instruction:
Given a passage, 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:
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a major pro-inflammatory cytokine. Recently, the G-308A polymorphism of the TNF-alpha gene has been associated with modified gene expression and increased TNF-alpha production in the -308A allele. We evaluated its influence on the incidence and clinical course of membranous glomerulonephritis.', 'We studied 53 patients with biopsy-proven primary membranous glomerulonephritis followed up for 5.7 +/- 4.9 years. 100 volunteers were analyzed as controls. According to the slope of the curve of reciprocal serum creatinine against time, group A (slow progressors, n = 35) and group B (fast progressors, n = 18) were defined. TNF-alpha G-308A polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction amplification.', 'The frequency of the A-allele (associated with higher TNF-alpha levels) was significantly higher in patients than control subjects (patients: G-allele: 0.66, A-allele: 0.34; controls: G-allele 0.85, A-allele 0.15, p < 0.001). Similarly, the genotype distribution differed significantly between our study and control populations (patients: GG-genotype: 41.5%, GA: 49.1%, AA 9.4%; controls: GG: 71%, GA: 27%, AA 2%, p = 0.001). Age, renal function, proteinuria and blood pressure were similar at the time of renal biopsy between patients with different genotypes (NS). There was also a tendency towards an overpresentation of the A-allele in group B indicating a possible impact on the progression of membranous nephropathy, but a significance was not reached. Furthermore, no impact on renal survival in the Kaplan- Meier analysis was detected (NS).
answer:
Is tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene G-308A polymorphism a risk factor for the development of membranous glomerulonephritis?


question:
Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is a benign disorder with a variable clinical course that often leads to hospitalization. The aim of this study was to assess and validate the relationship between the serum cystatin C level and symptom duration in infants with TTN.', 'Forty newborns presenting with TTN and who had undergone serum cystatin C (Cys C) tests on the first day of admission to the Kyung Hee University Hospital (Seoul, Korea) from 2009 to 2013 were included. The serum Cys C level, creatinine (Cr) level, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and tachypnea duration were correlated retrospectively.', 'The median gestation period was 37.8\xa0±\xa03.8 weeks and the mean birth weight was 3.2\xa0±\xa00.4\xa0kg. Tachypnea duration was 3.3\xa0±\xa02.0 days. Serum Cys C and Cr levels were 1.7\xa0±\xa00.2\xa0mg/L and 0.8\xa0±\xa01.2\xa0mg/dL, respectively. Tachypnea duration was significantly positively correlated with the serum levels of Cys C and significantly negatively correlated with Cys C-based eGFR (p\xa0=\xa00.016), but was not significantly correlated with the serum Cr level or Cr-based eGFR. When tachypnea duration was compared between infants with Cys C level <1.6\xa0mg/L (n\xa0=\xa015; Group A) and infants with Cys C level\xa0≥\xa01.6\xa0mg/L (n\xa0=\xa025; Group B), the symptom duration was significantly shorter in Group A infants (p\xa0=\xa00.011).
answer:
Does decreased Cystatin C-Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate be Correlated with Prolonged Hospital Stay in Transient Tachypnea of Newborn Infants?


question:
Amifostine is an organic thiophosphate that may selectively protect normal tissues from the toxicities of chemotherapy. The combination of fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (FC) is highly active in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Infection is a serious toxicity of the FC regimen.', 'Amifostine was added to the FC regimen in a phase II study of 46 patients with CLL. Patients received FCA (fludarabine 30 mg/m(2) i.v. daily for 3 days, cyclophosphamide 300 mg/m(2) i.v. daily for 3 days, and amifostine 500 mg i.v. over 15 min daily for 3 days starting 30 min before cyclophosphamide) at intervals of 4-6 weeks for a maximum of six courses.', 'Patients receiving FCA had equivalent rates of sepsis, early death, objective response and survival to those observed in a prior series of 78 patients treated with FC. Amifostine-associated toxicities included nausea, vomiting, and hypotension.
answer:

Does amifostine reduce the toxicity of the fludarabine and cyclophosphamide regimen in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia?