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: This study evaluated two surgical procedures, total splenectomy and spleen-preserving surgery, for the treatment of spleen cystic echinococcosis (CE).', 'A total of 21 patients who underwent surgery for removal of spleen CE were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups, those who received a total splenectomy (n=7) and those who underwent spleen-preserving surgery (n=14).', 'Total splenectomy surgery took 127.111.1min and spleen-preserving surgery took 104.325.3min (p<0.05). The length of hospital stay was the same for both patient groups (10.6 days on average). No patient suffered from recurrence during follow-up and all of the patients made a good recovery. No patient developed post-splenectomy sepsis or serious infectious complications. No patient suffered recurrence.
Answer: The spleen-saving approach is likely an effective method for the removal of CE spleen cysts given that it is a quick procedure and preserves the function of the spleen. Total splenectomy procedures may be performed particularly for larger, centrally located cysts.

SOLUTION: Is spleen-preserving surgery effective for the treatment of spleen cystic echinococcosis?

PROBLEM: Context: Apicomplexan parasites actively release transmembrane (TM) adhesive proteins involved in host cell attachment and invasion. Rhomboids, a family of intramembrane serine proteases, cleave these secreted adhesive proteins within their TM domains as an essential step in completing the invasion process. In Cryptosporidium parvum, the activity of rhomboids in cleaving microneme proteins (MICs) has not been reported. In the present study, the interaction between C. parvum rhomboids (CpROM1 and CpROM4) and C. parvum microneme proteins (CpGP900 and CpTRAP-C1) was investigated using yeast two-hybrid assay and co-immunoprecipitation assays.', 'Our study demonstrated that CpROM1 protein could interact with CpGP900 protein in co-transformed AH109 yeasts. Analysis of these proteins in co-transfected mammalian cells showed that the cleavage product of the CpGP900 protein was detected in the co-transfected cells. As control, CpGP900 only was transfected into cells and no cleavage was observed. The results suggested that CpGP900 protein was the substrate of CpROM1. Moreover, CpROM1 and CpROM4 could not cleave CpTRAP-C1 protein, which is the substrate of T. gondii rhomboid 2.
Answer: Our results showed that CpROM1 is an active protease that is involved in microneme protein CpGP900 cleavage, which lay the foundation for further research on the mechanisms of C. parvum invasion.

SOLUTION: Does cryptosporidium parvum rhomboid1 have an activity in microneme protein CpGP900 cleavage?

PROBLEM: Context: Many obese subjects show relevant psychological distress. The aims of this study were to assess the psychopathological and clinical features of a sample of overweight or obese subjects seeking weight loss treatment and to evaluate the possible, significant associations between the levels of overweight and the specific and general eating disorder psychopathology.', 'A total of 397 consecutive overweight (body mass index > or =25 kg/m(2)) patients seeking treatment for weight loss at the Outpatient Clinic for Obesity of the University of Florence were studied. The prevalence of binge eating disorder was assessed using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, criteria. All subjects were assessed through the self-report version of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory.', 'The current prevalence of binge eating disorder was 24.2%; 35% of the subjects were overweight during childhood. High prevalence rates of clinical significant depressive (38%) and anxious (71.5%) symptoms were observed. Binge eating disorder, the severity of specific eating disorder psychopathology, and depressive and anxious symptoms were not associated with the severity of overweight.
Answer: The severity of the specific and general eating disorder psychopathology does not predict the levels of overweight. A positive association between severe eating disorder psychopathology and clinical depression was observed.

SOLUTION:
Does eating disorder psychopathology predict the overweight severity in subjects seeking weight loss treatment?