nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Expression of Neuron-Specific Enolase in Multiple Myeloma and Implications for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment

To determine the expression of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and to evaluate its clinical value as a tumor marker and, an indicator of disease progression and treatment efficacy.



Using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA), we measured the serum levels of NSE in 47 healthy subjects (control group), 25 patients with small cell lung cancer (lung cancer group), and 52 patients with MM (MM group). For the MM group, serum NSE levels were measured and other disease indicators and related symptoms were monitored before and after chemotherapy. The relationship between NSE expression and other MM-related factors was analyzed. In addition, immunohistochemical staining was performed on bone marrow biopsy specimens from patients with MM.



In the control group, serum NSE levels were within the normal range as previously reported, while the lung cancer group and the untreated MM group exhibited NSE levels that were significantly higher relative to the control group (P<0.05). The difference in NSE expression between the lung cancer group and untreated MM group was statistically significant (P<0.05). NSE levels were significantly decreased in MM patients after chemotherapy and were positively correlated with an MM disease index [beta-2 microglobulin (β2-MG)]. Changes in NSE were not related to the response rate to chemotherapy but rather were correlated with progression-free survival.



Patients with MM may have increased serum NSE levels, and changes in NSE may provide insight into treatment efficacy of chemotherapy and disease progression. Perhaps NSE expression is a viable biomarker for MM and can be a useful reference for the design and adjustment of clinical MM treatment programs.
Socioeconomic status and self-management in epilepsy: Comparison of diverse clinical populations in Houston, Texas

We compared the scores on self-management and associated psychosocial scales of patients with epilepsy at two clinics in Houston, TX, USA, to determine if there were systematic differences associated with socioeconomic status (SES). Patients of low SES reported higher scores on overall, information, and safety management (P<0.03) and no differences on medication, seizure, and lifestyle management. The two groups were similar with respect to the pattern of high and low scores. Reported levels of self-efficacy, depression, social support, stigma, desire for control, and outcome expectations were higher for those of high SES (P<0.01). Knowledge of epilepsy and satisfaction with care were lower (P<0.01). Again, the patterns of high and low scores were similar. Tests of association between psychosocial factors and self-management revealed that people with higher levels of self-efficacy and social support also reported higher self-management (P<0.01) regardless of demographics, seizure frequency, and SES (P<0.05). These findings provide little support for SES-related disparities in self-management and suggest that the focus of strategies to improve self-management may be similar across diverse populations.
The Effect of Pictorial Illusion on Prehension and Perception

The present study examined the effect of a size-contrast illusion (Ebbinghaus or Titchener Circles Illusion) on visual perception and the visual control of grasping movements. Seventeen right-handed participants picked up and, on other trials, estimated the size of fipoker-chipfl disks, which functioned as the target circles in a three-dimensional version of the illusion. In the estimation condition, subjects indicated how big they thought the target was by separating their thumb and forefinger to match the target's size. After initial viewing, no visual feedback from the hand or the target was available. Scaling of grip aperture was found to be strongly correlated with the physical size of the disks, while manual estimations of disk size were biased in the direction of the illusion. Evidently, grip aperture is calibrated to the true size of an object, even when perception of object size is distorted by a pictorial illusion, a result that is consistent with recent suggestions that visually guided prehension and visual perception are mediated by separate visual pathways.
The effect of l-dopa on young patients with simple schizophrenia, treated with neuroleptic drugs

Thirteen out of 18 young out-patients with simple schizophrenia under neuroleptic treatment completed a double-blind cross-over trial with Madopar® [l-Dopa + benserazid (a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor)] and placebo. Nine patients were given 900 mg l-Dopa + 225 mg benserazid daily, 1 patient received 600 mg l-Dopa + 150 mg benserazid, and 3 patients, 300 mg l-Dopa + 75 mg benserazid. In these doses, l-Dopa was effective against emotional withdrawal, blunted affect, tendency to isolation and apathy, without inducing or aggravating productive, accessory symptoms. The activity score, according to the specific activity-withdrawal scale, was significantly increased (P<0.05), whereas the total BPRS score (Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale) was slightly, but significantly reduced (P<0.05). In cases where l-Dopa had to be limited to 600 and 300 mg daily, a tendency to anxiety, distortion of thinking, and a sense of unreality were observed, depending on the dose of l-Dopa. In no case were gastrointestinal, cardiovascular or neurological sideeffects observed.
Intertester agreement and validity of identifying lumbar pain provocative movement patterns using active and passive accessory movement tests.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the interexaminer agreement and validity of active and passive pain provocation tests in the lumbar spine.



