TASK DEFINITION: Given a passage with a context and an answer, 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: Context: Histologic evidence of the comparative neurotoxicity of lidocaine, mepivacaine, and prilocaine is incomplete. We compared the intrathecal neurotoxicity in rats among these 3 drugs based on morphologic and neurofunctional findings.', 'Rats (n=169) randomly received 0.12 microL/g of 0%, 2%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, or 20% lidocaine, mepivacaine, or prilocaine or 25% glucose dissolved in distilled water via a chronically implanted intrathecal catheter. The effect of the agents on neurofunction was evaluated by movement of the hind limb (behavior test) and by sensory threshold (paw-stimulation test). The L1 spinal cord, the posterior and anterior roots, and the cauda equina were removed en bloc 5 days later and examined by light and electron microscopy.', 'A significant decrease in sensory threshold or irreversible hind-limb limitation was observed only in rats receiving 20% lidocaine. Morphologic abnormalities characterized by axonal degeneration were observed in rats receiving > or =7.5% lidocaine, 20% mepivacaine, and 20% prilocaine, at the posterior white matter and the proximal portion of the posterior root just at the entrance into the spinal cord. The incidence of lesions was significantly higher in rats receiving lidocaine than mepivacaine and prilocaine.
Answer: It is suggested that intrathecal mepivacaine and prilocaine are less neurotoxic than highly concentrated lidocaine in a rat intrathecal model.

SOLUTION: Are intrathecal mepivacaine and prilocaine less neurotoxic than lidocaine in a rat intrathecal model?

PROBLEM: Context: This study evaluated two surgical procedures, total splenectomy and spleen-preserving surgery, for the treatment of spleen cystic echinococcosis (CE).', 'A total of 21 patients who underwent surgery for removal of spleen CE were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups, those who received a total splenectomy (n=7) and those who underwent spleen-preserving surgery (n=14).', 'Total splenectomy surgery took 127.1±11.1min and spleen-preserving surgery took 104.3±25.3min (p<0.05). The length of hospital stay was the same for both patient groups (10.6 days on average). No patient suffered from recurrence during follow-up and all of the patients made a good recovery. No patient developed post-splenectomy sepsis or serious infectious complications. No patient suffered recurrence.
Answer: The spleen-saving approach is likely an effective method for the removal of CE spleen cysts given that it is a quick procedure and preserves the function of the spleen. Total splenectomy procedures may be performed particularly for larger, centrally located cysts.

SOLUTION: Is spleen-preserving surgery effective for the treatment of spleen cystic echinococcosis?

PROBLEM: Context: Morbidly obese patients usually present vitamin D deficiency or secondary hyperparathyroidism. Low vitamin D levels have been recently related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between vitamin D, bone turnover markers and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome in severely obese patients.', 'One hundred and ten patients who underwent bariatric surgery were included. Liver biopsy was taken during surgery. Two univariate analyses were carried out in order to i) analyse the relationship between liver histology and vitamin D-bone turnover markers (intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteocalcin and Carboxy-terminal collagen crosslinks) and ii) establish the association between metabolic syndrome components-insulin resistance (HOMA) and vitamin D-bone turnover markers.', '70% of the patients had lower levels of vitamin D or secondary hyperparathyroidism. None of the components of liver histology were associated with levels of vitamin D or with bone turnover parameters. Patients with metabolic syndrome showed lower levels of PTH and osteocalcin (72,42 (29,47) vs 61.25(19.59) p-Value: 0.022; 19.79 (10.43) vs 16.87(10.25) p-Value: 0,028, respectively). HOMA was not related to Vitamin D or bone turnover markers.
Answer: Low levels of vitamin D or hyperparathyroidism are common in severely obese patients. Vitamin D and bone metabolism markers were associated neither to NAFLD nor with metabolic syndrome in our series of obese morbid patients.

SOLUTION:
Are vitamin D levels and bone turnover markers related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in severely obese patients?