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: In RA, conflicting results have been described on the association between genotypes of the complement factor mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and disease susceptibility and severity. This might be due to underpowerment of previous research work and the fact that no confirmation cohorts were used. Therefore a different approach is warranted.', 'MBL2 gene polymorphisms were determined in two RA cohorts (378 and 261 cases) and 648 controls. Considering MBL polymorphisms, cases and controls were categorized in groups of high, intermediate and low MBL production. The total sample size allows detection of a potential association between RA susceptibility and MBL groups with an odds ratio of 1.37 (alpha < 0.05; 1-beta > 0.8). Disease severity as defined by the need for anti-TNF therapy was also analysed for possible associations with MBL groups.', 'There was no difference in the frequencies between MBL genotypes of RA cases and controls that are associated with high (cases 54.4%, controls 57.0%), intermediate (cases 28.9%, controls 27.5%) or low (cases 16.7%, controls 15.5%) MBL production. Furthermore, there was no association between MBL groups and disease severity.

SOLUTION: 1

PROBLEM: In heart failure, a holistic approach incorporating the patient's perspective is vital for prognosis and treatment. Self-rated health has strong associations with adverse events and short-term mortality risk, but long-term data are limited. We investigated the predictive value of two consecutive self-rated health assessments with regard to long-term mortality in a large, well characterised sample of elderly patients with stable chronic heart failure.", "We measured self-rated health by asking 'In general, would you say your health is: 1, excellent; 2, very good; 3, good; 4, fair; 5, poor?' twice: at baseline and the end of a 12-week beta-blocker up-titration period in the CIBIS-ELD trial. Mortality was assessed in an observational follow-up after 2-4 years. A total of 720 patients (mean left ventricular ejection fraction 45±12%, mean age 73±5 years, 36% women) rated their health at both time points. During long-term follow-up, 144 patients died (all-cause mortality 20%). Fair/poor self-rated health in at least one of the two reports was associated with increased mortality (hazard ratio 1.42 per level; 95% confidence interval 1.16-1.75; P<0.001). It remained independently significant in multiple Cox regression analysis, adjusted for N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP), heart rate and other risk prediction covariates. Self-rated health by one level worse was as predictive for mortality as a 1.9-fold increase in NTproBNP.

SOLUTION: 1

PROBLEM: The aim of this study was the measurement of maternal serum levels of M-CSF throughout pregnancy, in a low risk obstetrical population, to examine the relationship of M-CSF and pregnancy outcome.', 'Maternal serum was obtained at various stages of pregnancy and post partum, M-CSF levels were measured by ELISA, pertinent clinical data tabulated, and pregnancy outcome was determined.', 'In 564 pregnancies studied, 22% of 260 nulliparous pregnancies and 10% of 304 multiparous pregnancies were hypertensive. Preeclampsia occurred in 1.5% of nulliparous and in 1% of the multiparous women. In apparently normal pregnancies with good outcome, M-CSF levels rose throughout pregnancy. No cases of preeclampsia occurred if maternal serum M-CSF levels increased more than 100% throughout pregnancy.

SOLUTION:
1