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: The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of aminolevulinic acid-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) against the human osteosarcoma cell line MG-63.', 'Osteosarcoma is the most common type of primary malignant bone tumor diagnosed in the United States among adolescents and children. Treatments for osteosarcoma often result in diminished limb use or amputation. Because ALA-mediated PDT exhibits dual specificity in the context of tumor killing, this therapy could represent a less invasive, but effective, treatment for this disease.', 'To assess ALA dark toxicity in MG-63 cells, cells were incubated with varying concentrations of ALA, and cell viability was determined by crystal violet assay. Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) accumulation was assessed subsequent to ALA incubation at various concentrations using spectrofluorometry. Cell death subsequent to ALA-PDT was determined by illuminating cells at a wavelength of 635\u2009nm at various light intensities subsequent to ALA incubation. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay.', 'ALA dark toxicity was observed only at the highest concentrations of 2, 5, and 10\u2009mM. Maximal PpIX concentration was observed at 0.5 and 1\u2009mM ALA, subsequent to a 24-h incubation. Maximal cell death with minimal light toxicity was observed at 0.5 and 1\u2009mM ALA after illumination with 0.6 and 3\u2009J/cm(2) light.

SOLUTION: Does aminolevulinic Acid-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy cause Cell Death in MG-63 Human Osteosarcoma Cells?

PROBLEM: AVE9633 is a new immunoconjugate comprising a humanized monoclonal antibody, anti-CD33 antigen, linked through a disulfide bond to the maytansine derivative DM4, a cytotoxic agent and potent tubulin inhibitor. It is undergoing a phase I clinical trial. Chemoresistance to anti-mitotic agents has been shown to be related, in part, to overexpression of ABC proteins. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential roles of P-gp, MRP1 and BCRP in cytotoxicity in AVE9633-induced acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).', 'This study used AML cell lines expressing different levels of P-gp, MRP1 or BCRP proteins and twenty-five samples from AML patients. Expression and functionality of the transporter protein were analyzed by flow cytometry. The cytotoxicity of the drug was evaluated by MTT and apoptosis assays.', 'P-gp activity, but not MRP1 and BCRP, attenuated AVE9633 and DM4 cytotoxicity in myeloid cell lines. Zosuquidar, a potent specific P-gp inhibitor, restored the sensitivity of cells expressing P-gp to both AVE9633 and DM4. However, the data from AML patients show that 10/25 samples of AML cells (40%) were resistant to AVE9633 or DM4 (IC(50) > 500 nM), and this was not related to P-gp activity (p-Value: 0.7). Zosuquidar also failed to re-establish drug sensitivity. Furthermore, this resistance was not correlated with CD33 expression (p-Value: 0.6) in those cells.

SOLUTION: Is p-gp activity a critical resistance factor against AVE9633 and DM4 cytotoxicity in leukaemia cell lines , but not a major mechanism of chemoresistance in cells from acute myeloid leukaemia patients?

PROBLEM: Early presentation of congenitally deaf children for cochlear implantation is leading to surgery in younger candidates. The safety of cochlear implantation in children aged 12 months and younger is reviewed with radiologic assessment of mastoid bone anatomy and surgical outcome data.', 'Analysis of case records and temporal bone computed tomography (CT) scans with description of surgical technique in infants.', 'Chart analysis of children aged 12 months or younger at cochlear implantation. Mastoid bone anatomy was compared with older children (mean age 2 years) using CT scans.', 'Twenty-five infants received implants at 7 to 12 months of age because of meningitis (n = 4) or early detection of deafness (n = 21). Mastoid marrow content on CT scan was significantly greater in this age group (P < .001 Mann-Whitney rank sum test), but pneumatization was always adequate for safe identification of surgical landmarks. The smaller size of the mastoid bone was not restrictive. An extended postauricular approach was used in the first 11 cases and a 2.5 cm hair-line incision in the remainder. Ligature tie-down of the device was completed in all cases. No complications occurred. All are full-time implant users, except one with other neurologic sequelae of preoperative meningitis.

SOLUTION:
Do cochlear implant surgery at 12 months of age or younger?