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: Because of greater recognition and improved imaging capabilities, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are being diagnosed with increasing frequency. IPMNs of the main pancreatic duct cause symptoms and lead to pancreatitis. Side-branch (SB) IPMNs are thought to cause symptoms less frequently, and their association with pancreatitis is not well defined.', 'Our purpose was to ascertain whether an association exists between SB-IPMN and pancreatitis.', 'Single-center, retrospective study.', 'Academic medical center.', 'A total of 305 patients underwent EUS examinations between October 2002 and October 2006 for pancreatic cystic lesions.', 'The main outcome measure was the frequency of acute or chronic pancreatitis that was not procedurally related.', 'Thirty-two patients had SB-IPMNs, and 11 (34%) had pancreatitis. Three patients reported a single episode, and 8 patients reported having recurrent episodes of pancreatitis. Overall, 17 (53%) patients had symptoms possibly attributable to SB-IPMN. Female sex (73% vs 38%) and multiple pancreatic lesions (54% vs 24%) were more commonly seen in those with pancreatitis, but were not statistically significant factors. Larger cyst size or cyst fluid marker levels did not appear associated with pancreatitis occurrence. EUS-FNA demonstrated communication with the pancreatic duct in 94% and thick, mucinous fluid in 84%.

SOLUTION: Is pancreatitis frequent among patients with side-branch intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia diagnosed by EUS?

PROBLEM: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) acts rapidly to modulate synaptic neurotransmission in the brain. Although present in neurons, glial cells, and mucosal cells of the colon, and in higher concentrations than in brain, the action of BDNF in gut have not been characterized. The aim of this study was to identify the role of BDNF in mediating the peristaltic reflex.', 'BDNF and a specific antiserum were examined for their effects on the peristaltic reflex and release of the sensory mediators serotonin and calcitonin gene-related peptide in rat colon. The peristaltic reflex and release of serotonin and calcitonin gene-related peptide were also examined in genetically modified mice (BDNF(+/-)) with reduced levels of BDNF.', 'Endogenous brain-derived neurotrophic factor was released into the sensory compartment in a stimulus-dependent manner during the peristaltic reflex induced by mucosal stimulation but not muscle stretch. BDNF stimulated and immunoneutralization of endogenous BDNF reduced ascending contraction and descending relaxation of circular muscle and release of serotonin and calcitonin gene-related peptide during the peristaltic reflex induced by mucosal stimulation but not muscle stretch. The peristaltic reflex and release of serotonin and calcitonin gene-related peptide during the peristaltic reflex induced by mucosal stimulation but not muscle stretch were significantly reduced in BDNF(+/-) mice.

SOLUTION: Does brain-derived neurotrophic factor augment peristalsis by augmenting 5-HT and calcitonin gene-related peptide release?

PROBLEM: Chemotherapy is still a critical issue in the management of leishmaniasis. Until recently, pentavalent antimonials, amphotericin B or pentamidine compounded the classical arsenal of treatment. All these drugs are toxic and have to be administered by the parenteral route. Tamoxifen has been used as an antiestrogen in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer for many years. Its safety and pharmacological profiles are well established in humans. We have shown that tamoxifen is active as an antileishmanial compound in vitro, and in this paper we analyzed the efficacy of tamoxifen for the treatment of mice infected with Leishmania amazonensis, an etiological agent of localized cutaneous leishmaniasis and the main cause of diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis in South America.', 'BALB/c mice were infected with L. amazonensis promastigotes. Five weeks post-infection, treatment with 15 daily intraperitoneal injections of 20 mg/kg tamoxifen was administered. Lesion and ulcer sizes were recorded and parasite burden quantified by limiting dilution. A significant decrease in lesion size and ulcer development was noted in mice treated with tamoxifen as compared to control untreated animals. Parasite burden in the inoculation site at the end of treatment was reduced from 10(8.5+/-0.7) in control untreated animals to 10(5.0+/-0.0) in tamoxifen-treated mice. Parasite load was also reduced in the draining lymph nodes. The reduction in parasite number was sustained: 6 weeks after the end of treatment, 10(15.5+/-0.5) parasites were quantified from untreated animals, as opposed to 10(5.1+/-0.1) parasites detected in treated mice.

SOLUTION:
Is tamoxifen effective in the treatment of Leishmania amazonensis infections in mice?