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: Interobserver and intraobserver reliability study of improved method to evaluate radiographs of patients with scoliosis.', 'To determine the reliability of a computer-assisted measurement protocol for evaluating Cobb angle and King et al classification.', 'Evaluation of scoliosis radiographs is inherently unreliable because of technical and human judgmental errors. Objective, computer-assisted evaluation tools may improve reliability.', 'Posteroanterior preoperative radiographic images of 27 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were each displayed on a computer screen. They were marked 3 times in random sequence by each of 5 evaluators (observers) who marked 70 standardized points on the vertebrae and sacrum in each radiograph. A computer program (Spine 2002;27:2801-5) that identified curves, calculated Cobb angles, and generated the King et al classification automatically analyzed coordinates of these points. The interobserver and intraobserver variability of the Cobb angle and King et al classification evaluations were quantified and compared with values obtained by unassisted observers.', 'Average Cobb angle intraobserver standard deviation was 2.0 degrees for both the thoracic and lumbar curves (range 0.1 to 8.3 degrees for different curves). Interobserver reliability was 2.5 degrees for thoracic curves and 2.6 degrees for lumbar curves. Among the 5 observers, there was an inverse relationship between repeatability and time spent marking images, and no correlation with image quality or curve magnitude. Kappa values for the variability of the King et al classification averaged 0.85 (intraobserver).\Question: Do computer-assisted algorithms improve reliability of King classification and Cobb angle measurement of scoliosis?

SOLUTION: Variability of Cobb measurements compares favorably with previously published series. The classification was more reliable than achieved by unassisted observers evaluating the same radiographs. The same principles may be applicable to other radiographic measurement and evaluation procedures.

PROBLEM: Context: DNA methylation at CpG dinucleotides is modified in tumorigenesis with potential impact on transcriptional activity.', 'We used the Illumina 450 K platform to evaluate DNA methylation patterns of 50 metastatic melanoma tumors, with matched gene expression data.', 'We identified three different methylation groups and validated the groups in independent data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. One group displayed hypermethylation of a developmental promoter set, genome-wide demethylation, increased proliferation and activity of the SWI/SNF complex. A second group had a methylation pattern resembling stromal and leukocyte cells, over-expressed an immune signature and had improved survival rates in metastatic tumors (p < 0.05). A third group had intermediate methylation levels and expressed both proliferative and immune signatures. The methylation groups corresponded to some degree with previously identified gene expression phenotypes.\Question: Are dNA methylation subgroups in melanoma associated with proliferative and immunological processes?

SOLUTION: Melanoma consists of divergent methylation groups that are distinguished by promoter methylation, proliferation and content of immunological cells.

PROBLEM: Context: The present prospective study examines the levels of maternal plasma folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine in normotensive control (NC) women and women with preeclampsia (PE) from early pregnancy till delivery.', 'The present study includes 126 NC and 62 PE women. Maternal blood was collected at 3 time points during pregnancy (T1 = 16th-20th weeks, T2 = 26th-30th weeks and T3 = at delivery). Levels of folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine were estimated by the chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay technology.', 'Maternal plasma folate levels were similar between NC and PE women at all the time points across gestation. Maternal plasma vitamin B12 levels were significantly higher in PE (p < 0.05) as compared with NC at T2. Maternal plasma homocysteine levels were higher in PE as compared with NC at all the time points, i.e. T1, T2 (p < 0.05 for both) and T3 (p < 0.01).\Question: Do increased homocysteine levels exist in women with preeclampsia from early pregnancy?

SOLUTION:
Our results indicate that higher homocysteine levels exist in women with PE from early pregnancy and continue till delivery.