TASK DEFINITION: Given a passage classify if the passage has a definite objective/aim/goal or not. Output '1' if the passage has a defininte objective/aim/goal and output '0' if the passage does not have a definite objective/aim/goal.
PROBLEM: To compare oncologic outcomes in a contemporary series of patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RCX) by the laparoscopic or open approach.', 'Laparoscopic RCX with extracorporeally constructed urinary diversion is a safe and effective operation for appropriate patients with bladder cancer. Perioperative and functional outcomes are comparable with open surgery. Worldwide experience continues to increase; more than 1000 surgeries have already been performed. Intermediate-term oncologic outcomes appear to be comparable to open approach.

SOLUTION: 1

PROBLEM: The ability of Yersinia pestis to form a biofilm is an important characteristic in flea transmission of this pathogen. Y. pestis laterally acquired two plasmids (pPCP1and pMT1) and the ability to form biofilms when it evolved from Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) are thought to play a crucial role in the processes of biofilm formation and pathogenesis.', 'A pPCP1-derived sRNA HmsA (also known as sR084) was found to contribute to the enhanced biofilm formation phenotype of Y. pestis. The concentration of c-di-GMP was significantly reduced upon deletion of the hmsA gene in Y. pestis. The abundance of mRNA transcripts determining exopolysaccharide production, crucial for biofilm formation, was measured by primer extension, RT-PCR and lacZ transcriptional fusion assays in the wild-type and hmsA mutant strains. HmsA positively regulated biofilm synthesis-associated genes (hmsHFRS, hmsT and hmsCDE), but had no regulatory effect on the biofilm degradation-associated gene hmsP. Interestingly, the recently identified biofilm activator sRNA, HmsB, was rapidly degraded in the hmsA deletion mutant. Two genes (rovM and rovA) functioning as biofilm regulators were also found to be regulated by HmsA, whose regulatory effects were consistent with the HmsA-mediated biofilm phenotype.

SOLUTION: 0

PROBLEM: We report on the early and intermediate-term follow-up results of self-expanding Wallstent (Schneider, Switzerland) implanted in children with congenital heart disease.', 'The inherent shortcomings of balloon-expandable stents prompted the trial of an alternative stent.', 'Twenty patients underwent 22 implantations of 25 self-expanding Wallstents between December 1993 and June 1997 in two institutions. The mean age and weight were 10.8+/-4.5 years and 30.5+/-14.2 kg, respectively. The patients were divided into two groups: 1) Group I comprised 17 patients with pulmonary arterial stenoses, 2) Group II comprised four patients with venous stenoses (one belonged to both groups). Sixteen patients underwent recatheterization at a median of 5.8 months (range 0.5 to 31, mean 8.1 months) after stenting. Hemodynamic and angiographic changes after the interventional procedures and complications were documented.', 'All the stents were successfully deployed in the intended position. In Group I, the narrowest diameter of the stented vessel increased from 4.1+/-1.5 to 8+/-2 mm (95% increase, p < 0.0001) while the systolic pressure gradient across decreased from 24.6+/-15.8 to 12.1+/-11.4 mm Hg (51% decrease, p = 0.001). In Group II, the dimensional changes of the narrowest segment increased from 4.3+/-0.5 to 7.5+/-0.4 mm (75% increase, p = 0.003), and the pressure gradient reduced from 5.0+/-2.9 to 0.9+/-1.0 mm Hg (82% decrease, p = 0.04) across the stented venous channel. Distal migration of two optimally positioned stents occurred within 24 h of implantation. At recatheterization, significant neointimal ingrowth (>30% of the expanded diameter) was noted in 7 (28%) of the 25 implanted stents. This responded poorly to balloon dilation. Predisposing factors for the neointimal ingrowth included stents of smaller diameter (<9 mm) and longer period after implantation.

SOLUTION:
1