TASK DEFINITION: Given a passage with a context and an answer, 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.
PROBLEM: Context: A new protocol for postoperative calcium management was developed with the aim of achieving an increase in the proportion of patients being safely discharged on the first postoperative day. We present our experience with the first 50 patients treated under this new protocol.', 'A cohort study was performed involving the first 50 patients admitted for total or completion thyroidectomy, those data were then compared with a control group. Intact PTH (iPTH) was measured at 4-h postoperatively and patients with iPTH in the normal range were discharged on the first postoperative day.', 'Mean age and sex distribution were similar in both groups. Mean lowest postoperative corrected calcium levels in the study group were 2.19 mmol/l and 2.15 mmol/l in the control group (P = 0.24). Parathyroid auto-transplantation was associated with low PTH levels (risk ratio = 0.49). Over 50% of patients (n = 27) were successfully discharged on the first postoperative day in the study group and no patient required readmission. Length of stay was significantly shorter in the study group, mean 1.64 vs. 2.20 days (P < 0.05).
Answer: The use of iPTH accurately predicts hypocalcaemia after total thyroidectomy and can be used to facilitate safe early discharge for patients.

SOLUTION: Does postoperative PTH measurement facilitate day 1 discharge after total thyroidectomy?

PROBLEM: Context: Psychomotor abnormalities characterize both unipolar (UP) depression and bipolar (BP) depression. We aimed to assess their neurobiological correlates in terms of motor activity (AL) and resting-state cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and investigate their association in BP, UP, and healthy controls (HC).', 'We enrolled 42 depressed patients (22 BP, 20 UP) and 19 HC matched for age, gender, education, income. AL and rCBF were objectively assessed with the use of wrist actigraphy and arterial spin labeling. Group differences and the association of AL and rCBF were computed.', 'Activity level was significantly reduced in patients, but no difference was found between BP and UP. Increased perfusion was found in BP compared with UP and HC, in multiple brain areas. We found positive correlations of rCBF and AL in BP and UP, in different parts of the insula and frontal regions. Only BP showed a cluster in the left precentral gyrus. In HC, only inverse correlations of AL and rCBF were found.
Answer: The differences in rCBF and in the localization of the clusters of positive AL/rCBF correlations between BP and UP suggest that different neural impairments may underlie motor symptoms in the two disorders, but finally converge in phenotypically similar manifestations.

SOLUTION: Do distinct resting-state perfusion patterns underlie psychomotor retardation in unipolar vs. bipolar depression?

PROBLEM: Context: The Muscle-specific RING-finger (MuRF) protein family of E3 ubiquitin ligases is important for maintenance of muscular structure and function. MuRF proteins mediate adaptation of striated muscles to stress. MuRF2 and MuRF3 bind to microtubules and are implicated in sarcomere formation with noticeable functional redundancy. However, if this redundancy is important for muscle function in vivo is unknown. Our objective was to investigate cooperative function of MuRF2 and MuRF3 in the skeletal muscle and the heart in vivo.', 'MuRF2 and MuRF3 double knockout mice (DKO) were generated and phenotypically characterized. Skeletal muscle and the heart were investigated by morphological measurements, histological analyses, electron microscopy, immunoblotting, and real-time PCR. Isolated muscles were subjected to in vitro force measurements. Cardiac function was determined by echocardiography and working heart preparations. Function of cardiomyocytes was measured in vitro. Cell culture experiments and mass-spectrometry were used for mechanistic analyses.', 'DKO mice showed a protein aggregate myopathy in skeletal muscle. Maximal force development was reduced in DKO soleus and extensor digitorum longus. Additionally, a fibre type shift towards slow/type I fibres occurred in DKO soleus and extensor digitorum longus. MuRF2 and MuRF3-deficient hearts showed decreased systolic and diastolic function. Further analyses revealed an increased expression of the myosin heavy chain isoform beta/slow and disturbed calcium handling as potential causes for the phenotype in DKO hearts.
Answer: The redundant function of MuRF2 and MuRF3 is important for maintenance of skeletal muscle and cardiac structure and function in vivo.

SOLUTION:
Do muscle RING-finger 2 and 3 maintain striated-muscle structure and function?