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Answer the research question based solely on the provided abstracts. If the abstracts support it, say yes; if they contradict it, say no; if they are insufficient or ambiguous, say maybe. Explain in a few sentences. Question: Does short-term endurance training result in a muscle-specific decrease of myostatin mRNA con...
Myostatin has been characterized as a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth. To examine a probable function of myostatin during the adaptation of skeletal muscle in response to training, we analysed the effect of short-term endurance training on myostatin and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) mRNA contents in...
I'd call it Yes. This study demonstrated that short-term endurance training may modulate myostatin mRNA levels, implying a probable role of myostatin in remodelling of skeletal muscle in response to training.
15,572,326
Answer the research question based solely on the provided abstracts. If the abstracts support it, say yes; if they contradict it, say no; if they are insufficient or ambiguous, say maybe. Explain in a few sentences. Question: Does thermal microdebridement affect the time zero biomechanical properties of human patellar...
Thermal microdebridement for the treatment of chronic tendinopathy has recently been introduced. The effect of thermal microdebridement on the biomechanical properties of human tendons, however, remains unknown. Thermal microdebridement does not affect the biomechanical properties of human patellar tendons in a cadave...
I'd call it No. Thermal microdebridement does not affect the biomechanical properties of cadaveric human patellar tendons at the time of initial treatment.
18,673,539
Below are abstracts and a yes/no-style research question. Synthesize what they imply and respond with your judgment (yes, no, or maybe) plus reasoning. Question: Does urinary interleukin-18 predict acute kidney injury after adult cardiac surgery : a prospective observational cohort study?
Urinary interleukin-18 (IL-18) measured during the immediate postoperative period could be a promising predictor of acute kidney injury following adult cardiac surgery. In a single-centre prospective observational cohort study, we enrolled 100 adult cardiac surgical patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass at a tert...
In adults, early postoperative measurement of urinary IL-18 appears not to be valuable in identifying patients who develop acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery, but rather represents a nonspecific marker of cardiopulmonary bypass-associated systemic inflammation. So overall I'd say No.
18,020,941
Using only the evidence in the following abstracts, address the biomedical question. Include whether you conclude yes, no, or maybe, and briefly why. Do symptoms of depression and anxiety as unique predictors of pain-related outcomes following burn injury?
The adverse consequences of burn injuries include pain and psychological distress, which show bidirectional associations. However, much of the existing research has relied on global measures of distress that do not separate distinct symptoms of anxiety and depression. The purpose is to assess the prospective effects o...
These findings suggest potentially distinct effects of depression and anxiety and imply that assessment and early treatment of both depressive and anxiety symptoms may help improve a broad range of long-term pain-related outcomes following burn injury. That leads me to Yes.
23,063,804
You are a biomedical assistant. Read the abstracts and the question below. Give a supported conclusion (yes, no, or maybe if the evidence is mixed or unclear) and a short explanation tied to the text. Question: Does endogenous hydrogen sulfide have a powerful role in inhibitory neurotransmission to the pig bladder nec...
We investigated the possible involvement of H2S in nitric oxide independent inhibitory neurotransmission to the pig bladder neck. We used immunohistochemistry to determine the expression of the H2S synthesis enzymes cystathionine γ-lyase and cystathionine β-synthase. We also used electrical field stimulation and myogr...
Conclusion Yes. Results suggest that endogenous H2S synthesized by cystathionine γ-lyase and released from intramural nerves acts as a powerful signaling molecule in nitric oxide independent inhibitory transmission to the pig bladder neck.
17,372,179
Below are abstracts and a yes/no-style research question. Synthesize what they imply and respond with your judgment (yes, no, or maybe) plus reasoning. Question: Is toll-like receptor 4 involved in brain damage and inflammation after experimental stroke?
Stroke is the second to third leading cause of death. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a signaling receptor in innate immunity that is a specific immunologic response to systemic bacterial infection and cerebral injury. The role of TLR4 in brain ischemia has not been examined yet. We have therefore investigated whether c...
TLR4-deficient mice have minor infarctions and less inflammatory response after an ischemic insult. These data demonstrate that TLR4 signaling and innate immunity are involved in brain damage and in inflammation triggered by ischemic injury. So overall I'd say Yes.
11,405,488
You are a biomedical assistant. Read the abstracts and the question below. Give a supported conclusion (yes, no, or maybe if the evidence is mixed or unclear) and a short explanation tied to the text. Question: Is vectorcardiography superior to conventional ECG for detection of myocardial injury after coronary surgery...
The reliability of conventional scalar ECG for diagnosis of perioperative myocardial infarction (PMI) in cardiac surgery has been questioned. For the diagnosis of myocardial infarction in general vectorcardiography (VCG) is superior to ECG. Therefore, the usefulness of conventional VCG and computerized analysis of spat...
Conclusion Yes. VCG appears superior to conventional ECG as regards detection of myocardial injury in coronary surgery. Computerized programs have facilitated the registration and the interpretation of VCG and this methodology deserves further evaluation in cardiac surgery.
23,230,137
Using only the evidence in the following abstracts, address the biomedical question. Include whether you conclude yes, no, or maybe, and briefly why. Do elevated levels of preoperative CA 15-3 and CEA serum levels have independently poor prognostic significance in breast cancer?
To evaluate the prognostic value of preoperative tumor markers, cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), in breast cancers. Preoperative CA 15-3 and CEA levels of 1681 patients were measured. The association of both tumor markers levels with clinicopathological parameters and outcomes was inve...
Elevated preoperative CA 15-3 and CEA levels are associated with tumor burden and showed independent prognostic significance. Therefore, new treatment strategies are necessary for patients with elevated preoperative CA 15-3 and CEA levels in clinical practice. That leads me to Yes.
27,545,992
You are a biomedical assistant. Read the abstracts and the question below. Give a supported conclusion (yes, no, or maybe if the evidence is mixed or unclear) and a short explanation tied to the text. Question: Does frailty predict risk of life-threatening complications and mortality after pancreatic resections?
To assess the effect of frailty on morbidity and mortality after partial pancreatectomy. A retrospective analysis of National Surgical Quality Improvement Project from 2005-2010 was conducted. A modified frailty index was created based on previously validated methodology. Patients were classified as nonfrail, low frai...
Conclusion Yes. An 11-point frailty index as measured in National Surgical Quality Improvement Project predicts serious complications and death after pancreatectomy. A modification of this index with 8 factors continues to have similar predictive ability. Consideration of frailty may be beneficial prior to the pancreat...
26,865,420
You are a biomedical assistant. Read the abstracts and the question below. Give a supported conclusion (yes, no, or maybe if the evidence is mixed or unclear) and a short explanation tied to the text. Question: Does magnetic resonance imaging reveal the complementary effects of decongestant and Breathe Right Nasal Str...
This magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of 26 subjects with nasal congestion was performed to assess in the complete nasal passage both the anatomical effect of the marketed Breathe Right Nasal Strip (BRNS) relative to placebo and the potential adjunctive effect of using a decongestant in combination with the BRNS....
Conclusion Yes. The BRNS alone significantly increases nasal patency and alleviates perceived nasal congestion, and additional relief of symptoms can be obtained with simultaneous use of a decongestant.
24,815,186
Answer the research question based solely on the provided abstracts. If the abstracts support it, say yes; if they contradict it, say no; if they are insufficient or ambiguous, say maybe. Explain in a few sentences. Question: Does targeting eIF4GI translation initiation factor afford an attractive therapeutic strategy...
Deregulation of protein synthesis is integral to the malignant phenotype and translation initiation is the rate limiting stage. Therefore, eIF4F translation initiation complex components are attractive therapeutic targets. Protein lysates of myeloma cells (cell lines/patients' bone marrow samples) untreated/treated wi...
I'd call it Yes. Our findings substantiate that translation initiation of particular targets in MM is contingent on the function of eIF4GI, critical to cell phenotype, and mark it as a viable target for pharmacological intervention.
25,358,892
You are a biomedical assistant. Read the abstracts and the question below. Give a supported conclusion (yes, no, or maybe if the evidence is mixed or unclear) and a short explanation tied to the text. Question: Does early maternal separation induce alterations of colonic epithelial permeability and morphology?
Early maternal separation could lead to significant intestinal barrier and epithelial dysfunction. However, the exact mechanism remains to be elucidated and need to be investigated. Neonatal C57BL/6 mice were subjected to maternal separation: Maternal separation (MS) daily 3 h between postnatal day (PND) 5-9, single s...
Conclusion Yes. These preliminary observations indicate that neonatal maternal separation increases colonic trans-cellular permeability. This increase may be caused by the change of the transmural colonic morphology. The underlying mechanism is unknown and further investigation is necessary as it is of relevance to the...
17,762,193
Using only the evidence in the following abstracts, address the biomedical question. Include whether you conclude yes, no, or maybe, and briefly why. Do soluble signalling factors derived from differentiated cartilage tissue affect chondrogenic differentiation of rat adult marrow stromal cells?
