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: Impaired spatial working memory is a core cognitive deficit observed in people with 22q11 Deletion syndrome (22q11DS) and has been suggested as a candidate endophenotype for schizophrenia. However, to date, the neuroanatomical mechanisms describing its structural and functional underpinnings in 22q11DS remain unclear. We quantitatively investigate the cognitive processes and associated neuroanatomy of spatial working memory in people with 22q11DS compared to matched controls. We examine whether there are significant between-group differences in spatial working memory using task related fMRI, Voxel based morphometry and white matter fiber tractography.', 'Multimodal magnetic resonance imaging employing functional, diffusion and volumetric techniques were used to quantitatively assess the cognitive and neuroanatomical features of spatial working memory processes in 22q11DS. Twenty-six participants with genetically confirmed 22q11DS aged between 9 and 52 years and 26 controls aged between 8 and 46 years, matched for age, gender, and handedness were recruited.', 'People with 22q11DS have significant differences in spatial working memory functioning accompanied by a gray matter volume reduction in the right precuneus. Gray matter volume was significantly correlated with task performance scores in these areas. Tractography revealed extensive differences along fibers between task-related cortical activations with pronounced differences localized to interhemispheric commissural fibers within the parietal section of the corpus callosum.
Answer: Abnormal spatial working memory in 22q11DS is associated with aberrant functional activity in conjunction with gray and white matter structural abnormalities. These anomalies in discrete brain regions may increase susceptibility to the development of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. Hum Brain Mapp 37:4689-4705, 2016. ©️ 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

SOLUTION: Does multimodal MRI reveal structural connectivity differences in 22q11 deletion syndrome related to impaired spatial working memory?

PROBLEM: Context: Pineal function has been considered particularly as a neuroendocrine modulator in hormone responsive tumors, like the hormone-dependent mammary tumors. The complexity of the gland function, moreover, is denoted by the presence of a local renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) that regulates melatonin biosynthesis. Classically, angiotensin II (Ang II) has been considered as the effector peptide of the RAS, but Ang II is not the only active peptide. Several of its degradation products, including angiotensin III (Ang III) and angiotensin IV (Ang IV) also possess biological functions. These peptides are formed via the activity of several aminopeptidases. Our aim is to know their role in the regulation of pineal RAS and breast cancer.', 'Aminopeptidase N (APN), aminopeptidase B (APB) and aminopeptidase A (aspartyl- and glutamyl-aminopeptidase, APA) activities are measured in the pineal gland of rats with breast cancer induced by N-methyl nitrosourea (NMU).', 'Aminopeptidase activities were measured fluorimetrically using their corresponding aminoacyl-beta-naphthylamides as substrates.', 'Specific APN and APB activities in pineal gland of controls and NMU-treated rats were not modified. Aspartyl aminopeptidase activity significantly decreased in NMU-treated rats when compared with control group. On the contrary, glutamyl aminopeptidase activity did not show significant differences between groups.
Answer: We propose that the local RAS in pineal gland is modified in rats with breast cancer induced by NMU through the inhibition of AspAP activity, which may lead to increased levels of Ang II. Ang II could be responsible of the overproduction of melatonin, supporting a mechanism to restrain the promotion and/or progression of breast cancer.

SOLUTION: Are renin-angiotensin system-regulating aminopeptidase activities modified in the pineal gland of rats with breast cancer induced by N-methyl-nitrosourea?

PROBLEM: Context: The toxicity of anti-rheumatic gold compounds has limited their use and development, yet both the toxicological and therapeutic actions of these compounds remain unclear. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by Au(I) or Au(III) compounds mediate their ability to suppress mitochondrial activity.', 'Human THP1 monocytes were exposed to HAuCl(4) x 3H(2)O (Au(III)), or the anti-rheumatic compounds auranofin (AF) or gold sodium thiomalate (GSTM) for 6-72 h, after which mitochondrial activity (succinate dehydrogenase) was measured. To assess the role of cellular redox status as a mediator of mitochondrial suppression, monocytes were pre-treated with a pro-oxidant (t-butyl hydroquinone, t-BHQ) or antioxidant (N-acetyl cysteine, NAC ). ROS levels were measured 0-24h post-gold addition to determine their role as mediators of mitochondrial activity suppression.', 'AF was the most potent inhibitor of mitochondrial activity, followed by Au(III) and GSTM. Only Au(III) induced intracellular ROS; no ROS formation was observed in response to AF or GSTM exposure. Although anti- and pro-oxidants had some effects on mitochondrial suppression of Au compounds, collectively the data do not support redox effects or ROS formation as major mediators of Au-compound mitochondrial suppression.
Answer: Our results do not indicate that ROS and redox effects play major roles in mediating the cytotoxicity of AF, GSTM or Au(III).

SOLUTION:
Do gold-induced reactive oxygen species ( ROS ) mediate suppression of monocytic mitochondrial or secretory function?