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: Licorice has been used to treat many ailments including cardiovascular disorders in China for long time. Recent studies have shown that the cardiac actions of licorice have been attributed to its active component, glycyrretinic acid (GA). However, its mechanism remains poorly understood.', 'The effects of GA on the cardiac sodium currents (I(Na)), L-type calcium currents (I(Ca,L)) and hyperpolarization-activated inward currents (I(f)) were investigated.', 'Human isoforms of wild-type and DeltaKPQ-mutant type sodium channels were expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and the resulting currents (peak and late I(Na)) were recorded using a two-microelectrode voltage-clamp technique. A perforated patch clamp technique was employed to record I(Ca,L) and I(f) from isolated rabbit sinoatrial node pacemaker cells.', 'GA inhibited peak I(Na) (33% at 90 microM) and late I(Na) (72% at 90 microM), but caused no significant effects on I(Ca,L) and I(f).
Answer: GA blocked cardiac sodium currents, particularly late I(Na.) Our findings might help to understand the traditional use of licorice in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders, because reduction of sodium currents (particularly late I(Na)) would be expected to provide protection from Na(+)-induced Ca(2+) overload and cell damage.

SOLUTION: Does glycyrretinic acid block cardiac sodium channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes?

PROBLEM: Context: Preterm delivery and sub-optimal fetal growth are associated with each other and affect both mother and infant. Our aim was to determine (i) whether there are detectable differences in DNA methylation between early and late gestation and (ii) whether changes in DNA methylation from entry are associated with spontaneous preterm delivery with and without reduced fetal growth.', 'We conducted a case-control study nested within a large prospective cohort. Gene specific methylation was measured by Methyl-Profiler PCR Array in a Human Breast Cancer Signature Panel of 24 genes from maternal peripheral leukocytes genomic DNA at entry and 3', 'There was significantly decrease in DNA methylation in 15 of 24 genes during the 3
Answer: These data suggest that epigenetic modification is associated with an increased risk of spontaneous preterm delivery, spontaneous preterm delivery with reduced fetal growth in particular.

SOLUTION: Is spontaneous Preterm Delivery , Particularly with Reduced Fetal Growth , Associated with DNA Hypomethylation of Tumor Related Genes?

PROBLEM: Context: The aim of the current study was to characterize -cell function, insulin sensitivity and line of inheritance in patients with recent-onset type 2 diabetes of Yemenite and non-Yemenite Jewish origin.', 'A cohort study including 121 GAD negative diabetic patients, 59 of Yemenite and 62 of non-Yemenite origin, treated by dietoral antihyperglycemic monotherapy who underwent 180-min meal tolerance test (MMT). Based on MMT, indexes of insulin resistance and secretion were calculated.', 'There were no significant differences in age, sex, diabetes duration, BMI, HbA1c and lipid profile. A significant difference was found in family history of diabetes: 63% of patients of Yemenite origin had maternal inheritance versus 35% in the non-Yemenite origin (p<0.001). Both indexes of -cell function, the insulinogenic and the disposition indexes were significantly lower in patients of Yemenite origin compared with non-Yemenite origin (0.660.4 vs. 0.930.8, p=0.04; 2.31.8 vs. 3.33.3, p=0.04, respectively) with no difference in insulin sensitivity. When females and males were analyzed separately, the difference in maternal inheritance remained significant in both, but the difference in -cell function indexes was observed only in males (p=0.03, p=0.01, respectively).
Answer: Males with recent-onset diabetes of Yemenite origin have a significant reduction of -cell function and reduced ability to compensate for insulin resistance compared with diabetic males of non-Yemenite origin. Both males and females of Yemenite origin have a significantly higher maternal inheritance of diabetes. These data suggest different underlying mechanisms leading to early loss of -cell in diabetic males of Yemenite origin.

SOLUTION:
Does early beta-cell dysfunction characterize males with type 2 diabetes of Yemenite origin?