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: Nagashima-type palmoplantar keratosis (NPPK) is a distinct autosomal recessive genodermatosis characterized by diffuse transgressive palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK). Very recently, putative loss-of-function mutations in SERPINB7, which encodes a member of the serine protease inhibitor superfamily and is abundantly expressed in the epidermis, have been identified as a cause of NPPK.', 'To confirm further the role of SERPINB7 mutations in the pathogenesis of NPPK.', 'We analysed 10 Japanese families with NPPK using Sanger and/or whole-exome sequencing.', 'We identified one novel and three recurrent null mutations in SERPINB7. In all the families, the NPPK trait was inherited in an autosomal recessive manner; in one of the families, there was pseudodominant inheritance, which had not been described in NPPK.
Answer: These data clearly provide further evidence that NPPK is caused by loss-of-function mutations in SERPINB7.

SOLUTION: Does highly prevalent SERPINB7 founder mutation cause pseudodominant inheritance pattern in Nagashima-type palmoplantar keratosis?

PROBLEM: Context: To investigate whether social contact and support received during hospitalization for acute ischemic stroke predict depression and daily life functioning three months later.', 'Prospective observational study using Ecological Momentary Assessments to evaluate the number of social contacts as well as social support received from family, friends and medical staff within 24\u2009hours following admission for stroke. Patients also monitored depression symptoms and behavior in real-time and in daily life contexts three months later.', 'A university hospital acute stroke unit.', 'Thirty-four mild ischemic stroke patients.', 'None.', 'One-day Ecological Momentary Assessments immediately following stroke collected information concerning perceived social support, number of social contacts and depression symptoms. Ecological Momentary Assessments was repeated three months later and addressed depression levels as well as activities of daily living, such as working, cooking, shopping and housework.', 'The number of social interactions received at hospitalization did not predict three-month outcomes. However, a better quality of moral support from friends and family immediately after stroke was associated with decreases in later depression levels (p\u2009=\u20090.041) and increases in activities of daily living (p\u2009=\u20090.011). Material support from friends and family was associated with increases in activities of daily living (p\u2009=\u20090.012). No effect was observed for support received from medical staff.
Answer: Patient perceptions of better support quality, and not quantity, immediately following mild stroke, are associated with better behavioral and emotional outcomes three months later.

SOLUTION: Is very early social support following mild stroke associated with emotional and behavioral outcomes three months later?

PROBLEM: Context: It is evident that diabetes and periodontal disease are closely interrelated. Accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), coupled with exaggerated host responses to bacterial infection, may account for the increased periodontal destruction observed in patients with uncontrolled diabetes. The present study investigated the effects of AGEs on the viability of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and the expression of types I and III collagen in HGFs.', 'The cell viability of HGFs was examined by methylthiazolet-etrazolium assay, whereas the expression of types I and III collagen message and protein was detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively.', 'AGEs significantly suppressed the cell viability of HGFs from 24 to 72 hours (P <0.01). A high concentration of glucose (25 mmol/l) in the culture media exaggerated the inhibition of the survival rate of HGFs (P <0.01). The expression of collagen types I and III messages and proteins was significantly downregulated at 72 hours by AGEs in a concentration-dependent manner (P <0.05). Moreover, the synthesis of intracellular types I and III collagen protein was markedly inhibited by AGEs (P <0.05).
Answer: AGEs may suppress the cell viability of HGFs and downregulate the expression of types I and III collagen by the cells. Further investigations are warranted to clarify the molecular mechanisms of AGEs in the regulation of cell function and collagen metabolism in patients with diabetes and periodontitis.

SOLUTION:
Do advanced glycation end products inhibit the expression of collagens type I and III by human gingival fibroblasts?