nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Adherence to guideline-recommended therapies among patients with diverse manifestations of vascular disease

Current guidelines recommend aspirin, statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), and smoking abstinence for all patients with vascular disease. There is little data on the variation in adherence to guideline-recommended therapies among patients with different clinical manifestations of vascular disease.



To analyze the variation in adherence to guideline-recommended therapies among patients with diverse manifestations of vascular disease.



We analyzed a comprehensive database of all patients with critical limb ischemia, claudication, acute limb ischemia, carotid artery stenosis, subclavian artery stenosis, renal artery stenosis, or mesenteric ischemia who underwent angiography between 2006 and 2013 at a multidisciplinary vascular center.



Among 1,114 patients with vascular disease, adherence to guideline-recommended therapy at time of angiography included use of aspirin in 936 (84%), statins in 753 (68%), ACEIs in 673 (60%), and smoking abstinence in 788 (71%). A total of 335 (30%) patients utilized all four guideline-recommended therapies. Adherence to four guideline-recommended therapies was lowest among patients with acute limb ischemia (14%) and highest among patients with renal artery stenosis (37%). Among all patients with vascular disease, the range of adherence to individual guidelines was 64%-91% for aspirin, 43%-83% for statins, 49%-66% for ACEIs, and 47%-78% for smoking abstention.



The majority of patients with diverse manifestations of vascular disease take aspirin and abstain from smoking while fewer patients are prescribed ACEIs and statins. Among the current recommendations, statins have the widest variation in adherence. Less than one-third of patients with diverse manifestations of vascular disease are prescribed all four guideline-recommended therapies.
Histologically confirmed hippocampal structural features revealed by 3T MR imaging: potential to increase diagnostic specificity of mesial temporal sclerosis.

With appropriate selection, temporal lobe epilepsy is potentially curable with surgical intervention achieving seizure freedom in ~80% of individuals. MR imaging-based identification of MTS remains central to the selection process but currently relies on qualitative visual analysis. We sought to determine if new ultrastructural hippocampal details seen on 3T MR imaging had histopathologic correlates and whether these could serve as a useful tool in MTS identification.



Patients undergoing selective anterior temporal lobectomy (n = 5) were scanned using 3T MR imaging preoperatively. En bloc resections were rescanned and subsequently prepared for histopathologic analysis of all hippocampal layers in the CA1-3 regions. Using a newly identified landmark from 3T FSTIR coronal images in 20 patients with histologically confirmed MTS, blinded studies compared ipsilateral and contralateral sides to generate threshold measurements for application in a fast quantitative analysis tool.



Histopathologic analysis and correlation with 3T imaging of en bloc resections identified the low-intensity signal as the stratum lacunosum. MTS was associated with extensive gliosis throughout the CA1-3 regions, with loss of tissue thickness in the stratum pyramidale most pronounced in CA1. Fast quantitative analysis by using the stratum lacunosum as a landmark provided a test that identifies MTS with a SN of 70% and SP of 85%.



Here we delineated ultrastructural hippocampal details seen on 3T MR imaging in both the in vivo and ex vivo setting, correlating these with histopathologic features consistent with MTS, and provided preliminary data suggesting their utility in the development of a quantitative analysis assessment tool for application in surgical-candidate selection.
Patient behaviors associated with optimum glycemic outcomes with sensor-augmented pump therapy: insights from the STAR 3 study.

The purpose of this analysis was to identify patient behaviors that led to optimum glycemic outcomes in subjects with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) who transitioned from multiple daily injections (MDI) therapy to sensor-augmented pump (SAP) therapy.



Sensor-augmented pump Therapy for A1C Reduction (STAR 3), a randomized controlled trial, assigned 485 suboptimally controlled T1DM subjects to either MDI therapy (n = 241) or SAP therapy (n = 244). We categorized subjects in the latter group according to age at enrollment and glycated hemoglobin (A1C) value after using the SAP system for 12 months. Pairwise comparisons of how the pump features were used between SAP subjects with the highest and lowest end-of-study A1C values were made via t tests.



Larger decreases in A1C values were significantly correlated with increasing sensor use in both the adult and pediatric age groups. Subjects in the low-A1C cohorts of both pediatric and adult age groups gave themselves smaller and more frequent boluses and used the Bolus Wizard bolus estimation calculator more frequently than subjects in age-matched high-A1C cohorts. Children in the low-A1C cohort used less insulin than children in the high-A1C cohort. There was no additional hypoglycemia in either the adult or pediatric low-A1C cohorts versus their high-A1C counterparts.



