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: To ascertain whether inoculation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into the mouse cochlea might induce enhancement of DNA binding activity of NK-kappa B and to establish a positive model of NF-kappa B activation in the cochlea.', 'Two groups of CBA mice were transtympanically injected either with 10 micrograms of LPS or an equal volume of saline. The nuclear proteins of the cochlea were extracted, quantitated and bound with 32P-radiolabeled oligonucleotide probe for NF-kappa B. The bound and free probes were separated by electrophoresis on a 4.5% native polyacrylamide gel. Supershift assays were carried out using the antibodies against NF-kappa B subunit P65 and P50.', 'The radiolabeled probe bound differently to nuclear extracts from the LPS-treated and the saline-treated mouse cochleae, showing that LPS inoculation significantly increased NF-kappa B binding activity. Supershift analysis demonstrated that the enhancement of DNA binding activity was related to both P65 and P50 subunits.

SOLUTION: Does [ Lipopolysaccharide enhance DNA binding activity of nuclear factor-kappa B in the mouse cochlea ]?

PROBLEM: Neuroblastoma is a common pediatric solid tumor with poor outcome for metastatic disease. Thus, novel therapeutic options are of main interest. The anti-neoplastic properties of taurolidine have been demonstrated on a variety of human cancer cells. However, data on neuroblastoma is lacking. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate the effect of taurolidine on growth of neuroblastoma cell lines.', 'Neuroblastoma SK-N-BE(2)-M17 and SK-N-SH cells and nonmalignant human umbilical vein endothelial cells as controls were incubated with increasing concentrations of taurolidine (100, 250, 500 M). Cell growth was examined after 12, 24, and 48 hours of exposure.', 'Inhibition of cell growth by taurolidine was seen in both malignant cell lines. When compared with human umbilical vein endothelial cells, the neuroblastoma cell lines were significantly more responsive to taurolidine.

SOLUTION: Does taurolidine specifically inhibit growth of neuroblastoma cell lines in vitro?

PROBLEM: Von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF-Ag) is a marker of pulmonary and systemic endothelial activation and injury. Adult studies indicate that patients with plasma vWF-Ag levels > or = 450% of control early in the course of acute lung injury (ALI) have an increased risk of death. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether vWF-Ag is elevated in the early phase of ALI in children and whether the magnitude of the increase was predictive of two important outcomes: mortality or duration of mechanical ventilation.', 'Two-center, prospective observational study.', "Two pediatric intensive care units: one in an academic university setting and one in a major community children's hospital.", 'After appropriate consent, plasma was collected from 48 pediatric patients on day 1 of ALI, 45 patients on day 2 of ALI, and four intubated controls.', 'None.', 'Mean PaO2/FiO2 at the onset of ALI was 140 +/- 70, and mortality rate was 17%. vWF-Ag levels on day 1 of ALI were higher in patients compared with controls (287 +/- 183 vs. 87 +/- 84% of control [mean +/- SD], p < .05). Patients with vWF-Ag levels > or = 450% of control on day 1 of ALI had a markedly greater risk of death (odds ratio, 7.0; confidence interval, 1.31, 37.30; p < .05). Multivariate analysis revealed that elevated vWF-Ag level and either presence of multiple organ system failure or Pediatric Risk of Mortality III score independently predict increased risk of death. vWF-Ag levels on day 2 of ALI were significantly higher in patients who required prolonged mechanical ventilation (316 +/- 173 vs. 191 +/- 89% of control, p < .05).

SOLUTION:
Is early elevation of plasma von Willebrand factor antigen in pediatric acute lung injury associated with an increased risk of death and prolonged mechanical ventilation?