Task: Answer Verification
Input (English): Question: Does human upper airway epithelium produce nitric oxide in response to Staphylococcus epidermidis?
Answer: This study identifies an NO-mediated innate defense response in sinonasal epithelium elicited by S epidermidis product(s). The active bacterial product is likely a small, nonpeptide molecule that stimulates a pathway independent of bitter taste receptors. Although the NO response to S epidermidis is less vigorous compared with S aureus, the product(s) share similar characteristics. Together, the responses to staphylococci species may help explain the pathophysiology of upper respiratory infections.
Output (English): yes