TASK DEFINITION: Given a passage classify if the passage has a definite objective/aim/goal or not. Output '1' if the passage has a defininte objective/aim/goal and output '0' if the passage does not have a definite objective/aim/goal.
PROBLEM: Several collagenolytic matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have recently been identified in gingival fibroblasts, while secreted cysteine proteinases could also participate in connective tissue destruction in periodontitis. To clarify their involvement, we examined enzyme release during collagen breakdown by cultured cytokine-stimulated fibroblasts.', 'Gingival fibroblasts were derived from four chronic periodontitis patients and cultured on collagen gels in serum-free medium for 1-4 days. Collagenolysis was measured by hydroxyproline release into the medium. Proteinases were assessed by electrophoresis and immunoblotting.', 'Adding interleukin-1beta resulted in progressive gel breakdown. This was associated particularly with a shift in MMP-1 band position from proenzyme to active enzyme and the appearance of active as well as proenzyme forms of cathepsin B. There was also partial processing of pro-MMP-13 and increased immunoreactivity for active cathepsin L. In addition, both pro-forms and active forms of MMP-8, membrane-type-1-MMP and MMP-2 were present in control and treated cultures.

SOLUTION: 1

PROBLEM: Angiotensin II stimulates vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) growth, and is considered to be an important mediator of intimal thickening after vascular injury. Recent evidence has indicated that VSMC apoptosis plays a major role in the response to balloon injury, and we therefore examined the effect of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibition on VSMC apoptosis and vascular lesion formation in the rat model of balloon injury.', 'Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to carotid artery balloon injury and randomised to a standard diet or a diet supplemented with 1 mg/ml captopril in the drinking water. Animals were sacrificed 2 and 14 days after injury for assessment of apoptosis and proliferation by in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labelling (TUNEL) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemistry, respectively. At 14 days post injury, vessel cross-sections were subjected to microscopic morphometry and total cell numbers were determined.', 'At 2 days after balloon injury, captopril-treated animals displayed a significant increase in the percentage of TUNEL-positive VSMCs in the medial area (12 +/- 4% vs. 1 +/- 1%; P < 0.05) as compared to controls. This increase in early apoptosis was associated with decreased intimal cellularity 14 days post injury (238 +/- 47 cells/cross-section vs. 449 +/- 75 cells/cross-section; P < 0.05), and a reduction of neointimal formation (0.13 +/- 0.02 mm2 vs. 0.23 +/- 0.04 mm2; P < 0.05). The fraction of PCNA-positive VSMCs per cross-section 2 or 14 days after injury was not significantly altered by captopril administration.

SOLUTION: 1

PROBLEM: To examine the relationship between and impact of spontaneous bacteria peritonitis (SBP) and renal failure requiring dialysis in waitlisted liver transplant (LT) candidates.', 'Renal failure is a common and severe complication in cirrhotic patients with SBP. Approximately one-third of patients with SBP develop renal failure despite treatment of infection. However, the incidence of renal failure requiring dialysis in LT waitlisted patients who have developed SBP is unknown. The high mortality observed in this group has also raised debate about resource utilization in the care of these patients.', 'Data from the United Network for Organ Sharing Standard Transplant and Research files were collected retrospectively between 1994 and 2012. The primary endpoint measured was first time initiation of dialysis while on the LT wait list. Secondary endpoints included waitlist time and mortality on wait list.', 'A total of 42,085 patients were included. SBP at time of listing was diagnosed in 2,352 patients (5.6%) and first time initiation of dialysis while on the wait list occurred in 2,367 patients (6.2%). Unadjusted OR for requiring dialysis for patients listed with SBP was 1.66 (p < 0.001). When controlled for age, gender, BMI, diabetes mellitus, baseline creatinine, MELD score, serum albumin at listing, the adjusted OR for dialysis was 1.24 (p = 0.007) in waitlisted patients with SBP. Patients with SBP at time of listing had a mean waitlist time 142.1 d vs. 198.7 d in non-SBP patients (p < 0.001).

SOLUTION:
1