sot_question
stringlengths 42
9.8k
| ds_name
stringclasses 8
values | pred_label
int64 0
2
| logits
sequencelengths 3
3
|
|---|---|---|---|
['Periapical lesions are chronic inflammatory disorders of periradicular tissues caused by etiologic agents of endodontic origin. The inflammatory chemokines are thought to be involved in the latter observed osteolysis. With a murine model of experimental periapical lesion, the objective of this study was to evaluate the role of the chemokine receptor CCR2 in the lesion progression, osteoclast differentiation and activation, and expression of inflammatory osteolysis-related mediators.', 'For lesion induction, right mandibular first molars were opened surgically with a 1/4 carbine bur, and 4 bacterial strains were inoculated in the exposed dental pulp; left mandibular first molars were used as controls. Animals were killed at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after surgeries to evaluate the kinetics of lesion development.', 'CCR2 KO mice showed wider lesions than WT mice. CCR2 KO mice also expressed higher levels of the osteoclastogenic and osteolytic factors, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) and cathepsin K, of the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and of the neutrophil migration related chemokine, KC.'] Does cCR2 deficiency result in increased osteolysis in experimental periapical lesions in mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5223920345306396,
-1.2416599988937378,
2.8140034675598145
] |
['The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in apical periodontitis and during the periapical healing phase after root canal treatment.', 'Apical periodontitis was induced in dog teeth, and root canal treatment was performed in a single visit or by using an additional calcium hydroxide root canal dressing. One hundred eighty days after treatment the presence of inflammation was examined, and tissues were stained to detect bacteria. Bacterial status was correlated to the degree of tissue organization, and to further investigate molecules involved in this process, tissues were stained for MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-8, and MMP-9. Data were analyzed by using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey test or Kruskal-Wallis followed by Dunn test.', 'Teeth with apical periodontitis that had root canal therapy performed in a single visit presented an intense inflammatory cell infiltrate. Periapical tissue was extremely disorganized, and this was correlated with the presence of bacteria. Higher MMP expression was evident, similar to teeth with untreated apical periodontitis. In contrast, teeth with apical periodontitis submitted to root canal treatment with calcium hydroxide presented a lower inflammatory cell infiltrate. This group had moderately organized connective tissue, lower prevalence of bacteria, and lower number of MMP-positive cells, similar to healthy teeth submitted to treatment.'] Is matrix metalloproteinase expression in teeth with apical periodontitis differentially modulated by the modality of root canal treatment? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.6556174755096436,
-0.9735121130943298,
2.773974895477295
] |
['Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is highly resistant to chemotherapy and is associated with poor prognosis. Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of HCC. However, the effect of viral proteins in mediating chemosensitivity in tumor cells is unknown. We postulated that HCV viral proteins could modulate therapeutic responses by altering host cell microRNA (miRNA) expression.', 'HepG2 malignant hepatocytes were stably transfected with full-length HCV genome (Hep-394) or an empty vector (Hep-SWX). MiRNA profiling was done by using a custom microarray, and the expression of selected miRNAs was validated by real-time PCR. Protein expression was assessed by Western blotting, whereas caspase activation was assessed by a luminometric assay.', 'The IC(50) to sorafenib was lower in Hep-394 compared with Hep-SWX control cells. Alterations in miRNA expression occurred with 10 miRNAs downregulated >2-fold and 23 miRNAs upregulated >2-fold in Hep-394 cells compared with controls. Of these, miR-193b was overexpressed by 5-fold in Hep-394 cells. miR-193b was predicted to target Mcl-1, an antiapoptotic protein that can modulate the response to sorafenib. The expression of Mcl-1 was decreased, and basal caspase-3/7 activity and poly ADP ribose polymerase cleavage were increased in Hep-394 cells compared with controls. Moreover, transfection with precursors to miR-193b decreased both Mcl-1 expression and the IC(50) to sorafenib.'] Do hepatitis C virus proteins modulate microRNA expression and chemosensitivity in malignant hepatocytes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1333706378936768,
-1.467577338218689,
2.5763587951660156
] |
['This study aims to profile the expressions of 156 microRNAs (miRNA) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to characterize the functions of miR-222, the most significantly upregulated candidate identified.', 'miRNA expression profile in HCC tumors, matching adjacent cirrhotic livers, and cell lines was conducted using quantitative PCR. Common miR-222 upregulations were further validated in a larger cohort of tumors. The functional effects of miR-222 inhibition on HCC cell lines were examined. The downstream modulated pathways and target of miR-222 were investigated by coupling gene expression profiling and pathway analysis, and by in silico prediction, respectively. Luciferase reporter assay was done to confirm target interaction.', "We identified a 40-miRNA signature that could discriminate tumors from adjacent cirrhotic liver tissue, and further corroborated common miR-222 overexpression in tumors relative to its premalignant counterpart (55.3%; P < 0.0001). Increased miR-222 expression correlated significantly with advanced stage HCC and with the shorter disease-free survival of patients (P < or = 0.01). Inhibition of miR-222 in Hep3B and HKCI-9 significantly retarded cell motility (P < 0.05). Further investigations suggested that AKT signaling was the major pathway influenced by miR-222. A consistent reduction of AKT phosphorylation in Hep3B and HKCI-9 was shown following miR-222 suppression. The protein phosphatase 2A subunit B (PPP2R2A) was predicted as a putative miR-222 target in silico. We found that miR-222 inhibition could augment the tumor protein level and restore luciferase activity in reporter construct containing the PPP2R2A 3' untranslated region (P = 0.0066)."] Does miR-222 overexpression confer cell migratory advantages in hepatocellular carcinoma through enhancing AKT signaling? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1726560592651367,
-1.2728193998336792,
2.47503662109375
] |
['To identify the mechanisms of P2X(3) receptor inhibition by extracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurones.', 'Whole-cell currents were measured in cultured DRG neurones using the combination of voltage and concentration clamp.', "We have found that extracellular cAMP inhibits P2X(3)-mediated currents in a concentration- and use-dependent manner. The P2X(3) currents, activated by ATP applied every 4 min, were inhibited by 55% in the presence of 10 microm cAMP and by 81% in the presence of 30 microm cAMP. At 8 min interval between ATP applications the same concentration of cAMP did not alter the currents. Addition of 0.5 mm of guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) to intracellular solution blocked the inhibitory action of cAMP. The inhibitory effects of cAMP were not mimicked by extracellular application of 30 mum adenosine."] Does extracellular cAMP inhibit P2X receptors in rat sensory neurones through G protein-mediated mechanism? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.504467248916626,
-0.9380643963813782,
2.4616284370422363
] |
['The adult subventricular zone (SVZ) contains neural stem cells that generate neuroblasts migrating to the olfactory bulb (OB) and differentiating into interneurones. The molecular cues controlling essential functions within the neurogenesis pathway such as proliferation, short and long distance migration, functional integration and cell survival are poorly understood. We have previously shown that cultured adult neural stem cells express a considerable variety of nucleotide receptors and that nucleotides and epidermal growth factor (EGF) induce converging intracellular signalling pathways that carry potential for synergism in the control of neural stem cell proliferation and cell survival. Here we investigate the role of EGF and the nucleotides ATP, ADPbetaS and UTP in neural stem cell migration.', 'Neural stem cells were prepared from adult mice and subjected to adherent culture. Labelling of F-actin was performed with tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate-phalloidin. Images were processed for quantitative evaluation of fluorescence labelling. Agonist-induced phosphorylation of AKT and focal adhesion kinase was analysed by quantitative Western blotting. Agonist-dependent cell migration was assayed using 48-well microchemotaxis chambers.', 'Nucleotides and EGF induce the formation of stress fibres, an increase in the cortical actin cytoskeleton and in cell spreading. This is associated with increased phosphorylation of AKT and focal adhesion kinase. Using microchemotaxis chambers we demonstrate a parallel increase in cell migration.'] Do nucleotides and epidermal growth factor induce parallel cytoskeletal rearrangements and migration in cultured adult murine neural stem cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.528425455093384,
-1.2694361209869385,
2.8318920135498047
] |
['To examine biobehavioral responses to an acute pain event in a Cape Town, South Africa, cohort consisting of 28 Cape Colored (mixed ancestry) newborns (n = 14) heavily exposed to alcohol during pregnancy (exposed), and born to abstainers (n = 14) or light (< or = 0.5 oz absolute alcohol/d) drinkers (controls).', 'Mothers were recruited during the third trimester of pregnancy. Newborn data were collected on postpartum day 3 in the maternity obstetrical unit where the infant had been delivered. Heavy prenatal alcohol exposure was defined as maternal consumption of at least 14 drinks/wk or at least 1 incident of binge drinking/mo. Acute stress-related biobehavioral markers [salivary cortisol, heart rate (HR), respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), spectral measures of heart rate variability (HRV), and videotaped facial actions] were collected thrice during a heel lance blood collection (baseline, lance, and recovery). After a feeding and nap, newborns were administered an abbreviated Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale.', 'There were no between-group differences in maternal age, marital status, parity, gravidity, depression, anxiety, pregnancy smoking, maternal education, or infant gestational age at birth (all ps > 0.15). In both groups, HR increased with the heel lance and decreased during the postlance period. The alcohol-exposed group had lower mean HR than controls throughout, and showed no change in RSA over time. Cortisol levels showed no change over time in controls but decreased over time in exposed infants. Although facial action analyses revealed no group differences in response to the heel lance, behavioral responses assessed on the Brazelton Neonatal Scale showed less arousal in the exposed group.'] Does prenatal alcohol exposure alter biobehavioral reactivity to pain in newborns? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2607507705688477,
-1.165457844734192,
2.5071659088134766
] |
['It has been suggested that alcohol use is related to sensitivity of the reward system. Although there are several studies using self-reported measures supportive of this notion, objective biological data in humans on this issue are lacking.', 'This study is designed to test whether alcohol drinking frequency is associated with electrophysiological indices of reward processing.', 'In a passive gambling task, stimuli predicted the presence (reward) and absence (nonreward) of rewards resulting in P2 and medial frontal negativity (MFN) indices of reward processing. Forty-seven undergraduate students were asked about their habitual drinking frequency and the P2 and MFN to stimuli predicting reward were measured.', 'Most importantly, the MFN to unpredicted nonrewards at the frontal midline (Fz) location correlated significantly with drinking frequency, with frequent drinkers showing larger MFN amplitudes. The results did not show a significant association between frequency and alcohol drinking and P2.'] Are individual differences in alcohol drinking frequency associated with electrophysiological responses to unexpected nonrewards? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.8487112522125244,
0.31838908791542053,
1.5776931047439575
] |
['Although maternal smoking has been associated with child emotional and behavioral problems, to our knowledge, no study has evaluated the association between overall household smoking and such problems.', 'To investigate whether children who live with smokers are more likely than children who do not live with smokers to have emotional or behavioral problems and to explore this association in households with nonsmoking mothers.', 'Nationally representative data from the 2000 to 2004 medical expenditure panel surveys, involving 30,668 children aged 5 to 17 years, were used. Associations between child emotional or behavioral problems and household smoking, and child, maternal, and family characteristics were examined. SUDAAN software was used to adjust for complex sampling design.', 'Overall score on the Columbia Impairment Scale, a 13-item parent-report measure of child emotional or behavioral functioning (range, 0-52, >or=16 indicates a child with such problems).', 'Children in smoking versus nonsmoking households were significantly more likely to have behavioral problems (17.39% vs 9.29%, p < .001). After adjusting for all covariates, male sex, older age of child, younger age of mother, unmarried mother, maternal depression, and below average maternal physical and mental health, each were independently associated with increased likelihood of emotional and behavioral problems, as was the presence of one or more adult smokers in the household (adjusted odds ratio 1.42; 95% confidence interval: 1.26-1.60). The odds of Columbia Impairment Scale score >or=16 increased with increasing number of smokers in the household, even among children whose mothers did not smoke.'] Is adult household smoking associated with increased child emotional and behavioral problems? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.0721622705459595,
-0.12867316603660583,
0.3365061283111572
] |
['Oral appliance (OA) therapy is considered a first line choice of therapy for some patients with mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and an alternative form of treatment in those intolerant of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) use. According to several studies, periodic limb movements (PLM) appear during effective treatment of OSA with CPAP, but a similar phenomenon has not been described with the use of oral appliance. Herein, we describe the incidence of PLM in patients with OSA who underwent oral appliance therapy titration.', 'This is a retrospective, [corrected] observational study set in a six-bed sleep center in an academic, military referral hospital.', 'Patients with OSA (n=21; 15 men and six women; mean age, 43 years; and age range, 25 to 53 years) treated with OA during a 1-year period were analyzed. [corrected] Patients were categorized according to the severity of sleep apnea and incidence of PLM on diagnostic polysomnography. Effective treatment of OSA and appearance or disappearance of PLM with arousal on subsequent oral appliance titration polysomnography were recorded and compared.', 'Twenty-one patients were included in the analysis. [corrected] During baseline polysomnography, three of 21 (14%) patients had five or more PLM with arousal per hour while 11 of 21 (52%) patients had PLM with arousal during the oral appliance titration trial.'] Does oral appliance titration in patients with obstructive sleep apnea induce the appearance of periodic limb movements? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.180931806564331,
-1.1808192729949951,
2.462064266204834
] |
['Adipose tissue derived stem cells can differentiate into muscle and neuron-like cells in vitro. We investigate the usefulness of adipose tissue derived stem cells for overactive bladder in obese hyperlipidemic rats.', 'Hyperlipidemia was induced in healthy rats by a high fat diet. The resulting obese hyperlipidemic rats were treated with bladder injection of saline, adipose tissue derived stem cells or tail vein injection of adipose tissue derived stem cells. Bladder function was assessed by 24-hour voiding behavior study and conscious cystometry. Bladder histology was assessed using immunostaining and trichrome staining, followed by image analysis.', 'Serum total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein were significantly higher in obese hyperlipidemic rats than in normal rats (p <0.01). The micturition interval was shorter in saline treated obese hyperlipidemic rats than in normal rats, obese hyperlipidemic rats that received adipose tissue derived stem cells via the tail vein and obese hyperlipidemic rats that received adipose tissue derived stem cells by bladder injection (mean +/- SEM 143 +/- 28.7 vs 407 +/- 77.9, 281 +/- 43.9 and 368 +/- 66.7 seconds, respectively, p = 0.0084). Bladder wall smooth muscle content was significantly lower in obese hyperlipidemic rats than in normal animals (p = 0.0061) while there was no significant difference between obese hyperlipidemic groups. Nerve content and blood vessel density were lower in controls than in obese hyperlipidemic rats treated with adipose tissue derived stem cells.'] Do adipose derived stem cells ameliorate hyperlipidemia associated detrusor overactivity in a rat model? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9837580919265747,
-1.5224016904830933,
2.463939905166626
] |
['Data suggest that patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) adversely effects late survival after aortic valve replacement (AVR). This study examined the incidence and implications of PPM in patients undergoing isolated AVR.', 'Prospectively collected data on patients undergoing isolated AVR for aortic stenosis between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 2007 were analyzed. The projected effective valve orifice area from in vivo data was indexed to body surface area (EOAi). PPM was defined as moderate for EOAi of < or = 0.85 cm(2)/m(2) and severe if < or = 0.6 cm(2)/m(2). The reference group comprised patients with EOAi > 0.85 cm(2)/m(2). The effect of PPM on postoperative survival was assessed by multivariate analysis.', 'Of 801 patients, PPM was severe in 48 (6.0%), moderate in 462 (57.8%), and nonexistent in 291 (36.4%). Mismatch was associated with increasing age and female gender, thus resulting in an increase in the EuroSCORE (reference group, 4.9 +/- 2.6; moderate PPM, 5.8 +/- 2.4; and severe PPM, 6.1+/-2.1; p < 0.001). PPM did not significantly increase hospital mortality. Four deaths occurred in the reference group (1.4%), 12 in the moderate PPM (2.6%), and none in the severe PPM group (p = 0.311). The 5-year survival estimates were 83% in reference, 86% in moderate PPM, and 89% in severe PPM (p = 0.25). By multivariate analysis, PPM was not an independent risk factor for reduced in-hospital or late survival.'] Does patient-prosthesis mismatch in patients with aortic stenosis undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement affect survival? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.7813746929168701,