Two blinded raters examined 36 participants, 18 of whom were asymptomatic and 18 reported subacute nonspecific low back pain (LBP). Two types of pain provocation tests were performed: (1) physiological movements in single (flexion/extension) and, when necessary, combined planes and (2) passive accessory intervertebral movement tests of each lumbar vertebra in prone with the lumbar spine in neutral, flexion, and extension position.



The interobserver agreement in both groups was good to excellent for the identification of flexion (κ = 0.87-1) or extension (κ = 0.65-0.74) as the most painful pattern of spinal movement. In healthy participants, 0% was identified as having a flexion provocative pattern and 8.8% were identified as having an extension provocative pattern. In the LBP group, 20% were identified as having a flexion provocative pattern vs 60% with an extension provocative pattern. The average interexaminer agreement for passive accessory intervertebral movement tests in both groups was moderate to excellent (κ = 0.42-0.83). The examiners showed good sensitivity (0.67-0.87) and specificity (0.82-0.85) to distinguish participants with LBP using this combined examination procedure.



The use of a combination of pain provocative tests was found to have acceptable interexaminer reliability and good validity in identifying the main pain provocative movement pattern and the lumbar segmental level of involvement. These pain provocation tests were able to distinguish participants with LBP from asymptomatic participants and may help clinicians in directing manual therapy treatment.
Adequacy of peritoneal dialysis in children following cardiopulmonary bypass surgery

Acute renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy can complicate cardiopulmonary bypass in children. Peritoneal dialysis has been shown to stabilize electrolytes and improve fluid status in these patients. To assess dialysis adequacy in this setting, we prospectively measured Kt/V and creatinine clearance in five patients (6–839 days of age) requiring renal replacement therapy at our institution. Median dialysis creatinine clearance was 74.25 L/week/1.73m2 (range 28.28–96.63 L/week/1.73m2). Residual renal function provided additional solute clearance as total creatinine clearance was 215.97 L/week/1.73m2 (range 108.04–323.25 L/week/1.73m2). Dialysis Kt/V of >2.1 (median 4.84 [range 2.12–5.59]) was achieved in all patients. No dialysis-associated complications were observed. We conclude that peritoneal dialysis is a safe, simple method of providing adequate clearance in children who develop acute renal failure following exposure to cardiopulmonary bypass.
Suboptimal endogenous erythropoietin response in chronic hepatitis C patients during ribavirin and PEG interferon treatment.

During the treatment of hepatitis C, anaemia may necessitate pegylated-interferon and ribavirin dose reductions with reduced sustained viral response rates. Although erythropoietic growth factors are frequently used to improve anaemia, it is controversial whether endogenous erythropoietic response is insufficient under these circumstances. We aimed to identify risk factors for more pronounced anaemia and to evaluate endogenous erythropoietic response during antiviral therapy.



One hundred and forty-five naive chronic hepatitis C patients on pegylated-interferon-ribavirin treatment were evaluated for haemoglobin, haematocrit, serum ribavirin and erythropoietin levels.



About 99% of patients developed anaemia, with maximal decrease in haemoglobin of 2.5 ± 1.0 mmol/l (range 0.3-5.5 mmol/l). Older age, lower baseline creatinine clearance, higher baseline haemoglobin, more pronounced haemoglobin decrease after 2 weeks and higher week 24 serum ribavirin concentrations were independent risk factors for more pronounced anaemia. Serum erythropoietin levels increased from median 12 IU/l (range 4-63 IU/l) at baseline to 41 IU/l (range 12-683 IU/l) after 12 weeks of therapy and to 43 IU/l (range 7-3238 IU/l) at week 24 (P<0.001). Erythropoietin levels at baseline, week 12 and week 24 negatively correlated with haematocrit. The erythropoietic response to anaemia in our study population was significantly different from the normal human response to anaemia.