Chondral defects show lack of proper regeneration whereas osteochondral lesions display limited regeneration capacity. Latter is probably due to immigration of chondroprogenitor cells from the subchondral bone. Known chondroprogenitor cells for cartilage tissues are multi-potent adult marrow stromal or mesenchymal stem...
The identified factors might be involved in regulation of collagen X gene and protein expression and therefore, may have an impact on the control and regulation of MSCs differentiation. That leads me to Yes.
20,398,283
Below are abstracts and a yes/no-style research question. Synthesize what they imply and respond with your judgment (yes, no, or maybe) plus reasoning. Question: Is little ROCK a ROCK1 pseudogene expressed in human smooth muscle cells?
Sequencing of the human genome has identified numerous chromosome copy number additions and subtractions that include stable partial gene duplications and pseudogenes that when not properly annotated can interfere with genetic analysis. As an example of this problem, an evolutionary chromosome event in the primate ance...
In this report we have characterized Little ROCK (ROCK1P1), a human expressed pseudogene derived from partial duplication of ROCK1. The large number of pseudogenes in the human genome creates significant genetic diversity. Our findings emphasize the importance of taking into consideration pseudogenes in all candidate g...
9,422,576
You are a biomedical assistant. Read the abstracts and the question below. Give a supported conclusion (yes, no, or maybe if the evidence is mixed or unclear) and a short explanation tied to the text. Question: Do hyperbaric oxygen and basic fibroblast growth factor promote growth of irradiated bone?
The goal of the current experiment is to test for protective effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on bone growth. Control C3H mice received hind leg irradiation at 0, 10, 20, or 30 Gy. HBO-treated groups received radiation 1, 5, or 9 weeks before beginning HBO. The remaining grou...
Conclusion Yes. Radiation effects on bone growth can be significant reduced by HBO after 10 or 20 Gy, but not after 30 Gy. At 30 Gy bFGF still significantly reduced the degree of bone shortening, but HBO provided no added benefit to bFGF therapy.
23,963,791
Below are abstracts and a yes/no-style research question. Synthesize what they imply and respond with your judgment (yes, no, or maybe) plus reasoning. Question: Does sex influence the effect of body mass index on the vascular response to angiotensin II in humans?
Sex influences the cardiorenal risk associated with body mass index (BMI). The role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in adiposity-mediated cardiorenal risk profiles in healthy, non-obese men and women was investigated. Systemic and renal hemodynamic responses to angiotensin-II (AngII) as a function of BMI, ...
Sex influences the effect of adiposity on vascular angiotensin-responsiveness. So overall I'd say Yes.
18,493,168
You are a biomedical assistant. Read the abstracts and the question below. Give a supported conclusion (yes, no, or maybe if the evidence is mixed or unclear) and a short explanation tied to the text. Question: Does depletion of thymus-derived CD4+CD25+ T cells abrogates the suppressive effect of alpha-galactosylceram...
We showed previously that alpha-galactosylceramide (alpha-GalCer) treatment elevated splenic CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T-cell numbers and suppressed the development of experimental allergic conjunctivitis (EC). Here, we investigated whether CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells mediate the suppressive effects of alpha-GalCer treatment on EC. ...
Conclusion Yes. alpha-GalCer treatment during the effector phase of EC increased CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T-cell numbers, which in turn suppressed the development of EC.
12,534,445
Using only the evidence in the following abstracts, address the biomedical question. Include whether you conclude yes, no, or maybe, and briefly why. Does short-term cortisol infusion in the brachial artery , with and without inhibiting 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase , alter forearm vascular resistance in normot...
Vascular tone is increased in primary hypertension, and glucocorticoids affect vascular tone. Local cortisol availability is modulated by activity of 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11 beta-HSD). As this activity may be decreased in patients with primary hypertension, vascular sensitivity to cortisol may be incre...
In both normotensive and hypertensive subjects, high-dose cortisol infusion both with and without 11 beta-HSD inhibition did not change FVR either immediately or after 2 h. We could not demonstrate in vivo 11 beta-HSD activity in the forearm vascular tissues. When binding of cortisone to CBG is changed, e.g. during cor...
23,680,829
Using only the evidence in the following abstracts, address the biomedical question. Include whether you conclude yes, no, or maybe, and briefly why. Does extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibition modulate rat annulus fibrosus cell response to interleukin-1?
Rat annulus fibrosus (AF) cells were activated with interleukin-1 (IL-1) with or without extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibition. Factors associated with the anabolic/catabolic balance of the disc were determined. To clarify the role of ERK pathway in AF cells response to IL-1. IL-1 plays an important ...
These results suggest that IL-1 induces an imbalance between anabolic and catabolic events in AF cells, ERK inhibition could provide some protection against the adverse effects of IL-1. That leads me to Yes.
27,717,015
Below are abstracts and a yes/no-style research question. Synthesize what they imply and respond with your judgment (yes, no, or maybe) plus reasoning. Question: Do regulatory B10-cells display an altered homeostasis in acute Graft versus Host disease?
The role of B-cells and the subgroup of IL-10 producing B-cells, known to have a regulatory function, in patients following a haematopoetic stem cell transplant (alloSCT) has not been clearly understood to date. We prospectively recruited 95 patients following an alloSCT and studied the B-cell reconstitution on days 3...
This is the first report demonstrating B10-cells in stem cell transplant recipients in the early post alloSCT (30 days) period. Our data suggest a possible role for B-10 cells in the pathophysiology of acute GvHD. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to understand the implications of our findings. This article is...
22,560,942
Answer the research question based solely on the provided abstracts. If the abstracts support it, say yes; if they contradict it, say no; if they are insufficient or ambiguous, say maybe. Explain in a few sentences. Question: Is the G protein Gα11 essential for hypertrophic signalling in diabetic myocardium?
Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is an early phenotype in both types 1 and 2 diabetes. The primary stimulus for hypertrophic growth in diabetes is yet unknown and may involve neurohumoral stimulation of Gq-coupled receptors as well as direct glucose-dependent mechanisms. To discriminate between these hypertrophic stimu...
I'd call it Yes. Gα11 is essential for the development of cardiac hypertrophy in type 1-diabetes. Stimulation of hypertrophic signalling through PKC-α, PKC-δ, PKC-ζ, and NF-κB appears to be receptor-dependent, whereas PKC-ε is activated by hyperglycemia, independent of Gα11.
21,429,050
Answer the research question based solely on the provided abstracts. If the abstracts support it, say yes; if they contradict it, say no; if they are insufficient or ambiguous, say maybe. Explain in a few sentences. Question: Does bovine milk fat enriched in conjugated linoleic and vaccenic acids attenuate allergic de...
Orally administered milk fat enriched in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and trans-vaccenic acid (VA) ('enriched milk fat'), produced by supplementing the diet of pasture-fed cows with fish and sunflower oil, has been shown previously to suppress the development of allergic airway disease in mice. To investigate whethe...
I'd call it Yes. Enriched milk fat, and its two major fatty acids c9,t11-CLA and vaccenic acid attenuate allergic dermatitis in mice.
21,085,581
Using only the evidence in the following abstracts, address the biomedical question. Include whether you conclude yes, no, or maybe, and briefly why. Do early-age-related changes in proteostasis augment immunopathogenesis of sepsis and acute lung injury?
The decline of proteasomal activity is known to be associated with the age-related disorders but the early events involved in this process are not apparent. To address this, we investigated the early-age-related (pediatric vs. adult) mechanisms that augment immunopathogenesis of sepsis and acute lung injury. The 3-wee...
Our data demonstrate the critical role of early-age-related proteostasis-imbalance as a novel mechanism that augments the NFκB mediated inflammation in sepsis and ALI. Moreover, our data suggest the therapeutic efficacy of salubrinal in restraining NFκB mediated inflammation in the adult or older subjects. That leads ...
24,368,966
Answer the research question based solely on the provided abstracts. If the abstracts support it, say yes; if they contradict it, say no; if they are insufficient or ambiguous, say maybe. Explain in a few sentences. Question: Does moderate and deep hypothermia produce hyporesposiveness to phenylephrine in isolated rat...
Moderate and severe hypothermia with cardiopulmonary bypass during aortic surgery can cause some complications such as endothelial cell dysfunction or coagulation disorders. This study found out the difference of vascular reactivity by phenylephrine in moderate and severe hypothermia. Preserved aortic endothelium by e...
I'd call it Yes. The vasoplegic syndrome after cardiac surgery might be caused by hypothermia when considering the vascular reactivity to phenylephrine was decreased in the endothelium-dependent mechanism.
17,020,498
Answer the research question based solely on the provided abstracts. If the abstracts support it, say yes; if they contradict it, say no; if they are insufficient or ambiguous, say maybe. Explain in a few sentences. Question: Is population science science only if you know the population?
Cancer control efforts have had limited effect in reducing the inequities for minorities and the medically underserved. One factor is the lack of theory-based conceptualization of the terms used to define race, ethnicity, and culture. Guidelines are provided to develop more accurate use of the terms race, ethnicity, a...
I'd call it Yes. Our ability to use theoretically based criteria to differentiate groups of people could increase our ability to more effectively eliminate these disparities.
