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: In advanced gastric cancer (tumor stages T2-T4), associations with polymorphisms of the interleukin-1 (IL-1) gene cluster have been made. In early-stage gastric cancer, which we defined as adenocarcinoma confined to the mucosa or submucosa (stage T1), the role of host genetic susceptibility remains to be determined.', "Eighty-eight patients with early-stage gastric cancer (stage T1, 77 positive for Helicobacter pylori) and 145 controls were genotyped for polymorphisms in the IL-1 gene cluster and the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-A) gene. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi2 test and the Fisher's exact test, respectively.", 'The homozygous genotype IL-1RN*2/2 of the IL-RN gene was strongly associated with early-stage gastric cancer (P < .0001), whereas further associations with the IL-1 gene cluster were not observed. A weak association of the TNF-A-308A allele with the diffuse type of early-stage gastric cancer, and an association with a composite of two or three proinflammatory polymorphisms, which predispose to increased production of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, could also be demonstrated.

SOLUTION: Is allele 2 of the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene associated with early gastric cancer?

PROBLEM: The disturbance of mitochondrial functions has been considered as one of the mechanisms of pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis (AP) followed by kidney failure. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of methylene blue (MB) on pancreas and kidney mitochondrial respiratory functions during experimental acute pancreatitis in rats.', 'AP was induced by administrating sodium taurocholate into the pancreatic duct of male Wistar rats. The rats were divided into three groups: the MB group, MB (5\u2009mg/kg) was injected intravenously 10\u2009min prior to AP induction; the AP group, saline solution was injected intravenously 10\u2009min prior to AP induction; and the sham operation group, isotonic sodium chlorine was used instead of sodium taurocholate. The animals were sacrificed after 24\u2009h. The pancreas and kidney were removed for mitochondrial assay by oxygraphic and spectrophotometric methods.', 'Intravenous injection of MB did not prevent AP-induced inhibition of pancreatic mitochondrial respiration; however, MB significantly improved kidney mitochondrial respiratory functions with complex I-dependent substrates glutamate and malate. The activity of complex I of mitochondria isolated from AP-damaged kidney was increased after pretreatment with MB. However, MB did not affect AP-inhibited kidney mitochondrial respiration with succinate. MB had no protective effects on amylase activity or on urea content in serum in AP.

SOLUTION: Does methylene blue attenuate mitochondrial dysfunction of rat kidney during experimental acute pancreatitis?

PROBLEM: Invasive species can have devastating effects on native ecosystems and therefore impose a significant threat to human welfare. The introduction rate of invasive species has accelerated dramatically in recent times due to human activity (anthropogenic effects), with a steadily growing pool of widespread tramp species. We present an in-depth analysis of four pantropical species of Xyleborus ambrosia beetles (Xyleborus volvulus, Xyleborus perforans, Xyleborus ferrugineus, and Xyleborus affinis) with similar ecology (fungus cultivation in dead wood), reproductive biology (permanent inbreeding) and genetic system (haplodiploidy). The unique combination of reproductive traits and broad host plant usage pre-adapts these beetles for colonizing of new areas.', 'We found that all four species were broadly distributed long before human-assisted dispersal became common, and that the impact of anthropogenic effects varied among the species. For X. volvulus, X. perforans, and X. affinis there was evidence of ancient establishment in numerous regions, but also of abundant recent introductions into previously colonized areas. For X. ferrugineus, we found clear biogeographical structuring of old clades, but little evidence for recent successful introductions.

SOLUTION:
Do globally distributed Xyleborus species reveal recurrent intercontinental dispersal in a landscape of ancient worldwide distributions?