-1.8234304189682007,
1.536947250366211
] |
['Subclavian steal phenomenon due to proximal subclavian artery stenosis or occlusion is not un-common but often remains asymptomatic.', 'We describe the case of a 66-year-old man with end-stage renal disease hemodialysed through a brachio-brachial loop graft of the left forearm. Echo-Doppler precerebral examination showed a high reversed flow of 570 ml/min in the ipsilateral vertebral artery. After successful endovascular recanalization of the subclavian artery, access blood flow increased and vertebral flow decreased to 30 ml/min. Complete neurological examination was normal both before and after endovascular treatment.'] Do asymptomatic high flow subclavian steal in a patient with hemodialysis access? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.464294910430908,
-1.2572989463806152,
2.8146016597747803
] |
['Renal ischemia-hypoxia is a leading cause of acute kidney injury (AKI). Ischemia causes extracellular matrix breakdown of the tubular basement membrane. Endostatin (ES) is the C-terminal fragment of collagen XVIII generated by proteolytic cleavage. Recent studies have demonstrated that ES expression is upregulated in ischemic kidneys. The present study aimed to characterize ES from ischemic kidneys.', 'Ischemic renal failure was induced via 45 min of occlusion of the left renal artery and vein. After the ischemic period, blood was collected. Kidneys were harvested and used for immunohistochemical testing and protein extraction. Three-step purification was used. Soluble and immobilized purified ES were tested in cell viability and adhesion assays. results: The soluble KES28kDa inhibited endothelial cell proliferation: 25 versus 12.5 microg (p < 0.05); 12.5 versus 3.15 microg (p < 0.05). Immobilization of KES28kDa supports endothelial cell survival over the control (p = 0.021). Human umbilical vein endothelial cells plated on immobilized KES28kDa showed an increase in membrane ruffles and stress fibers.'] Does immobilized kidney 28-kDa endostatin-related ( KES28kDa ) fragment promote endothelial cell survival? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3524744510650635,
-1.44082772731781,
2.8416967391967773
] |
['The impact of nebivolol therapy on the renal proximal tubular cell (PTC) structure and function was investigated in a transgenic (TG) rodent model of hypertension and the cardiometabolic syndrome. The TG Ren2 rat develops nephropathy with proteinuria, increased renal angiotensin II levels and oxidative stress, and PTC remodeling. Nebivolol, a beta(1)-antagonist, has recently been shown to reduce albuminuria, in part, through reductions in renal oxidative stress. Accordingly, we hypothesized that nebivolol therapy would attenuate PTC damage and tubulointerstitial fibrosis.', 'Young Ren2 (R2-N) and SD (SD-N) rats were treated with nebivolol (10 mg/kg/day) or vehicle (R2-C; SD-C) for 3 weeks. PTC structure and function were tested using transmission electron microscopy and functional measurements.', 'Nebivolol treatment decreased urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase, tubulointerstitial ultrastructural remodeling and fibrosis, NADPH oxidase activity, 3-nitrotyrosine levels, and increased megalin and lysosomal-associated membrane protein-2 immunostaining in PTCs. Ultrastructural abnormalities that were improved with therapy included altered canalicular structure, reduced endosomes/lysosomes and PTC vacuoles, basement membrane thickening, and mitochondrial remodeling/fragmentation.'] Does nebivolol attenuate maladaptive proximal tubule remodeling in transgenic rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.484891653060913,
-1.3297908306121826,
2.859571695327759
] |
['To determine whether the central nervous system has a pressor or a depressor role in glucocorticoid-induced hypertension.', 'Intracerebroventricular dexamethasone or its receptor antagonist, RU 38486, was administered in 20 trained conscious dogs. In addition, intracerebroventricular RU 38486 was administered in dogs treated with oral dexamethasone.', 'Intracerebroventricular dexamethasone induced a dose-related reduction in blood pressure accompanied by decreased heart rate and cardiac output. In contrast, intracerebroventricular RU 38486 caused a slight but not significant elevation in blood pressure. Total peripheral resistance showed no significant change throughout the treatment with dexamethasone or RU 38486. In contrast, oral dexamethasone caused significant elevation of blood pressure associated with increased total peripheral resistance and reduced heart rate. In hypertensive dogs treated with oral dexamethasone, intracerebroventricular RU 38486 elicited a more severe form of hypertension accompanied by an attenuation of the heart rate and a reduction in cardiac output. Intracerebroventricular dexamethasone induced a significant reduction in plasma levels of adrenocorticotrophic hormone, cortisol, arginine vasopressin and noradrenaline. In addition, simultaneous central administration of RU 38486 with intracerebroventricular dexamethasone blocked the reduction in blood pressure and heart rate completely.'] Does central nervous system mediate an antihypertensive property in glucocorticoid hypertension in dogs? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4119479656219482,
-1.2271161079406738,
2.7188751697540283
] |
['Exercise testing, even when combined with radionuclide perfusion imaging, does not accurately predict future clinical coronary heart disease (CHD) in low-risk asymptomatic populations. We hypothesized that these tests would perform better in a higher-risk population with a high prevalence of occult CHD. Siblings of persons with premature CHD represent such a group in whom it would be advantageous to identify affected individuals before the occurrence of clinically manifest CHD.', 'Exercise thallium scintigraphy was performed in 264 asymptomatic individuals less than 60 years of age who had a sibling with documented CHD before age 60. Despite an average age of only 46 years at the time of screening, 19 of 264 siblings developed clinical CHD (sudden death in 1, myocardial infarction in 10, coronary revascularization in 8) over a mean of 6.2 years (range, 1 to 9 years) of follow-up. Abnormal thallium scans were observed in 29% of men and 9% of women, while abnormal exercise ECGs occurred in 12% and 5% respectively. Of men >/= 45 years of age, 45% had an abnormal exercise ECG, thallium scan, or both. In contrast, only 3% of women < 45 years of age had an abnormal test result. Although abnormal exercise ECGs and thallium scans were both predictive of future clinical CHD, the thallium scan was associated with a higher relative risk. After adjustment for age, sex, and exercise ECG results, the relative risk of developing clinical CHD was 4.7 for an abnormal scan. Siblings with a concordant abnormal exercise ECG and thallium scan had a relative risk of 14.5. These siblings were all men > 45 years of age at the time of screening and had a strikingly high incidence of CHD (6 of 12, 50%).'] Does exercise thallium tomography predict future clinically manifest coronary heart disease in a high-risk asymptomatic population? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.1401678323745728,
-1.5423011779785156,
1.6864938735961914
] |
['To emphasis the need for timely diagnosis of Alström syndrome.', 'We report a case of late-detected Alström syndrome in a boy 15 1/2 years of age who was admitted because of poor wound healing and hyperglycemia.', "Diagnosis was made and the patient's impaired glucose tolerance improved by diet."] Does impaired glucose tolerance lead to delayed diagnosis of Alström syndrome? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.622718572616577,
-0.3135842978954315,
2.049675464630127
] |
['The spectrum of primary cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disease consists of lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) at one extreme and CD30+ peripheral T-cell lymphoma (Ki-1+ lymphoma) presenting in the skin at the other extreme. Methotrexate has been reported to be effective in LyP, but the experience has been limited to single case reports or small series.', 'The objective was to determine the effectiveness of methotrexate in the treatment of primary cutaneous DC30+ lymphoproliferative disease.', 'We reviewed our 20-year experience with the use of methotrexate in 45 patients with relatively severe LyP, Ki-1+ lymphoma, and interface presentations.', 'During induction of methotrexate therapy patients received maximum doses ranging from 10 to 60 mg/week (median, 20 mg/week). Clinical improvement usually occurred quickly, typically at doses of 15 to 20 mg weekly, and satisfactory long-term control was achieved in 39 patients (87%) with maintainance doses given at 10 to 14-day intervals (range, 7 to 28 days). After methotrexate was discontinued, 10 patients remained free of CD30+ lesions from more than 24 months to more than 227 months (median, more than 127 months). The median total duration of methotrexate therapy for all patients exceeded 39 months (range, 2 to 205 months). Adverse effects were generally mild and transient and included fatigue (47%), nausea (22%), weight loss (13%), diarrhea or gastrointestinal cramping (10%), increased serum hepatic transaminase levels (27%), anemia (11%), or leukopenia (9%). Early hepatic fibrosis was found in 5 of 10 patients, all of whom had been treated for more than 3 years (range, 38 to 111 months).'] Is methotrexate effective therapy for lymphomatoid papulosis and other primary cutaneous CD30-positive lymphoproliferative disorders? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.068876028060913,
-1.3908696174621582,
2.4877612590789795
] |
['The normal adult human small intestinal length, measured surgically or at autopsy from the duodeno-jejunal flexure, ranges from 275 to 850 cm. The length is generally shorter in women than in men. Patients with a short bowel have often had relatively little bowel resected and the majority of patients are women. We aimed to determine whether patients with a short bowel had a short small intestinal length before any resections.', "In 11 patients (six men and five women) with Crohn's disease and less than 200 cm residual small intestine, both the residual length of small intestine and the amount resected were measured.", 'Patients had a median of four resections (range 1-5). The median length of small bowel resected was 120 cm (range 60-165 cm) and the medium length of small bowel remaining was 125 cm (range 90-185 cm). Thus, the calculated median original small intestinal length was 240 cm (range 205-315 cm).'] Do adult patients with a short bowel due to Crohn 's disease often start with a short normal bowel? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 0 | [
0.23659798502922058,
-0.4475715458393097,
-0.5958079099655151
] |
['Although it has been stated frequently that older people are more sensitive to benzodiazepines, the relative roles of impaired baseline performance, impaired elimination, and altered responsiveness have not been defined. We evaluated postural sway and plasma triazolam concentrations after administration of placebo and triazolam 0.375 mg in both young and older healthy subjects.', 'Double-blind placebo-controlled trial.', 'Nine young and nine older healthy men.', 'All subjects received triazolam 0.375 mg or placebo on different study days, which were separated by at least 48 hours.', 'Postural sway, visual analog scale of drowsiness, and plasma triazolam levels.', 'The older subjects swayed more during triazolam than did the younger subjects, and this resulted in an increased number of losses of balance. This difference appeared to be caused by greater baseline sway in the older subjects rather than higher concentrations or increased responsiveness. A subset of older people had a much greater number of losses of balance during triazolam than did the rest of the subjects, and these individuals could be identified from their baseline sway.'] Does increased baseline sway contribute to increased losses of balance in older people following triazolam? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.030482053756714,
-0.8096124529838562,
1.8586583137512207
] |
["Since the 1960s, several knowledge-based systems for computer-assisted diagnosis in radiology have been developed. The great majority of these tools has been implemented as off-line systems. This requires interaction with the system solely for the purpose of consultation and therefore interrupts the radiologist's work flow. This and inadequate man-machine interfaces may have inhibited the routine clinical use of such systems. The goal of this paper is to describe the current research toward the development of the on-line expert system Cadiag-4/Rheuma-Radio. The underlying fundamentals of the system design, including client/server architecture, communication interfaces, and fuzzy set theory and fuzzy logic as methods for knowledge representation and interference, are presented.", 'In radiology today, computers are routinely used to acquire radiological images in hospital and radiology information systems (HIS/RIS) and picture archiving and communication systems (PACS). In our approach, we make use of pre-existent sources of information to build an expert system that minimizes the interaction between radiologists and the computer. To handle uncertainty and vagueness of medical knowledge, fuzzy set theory and fuzzy logic are used. Given data of a specific case, a deductive inference procedure combines the observed radiological signs, establishes confirmed and excluded diagnoses as well as diagnostic hypotheses, and provides explanations for these conclusions. Furthermore, proposals for confirmation or exclusion of diagnostic hypotheses are offered.', 'For evaluation purposes, an early prototype of Cadiag-4/Rheuma-Radio was tested on radiological disorders of the hip joint related to rheumatological diseases. Twenty radiological cases were used as test cases, reaching a diagnostic accuracy of about 80%.'] Does [ New approach to computer-assisted diagnosis of rheumatologic diseases ]? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.787663698196411,
-0.6140692830085754,
2.538051128387451
] |
['Cyclin D1 gene amplification and/or overexpression occurs in several human cancers. The level of expression of cyclin D1 protein during the multistage process of human colon carcinogenesis was determined.', 'Cyclin D1 protein abundance was determined by immunostaining samples of normal colonic mucosa(n=23), transitional normal mucosa adjacent to adenomas or adenocarcinomas (n=41), hyperplastic polyps (n=8), adenomatous polyps (=35), and adenocarcinomas (n=27), using a polyclonal anti-human cyclin D1 antibody.', "Cyclin D1 nuclear staining occurred in 30% of adenocarcinomas and 34% of adenomatous polyps but not in hyperplastic polyps or normal or transitional mucosa. Nuclear staining did not correlate with sex, age, size, or dysplasia of the adenomatous polyps or with differentiation and Dukes' staging of the adenocarcinomas. Left-sided colon neoplasms showed nuclear staining more frequently than those right-sided lesions. Diffuse or supranuclear cytoplasmic staining occurred in about one third of hyperplastic polyps, adenomas, and adenocarcinomas and in transitional mucosa adjacent to adenocarcinoma."] Is increased expression of cyclin D1 an early event in multistage colorectal carcinogenesis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.383375406265259,
-1.3387787342071533,
2.8092963695526123
] |
['To explore pathophysiological mechanisms of cigarette smoking involved in atherogenesis, we compared adhesiveness of isolated blood monocytes with endothelium and plasma levels of the aqueous phase antioxidant vitamin C in nonsmokers and smokers before and after supplementation, using a novel monocyte adhesion assay with fixed human endothelial cells.', 'Monocyte adhesion to unstimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells ranged from 0.17% to 0.51% in the nonsmoker group (0.37+/-0.09%, mean +/-SD, n=13). In smokers with a 1 to 2 packs per day consumption, monocyte adhesion was increased to 0.71+/-0.17% (mean +/-SD, n=10, P<.001), ranging from 0.46% to 0.99%. Increased adhesiveness was mediated by the integrin CD11b/CD18, as shown by inhibition with a monoclonal antibody to CD11b but not associated with altered CD11b surface expression. Plasma vitamin C levels were reduced in smokers (48.2+/-14.1 micromol/L) versus nonsmokers (67.7+/-17.6 micromol/L; P<.025), while no significant differences were found in retinol, vitamin E, or beta-carotene levels. This confirms that the radical scavenger vitamin C reacts sensitively to oxidative stress induced by cigarette smoke in human plasma. Consistently, dietary supplementation with vitamin C (2 g per day) for 10 days raised plasma levels to 82.6+/-11.0 micromol/L (n=10, P<.001) in smokers and decreased monocyte adhesion to values found in nonsmokers (0.38+/-0.18%, P<.001). In contrast, vitamin C intake did not affect monocyte adhesiveness in nonsmokers (0.37+/-0.14%, n=6) despite increasing plasma levels to 82.9+/-11.8 micromol/L.'] Is increased adhesiveness of isolated monocytes to endothelium prevented by vitamin C intake in smokers? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1130154132843018,
-1.4476406574249268,
2.5508203506469727
] |
['Prognosis after myocardial infarction (MI) is influenced by the presence of post-MI ischemia and possibly the patency of the infarct-related artery. The purpose of this study was to compare long-term outcome (reinfarction and death) in patients with open versus closed coronary arteries after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty performed for MI complicated by persistent ischemia.', 'Between 1981 and 1989, 505 patients underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty for post-MI ischemia at the Deaconess Hospital. Long-term incidence (mean follow-up, 34 months) of death, nonfatal reinfarction, repeated coronary angioplasty, and coronary bypass surgery was determined for 479 patients and then compared on the basis of the status of the artery, open versus closed, at the end of angioplasty. The 5-year Kaplan-Meier actuarial mortality rate was 4.9% for 456 patients with open infarct-related arteries and 19.4% for 23 patients with closed infarct-related arteries (P=.0008). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses controlling for age, sex, number of diseased vessels, type and location of MI, and year of coronary angioplasty revealed a hazard ratio for death for closed compared with open arteries of 6.1 (95% CI, 1.8 to 20.0). Among patients with ejection fractions <50%, a closed artery was associated with a higher mortality (p=.0014) compared with patients with open arteries. The status of the artery was not associated with a difference in mortality in patients with ejection fractions > or = 50%.'] Is a patent infarct-related artery associated with reduced long-term mortality after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty for postinfarction ischemia and an ejection fraction < 50 %? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9446990489959717,
-1.468738079071045,
2.5097544193267822
] |