24,349,192
You are a biomedical assistant. Read the abstracts and the question below. Give a supported conclusion (yes, no, or maybe if the evidence is mixed or unclear) and a short explanation tied to the text. Question: Does hepatitis C virus NS3/4A protease inhibit complement activation by cleaving complement component 4?
It has been hypothesized that persistent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is mediated in part by viral proteins that abrogate the host immune response, including the complement system, but the precise mechanisms are not well understood. We investigated whether HCV proteins are involved in the fragmentation of compleme...
Conclusion Yes. C4 is a novel cellular substrate of the HCV NS3/4A protease. Understanding disturbances in the complement system mediated by NS3/4A protease may provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying persistent HCV infection.
23,875,101
Using only the evidence in the following abstracts, address the biomedical question. Include whether you conclude yes, no, or maybe, and briefly why. Is obesity associated with increasing esophageal Acid exposure in korean patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms?
Obesity is regarded as an important contributor to the increasing occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The aims of this study were to determine whether obesity is associated with gastroesophageal reflux in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and to identify the factors affecting increased acid expos...
Obesity is associated with increasing esophageal acid exposure. The mechanism responsible for the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease and obesity may be associated with shortening of the lower esophageal sphincter length and increasing the gastroesophageal pressure gradient. That leads me to Yes.
27,128,257
Using only the evidence in the following abstracts, address the biomedical question. Include whether you conclude yes, no, or maybe, and briefly why. Does pia Mater Significantly contribute to Spinal Cord Intraparenchymal Pressure in a Simulated Model of Edema?
Intraparenchymal pressure (IPP) measurements in an in vitro cadaveric model of CNS edema. To assess the contribution of pia mater to IPP and the effect of piotomy. Multicenter randomized control trials have shown that decompression with durotomy/duroplasty significantly decreases intracranial pressure (ICP). There is...
There were differential effects on brain and spinal cord IPP. Brain IPP increased only slightly, possibly because of the absence of the cranium and dura mater. In contrast, spinal cord IPP increased substantially even in the absence of the laminae, dura, and arachnoid mater. Piotomy immediately and dramatically reduced...
18,829,479
Below are abstracts and a yes/no-style research question. Synthesize what they imply and respond with your judgment (yes, no, or maybe) plus reasoning. Question: Does cpG island methylator phenotype associate with low-degree chromosomal abnormalities in colorectal cancer?
Aberrant promoter methylation and genomic instability occur frequently during colorectal cancer development. CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) has been shown to associate with microsatellite instability, and BRAF mutation and is often found in the right-side colon. Nevertheless, the relative importance of CIMP and...
CIMP-positive tumors generally possess lower chromosomal aberrations, which may only be revealed using a genome-wide approach. The significant difference in the degree of chromosomal aberrations between CIMP-positive and the remainder of samples suggests that epigenetic (CIMP) and genetic (CIN) abnormalities may arise ...
22,210,518
Answer the research question based solely on the provided abstracts. If the abstracts support it, say yes; if they contradict it, say no; if they are insufficient or ambiguous, say maybe. Explain in a few sentences. Question: Does transtibial ACL reconstruction technique fail to position drill tunnels anatomically in ...
The purpose of this study was to visualize and quantify the positions of femoral and tibial tunnels in patients who underwent traditional transtibial single-bundle ACL reconstruction, as performed by multiple surgeons, utilizing 3D CT models, and to compare these positions to our previously reported anatomical tunnel p...
I'd call it Yes. ACL reconstruction via traditional transtibial technique fails to accurately position femoral and tibial tunnels within the native ACL insertion site. To achieve anatomical graft placement, other surgical techniques should be considered.
24,524,832
You are a biomedical assistant. Read the abstracts and the question below. Give a supported conclusion (yes, no, or maybe if the evidence is mixed or unclear) and a short explanation tied to the text. Question: Are novel variants in the SOHLH2 gene implicated in human premature ovarian failure?
To determine whether variants in the SOHLH2 gene contribute to human premature ovarian failure (POF) in different ethnicities. Case-control genetic study. University hospitals. Chinese (364 cases) and Serbian (197 cases) women with nonsyndromic POF and ethnically matched controls. None. Variation analysis of the S...
Conclusion Yes. Our identification of novel variants in the SOHLH2 gene, in women with POF of both Chinese and Serbian origin, strongly suggests an important role for SOHLH2 in human POF etiology.
27,346,735
Below are abstracts and a yes/no-style research question. Synthesize what they imply and respond with your judgment (yes, no, or maybe) plus reasoning. Question: Does de Novo Truncating Mutation of TRIM8 cause Early-Onset Epileptic Encephalopathy?
Early-onset epileptic encephalopathy (EOEE) is a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterised by infantile-onset intractable epilepsy and unfavourable developmental outcomes. Hundreds of mutations have been reported to cause EOEE; however, little is known about the clinical features of individuals ...
This is the second case of EOEE caused by a de novo truncating mutation of TRIM8. Further studies are required to determine the functional roles of TRIM8 in the postnatal development of the human brain and its functional relationships with other EOEE-associated genes. So overall I'd say Yes.
25,527,092
You are a biomedical assistant. Read the abstracts and the question below. Give a supported conclusion (yes, no, or maybe if the evidence is mixed or unclear) and a short explanation tied to the text. Question: Does a substrate ambiguous enzyme facilitate genome reduction in an intracellular symbiont?
Genome evolution in intracellular microbial symbionts is characterized by gene loss, generating some of the smallest and most gene-poor genomes known. As a result of gene loss these genomes commonly contain metabolic pathways that are fragmented relative to their free-living relatives. The evolutionary retention of fra...
Conclusion Yes. Earlier studies have speculated that missing enzyme steps in fragmented endosymbiont metabolic pathways are completed by adaptable endosymbiont enzymes from other pathways. Here, we experimentally demonstrate completion of a fragmented endosymbiont vitamin biosynthesis pathway by recruitment of a substr...
18,635,170
Answer the research question based solely on the provided abstracts. If the abstracts support it, say yes; if they contradict it, say no; if they are insufficient or ambiguous, say maybe. Explain in a few sentences. Question: Are serum interleukin-8 levels elevated in patients with ovarian endometrioma?
To determine whether serum interleukin (IL)-8 concentration can be measured in patients with ovarian endometrioma and whether this measurement is a useful tool in diagnosing this disease. A controlled clinical study and an in vitro study. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tottori University, Japan. Seventy pa...
I'd call it Yes. Measuring of serum IL-8 concentration may be a valuable tool in diagnosing endometriosis.
15,369,651
Below are abstracts and a yes/no-style research question. Synthesize what they imply and respond with your judgment (yes, no, or maybe) plus reasoning. Question: Are congenital uterine malformations associated to increased blood pressure in pregnancy?
To assess the relationship between congenital uterine malformations and blood pressure in pregnancy. Twenty-four-hour automated ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (readings every 30 min) was performed in 16 normotensive, nonproteinuric, primigravidae with congenital uterine malformations (5 uterus septus, 9 uterus b...
Although the blood pressure levels remained within the normotensive range, pregnant women with congenital uterine anomalies have a higher blood pressure than normal women. Elevated blood pressure can result from altered uterine circulation and reduced blood supply to the placenta. This pathogenesis or the poor placenta...
26,402,531
Below are abstracts and a yes/no-style research question. Synthesize what they imply and respond with your judgment (yes, no, or maybe) plus reasoning. Question: Does failure to clear elevated lactate predict 24-hour mortality in trauma patients?
Lactate clearance is a standard resuscitation goal in patients in nontraumatic shock but has not been investigated adequately as a tool to identify trauma patients at risk of dying. Our objective was to determine if trauma patients with impaired lactate clearance have a higher 24-hour mortality rate than patients whose...
Failure to clear lactate is a strong negative prognostic marker after injury. An initial lactate measurement combined with a second measurement for high-risk individuals might constitute a useful method of risk stratifying injured patients. So overall I'd say Yes.
25,159,081
Using only the evidence in the following abstracts, address the biomedical question. Include whether you conclude yes, no, or maybe, and briefly why. Do interactions between the genes of vasodilatation pathways influence blood pressure and nitric oxide level in hypertension?
This study investigates the contribution of genetic interactions between the β-2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) genes to the complex etiology of hypertension. Using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, we studied potential interactions between ADRB2 and NOS3 variants and their co...
Evidence of interaction between the genetic loci of ADRB2 and NOS3 points to varied clinical, biochemical, and expression levels and a role in hypertension susceptibility. That leads me to Yes.
26,970,417
Using only the evidence in the following abstracts, address the biomedical question. Include whether you conclude yes, no, or maybe, and briefly why. Is phospholamban p.Arg14del cardiomyopathy characterized by phospholamban aggregates , aggresomes , and autophagic degradation?
The non-desmosomal phospholamban PLN p.Arg14del mutation was identified in patients diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and/or arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM). We aimed to investigate whether this mutation leads to aggregation, aggresome formation and autophagy of mutant PLN protein. We studied 20 complete...
