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<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Liver regeneration after loss of hepatic tissue leads to hepatocyte and nonparenchymal cell proliferation and rapid restoration of liver parenchyma. Interleukin (IL)-6 is a key inducer of transcription factors involved in liver regeneration. Whenever IL-6 activates target cells, it binds to a specific IL-6 receptor (IL-6R). The IL-6/IL-6R complex then associates with the signal transducer gp130, leading to activation of intracellular signaling. We have recently constructed the designer cytokine Hyper-IL-6 consisting of soluble IL-6R covalently linked to IL-6, which directly stimulates gp130 even in the absence of membrane-bound IL-6R. We compared the influence of IL-6 and Hyper-IL-6 on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in mice. The IL-6/soluble IL-6 fusion protein Hyper-IL-6, but not IL-6 alone, led to an earlier onset of hepatocellular proliferation resulting in an acceleration of liver weight restoration. Also, during liver regeneration, soluble IL-6R levels were increased. Question: Does combined interleukin 6 and soluble interleukin 6 receptor accelerate murine liver regeneration? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> These results emphasize a central role for IL-6 and soluble IL-6R in liver regeneration and indicate a possible therapeutic potential for the designer cytokine Hyper-IL-6 in clinical situations associated with liver regeneration such as acute hepatic failure or resection of chronically damaged liver tissue.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: To explore the anti-tumor immunity in vitro induced by prostate cancer cell vaccine transfected with recombinant adenovirus encoding 4-1BBL in mice. The replication-deficient adenovirus AdEasy-1 system was used to construct recombinant adenovirus Ad-m4-1BBL and Ad-eGFP. The prostate cancer cell RM-1 of mice was transfected with Ad-m4-1BBL and Ad-eGFP, and treated with mitomycin (MMC) to produce TCV, TCV-Ad-eGFP and TCV-Ad-m4-1BBL, followed by co-culture with syngeneic murine spleen cells. Then the cytotoxic activity of the lymphocytes against RM-1 cells was analyzed with CCK-8 solution, and IL-2 and INF-gamma were detected by ELISA. The 4-1BBL protein was highly expressed in the TCV-Ad-m4-1BBL of the 4-1BBL-transfected mice. TCV-Ad-m4-1BBL significantly increased the expressions of IL-2 ([180.24 +/- 2.22] pg/ml) and INF-gamma ([1512.46 +/- 23.64] pg/ml) as compared with TCV and TCV-Ad-eGFP (P < 0.05), and induced higher RM-1 cell specific cytotoxicity ([34.24 +/- 2.64]%) than the latter two ([9.82 +/- 1.48]%) and ([14.65 +/- 3. 21]%), (P < 0.05). But none of them exhibited significant cytotoxicity against hepatocellular carcinoma Hepal-6. Question: Does [ Prostate cancer cell vaccine transfected with 4-1BBL induce anti-tumor immunity in vitro ]? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> The m4-1BBL-expressing prostate cancer cell vaccine can effectively induce anti-tumor immune responses.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Comparison between BRCA1-associated and sporadic ovarian carcinomas is a potential method to identify candidate modifier gene/s involved in the carcinogenic pathway of either or both groups. A previous study identified a significant difference in the frequency of copy number gain at 2q24-q32 by comparing BRCA1-associated and sporadic ovarian tumour specimens using comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH). The present study aimed to investigate the reported allelic imbalance at 2q24-32 by amplification of several microsatellite markers at the region by quantitative microsatellite analysis (QuMA) using Taqman at the same region identified as a site of allelic imbalance. The copy number of the genomic region in 2q24-32 was established in 21 BRCA1-associated ovarian carcinomas and 14 sporadic cases using quantitative microsatellite polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Statistical analysis was performed using permutation test analysis. A significant loss at D2S156 marker (2q24.2) (p = 0.026) compared with the other three markers at 2q24-32 was found in the sporadic cohort but not in the BRCA1-associated group (p = 0.385). Question: Does chromosome 2q24.2 is lose in sporadic but not in BRCA1-associated ovarian carcinomas? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Our data do not support the association between copy number gain at 2q24-32 and BRCA1 mutation status in ovarian cancers reported previously. The novel finding of the present study was significant loss at 2q24.2 in sporadic ovarian cancers.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Eosinophil differentiation, activation, and survival are largely regulated by IL-5. IL-5-mediated transmembrane signal transduction involves both Lyn-mitogen-activated protein kinases and Janus kinase 2-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathways. We sought to determine whether additional signaling molecules/pathways are critically involved in IL-5-mediated eosinophil survival. Eosinophil survival and apoptosis were measured in the presence and absence of IL-5 and defined pharmacologic inhibitors in vitro. The specific role of the serine/threonine kinase proviral integration site for Moloney murine leukemia virus (Pim) 1 was tested by using HIV-transactivator of transcription fusion proteins containing wild-type Pim-1 or a dominant-negative form of Pim-1. The expression of Pim-1 in eosinophils was analyzed by means of immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. Although pharmacologic inhibition of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) by LY294002, wortmannin, or the selective PI3K p110delta isoform inhibitor IC87114 was successful in each case, only LY294002 blocked increased IL-5-mediated eosinophil survival. This suggested that LY294002 inhibited another kinase that is critically involved in this process in addition to PI3K. Indeed, Pim-1 was rapidly and strongly expressed in eosinophils after IL-5 stimulation in vitro and readily detected in eosinophils under inflammatory conditions in vivo. Moreover, by using specific protein transfer, we identified Pim-1 as a critical element in IL-5-mediated antiapoptotic signaling in eosinophils. Question: Is proviral integration site for Moloney murine leukemia virus 1 , but not phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase , essential in the antiapoptotic signaling cascade initiated by IL-5 in eosinophils? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Pim-1, but not PI3K, plays a major role in IL-5-mediated antiapoptotic signaling in eosinophils.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: The lack of specific medicines and labeling recommendations for the pediatric population is a long-standing problem. Using data from an observational study of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) among pediatric inpatients, we aimed to test the hypothesis that off-label status is a risk factor for ADRs. A prospective intensive surveillance was conducted at a pediatric ward of a public teaching hospital. Adverse events to labeled and off-label use were assessed for incidence, severity and predictors. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model used to assess off-label use is a risk factor for ADR occurring. Off-label and labeled use were responsible for 34 (67%) and 17 (33%) ADRs respectively. Medicines which lacked complete pediatric labeling had the greatest odds for ADRs (9.21% of medicines in this category were implicated, OR 2.84 (95% CI 1.37-7.09). Number of off-label medicines given to patient significantly increased the hazard of an ADR (hazard ratio (HR) 1.28, 95% CI 0.43-3.78, P = 0.002). Number of medicines given also significantly increased the hazard (HR 1.2, 95% CI 0.80-1.71, P<0.001). Question: Is off-label use a risk factor for adverse drug reactions in pediatric patients? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Use of off-label medicines were more likely to be implicated in an ADR than labeled medicines. This off-label use would be acceptable if evidence of potential benefits outweighs ADRs risk.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: This study investigated whether high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels are independently associated with subclinical peripheral atherosclerosis. Clinical variables, cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, 10-year CV risk, the ankle-brachial Index (ABI), and the carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) were determined in a sample of consecutive subjects free from previous CV disease, admitted for a first visit at a lipid clinic. In the overall sample (320 subjects, mean age 63 years, 35.8% men), hs-CRP levels were associated with major CV risk factors, 10-year CV risk, lower ABI, and higher cIMT values. In a logistic model, after adjustment for significant covariates, the associations of hs-CRP levels with ABI and cIMT were no longer statistically significant. Question: Is high-sensitivity C-reactive protein independently associated with peripheral subclinical atherosclerosis? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Among asymptomatic, moderate- to-high CV risk subjects, hs-CRP levels were associated with severity of peripheral atherosclerosis, but these associations were not independent of traditional CV risk factors, suggesting a limited predictive role of hs-CRP for subclinical atherosclerosis.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is expressed at very high levels particularly in the shoulder of human atherosclerotic lesions but not in normal blood vessels. Thus, CTGF may be important in the regulation of vascular smooth muscle cell function in atherosclerosis, but its precise role remains elusive. Full-length CTGF cDNA driven by a cytomegalovirus promoter was transiently transfected into cultured human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASCs). Northern and Western analysis demonstrated that CTGF was overexpressed in these cells 48 hours after transfection. The effects of CTGF overexpression on cell proliferation were evaluated by [(3)H]thymidine uptake and cell count in quiescent HASCs or those stimulated with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Although mock transfection showed no effect, CTGF overexpression significantly inhibited cell proliferation in cells stimulated by PDGF. Moreover, CTGF overexpression, but not mock transfection, significantly increased apoptosis as assessed by DNA fragmentation associated with histone, TdT-mediated dUTP biotin nick end-labeling, and appearance of hypodiploid cells by flow cytometry. Question: Does overexpression of connective tissue growth factor gene induce apoptosis in human aortic smooth muscle cells? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Our results for the first time demonstrate that CTGF can also act as a growth inhibitor in human aortic smooth muscle cells at least in part by inducing apoptosis. This may be important for the formation and composition of lesions and plaque stability in atherosclerosis.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been considered a biochemical marker for myocarditis in Kawasaki disease. We performed this study to determine its quantitative significance. We attempted to correlate log-transformed BNP concentrations (log-BNP) and clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic variables in 81 children with Kawasaki disease. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the variables independently associated with log-BNP concentration. Serum C-reactive protein level (P<0.0001), serum alanine aminotransferase concentration (P=0.0032), white blood cell count (P=0.0030), and left ventricular mass index (P=0.0024) were positively related with log-BNP, and hemoglobin level (P<0.0001), serum albumin level (P<0.0001), Na(+) concentrations (P<0.0001), left ventricular fractional shortening (P=0.0080), and peak early diastolic tissue velocity of the left ventricular basal lateral segment (P=0.0045) were negatively related to the log-BNP concentration. Multiple regression analysis showed that serum albumin concentration (R(2)=0.31, P=0.0098) and left ventricular mass index (R(2)=0.09, P=0.0004) were significantly associated with the log-BNP concentration. Question: Is log-transformed plasma level of brain natriuretic peptide during the acute phase of Kawasaki disease quantitatively associated with myocardial dysfunction? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Elevated BNP levels during the acute phase of Kawasaki disease may be attributable to cardiac dysfunction associated with the increase in left ventricular mass, and log-BNP concentration may be a quantitative biochemical marker of myocarditis in Kawasaki disease.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: We examined whether urine reflux into the prostate can induce prostatic inflammation in a rat and evaluated the effect of α1-adrenoreceptor antagonist. Experiment 1: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with 500 µl of Evans Blue through the urethral orifice. Intravesical pressure was measured, and the prostate was excised to evaluate urine reflux. Experiment 2: Rats were injected with 500 µl urine or saline (control) from the urethral orifice. Silodosin (200 µg/kg/day) was administered to the silodosin group. We evaluated histopathology, the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers of the prostate on day 7, after assessing the prostatic microcirculation and cystometrogram. Experiment 1: The histopathology showed that Evans Blue instilled through the urethral orifice entered the prostatic ducts. Intravesical pressure during Evans Blue instillation was 47.7 ± 1.6 cmH Question: Does intraprostatic Reflux of Urine induce Inflammation in a Rat? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Urine reflux into the prostatic duct induces abacterial prostatitis. Silodosin relieved prostatic inflammation and bladder overactivity by increasing microcirculation in the prostate. Prostate © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: This study examined effects and functional outcome of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) and carbamylated erythropoietin fusion protein (cEPO-FC) preconditioning in a rabbit model for spinal cord ischemia and resulting paraplegia. This model was chosen because only a small surgical effect is needed to cause paraplegia in rabbits, which facilitates postoperative observation of animals. Anesthetized but spontaneously breathing New Zealand White rabbits randomly received cEPO-FC (50 μg/kg; n = 8), rhEPO (5000 IU/kg; n = 10), or vehicle (control; n = 10) 30 minutes before and after infrarenal aortic clamping. Ideal clamping time of 22 minutes was identified from preceding clamping tests (15-25 minutes). Postoperative observation time was 96 hours. Spinal cord function was assessed by neurologic evaluation of hind limb motor function every 12 hours using a modified Tarlov score. Spinal cord tissue damage was evaluated after 96 hours using hematoxylin and eosin, elastica van Gieson, Nissl, Masson-Goldner, and hemosiderin staining. Plasma levels of cell senescence markers stathmin, chitinase 1/3, elongation factor 1-α were determined. Rabbits that received rhEPO showed significant improvement of spontaneous lower limb movements until 36 hours of reperfusion and improved histologic scores upon examination of the lumbar spinal cord compared with the control group. In contrast, cEPO-FC treatment showed comparable outcome to the control group concerning movements of the lower limbs and histology. Senescence markers were elevated in the control group, but not in the treatment groups, except for chitinase 3 in the rhEPO group. Only stathmin showed no significant effect. Markers for senescence might increase after acute ischemic injury. Attenuation of senescence markers might not come alone from improvement of the spinal cord. Question: Does erythropoietin preconditioning improve clinical and histologic outcome in an acute spinal cord ischemia and reperfusion rabbit model? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Preconditioning with rhEPO attenuates ischemia/reperfusion injury of the spinal cord, whereas the carbamylated derivative (cEPO-FC) showed no positive effect on spinal cord function.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) frequently complicates lung transplantation in the immediate postoperative period. Both female gender and estradiol modulate the body's response to injury and can influence the rate of alveolar fluid clearance. We hypothesized that female gender and higher estradiol levels would be associated with a lower risk of PGD after lung transplantation. We measured plasma estradiol levels preoperatively, 6 hours postoperatively, and 24 hours postoperatively in a cohort of 111 lung transplant recipients at 2 institutions. Mean age was 57 years (12.5) and 52% were female. Median postoperative estradiol level was 63.9 pg/mL (interquartile range, 28.8-154.3 pg/mL) in male and 65.1 pg/mL (interquartile range, 28.4-217.2 pg/mL) in female patients. Contrary to our hypothesis, higher estradiol levels at 24 hours were associated with an increased risk of PGD at 72 hours in male patients (P = 0.001). This association was preserved when accounting for other factors known to be associated with PGD. However, there was no relationship between gender and risk of PGD or between estradiol levels and PGD in females. Question: Do postoperative estradiol levels associate with development of primary graft dysfunction in lung transplantation patients? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> These findings suggest that there might be different biologic effects of estrogens in males and females, and highlight the importance of considering gender differences in future studies of PGD.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: The capacity of the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor efavirenz to induce either liver CYP3A4 or intestinal CYP3A4, or both, as well as intestinal P-glycoprotein, was evaluated in healthy volunteers during and after a 10-day treatment course with two different daily doses. Cohorts of 12 healthy subjects were randomized (2:1) to receive either efavirenz or placebo orally for 10 days. The first cohort received 200 mg efavirenz and the second cohort received 400 mg efavirenz daily. Liver CYP3A4 activity was evaluated on 9 different occasions with use of the erythromycin breath test (ERMBT). Intestinal biopsy specimens were obtained before the first dose of efavirenz and on the day after administration of the last dose to measure intestinal CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein contents by immunoblotting. Efavirenz plasma levels were measured by HPLC, and pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by standard noncompartmental methods. Efavirenz significantly increased the mean ERMBT result in a dose- and time-dependent manner, with a 55% mean induction at 400 mg and a 33% mean induction at 200 mg (P <.01, compared with placebo for each treatment). The efavirenz AUC on day 10 correlated with the magnitude of induction (day 11/day 1 ERMBT ratio) when the two dose groups were combined (r = 0.509; P =.04). In contrast, efavirenz treatment had no detectable effect on intestinal CYP3A4 or P-glycoprotein. Question: Does hepatic but not intestinal CYP3A4 display dose-dependent induction by efavirenz in humans? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Efavirenz is an inducer of liver CYP3A4 in healthy volunteers, and interpatient differences in magnitude of induction is partly explained by variation in systemic drug exposure. However, efavirenz did not appear to induce intestinal CYP3A4 or intestinal P-glycoprotein. These results suggest that drug interactions caused by induction of CYP3A4 can be liver specific.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: At the time of lung transplant, we routinely perform bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of the donor lungs on the recipient operating table immediately before implantation, for bacterial and fungal cultures. We sought to determine whether the results correlate with the outcome. We retrospectively analysed 115 consecutive cadaveric lung transplants (single lung: 42; bilateral lung: 63; heart-lung: 10) performed over 4 years. Fifty-three (46%) grafts had positive BAL (bacteria: 33; fungus: 10; mixed: 10) and 62 (54%) were negative. Recipients with donor BAL culture positive for bacteria had lower mean oxygenation index in the first 6 h compared with those with negative bacterial culture (36.5+/-14.73 vs. 44.1+/-16.79 kPa) (P=0.019). They also had longer median intensive treatment unit stay (2.5 vs. 1.5 days) (P=0.035), and median time of mechanical ventilation (37.5 vs. 23.0 h) (P=0.008), as well as inferior 6-month, 1-year, 2-year and 4-year cumulative survival (79, 77, 74, 60% vs. 93, 92, 88, 79% respectively) (P=0.04). There was no difference in the above parameters between recipients with Gram-negative (n=18) and recipients with Gram-positive bacteria (n=19) in the donor BAL. Incidence of acute rejection within the first 2 weeks and time of onset of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) were similar in the bacteria-positive and bacteria-negative groups. Recipients with donor BAL positive for fungi alone had similar outcome with the negatives. There was no difference in the donor oxygenation index and age, recipient age, transplant type and ischaemic time between compared groups. There was a significant difference in the median length of donor mechanical ventilation between donors with Gram-positive and donors with Gram-negative bacteria in the BAL (24 vs. 48 h) (P=0.01), as well as between donors with fungi alone in the BAL and donors with negative BAL (67 vs. 48 h) (P=0.04). Question: Is bacterial colonization of the donor lower airways a predictor of poor outcome in lung transplantation? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Donor lungs with lower airways colonized with bacteria result in inferior recipient outcome. Bacterial colonization of the donor lower airways could therefore be used as a marker of donor lung injury, but evidence from a prospective study is necessary.