['The goal of this investigation was to use Raman spectroscopy to study the chemical interactions between 4-methacryloxyethyltrimellitic acid (4-MET), a hydrolized form of 4-methacryloxyethyltrimellitate anhydride (4-META) and powdered substrates such as bovine enamel powder and synthetic carbonate-containing apatite.', 'Powdered samples were prepared by immersing them in 4-MET/methylmethacrylate (MMA) solution for 15 min, 3 h and 24 h. They were then dried for spectroscopy. An experimental Raman microprobe equipped with a cryogenically-cooled camera was employed to acquire spectra of the samples.', 'Spectra of samples wetted for 24 h strongly indicate that there is strong ionic interaction between Ca2+ ions on the powdered sample surface and 4-MET. Spectra of the 15-min samples, however, suggest only some degree of hydrogen bonding. The spectrum of the 3-h 4-MET/enamel powder sample showed features intermediate between the two.'] Do characterization of the chemical interactions betwen 4-MET and enamel by Raman spectroscopy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4997615814208984,
-0.4235541522502899,
2.097902774810791
] |
['To clarify the mechanism(s) of anesthetic depression of myocardial Ca2+ currents, the effects of isoflurane and sevoflurane on the inactivation kinetics of Ca2+ current in single bullfrog atrial myocytes were studied.', 'Freshly isolated bullfrog atrial myocytes were obtained with an enzymatic dispersion procedure. Ca2+ currents were recorded with a whole-cell voltage-clamp technique.', 'Both isoflurane (1.25, 2.5, 5.0 vol%) and sevoflurane (2.5, 5.0 vol%) decreased the peak amplitude of Ca2+ current ICa with a minimal change in the time to peak and the reversal potential. The inactivation kinetics studies revealed that (1) isoflurane (2.5 vol%) and sevoflurane (5.0 vol%) markedly reduced the time constant of inactivation in ICa to 55% and 75% of control, respectively; (2) isoflurane (2.5 vol%) shifted the midpoint (V1/2) of steady-state inactivation curve of ICa toward negative by 2.3 mV; and (3) isoflurane (2.5 vol%) delayed the reactivation time constant of ICa to 119% of control. The further computer-simulation study demonstrated that the observed decrease of time constant by isoflurane (1.25, 2.5 vol%) and sevoflurane (2.5 vol%) can explain the reduction in amplitude of ICa.'] Do isoflurane and sevoflurane modulate inactivation kinetics of Ca2+ currents in single bullfrog atrial myocytes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.049220561981201,
-1.5225591659545898,
2.576626777648926
] |
['Systemic vascular resistance incompletely describes left ventricular afterload because of the phasic nature of arterial pressure and blood flow. Aortic input impedance is an experimental description of left ventricular afterload that incorporates the frequency- dependent characteristics and viscoelastic properties of the arterial system. The effects of propofol on aortic input impedance were examined using three variables derived from the three-element Windkessel model: characteristic aortic impedance, total arterial compliance, and total arterial resistance.', 'Eight dogs were chronically instrumented for measurement of aortic pressure, left ventricular pressure, +dP/dt, subendocardial segment length, and aortic blood flow. Systemic hemodynamics and aortic blood pressure and flow waveforms were recorded in the conscious state and after a bolus of 5 mg x kg(-1) propofol and infusion for 15 min at 25, 50 and 100 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1). Aortic input impedance spectra were generated using power spectral analysis of aortic pressure and flow waveforms corrected for the phase responses of the pressure and flow transducers. Characteristic aortic impedance, total arterial resistance, and total arterial compliance were calculated from the aortic input impedance spectrum and the aortic pressure waveform. Parameters describing the net site and magnitude or arterial wave reflection were determined from aortic impedance.', 'Propofol decreased total arterial resistance (3.05 +/- 0.20 during control to 2.29 +/- 0.18 dynes x s x cm(-5) x 10(3) at the high dose) and increased total arterial compliance (0.53 +/- 0.04 during control to 1.15 +/- 0.17 ml x mmHg(-1) at the high dose) in a dose- related manner. Propofol increased characteristic aortic impedance (1.49 +/- 0.15 during control to 2.20 +/- 0.20 dynes x s x cm(-5) x 10(2) at the high dose). The net site and the magnitude of arterial wave reflection were unchanged by the propofol.'] Does propofol alter left ventricular afterload as evaluated by aortic input impedance in dogs? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.890313744544983,
-1.527433156967163,
2.4415106773376465
] |
['To investigate the effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and collagen tubulization (CT) on the regeneration of transected peripheral nerves. METHODS AND DESIGNS: The left sciatic nerve of 40 Sprague-Dawley rats was transected then repaired using one of four techniques; epineurial coaptation, CT, CT with BDNF delivered by an osmotic pump to the repair site, or CT with BDNF covalently cross-linked to the collagen matrix (CT/linked-BDNF). Sciatic functional indices were measured preoperatively at 10-day intervals for 90 days. Segments of the sciatic nerves proximal and distal to the repair site were harvested at 90 days for histologic and morphometric evaluation.', 'Animals repaired by CT/linked-BDNF (n=10) demonstrated the most favorable functional recovery of all groups, with statistically significant differences seen compared with animals repaired by CT (n=10, P=.05) and epineural coaptation (n=9, P<.001). Animals repaired by CT with BDNF delivered by an osmotic pump (n=8) and CT also showed statistically superior functional recovery compared with those repaired by epineurial coaptation (P=.005 and P=.02, respectively). Nerves repaired by CT/linked-BDNF had the largest mean axon diameters proximal and distal to the repair site.'] Do brain-derived neurotrophic factor and collagen tubulization enhance functional recovery after peripheral nerve transection and repair? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3543922901153564,
-1.3255290985107422,
2.68890380859375
] |
['Nitric oxide (NO) has been identified as a putative neurotransmitter in choroidal perivascular nerve fibers originating parasympathetically. Although constitutively produced NO has been implicated in the regulation of the choroidal circulation, the specific role of neurally derived NO in choroidal vasodilation has not been determined. This study examined the role of neurally derived NO in the control of the choroidal blood flow (ChBF) in vivo.', 'Resting ChBF and a increase in ChBF elicited by electrical stimulation of the nucleus of Edinger-Westphal (EW) were measured transclerally by laser Doppler flowmetry in anesthetized pigeons before and after administration of a selective inhibitor of neural NO synthase, 7-Nitroindazole (7NI; 50 mg/kg given intraperitoneally); a nonselective NO synthase inhibitor, Ng-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 30 mg/kg given intravenously); L-arginine (300 mg/kg given intravenously) followed by 7NI (50 mg/kg given intraperitoneally); or vehicle.', 'The 7NI and L-NAME, but not the vehicle, attenuated the EW-evoked response (maximally by 78% and 83%, respectively), and this effect lasted for at least 1 hour. Pretreatment with L-arginine abolished this effect of 7NI. Resting ChBF was reduced and systemic blood pressure was increased after L-NAME administration, but both were unchanged after 7NI or vehicle were administered.'] Does neural nitric oxide mediate Edinger-Westphal nucleus evoked increase in choroidal blood flow in the pigeon? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3008954524993896,
-1.4304015636444092,
2.779754400253296
] |
['The effect of EMD 53998 (EMD) (0.1-100 mumol/l), chemically a racemic thiadiazinone derivative, suggested to be a potent Ca(2+)-sensitizer, was studied in human failing and nonfailing left ventricular myocardium. For comparison, the effects of the pyridazinone derivative pimobendan (0.1-300 mumol/l), isoprenaline (Iso) (0.001-3 mumol/l) as well as CaCl2 (1.8-15 mmol/l Ca2+) were investigated. The positive inotropic responses were examined in electrically driven (1 Hz, 37 degrees C) human left ventricular papillary muscle strips from terminally failing hearts (NYHAIV, n = 24) and nonfailing donor hearts (NF, n = 9). The effect of EMD on the Ca(2+)-sensitivity of skinned fiber preparations from the very same human failing hearts were studied as well. EMD and pimobendan increased force of contraction (FOC) in a concentration-dependent manner. As judged from the EC50-values, EMD increased FOC more potently than pimobendan. EMD was significantly more effective than pimobendan to increase FOC in papillary muscle strips from NYHA IV (EMD: +2.5 +/- 0.1 mN; pimobendan: +0.8 +/- 0.2 mN) as well as from nonfailing hearts (EMD: +3.1 +/- 0.5 mN; pimobendan: +1.2 +/- 0.2 mN). Only in terminally failing myocardium, EMD increased FOC as effectively as Iso. After inotropic stimulation with EMD, pimobendan, or Iso, carbachol (1000 mumol/l) reduced FOC in left ventricular papillary muscle strips, indicating a cAMP-dependent mode of action. In skinned fiber experiments, EMD increased Ca(2+)-sensitivity significantly more (p < 0.01) than pimobendan.'] Does eMD 53998 act as Ca ( 2+ ) -sensitizer and phosphodiesterase III-inhibitor in human myocardium? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6450504064559937,
-1.586392879486084,
2.284710168838501
] |
['The effects of intense systemic or local cooling on aqueous humor dynamics in animals are an increased total outflow facility and a decreased aqueous flow. Few studies suggest that only vasoconstriction of arteriolar segments of the episcleral vasculature may be the cause for a decrease in intraocular pressure after local cooling in humans. Because corneal changes may have influenced such studies, the effect of local cooling was assessed in normal subjects.', 'Intraocular pressure and corneal thickness were measured in 18 healthy human subjects before and after exposure of the right eye to both, an air stream at 20 degrees C, and an air stream at 0 degrees C.', 'No significant changes in IOP or corneal thickness occurred under 20 degrees C conditions. After local cooling, the mean corneal thickness increased from 0.52 +/- 0.01 mm to 0.57 +/- 0.02 mm (p < 0.001). Mean intraocular pressure decreased from 13.8 +/- 2.9 mmHg to 12.9 +/- 3.1 mmHg (p < 0.026). The observed decrease in IOP correlated significantly but negatively (R = -0.53; p = 0.024) with the increase in corneal thickness, indicating that the cooling effect on IOP may be rather underestimated.'] Is intraocular pressure decrease after local ocular cooling underestimated by applanation tonometry? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9198096990585327,
-1.0934025049209595,
2.0550858974456787
] |
['Elevated levels of fasting insulin increase the risk for coronary artery disease. In this study, we considered the independent contributions of age, total body fatness, abdominal fat distribution, peak aerobic capacity, leisure time physical activity, dietary intake, and fasting glucose levels to the age-associated increase in fasting insulin levels in healthy men and women.', 'A cross-sectional analysis.', 'A total of 427 healthy men and 293 healthy women age 18 to 90 years.', 'Plasma glucose and insulin levels were measured in the fasted state and subjects were characterized for body fatness from underwater weighting, abdominal fat distribution from the waist circumference, peak VO2 from a treadmill test to exhaustion, leisure time physical activity from a structured interview and dietary intake from a 3-day food diary. The independent predictors of fasting insulin levels were determined by stepwise multiple regression analysis.', 'Fasting insulin concentrations increased with age in both men (0.09 +/- 0.02 pmol/yr, unadjusted slope +/- SEE) and women (0.14 +/- 0.03 pmol/yr). In men, the major independent predictors of fasting insulin levels were percent body fat (r2 = 28%, P < 0.001) and waist circumference (r2 = 3% P < 0.001). Age, glucose concentration, and peak VO2 were small (1% each), but independent contributors to the variance in insulin levels. In women, the waist circumference (r2 = 18%, P < 0.001) and the fasting glucose concentration (r2 = 7%, P < 0.001) were the independent correlates of fasting insulin concentrations.'] Are body fatness and waist circumference independent predictors of the age-associated increase in fasting insulin levels in healthy men and women? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.6601434946060181,
-1.3316963911056519,
1.101325273513794
] |
['To evaluate the effect of monocyte chemotactic and activating factor (MCAF/MCP-1/JE) on tumor progression and metastasis.', 'Cachexia-inducing adenocarcinoma cells (cell line colon 26, clone 20) were transfected with either a control plasmid or MCAF expression vector. Spontaneous lung metastases were determined in mouse.', 'The production of MCAF reached 0.4 ng/ml in vitro when transfectant cells were cultured at a cell density of 5 x 10(4) cells/ml for 3 days. Transfection of MCAF expression vector did not affect the growth rate in vitro. Also, after MCAF-transfection, the size of tumors after intra-footpad inoculation was similar to that of the parental cells. When the primary tumors were resected on the 10th day after inoculation, the incidence of spontaneous lung metastasis was less than 20% in both cells. The number of endothelial cells in the primary tumor rapidly increased from the 10th to the 14th day after inoculation, as revealed by immunohistochemical staining. In accordance with enhanced angiogenesis, the incidence rates of spontaneous metastasis increased when the primary tumors were resected on the 14th day after inoculation. Moreover, the spontaneous lung metastases were augmented in the animals injected with MCAF-transfectants compared to those injected with parental cells with a concomitant increase of angiogenesis.'] Does human MCAF gene transfer enhance the metastatic capacity of a mouse cachectic adenocarcinoma cell line in vivo? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.37040638923645,
-1.270789384841919,
2.7141146659851074
] |
['Hemorrhage is a major complication experienced in 10% to 35% of neonates treated with extracorporeal life support (ECLS). The increased bleeding tendency is partly due to an ECLS-induced thrombocytopenia and impaired platelet function. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of nitric oxide on the ECLS-induced platelet consumption and activation.', 'Two identical in vitro ECLS circuits were primed with fresh, heparin-treated human blood and circulated for 24 hours. Nitric oxide (15, 40, or 77 ppm) was added to one of the oxygenators in each pair. Eight paired experiments were performed. Platelet count, plasma beta-thromboglobulin, platelet serotonin content, plasma nitrate, plasma cyclic guanosine monophosphate, and platelet membrane glycoprotein Ib were assayed before the start and at 0.5, 1, 3, 12, and 24 hours of perfusion.', 'Plasma nitrate and plasma cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels were significantly higher in the nitric oxide circuits than in the control circuits (p < 0.01). Higher platelet counts (p < 0.01) and lower beta-thromboglobulin levels (p < 0.01) were observed in the nitric oxide circuits compared with the control circuits. However, no significant differences in platelet serotonin content or platelet membrane glycoprotein Ib density were noted between the circuits.'] Does nitric oxide in the oxygenator sweep gas reduce platelet activation during experimental perfusion? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.396995782852173,
-1.3727045059204102,
2.7883992195129395
] |
['Platelet aggregometry was used to discriminate platelet sensitivity to prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) inhibition, to evaluate whether platelet behaviour in pre-eclamptic women was different in this respect than from that in nonproteinuric hypertensive women.', 'The amount of PGE1 required to inhibit in vitro platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid was determined in samples from 60 women: 20 nonpregnant controls, 20 women with normal pregnancies, 10 women with gestational hypertension and 10 with pre-eclampsia.', 'The response to arachidonic acid was similar among the four groups. Amounts of PGE1 necessary to inhibit platelet aggregation were significantly higher in normal pregnant women compared with nonpregnant controls (P<0.001). Platelets from pre-eclamptic women required significantly higher concentrations of PGE1 to inhibit aggregation than the other groups studied (P<0.001). However, there was no significant difference between normal and nonproteinuric hypertensive pregnant women.'] Is platelet sensitivity to prostaglandin E1 inhibition reduced in pre-eclampsia but not in nonproteinuric gestational hypertension? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9767729043960571,
-1.2033565044403076,
2.158215045928955
] |
['The purpose of this study was to determine whether multiple previous cesarean sections would be associated with a higher frequency of placenta previa in subsequent deliveries than in women with only one previous cesarean section.', 'Data of all pregnant women and deliveries were obtained from the computerized records of our department for the period 1985-1992. The study group included symptomatic placenta previa diagnosed by real time ultrasound or during labor. The data included maternal age, gravidity, parity and previous cesarean sections. Nulliparous women were excluded from the study.', 'There were 58,633 deliveries during the study period, including 284 patients with placenta previa (0.48%). Increasing maternal age was associated with a higher frequency of placenta previa. Similar results were found with increasing parity. A more significant trend was found with increasing number of previous abortions. Among placenta previa deliveries 21.1% of patients had previous cesarean section, and among normal deliveries only 10.9% had previous cesarean section (P < 0.0001). The frequency of placenta previa in women with previous normal deliveries was 0.79/1000; in women with one previous cesarean section 15.39/1000; with two previous cesarean section 13.91/1000; with three previous cesarean sections 10.37/1000. While the difference between none and one previous cesarean sections was highly significant (P < 0.0001), the difference between one and more cesarean sections was not significant.'] Are one or multiple previous cesarean sections associated with similar increased frequency of placenta previa? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 0 | [
0.09035737067461014,
-0.4111461639404297,
-0.638847827911377
] |
['To search for evidence of immune activation in idiopathic preterm term labour by measuring the soluble markers of T cell activation, CD8 (sCD8) and interleukin-2 receptor (sIL2R).', 'Serum sCD8 and sIL-2R were measured by commercial ELISA in subjects undergoing idiopathic preterm labour (PTL; n = 15) and normal term labour (TL; n = 17). Two gestationally equivalent non-labouring groups were also included representing preterm (PTC; n = 10) and term (TC; n = 10) controls. Possible delayed responses in soluble activation markers were monitored in blood samples taken 48 h after delivery in both labouring groups (PTLp; n = 9: TLp; n = 9).', '(1) Excluding the 48 h postpartum samples, no statistically significant differences were revealed following a Kruskall-Wallis analysis of variance (ANOVA) for levels of sIL-2R (P = 0.093) and sCD8 (P = 0.098). Including the postpartum samples, however, gave statistically significant differences for each (sIL-2R: P = 0.033; sCD8: P = 0.006). (2) No statistically significant difference was revealed by direct comparison of the two labouring groups alone (Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test: P > 0.05). (3) Significantly lower levels of sCD8 were found in the PTL subgroup which had histological evidence of inflammation (Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney: P = 0.003).'] Are maternal levels of serum-soluble CD8 and IL-2R significantly elevated in idiopathic preterm labour? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7047135829925537,
