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.

Context: To explore the role of SCF/c-Kit signaling in the invasion of bladder cancer T24 cells.', 'Western blotting was used to detect the expression of c-Kit and PI3K pathway activation stimulated by stem cell factor (SCF) in T24 cells. The invasiveness of T24 cells before and after SCF stimulation and Wortmannin (aspecific PI3K inhibitor) treatment was evaluated using Transwell invasion assay (direct and indirect counting methods).', 'T24 cells expressed c-Kit protein and showed obvious Akt phosphorylation after stimulation with SCF (1 ng/ml) for 24 h. Compared to the control group, SCF stimulation (1 ng/ml) caused a greater number of T24 cells to migrate through the polycarbonate film (P<0.01), and this effect was blocked by the application of Wortmannin before the stimulation.
Answer: SCF/c-Kit signaling promotes the invasiveness of T24 cells, and this effect is mediated by the PI3K pathway.
Does [ SCF/c-Kit signaling promote invasion of T24 cells via PI3K pathway ]?

Context: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients are at risk of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). We aimed to explore whether systolic function by strain echocardiography is related to VAs and to the extent of fibrosis by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR).', 'We included 150 HCM patients and 50 healthy individuals. VAs were defined as non-sustained and sustained ventricular tachycardia and aborted cardiac arrest. Left ventricular function was assessed by ejection fraction (EF) and by global longitudinal strain (GLS) assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography. Mechanical dispersion was calculated as standard deviation (SD) of time from Q/R on ECG to peak longitudinal strain in 16 left ventricular segments. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was assessed by CMR. HCM patients had similar EF (61 ± 5% vs. 61 ± 8%, P = 0.77), but worse GLS (-15.7 ± 3.6% vs. -21.1 ± 1.9%, P < 0.001) and more pronounced mechanical dispersion (64 ± 22 vs. 36 ± 13 ms, P < 0.001) compared with healthy individuals. VAs were documented in 37 (25%) HCM patients. Patients with VAs had worse GLS (-14.1 ± 3.6% vs. -16.3 ± 3.4%, P < 0.01), more pronounced mechanical dispersion (79 ± 27 vs. 59 ± 16 ms, P < 0.001), and higher %LGE (6.1 ± 7.8% vs. 0.5 ± 1.4%, P < 0.001) than patients without VAs. Mechanical dispersion correlated with %LGE (R = 0.52, P < 0.001) and was independently associated with VAs (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.3, P = 0.02) and improved risk stratification for VAs.
Answer: GLS, mechanical dispersion, and LGE were markers of VAs in HCM patients. Mechanical dispersion was a strong independent predictor of VAs and related to the extent of fibrosis. Strain echocardiography may improve risk stratification of VAs in HCM.
Is strain echocardiography related to fibrosis and ventricular arrhythmias in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

Context: To examine the effect of short-term improvements in glycaemic control on brachial artery endothelial function as a marker of cardiovascular health.', 'Persons with Type 2 diabetes who were poorly controlled on oral therapy were randomly assigned to monotherapy with repaglinide or combination therapy with repaglinide plus metformin. Brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation was assessed by ultrasonography at randomization and following 16 weeks of therapy. The primary outcome was change in brachial artery endothelial function from baseline. Comparison of randomized groups was a secondary aim.', 'Eighty-six participants were randomized, and 83 were followed to study completion. Post occlusion brachial artery vasodilation was 3.74% at baseline and 3.82% following 16 weeks of therapy (P = 0.77). The treatment effect was 0.08% (95% CI: -0.48%, 0.64%). No difference was seen between treatment groups (P = 0.69). Overall, A1C was reduced from 8.3% to 7.0%, with a greater reduction in the combination therapy group (from 8.4% to 6.7%) than in the monotherapy group (from 8.3% to 7.3%, p for difference between groups = 0.01). Statistically significant reductions were observed in fasting glucose, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. Statistically significant increases were observed for fasting insulin, uric acid, weight and BMI.
Answer: Brachial artery endothelial function was not influenced by short-term improvements in glycaemic control. The CONTROL DM group was successful in lowering A1C. Future research should explore more intensive and longer-lasting improvements in glycaemic control on endothelial function. Some data previously published in abstract form (Diabetes 2001; 50 (Suppl. 2): A217).

Does the combination oral and nutritional treatment of late-onset diabetes mellitus ( CONTROL DM ) trial result?