PLN p.Arg14del cardiomyopathy is a biventricular cardiomyopathy characterized by large perinuclear PLN protein aggregates with a typical ultrastructural appearance of aggresomes. PLN detected by immunohistochemistry appears to be a sensitive and specific marker for this disease. That leads me to Yes.
20,386,991
Below are abstracts and a yes/no-style research question. Synthesize what they imply and respond with your judgment (yes, no, or maybe) plus reasoning. Question: Does the use of epochs to stage sleep result in incorrect computer-generated AHI values?
The objective of this study was to determine what impact the omission of respiratory events scored during wake epochs has on the generation of the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) using computerised polysomnography (PSG). Sixty diagnostic PSG recordings were scored using the recommended method of sleep staging with epochs. ...
The use of arbitrarily defined epochs for sleep staging has a direct impact on legitimately scored respiratory events resulting in the systematically incorrect reporting of the AHI. This artefact is due to computerised data reduction excluding all respiratory events that are contained within an epoch(s) of wake as well...
21,339,434
Answer the research question based solely on the provided abstracts. If the abstracts support it, say yes; if they contradict it, say no; if they are insufficient or ambiguous, say maybe. Explain in a few sentences. Question: Does laparoscopy decrease anastomotic leak rate in sigmoid colectomy for diverticulitis?
Early studies comparing laparoscopic and open operations for diverticulitis failed to show any advantages of the laparoscopic approach. Our study compared the 30-day postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic and open sigmoid colectomy for diverticulitis by surgeons who had performed 20 or more laparoscopic colectomies bef...
I'd call it Yes. Anastomotic leaks occurred less frequently after laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy performed by experienced laparoscopic colorectal surgeons.
27,648,966
Answer the research question based solely on the provided abstracts. If the abstracts support it, say yes; if they contradict it, say no; if they are insufficient or ambiguous, say maybe. Explain in a few sentences. Question: Does body Fat Mass be Associated With Ratio of Steroid Metabolites Reflecting 17,20-Lyase Act...
Pediatric obesity has been related to hyperandrogenism and premature adrenarche in previous studies. However, little is known regarding the association between body fat mass and steroidogenic enzyme activities in children. To examine whether body fat mass is associated with serum steroid profiles in girls. We enrolle...
I'd call it Yes. Increased androgen production in prepubertal obese girls could be at least partly due to increased body fat mass and 17,20-lyase activity.
21,949,999
Below are abstracts and a yes/no-style research question. Synthesize what they imply and respond with your judgment (yes, no, or maybe) plus reasoning. Question: Is [ Expression of programmed cell death 4 protein closely correlated with laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas ]?
To study whether programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) is involved in the development and progression of laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (LSCC). The expressions of PDCD4 protein were examined by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot in LSCC tissues and their surrounding laryngeal normal mucosa tissues. The posit...
The low expression of PDCD4 protein is closely related to the development and progression of LSCC. PDCD4 might be a novel molecular marker for prognosticating metastases and prognosis of LSCC. So overall I'd say Yes.
27,497,908
You are a biomedical assistant. Read the abstracts and the question below. Give a supported conclusion (yes, no, or maybe if the evidence is mixed or unclear) and a short explanation tied to the text. Question: Does severe aortic arch calcification predict mortality in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis?
Vascular calcification can predict cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease. We evaluated the prevalence, association factors, and outcomes of chest X-ray-detected aortic arch calcification (AoAC) in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). We included 190 patients unde...
Conclusion Yes. In patients undergoing PD, CXR-detected severe AoAC was an independent risk factor for all-cause and CV mortalities.
21,783,072
You are a biomedical assistant. Read the abstracts and the question below. Give a supported conclusion (yes, no, or maybe if the evidence is mixed or unclear) and a short explanation tied to the text. Question: Do repair of fresh open tear of Achilles tendon Tension regulation at the suture line?
Lack of the timely mechanical loading of the repaired tendon is detrimental for healing progress. The current knowledge knows the appropriate time for the mechanical loading, but need to find out a suitable tool for this purpose. Therefore we present a technique based on using of an absorbable reinforcement device for ...
Conclusion Yes. Restoration of the continuity and actual length of repaired tendons support use of the absorbable reinforcement device for regulation of the mechanical environment at the suture line.
26,275,932
You are a biomedical assistant. Read the abstracts and the question below. Give a supported conclusion (yes, no, or maybe if the evidence is mixed or unclear) and a short explanation tied to the text. Question: Do fish oil and flax seed oil supplemented diets increase FFAR4 expression in the rat colon?
Omega-3 fatty acids, such as α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) that have long been associated with anti-inflammatory activity and general benefit toward human health. Over the last decade, the identification of a family of cell-su...
Conclusion Yes. These results suggest that similar to ingestion of other fats, dietary-intake of omega-3 fatty acids can alter FFAR4 expression within the colon.
12,411,786
Answer the research question based solely on the provided abstracts. If the abstracts support it, say yes; if they contradict it, say no; if they are insufficient or ambiguous, say maybe. Explain in a few sentences. Question: Do patients with malignant hyperthermia demonstrate an altered calcium control mechanism in B...
Altered Ca2+ homeostasis in skeletal muscle is a key molecular event triggering malignant hyperthermia (MH) in malignant hyperthermia-susceptible (MHS) individuals. Genetic studies have shown that mutations in the type 1 ryanodine receptor (RYR1) are associated with MH susceptibility. Because human B lymphocytes expres...
I'd call it Yes. The Ca2+ responses to caffeine or 4-chloro-m-cresol in B lymphocytes showed significant differences between MHS and MHN (or control) individuals. Although the molecular mechanisms of these alterations are currently undetermined, the results suggest that the enhanced Ca2+ responses are associated with m...
21,431,923
Below are abstracts and a yes/no-style research question. Synthesize what they imply and respond with your judgment (yes, no, or maybe) plus reasoning. Question: Does an anaesthetic pre-operative assessment clinic reduce pre-operative inpatient stay in patients requiring major vascular surgery?
Patients undergoing major vascular surgery (MVS) require extensive anaesthetic assessment. This can require extended pre-operative stays. We investigated whether a newly established anaesthetic pre-operative assessment clinic (PAC) would reduce the pre-operative inpatient stay, avoid unnecessary investigations and fac...
The PAC has facilitated accurate outpatient anaesthetic assessment for patients requiring MVS. The pre-operative in-patient stay has been significantly reduced. So overall I'd say Yes.
20,851,023
Below are abstracts and a yes/no-style research question. Synthesize what they imply and respond with your judgment (yes, no, or maybe) plus reasoning. Question: Do smoking habits influence pain and functional and psychiatric features in fibromyalgia?
Numerous epidemiologic data have shown that smoking may play a role in the disease manifestations or severity of chronic musculoskeletal pain. The authors of the present study investigated the effect of smoking on clinical features such as pain, fatigue, functional impairment, and psychiatric features in the Korean pop...
This study revealed that smoking habits may, in part, influence pain or functional and psychiatric features in FMS patients. The impact of smoking on clinical features in FMS should be assessed in a larger study population. So overall I'd say Yes.
20,805,984
You are a biomedical assistant. Read the abstracts and the question below. Give a supported conclusion (yes, no, or maybe if the evidence is mixed or unclear) and a short explanation tied to the text. Question: Does ingestion of broccoli sprouts improve endothelial function in humans with hypertension?
Ingestion of glucosinolates has previously been reported to improve endothelial function in spontaneously hypertensive rats, possibly because of an increase in NO availability in the endothelium due to an attenuation of oxidative stress; in our study we tried to see if this also would be the case in humans suffering fr...
Conclusion No. Daily ingestion of 10 g dried broccoli sprouts does not improve endothelial function in the presence of hypertension in humans.
27,734,299
Below are abstracts and a yes/no-style research question. Synthesize what they imply and respond with your judgment (yes, no, or maybe) plus reasoning. Question: Does diffusion tensor imaging predict motor outcome in children with acquired brain injury?
Rehabilitation in children with acquired brain injury is a challenging endeavour. There is a large variability in motor recovery between patients, and a need to optimize therapies by exploiting cerebral plasticity and recovery mechanisms. This retrospective study aims to identify tract-based markers that could serve as...
The results suggest that DTI data could improve the prediction of functional outcome after rehabilitation in children and adolescents with stroke or traumatic brain injury. Specifically, mean FA shows the highest predictive accuracy in comparison to lesion volume or clinical scales. So overall I'd say Yes.
18,581,204
You are a biomedical assistant. Read the abstracts and the question below. Give a supported conclusion (yes, no, or maybe if the evidence is mixed or unclear) and a short explanation tied to the text. Question: Is global gene expression profiling in cultured cells strongly influenced by treatment with siRNA-cationic l...
The purpose of this study is to determine if the treatment with siRNA-lipoplexes significantly influences on global gene expression in the treated cells. We investigated global gene expression in a HT1080 cell line by a cDNA microarray. We also evaluated the effect of lipofection on global gene expression by determini...
Conclusion Yes. Non-specific effects of siRNA-lipoplexes may either enhance, attenuate or even fully mask the desired outcomes of siRNA-based biochemical studies and therapies.