-1.5636309385299683,
2.2637386322021484
] |
["Cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1 beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]) generated by white cells during the storage of platelet concentrates can cause febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions. The high rate of febrile reactions reported in other studies was not observed in the patients in the authors' center. This discrepancy prompted the determination of cytokine levels in buffy coat-derived platelet concentrates.", 'Platelet concentrates were produced from buffy coats by a standard large-scale production process. Buffy coats were separated from the red cell and plasma components, and then platelets were recovered from the buffy coats by a soft-spin procedure. Levels of cytokines (IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF) were determined with commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.', "In platelet concentrates produced by the buffy coat method, IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF were observed at or below the detection limit of current enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays after 5 days' storage at 22 +/- 2 degrees C. Therefore, prestorage filtration had no measurable effect on cytokine levels. In controls, IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF were quantitatively detected after exogenous addition of recombinant cytokines or exposure to lipopolysaccharide."] Does low cytokine contamination in buffy coat-derived platelet concentrate without filtration? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.463412046432495,
-1.3001137971878052,
2.8463950157165527
] |
['To assess the effects of systemic hypoxia and hyperoxia on the volume of the subretinal space (SRS).', 'The authors measured the concentration of the extracellular space marker tetramethylammonium (TMA+) in the intact cat eye using double-barreled ion-selective microelectrodes. The retina was loaded with TMA+ by a single intravitreal injection. Systemic hypoxia was induced by adding nitrogen to the breathing mixture, and hyperoxia was induced by adding oxygen.', 'Hypoxia produced a slow increase in dark- adapted [TMA+]0, which was prominent in amplitude in the distal portion of the retina, suggesting a shrinkage of the SRS. This effect was essentially proportional to the decrease in arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) below the normoxic level. Dark-adapted (TMA+)0 began to increase at a PaO2 of 60 to 80 mm Hg and was enhanced by 13% to 15% at a PaO2 of 40 mm Hg. Because of its slow onset, the size of the increase also was related to the duration of hypoxia. The light-evoked decrease in (TMA+)0 in the SRS was larger in amplitude during hypoxia than in normoxia. This difference increased with severity of hypoxia, beginning at approximately the same PaO2 as the increase in dark-adapted (TMA+)0. Interestingly, the hypoxic increase in amplitude depended on light intensity, i.e., it was proportionally greater at lower intensities versus higher ones. Background illumination suppressed the hypoxia-induced increase in (TMA+)0 in SRS, inhibiting it by approximately 50% at levels of hypoxia down to a PaO2 of 40 mm Hg. Systemic hyperoxia produced the reverse effect of hypoxia. Between two extreme states, e.g., illumination during hyperoxia (PaO2 > 200 mm Hg) versus severe hypoxia in darkness (PaO2 approximately 40 mm Hg), extracellular volume may change more than 4-fold.'] Does systemic hypoxia dehydrate the space surrounding photoreceptors in the cat retina? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0685222148895264,
-1.4545332193374634,
2.493342638015747
] |
['To determine second messenger signaling pathways associated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF)-mediated induction of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 expression on human retinal pigment epithelial (HRPE) cells, a cell type known to express only the 55-kDa TNF receptor (TNFR p55).', 'SV 40-immortalized HRPE (SVRPE) cells were exposed to TNF with and without pretreatment with the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor calphostin C or the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H8. SV40-immortalized HRPE cells also were treated with the PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or with the PKA activators forskolin plus 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine or dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) alone. Membrane fractions from untreated and treated SVRPE cells were assayed for PKC activity, and whole cell lysates were assayed for cAMP accumulation and PKA activity. Flow cytometry was performed on SVRPE cells using a monoclonal antibody specific to ICAM-1.', 'Activation of TNFR p55 on SVRPE cells with TNF resulted in a rapid increase of PKC activity at 1 minute, with a subsequent downregulation to baseline. There was no increase in intracellular cAMP accumulation or PKA activity within the first 10 minutes; however, both increased within 30 minutes and returned to baseline within 1 hour. SV40-immortalized HRPE cells treated with TNF for 1 hour showed maximal induction of ICAM-1 expression at 18 hours. ICAM-1 induction by TNF treatment was inhibited by calphostin C pretreatment and not by H8 pretreatment. Protein kinase C activation with PMA for 3 hours was sufficient to induce ICAM-1 on SVRPE cells at 18 hours, whereas treatment with the PKA activators forskolin or dibutyryl cAMP did not induce ICAM-1 expression.'] Is induction of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 by tumor necrosis factor-alpha through the 55-kDa receptor dependent on protein kinase C in human retinal pigment epithelial cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3148748874664307,
-1.4292681217193604,
2.7854251861572266
] |
['This study investigated rabbit conjunctival and corneal epithelial cells to determine if they belong to two separate lineages.', "Rabbit corneal, limbal, and conjunctival epithelial cells were isolated and grown in Dulbecco's minimum essential media and 20% fetal bovine serum in the presence of mitomycin-treated 3T3 feeder cells. After reaching 80% confluence, 3T3 feeder cells and any contaminating fibroblasts were removed, and epithelial cells were resuspended in fresh Dulbecco's minimum essential media. Aliquots containing 5x10(6) cells were placed subcutaneously into the flanks of athymic mice, which subsequently formed small nodules. At 2, 4, 6, 8, 14, 21, and 28 days, athymic mice were killed and the nodules (epithelial cyst) were excised for light and transmission electron microscopic examination and histochemical and cell kinetic analyses.", 'Within 2 days after injection of single-cell suspensions, cells aggregated to form cysts lined with a stratified squamous epithelium, the structure of which resembled the original in vivo donor sites by 8 days. Limbal- and corneal-derived cysts were comprised only of glycogen-rich stratified epithelial cells. In contrast, only cysts arising from cultured conjunctival cells contained periodic acid-Schiff-positive cells with a goblet cell structure interspersed among stratified epithelial cells. Furthermore, cystic epithelium of conjunctival origin did not accumulate glycogen.'] Do rabbit conjunctival and corneal epithelial cells belong to two separate lineages? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.418621063232422,
-1.317732334136963,
2.829474925994873
] |
['Ocular microangiopathic syndrome is the most frequent ophthalmic finding in patients suffering from the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Ocular microvascular changes including cotton-wool spots are closely associated with neuroretinal and cognitive deficits in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Endothelin-1 is a recently identified cytokine with potent vasoconstrictor activity which is associated with various diseases involving vascular structures.', 'We studied 29 patients with AIDS by indirect ophthalmoscopy and by slit lamp biomicroscopy, and endothelin-1 immunoreactivity (IR) was measured in plasma by radioimmunoassay. Cotton-wool spots were counted as indicator of retinal microvasculopathy. Conjunctival bloodflow sludging in conjunctival vessels was measured by a standardized rating scale as indicator of conjunctival microvasculopathy. Parameters of immunosystemic damage were determined as covariates.', 'Endothelin-1 IR was closely associated with the number of cotton-wool spots (Spearman r = 0.53, p < 0.01) and with the extent of conjunctival blood-flow sludging (r = 0.61, p < 0.001). The level of significance became stronger applying analysis of covariance with Endothelin-1 IR as dependent variable and number of cotton-wool spots (p < 0.0001) or extent of conjunctival blood-flow sludging (p < 0.0001) as independent variables.'] Is [ Ocular microangiopathy syndrome in patients with AIDS associated with increased plasma levels of the vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 ]? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1666512489318848,
-1.4581547975540161,
2.7177913188934326
] |
['We determine if action potential duration (APD) shortening and cardioprotection are separable phenomena in ATP-sensitive potassium channel (KATP) openers which protect ischemic myocardium via a glyburide-reversible mechanism.', 'We determined the effect of the weakly vasodilating KATP opener, BMS-180448, and the less cardiac-selective cromakalim, on APD in normal, hypoxic or ischemic guinea pig papillary muscles or isolated hearts and compared their APD effects with their cardioprotective activity in isolated guinea pig hearts.', 'In isolated ischemic guinea pig hearts, cromakalim and BMS-180448 had similar cardioprotective potencies (EC25 of 3.2 and 3.3 microM, respectively, for increasing time to the onset of contracture). At 10 microM, BMS-180448 produced no APD shortening, yet was equally protective at this concentration compared to cromakalim, which produced profound APD shortening under either hypoxic or ischemic conditions. The cardioprotective effects of both compounds at 10 microM were abolished by 0.3 microM glyburide.'] Is glyburide-reversible cardioprotective effect of BMS-180448 independent of action potential shortening? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.18314528465271,
-1.4059683084487915,
2.5952560901641846
] |
['During the last few years, the association of mixed cryoglobulinemia with chronic viral infections has gained increasing interest. Chronic hepatitis C seems to play a major role. As alpha-interferon is an established therapy for chronic hepatitis C, it was also tried successfully in cryoglobulinemia type II, associated with chronic hepatitis C virus infection.', 'The course of 3 patients with cryoglobulinemia type II and chronic hepatitis C is presented.', 'Two patients received immunosuppressive therapy prior to alpha-interferon without success. In all cases, remission or improvement of the cryoglobulinemia was noticed with alpha-interferon, but none of the patients cleared the hepatitis C virus. Although the treatment was well tolerated, two patients developed neurologic resp. psychiatric side effects, probably due to alpha-interferon.'] Is [ Cryoglobulinemia in chronic hepatitis C. Improvement by alpha-interferon independent of virus elimination ]? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.503830671310425,
-1.0787076950073242,
2.6933541297912598
] |
['To investigate the effects of alterations of nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin (PGI2) availability on platelet-mediated electrophysiological effects during myocardial ischaemia.', 'Transmembrane action potentials and electrograms were recorded from isolated, Langendorff-perfused guinea-pig hearts during normal perfusion, global myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion during infusion of washed human platelets. Experiments were performed in the presence of 100 microM NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), 30 microM L-arginine, 10 microM haemoglobin, 100 microM sodium nitroprusside and 2.3 nM iloprost, or using hearts obtained from DL-lysine monoacetylsalicylate (Aspisol, 50 mg.kg-1 i.p.)-treated animals.', 'Perfusion with L-NAME and haemoglobin increased perfusion pressure by 33% (P = 0.0017) and 23% (P = 0.0026) while sodium nitroprusside and iloprost reduced it (17%, P = 0.0004, and 24%, P = 0.0006). In the absence of platelets, these compounds had no effect on arrhythmogenesis, but in the presence of platelets L-NAME reduced the onset time of ventricular tachycardia during ischaemia from 19.4 (s.e.m. 2.0) min to 12.9 (2.1) min, P = 0.04 and accentuated the ischaemia-induced reduction of action potential duration at 95% repolarization (APD95): 95(6) vs. 115(5) ms, P < 0.05 at 25 min. Sodium nitroprusside in the presence of platelets attenuated the ischaemia-induced reduction in APD95, while iloprost in the presence of platelets was antiarrhythmic (ventricular fibrillation 25 vs. 75%, P = 0.04) and attenuated the reduction in APD95 during ischaemia 115(4) vs. 94(4) ms, P < 0.05 at 20 min. Infusion of platelets into hearts obtained from DL-lysine-monoacetylsalicylate-treated guinea-pigs accentuated the ischaemia-induced reduction in APD95 (94(4) vs. 119(7) ms, P < 0.05 at 20 min) and this was reversed by sodium nitroprusside (117(7) ms, P < 0.05 at 20 min). L-NAME and haemoglobin had no effect on the aggregatory responses of the platelets to 5 microM ADP and 4 micrograms.ml-1 collagen, while sodium nitroprusside and iloprost ablated the responses to ADP and reduced the responses to collagen (maximum height of the aggregatory response reduced by 75 and 84%, respectively, both P = 0.03.)'] Do nitric oxide and prostacyclin modulate the alterations in cardiac action potential duration mediated by platelets during ischaemia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.070932388305664,
-1.5680265426635742,
2.620358943939209
] |
['Azithromycin is a new-generation, acid-stable macrolide antibiotic that achieves remarkably high concentrations in gastric tissue, persisting above the MIC90 for Helicobacter pylori over a 5-day period after a single 500-mg oral dose.', 'We evaluated a new metronidazole-free triple therapy with omeprazole 20 mg b.i.d. plus amoxicillin 1 g b.i.d. (both for 14 days) and azithromycin 500 mg mane (for the first 3 days only) (group I) versus double therapy with omeprazole 20 mg b.i.d. plus amoxicillin 1 g t.i.d., both for 14 days (group II). H. pylori status was determined by urease test and histology before and 6 wk after completion of therapy.', 'Ninety-two patients with peptic ulcer disease or nonulcer dyspepsia completed the study. H. pylori infection was eradicated in 44 (91.6%) of 48 patients randomized to receive triple therapy versus 26 (59.1%) of 44 who received double therapy (p < 0.001). Smoking, but not omeprazole pretreatment, proved to be a risk factor for treatment failure only in the double-therapy group (p = 0.05). All ulcers healed by the time of the 8-wk endoscopic control. Side effects, usually minor, were recorded in 12.5% and 9.1% of patients, respectively (NS), but therapy had to be discontinued in one patient in group I and in three in group II (NS).'] Is triple therapy with azithromycin , omeprazole , and amoxicillin highly effective in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori : a controlled trial versus omeprazole plus amoxicillin? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0617077350616455,
-1.4846692085266113,
2.613262414932251
] |
['Hemorrhagic shock (HS) often causes coagulopathy due, in part, to decreased coagulation proteins. This study assessed the efficacy of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) in preventing this coagulopathy following a canine model of HS designed to mimic bleeding with shock as seen in the emergency department followed by bleeding without shock as seen during operation for control of bleeding.', 'Twenty-two dogs had acute HS for 2 hours followed by resuscitation with red blood cells (RBC) plus lactated ringers (LR) or RBC and LR with FFP. After resuscitation, bleeding was continued for 1 hour while intravenous replacement of RBC and LR with or without FFP was provided. Baseline, postshock, postresuscitation, post-1 hour exchange, postoperative day one and day two measurements included coagulation Factors I, II, V, VII, VIII, and X, and the prothrombin (PT), partial thromboplastin (PTT), and thrombin times (TT).', 'Baseline, postshock, and postresuscitation hemodynamic responses, coagulation factor levels, and coagulation times were similar for both groups. By contrast, the 1-hour postexchange factors were depleted in the LR dogs compared to the FFP dogs. This depletion correlated with prolonged PT, PTT, and TT in the LR dogs (mean 14, 35, and 8 seconds) compared to FFP dogs (9, 24, and 6 seconds).'] Is plasma supplementation beneficial for coagulation during severe hemorrhagic shock? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.898077130317688,
-1.506306767463684,
2.340890884399414
] |
['Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases may contribute to liver fibrosis by preventing remodeling of fibrillar collagens by interstitial collagenase. This hypothesis was investigated by comparing the relative expression of messenger RNA for interstitial collagenase, gelatinase A, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 and 2 in fibrotic and normal human liver.', 'Hepatic expression of metalloproteinases and their inhibitors was examined using ribonuclease protection assay, immunocytochemistry, and immunoassay. Lipocyte expression of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases was examined using Northern blotting and reverse zymography.', 'Messenger RNA levels for tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase 1 and 2 were elevated to 260%-526% of levels in normal liver in biliary atresia, primary biliary cirrhosis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis. In fibrotic livers, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 protein was 367%-724% of normal. Gelatinase A messenger RNA level increased to 324%-430% of normal values in fibrotic liver, but interstitial collagenase messenger RNA level was not significantly altered. Normal human liver lipocytes activated by culture on plastic expressed messenger RNA and protein for tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 and 2.'] Is expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 and 2 increased in fibrotic human liver? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3495874404907227,
-1.3239009380340576,
2.736093759536743
] |