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: In this study we compare outlier loci detected using a FST based method with those identified by a recently described method based on spatial analysis (SAM). We tested a panel of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously genotyped in individuals of goat breeds of southern areas of the Mediterranean basin (Italy, Greece and Albania). We evaluate how the SAM method performs with SNPs, which are increasingly employed due to their high number, low cost and easy of scoring. The combined use of the two outlier detection approaches, never tested before using SNP polymorphisms, resulted in the identification of the same three loci involved in milk and meat quality data by using the two methods, while the FST based method identified 3 more loci as under selection sweep in the breeds examined. Question: Do landscape genomics and biased FST approaches reveal single nucleotide polymorphisms under selection in goat breeds of North-East Mediterranean? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Data appear congruent by using the two methods for FST values exceeding the 99% confidence limits. The methods of FST and SAM can independently detect signatures of selection and therefore can reduce the probability of finding false positives if employed together. The outlier loci identified in this study could indicate adaptive variation in the analysed species, characterized by a large range of climatic conditions in the rearing areas and by a history of intense trade, that implies plasticity in adapting to new environments.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: To confirm that leukocyte immunotherapy stimulates the production of cardiolipin antibodies and to relate changes to pregnancy outcome. Fifty patients with idiopathic recurrent abortion were studied. Thirty-six patients received injections of their partners' leukocytes; 14, injected with their own cells, served as controls. Cardiolipin antibodies were measured a month before and after leukocyte immunization. Patients who became pregnant were immunized a second time in early pregnancy, and cardiolipin antibodies were again measured a month later. Thirty-six patients immunized with their partners' leukocytes showed no appreciable change in cardiolipin antibody levels a month after vaccination. Twenty-nine of them subsequently became pregnant and were immunized again in early pregnancy: again, no change in cardiolipin antibody level was observed. There was no difference between the minority who aborted again and the majority who subsequently had successful pregnancies nor between those who responded to immunotherapy by producing cytotoxic antilymphocyte antibodies and those who did not. Question: Are cardiolipin antibody levels influenced by leukocyte immunotherapy in patients experiencing recurrent spontaneous abortion? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Leukocyte immunotherapy does not stimulate cardiolipin antibody production in women with normal pretreatment levels of the autoantibody.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: This study tested the hypothesis that women exposed to childhood abuse or neglect would have an increased likelihood of reporting hot flashes and night sweats during the menopausal transition. This hypothesis was evaluated in 332 white and African American women participating in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation Mental Health Study, a prospective investigation of women transitioning through menopause. Childhood abuse and neglect were measured once with the Child Trauma Questionnaire. Vasomotor symptoms (any/none hot flashes, night sweats) were reported annually over 8 years. Associations between maltreatment and vasomotor symptoms were estimated with generalized estimating equations. Childhood abuse or neglect was associated with increased reporting of hot flashes (odds ratio = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.23-2.43) and night sweats (odds ratio = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.26-2.43) in age-adjusted models. Results persisted in multivariable models and across several types of abuse and neglect. Question: Is childhood abuse or neglect associated with increased vasomotor symptom reporting among midlife women? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> The experience of childhood abuse and neglect is associated with increased vasomotor symptom reporting in adulthood. The sequelae of childhood abuse and neglect may persist well into adulthood to influence the occurrence of vasomotor symptoms at midlife.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: The traditional view of general practice holds that only general practitioners (GPs) in full-time clinical practice can provide quality patient care. Nevertheless, increasing numbers of GPs are choosing to work sessionally, that is, ostensibly "part-time". There are concerns about the health workforce's ability to meet demand and also fears that patient care may be compromised. We sought answers to a) what activities do GPs undertake when not consulting patients, b) why do they choose to work sessionally, and c) does sessional general practice reflect a lack of commitment to patients and the profession? Semi-structured interviews were conducted with GPs who worked sessionally, (i.e. six or fewer sessions a week in clinical general practice, where a session comprises four consecutive hours of patient care). These data were analysed qualitatively and saturation was reached. The majority of participants were in full-time paid employment, while part-time in clinical general practice. They reported that consultations increasingly required the management of patients with complex, chronic conditions who also required psychological management. Coupled with unrealistic patient expectations, these factors led GPs to be concerned about maintaining the quality patient care they considered professionally desirable. Many diversified their work activities to ensure that they retained their professional standards. Question: Are "part-time" general practitioners workforce idlers or committed professionals? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> "Part-time" general practice is a misnomer that masks the contribution these GPs make as part of the health workforce. Sessional practice more accurately describes the nature of our participants' clinical work. Their choice of sessional work is a professional response to the increasing demands within the consultation. It enables GPs to maintain their commitment to quality patient care and their profession, while attenuating the challenges of demanding consultations. Sessional general practitioners demonstrate strong commitment to their patients and the profession.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Contrast enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) with T1 mapping enables quantification of diffuse myocardial fibrosis. Various factors, however, can interfere with T1 measurements. The purpose of the current study was to assess the effect of co-medication with a typical protein binding drug (ibuprofen) on T1 values in vitro and in vivo. 50 vials were prepared with different concentrations of gadobenate dimeglumine, ibuprofen and human serum albumin in physiologic NaCl solution and imaged at 1.5T with a spin echo sequence at multiple TRs to measure T1 values and calculate relaxivities. 10 volunteers (5 men; 31 ± 6.3 years) were imaged at 1.5T. T1 values for myocardium and blood pool were determined for various time points after administration of 0.15 mmol/kg gadobenate dimeglumine using a modified look-locker inversion-recovery sequence before and after administration of ibuprofen over 24 hours. The partition coefficient was calculated as ΔR1myocardium/ΔR1blood, where R1=1/T1. In vitro no significant correlation was found between relaxivity and ibuprofen concentration, neither in absence (r=-0.15, p=0.40) nor in presence of albumin (r=-0.32, p=0.30). In vivo there was no significant difference in post contrast T1 times of myocardium and blood, respectively and also in the partition coefficient between exam 1 and 2 (p>0.05). There was good agreement of the T1 times of myocardium and blood and the partition coefficient, respectively between exam 1 and 2. Question: Does the protein binding substance ibuprofen affect the T1 time or partition coefficient in contrast-enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Contrast enhanced T1 mapping is unaffected by co-medication with the protein binding substance ibuprofen and has an excellent reproducibility.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: There is a major deficiency in the end-of-life care offered to patients dying in the intensive care unit (ICU). Hospitalized dying patients had informed discussions on end-of-life and palliative care options before admission to ICU. A descriptive non-interventional study was performed at a teaching hospital to examine if patients who died in hospital had informed discussions on end-of-life care before admission to ICU. The impact of these discussions on subsequent patient care: aggressive therapy in the ICU, the quality of palliation, use of hospice care services and utilization of hospital resources were examined. Data were collected from medical records for all hospital deaths over 24 months. Of 252 hospital deaths, 196 (78%) were treated and subsequently 165 (65%) died in the ICU. Patients treated either in the ICU or general hospital wards had similar frequency of ultimately or rapidly fatal pre-existing disease (47% versus 62%, P: ns) and readmission to hospital within one year before death (43% versus 57%, P, ns). The median age (10-90% percentile) was slightly younger for the ICU than hospital wards patients: 73 (45-85) versus 76 (55-91) years, P<0.01. Of the 156 patients who were transferred to ICU from hospital wards: 136 (87%) were managed by house staff on teaching services and 20 (13%) were managed by attending staff hospitalists, P<0.01. None of those transferred to the ICU who subsequently died had discussion of palliation or end-of-life care as an alternative treatment. Of those who died who were treated on general wards, 14 (25%) patients had discussion of palliation as an alternative treatment option before death. Do-not-resuscitate decisions were made in 48% of cases two days before death. Patients who were treated in the ICU had more invasive tests performed on them and were less likely to have adequate pain control or referral to hospice care services than on a general ward. Median hospital charge was much higher for patients who received ICU versus general ward care (33,252 dollars versus 8549 dollars, P<0.001). Question: Admission to intensive care unit at the end-of-life: is it an informed decision? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Patients who died in the ICU did not have informed discussions of end-of-life or palliative care as an alternative treatment option before admission. The quality of end-of-life care was disrupted for patients with fatal pre-existing chronic disease who were admitted to the ICU before death. Lack of clinical experience, knowledge and competency with end-of-life care influenced admission of patients to ICU regardless of poor prognosis. Decisions regarding the pursuit of aggressive therapy versus palliative care must be addressed with patients by physicians who are competent and experienced in end-of-life care as this will have a profound impact on both the quality of care delivered and effective use of limited hospital resources.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: The ether à go-go (Eag) channel has been shown to be overexpressed in a variety of cancers. However, the expression and function of Eag in osteosarcoma are poorly understood. In addition, the molecular mechanisms responsible for Eag overexpression in cancer cells remain unclear. The expression of Eag in human osteosarcoma cell line MG-63 was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. The effect of Eag inhibition on MG-63 cell proliferation was assessed in vitro. The effect of short hairpin RNA (shRNA) mediated knockdown of Eag on osteosarcoma growth was evaluated in xenograft model in vivo. The activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and p53 in MG-63 cells was detected by Western blot analysis. Eag was overexpressed in MG-63 cells. Imipramine or Eag shRNA significantly suppressed the proliferation of MG-63 cells in vitro and in vivo. MG-63 cell proliferation was specifically inhibited by p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 or small interference RNA (siRNA). The inhibition of p38 MAPK activation by SB203580 or siRNA reduced Eag protein level but increased p53 protein level. Moreover, the activation of p53 by nutlin-3 induced cell growth arrest in MG-63 cells and reduced Eag protein level, while the inactivation of p53 by pifithrin-alpha (PFT-α) promoted MG-63 cell growth and increased Eag protein expression. Question: Does p38 MAPK regulate the expression of ether à go-go potassium channel in human osteosarcoma cells? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Eag channel functions as an oncogene to promote the proliferation of human osteosarocma cells. Furthermore, the high expression of Eag in osteosarcoma cells is regulated by p38 MAPK/p53 pathway.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Acute pancreatitis is associated with stress kinase activation and cytokine production. We hypothesize that bile-pancreatic juice exclusion activates p38(MAPK) and induces TNF-alpha production in ligation-induced acute pancreatitis. We compared rats with 1-3 h of duct ligation, duct ligation with duodenal bile-pancreatic juice replacement from a donor rat, and sham operation. Pancreatic homogenates were analyzed as follows: (a) Immunoblots using phospho-specific p38(MAPK) antibody showed increased p38(MAPK) activation after ligation that was inhibited by bile-pancreatic juice replacement. (b) Immune-complex kinase assay using ATF-2 as substrate showed increased p38(MAPK) activation after ligation that was subdued by bile-pancreatic juice replacement. (c) ELISA showed increased pancreatic TNF-alpha production after ligation that was significantly ameliorated by bile-pancreatic juice replacement. Question: Does bile-pancreatic juice exclusion increase p38MAPK activation and TNF-alpha production in ligation-induced acute pancreatitis in rats? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Bile-pancreatic juice exclusion from gut increases p38(MAPK) activation and TNF-alpha production in this experimental model. Our findings support our central hypothesis that bile-pancreatic juice exclusion exacerbates cell stress and acute inflammation in ligation-induced acute pancreatitis.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Progestins can have profound effects on seizure processes. However, the effects and mechanisms of progestins to modulate seizures have not been systematically investigated. The present studies were designed to characterize the effects of progestins to modulate pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures in female rats. In Experiment 1, ictal activity and plasma and hippocampal progesterone (P) and 5alpha-pregnan-3alpha-ol-20-one (3alpha,5alpha-THP) levels of proestrous rats were compared with those of diestrous and ovariectomized (ovx) rats. Experiments 2 and 3 examined effects of ovx and replacement with vehicle, P, or 3alpha,5alpha-THP, systemically (Experiment 2) or to the hippocampus (Experiment 3) on seizures and plasma and hippocampal P and 3alpha,5alpha-THP concentrations. Proestrous rats had reduced ictal activity and increased levels of P and 3alpha,5alpha-THP in plasma and hippocampus compared with diestrous or ovx rats (Experiment 1). Rats administered systemic P or 3alpha,5alpha-THP had significantly reduced ictal activity and increased plasma and hippocampal P and 3alpha,5alpha-THP levels compared with vehicle-administered rats (Experiment 2). Administration of P or 3alpha,5alpha-THP to the hippocampus of ovx rats significantly reduced seizure activity and increased hippocampal, but not plasma, levels of P and 3alpha,5alpha-THP compared with vehicle administration (Experiment 3). Question: Do progestins in the hippocampus of female rats have antiseizure effects in a pentylenetetrazole seizure model? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Together, these data suggest that P can have antiseizure effects, and these effects may be due in part to actions of its metabolite, 3alpha,5alpha-THP, in the hippocampus.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Previous studies indicate leukocytes play a role in the pathogenesis of cerebral arterial air embolism. Because doxycycline inhibits numerous leukocyte activities, the authors hypothesized doxycycline would decrease neurologic impairment after cerebral arterial air embolism. New Zealand White rabbits anesthetized with methohexital received either intravenous saline (n = 7) or 10 mg/kg doxycycline (n = 7) 1 h before administration of 100 microl/kg of air into the internal carotid artery. Somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEPs) were recorded at 30-min intervals for the next 2 h. After the final recording, the anesthetic was discontinued, and animals recovered. Animals were neurologically evaluated 4 h after air embolism on a scale of 0 (normal) to 99 (coma) points. At 4 h, doxycycline animals had lesser neurologic impairment (46 +/- 23; median, 41) than animals that received saline (77 +/- 20; median, 81); P = 0.007. SSEP amplitude was greater in the doxycycline group at 60, 90, and 120 min after air embolism; P = 0.001, 0.006, 0.026, respectively. SSEP amplitudes at 30, 60, 90, and 120 min inversely correlated with 4 h neurologic impairment; tau = -0.43, -0.75, -0.85, -0.79, respectively. Question: Does doxycycline reduce early neurologic impairment after cerebral arterial air embolism in the rabbit? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Doxycycline decreased electrophysiologic and neurologic abnormalities after cerebral air embolism. Because groups could be distinguished electrophysiologically as soon as 1 h after air embolism and because SSEP amplitude inversely correlated with neurologic impairment, doxycycline appears to inhibit a key early (approximately 1 h) process in the pathophysiology of cerebral air embolism.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: To determine the effect of immediate two-dimensional echocardiography on the time to diagnosis, survival rate, and neurologic outcome of patients with penetrating cardiac injury. A ten-year retrospective review. Regional trauma center serving a population base of 1.25 million with 85,000 visits yearly. All patients presenting to the emergency department with penetrating cardiac injury. The records of 49 patients with penetrating cardiac injury were reviewed. Of these, 28 received immediate two-dimensional echocardiography in the ED (echo group) and 21 did not (nonecho group). The probability of survival was derived using TRISS methodology. Differences between groups were determined using either the two sample t-test for parametric data or the Mann-Whitney test for nonparametric data. The overall probability of survival was 33.2%, and the actual survival rate was 81.6%. The probability of survival was 34.2% and 31.8% for the echo group and nonecho group, respectively. The actual survival was 100% in the echo group and 57.1% in the nonecho group. The average time to diagnosis and disposition for surgical intervention was 15.5 +/- 11.4 minutes for the echo group and 42.4 +/- 21.7 minutes for the nonecho group (P less than .001). The Glasgow Outcome Score was 5.0 for the echo group and 4.2 for the nonecho group (P = .007). Question: Does emergency department echocardiography improve outcome in penetrating cardiac injury? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Since the introduction of immediate ED two-dimensional echocardiography, the time to diagnosis of penetrating cardiac injury has decreased and both the survival rate and neurologic outcome of survivors has improved.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: The objective of this report is to conduct short- and long-term evaluation of a large panel of antiphospholipid (aPL) autoantibodies following pandemic influenza A/H1N1 non-adjuvant vaccine in primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) patients and healthy controls. Forty-five PAPS and 33 healthy controls were immunized with H1N1 vaccine. They were prospectively assessed at pre-vaccination, and three weeks and six months after vaccination. aPL autoantibodies were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and included IgG/IgM: anticardiolipin (aCL), anti-beta2glycoprotein I (anti-β2GPI); anti-annexin V, anti-phosphatidyl serine and anti-prothrombin antibodies. Anti-Sm was determined by ELISA and anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) by indirect immunofluorescence. Arterial and venous thrombosis were also clinically assessed. Pre-vaccination frequency of at least one aPL antibody was significantly higher in PAPS patients versus controls (58% vs. 24%, p = 0.0052). The overall frequencies of aPL antibody at pre-vaccination, and three weeks and six months after immunization remained unchanged in patients (p = 0.89) and controls (p = 0.83). The frequency of each antibody specificity for patients and controls remained stable in the three evaluated periods (p>0.05). At three weeks, two PAPS patients developed a new but transient aPL antibody (aCL IgG and IgM), whereas at six months new aPL antibodies were observed in six PAPS patients and none had high titer. Anti-Sm and anti-dsDNA autoantibodies were uniformly negative and no new arterial or venous thrombosis were observed throughout the study. Question: Pandemic influenza immunization in primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS): a trigger to thrombosis and autoantibody production? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> This is the first study to demonstrate that pandemic influenza vaccine in PAPS patients does not trigger short- and long-term thrombosis or a significant production of aPL-related antibodies (ClinicalTrials.gov, #NCT01151644).

