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: The aim of this study is to establish follow-up protocols for adult patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) in a recently founded adult immunology clinic in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey, where a clinical immunology center for adults was not available previously.', 'A total of 25 patients with CVID aged 18 years and older were included in this study. The file format consisted of 13 pages and was developed for the purpose of the study. Separate sections were designated for identity information, medical history, disease course, previous and current laboratory and imaging studies, follow-up plans, detection and management of complications/comorbidities, and treatment results.', 'The mean age of the patients was 36.6 ± 13.4 years. The delay in diagnosis was 107 ± 95.6 months. In 92% of patients, initial symptoms resulting in admission to healthcare facilities were infections. Seventeen of 25 patients (68%) had bronchiectasis at the beginning of follow-up.\Question: Does common variable immunodeficiency in adults require reserved protocols for long-term follow-up?

SOLUTION: Early identification of complications and comorbidities in patients with CVID will significantly improve quality of life and survival. Close observation and standardized protocols for follow-up are essential components of management.

PROBLEM: Context: ANGPTL8 (betatrophin) has been recently identified as a regulator of lipid metabolism through its interaction with ANGPTL3. A sequence variant in ANGPTL8 has been shown to associate with lower level of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL). The objective of this study is to identify sequence variants in ANGPTL8 gene in Arabs and investigate their association with ANGPTL8 plasma level and clinical parameters.', 'A cross sectional study was designed to examine the level of ANGPTL8 in 283 non-diabetic Arabs, and to identify its sequence variants using Sanger sequencing and their association with various clinical parameters.', 'Using Sanger sequencing, we sequenced the full ANGPTL8 gene in 283 Arabs identifying two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) Rs.892066 and Rs.2278426 in the coding region. Our data shows for the first time that Arabs with the heterozygote form of (c.194C > T Rs.2278426) had higher level of Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) compared to the CC homozygotes. LDL and HDL level in these subjects did not show significant difference between the two subgroups. Circulation level of ANGPTL8 did not vary between the two forms. No significant changes were observed between the various forms of Rs.892066 variant and FBG, LDL or HDL.\Question: Is aNGPTL8/Betatrophin R59W variant associated with higher glucose level in non-diabetic Arabs living in Kuwaits?

SOLUTION: Our data shows for the first time that heterozygote form of ANGPTL8 Rs.2278426 variant was associated with higher FBG level in Arabs highlighting the importance of these variants in controlling the function of betatrophin.

PROBLEM: Context: To evaluate the visual and anatomical outcomes of dexamethasone intravitreal implant (DXI; 700\u2005μg, Ozurdex; Allergan, Irvine, California, USA) as adjunctive therapy for patients with refractory wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).', 'Retrospective review of the medical records of seven patients (seven eyes) who initially responded well to intravitreal ranibizumab but subsequently developed persistent intra/sub-retinal fluid (IRF/SRF) and underwent a single injection of DXI, between May 2012 and May 2013. Two weeks after DXI, the patients continued with their monthly ranibizumab injections. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) and central retinal thickness (CRT) were recorded at baseline, 2\u2005weeks, 6\u2005weeks, 3\u2005months and 6\u2005months after DXI injection. Complications were recorded too.', 'All patients had at least 24\u2005months of ranibizumab treatment. Mean age was 81.5±5.8\u2005years. At baseline, mean BCVA was 0.53±0.13 logMAR (20/70 Snellen) and mean CRT was 273.14±50.94\u2005μm. BCVA did not change significantly after DXI over the follow-up period. However, all eyes had lost fewer than 0.3\u2005logMAR units. Complete resolution of the persistent IRF/SRF was achieved in five eyes (71.4%) at 6\u2005weeks, and remained stable at 3\u2005months. Two weeks after DXI injection, the mean CRT diminished compared with baseline (248.28±31.8\u2005µm; p=0.03) and the greatest reduction was observed at 3\u2005months after DXI injection (241.5±36.6\u2005µm; p=0.04). Progression of lens opacity was detected in one case (50% of phakic eyes). Retreatment with DXI was performed in two eyes.\Question: Do dexamethasone intravitreal implant as adjunct therapy for patients with wet age-related macular degeneration with incomplete response to ranibizumab?

SOLUTION:
DXI appears to be effective in vision stabilisation, decreasing IRF/SRF and improvement of CRT in eyes with refractory wet AMD.