['Persons infected with Helicobacter pylori show an enhanced meal-stimulated gastrin release compared with uninfected controls. The aim of this study was to determine in animal models whether this gastrin release could be related to chronic gastric inflammation, elevated luminal ammonia level, or a combination of these factors.', 'Two rat models of mild gastric inflammation were studied. Rats given a long-term diet of 20 g/dL ammonium acetate (AmAc) in rat chow or 0.1% iodoacetamide in drinking water for 2-3 weeks underwent a short-term challenge with a normal or AmAc-supplemented meal. Serum gastrin and antral gastrin messenger RNA levels were measured.', 'Compared with normal postprandial gastrin release, animals given the long-term AmAc feeding showed a normal response to rat chow but a greatly exaggerated response to rat chow plus 20 g/dL AmAc. Long-term feeding with iodoacetamide also resulted in enhanced gastrin release and antral gastrin messenger RNA in response to a meal supplemented with AmAc, but not to a normal meal or one supplemented with sodium acetate.'] Do rats with gastritis have increased sensitivity to the gastrin stimulatory effects of luminal ammonia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4775686264038086,
-0.9193668961524963,
2.2836544513702393
] |
["Pepsinogen secretion from gastric chief cells requires a series of intracellular vesicle interactions. The final step of exocytosis involves fusion of secretory granules with the plasmalemma, culminating in the release of the digestive enzyme pepsinogen into the lumina of gastric glands. A group of specialized proteins tht confer membrane recognition, targeting, and fusion events are involved in regulated exocytosis. The aim of this study was to examine the distribution of rab3D, a low-molecular-weight guanosine 5'-triphosphate-binding protein, in gastric chief cells.", 'rab3D immunoreactivity was evaluated by Western blot analysis and by immunocytochemical studies at both confocal and electron-microscopic levels.', 'rab3D immunoreactivity was specifically localized to the secretory granules in chief cells. Double labeling of gastric glands with rab3D and pepsinogen antibodies confirmed rab3D immunoreactivity localization to chief cells but not acid-secreting parietal cells. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed a near exclusive localization of the rab3D-like protein to the cytoplasmic face of the zymogen granules. After short-term stimulation consequent to feeding, rab3D immunoreactivity appeared to relocate from an apical region of duct cells to an unidentified cytoplasmic compartment.'] Is rab3D protein a specific marker for zymogen granules in gastric chief cells of rats and rabbits? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4287586212158203,
-1.3345295190811157,
2.861482620239258
] |
['Ventromedial hypothalamic (VMH) lesions cause an increase in DNA content in the rat pancreas. This study examined the role of cell proliferation in the mitotic response of the rat pancreas after VMH lesion formation.', 'Alterations in rat pancreatic DNA content, DNA synthesis, and labeling indices using antiproliferation cell nuclear antigen molecular antibody were measured 0,1,3, and 7 days after VMH lesion formation. Additionally, the effects of vagotomy, atropine, or anti-insulin antibody on VMH lesion-induced alterations in DNA synthesis were examined. Pancreatic samples were also treated with double immunostaining: first for PCNA and then for insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin.', 'Pancreatic weight, DNA content, and DNA synthesis increased in animals receiving VMH lesions. Proliferation was primarily observed in islet B and acinar cells beginning 1 day after VMH lesion formation, reaching a maximum rate after 3 days. VMH lesion-induced stimulation of DNA synthesis was completely inhibited by vagotomy or atropine administration but not by anti-insulin antibody.'] Does ventromedial hypothalamic lesion-induced vagal hyperactivity stimulate rat pancreatic cell proliferation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5477359294891357,
-1.2231881618499756,
2.8255410194396973
] |
['Mast cell counts have been advocated as useful in the pathological diagnosis of interstitial cystitis. To determine the clinical significance of mucosal and detrusor muscle mast cells we quantified mast cells within the lamina propria and detrusor muscle in nonulcerative interstitial cystitis, and various inflammatory and neoplastic bladder diseases.', 'Mast cells from Giemsa stained sections were enumerated from 8 cases of clinically diagnosed nonulcerated interstitial cystitis and 32 control cases having inflammatory or neoplastic bladder disease. Cystectomy specimens from controls also included sections from normal (5) and inflamed transitional mucosa (4) distant from the invasive tumor.', 'There was no significant difference in mast cell counts when considered absolutely or relative to the muscle-to-mucosa ratio in cases of nonulcerative interstitial cystitis and controls.'] Are mast cell counts useful in the diagnosis of nonulcerative interstitial cystitis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5508909225463867,
-0.9122495055198669,
2.558412551879883
] |
['In septic shock, the principal source of increased plasma concentrations of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) is considered to be the macrophage. Release from the macrophage is stimulated by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin). We tested the hypothesis that vascular tissue also responds to endotoxin by releasing TNF.', 'Prospective repeated measures analysis of timed-release curves.', 'Anesthesia research laboratory in an academic medical center.', 'With Institutional Review Board approval and patient consent, segments of internal mammary artery and saphenous vein were obtained during coronary artery bypass surgery.', 'None', 'Segments of saphenous veins were incubated for 24 hrs in the presence or absence of bacterial lipopolysaccharide. At 0.5, 1, 3, 6, and 24 hrs, medium was assayed for TNF. In other experiments, smooth muscle cells were cultured from saphenous veins, incubated with our without bacterial lipopolysaccharide, and a time-course of TNF release determined. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (20 micrograms/mL) significantly stimulated release of TNF from venous tissue in a time-dependent manner. At 0.5 hrs, TNF was undetectable in untreated tissue and was 48 +/- 8 U/g wet tissue weight in the presence of bacterial lipopolysaccharide. At 3 hrs, TNF was 43 +/- 27 U/g wet tissue weight in untreated and 388 +/- 185 U/g wet tissue weight in treated (p < .01 vs. control) tissue. Segments of internal mammary artery responded in a similar manner. In smooth muscle cells cultured from saphenous vein and internal mammary artery, bacterial lipopolysaccharide triggered the release of TNF. At 3 hrs, the release of TNF in control cells was 0.2 +/- 0.15 U/mg cell protein and 17 +/- 2 U/mg in the presence of 20 micrograms/mL of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (p < .01 vs. control).'] Do human blood vessels release tumor necrosis factor-alpha from a smooth muscle cell source? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.026581048965454,
-1.5089638233184814,
2.5867061614990234
] |
['Anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) are commonly associated with recurrent pregnancy loss, though the mechanism is uncertain. Some investigators have indicated that aCL may be directed at a complex made up of cardiolipin and a blood anticoagulant, beta 2-glycoprotein I (beta 2GPI). We therefore investigated the effects of beta 2GPI-dependent aCL IgG enriched fractions, isolated from sera of patients with pregnancy losses, on blood coagulation.', 'beta 2GPI-dependent aCL were prepared from sera of three women with second trimester pregnancy losses, by cardiolipin affinity column chromography, following by anti-beta 2GPI affinity column chromatography. The effects of beta 2GPI and beta 2GPI-dependent aCL on the activation of factor X in vitro were examined.', 'beta 2GPI inhibited the activation of factor X and beta 2GPI-dependent aCL blocked this inhibitory effect in a dose dependent manner.'] Do anticardiolipin antibodies in patients with pregnancy loss induce factor Xa production in the presence of beta 2-glycoprotein I? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4457924365997314,
-1.2702622413635254,
2.764038562774658
] |
['This study investigated whether an antibody against neutrophil adhesion protein CD18 could limit myocardial infarct size and preserve left ventricular function after prolonged reperfusion in a canine model.', 'Myocardial reperfusion injury is mediated in part by accumulation of activated neutrophils. Although antibodies against CD18 have been shown to reduce neutrophil influx and infarct size after ischemia and 3 to 4 h of reperfusion, it is unknown whether protection is sustained beyond this time or whether there is meaningful preservation of ventricular function.', 'Dogs undergoing 90-min circumflex coronary artery occlusion and 48-h reperfusion were randomized to receive 1 mg/kg bodyweight of R15.7 (an anti-CD18 antibody, n = 12) or saline (control, n =12) 10 min before reperfusion. Contrast left ventriculography was used to measure left ventricular ejection fraction and regional chord shortening at baseline, during occlusion and at 48 h. Microspheres injected during occlusion were used to measure collateral flow and risk region size. Postmortem infarct size was measured with triphenyltetrazolium chloride.', 'In the dose administered, R15.7 bound to neutrophils in vivo, with >85% saturation of CD18 for >24 h, with sustained antibody excess in the plasma. R15.7 significantly reduced infarct size after adjusting for the effect of collateral flow (p = 0.0002, analysis of covariance). In a subgroup of dogs with collateral flow <30% of nonischemic flow, infarct size was reduced from 34.6 +/- 3.9% (mean +/- SE) of the region at risk in the control group to 19.5 +/- 3.3% in the antibody group (p = 0.008). Ejection fraction and regional chord shortening did not differ between the two groups at baseline or during occlusion, but after 48-h reperfusion, ejection fraction and inferior wall regional cord shortening (representing the infarct zone) were both higher in the R15.7 group than the control group (43.6 +/- 2.9% vs. 28.5 +/- 1.8%, p < 0.01; 2.55 +/- 0.29% vs. 1.06 +/- 0.18%, p < 0.05).'] Does an anti-CD18 antibody limits infarct size and preserve left ventricular function in dogs with ischemia and 48-hour reperfusion? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9571017026901245,
-1.5585917234420776,
2.5339884757995605
] |
['The cause of the airway resistance developing during an asthma attack is not completely understood. Besides bronchospasm and airway oedema a surfactant dysfunction has been suggested as a reason for an increased airway resistance.', 'This paper aims at examining if indeed surfactant dysfunction develops when an asthma attack is induced in guinea-pigs.', "Guinea-pigs, immunized against ovalbumin and then challenged (by inhaling the antigen) underwent lung function tests (n = 7) and were compared with seven animals challenged, but not immunized. Lung lavage was carried out in three groups of guinea-pigs: controls, never immunized nor challenged (n = 7), not immunized but challenged (n = 6), immunized and challenged, no lung function test (n = 6). After concentrating the lavage fluid 10 times the surface activity was evaluated with the pulsating bubble surfactometer. The fluid's concentration of phospholipids and proteins was determined as was the phospholipid composition.", "The 19 immunized and challenged animals all developed severe respiratory distress, six so seriously that they died. Lung function tests showed significantly increased airway resistance and decreased tidal volume, minute volume, and dynamic compliance. Surface activity of lavage fluid from immunized and challenged animals was significantly reduced when compared with fluid from control animals (P < 0.01). Immunization and challenge had no effect on the lavage fluid's phospholipid concentration or composition, but the proteins were at a higher concentration than in the fluid of the controls (P < 0.01)."] Does surfactant dysfunction develop when the immunized guinea-pig is challenged with ovalbumin aerosol? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1222317218780518,
-1.1257075071334839,
2.2684781551361084
] |
['The biologically active form of vitamin D3, calcitriol, is effective in the treatment of psoriasis but can alter calcium metabolism. Calcipotriene is an analog of calcitriol that has low calcemic activity and aids in clearing psoriasis.', 'The purpose of this study was to determine the safety of topical therapy with calcipotriene particularly in relation to calcium and bone metabolism.', 'In a double-blind, randomized, parallel, vehicle-controlled trial, 78 adults with plaque psoriasis were treated twice daily with topical calcipotriene ointment (50 microgram/gm, maximum usage, 120 gm per week) or vehicle for 8 weeks. After a screening visit, patients were admitted to the hospital at weeks 0 (baseline), 1,2,4, and 8. Blood and urine chemistry analysis included parathyroid hormone, serum calcium, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, urinary hydroxyproline, and 24 hour urinary calcium excretion. Bone densitometry measures were performed at baseline and week 8.', 'No incidences of calcipotriene treatment-related hypercalcemia, calcium mobilization from bone, or clinically significant changes in bone density wer noted during this study.'] Does topical calcipotriene have no short-term effect on calcium and bone metabolism of patients with psoriasis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4982950687408447,
-1.27081298828125,
2.856203079223633
] |
['To determine the reversibility of bone mineral density after the cessation of GnRH agonist treatment for endometriosis.', 'Longitudinal trial with 6-month treatment period and 6-month follow-up.', '28 Japanese premenopausal women with endometriosis.', 'Daily dose of 400 micrograms nafarelin was administered for 6 months.', 'The spine bone mineral density was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and blood and urinary bone metabolic parameters were analyzed. The decrease of lumbar bone mineral density, which took place during treatment, continued during the first 3 months after the cessation of treatment and did not return to the initial baseline level even at 6 months after the withdrawal of treatment. The biochemical parameters, which showed a state of enhanced bone turnover during nafarelin treatment, almost returned to the pretreatment level 6 months after the termination of treatment.'] Is reduction of bone mineral density by gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist , nafarelin , completely reversible at 6 months after the cessation of administration? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.332257032394409,
-1.373331904411316,
2.8033604621887207
] |
['We have quantified the effects of levodopa treatment in Parkinsonian subjects during maintained stance.', "Electromyographic muscle activity during quiet stance was assessed in subjects with Parkinson's disease, who exhibited a fluctuating response to levodopa, and in age-matched control subjects. Stance stability was also assessed from mean displacement and velocity of the center of pressure excursions during stance.", 'Lower extremity and trunk muscles showed high amplitude activity in all Parkinson\'s subjects when "off", and a 4-5 Hz tremor in three of these subjects. When "on", the amplitude of muscle activity was reduced in the distal muscles more than the proximal, while tremor was suppressed in all muscles. Corresponding to the excessive muscle activity, the Parkinson\'s subjects had increased velocity and variability of velocity in the anterior-posterior center of foot pressure excursions, but the mean displacement of the center of pressure excursion was not different from the controls. The velocity of center of pressure excursions in the Parkinson\'s subjects "on", approached those of the control subjects suggesting that the excessive distal muscle amplitude and tremor contributed to the high velocity of the center of pressure.'] Does levodopa reduce muscle tone and lower extremity tremor in Parkinson 's disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.337099313735962,
-1.028872013092041,
2.3815340995788574
] |
['There is debate on the neurological impact of chronic exposure to Manganese (MN).', "MN burden from rural well water was studied cross-sectionally in two proband cohorts from rural dwellings located in northern Germany. Both cohorts had exposure times for up to 40 years and were separated on the basis of well water MN content. Group A (41 subjects; mean age 57.5 years) was exposed to MN water contents of at least 0.300 mg/l (range 0.300 to 2.160), while group B (74 subjects; mean age 56.9 years) was exposed to concentrations of less than 0.050 mg/l. Both proband groups were homogenous with regard to age, sex, nutritional habits, and drug intake. Neurological assessments by clinical investigators blinded for proband's exposure status was done using structured questionnaires, standardized neurological examination with assessment of possible Parkinsonian signs by the Columbia University Rating Scale, and instrumental tests of fine motor coordination.", 'No significant difference in any neurological measure was found between groups. Results were not confounded by demographic and dietary features.'] Does long term exposure to manganese in rural well water have no neurological effects? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.268425941467285,
-0.2901124656200409,
1.6835179328918457
] |
['To assess the reliability of interictal spike discharge in routine electroencephalography (EEG) testing in children.', 'EEG results of all children diagnosed in Nova Scotia with epilepsy onset between 1977-85 (excluding myoclonic, akinetic-atonic and absence) were reviewed. The results of the EEG at time of diagnosis (EEG1) were compared with those of a second EEG (EEG2) within 6 months.', 'Of 504 children with epilepsy, 159 had both EEG1 and EEG2. EEG2 was more likely ordered if EEG1 was normal or showed focal slowing but less likely if EEG1 contained sleep (p < 0.05). EEG1 and EEG2 were both normal in 23%. If EEG1 was abnormal, there was a 40-70% discordance for the type of abnormality on EEG2. Abnormalities were present on both EEG1 and EEG2 in 67 cases. Of the 42/67 with major focal abnormalities on EEG1, 7 had only generalized spike wave on EEG2. Of the 17/67 with only generalized spike wave on EEG1, 7 showed only major focal abnormalities on EEG2. Statistical testing showed low Kappa scores indicating low reliability.'] Are eEG results rarely the same if repeated within six months in childhood epilepsy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.5588904023170471,
-1.3550292253494263,
0.9643839597702026
] |
['To compare the responses of chondrocytes from superficial and deep layers of normal human articular cartilage to interleukin-1 (IL-1) and IL-1 receptor antagonist protein (IRAP), and to evaluate the binding sites for IL-1 on these cells.', 'Cartilage and chondrocytes from superficial and deeper layers of human femoral condyles were cultured with and without IL-1 in the presence and absence of IRAP. The effect of these agents on 35S- proteoglycan synthesis and catabolism and production of stromelysin and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1) were measured by biochemical and immunologic assays. Receptor binding was evaluated using 125I-labeled IL-1.', 'IL-1 induced more severe inhibition of proteoglycan synthesis and a lower ratio of secreted TIMP-l:stromelysin in chondrocytes from superficial cartilage than those from deeper cartilage. IRAP blocked responses to IL-1 more effectively in chondrocytes from deep cartilage than those from superficial cartilage. Chondrocytes from the articular surface showed approximately twice the number of high-affinity b!nding sites for IL-1 as did cells from deep cartilage.'] Is the superficial layer of human articular cartilage more susceptible to interleukin-1-induced damage than the deeper layers? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.428723096847534,