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan-4 (CSPG4) is commonly expressed in melanoma cells and induces melanoma cell proliferation and migration by enhancement of activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1, 2 (ERK1,2) pathway. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) -protein kinase B (AKT) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways are also frequently de-regulated in melanoma. We hypothesized that CSPG4, by sustained activation of PI3K, may reduce the effect of the dual inhibition of PI3K-AKT and mTOR pathways. CSPG4-negative melanoma cell line WM1552C was transfected with CSPG4 and CSPG4 lacking cytoplasmic domain (melanoma-associated chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (MCSP)ΔCD). To assess the effect of CSPG4 on the mTOR pathway, PF-5212384, a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor was used. Cell proliferation and downstream signaling from mTOR was assayed in the presence of CSPG4. Forced CSPG4 expression did not provide any protection to melanoma cells from the pharmacological inhibition of mTOR pathway in vitro. In addition, we demonstrated that inhibition of signaling molecules downstream of AKT and mTOR was not diminished in the presence of CSPG4 when the cells were treated with the PI3K/mTOR inhibitor. Question: Does chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan-4 protect melanoma cells during inhibition of PI3K and mTOR pathways? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> CSPG4 expression does not have any impact on survival and signaling activity of melanoma cells during PI3K/mTOR inhibition.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Upper gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas are a common cause of cancer-related deaths. In this study, the authors investigated the prevalence and biological significance of Aurora Kinase A (AURKA) overexpression in upper gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemical staining on tumor tissue microarrays (TMA) were used to study the expression of AURKA in upper gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas. To investigate the biological and signaling impact of AURKA, the authors used multiple in vitro assays that included 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick-end labeling), cytochrome C release, flow cytometry, luciferase reporter, and Western blot analysis. Frequent overexpression of AURKA transcript in upper gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas was detected compared with normal samples (47%; P= .001). The immunohistochemical analysis of 130 tumors demonstrated moderate-to-strong immunostaining of AURKA in >50% of upper gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas. By using camptothecin as a drug-induced apoptosis in vitro model, the authors demonstrated that the expression of AURKA provided protection against apoptosis to gastrointestinal cancer cells (AGS and RKO) (P= .006) and RIE-1 primary intestinal epithelial cells (P= .001). The AURKA overexpression mediated an increase in phosphorylation of AKT(Ser473) with an increase in HDM2 level. The shRNA-knockdown of AKT in AURKA-overexpressing cells reversed this effect and showed a significant increase in the p53 protein level, indicating a possible nexus of AURKA/AKT/p53. Indeed, overexpression of AURKA led to a remarkable reduction in the transcription activity of p53, with subsequent reductions in transcript and protein levels of its downstream proapoptotic transcription targets (p21, BAX, NOXA, and PUMA). Question: Does frequent overexpression of Aurora Kinase A in upper gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas correlate with potent antiapoptotic functions? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Study results indicated that AURKA provides potent antiapoptotic properties to gastrointestinal cells by regulating levels of p53 through the AKT/HDM2 axis.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Human urotensin II (hUII) is an endocrine hormone that acts as a potent arterial vasoconstrictor in both in vitro and in vivo studies in animals. We examined, for the first time, the local and systemic hemodynamic response to hUII in man in vivo. Four healthy male volunteers took part in pilot studies and 11 in definitive studies. Forearm blood flow (FBF) was measured in response to intra-arterial infusion of authentic, biologically active hUII (incremental rates of 0.001-300 pmol min(-1)) and saline placebo using venous occlusion plethysmography. Blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac output and hUII plasma concentrations were also measured. Forearm studies were repeated in five subjects with inhibition of endothelial mediators using aspirin and a "nitric oxide clamp". Dorsal hand vein diameter was determined by a standard displacement technique in response to local administration of hUII (3-300 pmol min(-1)) with and without nitric oxide synthase inhibition. There was no significant change in FBF during brachial infusion of saline or hUII (dose range, 0.001 to 300 pmol min(-1)). A nitric oxide clamp did not unmask vasoactive effects of hUII. Human UII infusions (100 and 300 pmol min(-1)) significantly increased plasma hUII concentrations from baseline (12 +/- 3 pmol l(-1)) to 106 +/- 15 and 307 +/- 98 pmol l(-1), respectively. Despite high circulating hUII concentrations, no change was seen in systemic hemodynamics and ECGs were unchanged. Human UII had no effect on hand vein diameter (n=6). Question: Do high plasma concentrations of human urotensin II alter local or systemic hemodynamics in man? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> In contrast to our hypothesised role of hUII, we found no vasoactive responses to hUII in vivo, consistent with recent in vitro studies in human blood vessels, but in contrast to non-human primate studies in vivo. Our data do not support a key role for hUII in the regulation of vascular tone and resting blood pressure in man. However, studies with hUII receptor antagonists are also needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: The incorporation of sex and gender-specific analysis in medical research is increasing due to pressure from public agencies, funding bodies, and the clinical and research community. However, generations of knowledge and publication trends in this discipline are currently spread over distinct specialties and are difficult to analyze comparatively. Using a text-mining approach, we have analysed sex and gender aspects in research within nine clinical subspecialties--Cardiology, Pulmonology, Nephrology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Haematology, Oncology, Rheumatology, Neurology--using six paradigmatic diseases in each one. Articles have been classified into five pre-determined research categories--Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Clinical research, Management and Outcomes. Additional information has been collected on the type of study (human/animal) and the number of subjects included. Of the 8,836 articles initially retrieved, 3,466 (39%) included sex and gender-specific research and have been further analysed. Literature incorporating sex/gender analysis increased over time and displays a stronger trend if compared to overall publication increase. All disciplines, but cardiology (22%), demonstrated an underrepresentation of research about gender differences in management, which ranges from 3 to 14%. While the use of animal models for identification of sex differences in basic research varies greatly among disciplines, studies involving human subjects are frequently conducted in large cohorts with more than 1,000 patients (24% of all human studies). Question: Does analysis of sex and gender-specific research reveal a common increase in publications and marked differences between disciplines? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Heterogeneity characterizes sex and gender-specific research. Although large cohorts are often analysed, sex and gender differences in clinical management are insufficiently investigated leading to potential inequalities in health provision and outcomes.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Traditionally, VO(2peak) has been used to determine prognosis in heart failure; however, this measure has limitations. Hence, other exercise and gas exchange parameters measured submaximally, e.g. breathing efficiency (V(E)/VCO(2)), end-tidal CO(2) (P(ET)CO(2)), oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES), and circulatory power [ systolic blood pressure (SBP)], have been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic relevance of submaximal exercise gas exchange in heart failure patients. Method and results One hundred and thirty-two consecutive heart failure patients (mean age 56 ± 12 years, ejection fraction 29 ± 11%) performed peak treadmill testing. Gas exchange and haemodynamic variables were measured continuously. Gas exchange data obtained from the first 2 min of exercise and at a respiratory exchange ratio (RER) of 0.9 were the measurements of interest. Over a median follow-up period of 62.4 (range 0-114) months, there were 44 endpoints (death or transplant). Univariate analysis demonstrated submaximal predictors of survival, which included V(E)/VCO(2) slope and ratio, P(ET)CO(2), OUES, and circulatory power (P ≤ 0.01). When these and additional submaximal variables were included together in the multivariable analysis, the strongest submaximal exercise predictive model (C-statistic 0.75) comprised data from the first stage of exercise (V(E) and circulatory power) and at an RER of 0.9 (V(E)/VCO(2) ratio). The inclusion of VO(2 peak) and demographic data, with submaximal data (V(E)/VCO(2) ratio at an RER = 0.9), increased the predictiveness of the model (C-statistic 0.78). Question: Is submaximal exercise gas exchange an important prognostic tool to predict adverse outcomes in heart failure? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Submaximal exercise measures provide useful prognostic information for predicting survival in heart failure. This form of testing is logistically easier, cheaper, and safer for patients compared with maximal exercise.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: To examine the effects of pharmacologic agents designed to limit burn-mediated calcium overload on cardiomyocyte [Ca2+] and cardiac contractile function. Experimental, comparative study. Cellular biology and physiology laboratory. Adult Sprague Dawley rats. Rats were given third-degree burn injury over 40% of the total body surface area, were fluid resuscitated, and then were divided randomly to receive one of five treatments: vehicle (normal saline); amiloride (50 mg/kg) to inhibit H+-Na+ exchange and subsequent Na+-Ca2+ exchange; dantrolene (10 mg/kg, 30 mins, 6 and 22 hrs postburn) to inhibit sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release; diltiazem (10 mg/kg given over first 6 hrs postburn); or amlodipine (0.07 mg/kg, 24 hrs preburn and 30 mins postburn) to block calcium slow channels. Appropriate controls (sham burns given the appropriate pharmacologic agent) were included in each group. Twenty-four hrs postburn, left ventricular function (Langendorff), cardiomyocyte [Ca2+]i and [Na+]i measured by fura-2-AM or sodium-binding benzofurzan isophthalate loading of cardiomyocytes, and myocyte secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) were assessed in shams and burns from each experimental group. This time point was selected based on our previous work confirming maximal ventricular contractile defects and maximal cytokine secretion 24 hrs postburn. Burn trauma increased myocyte [Ca2+]i and [Na+]i, promoted tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion by cardiomyocytes, and impaired left ventricular function. All pharmacologic agents reduced the burn-mediated Ca2+/Na+ accumulation in cardiomyocytes and ablated burn-mediated tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion by myocytes; in contrast, dantrolene and amiloride provided significantly greater cardioprotection than pharmacologic agents that specifically targeted Ca2+ slow channels (diltiazem and amlodipine). Question: Do cardiomyocyte intracellular calcium and cardiac dysfunction after burn trauma? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Our data suggest that the calcium antagonists used in this study provide cardioprotection by modulating several aspects of the overall inflammatory cascade rather than solely limiting cardiomyocyte accumulation of calcium.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in pharmacotherapy-resistant neuropsychiatric conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ECT in adolescents with first-episode psychosis. This case-control study was conducted in inpatients aged 13-20 years with first-episode psychosis. Every three similar age and same gender patients consecutively recruited were randomly allocated to control and ECT group at a ratio of 1:2, while they had antipsychotic treatment. ECT treatment was performed for 3 sessions per week with a maximum of 14 sessions. The endpoint was discharge from hospital. Clinical outcomes were measured using hospital stay days, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and response rate. Polysomnography (PSG) was conducted at baseline and at week 2. Safety and tolerability were also evaluated. Between March 2004 and November 2009, 112 eligible patients were allocated to control (n=38) and ECT (n=74) group. Additional ECT treatment significantly reduced hospital stay compared to controls (23.2±8.2 days versus 27.3±9.3 days, mean±SD, P=0.018). Survival analysis revealed that the ECT-treated group had a significantly higher cumulative response rate than controls (74.3% versus 50%, relative risk (RR)=1.961, P=0.001). Additional ECT also produced significantly greater improvement in sleep efficiency, rapid eye movement (REM) latency and density than control condition. The PSG improvement significantly correlated with reduction in scores on overall PANSS, positive symptoms, and general psychopathology. No patients discontinued ECT treatment regimen during hospital stay. The incidence of most adverse events was not different in the two groups, but ECT-treated group had more complaints of transient headache and dizziness than controls. Question: Does electroconvulsive therapy improve antipsychotic and somnographic responses in adolescents with first-episode psychosis -- a case-control study? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> ECT is an effective and safe intervention used in adolescents with first-episode psychosis. Its antipsychotic effects are associated with improved PSG variables. ECT can be considered as an early psychosis intervention.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Presently the necessity of fasting time for coagulation tests is not standardized. Our hypothesis is that this can harm patient safety. This study is aimed at evaluating whether a light meal (i.e. breakfast) can jeopardize laboratory coagulation tests. A blood sample was firstly collected from 17 fasting volunteers (12 h). Immediately after blood collection, the volunteers consumed a light meal. Then samples were collected at 1, 2 and 4 h after the meal. Coagulation tests included: activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), fibrinogen (Fbg), antithrombin III (AT), protein C (PC) and protein S (PS). Differences between samples were assessed by Wilcoxon ranked-pairs test. The level of statistical significance was set at P<0.05. Mean % differences were determined and differences between and baseline and 1, 2 and 4h samples were compared with reference change value (RCV). A significantly higher % activity of AT was observed at 1 h and 4 h after meal vs. baseline specimen [113 (104-117) and 111 (107-120) vs. 109 (102-118), respectively; P = 0.029 and P = 0.016]. APTT at 2 h was found significantly lower than baseline samples [32.0 (29.9-34.8) vs. 34.1 (32.2-35.2), respectively; P = 0.041]. The results of both Fbg and PS tests were not influenced by a light meal. Furthermore, no coagulation tests had significant variation after comparison with RCV. Question: Could light meal jeopardize laboratory coagulation tests? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> A light meal does not influence the laboratory coagulation tests we assessed, but we suggest that the laboratory quality managers standardize the fasting time for all blood tests at 12 hours, to completely metabolize the lipids intake.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: To compare the strength of evidence from epidemiologic studies of secondhand smoke of the US Surgeon General's 1986 conclusion that secondhand smoke caused lung cancer with the California Environmental Protection Agency's (CalEPA) similar 2005 conclusion on breast cancer in younger, primarily premenopausal women. We reviewed each report for criteria used to assess causality: numbers of studies, statistically significant increases in risk, and pooled summary risk estimates. Both the Surgeon General and CalEPA used updated Bradford Hill criteria for assessing causality and found that the evidence met those criteria. Six of 13 lung cancer studies (46%) had statistically significant increases (one of three cohort studies). Pooled risk estimates for lung cancer for spousal exposure were 1.53 for 10 combined case-control studies and 1.88 for seven studies with dose-response results. The CalEPA reported 10 of 14 studies (71%) had statistically significant increases in breast cancer risk (two of four cohort studies). Pooled relative risk estimates for younger, primarily premenopausal women were 1.68 (95% CI: 1.33, 2.12) for all exposed women and 2.19 (1.68, 2.84) for five studies with better exposure assessment. Question: Does evidence secondhand smoke cause breast cancer in 2005 stronger than for lung cancer in 1986? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> The evidence from epidemiologic studies of secondhand smoke in 2005 for breast cancer in younger, primarily premenopausal women was stronger than for lung cancer in 1986.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: The aim of this study was to develop a novel method for automated quantification of cell-free hemoglobin (fHb) based on the HI (Roche Diagnostics). The novel fHb method based on the HI was correlated with fHb measured using the triple wavelength methods of both Harboe [fHb, g/L = (0.915 * HI + 2.634)/100] and Fairbanks et al. [fHb, g/L = (0.917 * HI + 2.131)/100]. fHb concentrations were estimated from the HI using the Roche Modular automated platform in self-made and commercially available quality controls, as well as samples from a proficiency testing scheme (INSTAND). The fHb using Roche automated HI results were then compared to results obtained using the traditional spectrophotometric assays for one hundred plasma samples with varying degrees of hemolysis, lipemia and/or bilirubinemia. The novel method using automated HI quantification on the Roche Modular clinical chemistry platform correlated well with results using the classical methods in the 100 patient samples (Harboe: r = 0.9284; Fairbanks et al.: r = 0.9689) and recovery was good for self-made controls. However, commercially available quality controls showed poor recovery due to an unidentified matrix problem. Question: Can the Roche hemolysis index be used for automated determination of cell-free hemoglobin? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> The novel method produced reliable determination of fHb in samples without interferences. However, poor recovery using commercially available fHb quality control samples currently greatly limits its usefulness.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: In recent years, there have been dramatic increases in medical imaging use and increasing media attention to increased exposure to ionizing radiation in the United States. Patient perspectives on medical imaging radiation (MIR) use is understudied, but could guide primary care discussions. This study examines prevalence of worry about the health harms from MIR in the US general population. This cross-sectional study used the 2012-2013 Health Information National Trends Survey conducted by the National Cancer Institute. A nationally representative sample (N = 3532) was drawn from the US general population to observe prevalence of worry about MIR as well as potential covariates, including demographic, medical, and psychological factors, health information-seeking, physician trust in providing cancer information, and cancer fatalism. About 65% of the sample population reported experiencing at least some worry about MIR. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions indicate higher rates of MIR worry among women, racial/ethnic minorities, those with lower educational attainment, foreign-born Americans, those who self-report poorer health, and those with a personal history of cancer. Lower trust in cancer information from physicians and greater attention to cancer information from popular media were each associated with higher rates of worry about health harms of MIR. Question: Does prevalence and correlate of Worry About the Health Harms of Medical Imaging Radiation in the General Population? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> An accurate assessment of public worry about MIR will aid primary care providers' efforts to understand patient responses to medical imaging and identify addressable knowledge gaps regarding benefits and risks of medical imaging. These data may improve risk communication regarding medical imaging among referring primary care physicians, radiologists, and patients.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Functional polymorphisms in immune response genes are increasingly recognized as important contributors to the marked individual differences in susceptibility to and outcomes of infectious disease. The acute sickness response is a stereotypical set of illness manifestations mediated by the proinflammatory cytokines induced by many different pathogens. The genetic determinants of severity of the acute sickness response have not previously been explored. We examined the impact of functional polymorphisms in cytokine genes with critical roles in the early immune response (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and interferon-gamma) on the severity and duration of illness following acute infection with Epstein-Barr virus, Coxiella burnetii (the causative agent of Q fever), or Ross River virus. We found that the interferon-gamma +874T/A and the interleukin-10 -592C/A polymorphisms significantly affected illness severity, cytokine protein levels, and the duration of illness. These cytokine genotypes acted in synergy to potentiate their influence on disease outcomes. Question: Do cytokine polymorphisms have a synergistic effect on severity of the acute sickness response to infection? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> These findings suggest that genetically determined variations in the intensity of the inflammatory response underpin the severity of the acute sickness response and predict the recovery time across varied infections.