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: Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are involved in the metabolism of carcinogens and anticancer drugs. Functional polymorphisms exist in at least three genes that code for the GSTs, such as the GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene deletions or the A-G transition within the GSTP1 gene, which represents distinct GSTP1a and GSTP1b alleles. In the present case-control study, we aimed at estimation of the relationship between the GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 genotypes and the susceptibility to various types of childhood malignancies and the early relapses of diseases.', 'Using the polymerase chain reaction on the DNA extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes, we identified the GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 genotypes in 234 children at the initial stage of a childhood malignancy as well as in 460 age-and sex-matched healthy subjects who served as controls. The follow-up period for the effects of the anticancer therapy ranged from 11 to 43 months.', 'Compared to the controls, a significant increase in the frequency of the GSTP1b/GSTP1b genotype (odds ratio (OR) 5.7; 95% confidence limit (CL) from 2.4 to 13.8; Pearsons Chi-square P = 0.0001) was detected in the children with neoplasms. The GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes did not show any correlation with the risk of the de novo diagnosed neoplasms. During the observation, 62 children (26%) were found to be present with a local or disseminated recurrence of the diseases. The analysis indicated a trend in increasing risk of relapse for carriers of the GSTP1a allele (OR = 3.29; 95% CL from 0.73 to 14.67 P = 0.03).

SOLUTION: Is polymorphism within the glutathione S-transferase P1 gene associated with increased susceptibility to childhood malignant diseases?

PROBLEM: The cutaneous microcirculation vasodilates during acute 6 degrees head-down tilt (HDT, simulated microgravity) relative to upright conditions, more in the lower body than in the upper body.', 'We expected that relative magnitudes of and differences between upper and lower body cutaneous blood flow elevation would be sustained during initial acclimation to simulated microgravity.', 'We measured cutaneous microvascular blood flow with laser-Doppler flowmetry at the leg (over the distal tibia) and cheek (over the zygomatic arch) of eight healthy men before, during, and after 24 h of HDT. Results were calculated as a percentage of baseline value (100% measured during pre-tilt upright sitting).', 'Cutaneous blood flow in the cheek increased significantly to 165 +/- 37% (mean +/- SE, p < 0.05) at 9-12 h HDT, then returned to near baseline values by 24 h HDT (114 +/- 29%, NSD), despite increased local arterial pressure. Microvascular flow in the leg remained significantly elevated above baseline throughout 24 h HDT (427 +/- 85% at 3 h HDT and 215 +/- 142% at 24 h HDT, p < 0.05). During the 6-h upright sitting recovery period, cheek and leg blood flow levels returned to near pre-tilt baseline values.

SOLUTION: Does simulated microgravity increase cutaneous blood flow in the head and leg of humans?

PROBLEM: We investigated whether or not fibrinogen is related to the cardiovascular risk profile and complications in hypertensive subjects.', 'Plasma fibrinogen and laboratory tests including factor VII, homocysteine and microalbuminuria were evaluated in 127 consecutive hypertensive subjects stratified according to cardiovascular risk. Parameters were age, gender, smoking, cholesterol, diabetes, target organ damage: left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), carotid atherosclerotic complications and retinical vessels.', 'Fibrinogen levels were significantly different between patients according to risk levels (low 290+/-73, n=20, high 342+/-94 mg/dl, n=39, very high risk 350+/-72, n=29, p=0.01), hypertension grade (II-III) and organ damage. Fibrinogen was significantly higher in patients with more severe carotid atherosclerotic lesions and vascular retinal lesions (grades II-III vs 0 and I). Also in patients, matched for age and sex, without and with carotid atherosclerotic lesions, fibrinogen was significantly higher in the latter group. No significant differences were found on the basis of IVS, creatinine and microalbuminuria. In hypertensive patients, fibrinogen directly correlated with age, by multiple linear regression. In hypertensive patients with diabetes, fibrinogen was significantly higher (466+/-176 mg/dL, n=14) than in those hypertensive without diabetes (333+/-87 mg/dL, n=113, p=0.001) and in all patients there was a a significant correlation (r=0.474, p<0.001) between blood glucose and fibrinogen.

SOLUTION:
Are elevated plasma fibrinogen levels in patients with essential hypertension related to vascular complications?