-1.221628189086914,
2.6684279441833496
] |
['To compare the frequency of lifetime psychiatric disorders among 3 groups of subjects: patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) from a tertiary care setting, community residents with FMS who had not sought medical care for their FMS symptoms ("FMS nonpatients"), and healthy controls.', 'We used the Computerized Diagnostic Interview Schedule to assess lifetime psychiatric diagnoses, as well as the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale and the Trait Anxiety Inventory to assess current psychological distress, among 64 patients with FMS, 28 FMS nonpatients, and 23 healthy individuals.', 'Patients with FMS, relative to FMS nonpatients and healthy controls, were characterized by a significantly greater number of lifetime psychiatric diagnoses (P = 0.002). Nonpatients did not differ from controls in psychiatric diagnoses. Patients also exhibited higher psychological distress levels than nonpatients, and nonpatients showed greater distress than controls. Differences in psychological distress between patients and nonpatients were eliminated after controlling for pain threshold and fatigue ratings.'] Are psychiatric diagnoses in patients with fibromyalgia related to health care-seeking behavior rather than to illness? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-2.5009958744049072,
1.2127530574798584,
0.5505942702293396
] |
['To evaluate the efficacy of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.', 'A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study.', 'A university hospital.', 'Fifty-two patients with cholelithiasis but without known allergy to one of the study drugs, history of bleeding, peptic ulcer disease, known cardiac, lung or renal disease, abnormal liver function or use of opiates or NSAIDs within 2 weeks before operation. Patients were assigned to one of three groups and treatment was randomized by placing the drugs in sealed, numbered envelopes.', 'Administration of the NSAIDs ketorolac, intramuscularly, or indomethacin, rectally, before laparoscopic cholecystectomy.', 'Postoperative pain scored on a a visual analogue scale and by nurse assessment, total dose of fentanyl citrate given, and nausea or emesis.', 'Patients in the placebo group reported significantly more pain than either NSAID group (p<0.05) and were reported as having significantly more pain by the nurses (P<0.05). These patients were subsequently treated with a higher mean postoperative dose of fentanyl citrate than either NSAID group (p<0.05). Furthermore, the placebo group reported more nausea and emesis (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in any of the parameters measured between the ketorolac or indomethacin group.'] Are indomethacin and ketorolac given preoperatively equally effective in reducing early postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.239765167236328,
-1.3649370670318604,
2.675748109817505
] |
['Growth factors play an important role in gastric wo und repair. The aim of this study was to assess the role of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in gastric epithelial restoration.', 'PDGF-BB (1-50 ng/mL) was added to confluent cultures of rabbit gastric epithelial cells after wounding. Regrowth of the epithelial cells was monitored for 48 hours. The speed of cell migration was measured, and cell proliferation was detected by using a 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) staining technique. The labeling index was calculated for a 0.05-mm(2) area around the wound.', 'After wounding, cells at the wound edge formed lamellipodia and showed ruffling movements. The addition of PDGF-BB significantly accelerated cell migration and proliferation as well as gastric restoration. Migration speed was 21 microm/h in control cultures and 32 microm/h and 40 microm/h in cultures containing 10 ng/mL and 50 ng/mL of PDGF-BB, respectively. In control cultures, BrdU-positive cells were rarely detected in the initial 24 hours after wounding, and maximum labeling occurred at 36 hours (labeling index, 3.4%). Cultures containing PDGF-BB showed maximum labeling at 24 hours (labeling index, 6.9%).'] Does platelet-derived growth factor accelerate gastric epithelial restoration in a rabbit cultured cell model? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8878095149993896,
-1.480279803276062,
2.4099955558776855
] |
['Omeprazole is less effective in healthy subjects than in patients with duodenal ulcers. The aim of this study was to determine whether Helicobacter pylori augments the pH-increasing effect of omeprazole in patients with duodenal ulcers.', 'In 16 patients with duodenal ulcers, baseline intragastric acidity was measured before and 4-6 weeks after the cure of H. pylori infection. In 17 patients with duodenal ulcers, 24-hour pH metry was performed during treatment with 20 mg omeprazole once daily before as well as after eradication of H. pylori. Intragastric acidity was measured using a glass electrode placed 5 cm below the cardia. H. pylori infection was assessed by [13C] urea breath test, culture, histology, and rapid urease test.', 'H. pylori eradication resulted in marked decrease of the pH-increasing effect of omeprazole (24-hour median gastric pH, 5.5 vs. 3.0; P<0.002) that was most pronounced during nighttime (median gastric pH, 6.4 vs. 2.1; P=0.001). On the other hand, baseline intragastric pH remained unchanged after eradication (median gastric pH, 1.0 vs. 1.1; P=0.5).'] Does helicobacter pylori augment the pH-increasing effect of omeprazole in patients with duodenal ulcer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1365792751312256,
-1.4285708665847778,
2.603224754333496
] |
['Clinical sepsis seldom accompanies inflammatory bowel disease. The aim of this study was to measure colonic mucosal levels of the neutrophil product bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI), which kills gram-negative bacteria in addition to inactivating endotoxin.', "Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry for BPI were performed on homogenates and tissue secretions of biopsy specimens from patients with ulcerative colitis (n=11) and Crohn's disease (n=5) and from normal controls (n=5).", "Mucosal neutrophil content (144 +/- 23 vs. 35 +/- 9 neutrophils/mg protein; P<0.007) and BPI content (2.07 +/- 0.75 vs. 0.12 +/- 0.02 ng/mg protein; P<0.002) were greater in the colitis groups and correlated closely (r=0.68; P<0.001). This relationship held for both ulcerative colitis (P<0.002) and Crohn's disease (P<0.01) with a trend towards greater levels in Crohn's disease. There was a trend towards higher BPI levels with an increasing endoscopic inflammation score (grade I, 1.32 +/- 0.6 ng/mg protein; grade II, 2.82 +/- 1.4 ng/mg protein). Immunohistochemistry and the biopsy culture showed BPI to be both intracellular and extracellular, to be present in the crypt lumen, and to be released into incubating medium."] Is inflammatory bowel disease associated with increased mucosal levels of bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1975152492523193,
-1.446852684020996,
2.754197120666504
] |
['To determine the cellular origin and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) immunoreactivity of the nonvascular stromal cells in surgically excised age-related macular degeneration (ARMD)-associated choroidal neovascular membranes (CNVMs).', 'Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on frozen sections of eight surgically excised ARMD-related CNVMs.', 'Cytokeratin-positive, smooth muscle actin-positive polygonal or fibroblastic (transdifferentiated RPE) cells were the principal nonvascular stromal cells detected. The polygonal cells were more commonly found in active (highly vascularized) regions and were strongly immunoreactive for VEGF. The fibroblastic cells were predominantly found in fibrotic (hypovascular) regions and were minimally immunoreactive for VEGF.'] Are transdifferentiated retinal pigment epithelial cells immunoreactive for vascular endothelial growth factor in surgically excised age-related macular degeneration-related choroidal neovascular membranes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.54756236076355,
-1.2263331413269043,
2.862570285797119
] |
['To determine if gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging can detect early reversible ischemia of the capital femoral epiphysis and physis induced by hip hyperabduction in piglets.', 'Thirteen 1- to 3-week-old piglets were placed in maximal bilateral hip abduction and then studied with dynamic gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging 1-6 hr later to assess ischemia of the 26 femoral heads. The piglets were then allowed to ambulate freely for 1 or 7 days and reimaged in neutral position to assess reperfusion. We evaluated enhancement on MR images and compared them with histologic findings.', 'Decreased or absent enhancement, interpreted as ischemia, developed after maximal hip abduction in all 26 cartilaginous epiphyses and 85% of the 26 physes. The most frequently seen abnormality was a sharply marginated, nonenhancing area in the anterior part of the femoral head. A smaller area of decreased enhancement developed in the posterior part of the femoral head adjacent to the acetabular rim. The secondary center of ossification was ischemic in 10 (56%) of the 18 hips after 1 hr of abduction and in all 8 hips after 4 or 6 hr (p = .02). The overall severity of ischemia was greater with longer abduction times (p < .001) and greater degrees of abduction (p < .01). Reperfusion was complete in two (17%) of the 12 hips after 1 day of ambulation and in all 10 (100%) after 1 week of ambulation.'] Does gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging demonstrate abduction-caused hip ischemia and its reversal in piglets? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7189618349075317,
-1.5565714836120605,
2.273432731628418
] |
['This study was designed to assess the effects of beta-blockade on cardiopulmonary exercise performance in symptomatic patients with tight mitral stenosis in sinus rhythm.', 'The role of beta-blockers in these patients has been controversial and assessment of effort tolerance using treadmill exercise time has produced conflicting results.', 'Nineteen patients with isolated symptomatic (New York Heart Association class II or III) mitral stenosis received a beta-blocker (acebutalol or atenolol) or matching placebo for one week each in a randomized double-blind crossover fashion. Exercise on a treadmill with real time gas exchange analysis was performed six times over 4 weeks in each patient. The test was further repeated once within a week of percutaneous mitral valvotomy.', 'Heart rate at rest and during peak exercise was significantly lower with beta-blockade compared to control state or placebo treatment. Mean peak oxygen consumption did not differ significantly between treatment groups. When patients were arbitrarily classified into those with (group I, heart rate < or = 130.min-1) and those without (group II, heart rate > or = 131.min-1) adequate beta-blockade, there was a significant difference in peak VO2. The peak VO2 for group I: 14.0 +/- 3.2 vs 17.5 +/- 4.0 ml.min-1.kg-1; peak VO2 for group II: 17.2 +/- 2.4 vs 18.0 +/- 2.4 ml.min-1.kg-1 (beta-blockade vs control state respectively). Treadmill exercise time did not differ between treatment groups. The slope of minute ventilation (MV) and carbon dioxide (CO2) excretion, and instantaneous carbon dioxide ventilatory equivalent (MV/VCO2) was unchanged with beta-blocker therapy indicating no improvement in ventilatory performance.'] Does beta adrenergic blockade improve effort tolerance in patients with mitral stenosis in sinus rhythm? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.748583436012268,
-1.6291403770446777,
2.298814535140991
] |
['To assess changes in measures of visual function in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) over time.', 'Patients with RP and visual acuity of 20/40 or better and central visual fields of 10 degrees or larger were enrolled in a 9-year prospective study. The following measures of visual function were obtained annually over the follow-up period: visual acuity, Goldmann visual fields (V4e target), focal electroretinograms, and hue discrimination.', 'Over the follow-up period, the averaged group data showed changes in all measures of visual function. The smallest amount of change occurred for visual acuity and hue discrimination, and the greatest amount of change occurred for visual field area. Examination of individual patient data over the follow-up period indicated that the rates of change varied among patients and that losses in function for one measure did not correlate well with losses on other measures.'] Do rates of change differ among measures of visual function in patients with retinitis pigmentosa? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7906728982925415,
-0.6584374308586121,
1.481050968170166
] |
['Since the ability of the small intestine to biotransform a drug may decrease in distal segments of the intestine, this study aimed to assess whether the site of administration in the small intestine could affect the systemic bioavailability of diltiazem and its two active metabolites, N-desmethyldiltiazem (MA) and desacetyl-diltiazem (M1).', 'Five mg/kg of diltiazem were administered into the lumen of the proximal (0-30 cm, n = 9) or the distal (150-180 cm) small intestine (n = 7) of anesthetized New Zealand rabbits. Blood samples were drawn from the femoral artery for 6 hours, and diltiazem, MA and M1 were assayed by HPLC.', 'The area under the curve (AUC0-->infinity) of diltiazem administered into the distal small intestine was larger than that estimated when diltiazem was given in the proximal segment (14.20 +/- 2.82 vs 8.14 +/- 0.88 micrograms.min/ml, p < 0.05), due to a lower diltiazem oral clearance (440 +/- 78 vs 660 +/- 55 ml/min/kg, p < 0.05). The AUC0-->360 of MA was not affected by the site of diltiazem administration, but the AUC0-->360 of M1 was increased when diltiazem was administered in the distal segment of the small intestine. When administered into the distal segment of the intestine, the molar sum of diltiazem and its active metabolites was 48% greater than when delivered into the 0-30 cm segment of the small intestine; as a consequence, absorption of diltiazem in distal segments of the small intestine may enhance its pharmacological response.'] Does the site of absorption in the small intestine determine diltiazem bioavailability in the rabbit? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3733500242233276,
-1.6944870948791504,
2.1082279682159424
] |
['Neuroendocrine differentiation can be identified in 10-30% of patients with nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) by immunohistochemical or electron microscopic techniques. However, its clinical significance is not well established.', 'Tumors from 107 patients with Stage IIIA, IIIB, and IV NSCLC treated with cisplatin/etoposide with or without hydrazine in the North Central Cancer Treatment Group and Mayo Clinic protocols were analyzed immunohistochemically with antibodies to chromogranin A (CGA), Leu 7 (CD 57), and synaptophysin (SY). These results were compared with clinical outcomes.', 'Keratin AE1/AE3, used as a control, was positive in 99.1% of cases; 34.6% had positive staining for at least 1 neuroendocrine marker, and 11.3% had positive staining for 2 or more markers. CGA was positive in 4.7%, Leu 7 in 18.7%, and SY in 24.3% of cases. A significant increase in survival was seen in patients with tumors expressing any one neuroendocrine marker or any combination of neuroendocrine markers (P < or = 0.01). There was no correlation between the presence of neuroendocrine differentiation and either response to chemotherapy or time to disease progression (P > 0.3), nor was there any correlation between chemotherapy response, time to progression, or survival with staining intensity or percent of cells positive per case.'] Is neuroendocrine differentiation an independent prognostic factor in chemotherapy-treated nonsmall cell lung carcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.160292387008667,
-1.469534158706665,
2.6994287967681885
] |
['To determine whether disease activity in organ systems other than the central nervous system (CNS) contributes to impaired neurocognitive functioning in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) without current major neuropsychiatric problems.', 'A cross sectional study of 90 consecutive female patients with SLE. Neuropsychological status was evaluated with a comprehensive 2.5 h battery of tests. Disease activity was evaluated by the Lupus Activity Criteria Count (LACC) in all patients and the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) in a subset of 20. Involvement of particular organ systems was identified with reference to American Rheumatism Association criteria.', 'Sixty-eight of the 90 patients showed no active CNS involvement at the time of testing. Of these 68, 36 (53%) were impaired according to quantitative criteria alone. However, the association between cognitive impairment and disease activity was not significant using either LACC or SLEDAI as the measure of disease activity. Further, the group with active disease did not show generally poorer performance in specific areas of cognitive function than the group with inactive disease at the time of testing. The likelihood of significant cognitive impairment was not increased in the presence of involvement of any of the organ systems reviewed by the LACC.'] Is cognitive dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus independent of active disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.14551043510437,
-1.0630252361297607,
2.3450825214385986
] |
['Adenosine infusion causes selective pulmonary vasodilation in fetal and neonatal lambs with pulmonary hypertension. We investigated the effects of a continuous infusion of adenosine on oxygenation in term infants with persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn (PPHN).', 'A randomized, placebo-controlled, masked trial comparing the efficacy of intravenous infusion of adenosine to normal saline infusion over a 24-hour period.', 'Inborn and outborn level III neonatal intensive care units at a university medical center.', 'Eighteen term infants with PPHN and arterial postductal PO2 of 60 to 100 Torr on inspired O2 concentration of 100% and optimal hyperventilation (PaCO2 <30 Torr) were enrolled into the study. Study infants were randomly assigned to receive a placebo infusion of normal saline, or adenosine infusion in doses of 25 to 50 microg/kg/min over a 24-hour period.', 'Eighteen term infants with PPHN and arterial postductal PO2 of 60 to 100 Torr on inspired O2 concentration of 100% and optimal hyperventilation (PaCO2 <30 Torr) were enrolled into the study. Study infants were randomly assigned to receive a placebo infusion of normal saline, or adenosine infusion in doses of 25 to 50 microg/kg/min over a 24-hour period.', 'Nine infants each received adenosine or placebo. The two groups did not differ in birth weight, gestational age, or blood gases and ventilaator requirements at the time of entry into the study. Four of nine infants in the adenosine group and none of the placebo group had a significant improvement in oxygenation, defined as an increase in postductal PaO2 of > or =20 Torr from preinfusion baseline. The mean PaO2 in the adenosine group increased from 69 +/- 19 at baseline to 94 +/- 15 during 50 microg/kg/min infusion rate of adenossine and did not change significantly in the placebo group. Arterial blood pressure and heart rate did not change during the study in either group. The need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and mortality were not different in the two groups.'] Does adenosine infusion improve oxygenation in term infants with respiratory failure? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7573204040527344,