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has recently emerged as a key regulator of the renin-angiotensin system in both health and disease. ACE2 deficiency is associated with elevated tissue and circulating levels of angiotensin II and reduced levels of angiotensin 1-7. Phenotypically, this results in a modest elevation in systolic blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy. In atherosclerosis-prone apolipoprotein E knockout mice, ACE2 deficiency results in augmented vascular inflammation and an inflammatory response that contributes to increased atherosclerotic plaque formation. In the kidney, ACE2 deficiency is associated with progressive glomerulosclerosis. Interventions such as ACE2 replenishment or augmentation of its actions have proven successful in reducing hypertension, plaque accumulation, and renal and cardiac damage in a range of different models. Although promising, the balance of the renin-angiotensin system remains complicated, with some evidence that overexpression of ACE2 may have adverse cardiac effects, and ACE2 and its metabolic products may promote epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Question: Is angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 a key modulator of the renin-angiotensin system in cardiovascular and renal disease? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Repletion of ACE2's activities offers a new strategy to complement current clinical interventions in treating hypertension, renal and cardiovascular disease. In particular conditions where ACE inhibition and angiotensin receptor blockade are partially effective, the adjunctive actions of ACE2 may not only reduce clinical escape but also augment the efficacy of interventions.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) is a potent vasodilator that has been used to induce deliberate hypotension in children during surgery involving significant blood loss, including craniofacial and spinal fusion procedures. SNP metabolism liberates cyanide, which may cause interference with cellular energy metabolism, leading to metabolic acidosis and central nervous system injury. We performed a retrospective, case-control study to determine whether the short-term intra-operative use of SNP for deliberate hypotension is associated with metabolic acidosis in children undergoing surgical procedures for craniofacial or spinal anomalies. Cyanide and thiocyanate concentrations were also recorded in patients who received SNP. Data from 166 children undergoing craniofacial and spinal fusion surgery between 2005 and 2010 at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital (LPCH) at Stanford were analyzed. Records from 60 patients who received SNP (SNP group) as part of a multicenter, randomized, double-blind study were compared with records from 106 eligible patients who had blood pressure reduction using anesthetic agents and did not receive SNP (control group). Metabolic acidosis was defined as serum bicarbonate (HCO3) < 18.5 mEq/L. Whole blood CN, plasma thiocyanate and urinary thiocyanate concentrations were measured in patients in the SNP group. Differences in metabolic acidosis rates between the SNP and control groups were assessed through a test of noninferiority in the rate for the SNP group with a noninferiority threshold of 0.2. A z-test was used to test the null hypothesis. The alternative hypothesis was that the difference in these rates was less than 0.2. The same noninferiority threshold of 0.2 was also used to perform separate, secondary tests for noninferiority in the proportion of patients with HCO3 levels below 18.5 mEq/L and the proportion of patients who required HCO3 administration. Fewer patients in the SNP group experienced metabolic acidosis compared to the control group (31.7% vs. 36.8%, respectively; p < .001). No whole blood CN levels above the lower limit of quantification were detected in any of the 51 patients with validated CN data. Plasma and urinary thiocyanate levels were also low. Question: Is sodium nitroprusside associated with metabolic acidosis during intraoperative infusion in children? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Our findings suggest that SNP, when used for short-term deliberate hypotension, does not cause an increased incidence of metabolic acidosis compared with the use of anesthetic agents alone.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Pannexin-1 (Panx1) is an ATP release channel that is ubiquitously expressed and coupled to several ligand-gated receptors. In isolated cardiac myocytes, Panx1 forms large conductance channels that can be activated by Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Here we characterized the electrophysiological function of these channels in the heart in vivo, taking recourse to mice with Panx1 ablation. Cardiac phenotyping of Panx1 knock-out mice (Panx1(-/-)) was performed by employing a molecular, cellular and functional approach, including echocardiography, surface and telemetric ECG recordings with QT analysis, physical stress testing and quantification of heart rate variability. In addition, an in vivo electrophysiological study entailed programmed electrical stimulation using an intracardiac octapolar catheter. Panx1 deficiency results in a higher incidence of AV-block, delayed ventricular depolarisation, significant prolongation of QT- and rate corrected QT-interval and a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation after intraatrial burst stimulation. Question: Do pannexin-1 Deficient Mice Have an Increased Susceptibility for Atrial Fibrillation and Show a QT-Prolongation Phenotype? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Panx1 seems to play an important role in murine cardiac electrophysiology and warrants further consideration in the context of hereditary forms of atrial fibrillation.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Most men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are middle- aged and elderly. Neurogenic detrusor dysfunction (NDD) may also occur in these populations. We made an uro-neurological assessment in such patients in order to investigate the possibility of a concurrent NDD in patients diagnosed with BPH, and to correlate the presence of NDD with treatment outcome. 28 men, mean age 66.4 years, referred by urologists at the outpatient clinic as BPH (initial diagnosis: BPH alone, 24, BPH and NDD, 4) with regards to digital examination and lower urinary tract symptoms, underwent urodynamic study and neurological examination. MRI scans were performed to confirm the diagnosis. Urodynamic study (except for 2, acontractile detrusor (AD)) showed equivocal obstruction (EO), 6; underactive detrusor (UD), 9 (voiding phase); detrusor overactivity (DO), 12; urethral relaxation, 1, and reduced sensation, 5 (filling phase). EO correlated with the presence of UD (p = 0.03). DO did not correlate with the prostate size or urodynamically-defined outlet obstruction. Reduced sensation was common in patients>65 years of age (p = 0.05). Neurological examination/imaging showed exaggerated reflexes, 1; decreased reflexes, 6; multiple cerebral infarction, 8; cervical spondylosis, 1 (in patients with DO); lumbar spondylosis, 5 (in patients with AD/UD), and the final diagnosis was made: definite BPH, 6; probable BPH, 9; BPH and NDD, 13, and NDD were common in the patients aged>65 years (p = 0.015). Transurethral prostatectomy and alpha-blocker were mostly successful, but the failure rate was reported in definite BPH, none, probable BPH, 29%, and BPH and NDD, 33%. Question: Do BPH patients have neurogenic detrusor dysfunction? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> BPH patients, particularly those>65 years of age, commonly have NDD. Multiple cerebral infarction (upper neuron disorder) and lumbar spondylosis (lower neuron disorder) might contribute to DO and UD, respectively. A uro-neurological assessment is important to select typical BPH patients for maximizing therapeutic benefit.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: We previously reported a mouse model of bronchial asthma showing eosinophilic inflammation, but not airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), after prolonged antigen exposure. This model showed an increase of IL-12 in the lung. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of IL-12p40 in a murine asthma model with prolonged antigen exposures. An ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma model was first established in wild-type (WT) and IL-12p40-deficient (IL-12p40(-/-)) mice. Both strains of mice were further exposed to either OVA (prolonged exposure group) or phosphate-buffered saline (positive control group) 3 days per week for 3 weeks. During week 4, both groups of mice were given a final challenge with OVA. Prolonged antigen exposures resulted in marked suppression of airway eosinophilia in both WT and IL-12p40(-/-) mice. However, AHR persisted in IL-12p40(-/-) but not in WT mice. There were no significant differences of IL-5, IL-13 or IFN-gamma levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid between WT and IL-12p40(-/-) mice. The hydroxyproline content of the lung and peribronchial fibrosis were, however, significantly increased in IL-12p40(-/-) mice. Question: Is iL-12p40 essential for the down-regulation of airway hyperresponsiveness in a mouse model of bronchial asthma with prolonged antigen exposure? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> The results suggest that endogenous IL-12p40 is essential for inhibition of AHR and peribronchial fibrosis, but not eosinophilic inflammation, in a murine asthma model with prolonged antigen exposures.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: The dorsally located central nervous system (CNS) is an important hallmark of chordates. Among chordates, tunicate ascidians change their CNS remarkably by means of a metamorphosis from a highly regionalized larval CNS to an oval-shaped juvenile CNS without prominent morphological features. The neuronal organization of the CNS of ascidian tadpole larvae has been well described, but that in the CNS of postmetamorphosis juveniles has not been characterized well. We investigated the number of neural cells, the number and position of differentiated neurons, and their axonal trajectories in the juvenile CNS of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis. The cell bodies of cholinergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic/glycinergic neurons exhibited different localization patterns along the anterior-posterior axis in the juvenile CNS. Cholinergic neurons extended their axons toward the oral, atrial and body wall muscles and pharyngeal gill to regulate muscle contraction and ciliary movement. Question: Does neuronal map reveal the highly regionalized pattern of the juvenile central nervous system of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Unlike its featureless shape, the juvenile CNS is highly patterned along the anterior-posterior axis. This patterning may be necessary for exerting multiple roles in the regulation of adult tissues distributed throughout the body. This basic information of the juvenile CNS of Ciona will allow in-depth studies of molecular mechanisms underlying the reconstruction of the CNS during ascidian metamorphosis.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Because of the side effects of Teflon, the risk of infection from the use of collagen, autologous fat resorption, and the lack of alternative substances, injection laryngoplasty tends to be replaced by laryngeal framework surgery as the method of choice for the treatment of unilateral vocal cord recurrent paralysis (LP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the results, for morbidity and voice quality, of treating this paralysis by injection of a silicone suspension elastomer implant (SSEI). The study was retrospective, and 19 patients were included. Average follow-up was 25 months (range: 8.3-43). Each patient underwent clinical and videostroboscopic assessment, and had an electroglottographic recording. Subjective assessment was obtained by self-evaluation. Results were classified as good, fair, or poor, and were based on 2 objective and 3 subjective criteria. A search was made for biologic signs of autoimmune disorders. Good, fair, and poor results were respectively 79%, 16%, and 5%. Each set of subjective data showed voice improvement (P < 0.05). The fundamental frequency range, percentage of irregularity, and aspiration decreased significantly (P < 0.05). There was only one case of postoperative dyspnea, which resolved after steroid injection. No biologic signs of autoimmune disorders were found. Question: Do endoscopic rehabilitation of vocal cord paralysis with a silicone elastomer suspension implant? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> The use of SSEI is safe. Injection laryngoplasty is easy to perform and avoids cervical scarring. Its results are comparable to those obtained with other techniques, including laryngeal framework surgery, even if there is no standard criterion for the evaluation of voice quality. SSEI injection can reasonably be proposed as a surgical treatment for permanent unilateral vocal cord LP.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Following practice of skilled movements, changes continue to take place in the brain that both strengthen and modify memory for motor learning. These changes represent motor memory consolidation a process whereby new memories are transformed from a fragile to a more permanent, robust and stable state. In the present study, the neural correlates of motor memory consolidation were probed using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to the dorsal premotor cortex (PMd). Participants engaged in four days of continuous tracking practice that immediately followed either excitatory 5 HZ, inhibitory 1 HZ or control, sham rTMS. A delayed retention test assessed motor learning of repeated and random sequences of continuous movement; no rTMS was applied at retention. We discovered that 5 HZ excitatory rTMS to PMd stimulated motor memory consolidation as evidenced by off-line learning, whereas only memory stabilization was noted following 1 Hz inhibitory or sham stimulation. Question: Does excitatory repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to left dorsal premotor cortex enhance motor consolidation of new skills? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Our data support the hypothesis that PMd is important for continuous motor learning, specifically via off-line consolidation of learned motor behaviors.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: To evaluate differences in soluble inflammatory markers between chronically HIV-infected men and women, with or without cognitive impairment, and in response to treatment. Soluble biomarkers were measured in cryopreserved plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 60 treatment-naïve individuals (25 men and 35 women) with chronic HIV infection and 18 HIV-uninfected controls (9 men and 9 women) from Thailand. Following enrollment, participants began combination antiretroviral therapy and were evaluated for expression of these markers after 48 weeks. Plasma and CSF levels of 19 soluble biomarkers (IFN-γ, TNFα, TNF-RII, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-15, MCP-1, t-Tau, IP-10, neopterin, IFNα, I-FABP, and sCD14) were measured using either a multiparameter or standard ELISA assay. Prior to combination antiretroviral therapy, women with impaired cognition had elevated levels of neopterin and TNF-RII compared with women with normal cognition in both the plasma and CSF; however, levels did not differ between cognitively impaired or normal men. In a secondary outcome-hypothesis generating analysis, sex differences were also pronounced in plasma levels of MCP-1, IL-10, I-FABP, and sCD14 in response to treatment. Neopterin, IP-10, TNFα, TNF-RII, IFNα, MCP-1, IL-8, I-FABP, and sCD14 plasma levels remained elevated following 48 weeks of therapy in both sexes compared with uninfected controls. Question: Do sex differences in soluble markers vary before and after the initiation of antiretroviral therapy in chronically HIV-infected individuals? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> We provide evidence of sustained immune activation after 48 weeks of treatment and identify possible sex differences in biomarkers previously linked to cognitive impairment, chronic inflammation, and gut integrity that may contribute to immunological differences between sexes in relationship to disease progression and response to therapy.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Tumor/treatment-related internal lymphedema (IL) and/or external lymphedema (EL) are associated with functional deficits and increased symptom burden in head and neck cancer patients (HNCP). Previously, we noted association between EL/IL and patient-reported dysphagia using the Vanderbilt Head and Neck Symptom Survey (VHNSS) version 1.0. To determine the relationship between IL/EL and subjective and objective measures of swallowing function. Eighty-one HNCP completed: (1) VHNSS version 2.0, including 13 swallowing/nutrition-related questions grouped into three clusters: swallow solids (ss), swallow liquids (sl), and nutrition(nt); (2) physical assessment of EL using Foldi scale; (3) endoscopic assessment of IL using Patterson scale (n = 56); and (4) modified barium swallow study rated by dysphagia outcome and severity scale (DOSS) and in conjunction with a swallow evaluation by National Outcomes Measurement System (NOMS). Examinations were performed at varied time points to assess lymphedema spectrum, from baseline (n = 15, 18.1%) to 18 months post-therapy (n = 20, 24.1%). VHNSS swallow/nutrition items scores correlated with NOMS/DOSS ratings (p < 0.001). Highest correlation was with NOMS: ss (-0.73); sl (-0.61); nt (-0.56). VHNSS swallow/nutrition scores correlated with maximum grade of swelling for any single structure on Patterson scale: ss (0.43; p = 0.001); sl (0.38; p = 0.004); nt (0.41; p = 0.002). IL of aryepiglottic/pharyngoepiglottic folds, epiglottis, and pyriform sinus were most strongly correlated with VHNSS and NOMS ratings. NOMS/DOSS ratings correlated with EL (> = -0.34; p < 0.01). No meaningful correlations exist between VHNSS swallow/nutrition items and EL (< ± 0.15, p > 0.20). Question: Does internal Lymphedema correlate with Subjective and Objective Measures of Dysphagia in Head and Neck Cancer Patients? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> IL correlated with subjective and objective measures of swallow dysfunction. Longitudinal analysis of trajectory and impact of IL/EL on dysphagia is ongoing.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Adrenal neuroendocrine plays an important role in asthma. The activity of the sympathoadrenal system could be altered by early life events. The effects of maternal asthma during pregnancy on the adrenal medulla of offspring remain unknown. This study aims to explore the influence of maternal asthma during pregnancy on the development and function of adrenal medulla in offspring from postnatal day 3 (P3) to postnatal day 60 (P60). Asthmatic pregnant rats (AP), nerve growth factor (NGF)-treated pregnant rats (NP) and NGF antibody-treated pregnant rats (ANP) were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA); NP and ANP were treated with NGF and NGF antibody respectively. Offspring rats from the maternal group were divided into four groups: offspring from control pregnant rats (OCP), offspring from AP (OAP), offspring from NP (ONP), and offspring from ANP (OANP). The expressions of phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) protein in adrenal medulla were analyzed. The concentrations of epinephrine (EPI), corticosterone and NGF in serum were measured. Adrenal medulla chromaffin cells (AMCC) were prone to differentiate into sympathetic nerve cells in OAP and ONP. Both EPI and PNMT were decreased in OAP from P3 to P14, and then reached normal level gradually from P30 to P60, which were lower from birth to adulthood in ONP. Corticosterone concentration increased significantly in OAP and ONP. Question: Does asthma pregnancy alter postnatal development of chromaffin cells in the rat adrenal medulla? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Asthma pregnancy may promote AMCC to differentiate into sympathetic neurons in offspring rats and inhibit the synthesis of EPI, resulting in dysfunction of bronchial relaxation.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Guidelines from the National Cancer Institute Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration State of the Science Conference recommend a repeat fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) after 3 months for thyroid nodules with a nondiagnostic (ND) result. Our aims were to assess which factors influenced their clinical management and to determine if the timing of the repeat FNAB affects the diagnostic yield. A retrospective institutional review of 298 patients from 1/2006 to 12/2007 with an ND FNAB was performed. The factors influencing the next step in management, including age, gender, history of radiation, presence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, and ultrasound characteristics, were evaluated. The effect of the time of the repeat FNABs on their diagnostic yield was assessed. Of the 298 patients in our cohort, 9% were referred directly for surgery, 76% had a repeat FNAB, and 15% were observed. Tumor size was the only independent variable correlated with treatment strategy after a ND FNAB. There was not a significant difference in diagnostic yields between repeat FNABs performed earlier than 3 months compared to those preformed later (p=0.58). Question: Is diagnostic yield of nondiagnostic thyroid nodules altered by timing of repeat biopsy? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> The timing of repeat FNAB for an initial ND FNAB does not affect diagnostic yield of the repeat FNAB.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Extracts and essential oils of medicinal plants are increasingly of interest as novel drugs for antiherpetic agents, since the herpes simplex virus (HSV) might develop resistance to commonly used antiviral drugs. An aqueous extract of Melissa officinalis as well as phenolic extract compounds, i.e. caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid and rosmarinic acid were examined for their antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in vitro. When drugs were added to HSV-1-infected cells, no antiviral effect was observed as determined by plaque reduction assay and analysis of expression of viral protein ICP0. However, the Melissa extract demonstrated a high virucidal activity against HSV-1, even at very low concentrations of 1.5 μg/ml, whereas similar results for phenolic compounds were only achieved at 100 times higher concentrations. Besides the virucidal activity, the Melissa extract and rosmarinic acid inhibited HSV-1 attachment to host cells in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that rosmarinic acid was the main contributor to the antiviral activity of Melissa extract. However, the selectivity index of Melissa extract of 875 against HSV is superior to the selectivity indices of single constituents. Question: Does melissa officinalis extract inhibit attachment of herpes simplex virus in vitro? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Melissa extract exhibits low toxicity, is virucidal and affects HSV-1 attachment to host cells in vitro.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: The resistance of tumor cells to cisplatin remains a major cause of treatment failure in cancer patients. In this study, the ability of Pt(IV) complex with adamantylamine-LA-12 and its reduced counterpart with lower oxidation state Pt(II)-LA-9 to overcome intrinsic cisplatin resistance was investigated. The ovarian adenocarcinoma SK-OV-3 cells were exposed to cisplatin, LA-9, or LA-12 for 72 h and the effects of drug concentrations that caused 10% or 50% inhibition of cell proliferation were determined. After 24-72 h of sustained exposure viability, apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation were analyzed. DNA synthesis and cell cycle analysis were performed simultaneously in order to determine the modulation of cell cycle after platinum complexes treatment. Lung Resistance-related Protein (LRP/MVP) was detected in SK-OV-3 cells but not in the other two ovarian cancer lines with different sensitivity to cisplatin. LRP/MVP overexpression may be an important factor contributing to intrinsic cisplatin resistance. Interestingly, Pt(IV) complex-LA-12 had approximately 2.7-fold lower IC(50) concentration than LA-9 or cisplatin in SK-OV-3 cells. Moreover, LA-12 caused persistent accumulation of cells in S-phase of the cell cycle while LA-9 and cisplatin treatment-induced S-phase arrest was transient and shifted to G(2)/M-phase at later intervals. Apoptosis seemed to be not the dominant type of cell death caused by such the derivatives, but it was the most intensive after LA-12 treatment. Question: Does platinum ( IV ) complex with adamantylamine overcome intrinsic resistance to cisplatin in ovarian cancer cells? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> We found strong differences between effects of Pt(IV) complex-LA-12 and Pt(II) derivatives-LA-9 and cisplatin on cytokinetic parameters. Overall, LA-12 but not its reduced Pt(II) counterpart LA-9 is the compound effective in p53 null human ovarian cancer cells and it is able to overcome intrinsic cisplatin resistance in these cells.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: The objective of our study was to determine if clinical observation of pressure-flow relationships (PFR) can differentiate between partial external obstruction (obstruction) and infiltration as a cause of poor performance of gravity-fed infusions. A total of 24 patients with functional intravenous cannulae in situ had obstruction simulated by the application of a tourniquet proximal to the cannula. The change in flow (delta F) for a discrete change in pressure (delta P) was determined in each case by counting drop rates at two different elevations of the fluid reservoir level, 10 cm apart. The same process was repeated in 15 patients in whom the cannula was in an extra vascular location (infiltration). Three sizes of cannula--16-gauge, 18-gauge, and 20-gauge--were examined, with equal distribution of sizes in each group. The effect on flow rates of inflating a blood pressure (BP) cuff proximally on the cannulated limb was assessed. The ratio delta P/delta F is the total resistance of the infusion system, and by subtracting known values for resistance of infusion tubing and cannula, the venous or tissue resistance was calculated. There was a statistically significant difference between the change in flow for obstructed compared with infiltrated cannulae for the same change in pressure for each cannula size. The mean venous resistance was 23 mm Hg/L/hr, while that of tissue was 280 mm Hg/L/hr, with no overlap between groups. There was no effect on flow rate with blood pressure cuff inflation in the infiltrated group whereas flow progressively fell in the obstructed group. Question: Is the i.v. obstructed or infiltrated? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Clinical observation of PFRs in poorly functioning gravity-fed IV infusions can assist in detecting infiltration as a cause. Inflation of a blood pressure cuff will further impair flow where the cannula is intravascular, but will have no effect in an extravascular location.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Spondyloarthritis (SpA), an interrelated group of rheumatic diseases, has been suggested to be triggered by bacterial infections prior to the development of an autoimmune response that causes inflammation of the spinal and peripheral joints. Because human heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), recently renamed HSPD1, and bacterial HSP60 are highly homologous, immunological cross-reactivity has been proposed as a mechanism of disease initiation. However, previous investigations of the humoral immune response to HSP60 in SpA patients have lacked determination of immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclasses and patient follow-up. In this study, we have focused on these parameters in a cohort of axial SpA patients with a well-established set of clinical characteristics, including MRI changes and human leukocyte antigen B27. IgG subclass antibodies (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4) against recombinant HSP60 of three reactive arthritis-related bacteria; human HSP60; and the microorganisms Chlamydia trachomatis and C. pneumoniae were determined by ELISA. Serum samples collected from 2004 to 2006 and in 2010 and 2011 from 39 axial SpA patients were analyzed and compared with samples from 39 healthy controls. The Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon matched pairs test were used to compare the antibody levels in different and paired groups, respectively. P < 0.01 was considered significant. The Spearman nonparametric correlation was used to determine correlation between antibody levels and between antibody levels and the disease parameters. Elevated levels of IgG1 and IgG3 to human HSP60 and IgG1 to HSP60 of Salmonella enterica Enteritidis were observed in SpA patients compared with healthy controls at both time points. The antibody levels were almost constant over time for IgG1, whereas high levels of IgG3 to human HSP60 tended to decrease over time. The antibody response to human HSP60 was predominantly of the IgG3 subclass, and patients with high levels of IgG3 to this antigen had low levels of IgG1, indicating an inverse association. Different IgG subclasses were produced against bacterial and human HSP60 in the same serum sample, IgG1 and IgG3, respectively, indicating that there was no cross-reaction. Question: Are igG subclass antibodies to human and bacterial HSP60 associated with disease activity and progression over time in axial spondyloarthritis? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> A significant association was observed between axial SpA and the presence of IgG1/IgG3 antibodies to human HSP60 and of IgG1 to S. enterica Enteritidis and C. trachomatis. Generation of antibodies to human HSP60 was independent of the presence of antibodies to bacterial HSP60. No association was observed between clinical and MRI changes with antibodies over time. Altogether, such antibodies do not reflect the disease activity in these patients. This study has been approved by the Regional Research Ethics Committee of Central Jutland, Denmark.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: The aim of this study was to document the early outcome of coronary-like revascularization for atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS). A total of 181 consecutive patient, 102 men, mean age 66.1 (+/- 9.2) years and 79 females, mean age 68.4 (+/- 9.2) years and 198 lesions were treated between February 1999 and May 2004 for ARAS and retrospectively analyzed. At least one major cardiovascular risk factor was present in 179 (98.9%) patients. Pre-dilatation ARAS was 81.3+/-9.6%, 27 ARAS were 50-70% and no ARAS was <50%. 135 (68.2%) of the ARAS lesions were ostial and 63 (31.8%) were non-ostial. In 17 (9.4%) patients bilateral ARAS were present. Technical success defined as residual stenosis < or =30% was achieved in 178 (98.3%) of patients and 195 (98.5%) of lesions. In one patient (0.5%) the target ARAS could not be crossed, in two (1.1%) patients residual stenosis was >30%. No major adverse cardiac or cerebral effects were observed. In 3.9% of patients minor local complications of the access site occurred; 4 (2.2%) inguinal hematoma, 3 (1.7%) pseudoaneurysm were documented. Serum creatinine concentrations and systolic and diastolic blood pressure before and after the intervention were not statistically different. Question: Does coronary-like revascularization for atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis -- result in 181 consecutive patients? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Coronary-like approach to ARAS revascularization is technically feasible and associated with a very low complication rate.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Peanut allergy is a major cause of fatal and near-fatal anaphylactic reactions to foods. There is no curative therapy for this condition. Traditional Chinese medicines have been reported to have antiallergic properties, which might be useful for treating peanut allergy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a Chinese herbal formula, FAHF-1, on peanut anaphylactic reactions in a mouse model of peanut allergy. Mice were sensitized with freshly ground whole peanut in the presence of cholera toxin and boosted 1 and 3 weeks later. FAHF-1 treatment was initiated 1 week later and continued for 7 weeks. After treatment, mice were challenged with peanut, and anaphylactic symptoms, body temperatures, and plasma histamine and IgE levels were measured. T-cell proliferative responses and cytokine production were also determined. FAHF-1 completely blocked peanut-induced anaphylactic symptoms and markedly reduced mast cell degranulation and histamine release. Peanut-specific serum IgE levels were significantly reduced by 2 weeks of treatment at the time of challenge, and they remained lower 4 weeks after discontinuation of treatment. FAHF-1 significantly reduced peanut-induced lymphocyte proliferation as well as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 synthesis but not IFN-gamma synthesis. No toxic effects on liver or kidney functions were observed, nor was there any overall immune suppression. Question: Does food Allergy Herbal Formula-1 ( FAHF-1 ) block peanut-induced anaphylaxis in a murine model? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> FAHF-1 protected peanut-sensitized mice from anaphylactic reactions and significantly reversed established IgE-mediated peanut allergy. This suggests that FAHF-1 might prove valuable for the treatment of peanut allergy.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: To evaluate noise-induced hearing loss in a group of workers at a steel engineering works over a 20 year period (1979-1999). A total of 2431 audiometric tests were performed in 708 workers (in 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994 and 1999). Audiometric tests were classified so that hearing loss could be assessed over time. Additionally, personal noise exposure was measured for each worker (average, 85 dB(A) in tests carried out in 1992, 1996 and 1999). Over 5 years of noise exposure, mean cumulative incidence of noise-induced hearing loss was 8,2%. Over 10 years ofexposure (1979-89 or 1984-94 or 1989-99), the mean incidence was 15,3%. This percentage increased to 22,9% and 25,7% when the exposure lasted 15 or 20 years respectively. Question: Noise-induced hearing loss: are health service surveillance programs always effective? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> The considerable incidence of noise-induced hearing loss within the wide group of steel workers examined greatly exceeds the expected incidence related to the occupational exposure limits. The Evidence Based Occupational Medicine suggests that our health surveillance was not effective enough.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: To test the efficacy in promoting brisk walking of two theory-based interventions that incorporate implementation intentions and text message (Short Message Service; SMS) reminders directed at one's walking-related plans or goals. Participants (N = 149) were randomized to one of three conditions (implementation intention + SMS plan reminder, implementation intention + SMS goal reminder, control) before completing measures at baseline and follow-up 4 weeks later. At follow-up, the experimental groups were given a surprise recall task concerning their plans. All participants completed an equivalent goal recall task. Validated self-report measures of physical activity and measures of implementation intention and goal recall, weight, and waist-to-hip ratio. Both intervention groups increased their brisk walking relative to the control group, without reducing other physical activity. The goal reminder group lost the most weight. The SMS plan reminder group recalled more of their plans than the SMS goal reminder group, but the latter were more successful in goal recall. Question: Can implementation intentions and text messages promote brisk walking? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Both interventions can promote brisk walking in sedentary populations. Text messages aid the recall of, and could enhance interventions that target, implementation intentions and goals.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Informal care is a significant component of the societal resource use and costs in dementia care. Thus it is fundamental that assessments of informal care are valid. Thus the aim was to analyse the validity of time estimates with the Resource Utilization in Dementia (RUD) instrument. Prospective observational study. Community sample. Fourteen married and cohabiting patient-caregiver pairs. Comparisons of estimates of caregiver time by recall with the RUD instrument, by diaries and by direct observation, with calculation of agreement statistics for recall vs. diary and recall vs. direct observation to assess accuracy of the time estimates derived from recall. The patients and their caregivers participated in 47 diaries and 30 observation sessions. The agreement between diaries and recall estimates was high for personal ADL (intra-class correlation (ICC) 0.93), supervision (ICC 0.87) and total time (ICC 0.91) and lower but acceptable for instrumental ADL (ICC 0.75). Regarding observation vs recall estimates, the corresponding figures were for personal ADL (ICC 0.81), for instrumental ADL (ICC 0.74), for supervision (ICC 0.78) and for total time (ICC 0.80). Question: Is the Resource Utilization in Dementia ( RUD ) instrument valid for assessing informal care time in community-living patients with dementia? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> The RUD instrument appears to accurately estimate the amount of informal care provided by caregivers to dementia patients.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the impact of three-dimensional (3D) imaging system on the performance of basic laparoscopic tasks in a test model by novice and experienced surgeons. Three tasks were performed in a test model by 30 surgeons, 15 experienced surgeons, and 15 with minimal laparoscopic experience. The tasks were performed using 2D and 3D vision systems. Canadian Task Force II-1. Fifteen experienced laparoscopic surgeons and fifteen novices with minimal laparoscopic experience. Performance times were recorded using both two-dimensional and 3D imaging system for each task. Performance time for all skills was significantly (P < 0.02) shorter when using 3D imaging system. Performance times were reduced by 18-31% using 3D imaging for all participants. Experienced surgeons performed the tasks faster and showed similar improvement while using 3D imaging system. Question: Does three-dimensional imaging improve surgical skill performance in a laparoscopic test model for both experienced and novice laparoscopic surgeons? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> 3D vision systems allow for significant improvement in performance times of basic laparoscopic tasks in a test model for both inexperienced and advanced laparoscopic surgeons. Experienced surgeons benefit as much as novices from 3D imaging system. This benefit should be weighed against the disadvantages of the 3D vision systems, mainly cost, decreased light, eye strain, headaches, and shorter focal lengths.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Although protein kinase C-γ (PKC-γ) is a target for the effects of volatile anesthetics, the molecular mechanisms of the kinase function remain unclear. We examined the effects of different types of anesthetics on PKC-γ knockout mice, and investigated the dynamics of the kinase in mouse brain. We measured the required number of times for loss of righting reflex (rtfLORR) after administration of isoflurane, sevoflurane, and propofol on PKC-γ knockout mice and compared with those of wild-type mice. We also used immunoblotting to investigate the intracellular distribution of PKC-γ and phosphorylated PKC-γ (p-PKC-γ) in brain of wild-type mice anesthetized by these anesthetics. Isoflurane and sevoflurane significantly prolonged the rtfLORRs in PKC-γ knockout mice compared with those in wild-type mice, while no significant difference was observed between knockout and wild-type mice treated with propofol. Examination of the cellular fractions showed that PKC-γ was significantly decreased, whereas p-PKC-γ was significantly increased in the synaptic membrane fraction (P2). There was no significant change in the supernatant fraction (S). In propofol-treated mice, PKC-γ and p-PKC-γ showed no significant changes in P2 or S. Question: Is hypnotic effect of volatile anesthetics mediated by PKC-γ dynamics? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Our results provide new evidence to support the possibility of the involvement of PKC-γ in the actions of volatile anesthetics.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Haemophilus species are a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia; however, their significance in posttraumatic pneumonia is unclear. Case series. University hospital, level I trauma center. Two hundred fifty-seven consecutive patients with blunt and penetrating trauma treated for pneumonia. Length of stay in the intensive care unit, duration of ventilatory support, rate of recurrent or persistent pneumonia, and mortality. Ninety-six (37%) of 257 patients treated for pneumonia had a Haemophilus species isolated on sputum culture. Of these 96 patients, 49 (51%) had only Haemophilus species, while 33 (34%) had associated gram-positive organisms and 14 (15%) had gram-negative organisms. Seventeen pure cultures (29%) and seven mixed cultures (15%) (P < .05) were beta-lactamase-positive trains. Compared with patients who had pneumonia caused by other bacteria, patients with Haemophilus species were younger (mean +/- SE, 35 +/- 1.7 vs 42 +/- 1.6 years; P < .05) and more severely injured (Injury Severity Score, 20.7 +/- 1.1 vs 17.5 +/- 0.9; P < .05). There were no differences in any outcome variables between the two groups. Only one (1%) of 96 patients had persistent Haemophilus species on sputum cultures after 7 days of treatment. Question: Is haemophilus pneumonia a common cause of early pulmonary dysfunction following trauma? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Haemophilus species are a frequent cause of pneumonia following traumatic injury. This occurs primarily in the early postinjury phase and therefore should be included in the differential diagnosis of early posttraumatic pulmonary insufficiency.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: To retrospectively evaluate if the degree of disk degeneration and disk herniation volume at magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are risk factors for recurrent disk herniation. The institutional review board permits such retrospective studies, and individual informed consent was not required. MR imaging findings obtained before initial diskectomy in 30 patients (mean age, 42.8 years; 10 women, 20 men) with recurrent disk herniation (study group) and 30 patients (mean age, 42.2 years; nine women, 21 men) without recurrence for at least 2 years after surgery (control group) were compared. Disk degeneration was assessed on T2-weighted sagittal MR images with a five-point grading system (grade I indicated no degeneration; grade II, horizontal hypointense bands within disk; grade III, inhomogeneous disk with intermediate signal intensity; grade IV, no distinction between inner and outer parts of disk; and grade V, collapsed hypointense disk). Disk herniation was classified as representing protrusion, extrusion, or sequestration. The volume of both the affected intervertebral disk and the herniated disk material was measured. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed by two readers. The chi(2) test was used for comparison of categorical variables. For comparison of disk degeneration and volumes between patients with and those without recurrence, a paired two-tailed t test was used. Odds ratios based on the extent of disk degeneration were calculated for the entire sample. Advanced disk degeneration (grades IV and V) was significantly less frequent in the study group than in the control group (P<.006). The risk of recurrent disk herniation decreased by a factor of 3.4 for each increase in grade of disk degeneration (odds ratio: 3.58; 95% confidence interval: 1.3, 9.6; P = .011). Mean disk herniation volume as a percentage of intervertebral disk volume was 10.59% +/- 3.41 in the study group and 11.56% +/- 3.84 in the control group. This difference was not significant (P = .31). Question: Lumbar disk herniation: do MR imaging findings predict recurrence after surgical diskectomy? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Minor disk degeneration but not herniation volume represents a risk factor for the recurrence of disk herniation after diskectomy.