instruction:
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.
question:
Context: The biological function of resistin (RST) is unknown, although it may have roles in obesity, diabetes, and insulin resistance. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the human RST gene on muscle, bone, and adipose tissue phenotypes and in response to resistance training (RT).', 'Subjects were white and consisted of strength (n = 482) and size (n = 409) cohorts who had not performed RT in the previous year. Subjects completed 12 weeks of structured, unilateral upper arm RT aimed at increasing the size and strength of the non-dominant arm, using their dominant arm as an untrained control. Strength measurements were taken pre- and post-12-week RT and consisted of elbow flexor isometric strength and one-repetition maximum during a biceps curl using free weights. Whole muscle, subcutaneous fat, and cortical bone volumes were measured by magnetic resonance imaging. Six RST SNPs were identified. Analysis of covariance was used to test for effects of the SNPs on pre- and post-muscle strength and whole muscle, fat, and bone volumes independent of gender, age, and body weight.', 'Five RST SNPs (-537 A>C, -420 C>G, 398 C>T, 540 G>A, 980 C>G) were associated with measured phenotypes among subjects when stratified by BMI (<25, >/ or = 25 kg/m(2)). Several gender-specific associations were observed between RST SNPs and phenotypes among individuals with a BMI > or = 25. Conversely, only two associations were observed among individuals with a BMI < 25.
Answer: These data support previous identified associations of RST with adipose tissue and demonstrate additional associations with bone and skeletal muscle that warrant further investigation.
answer:
Are resistin polymorphisms associated with muscle , bone , and fat phenotypes in white men and women?


question:
Context: Severe mitral regurgitation (MR) reduces left atrial thrombus formation in patients with mitral stenosis (MS) and atrial fibrillation (AF). Plasma D-dimer levels represent a biochemical marker for fibrinolytic activity in prothrombotic states. The prothrombotic burden in patients with mitral valve disease and/or AF was assessed using plasma D-dimer levels.', 'The study population included 89 patients with mitral valve disease, 21 with AF but normal valves, and 15 healthy controls. The mitral valve group was subdivided into patients with MS (n = 27), severe MR (n = 26), and MS with concomitant with severe MR (MS/MR; n = 36). These subgroups were further subdivided according to the atrial rhythm (sinus rhythm (SR)+AF).', 'The mean left atrial size was increased in all groups with cardiac disease. D-dimer levels were highest in the MS+AF subgroup (527 +/- 134 microg/l). Patients with MS+AF, MS+SR, and nonvalvular AF had significantly higher D-dimer levels than controls (p < 0.01, by ANOVA). Patients with MR had normal levels of D-dimer. The atrial rhythm did not influence D-dimer levels in the MS/MR subgroup, or in the pure MR subgroup (p = NS).
Answer: Plasma D-dimer levels correlated with the embolic risk in mitral valve disease and non-valvular AF. The highest levels were found in patients with MS+AF and non-valvular AF. Severe MR decreased the D-dimer levels in MS and/or AF to control levels.
answer:
Does mitral regurgitation reduce systemic coagulation activity in patients with rheumatic heart disease?


question:
Context: An in vitro cadaveric study comparing cage-vertebra interface strengths for 3 different screw-cement configurations.', 'To determine the effects of cement augmentation of pedicle screws on cage-vertebra interface failure properties for 2 interbody device shapes (elliptical or cloverleaf); and to compare between pedicle and anterior vertebral body screws with cement augmentation.', 'Pedicle or anterior screw fixation is commonly used with interbody device fixation. Cement has recently been shown to augment screw fixation in the osteoporotic spine by improving the screw-bone interface strength. The effect of cement augmentation of pedicle or anterior screws on cage-vertebra interface properties has not been previously studied or compared.', 'An elliptical or a cloverleaf-shaped indentor covering 40% of the endplate was axially compressed against the superior endplate of 48 thoracolumbar vertebrae. Each vertebra had polymethylmethacrylate cement augmentation of 1) anterior screws, 2) pedicle screws, or 3) pedicle screws without cement. Compressive load was applied through a mechanism that allowed unconstrained rotation of the indentors.', 'Cement augmentation of pedicle screws resulted in significantly higher failure loads (54%) and failure strength (69%) for both shaped indentors when compared with uncemented pedicle screws. There was no significant difference in failure load and failure strength between pedicle and anterior screws with cement augmentation. Indentor shape was not a significant factor on failure load or failure strength.
Answer: Cage-vertebra interface properties were improved when cement was used to augment vertebral and pedicle screws. Cement augmentation of pedicle or anterior screws may reduce interbody device subsidence.
answer:

Does cement augmentation of vertebral screws enhance the interface strength between interbody device and vertebral body?