TASK DEFINITION: In this task, you are given a passage which has a question and the context. You have to generate an answer to the question based on the information present in the context.
PROBLEM: Context: Sufentanil is an intravenous opioid often used as a component of anesthesia during neurosurgical procedures. However, the effects of sufentanil on intracranial pressure in patients with diminished intracranial compliance are not well established, and remain controversial.', 'Ten patients with head trauma, in each of whom the trachea was intubated, were studied for the effects of sufentanil on intracranial pressure (ICP) and on cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP). In all patients, ICP monitoring was instituted before the study. Sedation was obtained using a propofol infusion, and paralysis was achieved with vecuronium. After obtaining control of ICP (between 15 and 25 mmHg) hemodynamic values and blood gas tensions (PaCO2 between 30 and 35 mmHg), the level of sedation was deepened with an intravenous injection of sufentanil (1 microgram/kg over 6 min), followed by an infusion of 0.005 microgram.kg-1min-1. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), ICP (fiberoptic intracranial pressure monitor), and end-tidal CO2 were continuously measured and recorded at 1-min intervals throughout the 30-min study period.', 'Sufentanil injection was associated with a statistically significant increase in ICP of 9 +/- 7 mmHg (+ 53%), which peaked at 5 min. Then ICP gradually decreased and returned to baseline after 15 min. This was accompanied by a significant decrease in MAP (24% decrease) and, thus, CPP (38% decrease). After 5 min, MAP and CPP gradually increased, but remained significantly decreased throughout the study.\Question: Does sufentanil increase intracranial pressure in patients with head trauma?

SOLUTION: The results of the current study indicate that caution should be exercised in the administration of sufentanil bolus to patients with abnormal intracranial elastance, particularly if ICP is significantly increased.

PROBLEM: Context: Mice deficient in apolipoprotein E (apoE(-/-)) develop atherosclerosis. The possible linkage between expression of adhesion molecules/cofactors and atherosclerosis was probed at the level of mRNA and protein expression. The hypothesis of a linkage between changes of adhesion molecules/cofactors and atherosclerosis was tested further by suppression of aortic lesion formation in apoE(-/-) mice by expression of very low levels of transgenic apolipoprotein E.', 'We show that at 8.5 months of age, the apoE(-/-) mice display elevated expression of mRNA for LFA-1, MAC-1, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and for CD44, as well as MCP-1, cathepsin B, and COX-2 (but not that for eNOS) in atherosclerotic aortic arches. At earlier age, (10-13 week old) apoE(-/-) mice already display elevated expression of mRNA of CD44, LFA-1, MAC-1, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, cathepsin, and of COX-2 in lesioned aortic arches. Expressing very low levels of transgenic apolipoprotein E suppresses both aortic lesions and the expression of mRNA of LFA-1, VCAM-1, MCP-1, cathepsin B, and of ICAM-1 in ApoE(-/-) mice. We tested at the level of protein, the observations obtained for mRNA expression. CD11a (a component of LFA-1), VCAM-1 and cathepsin B expression was found to be elevated in apoE(-/-) aortas at 8-9 months; low level expression of transgenic apolipoprotein E rectifies these changes.\Question: Is altered gene expression in early atherosclerosis blocked by low level apolipoprotein E?

SOLUTION: Atherosclerotic lesions in apoE(-/-) mice are detected as early as 4 weeks of age. Expression of low levels of apoE is shown to be both atheroprotective and to suppress these changes in key adhesion and inflammatory molecules observed in early atherosclerotic lesions.

PROBLEM: Context: To measure the prevalence of the Brugada type 1 ECG pattern in the general population in the Philippines. STUDY SETTING AND DESIGN: Sudden unexplained death syndrome is rare in the West but is common among Southeast Asians. Ventricular fibrillation is the terminal event. The Brugada type 1 electrocardiographic (ECG) pattern with J point and coved ST elevation in right precordial leads, is a marker for sudden unexplained death syndrome. Its prevalence in the general population is unknown. A cross-sectional nationwide survey was performed in the Philippines in 2003 using a stratified multistage sampling design covering all the regions and provinces in the country. ECGs were performed in all adults surveyed. The prevalences of the Brugada type 1 ECG pattern (coved type) and any type Brugada ECG pattern were determined.', 'The Brugada type 1 (coved) ECG pattern in the general population in the Philippines was found in 0.2% (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.03%-0.36%) of the population. Among males the prevalence was 0.3% (+/-0.1). The prevalence of any type Brugada ECG was 2% (95% CI 1.5%-2.6%).\Question: Is the Brugada type 1 electrocardiographic pattern common among Filipinos?

SOLUTION:
The Brugada ECG pattern is common among Filipinos. There is a need to determine the risk of sudden death among individuals with this marker in the general population.