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.
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Question: We developed a lactoferrin conjugate by modifying bovine lactoferrin (bLF) with a 40-kDa branched poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) molecule (designated 40 k-PEG-bLf), and we evaluated its in vitro activities and pharmacokinetic properties.', 'We prepared 40k-PEG-bLf by amino conjugation with N-hydroxysuccinimide-activated PEG. This conjugate was purified by cation exchange chromatography and its in vitro biological activities, such as iron binding, anti-inflammatory effects, and resistance to proteolytic enzymes were investigated. In vivo pharmacokinetics analyses, were also performed to examine the rate of clearance from the plasma in rats.', 'The 40k-PEG-bLf conjugate was fully active in iron binding and exhibited 97.1 +/- 5.5% (mean +/- S.E., n = 6) of the original anti-inflammatory activity. The in vitro peptic susceptibility of 40 k-PEG-bLf revealed that the proteolytic half-life increased at least 6-fold that of unmodified LF. This PEGylated conjugate demonstrated a plasma half-life that was 8.7-fold longer than that of the unmodified bLF in rats.

Answer: Does lactoferrin conjugated with 40-kDa branched poly ( ethylene glycol ) have an improved circulating half-life?

Question: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected, nonrandomized radiographical data.', 'To examine the relationship between the presence of preoperative metabolically active facet arthropathy (FA) and the amount of indirect foraminal decompression gained after extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF).', 'Although evidence of significant radiographical indirect decompression after XLIF has been shown, the relationship between the extent of indirect decompression and the presence of potentially attenuating, FA is yet to be studied.', 'A prospective database of consecutive patients undergoing XLIF was retrospectively analyzed. Posterior disc height, foraminal height, and cross-sectional foraminal area were measured on computed tomographic scans obtained preoperatively and 2 days postoperatively. The selected radiographical parameters were examined with respect to the presence of FA based on preoperative computed tomographic and bone scans.', 'Fifty-two consecutive patients underwent 79 levels of XLIF without direct decompression. Average age was 66.4 years and 34 (65.4%) were females. Surgery resulted in significant increases in posterior disc height 3.0 to 5.7 mm (89.0% increase), P<0.0001; foraminal height 1.4 to 1.7 cm (38.0% increase), P<0.0001; and foraminal area 1.1 to 1.4 cm (45.1% increase), P<0.0001. These increases were independent of the presence of metabolically active arthropathy.

Answer: Is indirect foraminal decompression independent of metabolically active facet arthropathy in extreme lateral interbody fusion?

Question: Among hemodialysis patients, probing dry weight is an effective strategy for improving control of hypertension. Whether controlling hypertension improves or worsens symptoms among such patients remains unclear. The purpose of the study was to develop a tool to evaluate symptoms and examine the relationship of the change in these symptoms with blood pressure (BP) control.', 'Among patients participating in the Hemodialysis Patients Treated with Atenolol or Lisinopril (HDPAL) randomized controlled trial, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to establish the relationship between symptoms and organ systems. Next, the change in symptom scores pertaining to organ systems was analyzed using a mixed model. Finally, the independent effect of lowering home BP on change in symptoms was evaluated.', 'Among 133 participants where symptoms were available at baseline, CFA revealed four level 1 domains: gastrointestinal symptoms, dialysis-related symptoms, cardiovascular symptoms and general symptoms. All except dialysis-related symptoms were ascribed to uremia (level 2 domain). Uremic symptoms improved over 6 months and then increased. Dialysis-related symptoms (fatigue, cramps and orthostatic dizziness) did not worsen despite lowering home BP. Probing dry weight was independently associated with an improvement in cardiovascular symptoms such as shortness of breath.

Answer:
Does treating hypertension in hemodialysis improve symptoms seemingly unrelated to volume excess?