15,208,156
You are a biomedical assistant. Read the abstracts and the question below. Give a supported conclusion (yes, no, or maybe if the evidence is mixed or unclear) and a short explanation tied to the text. Question: Is cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 A49G polymorphism associated with susceptibility to and severity of alco...
To determine whether the functional A49G polymorphism of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), a T-cell surface molecule that modulates T-lymphocyte activation and influences the risk of developing alcohol-induced autoantibodies, plays a role in susceptibility to alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and influences diseas...
Conclusion Yes. The CTLA-4 polymorphic G allele, probably by interfering with the immune response, may confer susceptibility to ALD and, in homozygous state, to alcoholic cirrhosis.
19,563,446
Answer the research question based solely on the provided abstracts. If the abstracts support it, say yes; if they contradict it, say no; if they are insufficient or ambiguous, say maybe. Explain in a few sentences. Question: Does choline supplementation reduce oxidative stress in mouse model of allergic airway diseas...
Asthma is a multi-factorial inflammatory disease associated with increased oxidative stress and altered antioxidant defences. We have evaluated the effect of choline on oxidative stress in a mouse model of airway disease. Balb/c mice were sensitised with 100 microg of ovalbumin on days 0 and 14, and challenged with ae...
I'd call it Yes. Choline administration reduces oxidative stress possibly by modulating the redox status of the cell and inhibits inflammatory response in a mouse model.
7,566,763
Below are abstracts and a yes/no-style research question. Synthesize what they imply and respond with your judgment (yes, no, or maybe) plus reasoning. Question: Is the incidence of hyperemesis gravidarum increased among Pacific Islanders living in Wellington?
To compare the incidence of hyperemesis gravidarum among Pacific Islanders living in Wellington with nonPacific Islanders and to investigate some properties of the disorder. Data were collected on all first time admissions to Wellington Women's Hospital for hyperemesis gravidarum over a 5-year period. Women were class...
The incidence of hyperemesis gravidarum is significantly increased among Pacific Island women (especially Samoans) living in Wellington and is often associated with abnormalities of thyroid function test results. So overall I'd say Yes.
22,396,363
Below are abstracts and a yes/no-style research question. Synthesize what they imply and respond with your judgment (yes, no, or maybe) plus reasoning. Question: Does intrathecal clonidine added to small-dose bupivacaine prolong postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing transurethral surgery?
The aim of this prospective, double-blinded study was to investigate the effects of clonidine in co-administration with bupivacaine during spinal anesthesia, regarding the onset and regression of motor and sensory block, postoperative analgesia and possible side effects. We randomly selected 66 male patients (age 35 t...
The intrathecal application of clonidine in combination with bupivacaine improves the duration and quality of spinal anesthesia; it also provides longer duration of postoperative analgesia, without significant side effects. So overall I'd say Yes.
9,987,084
You are a biomedical assistant. Read the abstracts and the question below. Give a supported conclusion (yes, no, or maybe if the evidence is mixed or unclear) and a short explanation tied to the text. Question: Does increased dietary oxalate increase urinary calcium oxalate saturation in hypercalciuric rats?
Human calcium oxalate (CaOx) nephrolithiasis may occur if urine is supersaturated with respect to the solid-phase CaOx. In these patients, dietary oxalate is often restricted to reduce its absorption and subsequent excretion in an effort to lower supersaturation and to decrease stone formation. However, dietary oxalate...
Conclusion No. Thus, increasing dietary oxalate led to a decrease in CaOx and CaHPO4 supersaturation and did not alter the universal stone formation found in these rats, nor the type of stones formed. These results suggest the necessity for human studies aimed at determining the role, if any, of limiting oxalate intake...
15,848,317
Using only the evidence in the following abstracts, address the biomedical question. Include whether you conclude yes, no, or maybe, and briefly why. Does the RV-PA conduit stimulate better growth of the pulmonary arteries in hypoplastic left heart syndrome?
This retrospective study compared the size of the central pulmonary arteries in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) following either a classical Norwood or Norwood procedure with a right ventricle to pulmonary artery (RV-PA) conduit. Between May 2001 and May 2003, 30 patients with HLHS underwent cardi...
The Norwood procedure with RV-PA conduit is associated with better and more evenly distributed central pulmonary artery growth. Nevertheless, it is also associated with central PA stenoses, which may require subsequent reconstruction. That leads me to Yes.
17,986,116
You are a biomedical assistant. Read the abstracts and the question below. Give a supported conclusion (yes, no, or maybe if the evidence is mixed or unclear) and a short explanation tied to the text. Question: Does high CD95 expression of BAL lymphocytes predict chronic course in patients with sarcoidosis?
The prognosis of sarcoidosis is highly variable, with spontaneous remission in some patients. Apoptosis may be associated with spontaneous resolution of the granulomata. CD95 (Fas), an apoptotic molecule, and CD29 and CD45RO (T-cell memory markers) are expressed at higher levels on T lymphocytes from sarcoid patients c...
Conclusion Yes. Levels of BAL and PB CD95 and PB CD45RO were unexpectedly elevated in patients with chronic disease and may be useful in predicting prognosis in patients with sarcoidosis. Further studies with more patients are necessary to confirm the prognostic role and cut-off value for these markers.
26,700,586
Answer the research question based solely on the provided abstracts. If the abstracts support it, say yes; if they contradict it, say no; if they are insufficient or ambiguous, say maybe. Explain in a few sentences. Question: Does serum proteomic analysis identify interleukin 16 as a biomarker for clinical response du...
To conduct a comprehensive quantitative proteomics analysis of novel serum protein biomarkers based on synovitis status associated with matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) and to determine the clinical significance of these biomarkers in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients with untreated RA (n=28), primary Sjogren's sy...
I'd call it Yes. IL-16 was a more effective clinical parameter than MMP-3, C-reactive protein, or erythrocyte sedimentation rate in both MTX-naive and MTX-IR RA patients. IL-16 might be a useful biomarker for evaluating clinical response in RA patients.
25,144,707
Below are abstracts and a yes/no-style research question. Synthesize what they imply and respond with your judgment (yes, no, or maybe) plus reasoning. Question: Does indocyanine green video angiography predict outcome of extravasation injuries?
Extravasation of cytotoxic drugs is a serious complication of systemic cancer treatment. Still, a reliable method for early assessment of tissue damage and outcome prediction is missing. Here, we demonstrate that the evaluation of blood flow by indocyanine green (ICG) angiography in the extravasation area predicts for ...
In this patient cohort, ICG angiography as indicator of local perfusion within the extravasation area was of prognostic value for tissue damage. ICG angiography could thus be used for the early identification of patients at risk for irreversible tissue damage after extravasation of cytotoxic drugs. So overall I'd say ...
25,125,946
Answer the research question based solely on the provided abstracts. If the abstracts support it, say yes; if they contradict it, say no; if they are insufficient or ambiguous, say maybe. Explain in a few sentences. Question: Does n-acetylcycsteine attenuate the deleterious effects of radiation therapy on inci-sional ...
During preoperative radiotherapy, effective doses of ionizing radiation occasionally cause wound complications after subsequent surgery. This study was designed to determine the effects of intraperitoneally or orally administered N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on anastomotic healing of irradiated rats. Forty Wistar albino rat...
I'd call it Yes. The present study supports the hypothesis that NAC administration alleviates the negative effects of radiotherapy on incisional wound healing by means of reducing oxidative stress markers and improving histologic parameters independent of the route of administration.
8,202,976
You are a biomedical assistant. Read the abstracts and the question below. Give a supported conclusion (yes, no, or maybe if the evidence is mixed or unclear) and a short explanation tied to the text. Question: Does sensory stimulation promote normalization of postural control after stroke?
In a randomized study of hemiparetic stroke patients with a median age of 75 years, functional recovery was significantly better in those who received additional sensory stimulation (n = 38), including electrostimulation, than in control patients (n = 40) given the same physiotherapy and occupational therapy; group dif...
Conclusion Yes. The course of sensory stimulation enhanced recovery of postural function, an enhancement still significant 2 years after the lesion and treatment. The differences and near normalization of characteristic parameters of dynamic postural control among treated patients suggest that improved recovery after s...
11,423,922
Answer the research question based solely on the provided abstracts. If the abstracts support it, say yes; if they contradict it, say no; if they are insufficient or ambiguous, say maybe. Explain in a few sentences. Question: Is fat intake more strongly associated with lifestyle factors than with socio-economic charac...
To compare how three different energy adjustment approaches influence the ranking of individuals on fat intake, and to examine the relation between fat intake and socio-economic, demographic and lifestyle characteristics for each energy adjustment approach. A cross-sectional analysis project, using a sub-sample (7055 ...
I'd call it Yes. The similarities between FAT% and FATres, in the ranking of individuals and in the association with lifestyle factors and socio-economic characteristics implies that it is possible to translate results obtained with FATres to recommendations using FAT%. The consistent lifestyle pattern across fat intak...
22,393,338
Answer the research question based solely on the provided abstracts. If the abstracts support it, say yes; if they contradict it, say no; if they are insufficient or ambiguous, say maybe. Explain in a few sentences. Question: Do short-term effects of high-frequency chest compression and positive expiratory pressure in...
