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: Bone and antler collagen (13) C and (15) N values are often assumed to be equivalent when measured in palaeodietary, palaeoclimate and palaeocological studies. Although compositionally similar, bone grows slowly and is remodelled whereas antler growth is rapid and remodelling does not occur. These different patterns of growth could result in isotopic difference within antler and between the two tissue types. Here we test whether red deer (Cervus elaphus) bone and antler (13) C and (15) N values are equivalent, and whether intra-antler isotopic values are uniform.', 'Bone and antler were isotopically analysed from six stags that lived in a temperate maritime climate on the Isle of Rum, Scotland. Multiple antlers from different years were sampled per individual, together with a single bone sample per individual. Up to 12 samples were taken along the length of each antler (total of 25 antlers, 259 samples) so that a chronological record of the isotopic composition during antler growth could be obtained. Collagen was extracted and its (13) C and (15) N values were measured by continuous-flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry.', 'Intra-antler collagen isotope signatures vary, and show that not all antlers from an individual or a growth year are equivalent in carbon and nitrogen isotopic ratios. (15) N values typically increase with distance along antler length, but no overall trend is observed in (13) C values. An isotopic offset is visible between bone and antler, with bone (13) C and (15) N values being higher in most cases.

SOLUTION: Are red deer bone and antler collagen isotopically equivalent in carbon and nitrogen?

PROBLEM: The dietary determinants of adolescent blood pressure (BP) are not well understood. We determined the association between major dietary patterns and BP in a sample of Iranian adolescents.', "This cross-sectional study was conducted among a representative sample (n=557) of Shirazi adolescents aged 12-19years. Participants' systolic and diastolic BP was measured using a validated oscillometric BP monitor. Usual dietary intakes during the past 12months were assessed using a valid and reproducible 168-item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire through face-to-face interviews. Principal component factor analysis was used to identify major dietary patterns based on a set of 25 predefined food groups.", 'Overall, three major dietary patterns were identified, among which only the Western pattern (abundant in soft drinks, sweets and desserts, salt, mayonnaise, tea and coffee, salty snacks, high-fat dairy products, French fries, and red or processed meats) had a significant association with BP. After adjusting for potential confounders in the analysis of covariance models, multivariable adjusted means of the systolic and mean BP of subjects in the highest tertile of the Western pattern score were significantly higher than those in the lowest tertile (for systolic BP: mean difference 6.9mmHg, P=0.001; and for mean BP: mean difference 4.2mmHg, P=0.003). A similar but statistically insignificant difference was observed in terms of diastolic BP.

SOLUTION: Is a Western dietary pattern associated with higher blood pressure in Iranian adolescents?

PROBLEM: To assess the safety and efficacy of vinorelbine in patients with AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma (KS).", 'From December 1994 to May 1997, within the Italian Cooperative Group on AIDS and Tumors, we enrolled 36 patients with AIDS-related KS who experienced disease progression after one or more regimens of systemic chemotherapy. Patients were treated with vinorelbine 30 mg/m(2) every 2 weeks by intravenous bolus.', 'Of 35 assessable patients, three (9%) had a clinical complete response and 12 (34%) had a partial remission, for an overall objective response rate of 43% (95% confidence interval, 26% to 61%). For the 15 patients with objective responses, the median duration of response from the beginning of therapy until the development of progression was 176 days, whereas the median progression-free survival and the median survival durations for 35 assessable patients were 151 days and 216 days, respectively. Vinorelbine also induced responses in patients who had become resistant to regimens that included other vinca alkaloids. Overall, vinorelbine was well tolerated. Toxicity, including neurologic toxicity, was mild and reversible. Neutropenia was the most frequent dose-limiting toxicity.

SOLUTION:
Is vinorelbine an effective and safe drug for AIDS-related Kaposi 's sarcoma : results of a phase II study?