Given a passage, construct a question on the basis of the information present in the passage. Construct the question in such a way that (i) it is unambiguous, (ii) it is answerable from the passage, (iii) its answer is unique (iv) it answer uses text phrases from the passage. Avoid creating questions that (i) can't be answered correctly without actually understanding the passage and (ii) uses the same words or phrases given in the passage.

Stem cell factor (SCF) has well-known proliferative effects on hematopoietic cells. SCF also has effects on differentiation and proliferation in other cell types. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha have proliferative effects in the liver. Recent studies in our laboratory have linked SCF's hepatoproliferative actions to those of IL-6, demonstrating that IL-6-induced hepatocyte proliferation depends, at least in part, on SCF. We now hypothesize that TNF-alpha's hepatoproliferative effects are also dependent on SCF.", 'In vitro studies using primary mouse hepatocytes show that SCF is induced by TNF-alpha; anti-SCF antibody treatment in this system inhibits TNF-alpha-induced hepatocyte proliferation, suggesting that TNF-alpha-induced hepatocyte proliferation is also SCF dependent. Additional in vivo experiments were performed in which wild type and/or TNF-alpha receptor-1 knockout mice (TNFR1(-/-)) were subjected to 70% hepatectomy or sham laparotomy. TNFR1(-/-) mice are known to have delayed hepatic regeneration after partial hepatectomy. Initial experiments demonstrated that the SCF receptor, c-kit, is upregulated after partial hepatectomy in wild-type mice, further emphasizing the importance of this system in the restoration of hepatic mass. SCF administration to TNFR1(-/-) mice in the context of partial hepatectomy restores hepatocyte proliferation to normal. Further, SCF administration to TNFR1(-/-) mice before hepatectomy increases phosphotyrosine signal transducer and activator (p-stat-3) levels, suggesting that SCF-induced increases in hepatocyte proliferation may also be stat-3 mediated.
Are stem cell factor and its receptor , c-kit , important for hepatocyte proliferation in wild-type and tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 knockout mice after 70 % hepatectomy?

Allopregnanolone (3-hydroxy-5-pregnan-20-one) is a neurosteroid which has an inhibitory function through interaction with the GABAA receptor. This progesterone metabolite has strong sedative and anxiolytic properties, and low endogenous levels have been associated with depressed mood. This study aimed to investigate whether the very high serum allopregnanolone levels in late pregnancy covary with concurrent self-rated symptoms of depression and anxiety.', 'Ninety-six women in pregnancy weeks 37-40 rated symptoms of depression and anxiety with the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS-S) and Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Their serum allopregnanolone was analyzed by Celite chromatography and radioimmunoassay.', "Ten women had elevated depression scores (MADRS-S 13), and this group had significantly lower allopregnanolone levels compared to women with MADRS-S scores in the normal range (39.0 17.9 vs. 54.6 18.7 nmol/l, p = 0.014). A significant negative correlation was found between self-rated depression scores and allopregnanolone concentrations (Pearson's correlation coefficient = -0.220, p = 0.031). The linear association between self-rated depression scores and allopregnanolone serum concentrations remained significant when adjusted for gestational length, progesterone levels, and parity. Self-rated anxiety, however, was not associated with allopregnanolone serum concentrations during pregnancy.
Is low serum allopregnanolone associated with symptoms of depression in late pregnancy?

To establish a non-invasive model for the assessment of portal venous pressure (PVP) based on the magnetic resonance (MR) parameters.', 'In this prospective study, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan was performed in 109 patients indicated for upper abdominal surgeries after their written consents were obtained, and intraoperative PVP measurements were completed in 92 patients. Altogether 17 patients were excluded for not undergoing surgery or unsuccessful catheterization. A linear model was constructed for estimating PVP levels in 56 patients and further validation was conducted in the other 36 patients.', "The PVP levels were significantly correlated with MR parameters, including splenic volume (SV), splenic venous diameter (SVD), liver/splenic volume ratio, portal venous diameter, hepatic diameter, portal venous cross-sectional area, ascites, varices and arterial portal shunts. A linear model was established as follows: PVP (mmHg) = 2.529 + 1.572 SVD (mm) + 0.231 SV/body mass index ( 10(4) cm(5) /kg) + 3.44aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index. This model showed excellent accuracy in the detection of portal hypertension, with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.945 (95% CI 0.867-1.000), with the sensitivity and specificity of 91.7% and 93.7%, respectively. The agreement analysis revealed that the predictive value using this formula closely reflected the patients' actual PVP level. Moreover, the validation confirmed the accuracy of this model for the assessment of portal hypertension [AUROC 0.935 (95% CI 0.856-1.000)].
Does a non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging-based model predict portal venous pressure?