Older age, lower baseline creatinine clearance, higher baseline haemoglobin, more pronounced haemoglobin decrease after 2 weeks and higher week 24 serum ribavirin concentrations were independent risk factors for more pronounced anaemia during antiviral therapy. Endogenous erythropoietin production is suboptimal during antiviral therapy, supporting use of erythropoietic growth factors.
An internet-based physical activity intervention for adolescents with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial.

To determine the effectiveness of an 8-week internet-based, lifestyle physical-activity intervention for adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP).



A randomized controlled trial using concealed allocation with blinded assessments at baseline, 10, and 20 weeks. Forty-one adolescents with CP participated (26 males, 15 females; mean age 13y 7mo, SD 1y 8mo, range 11-17y; Gross Motor Function Classification System levels: I, n=21; II, n=17; III, n=3; unilateral distribution n=16, bilateral n=25). Primary outcome was physical activity (NL-1000 accelerometers and self-report [Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adolescents: MARCA]). Secondary outcomes were exercise knowledge (a purpose-designed scale), attitudes, intention and self-efficacy (Lifestyle Education for Activity Program II scales), self-reported sedentary behaviour (MARCA), and functional capacity (6-min walk test).



At 10 weeks the intervention group showed no increased physical activity compared with the comparison group (weekly steps: change of +2420 vs -12189 steps p=0.06; weekly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity: change of +70 vs +8min, p=0.06; weekly distance walked: change of +3 vs -9.1km, p=0.05) and exercise knowledge (12% vs 1% improvement, p=0.08). There were no statistically significant differences for these outcomes at 20 weeks, or in self-reported physical activity at 10 or 20 weeks.



There was a positive short-term pattern for improvement in physical activity and knowledge. Internet-based programs may offer an alternative for participants unable to attend regular face-to-face physical activity programs.
Outcomes with two different schedules of bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone (VMP) for previously untreated multiple myeloma: matched pair analysis using long-term follow-up data from the phase 3 VISTA and PETHEMA/GEM05 trials

Bortezomib–melphalan–prednisone (VMP) is a standard-of-care for previously untreated, transplant-ineligible multiple myeloma (MM). Here, we compared outcomes between VMP regimens in the VISTA trial (9-cycle VMP schedule, including 4 cycles of twice weekly bortezomib) and the PETHEMA/GEM05 trial (less intensive 6-cycle VMP schedule with 1 cycle of twice weekly and 5 cycles of weekly bortezomib, then bortezomib-based maintenance). A total of 113 patient pairs matched by propensity score (estimated using logistic regression and incorporating eight exposure/outcome-related parameters) were included in this retrospective analysis. Median cumulative bortezomib dose was higher in PETHEMA/GEM05 than VISTA (49.6 vs 37.0 mg/m2); median dose intensity was lower (2.0 vs 5.1 mg/m2/month). Median progression-free survival (PFS) and time-to-progression (TTP) were significantly longer in PETHEMA/GEM05 than VISTA (PFS, 30.5 vs 20.0 months, p = 0.0265; TTP, 33.8 vs 24.2 months, p = 0.0049) after a median follow-up of 77.2 and 26.0 months, respectively. Median overall survival (OS) was similar (61.3 vs 61.0 months, p = 0.6528; median follow-up, 77.6 vs 60.1 months). Post-induction complete response rate was lower in PETHEMA/GEM05 than VISTA (19 vs 31 %; p = 0.03318); on-study (including maintenance) rate was similar (30 vs 31 %; p = 0.89437). This analysis suggests that the less-intensive PETHEMA/GEM05 VMP regimen plus maintenance may improve PFS and TTP, but not OS, compared with the VISTA VMP regimen. NCT00111319, NCT00443235
Randomized pilot trial of intensive management of blood pressure or volume expansion in subarachnoid hemorrhage (IMPROVES).

Volume expansion and hypertension are widely used for the hemodynamic management of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage.



To investigate the feasibility, adherence, and retention in a trial of volume expansion and blood pressure manipulation to prevent delayed cerebral ischemia.



