TASK DEFINITION: Given a passage, construct a question on the basis of the information present in the passage. Construct the question in such a way that (i) it is unambiguous, (ii) it is answerable from the passage, (iii) its answer is unique (iv) it answer uses text phrases from the passage. Avoid creating questions that (i) can't be answered correctly without actually understanding the passage and (ii) uses the same words or phrases given in the passage.
PROBLEM: To determine whether activin A concentrations are altered in chronic fetal hypoxemia and intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGR).', 'In vivo animal experimental model.', 'Department of Physiology, Monash University.', 'Chronically catherised fetal sheep in late pregnancy.', 'Chronic fetal hypoxia and IUGR were experimentally induced by single umbilical artery ligation (SUAL) in catheterised fetal sheep. Maternal and fetal blood samples and amniotic fluid (AF) samples were collected during surgery and thereafter on alternate days, until the time of delivery for analyte measurement. Fetal blood gas parameters were measured daily.', 'Plasma and AF was used to analyse activin A, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and cortisol and fetal blood gas analysis was undertaken in whole blood.', 'SUAL produced asymmetric IUGR and non-acidaemic chronic fetal hypoxia and resulted in preterm labour (129 [3] days). AF activin A concentrations were 10-fold higher in the SUAL group than in controls whereas levels in the fetal and maternal circulations were similar between groups.

SOLUTION: Does chronic fetal hypoxia increase activin A concentrations in the late-pregnant sheep?

PROBLEM: Gastrin and pepsinogens reflect the functional state of the gastric mucosa.', 'To evaluate whether serum gastrin and pepsinogens correlate with the different grades of severity of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD).', "In all, 388 patients with heartburn not taking any form of acid suppressive therapy were matched-controlled for age and gender and sub-classified into four groups: group 1 non-erosive reflux disease (NERD); group 2, erosive reflux disease (ERD) Los Angeles (LA) A and B, group 3, ERD LA C and D; group 4 Barrett's oesophagus (BO). Fasting serum was analysed for gastrin 17, pepsinogen I, pepsinogen II und Helicobacter pylori using specific EIA tests (GastroPanel; Biohit, Plc).", 'Kruskal-Wallis test and analysis of variance.', 'There was a significant difference among the four groups with respect for pepsinogen I, but not for pepsinogen II, the pepsinogen I pepsinogen II ratio, H. pylori serology and gastrin levels. Pepsinogen I was the lowest in NERD and the highest in BO (median 91.6, mean +/- standard deviation 106.2 +/- 51.6 vs. median 114.7, mean +/- standard deviation 130.4 +/- 70.6; P = 0.046). Pepsinogen I levels were higher in H. pylori positive subjects. After adjusting for H. pylori status, the differences in pepsinogen I across patient groups were no longer statistically significant (P = 0.298).

SOLUTION: Do serum gastrin and pepsinogens correlate with the different grades of severity of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease : a matched case-control study?

PROBLEM: Walking is usually undertaken at a speed that coincides with the lowest metabolic cost. Aging however, alters the speed-cost relationship, as preferred walking speeds decrease and energy costs increase. It is unclear to what extent this relationship is affected when older women undertake walking as an exercise modality. The aim of this study was to compare the energetic cost of walking at a self-selected exercise pace for a 30 minute period in older and younger women.', "The energetic cost of walking was assessed using the energy equivalent of oxygen consumption measured in 18 young (age 25 to 49 years) and 20 older (age 50 to 79 years) women who were asked to walk at their 'normal' exercise pace on a motorized treadmill for 30 minutes duration.", 'The mass-specific net cost of walking (Cw) was 15% higher and self-selected walking speed was 23% lower in the older women than in the younger group. When speed was held constant, the Cw was 0.30 (J.kg-1.m-1) higher in the older women.

SOLUTION:
Is walking speed at self-selected exercise pace lower but energy cost higher in older versus younger women?