Both adult and pediatric patients with T1DM on SAP who use CGM sensors more often will have a greater decrease in their A1C values than those who do not demonstrate these behaviors. Routine use of CGM may lead to smaller and more frequent bolus dosing, enabling this population to safely reach their A1C goals.
The CORE Service Improvement Programme for mental health crisis resolution teams: study protocol for a cluster-randomised controlled trial

As an alternative to hospital admission, crisis resolution teams (CRTs) provide intensive home treatment to people experiencing mental health crises. Trial evidence supports the effectiveness of the CRT model, but research suggests that the anticipated reductions in inpatient admissions and increased user satisfaction with acute care have been less than hoped for following the scaling up of CRTs nationally in England, as mandated by the National Health Service (NHS) Plan in 2000. The organisation and service delivery of the CRTs vary substantially. This may reflect the lack of a fully specified CRT model and the resources to enhance team model fidelity and to improve service quality. We will evaluate the impact of a CRT service improvement programme over a 1-year period on the service users' experiences of care, service use, staff well-being, and team model fidelity.



Twenty-five CRTs from eight NHS Trusts across England will be recruited to this cluster-randomised trial: 15 CRTs will be randomised to receive the service improvement programme over a 1-year period, and ten CRTs will not receive the programme. Data will be collected from 15 service users and all clinical staff from each participating CRT at baseline and at the end of the intervention. Service use data will be collected from the services' electronic records systems for two 6-month periods: the period preceding and the period during months 7-12 of the intervention. The study's primary outcome is service user satisfaction with CRT care, measured using a client satisfaction questionnaire. Secondary outcomes include the following: perceived continuity of care, hospital admission rates and bed use, rates of readmission to acute care following CRT support, staff morale, job satisfaction, and general health. The adherence of the services to a model of best practice will be assessed at baseline and follow-up. Outcomes will be compared between the intervention and control teams, adjusting for baseline differences and participant characteristics using linear random effects modelling. Qualitative investigations with participating CRT managers and staff and programme facilitators will explore the experiences of the service improvement programme.



Our trial will show whether a theoretically underpinned and clearly defined package of resources are effective in supporting service improvement and improving outcomes for mental health crisis resolution teams.
Effect of a Web-Based Behavior Change Program on Weight Loss and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Adults at High Risk of Developing Cardiovascular Disease: Randomized Controlled Trial

Web-based programs are a potential medium for supporting weight loss because of their accessibility and wide reach. Research is warranted to determine the shorter- and longer-term effects of these programs in relation to weight loss and other health outcomes.



The aim was to evaluate the effects of a Web-based component of a weight loss service (Imperative Health) in an overweight/obese population at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) using a randomized controlled design and a true control group.



A total of 65 overweight/obese adults at high risk of CVD were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 groups. Group 1 (n=32) was provided with the Web-based program, which supported positive dietary and physical activity changes and assisted in managing weight. Group 2 continued with their usual self-care (n=33). Assessments were conducted face-to-face. The primary outcome was between-group change in weight at 3 months. Secondary outcomes included between-group change in anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, lipid measurements, physical activity, and energy intake at 3, 6, and 12 months. Interviews were conducted to explore participants' views of the Web-based program.



Retention rates for the intervention and control groups at 3 months were 78% (25/32) vs 97% (32/33), at 6 months were 66% (21/32) vs 94% (31/33), and at 12 months were 53% (17/32) vs 88% (29/33). Intention-to-treat analysis, using baseline observation carried forward imputation method, revealed that the intervention group lost more weight relative to the control group at 3 months (mean -3.41, 95% CI -4.70 to -2.13 kg vs mean -0.52, 95% CI -1.55 to 0.52 kg, P<.001), at 6 months (mean -3.47, 95% CI -4.95 to -1.98 kg vs mean -0.81, 95% CI -2.23 to 0.61 kg, P=.02), but not at 12 months (mean -2.38, 95% CI -3.48 to -0.97 kg vs mean -1.80, 95% CI -3.15 to -0.44 kg, P=.77). More intervention group participants lost ≥5% of their baseline body weight at 3 months (34%, 11/32 vs 3%, 1/33, P<.001) and 6 months (41%, 13/32 vs 18%, 6/33, P=.047), but not at 12 months (22%, 7/32 vs 21%, 7/33, P=.95) versus control group. The intervention group showed improvements in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and adopted more positive dietary and physical activity behaviors for up to 3 months verus control; however, these improvements were not sustained.



