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: We investigated the function of major superoxide-generating enzymes after remote ischemic preconditioning (IPC) and hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (IR), with the specific aim of assessing the importance of the most relevant NADPH oxidase (NOX) isoforms, NOX2 and NOX4, in the mechanism of action.', '60-min partial liver ischemia was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats in the presence or absence of remote IPC (2 × 10-min limb IR), and hepatic microcirculatory variables were determined through intravital video microscopy and lightguide spectrophotometry during reperfusion. Inflammatory enzyme activities (myeloperoxidase (MPO) and xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR)), cytokine production (TNF-α and HMGB-1), liver necroenzyme levels (AST, ALT and LDH) and NOX2 and NOX4 protein expression changes (Western blot analysis) were assayed biochemically.', 'In this setting, remote IPC significantly decreased the IR-induced hepatic NOX2 expression, but the NOX4 expression remained unchanged. The remote IPC provided significant, but incomplete protection against the leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions and flow deterioration. Hepatocellular damage (AST, ALT and LDH release), cytokine levels, and XOR and MPO activities also diminished.

SOLUTION: Does remote ischemic preconditioning differentially affect NADPH oxidase isoforms during hepatic ischemia-reperfusion?

PROBLEM: One variant of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is defined by sporadic tumors of both the parathyroids and pituitary. The prevalence of identified MEN1 mutations in this variant is lower than in familial MEN1 (7% vs. 90%), suggesting different causes. Recently, one case of this variant had a germline mutation of p27(Kip1)/CDKN1B.', 'The objective was to test p27 in germline DNA from cases with tumors of both the parathyroids and pituitary.', 'Medical record review and sequence analysis in DNA were performed.', 'This study involved an inpatient and outpatient referral program for cases of endocrine tumors.', 'Sixteen index cases had sporadic tumors of two organs, both the parathyroids and the pituitary. There were 18 additional index cases with related features of familial tumors. Five subjects were normal controls. No case had an identified MEN1 mutation.', 'Clinical status of endocrine tumors was tabulated. Sequencing of germline DNA from index cases and control cases for the p27 gene was performed by PCR.', 'Endocrine tumor types and their expressions were measured, as were sequence changes in the p27 gene.', 'Tumor features were documented in index cases and families. One p27 germline single nucleotide change was identified. This predicted a silent substitution of Thr142Thr. Furthermore, there was a normal prevalence of heterozygosity for a common p27 polymorphism, making a large p27 deletion unlikely in all or most of these cases.

SOLUTION: Does the parathyroid/pituitary variant of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 usually have causes other than p27Kip1 mutations?

PROBLEM: To assess the effects of soft contact lens base curve radius (BCR), sex, ethnicity, central corneal curvatures, and vertical palpebral aperture size (PAS) on the postlens tear thickness (PLTT).', 'The PLTT was measured using optical pachometry on 114 experienced lens wearers who were fitted with lathe-cut soft lenses (Alden 47, polymacon, 35.5% H2O, -2.00 diopter, and 14.0 mm). Each subject was randomly allocated to one lens group receiving a BCR of 7.9, 8.3, or 8.7 mm. Pachometry measurements were taken at 30 min after lens insertion. Vertical PAS and keratometry readings were measured for 94 of the 114 subjects.', 'The mean (95% confidence interval) PLTT was 15.7 microm (13.2-18.0 microm), 12.8 microm (10.9-14.7 microm), and 12.1 microm (10.2-14.0 microm) for the 7.9-mm, 8.3-mm, and 8.7-mm BCR groups, respectively. The differences in PLTT among the three BCR groups was significant (analysis of variance F-test; P=0.039). Post hoc testing using the Tukey honestly significant difference statistic showed that only the two extreme BCR groups (7.9 mm and 8.7 mm) were significantly different. Sex had no effect on the PLTT; however, the PLTT was significantly thinner for the Asian compared with non-Asian eyes (P=0.0001). The Asian PLTT did not vary with different soft lens BCRs. The non-Asian PLTT was thicker with lenses of the steep BCR compared with the flat BCR.

SOLUTION:
Do the effects of ocular and lens parameters on the postlens tear thickness?