A randomized pilot trial using a 2-way factorial design allocating patients within 72 hours of subarachnoid hemorrhage to either normovolemia (NV) or volume expansion (HV) and simultaneously to conventional (CBP) or augmented blood pressure (ABP) for 10 days. The study endpoints were protocol adherence and retention to follow-up. The quality of endpoints for a larger trial were 6-month modified Rankin Scale score, comprehensive neurobehavioral assessment, delayed cerebral ischemia, new stroke, and discharge disposition.



Twenty patients were randomized and completed follow-up. The overall difference in daily mean intravenous fluid intake was 2099 mL (95% confidence interval [CI]: 867, 3333), HV vs NV group. The overall mean systolic blood pressure difference was 5 mm Hg (95% CI: -4.65, 14.75), ABP vs CBP group. Adverse events included death (n=1), delayed cerebral ischemia (n=1), and pulmonary complications (n=3). There were no differences in modified Rankin Scale score between HV and NV (difference 0.1; 95% CI: -1.26, 1.46, P=.87) or between ABP and CBP groups (-0.5, 95% CI: -1.78, 0.78, P=.43). Neuropsychological scores were similar between HV vs NV, but tended to be worse in ABP (57±27) vs CBP group (85±21, P=.04).



This pilot study showed adequate feasibility and excellent retention to follow-up. Given the suggestion of possible worse neurobehavioral outcome with ABP, a larger trial to determine the optimal blood pressure management in this patient population is warranted.
Phase Ib study of panobinostat and bortezomib in relapsed or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma.

Despite advancements, prognosis for patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM) is poor, and novel therapies are needed. Panobinostat is a potent deacetylase inhibitor that elicits synergistic effects on MM cells in combination with bortezomib. This phase Ib study sought to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) of panobinostat plus bortezomib in patients with relapsed or relapsed and refractory MM.



In the dose-escalation phase (n = 47), panobinostat was administered orally thrice weekly every week in combination with bortezomib (21-day cycles). After MTD determination, patients were evaluated in an expansion phase (n = 15) that incorporated a 1-week treatment holiday of panobinostat, with dexamethasone added in cycle 2. Additional assessments included safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy per International Myeloma Working Group criteria.



The MTD was established at panobinostat 20 mg plus bortezomib 1.3 mg/m(2). Grade 3 or 4 adverse events (AEs) included thrombocytopenia (85.1%), neutropenia (63.8%), and asthenia (29.8%) in the escalation phase, and thrombocytopenia (66.7%), neutropenia (46.7%), and fatigue (20.0%) in the expansion phase. At MTD in the escalation phase, eight patients (47.1%) discontinued therapy as a result of AEs, whereas five patients (33.3%) discontinued treatment in the expansion phase. Expansion phase patients demonstrated greater median treatment duration. Overall response rate (ORR) was 73.3% in the expansion phase and 52.9% at the escalation phase MTD. Among bortezomib-refractory patients, the ORR was 26.3%, and 42.1% of patients had ≥ minimal response.



The MTD of panobinostat plus bortezomib was determined and demonstrated activity in patients with relapsed or relapsed/refractory MM, including bortezomib-refractory patients. A phase II/III clinical trial program (Panobinostat or Placebo With Bortezomib and Dexamethasone in Patients With Relapsed Multiple Myeloma [PANORAMA]) has been initiated.
One-year interim follow-up results of the TRAVERCE trial: the initial feasibility study for trans-apical aortic-valve implantation.

To evaluate the interim results of the initial multicenter feasibility trial for trans-apical aortic-valve implantation (TA-AVI) in high-risk elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis.



A total of 168 patients were prospectively included in three European centers between February 2006 and April 2008. The Cribier-Edwards or Edwards SAPIEN™ Trans-catheter Heart Valve (23 mm and 26 mm) was implanted using an oversizing concept. Interventions were performed in a hybrid operative room (OR) (one center), with a mobile C-arm in the OR (one) and in the catheterization laboratory (one). Inclusion criteria included age ≥70 years and an increased risk profile (additive European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) ≥9).