-1.3385159969329834,
2.113501787185669
] |
['Subsequent to total gastrectomy, many patients develop maldigestion and weight loss. The mechanisms that underlie these changes are not known. Therefore, in a prospective study, we have analyzed endocrine and exocrine pancreatic function in patients before and 3 months after total gastrectomy.', 'In 15 patients (12 male, three female, median age 62.4 yr) undergoing total gastrectomy due to gastric cancer, a direct exocrine pancreatic function test (secretin-cerulein test) was performed. In addition, a standard test meal was given to all patients to study endocrine pancreatic function and the pattern of hormones that influence exocrine pancreatic secretion. In nine patients, both function tests were repeated 3 months after total gastrectomy. Before and at 11 points after the application of the test meal, blood samples were taken for the measurement of glucose, insulin, glucagon, gastrin, pancreatic polypeptide, and cholecystokinin. In addition, a secretin-cerulein test was performed to analyze trypsin, chymotrypsin, amylase, bicarbonate, and the juice volume in the duodenal aspirates.', 'Three months after total gastrectomy, all patients exhibited severe primary exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Secretin-cerulein tests revealed that pancreatic juice secretion, trypsin, chymotrypsin, and amylase were significantly reduced by 76%, 89%, 91%, and 72%, respectively, 3 months after total gastrectomy and secretin and cerulein stimulation. Post-operatively, the patients had a pathological glucose tolerance with increased postprandial insulin and glucagon secretion. The baseline and postprandial gastrin and pancreatic polypeptide secretion were significantly decreased after total gastrectomy. In contrast, early postprandial cholecystokinin secretion was significantly increased postoperatively.'] Is maldigestion after total gastrectomy associated with pancreatic insufficiency? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.285268545150757,
-1.3479912281036377,
2.644707202911377
] |
['Having previously found that treating small areas of synovitis within the knees of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) and laser-derived ultraviolet A (PUVA) resulted in decreases in adhesion molecule expression, we sought to determine the effect of PUVA on expression of vascular cellular adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and E-selection by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC).', 'Expression of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin on the surface of HUVEC was measured using specific antibodies and flow cytometry or a fluorescence plate reader, following treatment of cells with 8-MOP and UVA, before and after tumor necrosis factor (TNF) stimulation.', 'PUVA led to significant dose dependent decreases in the expression of VCAM-1 and E-selectin that had been induced with TNF before PUVA treatment. Pretreatment with PUVA was also able to prevent subsequent TNF induction of VCAM-1 expression. TNF-induced ICAM-1 expression was not decreased by PUVA, however, and pretreatment only partially decreased ICAM-1 expression.'] Do ultraviolet light and 8-methoxypsoralen inhibit expression of endothelial adhesion molecules? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5961668491363525,
-1.1708004474639893,
2.792336940765381
] |
['Monitoring of end-tidal CO2 levels, performed routinely nowadays in most operating rooms, is obligatory in our hospital for all anesthesia patients. Levels are dependent on pulmonary blood flow, ventilation, and CO2 content of blood. When ventilation is kept constant, the end-tidal CO2 closely follows pulmonary blood flow.', 'Reduction of end-tidal CO2 in the expired air was used to adjust tightness of the pulmonary band in 10 patients with complex cardiac anomalies, all including ventricular septal defect, who underwent pulmonary artery banding. Other parameters were systemic blood pressures and distal pulmonary artery pressures.', 'There were no operative deaths. Average reduction was 3.8 mm Hg (range, 2 to 10 mm Hg; p < 0.001 by paired t test), average increase in systolic blood pressure was 14 mm Hg (range, 4 to 20 mm Hg; p < 0.03 by Wilcoxon sign rank test), distal pulmonary artery pressure was reduced from 56 mm Hg (range, 37 to 79 mm Hg) to 29 mm Hg (range, 20 to 38 mm Hg; p < 0.03 by t test), and postoperative pulmonary artery to systemic pressure ratio averaged 0.36 mm Hg (range, 0.24 to 0.49 mm Hg, difference from preoperative value, p < 0.06).'] Are end-tidal CO2 levels a reliable indicator of band tightness in pulmonary artery banding? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5977327823638916,
-1.4856595993041992,
2.117793083190918
] |
["MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr (MRL/lpr) mice spontaneously develop an autoimmune disease characterized by lymphoproliferation, vasculitis, glomerulonephritis, autoantibody production, and ocular and lacrimal gland inflammation. Lacrimal gland lesions in MRL/lpr mice are a model for the human disorder Sjögren's syndrome. The target organ lesions in MRL/lpr mice, including those in the eye and lacrimal gland, are composed largely of CD4+ T cells, with lesser numbers of CD8+ T cells and B cells. Cyclosporine therapy was evaluated for its effect on the autoimmune disease, particularly in the eye and lacrimal gland.", 'MRL/lpr mice were administered cyclosporine intraperitoneally at a dosage of 2 mg daily from age 1 to 5 months. Animals were killed at 5 months and evaluated for the presence of autoimmune disease. Control groups consisted of animals given daily injections with either saline or the cyclosporine diluent.', 'Cyclosporine therapy was effective in reducing the ocular and lacrimal gland disease. Intraocular inflammation was present in 73% of control animals but in only 15% of cyclosporine-treated animals (P < 0.003). Multifocal lacrimal gland inflammatory infiltrates were present in 100% of controls but in only 23% of cyclosporine-treated animals (P < 0.0001). Mean percent area involved by lacrimal gland inflammation was reduced from 19.7% to 4.7% by cyclosporine therapy (P = 0.0003). Systemic autoimmune disease manifestations, including lymphoproliferation, vasculitis, glomerulonephritis, and serologic abnormalities, also were improved.'] Does cyclosporine therapy suppress ocular and lacrimal gland disease in MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9994823932647705,
-1.5222680568695068,
2.512826442718506
] |
['Increasing myocardial carnitine content can improve heart function in patients with carnitine deficiency. We were interested in determining the effects of L-carnitine on cardiac function and substrate metabolism in a rat model of carnitine deficiency.', 'Carnitine deficiency was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by supplementing the drinking water with 20 mM sodium pivalate. Control animals received an equimolar concentration of sodium bicarbonate. Following treatment, cardiac function and myocardial substrate utilization were determined in isolated working hearts perfused with glucose and relevant levels of fatty acids. To increase tissue levels of carnitine, hearts were perfused with 5 mM L-carnitine for a period of 60 min.', 'Hearts from sodium pivalate-treated animals demonstrated a 60% reduction in total heart carnitine content, depressions in cardiac function and rates of palmitate oxidation, and elevated rates of glycolysis compared to control hearts. Treatment with L-carnitine increased total carnitine content and reversed the depression in cardiac function seen in carnitine-deficient hearts. However, this was not associated with any improvement in palmitate oxidation. Rates of glycolysis and glucose oxidation, on the other hand, were increased with L-carnitine.'] Is l-carnitine improvement of cardiac function associated with a stimulation in glucose but not fatty acid metabolism in carnitine-deficient hearts? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.630805253982544,
-0.8940933346748352,
2.5702648162841797
] |
['The purpose of this study was to compare laparoscopy with minilaparotomy approaches to colorectal diseases.', 'Outcomes after minilaparotomy and laparoscopy were prospectively compared for a 12-month period.', 'Minilaparotomy was performed in 35 patients to achieve right colectomy (14), left colectomy (8), total colectomy (2), low anterior resection (6), abdomino-perineal resection (2), colostomy (1), and ileal resection (1). Laparoscopic techniques were used in 52 patients to perform right colectomy (20), left colectomy (11), low anterior resection (5), abdominoperineal resection (7), total colectomy (3), ileal resection (1), colostomy (3), transverse colectomy (1), and colostomy closure (1). Mean operative times were 69 minutes for minilaparotomy (range, 33-180) and 173 minutes for laparoscopy (range, 60-300). Mean incision lengths were 12 (range 8-18) cm and 8 (range, 0-25) cm; mean time to bowel movement was four (range, 1-7) days and 3.9 (range, 0-8) days; mean day of discharge was 6.9 (range 3-15) days, and 6 (range, 1-15) days postoperatively, respectively. Laparoscopy procedures were completed in 39 of 52 patients (75 percent); mean time to bowel movement was 3.5 (range, 0-6) days, and mean day of discharge was 5.3 (range, 1-14) days (P = <0.005).'] Are laparoscopic-assisted and minilaparotomy approaches to colorectal diseases similar in early outcome? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.9655469655990601,
-1.7315725088119507,
1.6710290908813477
] |
['Iontophoresis was employed for enhancing the transdermal delivery of acyclovir through nude mouse skin in vitro, with the aim of understanding the mechanisms responsible for drug transport, in order to properly set the conditions of therapeutical application.', 'Experiments were done in horizontal diffusion cells, using as donor a saturated solution of acyclovir at two different pH values (3.0 and 7.4). Different electrical conditions (current density and polarity) were employed.', 'At pH 3.0, acyclovir anodal transport was due to electrorepulsion, since acyclovir was 20% in the protonated form. In acyclovir anodal iontophoresis at pH 7.4 the main mechanism involved was electroosmosis, since the drug was substantially unionized and the negative charge of the skin at this pH caused the electroosmotic flow to be from anode to cathode. In the case of cathodal iontophoresis at pH 3.0, acyclovir transport was enhanced approx. seven times, due to the presence of an electroosmotic contribution caused by the reversal of the charge of the skin. At pH 7.4 during cathodal iontophoresis acyclovir transport was not enhanced because the electroosmotic flow was in the opposite direction, compared to drug electric transport, i.e. anode to cathode. The increased skin permeability caused by current application was demonstrated to be less important than electrorepulsion and electroosmosis.'] Does iontophoresis enhance the transport of acyclovir through nude mouse skin by electrorepulsion and electroosmosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2909109592437744,
-1.2730331420898438,
2.6195640563964844
] |
['To characterize the effect of added fibronectin (Fn) on human rheumatoid synoviocytes (RAS).', 'Early passage cultured RAS were studied by fluorescent imaging microscopy with multiple parameter overlaying and confocal laser scanning microscopy.', 'Added Fn induced a localized decrease in matrix Fn at sites of cell overlap. Similar matrix depletion could be induced by collagen VI, cell binding (120 k) and heparin binding (60 k) fragments of Fn, but not by gelatin binding fragment (45 k).'] Does fibronectin induce protease dependent focal matrix depletion and cell overlap in cultured rheumatoid synoviocytes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3401033878326416,
-1.2744134664535522,
2.7563815116882324
] |
['To examine the role of heparin in modulating neutrophil activation and release of cytokine.', 'Up-regulation of CD11b, down-regulation of L-selectin on neutrophil cell surface and release of IL8 occur in response to extracorporeal circulation (ECC) and were proposed to cause leakage of the capillaries in patients.', 'In a series of experiments, we examined the effect of heparin (4 U/ml) comparing it with ethylenediamine tetra-acetate (EDTA, 1.5 mg/ml) and citrate mixture (100 microliters/ml), heparin dose-response, IL8 (human recombinant IL8) dose-response and protamine (80 micrograms/ml) neutralisation of heparin (4 U/ml) using donor blood (total of 38). The role of complement component type 3 (C3) was tested. Neutrophils from a patient with complete C3 deficiency were stimulated by using heparin and cobra venom factor (10 micrograms/ml) and compared with controls (n = 5). CD11b and L-selectin expressions were assayed immediately and serially up to 120 min using immune fluorescence and flow cytometry. Serum concentrations of IL8 were determined by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.', 'The medians of up-regulation of CD11b were 540.2 (range 235.2-653.3) for heparin vs. 186.5 (55.7-207.1) for EDTA and 192.5 (69.2-263.8) for citrate mixture, P < 0.01. The medians of down-regulation of L-selectin were 79 (32-192) for heparin vs. 18.4 (0-188) for EDTA and 36.2 (7.4-135) for citrate mixture, P < 0.05. Up-regulation of CD11b, down-regulation of L-s and release of IL8 were inversely related to heparin concentration (r = 0.87, P < 0.05). Serum concentration of IL8 had a direct relationship to the changes in CD11b and L-selectin expression (r = 0.92). Heparin-protamine complex was less stimulant to expression of CD11b and L-selectin than heparin or protamine (P < 0.05). In blood samples from C3-deficient patients, heparin and cobra venom factor caused up-regulation of CD11b and down-regulation of L-selectin similar to that of controls (P > 0.05).'] Is effect of heparin anticoagulation on neutrophil adhesion molecules and release of IL8 : C3 essential? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8850574493408203,
-1.594915509223938,
2.453554630279541
] |
['To study the actions of adenosine on the electrophysiology of spontaneously active, rod-shaped cells enzymatically isolated from rabbit atrioventricular (AV) node.', 'Calcium-tolerant myocytes were isolated from the region of the AV node by enzymatic and mechanical dispersion. They were rod- or spindle-shaped, with spontaneous activity at 35-37 degrees C, and had higher membrane resistances (776 +/- 283 M omega, n = 13), compared to atrial cells (41 +/- 18.2 M omega, n = 7; P < 0.001). Membrane potential, spontaneous action potentials and transmembrane ionic currents were studied using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique, in current-clamp and voltage-clamp mode.', 'Adenosine (0.1-50 microM) slowed or abolished the spontaneous activity, with hyperpolarisation of the membrane potential. Voltage-clamp experiments showed that adenosine induced an inwardly rectifying time-independent current. The adenosine-induced current was shown to be carried by potassium ions by the effect of increasing external potassium, which altered the reversal potential in accordance with the calculated potassium equilibrium potential. The A1 adenosine receptor antagonist, CPDPX (8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dypropylxanthine), reversed the effects of adenosine and an A1 receptor agonist, R-PIA [R(-)N(6)-(2-phenylisopropyl)adenosine] had effects similar to adenosine. Adenosine also caused a small decrease in inward calcium current (ICa) in some AV nodal cells.'] Does adenosine increase potassium conductance in isolated rabbit atrioventricular nodal myocytes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.419482469558716,
-1.3513593673706055,
2.8229880332946777
] |
['Liver disease or portosystemic shunting enhances th e sensitivity to endotoxin. The aim of this study was to investigate whether intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) expression in response to endotoxin may be dysregulated in an animal model of portal hypertension.', 'Portal hypertension was induced by partial portal vein ligation. Sham-operated animals served as controls. ICAM-1 expression was measured using radiolabeled antibodies under baseline conditions or 5 hours after treatment with either endotoxin or recombinant tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Immunoreactive plasma TNF was also measured.', 'Under baseline conditions, ICAM-1 expression in all organs studied was similar in portal-hypertensive and sham-operated rats. ICAM-1 up-regulation after a high dose of endotoxin (5 mg/kg) was similar in both groups of animals. However, portal-hypertensive animals showed a significantly higher ICAM-1 expression in response to low doses of endotoxin (0.1-10 microgram/kg). The response to a low (but not a high) dose of recombinant TNF was also significantly enhanced in portal-hypertensive animals. In addition, portal-hypertensive rats had higher plasma TNF levels after treatment with endotoxin or recombinant TNF.'] Does portal hypertension enhance endotoxin-induced intercellular adhesion molecule 1 up-regulation in the rat? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3048102855682373,
-1.3393137454986572,
2.6675281524658203
] |
['Patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) frequently produce autoantibodies against constituents of the nuclear envelope. We have recently observed a reactivity of PBC sera with a nuclear envelope antigen at approximately 60 kilodaltons. The aim of this study was to characterize the reactive antigen.', 'Sera from 103 patients with liver disease were tested by immunoblotting after the separation of proteins by one- and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) using proteins of whole nuclei and nuclear pore complexes (NPCs).', 'A nuclear immunofluorescence staining with peripheral accentuation was observed in 25 of 43 sera from patients with PBC. In immunoblotting, the sera displaying a peripheral pattern reacted preferentially with two proteins. Twelve sera showed specificity to an antigen of 210 kilodaltons corresponding to gp210, and 14 sera recognized a protein band at 60 kilodaltons. The intensity of the reactive band at 60 kilodaltons was clearly stronger on blots with immobilized proteins of the NPC than on blots with nuclear proteins, thereby indicating that the sera targeted an antigen as being a component of the NPC. Immunoblotting performed after protein separation by two-dimensional PAGE showed that the sera are directed against nucleoporin p62, a functional protein of the NPC.'] Do autoantibodies against nucleoporin p62 constitute a novel marker of primary biliary cirrhosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2000367641448975,
-1.4193607568740845,
2.696638584136963
] |
['Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a potent activator of lymphocytes, but its effectiveness as an anti-cancer agent is compromised by several adverse side effects including pulmonary edema. One explanation for the pulmonary toxicity of IL-2 is that activated lymphocytes directly induce the pulmonary vascular endothelium to become more leaky.', 'To test this hypothesis the number of total lymphocytes, gamma delta T cells, and CD2-positive cells (alpha beta T cells and natural killer cells) in peripheral blood and lung lymph of sheep were compared before and after IL-2 infusion. Hemodynamic and lymph dynamic changes were also evaluated.', 'IL-2 decreased mean aortic pressure, increased cardiac output, lowered systemic vascular resistance, and doubled lung lymph flow (P < or = 0.05), but had no effect on plasma or lymph oncotic pressure. The lymph protein concentration and the lymph-to-plasma protein concentration ratio were not different after IL-2 infusion. IL-2 had no effect on the number of total lymphocytes, gamma delta T cells, or CD2-positive cells in the peripheral blood. In contrast, the number of total lymphocytes, gamma delta T cells, and CD2-positive cells in lung lymph decreased significantly (P < or = 0.05).'] Does interleukin-2 sequester activated lymphocytes into lung lymph of sheep? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1516144275665283,
-1.3445069789886475,
2.5338704586029053
] |
['Acute renal failure is a frequent complication following orthotopic hepatic transplantation. A reduction in the synthesis of intrarenal vasodilator prostaglandins has been proposed as having an important role in the pathogenesis of renal insufficiency associated with hepatic dysfunction, as well as in the nephrotoxicity associated with cyclosporine and FK506 immunosuppressive therapy. Therefore, administration of vasodilator prostaglandins may improve renal function following hepatic transplantation. This study was designed to determine the effect of continuous intravenous alprostadil (prostaglandin E1) on postoperative renal function in hepatic transplant patients.', 'In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 21 patients who had undergone orthotopic hepatic transplantation and had a measured postoperative glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of less that 50 mL/minute received intravenous alprostadil at 0.6 microgram/kg/hour or placebo for five days. Glomerular filtration rate and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) were measured by a single-injection clearance method using a radionuclide agent in 53 patients within 12 hours after admission to our surgical intensive care unit. Usual postoperative care was not modified. Radionuclide GFR and ERPF measurements were repeated on postoperative day 3. Serum creatinine was measured preoperatively and postoperatively on day 3 and on day 5. A 24-hour serum creatinine clearance was measured on days 1, 5, and 14. Urine output was recorded hourly during the infusion period.', 'Ten patients received alprostadil, and 11 patients received placebo. There was a significant increase in GFR and ERPF in both groups on post-operative day 3 as compared with baseline values. There was no difference in GFR and ERPF between the two groups on day 3 (48 +/- 18 and 246 +/- 68 mL/minute in the alprostadil group compared with 53 +/- 17 and 270 +/- 131 mL/minute in the placebo group). Serum creatinine levels increased on day 3 in both groups but returned to baseline by day 5.'] Does postoperative intravenous infusion of alprostadil ( PGE1 ) improve renal function in hepatic transplant recipients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0467958450317383,
-1.5694177150726318,
2.59952974319458
] |
['The mechanism by which laser trabeculoplasty reduces elevated intraocular pressure in primary open-angle glaucoma has been established. To test the hypothesis that trabecular extracellular matrix turnover is involved, stromelysin expression after laser treatment of anterior segment organ cultures was evaluated.', 'Argon laser trabeculoplasty, using typical clinical treatment parameters, was applied to anterior segment organ cultures. Stromelysin levels and activity were then evaluated at various times by immunoblots of Western transfers and by zymography. Stromelysin mRNA levels were evaluated by dot blot and by reverse transcription, followed by polymerase chain reaction amplification. Stromelysin protein was localized by immunohistochemistry, and image analysis was used for quantitation. Stromelysin mRNA was localized by in situ hybridization.', 'Trabecular stromelysin protein, activity, and mRNA levels were detectably elevated by 8 hours and were several-fold higher by 24 hours after treatment. Stromelysin immunostaining was elevated dramatically in the juxtacanalicular and insert regions of the meshwork, but only modestly in other regions. Stromelysin mRNA increases also were localized primarily to these regions. The juxtacanalicular stromelysin immunostaining increase was sustained for at least 1 week, whereas the insert levels declined somewhat after day 2.'] Does laser trabeculoplasty induce stromelysin expression by trabecular juxtacanalicular cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3434154987335205,
-1.412399411201477,
2.8628032207489014
] |
['N-(phosphonacetyl)-L-aspartic acid (PALA) is a transition- state inhibitor of L-aspartate transcarbamylase, which catalyses the biosynthesis of carbamyl-L-aspartate in the de novo pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway. 5-Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) is known to be a potent radiosensitizer of proliferating cells when it is incorporated into DNA. The experiments described herein were performed to test the hypothesis that depletion of cellular pyrimidine precursors by PALA may increase both the incorporation of BrdUrd into DNA and the sensitivity of these cells to the cytotoxic effect of radiation.', 'The effect of PALA concentration and exposure time on the incorporation of BrdUrd into the DNA of exponentially growing BG-1 human ovarian carcinoma cells was determined. BG-1 cells exposed to the most effective PALA + BrdUrd treatment schedule were then irradiated to determine if PALA could enhance the radiosensitization already achieved by pretreatment with BrdUrd alone.', "A 72-h exposure to PALA (> or = 25 microM) delayed the growth of human ovarian adenocarcinoma BG-1 cells by 40% compared to that of the untreated control cells. Using a clonogenic assay, the IC50 for a 72-h PALA exposure was approximately 25 microM and the cell killing efficiency was dependent on both the concentration and duration of the exposure. A 72-h exposure to 25 microM PALA produced approximately a 90% decrease in the intracellular uridine-5'-triphosphate (UTP) and cytidine-5'-triphosphate (CTP) levels, but had no effect on the intracellular adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) level. This decrease in the UTP and CTP pools promoted a fivefold increase in the incorporation of [3H]BrdUrd into the DNA of BG-1 cells. The most effective treatment schedule involved a 72-h time course, consisting of a 48-h pretreatment with PALA alone, followed by an additional 24-h treatment with both PALA and BrdUrd. The two agent treatments, PALA (25 microM) + BrdUrd (16 microM), PALA (25 microM) + radiation (6 Gy), and BrdUrd (16 microM) + radiation (6 Gy) produced a 2.1-, 7.4-, and 13.2-fold increase in cytotoxicity, respectively, over that expected if the interaction between the two agents was independent and additive. The most effective three-agent treatment schedule consisting of PALA, BrdUrd, and radiation resulted in a greater than 30-fold increase in cytotoxicity over that expected if the interactions and the three agents were additive (p < 0.05)."] Does pALA enhancement of bromodeoxyuridine incorporation into DNA increase radiation cytotoxicity to human ovarian adenocarcinoma cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1596109867095947,
-1.5074079036712646,
2.666735887527466
] |
['Colloids are used clinically to minimize edema yet may have detrimental consequences on glomerular filtration. The purpose of this study is to assess the renal and hormonal effects of colloid supplementation in the fluid resuscitation of burn victims.', 'Analytic cohort study.', "Immediately following their 24 hour post-burn fluid resuscitation with Ringer's lactate, six burn patients (% total body surface area burn 30-57%) were given primed, continuous infusions of inulin and p-aminohippuric acid for 6 hours. Albumin (25% solution, 3 mL/kg/h) was given for the final 4 hours of study.", 'Albumin infusion increased plasma volume by 37%; however, glomerular filtration rate decreased by 32% (p < 0.05). There was no significant change in urine output, sodium excretion, or effective renal plasma flow. Plasma volume expansion with albumin normalized elevated basal levels of aldosterone and plasma renin activity.'] Do colloid infusions reduce glomerular filtration in resuscitated burn victims? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4257993698120117,
-1.2727502584457397,
2.7521443367004395
] |
['To assess the therapeutic role of the betareceptor agonist terbutaline in reducing postoperative pulmonary dysfunction following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).', 'Prospective, randomized, open controlled study.', 'Cardiac surgical intensive care unit. PATIENTS. 22 consecutive patients undergoing elective CABG.', '11 were randomized to receive terbutaline 0.5 mg subcutaneously 6 hourly for 48 hours following extubation (group T) while 11 controls did not (group C).', 'FVC, FEV1 and PEFR measured pre-operatively and at 30 min, 12 hrs, 36 hrs and 5 days post-extubation. A-aDO2 calculated from arterial blood gas analysis during the first 24 hrs post-CABG.', 'Terbutaline had no effect on spirometric variables which decreased by over 50% after extubation in both groups and increased in similar fashion over the next 5 days. A-aDO2 increased significantly (p<0.01) after extubation in both groups. Treatment with terbutaline eliminated this change in group T at 6 hrs after extubation.'] Does terbutaline improve efficiency of oxygenation after coronary artery bypass surgery? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.137049436569214,
-1.4686293601989746,
2.6617398262023926
] |
['Eosinophil-derived inflammatory mediators including cytokines are considered to be important in the pathogenesis of allergic inflammation. Fibronectin (Fn) has been shown to be a physiological trigger of autocrine cytokine production by human eosinophils. Fn is encoded by a single gene, but alternate splicing of the primary RNA transcript results in polypeptide diversity in a cell type-specific fashion. Thus, tissue Fn contains approximately 50% more of the CS-1 cell binding region recognized by the integrin alpha 4 beta 1 compared with plasma Fn.', 'Since eosinophils are predominantly tissue-dwelling cells we compared the effect of tissue and plasma Fn on eosinophil survival in culture.', 'The viability and cytokine generation of eosinophils (> 99.9% pure) cultured for up to 4 days in 96 well plates coated with tissue Fn, plasma Fn or BSA was compared.', 'There was a significant difference in the ability of tissue Fn to support eosinophil survival compared with plasma Fn (P < 0.01). Optimal survival with tissue Fn was seen at 25 micrograms/well (70% +/- 2.0% viability at 3 days vs 7% +/- 2.2% viability on BSA). Significant (P < 0.001) cell viability on tissue Fn was observed for up to 4 days in culture (54% +/- 6.0%) compared with BSA coated wells. Addition of autologous mononuclear cells (final concentration 0.5%, 1% or 2%) resulted in plasma Fn-dependent eosinophil survival comparable to that of 99.9% pure eosinophils adherent to tissue Fn. Tissue Fn-dependent survival was significantly inhibited by anti-interleukin-3, anti-granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibodies. Picogram quantities of these three cytokines were detected in supernatants from eosinophils cultured for 3 days on tissue Fn using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Eosinophil survival on tissue Fn was significantly inhibited by anti-beta 1 and alpha 4 beta 1 monoclonal antibody (MoAb) and also by a MoAb specific for the CS-1 motif in the IIICS region of Fn.'] Do human eosinophils preferentially survive on tissue fibronectin compared with plasma fibronectin? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8397995233535767,
-1.6170021295547485,
2.44588565826416
] |
['The most relevant endpoint in comparing the efficacy of curative therapies for prostate cancer is cancer-specific death. Prospective trials need to mature for a least a decade to yield meaningful cancer death data due to the long natural history of the disease amd the use of salvage androgen suppression. This delay may be long enough that the tested treatments are outdated by the time of reporting; thus, there is a need for reliable early surrogate endpoints for cancer survival.', 'This report evaluates 202 patients entered into a single institution prospective randomized study for T3-4 prostate cancer. Patients were accrued between 1982 and 1992 and received radical irradiation to either a standard dose of 67.2 Gy or a higher dose of 75.6 Gy. Median follow-up was 5.4 years. A total 76 men have received androgen suppression or orchiectomy for salvage following relapse. Of this group, 35 experienced a second relapse heralded by a rise in the serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA).', 'The median survival from the time of second biochemical relapse (defined as a progression with a rise in serum PSA more than 10% above the nadir after androgen suppression) was 27 months. Kaplan-Meier analysis projected a 0% survival for this group at 4 years. All those dying after second biochemical failure died of the prostate cancer.'] Is time to second prostate-specific antigen failure a surrogate endpoint for prostate cancer death in a prospective trial of therapy for localized disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.306375503540039,
-1.2297265529632568,
2.613905429840088
] |
['Patients with prostate carcinoma generally respond to androgen withdrawal therapy, but subsequent progression to androgen-independence is frequently observed. Since androgen receptors play a key role in androgen action, the ratio of androgen receptor-containing cells in cancerous tissues was determined by immunohistochemical staining of prostate biopsy specimens for comparison with the outcome.', 'Sixty-two patients with untreated Stage D2 prostate carcinoma who received endocrine therapy between 1986 and 1992 were included in the present study. Biopsy tissue was stained with anti-human androgen receptor antibody, and the ratio of positively stained cells was estimated by counting 700 to 1000 cancer cells from each patient. Histologic grade, extent of bone metastases, clinical response to endocrine therapy, and outcome, were compared with androgen receptor content.', 'Cancers with a low Gleason score had a significantly higher androgen receptor content than those with a high Gleason score. Androgen receptor content was not significantly correlated with extent of disease or tumor marker response at three months. Patients with 48% or more androgen receptor positive cells had a statistically significant better outcome, in terms of both progression free and cause-specific survival, than patients with less than 48% androgen receptor content. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that androgen receptor content, extent of disease and tumor marker response at three months were significant predictors of outcome.'] Is androgen receptor content of prostate carcinoma cells estimated by immunohistochemistry related to prognosis of patients with stage D2 prostate carcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.315781831741333,
-1.335405707359314,
2.6908812522888184
] |
['The pregnancy associated hormone relaxin induces loosening of the pelvic ligaments in several species. This study was undertaken to evaluate whether pregnant women with symptom-giving girdle relaxation had increased serum relaxin concentrations during pregnancy.', 'Serum relaxin concentrations were measured in 38 pregnant women with symptom-giving pelvic girdle relaxation at the time of diagnosis, in the 30th and 38th week of pregnancy as well as 2 and 6 months after delivery. Fourteen pregnant women without symptoms served as a control group. Relaxin concentrations were measured by a homologous enzyme linked immuno-sorbent assay. All participants were clinically examined including tests for symptom-giving pelvic girdle relaxation.', 'No differences in serum relaxin concentrations were found throughout pregnancy and after delivery.'] Is relaxin related to symptom-giving pelvic girdle relaxation in pregnant women? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5467007160186768,
-0.6638732552528381,
2.2929439544677734
] |
['The Mu Ner protein is a small (74 amino acids), basic, DNA-binding protein found in phage Mu. It belongs to a class of proteins, the cro and repressor proteins, that regulate the switch from the lysogenic to the lytic state of the phage life cycle. There is no significant sequence identity between Mu Ner and the cro proteins of other phages, despite their functional similarity. In addition, there is no significant sequence identity with any other DNA-binding proteins, with the exception of Ner from the related phage D108 and the Nlp protein of Escherichia coli. As the tertiary structures of Mu Ner and these two related proteins are unknown, it is clear that a three-dimensional (3D) structure of Mu Ner is essential in order to gain insight into its mode of DNA binding.', 'The 3D solution structure of Mu Ner has been solved by 3D and 4D heteronuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The structure consists of five alpha helices, two of which comprise a helix-turn-helix (HTH) motif. Analysis of line broadening and disappearance of crosspeaks in a 1H-15N correlation spectrum of the Mu Ner-DNA complex suggests that residues in these two helices are most likely to be in contact with the DNA.'] Does the solution structure of the Mu Ner protein reveal a helix-turn-helix DNA recognition motif? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4051501750946045,
-0.9215519428253174,
2.4586870670318604
] |
['A higher proportion of male offspring has been observed after transferring faster-developing embryos in a number of animal species. Therefore, we evaluated the correlation between the sex ratio of delivered babies and the cleavage stage of transferred embryos in a human IVF-ET program.', 'The sex of infants born (n = 104) after transfer of exclusively slower-cleaving < or = 3 cell (n = 41) versus exclusively faster-cleaving > or = 4 cell (n = 63) embryos was compared. Furthermore, all boys and girls resulting from IVF-ET (n = 213) were compared with respect to: the average number of cells in the embryos that were transferred, the embryo with the greatest number of cells in the cohort transferred and the percentage of embryos that were faster cleaving.', 'Thirty seven percent (15/41) of infants resulting from the transfer of exclusively slower-growing embryos were girls and 38% (24/36) of the infants from the faster-growing embryos were girls (NS). The analysis all 213 babies born after 145 embryo transfer procedures did not suggest any differences in embryo cleavage rates in embryo transfers leading to male versus female infants.'] Is sex ratio of babies unchanged after transfer of fast- versus slow-cleaving embryos? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 0 | [
1.405694603919983,
-0.5918188095092773,
-1.3838467597961426
] |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.