Cystic fibrosis patients require daily airway clearance therapies. The primary objective of this study was to compare the short-term efficacy of high-frequency chest compression and positive expiratory pressure mask on expectorated sputum, pulmonary function, and oxygen saturation in patients with CF hospitalized for a...
I'd call it Yes. High-frequency chest compression and positive expiratory pressure mask have comparable short-term effects on expectorated sputum and lung function. Although positive expiratory pressure mask was associated with a lower SpO(2), it was better tolerated than high-frequency chest compression.
19,170,126
Answer the research question based solely on the provided abstracts. If the abstracts support it, say yes; if they contradict it, say no; if they are insufficient or ambiguous, say maybe. Explain in a few sentences. Question: Does over-expression of IkappaB-kinase-epsilon ( IKKepsilon/IKKi ) induce secretion of inflam...
Elevated inflammatory cytokine levels in serum have been associated with advanced stage metastasis-related morbidity in prostate cancer. Several studies have shown that IL-6 and IL-8 can accelerate the growth of human prostate cancer cell lines. Previous studies, in murine embryonic fibroblasts, have shown that Ikappa-...
I'd call it Yes. This study identifies IKKepsilon as a potential prostate cancer gene that may favor chronic inflammation and create a tumor-supporting microenvironment that promotes prostate cancer progression, particularly by the induction of IL-6 secretion that may act as a positive growth factor in prostate cancer.
20,477,824
You are a biomedical assistant. Read the abstracts and the question below. Give a supported conclusion (yes, no, or maybe if the evidence is mixed or unclear) and a short explanation tied to the text. Question: Is intraoperative frozen section assessment of pelvic lymph nodes during radical prostatectomy of limited va...
To evaluate the accuracy of frozen section (FS) assessment of pelvic lymph nodes (PLNs) during radical prostatectomy (RP) in a large contemporary cohort; and to analyse the contribution of FS to surgical decision making in this setting. During a 4-year period at a single institution, RPs with PLN dissection (PLND) wer...
Conclusion Yes. FS is highly accurate in detecting large, grossly evident metastases, but performs poorly on micrometastases. It is recommended that a two-step approach applied to routine FS starting with a careful gross examination followed by FS for only grossly suspicious PLNs.
22,087,112
You are a biomedical assistant. Read the abstracts and the question below. Give a supported conclusion (yes, no, or maybe if the evidence is mixed or unclear) and a short explanation tied to the text. Question: Are polymorphisms within Fas gene associated with occult hepatitis B virus infection : Polymorphisms within ...
Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is a form of hepatitis in which there is an absence of detectable HBsAg, despite the presence of HBV-DNA in the peripheral blood of patients. It seems that non-effective or attenuated immune system responses against HBV lead to the development of OBI. Previous studies showed that the ...
Conclusion No. The functional polymorphisms in the promoter region of Fas gene are not associated with OBI. Therefore, it may be concluded that polymorphisms at the -670 position of the Fas gene do not have any critical effects on the immune response against HBV in OBI.
18,982,015
Below are abstracts and a yes/no-style research question. Synthesize what they imply and respond with your judgment (yes, no, or maybe) plus reasoning. Question: Is visceral fat amount associated with carotid atherosclerosis even in type 2 diabetic men with a normal waist circumference?
Our objective was to investigate whether determination of the quantity of visceral fat has an additional benefit in assessing atherosclerotic burden in men with type 2 diabetes compared with the traditional measurement of waist circumference (WC) alone. This was an observational study performed in 368 men with type 2 ...
Subjects having visceral obesity, regardless of a normal WC, showed a higher carotid IMT compared with those with increased WC, but less visceral fat. In addition to WC, a direct estimation for visceral fat may provide an additional role in assessing atherosclerotic burden in men with type 2 diabetes. So overall I'd s...
27,209,022
Answer the research question based solely on the provided abstracts. If the abstracts support it, say yes; if they contradict it, say no; if they are insufficient or ambiguous, say maybe. Explain in a few sentences. Question: Does complement system activation contribute to the ependymal damage induced by microbial neu...
In the rat brain, a single intracerebroventricular injection of neuraminidase from Clostridium perfringens induces ependymal detachment and death. This injury occurs before the infiltration of inflammatory blood cells; some reports implicate the complement system as a cause of these injuries. Here, we set out to test t...
I'd call it Yes. These results demonstrate that the complement system contributes to ependymal damage and death caused by neuraminidase. However, neuraminidase alone can induce moderate ependymal damage without the aid of complement.
27,306,447
Below are abstracts and a yes/no-style research question. Synthesize what they imply and respond with your judgment (yes, no, or maybe) plus reasoning. Question: Do cD43Lo classical monocytes participate in the cellular immune response to isolated primary blast lung injury?
Understanding of the cellular immune response to primary blast lung injury (PBLI) is limited, with only the neutrophil response well documented. Moreover, its impact on the immune response in distal organs remains poorly understood. In this study, a rodent model of isolated primary blast injury was used to investigate ...
This study reveals a robust and selective response of CD43Lo/His48Hi (classical) monocytes, in addition to neutrophils, in blood and lung tissue following PBLI. An increase in monocyte-macrophages was also observed in the spleen at 6 hours. This profile of immune cells in the blood and BALF could present a new research...
11,845,997
Using only the evidence in the following abstracts, address the biomedical question. Include whether you conclude yes, no, or maybe, and briefly why. Does a lipid A analog ONO-4007 induce tolerance to plasma leakage in mice?
The effects of pretreatment with ONO-4007, a lipid A analog, on cutaneous plasma leakage induced by ONO-4007, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and inflammatory mediators were investigated. Male ddY strain mice. Mice were pretreated with ONO-4007 (up to 6 mg/kg i.p.), 0-24 h prior to plasma leakage study. Plasma extravasatio...
A single injection of ONO-4007 in mice induced transient tolerance to plasma leakage elicited by LPS, ONO-4007 and inflammatory mediators. Endogenous corticosterone, at least in part, plays a role in the development of tolerance. That leads me to Yes.
17,186,565
Using only the evidence in the following abstracts, address the biomedical question. Include whether you conclude yes, no, or maybe, and briefly why. Are deep-hidden anastomoses in monochorionic twin placentae harmless?
Our objective was to identify the clinical consequences of deep-hidden anastomoses that occur underneath the placental surface. Twelve placentae that underwent intrauterine laser ablation of placental anastomoses for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and 14 non-TTTS controls were investigated for deep-hidden anast...
Both comparisons imply that deep-hidden anastomoses did not cause any additional increase in Hb difference. In conclusion, haematological and additional hemodynamical analysis show that deep-hidden anastomoses are likely to occur without any clinical consequences. That leads me to Yes.
10,204,505
Using only the evidence in the following abstracts, address the biomedical question. Include whether you conclude yes, no, or maybe, and briefly why. Do growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-I therapy promote protein deposition and growth in dexamethasone-treated piglets?
Dexamethasone treatment facilitates the weaning of premature infants from mechanical ventilation but impairs protein homeostasis, lean tissue deposition, and growth. The current study was conducted to investigate whether dexamethasone mediates these effects by reducing protein synthesis or elevating protein breakdown, ...
Adjunctive growth hormone+/-insulin-like growth factor-I therapy partially reverses the dexamethasone-induced reduction in protein synthesis, resulting in improved growth when given concurrently with a low tapering dose of dexamethasone. That leads me to Yes.
26,527,378
Answer the research question based solely on the provided abstracts. If the abstracts support it, say yes; if they contradict it, say no; if they are insufficient or ambiguous, say maybe. Explain in a few sentences. Question: Do mapping areas of spatial-temporal overlap from wildlife tracking data?
The study of inter-individual interactions (often termed spatial-temporal interactions, or dynamic interactions) from remote tracking data has focused primarily on identifying the presence of such interactions. New datasets and methods offer opportunity to answer more nuanced questions, such as where on the landscape i...
I'd call it Yes. The value of the jPPA approach within current wildlife habitat analysis workflows is highlighted along with its simple and straightforward implementation and interpretation. Given the current emphasis on remote tracking in wildlife movement and habitat research, new approaches capable of leveraging bot...
25,287,077
Using only the evidence in the following abstracts, address the biomedical question. Include whether you conclude yes, no, or maybe, and briefly why. Does calDAG-GEFI deficiency protect mice from FcγRIIa-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenia induced by CD40L and β2GPI immune complexes?
Platelet activation via the Fcγ receptor IIa (FcγRIIa) is implicated in the pathogenesis of immune complex (IC)-mediated thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (ITT). We previously showed that ICs composed of antigen and antibodies targeting CD40 ligand (CD40L) or β2 Glycoprotein I (β2GPI) induce ITT in mice transgenic for hu...
Our studies demonstrate that CalDAG-GEFI plays a critical role in platelet activation, thrombocytopenia and thrombosis induced by clinically relevant ICs in mice. Thus, CalDAG-GEFI may be a promising target for the intervention of IC-associated, FcγRIIa-mediated thrombotic conditions. That leads me to Yes.
