TASK DEFINITION: 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.
PROBLEM: Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is used for the mobilization of bone marrow and endothelial progenitor cells, though G-CSF-induced inflammation may cause endothelial dysfunction. We examined the effects of G-CSF on endothelium, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and anti-inflammatory cytokines namely interleukin 10 (IL-10).', 'We studied 60 women with breast cancer, who were randomized to either subcutaneous G-CSF (5 microg/kg), o.d. for 5 days after adjuvant chemotherapy (n = 40) or placebo (n = 20).', 'We measured flow-mediated dilatation (FMD%) of the brachial artery by ultrasonography, CRP, TNF-alpha, IL-10 and the ratio TNF-alpha/ IL-10 blood levels before, 2-h and 5-days after the G-CSF or placebo treatment.', 'There was a greater increase of FMD, IL-10 and reduction of TNF-alpha/ IL-10, 2 h and 5 days after the G-CSF treatment compared to placebo. Although, CRP and TNF-alpha were higher, TNF-alpha/IL-10 was lower at the end of G-CSF treatment compared to placebo. Improvement of FMD was related to changes of IL-10 and TNF-alpha/IL-10.

SOLUTION: Is treatment with granulocyte colony stimulating factor associated with improvement in endothelial function?

PROBLEM: Ametop gel (4% amethocaine) is a relatively new topical anesthetic that produces anesthesia within 30 to 45 minutes and therefore may be appropriate for use in busy outpatient settings. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of 4% amethocaine in reducing the pain of subcutaneous measles-mumps-rubella vaccination in 1-year-old infants.', 'A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in pediatric outpatient clinics.', 'A total of 120 infants participated in the study; 60 were followed up for assessment of antibody titers after 1 month. Either 1 g of amethocaine or placebo was applied for 30 minutes before vaccination. The Modified Behavioral Pain Scale was used to assess pain; the mean (standard deviation) pain scores for the amethocaine group (n = 61) was 1.5 (1.6) versus 2.3 (2.2) for the placebo group (n = 59). The rate of vaccination success (88% and 87%) was not different between treatment groups.

SOLUTION: Does topical 4 % amethocaine gel reduce the pain of subcutaneous measles-mumps-rubella vaccination?

PROBLEM: Hyperphosphatemia, elevated calcium x phosphorus product (Ca x P), and calcium burden, major causes of vascular calcification, are correlated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients.', 'To address the underlying mechanisms responsible for these findings, we have utilized an in vitro human smooth muscle cell (HSMC) model of vascular calcification. Previous studies using this system demonstrated enhanced calcification of HSMC cultures treated with phosphorus levels in the hyperphosphatemic range, and implicated a sodium-dependent phosphate cotransport-dependent mechanism in this effect. In the present study, we examine the effect of increasing calcium concentrations on HSMC calcification in vitro.', 'Increasing calcium to levels observed in hypercalcemic individuals increased mineralization of HSMC cultures under normal phosphorus conditions. Importantly, at these total calcium concentrations, ionized calcium levels increased from 1.2 mmol/L to 1.7 mmol/L, consistent with levels observed physiologically in normocalcemic and hypercalcemic individuals, respectively. Furthermore, increasing both calcium and phosphorus levels led to accelerated and increased mineralization in the cultures. Calcium-induced mineralization was dependent on the function of a sodium-dependent phosphate cotransporter, since it was inhibited by phosphonoformic acid (PFA). While elevated calcium did not affect short-term phosphorus transport kinetics, long-term elevated calcium treatment of HSMCs induced expression of the sodium-dependent phosphate cotransporter, Pit-1.

SOLUTION:
Do elevated extracellular calcium levels induce smooth muscle cell matrix mineralization in vitro?