4 count, 202 +/- 182 x 10(6)/L; mean plasma viral load, 4 +/- 1.29 log10 RNA copies/ml) and a control group composed of 18 healthy, HIV-negative adults.', 'Spontaneous apoptosis was detected at the single-cell level by direct incorporation of fluorescein-deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) in PBMC DNA strand breaks. Activation-induced apoptosis was determined after in vitro stimulation with anti-CD3 antibodies and interleukin-2 (IL-2).', 'Spontaneous apoptosis was low in patients and controls, whereas activation-induced apoptosis was significantly higher in HIV-infected patients (5.22 +/- 4.32% versus 2.46 +/- 1.77%, respectively; p = .009). The degree of activation-induced apoptosis was positively correlated with the plasma viral load (r = 0.29; p = .029) and negatively correlated with the CD4 count (r = -0.37; p = .0009). Although activation-induced apoptosis was significantly higher in patients fulfilling AIDS criteria, it did not differ significantly between patients with an acute AIDS-defining event and those with stable disease.'] Is susceptibility of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to apoptosis correlated to plasma HIV load?
|
qiaojin/PubMedQA
| 2 |
[
-2.0468289852142334,
-1.4915456771850586,
2.492918014526367
] |
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