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 investigate the association between adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy in childhood and asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), and eczema in adolescence.', 'Longitudinal birth cohort study of 1328 members born in the city of Nijmegen. Information on ear-nose-throat surgery was documented at 2, 4, and 8 years of age. In 1055 cohort members the incidence of asthma, AR, and eczema at 21 years of age was determined using the International Study of Asthma and Allergic disease in Childhood Core Questionnaire. To analyse the association between adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy in childhood and asthma, AR, and eczema at age 21 years, relative risks (RR) were calculated.', 'Six hundred and ninety-three (66%) members completed the questionnaire at age 21 years, of whom 104 (15%) had undergone adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy and 262 (38%) reported atopic disease. Children who underwent adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy before the age of 8 years were not more likely to develop asthma, AR, or eczema at the age of 21 years than children who did not; RR 0.93 (95% confidence limits (CL) 0.52-1.64), RR 0.94 (CL 0.68-1.30), and RR 1.00 (CL 0.59-1.68), respectively.

SOLUTION: Is adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy in childhood associated with atopic disease later in life?

PROBLEM: Islet function is regulated by islet autonomic nerves. These nerves harbour not only the classical neurotransmitters, acetyl choline and noradrenaline, but also neuropeptides. This study examined whether the neuropeptides, pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) and gastrin releasing polypeptide (GRP) contribute to the regulation of insulin secretion in model experiments by using receptor gene deleted mice.', 'Anaesthetized mice with genetic deletion of one of the PACAP receptors (PAC1 receptors) or one of the GRP receptors (GRP receptor) or their wildtype counterparts were given glucose through a gastric gavage (150 mg) or intravenously (0.25, 0.50 or 1 g/kg). Blood samples were taken regularly during the following 120 min (after gastric glucose) or at 1 min (after intravenous glucose) for analysis of glucose and insulin.', 'The insulin response to gastric glucose was suppressed by 66% in PAC1 receptor gene deleted mice in association with impaired glucose elimination, whereas the insulin response to intravenous glucose was impaired by 36% only. The insulin response to glucose was suppressed in GRP receptor gene deleted mice by 24% together with impaired glucose elimination, whereas the insulin response to intravenous glucose was not significantly suppressed.

SOLUTION: Is the insulin response to gastric glucose reduced in PAC1 and GRP receptor gene deleted mice?

PROBLEM: To determine the prevalence of Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) and to identify clinical and immunological characteristics associated with this manifestation. Since increased interferon-gamma (INF-gamma) has been associated with RP, we also compared the INF-gamma production in pSS patients with or without RP.", 'RP was diagnosed if pSS patients presented with characteristic sequence of skin color changes of the digits. In uncertain cases noninvasive vascular tests were performed by ultrasound examination. The secretion of INF-gamma by peripheral blood mononuclear cells was assessed by enzyme-linked immunospot analysis. Further, we examined the expression of different lymphocyte activation markers (CD25, CD45RO, CD69) on CD4+ T-cells by flow cytometric analysis.', 'Thirty-six of 108 patients with pSS had RP. In these patients we found a significantly increased number of INF-gamma-secreting peripheral blood mononuclear cells compared with patients without RP or to healthy controls. Further, in patients with RP a significantly increased percentage of CD25-positive T-helper cells was detectable. In addition we found an association of leukopenia, thyroiditis, and lower C3 levels with RP in pSS patients.

SOLUTION:
Is interferon-gamma increased in patients with primary Sjogren 's syndrome and Raynaud 's phenomenon?