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: Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) controls the main cell-cycle checkpoints, suggesting utility of its inhibition for cancer treatment, including of highly proliferative pediatric cancer. This preclinical study explored the selective PLK1 inhibitor volasertib (BI 6727) alone and combined with chemotherapy in pediatric malignancies.', 'Inhibition of proliferation was explored in vitro using dimethylthiazol carboxymethoxyphenyl sulfophenyl tetrazolium (MTS) assay. Mice bearing human xenografts were treated with weekly intravenous injections of volasertib.', 'Volasertib inhibited proliferation in all 40 cell lines tested, with a mean half-maximal growth inhibitory concentration of 313 nmol/l (range: 4-5000 nmol/l). Volasertib was highly active against RMS-1 alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma xenografts, resulting in 100% tumor regression. Activity was associated with complete and prolonged G2/M arrest and subsequent apoptotic cell death. Volasertib showed synergistic activity with vincristine but antagonistic effects with etoposide.

SOLUTION: Does polo-like Kinase Inhibitor Volasertib exhibit Antitumor Activity and Synergy with Vincristine in Pediatric Malignancies?

PROBLEM: Currently, there is no standardised screening for prostate cancer in Europe. Assessment of risk is opportunistically undertaken in consultation with the GP or urologist. Evaluation of the prostate gland consists of a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) serum level and a digital rectal examination (DRE) of the gland. DRE is an essential part of the assessment that can independently predict prostate cancer in the setting of a normal PSA level.', 'To evaluate the clinical usefulness of the DRE in general practice and urology clinics, and to ascertain its positive predictive value and sensitivity.', 'A retrospective analysis study of a cohort of Irish men who underwent TRUS guided biopsy of the prostate in a single Irish tertiary referral centre, despite a normal PSA level. Patients were identified from a Rapid Access Prostate Clinic patient database. Pathological biopsy results were correlated with clinical DRE findings.', 'Patient demographics, PSA levels, and DRE findings from a prospectively established database and hospital data systems from May 2009 to October 2013 were analysed.', 'Of 103 men referred over a 53-month period with a normal age-adjusted PSA level, 67% were referred on the basis of an abnormal DRE alone. Thirty-five per cent of males with a normal PSA had prostate cancer. DRE alone had a sensitivity and specificity of 81% and 40% respectively in diagnosing prostate cancer, with a positive predictive value of 42%. Seventy-six per cent of these men had high-grade disease.

SOLUTION: Is digital rectal examination in primary care important for early detection of prostate cancer : a retrospective cohort analysis study?

PROBLEM: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a systemic inflammatory disease, and cytokines are suggested to be related to the course of AP. Obesity and central fat distribution are considered to have been associated with severe AP. This study investigated the profile of inflammatory cytokines in AP to determine how they are related to obesity, central fat distribution, and AP severity.', 'Fifty-nine patients with AP were prospectively enrolled in the study. Body mass index and waist circumference were obtained at admission. Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, IL-Iβ, IL-1ra, IL-6, TNF-α, sTNFR-I, and sTNFR-II, were measured on day 1 and 2 of AP.', 'Of the patients included in the study, 19 (32%) were overweight, 23 (39%) had central fat distribution, and 23 (39%) had moderate AP. IL-1ra and IL-6 were significantly higher in overweight patients compared with non-overweight patients. IL-1ra, IL-6, TNF-α, and sTNFR-I were significantly higher in patients with central fat distribution compared with patients with non-central fat distribution. IL-6, sTNFR-I, and sTNFR-II were significantly higher in patients with moderate pancreatitis compared to those with mild pancreatitis. Among the six cytokines, IL-6 was commonly elevated in patients with central fat distribution, overweight, and moderate AP. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of IL-6 for predicting the association with overweight, central fat distribution, and AP severity were 0.678, 0.716, and 0.801, respectively (P < 0.05).

SOLUTION:
Is interleukin-6 associated with obesity , central fat distribution , and disease severity in patients with acute pancreatitis?