Although the intervention group had high attrition levels, this study provides evidence that this Web-based program can be used to initiate clinically relevant weight loss and lower CVD risk up to 3-6 months based on the proportion of intervention group participants losing ≥5% of their body weight versus control group. It also highlights a need for augmenting Web-based programs with further interventions, such as in-person support to enhance engagement and maintain these changes.
Mid-term anatomic results after endovascular treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms with Guglielmi detachable coils and Matrix coils: analysis of the CLARITY series.

Matrix coils have been developed to prevent aneurysm recanalization. Midterm anatomic results in a prospective multicenter consecutive series including patients treated with GDC or Matrix coils for ruptured aneurysms are presented.



Five hundred seventeen patients harboring ruptured aneurysms were treated with GDC (276 patients) or Matrix coils (241 patients). Postoperative and midterm anatomic results were evaluated anonymously and independently using the Modified Montreal Scale (complete occlusion, neck remnant, and aneurysm remnant).



In the midterm follow-up (mean, 16.7 months in the GDC group and 15.4 months in the Matrix group), complete occlusion was reported in 95/276 aneurysms (34.4%) in the GDC group and 80/241 (33.2%) in the Matrix group, neck remnant in 127/276 (46.0%) in the GDC group and 118/241 (49.0%) in the Matrix group, and aneurysm remnant in 54/276 (19.6%) in the GDC group and 43/241 (17.8%) in the Matrix group. Evolution of aneurysm occlusion was improvement in 35/272 aneurysms (12.9%) in the GDC group and 27/239 (11.3%) in the Matrix group, stable situation in 98/272 (36.0%) in the GDC group and 97/239 (40.6%) in the Matrix group, and worsening in 139/272 (51.1%) in the GDC group and 115/239 (48.1%) in the Matrix group. A total of 32/517 patients were retreated during the follow-up period: 9/276 (3.3%) in the GDC group and 23/241 (9.5%) in the Matrix group (P = .003).



In this study, midterm anatomic results and evolution of aneurysm occlusion were not different in patients with ruptured aneurysms treated with GDC or Matrix coils.
Validation of sub-segmental visual scoring for the quantification of ischemic and nonischemic myocardial fibrosis using late gadolinium enhancement MRI.

To determine the accuracy and reproducibility of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) MRI scar quantification using visual sub-segmental analysis (VSSA) versus signal threshold-based analysis in ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy.



One-hundred sixty-one patients with abnormal LGE imaging underwent VSSA and signal threshold-based analysis. VSSA was performed using a 68 sub-segmental model. Signal threshold-based analysis was performed using cutoffs of ≥2, ≥3, and ≥5 standard deviations (SD) above the mean signal of normal myocardium. Comparison of VSSA and signal threshold-based analysis was performed by linear regression and Bland Altman plots.



Seventy (44%) patients had ischemic scar, 76 (47%) had nonischemic scar, and 15 (9%) had a combined pattern. Correlation coefficients for VSSA versus signal threshold-based analysis at ≥2, ≥3, and ≥5SD thresholds were r = 0.63, r = 0.79, r = 0.81 (P < 0.001) for all patients, r = 0.74, r = 0.81, r = 0.81 (P < 0.001) in those with ischemic scar, and r = 0.46, r = 0.69, r = 0.72 (P < 0.001) in those with nonischemic scar. Bland Altman analysis revealed no significant bias in total scar volume among all patients (-4.3 ± 7.9%), those with ischemic scar (-4.8 ± 7.8%), or those with nonischemic scar (-2.6 ± 7.6%). Intra-observer and inter-observer variability of the VSSA technique was excellent with a mean difference in total percent scar of 0.3% (-8.3-8.9%) and -0.4% (-9.5-8.5%), respectively.