21,802,763
Below are abstracts and a yes/no-style research question. Synthesize what they imply and respond with your judgment (yes, no, or maybe) plus reasoning. Question: Are overexpression of the mammalian target of rapamycin ( mTOR ) and angioinvasion poor prognostic factors in early stage NSCLC : a verification study?
A recent study by Dhillon et al. [12], identified both angioinvasion and mTOR as prognostic biomarkers for poor survival in early stage NSCLC. The aim of this study was to verify the above study by examining the angioinvasion and mTOR expression profile in a cohort of early stage NSCLC patients and correlate the result...
Our findings verify angioinvasion and mTOR expression as new biomarkers for poor outcome in patients with early stage NSCLC. mTOR expressing patients may benefit from novel therapies targeting the mTOR survival pathway. So overall I'd say Yes.
23,562,657
Using only the evidence in the following abstracts, address the biomedical question. Include whether you conclude yes, no, or maybe, and briefly why. Does transcranial magnetic stimulation have no placebo effect on motor learning?
Motor learning is the core cognitive function in neurorehabilitation and in various other skill-training activities (e.g. sport, music). Therefore, there is an increasing interest in the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) methods for its enhancement. However, although usually assumed, a potential placebo ef...
The results suggest lack of any placebo effect of TMS on motor learning. That leads me to Yes.
24,059,286
Answer the research question based solely on the provided abstracts. If the abstracts support it, say yes; if they contradict it, say no; if they are insufficient or ambiguous, say maybe. Explain in a few sentences. Question: Are kIR3DS1/L1 and HLA-Bw4-80I associated with HIV disease progression among HIV typical prog...
Natural killer (NK) cells have emerged as pivotal players in innate immunity, especially in the defense against viral infections and tumors. Killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs)--an important recognition receptor expressed on the surface of NK cells--regulate the inhibition and/or activation of NK cells after in...
I'd call it Yes. Our data suggest that different KIR-HLA genotypes and different levels of transcripts associate with HIV disease progression.
25,880,019
Below are abstracts and a yes/no-style research question. Synthesize what they imply and respond with your judgment (yes, no, or maybe) plus reasoning. Question: Is a genetic variant in the promoter of phosphate-activated glutaminase associated with hepatic encephalopathy?
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a serious complication of liver cirrhosis. Recently, a microsatellite in the promoter region of the phosphate-activated glutaminase (GLS ) gene was associated with the risk of HE. The aim of the present study was to investigate, using the critical flicker frequency (CFF) test, whether the...
CFF results were significantly lower amongst carriers of the GLS long microsatellite. Our findings support the role of the GLS long microsatellite in the development of HE; this could be important for identifying susceptible patients and for the prevention of this condition. So overall I'd say Yes.
15,138,761
Using only the evidence in the following abstracts, address the biomedical question. Include whether you conclude yes, no, or maybe, and briefly why. Does stress-restress evoke sustained iNOS activity and altered GABA levels and NMDA receptors in rat hippocampus?
Stress-related glucocorticoid and glutamate release have been implicated in hippocampal atrophy evident in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Glutamatergic mechanisms activate nitric oxide synthase (NOS), while gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA) may inhibit both glutamatergic and nitrergic transmission. ...
Stress-restress-mediated glucocorticoid release activates iNOS, followed by a reactive downregulation of hippocampal NMDA receptors and dysregulation of inhibitory GABA pathways. The role of NO in neuronal toxicity, and its regulation by glutamate and GABA has important implications in stress-related hippocampal degene...
20,117,494
Answer the research question based solely on the provided abstracts. If the abstracts support it, say yes; if they contradict it, say no; if they are insufficient or ambiguous, say maybe. Explain in a few sentences. Question: Is the impact of renal insufficiency on the outcome of carotid surgery influenced by the defi...
Renal insufficiency (RI) seems to be a source of complications after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). However, published studies do not use a common definition of RI. Our objective was to analyze the effects of RI on carotid surgery using three classifications of renal function. Using a prospective database, we studied r...
I'd call it Yes. Severe RI is a risk factor for complications after carotid surgery. Creatinine clearance calculated according to the MDRD formula correlates most closely with these complications. Symptomatic patients with severe RI, according to the creatinine clearance, are at high risk with a very high level of post...
24,312,613
Using only the evidence in the following abstracts, address the biomedical question. Include whether you conclude yes, no, or maybe, and briefly why. Do pro-inflammatory activated Kupffer cells by lipids induce hepatic NKT cells deficiency through activation-induced cell death?
Dietary lipids play an important role in the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) through alternation of liver innate immune response. The present study was to investigate the effect of lipid on Kupffer cells phenotype and function in vivo and in vitro. And further to investigate the impact of lipi...
High-fat diet increase Kupffer cells number and induce their pro-inflammatory status. Pro-inflammatory activated Kupfffer cells by lipid promote hepatic NKT cell over-activation and cell death, which lead to further hepatic NKT cell deficiency in the development of NAFLD. That leads me to Yes.
19,608,294
Answer the research question based solely on the provided abstracts. If the abstracts support it, say yes; if they contradict it, say no; if they are insufficient or ambiguous, say maybe. Explain in a few sentences. Question: Is distinct response of liver myeloid dendritic cells to endotoxin mediated by IL-27?
The liver lies downstream of the gut, and is constantly exposed to bacteria. Liver dendritic cells (DC) are known to possess properties of tolerance, and respond to LPS differently when compared to conventional DC, but the underlying mechanisms are not completely understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate liver ...
I'd call it Yes. Liver DC respond distinctly to LPS stimulation by secreting IL-27 which synergizes with silencing of bioactive IL-12 activity leading to profound T cell inhibition.
15,073,652
You are a biomedical assistant. Read the abstracts and the question below. Give a supported conclusion (yes, no, or maybe if the evidence is mixed or unclear) and a short explanation tied to the text. Question: Does eggplant ( Solanum melongena ) extract alter serum lipid levels?
To compare the effect of eggplant extract on serum lipid levels with that of lovastatin. The study included 21 individuals of both sexes, with total cholesterol (TC) levels > 200 mg/dL, no diabetes, no contraindication for the use of statins, and no use of cholesterol-lowering drugs, divided into the following 3 group...
Conclusion No. The eggplant extract with orange juice is not to be considered an alternative to statins in reducing serum levels of cholesterol.
22,883,744
You are a biomedical assistant. Read the abstracts and the question below. Give a supported conclusion (yes, no, or maybe if the evidence is mixed or unclear) and a short explanation tied to the text. Question: Is apolipoprotein C-I an APOE genotype-dependent suppressor of glial activation?
Inheritance of the human ε4 allele of the apolipoprotein (apo) E gene (APOE) significantly increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD), in addition to adversely influencing clinical outcomes of other neurologic diseases. While apoE isoforms differentially interact with amyloid β (Aβ), a pleiotropic neurot...
Conclusion Yes. ApoC-I is immunosuppressive. Our results illuminate a novel potential mechanism for APOE genotype risk for AD; one in which patients with an ε4 allele have decreased expression of apoC-I resulting in increased innate immune activity.
22,236,509
Using only the evidence in the following abstracts, address the biomedical question. Include whether you conclude yes, no, or maybe, and briefly why. Does soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibition exert beneficial anti-remodeling actions post-myocardial infarction?
A contributory role for soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) in cardiac remodeling post-myocardial infarction (MI) has been suggested; however effects of sEH inhibition following MI have not been evaluated. In this study, we examined in vivo post-MI anti-remodeling effects of a novel sEH inhibitor (GSK2188931B) in the rat, ...
sEH inhibition exerts beneficial effects on cardiac function and ventricular remodeling post-MI, and direct effects on fibrosis and hypertrophy in cardiac cells. These findings suggest that sEH is an important contributor to the pathological remodeling following MI, and may be a useful target for therapeutic blockade i...
20,480,143
Below are abstracts and a yes/no-style research question. Synthesize what they imply and respond with your judgment (yes, no, or maybe) plus reasoning. Question: Are socioeconomic and living conditions determinants of hip fracture incidence and age occurrence among community-dwelling elderly?
In this prospective, 10-year study in community-dwelling elderly aged 50 years and over, hip fracture incidence and accordingly age at hip fracture were inversely associated with the area-level income, independently of the geographical area. Age at hip fracture also depended of marital status but in a gender-specific w...
These results indicate that incidence and age occurrence of hip fracture are influenced by area-level income and living conditions among community-dwelling elderly. Prevention programs may be encouraged in priority in communities with low income. So overall I'd say Yes.
25,834,196
You are a biomedical assistant. Read the abstracts and the question below. Give a supported conclusion (yes, no, or maybe if the evidence is mixed or unclear) and a short explanation tied to the text. Question: Does unmet Need for ADL Assistance be Associated With Mortality Among Older Adults With Mild Disability?
Unmet need for assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) disability is associated with increased risk for future hospitalization. To further explore the association between unmet ADL need and future health outcomes, we examined the association between unmet need for ADL assistance and 1-year mortality. A prosp...