Patient age was 82.1±5.6 years, 76% were female and the EuroSCORE was 11.3±1.8 (additive) and 27±12.7% (logistic). Cardiopulmonary bypass was used by intention in 14.2% during the initial phase, secondarily in 10.1% and 75% of the patients were treated off-pump. Valve implantation led to a good immediate result in 161 (95.8%) patients and problems were encountered in seven patients (malposition (two patients), migration (three patients) and severe incompetence (two patients)). Nine patients were converted to conventional surgery, early stroke occurred in two (1.2%) patients and 10 (6%) patients received a new pacemaker. At 30 days, 25 patients died, 48% of them due to cardiac-related causes. Overall survival at 30 days, 6 months and 1 year was 85%, 70% and 63%, respectively.



The initial multicenter feasibility trial for TA-AVI (TRAVERCE) shows acceptable results of this promising technique, especially in view of the high-risk profile of the patients.
Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Caregiver Reaction Assessment.

The aim of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Caregiver Reaction Assessment, as part of a psychosocial study among family caregivers of cancer patients.



Participants were derived from the Second Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University in Shenyang, China. The research established the internal consistent reliability, test-retest reliability and construct validity.



The research comprised 400 family caregivers. The Chinese version of the Caregiver Reaction Assessment showed adequate internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability and appropriate construct validity. After adjusting items 4, 8, 15 and 18, confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the five new factors of the Chinese version of the Caregiver Reaction Assessment had goodness of fit.



These findings suggest that the Chinese version of the Caregiver Reaction Assessment is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring specific aspects of the caregiving experience in the Chinese population.
Analysis of PARK genes in a Korean cohort of early-onset Parkinson disease

Mutations in five PARK genes (SNCA, PARKIN, DJ-1, PINK1, and LRRK2) are well-established genetic causes of Parkinson disease (PD). Recently, G2385R substitution in LRRK2 has been determined as a susceptibility allele in Asian PD. The objective of this study is to determine the frequency of mutations in these PARK genes in a Korean early-onset Parkinson disease (EOPD) cohort. The authors sequenced 35 exons in SNCA, PARKIN, DJ-1, PINK1, and LRRK2 in 72 unrelated EOPD (age-at-onset ≤50) recruited from ten movement disorders clinics in South Korea. Gene dosage change of the aforementioned genes was studied using multiple ligation-dependent probe amplification. We found four patients with PARKIN mutations, which were homozygous deletion of exon 4, compound heterozygous deletion of exon 2 and exon 4, heterozygous deletion of exon 4, and heterozygous nonsense mutation (Q40X). Four patients had PINK1 mutations; a compound heterozygous mutation (N367S and K520RfsX522) and three heterozygous mutations (G32R, R279H, and F385L). A missense mutation of SNCA (A53T) was found in a familial PD with autosomal dominant inheritance. Nine patients (12.5%) had heterozygous G2385R polymorphism of LRRK2, whereas none had G2019S mutation. However, no mutations were detected in DJ-1 and UCHL1 in our series. We identified genetic variants in PARKIN, PINK1, LRRK2, and SNCA as a cause or genetic risk factors for PD in 25% of Korean EOPD, and mutation of PARKIN was the most common genetic cause.
[Clinical audit of patients admitted to hospital in Spain due to exacerbation of COPD (AUDIPOC study): method and organisation].

There is little information regarding the clinical management of hospital inpatients diagnosed with exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). AUDIPOC is a clinical audit dealing with the clinical management of COPD in Spain.



To examine the adequacy and validity of the instruments used to measure the variables proposed by AUDIPOC Spain (Preliminary Study) and to verify the viability of AUDIPOC in a complex environment with hospitals of different sizes, resources, and organizational layout (Pilot Study).



The Preliminary Study took place in 4 hospitals and studied 213 cases. The Pilot Study took place in 30 hospitals of 6 Autonomous Communities (i.e. Regions) and studied 1203 cases.



The results of both studies contributed to the improvement of the design, methods and organization of the AUDIPOC work. Some of the improvements include better training of those responsible at a hospital level, a new classification of hospitals, the incorporation of new variables and the creation of a Bureau for the Coordination and Management of the Project.



The AUDIPOC study is viable. It aims to recruit 10000 patients across 142 hospitals from all the Regions of Spain.