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: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)-natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPR-A) receptor signalling inhibits cardiac sympathetic neurotransmission, although C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is the predominant neuropeptide of the nervous system with expression in the heart and vasculature. We hypothesized that CNP acts similarly to BNP, and that transgenic rats (TGRs) with neuron-specific overexpression of a dominant negative NPR-B receptor would develop heightened sympathetic drive.', 'Mean arterial pressure and heart rate (HR) were significantly (P<0.05) elevated in freely moving TGRs (n=9) compared with Sprague Dawley (SD) controls (n=10). TGR had impaired left ventricular systolic function and spectral analysis of HR variability suggested a shift towards sympathoexcitation. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated co-staining of NPR-B with tyrosine hydroxylase in stellate ganglia neurons. In SD rats, CNP (250nM, n=8) significantly reduced the tachycardia during right stellate ganglion stimulation (1-7Hz) in vitro whereas the response to bath-applied norepinephrine (NE, 1M, n=6) remained intact. CNP (250nM, n=8) significantly reduced the release of

SOLUTION: 1

PROBLEM: To determine whether anxiety and depression are associated with greater respiratory discomfort in asthma.', 'Adults with asthma (n = 230) underwent methacholine (Mch) challenge. Anxiety and depression, asthma control, and quality of life were evaluated at study entry by using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Asthma Control Test, and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, respectively. Qualitative descriptors of breathlessness, dyspnea intensity (modified Borg scale and visual analog scale [VAS]), and other respiratory symptoms were evaluated before and after Mch challenge.', 'Patients were classified as neither anxiety nor depression (NAD), anxiety only, depression only (D), or both anxiety and depression (AD) according to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score. Asthma Control Test and Asthma Control Test, and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire scores were lowest in the AD group (both p < 0.001). VAS scores for dyspnea and wheezing before Mch challenge were highest in the AD group (both p < 0.05). The increase in the modified Borg scale score after Mch challenge was higher in the AD group (mean [standard deviation] 2.5 2.0) than in the NAD (1.5 1.5) and D (0.8 0.9) groups (p = 0.006 and p = 0.003, respectively). Most descriptors of breathlessness were more prevalent in the anxiety only, D, and AD groups than in the NAD group. Multivariable logistic regression models indicated that anxiety increased the risk of dyspnea (odds ratio 1.10, p < 0.001 for the Borg score; odds ratio 3.84, p = 0.032 for the VAS score) but not for other respiratory symptoms.

SOLUTION: 1

PROBLEM: RATIONALE/OBJECTIVE: In the context of increasing survivorship from critical illness, many studies have documented persistent sequelae among survivors. However, few evidence-based therapies exist for these problems. Support groups have proven efficacy in other populations, but little is known about their use after an intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Therefore, we surveyed critical care practitioners regarding their hospital's practice regarding discussing post-ICU problems for survivors with patients and their loved ones, communicating with primary care physicians, and providing support groups for current or former patients and families.", 'A written survey was administered to 263 representatives of 73 hospitals attending the January 2013 annual meeting of the Michigan Health and Hospitals Association Keystone ICU initiative, a quality improvement collaborative focused on enhancing outcomes across Michigan ICUs.', 'There were 174 completed surveys, a 66% response rate. Representatives included staff nurses, nursing leadership, physicians, hospital administrators, respiratory therapists, and pharmacists. Sixty-nine percent of respondents identified at least one issue facing ICU survivors after discharge. The concerns most commonly identified by these ICU practitioners were weakness, psychiatric pathologies, cognitive dysfunction, and transitions of care. However, most respondents did not routinely discuss post-ICU problems with patients and families, and only 20% had a mechanism to formally communicate discharge information to primary care providers. Five percent reported having or being in the process of creating a support group for ICU survivors after discharge.

SOLUTION:
0