Conclusion Yes. Future studies are needed to determine whether these findings are replicable and, if so, whether physiologic or process of care variables explain why ADL is associated with mortality only for those with mild disability.
18,852,641
Using only the evidence in the following abstracts, address the biomedical question. Include whether you conclude yes, no, or maybe, and briefly why. Is cytokeratin 18 , a marker of cell death , increased in children with suspected nonalcoholic fatty liver disease?
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease associated with obesity, and is now the most common liver disease in the United States. Cytokeratin 18 (CK18) is an intracellular protein released into the blood by both necrosis and apoptosis of hepatocytes. Levels of CK18 have not been reported previ...
CK18 is elevated in children with suspected NAFLD and should be investigated as a potential diagnostic marker of NAFLD. That leads me to Yes.
9,554,518
Answer the research question based solely on the provided abstracts. If the abstracts support it, say yes; if they contradict it, say no; if they are insufficient or ambiguous, say maybe. Explain in a few sentences. Question: Does tumor thickness predict cervical metastasis in patients with stage I/II carcinoma of the...
The incidence of cervical metastases after surgery for Stages I/II carcinoma of the tongue is 30-40%. Postoperative cervical metastases are an adverse prognostic factor for patients with this malignancy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinicopathologic factors associated with late cervical metastases in ...
I'd call it Yes. The current study data indicate that patients with Stage I/II carcinoma of the tongue > 4 mm in thickness are at increased risk for subsequent cervical metastasis. Thus, conservative supraomohyoid neck dissection is indicated in patients with Stage I/II carcinoma of the tongue > 4 mm in thickness.
22,606,311
Below are abstracts and a yes/no-style research question. Synthesize what they imply and respond with your judgment (yes, no, or maybe) plus reasoning. Question: Do differentiated human midbrain-derived neural progenitor cells express excitatory strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors containing α2β subunits?
Human fetal midbrain-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs) may deliver a tissue source for drug screening and regenerative cell therapy to treat Parkinson's disease. While glutamate and GABA(A) receptors play an important role in neurogenesis, the involvement of glycine receptors during human neurogenesis and dopamine...
These data indicate that NPCs derived from human fetal midbrain tissue acquire essential glycine receptor properties during neuronal maturation. However, glycine receptors seem to have a limited functional impact on neurogenesis and dopaminergic differentiation of NPCs in vitro. So overall I'd say Yes.
25,882,272
You are a biomedical assistant. Read the abstracts and the question below. Give a supported conclusion (yes, no, or maybe if the evidence is mixed or unclear) and a short explanation tied to the text. Question: Is neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio associated with arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis?
Systemic inflammation may be a common mechanism for the development of osteoporosis (OP) and atherosclerosis. Elevated arterial stiffness is an index of subclinical atherosclerosis. Recent studies found that neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), is a useful marker of cardiovascular disease and a more powerful predictor th...
Conclusion Yes. NLR and baPWV are elevated in OP. Moreover, NLR is independently associated with baPWV. Further studies are warranted to investigate whether anti-inflammatory treatment could improve arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women with OP.
21,169,149
Using only the evidence in the following abstracts, address the biomedical question. Include whether you conclude yes, no, or maybe, and briefly why. Does single-lung ventilation time increase lung injury after totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass surgery?
Over the last decade, totally endoscopic procedures on the beating heart and on the arrested heart have made their way into cardiac surgery. Single-lung ventilation (SLV) is a prerequisite for performing totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass surgery (TECAB). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influenc...
Preoperative respiratory status showed no major influence on postoperative respiratory outcome in selected patients. Longer operative, CPB, and aortic crossclamping times led to reversible lung injury after TECAB. Prolonged SLV times, however, did not increase the postoperative time to extubation or the length of ICU s...
26,335,343
Below are abstracts and a yes/no-style research question. Synthesize what they imply and respond with your judgment (yes, no, or maybe) plus reasoning. Question: Does total Hip Arthroplasty After Acetabular Fracture be Associated With Lower Survivorship and More Complications?
Despite modern fracture management techniques allowing for near anatomic reduction of acetabular fractures, there continues to be a risk of posttraumatic arthritis and need for total hip arthroplasty (THA). Few well-controlled studies have compared THA after acetabular fractures with THAs performed for other indication...
In this case-control study, patients with a prior acetabular fracture had markedly inferior 10-year survivorship and more frequent serious complications when compared with patients undergoing THA for primary osteoarthritis or AVN. Given these findings, management of these complex cases should be in highly specialized u...
17,638,633
Using only the evidence in the following abstracts, address the biomedical question. Include whether you conclude yes, no, or maybe, and briefly why. Is unsupervised laparoscopic appendicectomy by surgical trainees safe and time-effective?
Open appendicectomy is the traditional standard treatment for appendicitis. Laparoscopic appendicectomy is perceived as a procedure with greater potential for complications and longer operative times. This paper examines the hypothesis that unsupervised laparoscopic appendicectomy by surgical trainees is a safe and tim...
Unsupervised laparoscopic appendicectomy by surgical trainees is safe and time-effective. That leads me to Yes.
25,073,001
Using only the evidence in the following abstracts, address the biomedical question. Include whether you conclude yes, no, or maybe, and briefly why. Does blockade of the programmed death-1 pathway restore sarcoidosis CD4 ( + ) T-cell proliferative capacity?
Effective therapeutic interventions for chronic, idiopathic lung diseases remain elusive. Normalized T-cell function is an important contributor to spontaneous resolution of pulmonary sarcoidosis. Up-regulation of inhibitor receptors, such as programmed death-1 (PD-1) and its ligand, PD-L1, are important inhibitors of ...
Analogous to the effects in other chronic lung diseases, these findings demonstrate that the PD-1 pathway is an important contributor to sarcoidosis CD4(+) T-cell proliferative capacity and clinical outcome. Blockade of the PD-1 pathway may be a viable therapeutic target to optimize clinical outcomes. That leads me to...
17,102,774
Answer the research question based solely on the provided abstracts. If the abstracts support it, say yes; if they contradict it, say no; if they are insufficient or ambiguous, say maybe. Explain in a few sentences. Question: Does graft tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 protect after mouse liver transplantation whereas...
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha is a cytokine with pleiotropic effects on the liver. The predominant hepatic receptor for TNFalpha is TNF receptor-1 (TNFR1). TNFR1 mediates liver injury after ischemia/reperfusion but is also mitogenic during hepatic regeneration. This study investigated the role of graft and host TNF...
I'd call it Yes. In conclusion, graft and recipient TNFR1 has opposing effects. Graft TNFR1 decreases graft injury, whereas recipient TNFR1 mediates an increase of injury associated with enhanced neutrophil infiltration. Cross-transplanting of knockout and wild-type livers provides a new means to investigate graft-host...
27,138,933
Using only the evidence in the following abstracts, address the biomedical question. Include whether you conclude yes, no, or maybe, and briefly why. Do pLCζ sequence , protein levels , and distribution in human sperm correlate with semen characteristics and fertilization rates after ICSI?
Sperm-borne PLCζ protein induces Ca(2+) oscillations in the oocyte and is believed to play a major role during oocyte activation. However, its implication in fertilization failure following ICSI is still debated. We analyzed PLCζ gene sequence, protein expression level, and localization in both patients with previous f...
Failed fertilization occurs even when levels and distribution of PLCζ protein are within normal range. PLCζ seems to be a necessary but not sufficient factor in determining the molecular pathway involved in oocyte activation. That leads me to No.
24,117,347
Below are abstracts and a yes/no-style research question. Synthesize what they imply and respond with your judgment (yes, no, or maybe) plus reasoning. Question: Does aMPA receptor antagonist NBQX attenuate later-life epileptic seizures and autistic-like social deficits following neonatal seizures?
To determine whether AMPA receptor (AMPAR) antagonist NBQX can prevent early mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway activation and long-term sequelae following neonatal seizures in rats, including later-life spontaneous recurrent seizures, CA3 mossy fiber sprouting, and autistic-like social deficits. Long-Evans ...
Brief NBQX administration during the 48 h postseizure in P10 Long-Evans rats suppresses transient mTOR pathway activation and attenuates spontaneous recurrent seizures, social preference deficits, and mossy fiber sprouting observed in vehicle-treated adult rats after early life seizures. These results suggest that acut...
26,476,602
Answer the research question based solely on the provided abstracts. If the abstracts support it, say yes; if they contradict it, say no; if they are insufficient or ambiguous, say maybe. Explain in a few sentences. Question: Is obesity associated with higher absolute tibiofemoral contact and muscle forces during gait...
Obesity is an important risk factor for knee osteoarthritis initiation and progression. However, it is unclear how obesity may directly affect the mechanical loading environment of the knee joint, initiating or progressing joint degeneration. The objective of this study was to investigate the interacting role of obesit...
I'd call it Yes. Body mass index was associated with higher absolute tibiofemoral compression and shear forces as well as posterior muscle forces during gait, regardless of moderate osteoarthritis presence or absence. The differences found may contribute to accelerated joint damage with obesity, but with the osteoarthr...