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Measles infection causes immune suppression that contributes to morbidity and mortality of the patients; the mechanism is poorly understood. Regulatory T cells (Treg) play a critical role in immune suppression. Integrin alphavbeta6 (avb6) is associated with Treg's function. This study aims to investigate into the mechanism by which measles C protein (MVP)-induced avb6 contributes the generation of Tregs in the lung. MVP was introduced to mouse lung by nasal drops. The expression of avb6 by lung tissue was examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. The development of tolerogenic dendritic cells (DC) and Tregs in the lung and their functions was examined by flow cytometry. The suppressor function of MVP-induced Tregs was examined by cell culture models. The exposure to MVP markedly increased the expression of avb6 in the lung epithelial cells. Administration of MVP significantly suppressed the levels of IL-4 and IFNγ as well as increases in Tregs in lung tissue. DCs captured the MVP in the lung and differentiate into tolerogenic DCs; the latter has the ability to induce Treg development in the lung. Activation of MVP-induced Tregs powerfully suppressed polarized CD4(+) T cells. Question: Is integrin alphavbeta6 involved in measles protein-induced airway immune suppression? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Exposure to MVP can induce Treg development in the lung that plays an important role in the suppression of CD4(+) T cell function.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Deficiency of vitamin D is known to be effective in the development of hypertension, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Deficiency of vitamin D was also shown to be associated with new onset atrial fibrillation (AF) by activating the renin-angiotensin system. This study investigated whether or not levels of vitamin D are effective in the development of AF after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. A total of 283 patients undergoing CABG were included in this study. Clinical information, history of medication use, serum 25 hydroxy(OH) vitamin D, and calcium levels of all patients were evaluated preoperatively. AF developed postoperatively in 72 (25%) of patients. Serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels of patients in whom AF developed after CABG were significantly lower than patients in whom AF did not occur (15.6 ± 7.4 versus 19.1 ± 9.1; P = .004). Independent variables which were predictors of AF development in multivariate logistic regression analysis were ejection fraction (odds ratio [OR]: 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.89-0.97; P = .003), left atrial dimensions (OR: 1.47; 95% CI 1.26-1.71; P&lt; .001), and serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels (OR: 0.95; 95% CI 0.91-0.99; P = .035). Question: Does Deficiency of Vitamin D Increase New Onset Atrial Fibrillation after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> This study has shown that deficiency of vitamin D is associated with new onset AF post-CABG surgery.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Anti-liver cytosol type 1 autoantibodies have been reported in association with anti-liver-kidney microsome type 1 autoantibodies in 30% of patients with autoimmune hepatitis type II. In 10% of cases, anti-liver cytosol type 1 antibodies are the only liver-related circulating autoantibodies. The liver cytosol antigen is a liver-specific 62-kilodalton protein present in the cell as an oligomer of approximately 240 kilodaltons. The aim of this study was to identify the antigen recognized by anti-liver cytosol antibody. To identify the liver cytosol antigen, an anti-liver cytosol type 1-positive serum was used for the screening of a complementary DNA library from HepG2 cells. Double immunodiffusion method was used to show the identity between the cytosolic and the cloned protein. The sequence of two isolated clones showed 85.2% homology with the formiminotransferase cyclodeaminase (FTCD) enzyme from pig liver. Antibodies purified by affinity with the recombinant protein and sera from mice immunized with FTCD recognized a 62-kilodalton human cytosolic protein when tested by immunoblot. The identity of precipitation lines was found between the cytosolic antigen and FTCD. Question: Is formiminotransferase cyclodeaminase an organ-specific autoantigen recognized by sera of patients with autoimmune hepatitis? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> This enzyme is a liver-specific antigen recognized by the sera of patients with autoimmune hepatitis.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: The expression of galactose alpha 1,3 galactose (Gal) in pigs has proved a barrier to xenotransplantation. Miniature swine lacking Gal (Gal pigs) have been produced by nuclear transfer/embryo transfer. The tissues of five Gal pigs of SLA dd haplotype (SLA) were tested for the presence of Gal epitopes by staining with the Griffonia simplicifolia IB4 lectin. Their sera were tested by flow cytometry for binding of IgM and IgG to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from wild-type (Gal) SLA-matched pigs; serum cytotoxicity was also assessed. The cellular responses of PBMC from Gal swine toward Gal SLA-matched PBMC were tested by mixed leukocyte reaction and cell-mediated lympholysis assays. None of the tissues tested showed Gal expression. Sera from all five Gal pigs manifested IgM binding to Gal pig PBMC, and sera from three showed IgG binding. In all five cases, cytotoxicity to Gal cells could be demonstrated, which was lost after treatment of the sera with dithiothreitol, indicating IgM antibody-mediated cytotoxicity. PBMC from Gal swine had no proliferative or cytolytic T-cell response toward Gal SLA-matched PBMC. Question: Do alpha1,3-Galactosyltransferase gene-knockout miniature swine produce natural cytotoxic anti-Gal antibodies? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Gal pigs do not express Gal epitopes and develop anti-Gal antibodies that are cytotoxic to Gal pig cells. The absence of an in vitro cellular immune response between Gal and Gal pigs is related to their identical SLA haplotype and indicates the absence of immunogenicity of Gal in T-cell responses. The model of Gal organ transplantation into a Gal SLA-matched recipient would be a valuable large animal model in the study of accommodation or B-cell tolerance.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Long-term outcome after surgery for slow transit constipation is conflicting. The aim of this study was to assess long-term quality of life after surgery. The medical records of all patients undergoing colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis between 1983 and 1998 were evaluated. Preoperative, operative, and postoperative details were recorded. A survey was conducted to evaluate current symptoms and health. Quality of life was assessed using the short-form (SF)-36 survey. Sixty-nine (2 male) patients were identified. Five were deceased. Mean age at surgery was 38.6 years (range, 19.7-78.8 years). Median follow-up after surgery was 10.8 years (range, 5.1-18.6 years). Forty-one percent had a family history of constipation. Eleven (16%) had an ileus postoperatively, which responded to medical therapy. One patient had a leak that required temporary diversion. Long-term complications occurred in 32 (46%) patients, which included hernias (3 patients; 4%), pelvic abscess (1 patient; 1.5%), rectal pain (1 patient; 1.5%), small-bowel obstruction (14 patients; 20%, with eight requiring surgery), diarrhea (5 patients; 7%), incontinence (1 patient, 1.5%), and persistent constipation (6 patients; 9%). Fifty-five percent (35/64) responded to a questionnaire. Overall, 25 of 35 (77% of the respondents) stated that surgery was beneficial. Sixty-four percent of patients have semisolid stools, 35% have liquid stools, and 4% reported hard stool. Results of the SF-36 showed the physical component score was comparable with healthy individuals. However, the mental component score was low especially in the areas of vitality (median, 45) and social functioning (median, 37). Question: Surgery for slow transit constipation: are we helping patients? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Surgery for constipation is not perfect, and preoperative symptoms may persist after surgery. When assessing long-term quality of life, the mental component of the SF-36 was low compared with the general population, and the physical component was similar. Moreover, because 77% report long-term improvement, surgery is beneficial for appropriate patients.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: As one of the loads applied in implant dentistry, managing the torque is important for the success of an implant treatment. For this purpose, it is crucial to ascertain the level of torque being exerted with a hand driver. We have developed an adapter that makes it easy to measure torque by using a standard torque wrench in one's possession, rather than with a torquemeter. The head of an abutment screw is cut into a hexagon and pushed into and fixed to the hexagonal hole (for multi-unit abutments) of a machine driver. With this, a torque wrench adapter and torque wrench are assembled. A hand driver is rotated clockwise to the limit, and the torque value is read. It was possible to read the torque value during screw fastening. Question: Do device for easily measuring of the torque of an implant hand driver? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> This technique makes it easy for each dentist to measure the maximum torque that can be exerted by a hand driver he or she is using. It is even possible to handle different implant systems.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: We examined two previously published studies comparing a norepinephrine (NE) selective agent, reboxetine, and a serotonin (5-HT) selective agent, fluoxetine, to determine if these agents have different effects on individual depressive symptoms. Both studies were 8-week, double-blind, comparison studies of men and women with DSM III-R major depression. Within-group effect sizes for individual symptom change on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) were determined in the observed case samples and in patients for whom the symptom was relatively severe at baseline. We required that any significant differences in one sample be cross-validated in the second. Two hundred fifty-three subjects in study I and 168 subjects in study II were randomized to reboxetine or fluoxetine. In both samples, depressed mood, decreased interest, and psychic anxiety had the greatest change. Effect sizes for all HAMD symptoms were similar for the two drugs. No difference between groups in one sample was replicated in the second. Among subjects with severe symptoms, no significant differences were cross-validated. Question: Are there differences in the symptoms that respond to a selective serotonin or norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Reboxetine and fluoxetine appear to have similar effects on depressive symptoms. These data suggest that NE and 5-HT selective antidepressant drugs act through the same final common pathway and challenge the belief that symptom differences are useful for antidepressant selection.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: To determine whether narrow band imaging (NBI) improves detection of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer over white-light imaging (WLI) cystoscopy. We conducted a prospective, within-patient comparison on 103 consecutive procedures on 95 patients scheduled for (re-) transurethral resection of a bladder tumor (84) or bladder biopsies (19) in the Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam (September 2007-July 2009) and in the General Faculty Hospital, Prague (January 2009-July 2009). WLI and NBI cystoscopy were subsequently performed by different surgeons who independently indicated all tumors and suspect areas on a bladder diagram. The lesions identified were resected/biopsied and sent for histopathological examination. Number of patients with additional tumors detected by WLI and NBI were calculated; mean number of urothelial carcinomas (UCs) per patient, detection rates, and false-positive rates of both techniques were compared. A total of 78 patients had a confirmed UC; there were 226 tumors in total. In 28 (35.9%) of these patients, a total of 39 additional tumors (17.3%) (26pTa, 6pT1, 1pT2, 6pTis) were detected by NBI, whereas 4 additional tumors (1.8%) (1pTa, 1pT1, 2pTis) within 3 patients (2.9%) were detected by WLI. The mean (SD, range) number of UCs per patient identified by NBI was 2.1 (2.6, 0-15), vs 1.7 (2.3, 0-15) by WLI (P <.001). The detection rate of NBI was 94.7% vs 79.2% for WLI (P <.001). The false-positive rate of NBI and WLI was 31.6% and 24.5%, respectively (P <.001). Question: Does narrow band imaging cystoscopy improve the detection of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> NBI cystoscopy improves the detection of primary and recurrent nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer over WLI. However, further validation of the technique with comparative studies is required.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: The deregulation of several transcription factors contribute to the aggressive course of mantle cell lymphoma. This study focuses on survival signals emanating from the tumor environment and involving the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 through cytokines or antigen recognition. Primary mantle cell lymphoma cells were isolated from 20 leukemic patients. The phosphorylation status of STAT3 was evaluated by immunoblottting and immunofluorescence, the levels of cytokine secretion by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the cell survival signals by apoptosis and cell viability assays. STAT3 was constitutively phosphorylated in the Jeko-1 mantle cell lymphoma cell line and in 14 out of 20 (70%) cases of leukemic mantle cell lymphoma as the result of an autocrine secretion of interleukin-6 and/or interleukin-10. In addition, B-cell receptor engagement resulted in an increase of both in vitro cell survival and STAT3 phosphorylation in primary mantle cell lymphoma cells. Inhibition of the Janus-activated kinase/STAT3 pathway increased spontaneous apoptosis and suppressed B-cell receptor-induced cell survival in all cases analyzed. The impact of in vitro exposure to the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib was next evaluated in primary mantle cell lymphoma cells. Bortezomib induced apoptosis and a decrease of both interleukin-6/interleukin-10 secretion and STAT3 phosphorylation. In addition, bortezomib inhibited B-cell receptor-triggered STAT3 phosphorylation and cell survival. Question: Are constitutive and B-cell receptor-induced activation of STAT3 important signaling pathways targeted by bortezomib in leukemic mantle cell lymphoma? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> We demonstrated that STAT3 was activated in primary mantle cell lymphoma cells either constitutively through a cytokine autocrine loop or in response to B-cell receptor engagement, both processes leading to a survival signal inhibited by bortezomib. STAT3 appears, therefore, to play a pivotal role in mantle cell lymphoma and represents a promising therapeutic target.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Subjects with obesity had autonomic nervous abnormalities. This study investigated autonomic nervous modulation in subjects with obesity and its association with the indices of obesity, especially the body mass index and waist circumference, by heart rate variability analysis. Forty-seven adults with a body mass index (in kg/m(2)) greater than 28 were recruited as the obese group and 30 subjects with a body mass index less than 23 were recruited as the control group. Anthropometric measures and heart rate variability measures were obtained for both groups. The correlation between heart rate variability measures and the anthropometric measures was assessed in subjects with obesity. Subjects with obesity had lower normalized low-frequency power and normalized high-frequency power than those of the control group. The body height, body weight, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio correlated significantly with the spectral heart rate variability measures in Asian subjects with obesity, whereas the body mass index did not. Question: Is abdominal obesity associated with autonomic nervous derangement in healthy Asian obese subjects? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Abdominal obesity, rather than general obesity, was related to autonomic nervous derangement in Asian subjects with obesity. The close relation between abdominal obesity and autonomic derangement may partially account for the close relationship between abdominal obesity and higher risk of mortality and morbidity in subjects with obesity.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Some studies hypothesize the existence of cross-reactivity between allergy to Cupressus sempervirens pollen and plant-derived foods. We aimed to assess whether this holds true. 72 patients monosensitized to cypress pollen were investigated for food allergy to peach, apple, tomato and Juniperius oxycedrus berry. No patient had a history of clinical allergy or showed in-vitro or in-vitro reactivity to peach, apple, and tomato. Two patients scored positive on SPT with Juniperius oxycedrus berry but in-vitro tests ruled out cross-reactivity with the corresponding pollen. Question: Does cypress pollen cross-react to plant-derived foods? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Airborne allergy to Cupressaceae pollen is not associated with allergy to plant-derived foods.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: To study the effect of Bacilli Calmette-Guerin (BCG) on miRNAs (miR-21, miR-181a, miR-155 and miR-144) in RAW264.7 cells, and with miR-144 as an example, to verify the relationship of miR-144 and Atg4a, an autophagy-related gene, and study the mechanism underlying the regulatory effect of miR-144 on autophagy in the process of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. RAW264.7 cells were treated respectively with starvation (12 hours), 50 ng/mL rapamycin (2 hours) and 10 nmol/L 3-methyl adenine (3-MA, 12 hours), and then stimulated with BCG for 12, 24 or 48 hours. The macrophages were collected for total RNA extraction. The expression levels of miR-21, miR-181a, miR-155 and miR-144 were detected by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). Thereafter, we constructed the recombinant plasmids pMIR-Report-Atg4a and pMIR-Report-Atg4a mut. The targeting effect of miR-144 on Atg4a gene was verified by the dual-luciferase reporter assay system, Western blotting and qRT-PCR. After BCG stimulated RAW264.7 cells, the expression levels of miR-21, miR-155 and miR-144 were up-regulated, and miR-181a expression was down-regulated. The expressions of miR-21, miR-144, miR-155 and miR-181a increased 64 times, 52 times, 14 times and 1 times in the rapamycin group, respectively; the expressions of miR-21, miR-144, miR-155 and miR-181a decreased 1.22 times, 1.05 times, 1.54 times and 12.5 times in the 3-MA group, respectively. The dual-luciferase reporter assay system and Western blotting demonstrated that miR-144 could suppress Atg4a expression by targeting the specific 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR) sequence of Atg4a gene. Question: Does [ miR-144 regulate BCG- and rapamycin-induced autophagy by targeting Atg4a in RAW264.7 cells ]? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> miR-144 can directly inhibit the autophagy-related gene Atg4a expression and participate in the regulation of autophagy process in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Internal transcribed spacer of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) is already one of the most popular phylogenetic and DNA barcoding markers. However, the existence of its multiple copies has complicated such usage and a detailed characterization of intra-genomic variations is critical to address such concerns. In this study, we used sequence-tagged pyrosequencing and genome-wide analyses to characterize intra-genomic variations of internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) regions from 178 plant species. We discovered that mutation of ITS2 is frequent, with a mean of 35 variants per species. And on average, three of the most abundant variants make up 91% of all ITS2 copies. Moreover, we found different congeneric species share identical variants in 13 genera. Interestingly, different species across different genera also share identical variants. In particular, one minor variant of ITS2 in Eleutherococcus giraldii was found identical to the ITS2 major variant of Panax ginseng, both from Araliaceae family. In addition, DNA barcoding gap analysis showed that the intra-genomic distances were markedly smaller than those of the intra-specific or inter-specific variants. When each of 5543 variants were examined for its species discrimination efficiency, a 97% success rate was obtained at the species level. Question: Does extensive pyrosequencing reveal frequent intra-genomic variations of internal transcribed spacer regions of nuclear ribosomal DNA? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Identification of identical ITS2 variants across intra-generic or inter-generic species revealed complex species evolutionary history, possibly, horizontal gene transfer and ancestral hybridization. Although intra-genomic multiple variants are frequently found within each genome, the usage of the major variants alone is sufficient for phylogeny construction and species determination in most cases. Furthermore, the inclusion of minor variants further improves the resolution of species identification.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: To investigate the occurrence of lung cancer in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the US veteran population. Patients with rheumatic diseases appear to have an increased risk for the development of lymphoproliferative and some solid organ malignancies. We conducted a retrospective case control study using prospectively collected data from the Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN) 16 Veteran Affairs (VA) database from 1998 to 2004. We studied the association of RA and lung cancer and analyzed data on 483,721 VA patients. Patients were identified by searching for the diagnoses of RA and lung cancer based on the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes. We identified 8768 (1.81%) patients with a diagnosis of RA (ICD code 714.0), 7280 (1.5%) patients with lung cancer (ICD code 162.0), 247 patients with lung cancer and RA, and 7033 patients with lung cancer but no RA. Logistic regression analysis was performed to adjust for age, gender, race, and tobacco and asbestos exposure. Statistical tests were conducted at a 5% level of significance. The diagnosis of RA was determined to have a significant association with lung cancer in this veteran population. Patients with RA are 43% (odds ratio 1.43) more likely to develop lung cancer than patients without RA, when adjusted for covariates. Question: Is risk of development of lung cancer increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis : a large case control study in US veterans? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Our study shows a significant positive association between RA and the development of lung cancer in the veteran population. Veterans with RA have an increased incidence of lung cancer when compared to the non-RA population.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Studies show that pediatric trauma centers produce better outcomes and reduced mortality for injured children. Yet, most children do not have timely access to a pediatric trauma center and require stabilization locally with subsequent transfer. Investigators have demonstrated that pediatric transport teams (PTT) improve outcomes for critically ill children; however, these studies did not differentiate outcomes for injured children. It may be that moderate to severely injured children actually fare worse with PTT due to slower transport times inherent to their remote locations and thus delays in important interventions. The purpose of this study was to determine if outcomes for injured children are affected by use of PTT for inter-hospital transfer. We conducted a retrospective chart review of 1,177 children transferred to a pediatric trauma center for injury care between March 1st, 2012 and December 31st, 2013. We compared children who were transported by PTT (ground/air) to those transported by ground advanced life support (ALS) and air critical care (ACC). We described patient characteristics and transport times. For PTT vs. ALS and ACC, we compared hospital length of stay (LOS), transport interventions and adverse events. 1,177 injured children were transferred by the following modes: 68% ALS, 13% ACC, 11% Ground PTT, and 9% Air PTT. Children transported by PTT were younger and had higher ISS and lower GCS scores. PTT had a longer total transport time, departure preparation time, and patient bedside time. After controlling for age, ISS, GCS, transport mode, distance, and time, we found no significant difference in LOS between PTT vs. ALS and ACC. A subgroup analysis of children with higher ISS scores demonstrated a 65% longer LOS for children transported by ACC vs. PTT. There were no differences between transport teams with regard to acidosis, hypocarbia or hypercarbia, or maintenance of tubes and lines. Question: Do Pediatric Teams Affect Outcomes of Injured Children Requiring Inter-hospital Transport? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Children transported by PTT were younger and sicker (vs. ACC and ALS). Despite longer transport times, children transported by PTT did not have a longer hospital LOS or adverse events during transport. However, for those children with higher ISS, transport by ACC resulted in longer hospital LOS vs. PTT.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Relatively recent evidence indicates that ABCC2 transporters play a main role in the mode of action of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry1A-type proteins. Mapping of major Cry1A resistance genes has linked resistance to the ABCC2 locus in Heliothis virescens, Plutella xylostella, Trichoplusia ni and Bombyx mori, and mutations in this gene have been found in three of these Bt-resistant strains. We have used a colony of Spodoptera exigua (Xen-R) highly resistant to a Bt commercial bioinsecticide to identify regions in the S. exigua genome containing loci for major resistance genes by using bulk segregant analysis (BSA). Results reveal a region containing three genes from the ABCC family (ABBC1, ABBC2 and ABBC3) and a mutation in one of them (ABBC2) as responsible for the resistance of S. exigua to the Bt commercial product and to its key Spodoptera-active ingredients, Cry1Ca. In contrast to all previously described mutations in ABCC2 genes that directly or indirectly affect the extracellular domains of the membrane protein, the ABCC2 mutation found in S. exigua affects an intracellular domain involved in ATP binding. Functional analyses of ABBC2 and ABBC3 support the role of both proteins in the mode of action of Bt toxins in S. exigua. Partial silencing of these genes with dsRNA decreased the susceptibility of wild type larvae to both Cry1Ac and Cry1Ca. In addition, reduction of ABBC2 and ABBC3 expression negatively affected some fitness components and induced up-regulation of arylphorin and repat5, genes that respond to Bt intoxication and that are found constitutively up-regulated in the Xen-R strain. Question: Do aBCC transporters mediate insect resistance to multiple Bt toxins revealed by bulk segregant analysis? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> The current results show the involvement of different members of the ABCC family in the mode of action of B. thuringiensis proteins and expand the role of the ABCC2 transporter in B. thuringiensis resistance beyond the Cry1A family of proteins to include Cry1Ca.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Nutrient deficiency during perinatal development is associated with an increased risk to develop obesity, diabetes and hypertension in the adulthood. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the developmental programming of the metabolic syndrome remain largely unknown. Given the essential role of the hypothalamus in the integration of nutritional, endocrine and neuronal cues, here we have analyzed the profile of the hypothalamus transcriptome in 180 days-old rats born to dams fed either a control (200 g/kg) or a low-protein (80 g/kg) diet through pregnancy and lactation. From a total of 26 209 examined genes, 688 were up-regulated and 309 down-regulated (P<0.003) by early protein restriction. Further bioinformatic analysis of the data revealed that perinatal protein restriction permanently alters the expression of two gene clusters regulating common cellular processes. The first one includes several gate keeper genes regulating insulin signaling and nutrient sensing. The second cluster encompasses a functional network of nuclear receptors and co-regulators of transcription involved in the detection and use of lipid nutrients as fuel which, in addition, link temporal and nutritional cues to metabolism through their tight interaction with the circadian clock. Question: Is nutritional programming in the rat linked to long-lasting changes in nutrient sensing and energy homeostasis in the hypothalamus? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Collectively, these results indicate that the programming of the hypothalamic circuits regulating energy homeostasis is a key step in the development of obesity associated with malnutrition in early life and provide a valuable resource for further investigating the role of the hypothalamus in the programming of the metabolic syndrome.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: To detect the changes in intestinal mucosal permeation in rats with methotrexate-induced small intestinal damage and investigate the protective effects of Changyanqing decoction. Rat enteritis model was established by methotrexate (MTX) and sodium chloride. The rats were randomly divided into normal control group, model group, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) group and Changyanqing decoction group, and Changyanqing decoction (100 mg/kg) or saline was administered daily in the corresponding groups by gastric irrigation for 6 days. The disease activity index (DAI), colonic mucosal damage index (CMDI) and histological score (HS) of the rats were observed and evaluated. The levels of mRNA expressions of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta were detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The expression of IL-10 was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, and IkappaB expression was determined with Western blotting. Compared with the normal control group, the model group showed significantly increased DAI, CMDI and HS. The DAI, CMDI, and HS in rats treated with Changyanqing decoction were significantly decreased in comparison with those in the model group (P<0.01). The expressions of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta were significantly higher in MTX-treated group than in the control group. The expression of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta mRNA in the Changyanqing group and NAC group were significantly lower, but IL-10 significantly higher than those of the MTX group. In MTX group, obvious NF-kappaB activation was observed, whose expression was significantly stronger in the cell nuclei, and the IkappaB in the cytoplasm was markedly degraded. Question: Does [ Changyanqing decoction produce anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB ]? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Changyanqing decoction offers protection on intestinal mucosa by inhibiting NF-kappaB activation to reduce TNF-alpha and IL-1beta mRNA expressions and increase IL-10 expression.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: To investigate the in vivo antitumor efficacy of quercetin in U937 xenografts and the functional roles of Mcl-1 and Bax in quercetin-induced apoptosis in human leukemia. Leukemia cells were treated with quercetin, after which apoptosis, Mcl-1 expression, and Bax activation and translocation were evaluated. The efficacy of quercetin as well as Mcl-1 expression and Bax activation were investigated in xenografts of U937 cells. Administration of quercetin caused pronounced apoptosis in both transformed and primary leukemia cells but not in normal blood peripheral mononuclear cells. Quercetin-induced apoptosis was accompanied by Mcl-1 downregulation and Bax conformational change and mitochondrial translocation that triggered cytochrome c release. Knockdown of Bax by siRNA reversed quercetin-induced apoptosis and abrogated the activation of caspase and apoptosis. Ectopic expression of Mcl-1 attenuated quercetin-mediated Bax activation, translocation, and cell death. Conversely, interruption of Mcl-1 by siRNA enhanced Bax activation and translocation, as well as lethality induced by quercetin. However, the absence of Bax had no effect on quercetin-mediated Mcl-1 downregulation. Furthermore, in vivo administration of quercetin attenuated tumor growth in U937 xenografts. The TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells in tumor sections increased in quercetin-treated mice as compared with controls. Mcl-1 downregulation and Bax activation were also observed in xenografts. Question: Does quercetin induce tumor-selective apoptosis through downregulation of Mcl-1 and activation of Bax? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> These data suggest that quercetin may be useful for the treatment of leukemia by preferentially inducing apoptosis in leukemia versus normal hematopoietic cells through a process involving Mcl-1 downregulation, which, in turn, potentiates Bax activation and mitochondrial translocation, culminating in apoptosis.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Metformin may have anticancer effects and could improve response to radiotherapy in several malignancies. We aimed to investigate the effect of metformin on response to radiotherapy in rectal cancer. A total of 543 rectal cancer patients who were treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by radical surgery from January 2007 to December 2011 were reviewed. Patients were divided into three groups: diabetics taking metformin (n = 42), diabetics not taking metformin (n = 29), and non-diabetics (n = 472). Tumor response and survival were compared between groups. The rates of N downstaging and tumor regression grades (TRG) 3-4 were significantly higher in diabetics taking metformin (p = 0.006 and p = 0.029, respectively). There were no significant differences between groups in terms of T downstaging and pathologic complete response. On multivariate analysis, metformin use was associated with increased rates of N downstaging and TRG 3-4 (p = 0.003 and p = 0.019, respectively). Recurrence-free survival, disease-free survival, and overall survival rates were not significantly different between groups. Question: Does metformin enhance the response to radiotherapy in diabetic patients with rectal cancer? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Metformin is associated with higher tumor response rates to radiotherapy in rectal cancer, especially in patients with diabetes.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: The purpose of this study is to determine if negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) treatment results in fewer bacteria than wet-to-dry (WTD) dressings in a contaminated open fracture wound model. For Study 1, complex wounds were created on the proximal left leg of goats. The wounds were inoculated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The wounds were débrided and irrigated 6 hours after inoculation. The first group received WTD dressing changes twice daily; the second and third groups received NPWT using systems from two different companies. All three groups received repeat débridements every 48 hours for 6 days. Bacteria quantification was performed both immediately before and after each débridement. For Study 2, the only changes were that Staphylococcus aureus was used and only one NPWT group was included. In Study 1, there were significantly fewer Pseudomonas in both NPWT groups at all imaging sessions after the initial débridement and irrigation. At the 6-day time point, the wounds in the NPWT groups were 43 +/- 14% and 68 +/- 6% of the baseline amount, respectively. The WTD groups were 464 +/- 102% of the baseline amount. In Study 2, NPWT did not reduce the S. aureus contamination within the wound. At the 6-day time point, the wounds in the NPWT and WTD groups contained 115 +/- 19% and 192 +/- 52% of the baseline values, respectively. Question: Does negative pressure wound therapy reduce pseudomonas wound contamination more than Staphylococcus aureus? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> NPWT showed a significant and sustained decrease in the Pseudomonas levels compared with WTD dressings at all time points. This beneficial effect was seen not seen in S. aureus.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) in patients after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Five patients with gastric varices (GVx) and/or liver dysfunction who were treated with B-RTO from January 2001 to December 2007 were enrolled in this study (GVx, n = 2; liver dysfunction, n = 1; both, n = 2). The eradication rate of the GVx, portal vein hemodynamics and improvement of liver function were evaluated. B-RTO was performed successfully, and the GVx disappeared or decreased markedly in all patients. Recurrence of GVx was not observed during the follow-up. Significantly increased portal vein inflow and improved liver function were observed in all patients. Question: Is balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration feasible for prolonged portosystemic shunts after living donor liver transplantation? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> B-RTO may be an effective treatment for patients after LDLT to prevent bleeding from GVx or to modulate portal vein inflow that is reduced by prolonged large portosystemic shunts.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: The usefulness of biochemical criteria to separate pleural transudates from exudates is controversial, and the limitations of Light's criteria in patients receiving diuretic therapy is of general concern. We evaluated the added value of biochemical criteria to clinical judgment for separating transudates from exudates. A community teaching hospital. A prospective, observational study for the evaluation of diagnostic tests. In 249 consecutive patients referred for diagnostic thoracentesis, two physicians classified the pleural effusion as transudate or exudate based on all available information just before performing the thoracentesis. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the clinical presumption were compared with those of Light's criteria, and serum-pleural fluid albumin and protein gradients. The combined accuracy of biochemical and clinical criteria was also assessed. The accuracy of Light's criteria (93%) was significantly higher than that showed by the initial clinical presumption (84%; p<0.01) and that of the alternative biochemical criteria: serum-pleural fluid albumin gradient (87%; p<0.03) and serum-pleural fluid protein gradient (86%; p<0.01). In patients receiving diuretic therapy, the accuracy of Light's criteria was 83% (60 of 72 cases), neither different to that of the albumin gradient (88%; 63 of 72 cases) nor to that of the protein gradient (86%; 62 of 72 cases). When these alternative biochemical criteria were applied exclusively to patients receiving diuretics who were thought to have a transudative effusion by clinical criteria, but having fluid identified as exudative by Light's criteria, the results did not improve significantly. Using a multiparametric model for the population receiving diuretics, the accuracy was greater (93%; 67 of 72 cases) than that of Light's criteria but without reaching statistical significance (p = 0.12). Question: Is it meaningful to use biochemical parameters to discriminate between transudative and exudative pleural effusions? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Light's criteria are significantly superior to the clinical presumption to separate pleural transudates from exudates. In patients receiving diuretics, Light's criteria lose accuracy, which is similar to that showed by the use of alternative biochemical criteria alone or combined with clinical judgment.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Treatments for infantile nystagmus (IN) sometimes elicit subjective reports of improved visual function, yet quantifiable improvements in visual acuity, if any, are often negligible. One possibility is that these subjective "improvements" may relate to temporal, rather than spatial, visual function. This study aimed to ascertain the extent to which "time to see" might be increased in nystagmats, as compared to normally sighted controls. By assessing both eye movement and response time data, it was possible to determine whether delays in "time to see" were due solely to the eye movements, or to an underlying deficit in visual processing. The time taken to respond to the orientation of centrally and peripherally presented gratings was measured in subjects with IN and normally sighted controls (both groups: n = 11). For each vertically displaced grating, the time until the target-acquiring saccade was determined, as was the time from the saccade until the subject's response. Nystagmats took approximately 60 ms longer than controls to execute target-acquiring saccades to vertically displaced targets (P = 0.010). However, the time from the end of the saccade until subjects responded was not significantly different between groups (P = 0.37). Despite this, nystagmats took longer to respond to gratings presented at fixation. Question: Is visual Processing in Infantile Nystagmus Slow? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Individuals with IN took longer to direct their gaze toward objects of interest. However, once a target was foveated, the time taken to process visual information and respond did not appear to differ from that of control subjects. Therefore, conscious visual processing in IN is not slow.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) is known to potently inhibit cell growth. Loss of responsiveness to TGFβ inhibition on cell growth is a hallmark of many types of cancer, yet its mechanism is not fully understood. Membrane-anchored heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (proHB-EGF) ectodomain is cleaved by a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) members and is implicated in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) transactivation. Recently, nuclear translocation of the C-terminal fragment (CTF) of pro-HB-EGF was found to induce cell growth. We investigated the association between TGFβ and HB-EGF signal transduction via ADAM activation. The CCK-8 assay in two gastric cancer cell lines was used to determine the effect for cell growth by TGFβ. The effect of two ADAM inhibitors was also evaluated. Induction of EGFR phosphorylation by TGFβ was analyzed and the effect of the ADAM inhibitors was also examined. Nuclear translocation of HB-EGF-CTF by shedding through ADAM activated by TGFβ was also analyzed. EGFR transactivation, HB-EGF-CTF nuclear translocation, and cell growth were examined under the condition of ADAM17 knockdown. TGFβ-induced EGFR phosphorylation of which ADAM inhibitors were able to inhibit. TGFβ induced shedding of proHB-EGF allowing HB-EGF-CTF to translocate to the nucleus. ADAM inhibitors blocked this nuclear translocation. TGFβ enhanced gastric cancer cell growth and ADAM inhibitors suppressed this effect. EGFR phosphorylation, HB-EGF-CTF nuclear translocation, and cell growth were suppressed in ADAM17 knockdown cells. Question: Does tGFβ induce proHB-EGF shedding and EGFR transactivation through ADAM activation in gastric cancer cells? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> HB-EGF-CTF nuclear translocation and EGFR transactivation from proHB-EGF shedding mediated by ADAM17 activated by TGFβ might be an important pathway of gastric cancer cell proliferation by TGFβ.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore how weight might influence the relationship between depression and smoking. Data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey representative of women age 40-65 enrolled in Group Health Cooperative, a health plan serving members in Washington and northern Idaho (n=4640). We examined the relationships between depression and smoking in normal weight, overweight, and obese women using weighted multiple logistic regression with both minimal and full adjustment. Current depression was significantly associated with current smoking in obese women (adjusted odds ratio=2.48, 95% confidence interval=1.26-4.88) but not in underweight/normal or overweight women. Among ever smokers, obese women, but not other groups, were significantly less likely to have quit smoking in the past. Question: Does the association between depression and smoking vary by body mass index (BMI) category? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> In our preliminary study, the association between smoking and depression in middle-aged women appears to be limited to the obese subset and may stem from a lesser likelihood of obese ever smokers to have quit. This population represents an important target for preventive medicine efforts.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate time delays, adherence to guidelines, and their impact on outcomes in patients with warfarin-associated intracerebral hemorrhage transferred from community emergency departments to a comprehensive stroke center. We collected demographic, clinical, transfer time, treatment, and outcome data for patients transferred to our institution with warfarin-associated intracerebral hemorrhage from community emergency departments. Among 928 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, 56 (6%) with warfarin-associated intracerebral hemorrhage (median international normalized ratio, 2.55) were transferred to the comprehensive stroke center. Twenty patients received no acute reversal therapy before transfer, only 4 of whom had international normalized ratios ≤1.4 in the community emergency department. Median time of emergency department stay was 3.66 hours and median time to initiation of acute reversal therapy was 4.48 hours. Those who received ≥3 U of fresh-frozen plasma or recombinant activated Factor VIIa (11 patients) before transfer had lower repeat international normalized ratios and better discharge dispositions than those treated less aggressively. Question: Is warfarin-associated intracerebral hemorrhage inadequately treated at community emergency departments? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Treatment of warfarin-associated intracerebral hemorrhage in community emergency departments is often suboptimal and does not adhere to published guidelines. Treating coagulopathy aggressively before interhospital transfer may improve outcomes and warrants further investigation.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Helicobacter pylori colonizes the gastric mucosa and must survive the acid pH of that environment. Like other enteric bacterial pathogens, including Salmonella enterica, H. pylori develops an acid tolerance response that is dependent on the function of the transcriptional regulator protein Fur. To explore by site-directed mutagenesis whether two particular amino acid residues in the amino acid sequence of the H. pylori Fur protein, arginine 66 and histidine 99, are involved in the acid response mechanism in this bacterium. Complementation assays in Escherichia coli H1780 (fur null mutant) both with plasmids carrying the H. pylori fur gene bearing substitution mutations R66A or H99A or R66A/H99A and with the H. pylori Fur-R66A mutant were conducted. Wild-type and mutated Fur proteins from H. pylori were assayed by using the fiu::lacZ reporter gene in the E. coli H1780 heterologous system at various pH and iron concentrations. Both bacterial growth and repression of the reporter gene were impaired under acid conditions in E. coli H1780 complemented with pUC19-fur-R66A. Also, in the H. pylori Fur-R66 strain bacterial growth and speA gene expression were impaired under acid conditions. Question: Is arginine 66 residue of Fur required for the regulatory function of this protein in the acid adaptation mechanism of Helicobacter pylori? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Arginine 66 but not histidine 99 in H. pylori Fur is required for the regulatory function of the Fur protein in the acid adaptation mechanism of the bacterium.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Chick choroidal lymphatics swell rapidly during recovery from form-deprivation occlusion, leading to the question of functional significance. To date, analysis of lymph in initial lymphatics has been problematic because of the difficulties of access. However, elemental composition can be determined using scanning electron microscope (SEM) X-ray microanalysis. This study investigated whether cryo-fixation would permit vascular fluids to be analysed in situ. Two chicks were raised normally and seven were raised with monocular occlusion for 12 days before varying periods of normal visual experience. The eyes were rapidly frozen, fractured and X-ray spectra obtained from the lumina of lymphatic and blood vessels in a Cambridge S360 SEM. The elemental signatures of Na/Cl/K/P/S distinguished the two vessel types. Question: Does x-ray elemental analysis differentiate blood vessels and lymphatic vessels in the chick choroid? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> These results suggest this bulk-frozen tissue technique can quantify relative changes in elemental species present in various ocular compartments in response to light-induced changes in the retina.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Leptin (the product of the human OB gene) is increased in obese individuals, suggesting resistance to its effect. However, there is considerable variability in leptin levels at each level of body mass index (BMI), suggesting that genetic and environmental factors may regulate leptin concentrations. Previous data have suggested that leptin levels are associated with insulin resistance and in a few reports with impaired insulin secretion. We examined whether non-diabetic subjects, with elevated specific insulin and proinsulin levels, had increased leptin levels. We used a radioimmunoassay (RIA) to measure serum leptin levels in 197 non-diabetic Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic whites from the San Antonio Heart Study. We also evaluated whether leptin levels were associated with impaired insulin secretion or increased beta cell stress, as evaluated by the fasting proinsulin/insulin ratio. (Higher fasting proinsulin/insulin ratios are thought to reflect impaired insulin secretion.) Leptin levels were significantly correlated with fasting specific insulin (r=0.55, P<0.001) and proinsulin (r=0.57, P<0.001) and inversely with the proinsulin/insulin ratio (r= -0.154, P=0.035) after adjustment for age, gender, ethnicity and 2 h glucose. These associations were similar in men and women and in Mexican Americans and in non-Hispanic whites. After further adjustment for BMI and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), leptin levels remained significantly correlated with specific insulin (r=0.31, P<0.001) and proinsulin (r=0.24, P<0.001) although the magnitude of the associations were considerably attenuated. Question: Are leptin concentrations associated with higher proinsulin and insulin concentrations but a lower proinsulin/insulin ratio in non-diabetic subjects? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> We conclude that specific insulin and proinsulin are positively related to leptin levels and that these associations are to some degree independent of obesity and body fat distribution. Thus, subjects with increased insulin levels may be relatively resistant to the effects of leptin. However, leptin levels are associated with a decrease in the fasting proinsulin/insulin ratio suggesting that leptin levels are not associated with an impairment in insulin secretion.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Nitric oxide signaling pathways are of central importance in both the maintenance of vascular homeostasis and the progression of vascular disease. Since smooth muscle cell apoptosis is associated with numerous vascular disorders, the authors investigated whether YC-1, a soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) activator, regulates apoptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (1 mM) induced cGMP (guanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate)-independent apoptosis in rat vascular smooth muscle cells using MTT assay and TUNEL-reaction techniques. Furthermore, sodium nitroprusside induced apoptosis via Bcl-2 down-regulation, cytochrome c release reaction, and caspase-3 activation by Western blotting analysis and enzymatic assay methods. YC-1 abolished these apoptotic signaling cascades and prevented apoptosis through a cGMP-involved pathway, and phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase behaved a downstream event in this pathway. Question: Does yC-1 prevent sodium nitroprusside-mediated apoptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> These results suggest that YC-1 inhibits sodium nitroprusside-induced vascular smooth muscle cells apoptosis via a cGMP- and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-involved inhibition on Bcl-2 down-regulation/cytochrome c release/caspase-3 activation cascades. The ability of YC-1 to prevent smooth muscle cell apoptosis may play an important role in blocking lesion formation at sites of vascular injury.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Obesity and consequent insulin resistance are known risk factors for type 2 diabetes. A compensatory increase in beta cell function and mass in response to insulin resistance permits maintenance of normal glucose homeostasis, whereas failure to do so results in beta cell failure and type 2 diabetes. Recent evidence suggests that the circadian system is essential for proper metabolic control and regulation of beta cell function. We set out to address the hypothesis that the beta cell circadian clock is essential for the appropriate functional and morphological beta cell response to insulin resistance. We employed conditional deletion of the Bmal1 (also known as Arntl) gene (encoding a key circadian clock transcription factor) in beta cells using the tamoxifen-inducible CreER(T) recombination system. Upon adulthood, Bmal1 deletion in beta cells was achieved and mice were exposed to either chow or high fat diet (HFD). Changes in diurnal glycaemia, glucose tolerance and insulin secretion were longitudinally monitored in vivo and islet morphology and turnover assessed by immunofluorescence. Isolated islet experiments in vitro were performed to delineate changes in beta cell function and transcriptional regulation of cell proliferation. Adult Bmal1 deletion in beta cells resulted in failed metabolic adaptation to HFD characterised by fasting and diurnal hyperglycaemia, glucose intolerance and loss of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Importantly, HFD-induced beta cell expansion was absent following beta cell Bmal1 deletion indicating impaired beta cell proliferative and regenerative potential, which was confirmed by assessment of transcriptional profiles in isolated islets. Question: Is bmal1 required for beta cell compensatory expansion , survival and metabolic adaptation to diet-induced obesity in mice? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Results of the study suggest that the beta cell circadian clock is a novel regulator of compensatory beta cell expansion and function in response to increased insulin demand associated with diet-induced obesity.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Mice are well suited for modeling human congenital heart disease (CHD), given their 4-chamber cardiac anatomy. However, mice with CHD invariably die prenatally/neonatally, causing CHD phenotypes to be missed. Therefore, we investigated the efficacy of noninvasive microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) to screen for CHD in stillborn/fetal mice. These studies were performed using chemically mutagenized mice expected to be enriched for birth defects, including CHD. Stillborn/fetal mice obtained from the breeding of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea mutagenized mice were formalin-fixed and stained with iodine, then micro-CT scanned. Those diagnosed with CHD and some CHD-negative pups were necropsied. A subset of these were further analyzed by histopathology to confirm the CHD/no-CHD diagnosis. Micro-CT scanning of 2105 fetal/newborn mice revealed an abundance of ventricular septal defects (n=307). Overall, we observed an accuracy of 89.8% for ventricular septal defect diagnosis. Outflow tract anomalies identified by micro-CT included double outlet right ventricle (n=36), transposition of the great arteries (n=14), and persistent truncus arteriosus (n=3). These were diagnosed with a 97.4% accuracy. Aortic arch anomalies also were readily detected with an overall 99.6% accuracy. This included right aortic arch (n=28) and coarctation/interrupted aortic arch (n=12). Also detected by micro-CT were atrioventricular septal defects (n=22), tricuspid hypoplasia/atresia (n=13), and coronary artery fistulas (n=16). They yielded accuracies of 98.9%, 100%, and 97.8%, respectively. Question: Does microcomputed tomography provide high accuracy congenital heart disease diagnosis in neonatal and fetal mice? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Contrast enhanced micro-CT imaging in neonatal/fetal mice can reliably detect a wide spectrum of CHD. We conclude that micro-CT imaging can be used for routine rapid assessments of structural heart defects in fetal/newborn mice.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Frailty is a condition of increased vulnerability to adverse health outcomes. Although frailty is an important prognostic factor for many conditions, the effect of frailty on mortality in lung transplantation is unknown. Our objective was to assess the association of frailty with survival after lung transplantation. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of all adult lung transplant recipients at our institution between 2002 and 2013. Frailty was assessed using the frailty deficit index, a validated instrument that assesses cumulative deficits for up to 32 impairments and measures the proportion of deficits present (with frailty defined as >0.25). We examined the association between frailty and survival, adjusting for age, sex, and bilateral (vs single) lung transplant using Cox proportional hazard regression models. Among 144 lung transplant patients, 102 (71%) completed self-reported questionnaires necessary to assess the frailty deficit index within 1 year before lung transplantation. Frail patients (n = 46) had an increased risk of death, with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 2.24 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22-4.19; p = 0.0089). Frailty was not associated with an increased duration of mechanical ventilation (median, 2 vs 2 days; p = 0.26), intensive care unit length of stay (median, 7.5 vs 6 days; p = 0.36) or hospital length of stay after transplantation (median, 14 vs 10.5 days; p = 0.26). Question: Is pretransplant frailty associated with decreased survival after lung transplantation? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Pre-transplant frailty was independently associated with decreased survival after lung transplantation. Pre-transplant frailty may represent an important area for intervention to improve candidate selection and lung transplant outcomes.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: Patients with prostate cancer (PC) have so far been followed in specialised hospital departments after diagnosis and initiation of treatment. The main obstacles associated with the transfer of this activity to general practice include lack of experience and uncertainty as to whether general practitioners (GPs) can handle follow-up. A Steering Committee was established in collaboration with health-care professionals to devise a strategy for a shared care model. An action plan was designed that included 1) the development of a shared care model for follow-up and treatment, 2) implementation of the shared care model in cooperation between the parties involved, 3) design of procedures for re-referral, and 4) evaluation of effect, change processes and contextual factors. A total of 2,585 patients with PC were included in the study: 1,172 had disseminated disease, 754 had no recurrence after curative treatment, 244 who had been treated with a curative intent were being treated for relapse, 186 underwent watchful waiting, 135 underwent active surveillance, while other scenarios applied in the remaining 94 cases. A total of 530 patients were transferred to follow-up with a GP and 2,055 were not transferred to their GP. The main reason why patients were considered not suitable for transfer to primary health care was the patients' own desire (33%), followed by clinical or biochemical disease progression (33%). The evaluation found that 96% of the patients were very comfortable with the permanent or temporary closure of the hospital course. Question: Is shared care a model for patients with stable prostate cancer? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> The project focused on factors that are essential for the successful transfer of responsibility for long-term follow-up of patients with prostate cancer. Patient transfer succeeded with high initial patient satisfaction.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: The tendency to generate overgeneral past or future events is characteristic of individuals with a history of depression. Although much research has investigated the contribution of rumination and avoidance to the reduced specificity of past events, comparatively little research has examined (1) whether the specificity of future events is differentially reduced in depression and (2) the role of executive functions in this phenomenon. Our study aimed to redress this imbalance. Participants with either current or past experience of depressive symptoms ('depressive group'; N = 24) and matched controls ('control group'; N = 24) completed tests of avoidance, rumination, and executive functions. A modified Autobiographical Memory Test was administered to assess the specificity of past and future events. The depressive group were more ruminative and avoidant than controls, but did not exhibit deficits in executive function. Although overall the depressive group generated significantly fewer specific events than controls, this reduction was driven by a significant group difference in future event specificity. Strategic retrieval processes were correlated with both past and future specificity, and predictive of the future specificity, whereas avoidance and rumination were not. Question: Do strategic processes contribute to the specificity of future simulation in depression? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Our findings demonstrate that future simulation appears to be particularly vulnerable to disruption in individuals with current or past experience of depressive symptoms, consistent with the notion that future simulation is more cognitively demanding than autobiographical memory retrieval. Moreover, our findings suggest that even subtle changes in executive functions such as strategic processes may impact the ability to imagine specific future events.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: To describe the structure-pain and structure-function associations in isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PF OA). Population-based study of 819 adults aged>or =50 years with knee pain. The severity of knee pain, stiffness and disability were measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Three radiographic views of the knee were obtained. Isolated PF OA was mild in 142 participants and moderate/severe in 44. Mean WOMAC scores for pain, stiffness and function were associated with radiographic severity of PF OA (F(2,389)=4.7, P=0.01; F(2,392)=4.5, P=0.012 and F(2,392)=6.1, P=0.002, respectively, adjusted for age, gender, and body mass index (BMI)). Post-hoc tests demonstrated statistically significant differences for mean pain, stiffness and function score between those with mild PF OA and those with normal X-rays. In task-specific items there was evidence of a stepped response, the proportion of participants with moderate/severe/extreme pain or difficulty in performing everyday tasks increasing with the severity of PF OA. The strongest association was observed for pain going up and down stairs (age-gender-BMI adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.0; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4,6.6. Functional tasks most strongly related to radiographic severity were: descending stairs (OR 3.2; (CI 1.5,6.5)), getting in/out of the bath (3.2; 1.5,6.6), getting in/out of a car (3.0; 1.4,6.1). Question: Does isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis matter? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> Mild isolated PF OA is significantly associated with symptoms of pain, stiffness and functional limitation. Further research on its recognition in clinical practice and the development of targeted treatments to prevent or slow progression are warranted.

<|system|> You are an biomedical AI assistant that follows instruction extremely well, Your task is to answer biomedical questions precisely and truthfully using the given abstract <|endoftext|> <|prompter|> Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the interaction of age and habitual physical activity on recovery time of muscle oxygenation following maximal cycling exercise (CycEXmax). Twelve sedentary middle-aged (50+/-6), 13 sedentary elderly (66+/-3), 13 active middle-aged (53+/-5), and 20 active elderly (67+/-5) women participated in this study. We evaluated the peak pulmonary oxygen uptake (VO2peak) during CycEXmax and the half-recovery time of muscle oxygenation (T1/2reoxy time) using near-infrared spectroscopy at the vastus lateralis (VL) during the recovery phase after CycEXmax. T1/2reoxy time was significantly greater in the elderly subjects than in the middle-aged subjects in both sedentary (P<0.05) and active groups (P<0.01). T1/2reoxy time of the active group was lower (P<0.01) than that of the sedentary group regardless of age. Age was significantly correlated to T1/2reoxy time in both sedentary and active groups (in both sedentary and active groups: P<0.01). The slope of T1/2reoxy time against age in the sedentary group was significantly greater (VL: P<0.05) than that of the active group. VO2peak showed significant inverse correlation with T1/2reoxy time at the VL in both sedentary and active groups. The slope of VO2peak against T1/2reoxy time showed no significant differences between middle-aged and elderly subjects. Question: Do age and activity status affect muscle reoxygenation time after maximal cycling exercise? <|endoftext|> <|assistant|> The results of this study suggest that T1/2reoxy time was prolonged with aging, regardless of habitual physical activity levels. However, habitual physical activity may prevent the age-related prolongation in T1/2reoxy time after CycEXmax. VO2peak appears to be one of the major factors determining T1/2reoxy time, not age.