A VSSA-based model of myocardial scar quantification is accurate and reproducible in ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy.
Relationship between postural instability and subcortical volume loss in Alzheimer's disease

The relationship between postural instability and subcortical structure in AD has received less attention. The aims of this study were to assess whether there are differences in the ability to control balance between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and controls, and to investigate the association between subcortical gray matter volumes and postural instability in AD.We enrolled 107 consecutive AD patients and 37 controls. All participants underwent detailed neuropsychological evaluations, T1-weighted MRI at 3 T, and posture assessment using computerized dynamic posturography. We segmented the volumes of 6 subcortical structures of the amygdala, thalamus, caudate nucleus, putamen, globus pallidus and nucleus accumbens, and of hippocampus, using the FMRIBs integrated registration and segmentation tool.All subcortical structures, except for the globus pallidus, were smaller in AD compared with controls on adjusting for age and gender. Falling frequencies in unilateral stance test (UST) and composite scores in sensory organization test (SOT) were worse in AD than in controls. The motor control test did not reveal any differences between groups. On subgroup analyses in AD, the groups with poor performance in UST or SOT exhibited significantly reduced nucleus accumbens and putamen volumes, and nucleus accumbens volume, respectively. The smaller volume of the nucleus accumbens was associated with postural instability in AD (OR [95% CI] 17.847 [2.59-122.80] for UST, 42.827[6.06-302.47] for SOT, all P < .05).AD patients exhibited reduced ability to control balance compared with controls, and this postural instability was associated with nucleus accumbens volume loss. Furthermore, cognitive dysfunction was more prominent in the group with severe postural instability.
High Prevalence of Hypovitaminosis D in Indian Chronic Low Back Patients.

Vitamin D has a significant role to play in bone metabolism and neuromuscular function. Several researchers have indicated that Vitamin D deficiency may be possibly related to chronic musculoskeletal pain including chronic low back pain (CLBP).



The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D and its contribution to chronic lower back pain.



Controlled study.



Outpatient pain clinic of tertiary care hospital.



Data presented in this manuscript are from patients who were screened for inclusion in an open label, single arm clinical trial aimed to assess the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in patients with CLBP. Consecutive patients visiting the outpatient pain clinic of a tertiary care hospital with a diagnosis of CLBP with or without leg pain were recruited. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to measure low back pain intensity, and the Modified Oswestry disability questionnaire (MODQ) was used to measure functional ability. Plasma 25-OHD levels of all patients were measured and the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was calculated. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to investigate the association between vitamin D deficiency and patient characteristics.



A total of 328 patients were included in the study. Mean age of the study population was 43.8 years. Two hundred eighty-two (86%) (men 153/172 [89%], women 129/156 [83%]) of patients had below normal plasma vitamin D levels. Among these, 217 (66%) (men 126 [73%], women 91 [58%]) were found to be deficient and 65 (20%) (men 27 [16%], women 38 [24%]) were had insufficient levels. Multivariate regression analysis found that men were significantly more prone to have deficiency as compared to women (OR = 1.78 (1.10-2.88), P = 0.02). We also found a significantly positive relationship between vitamin D deficiency and increased functional disability (OR = 1.53 (1.24-1.87), P = 0.01). However, we did not find any relationship with pain severity, presence of other co-morbidities and educational level.



Not possible to access a good quality data on sun exposure and vitamin D dietary inake dieat in study population. No bone scans were performed.



The result of this study provides a message about the high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in the Indian CLBP population. Clinical guidelines for managing CLBP should include assessment of vitamin D status, together with advice on appropriate vitamin D supplementation in those found to be deficient.
Phase I study of α-galactosylceramide-pulsed antigen presenting cells administration to the nasal submucosa in unresectable or recurrent head and neck cancer

Human Vα24 natural killer T (NKT) cells are activated by the specific ligand, α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer), in a CD1d-dependent manner. Potent anti-tumor activity of activated NKT cells has been previously demonstrated. We conducted a phase I study with α-GalCer-pulsed antigen presenting cells (APCs) administered in the nasal submucosa of patients with head and neck cancer, and evaluated the safety and feasibility of such a treatment. Nine patients with unresectable or recurrent head and neck cancer received two treatments 1 week apart, of 1 × 108 of α-GalCer-pulsed autologous APCs into the nasal submucosa. During the clinical study period, no serious adverse events (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0 greater than grade 3) were observed. After the first and the second administration of α-GalCer-pulsed APCs, an increased number of NKT cells was observed in four patients and enhanced natural killer activity was detected in the peripheral blood of eight patients. The administration of α-GalCer-pulsed APCs into the nasal submucosa was found to be safe and induce anti-tumor activity in some patients.
Use of skin staplers in head and neck surgery: prospective clinical study.

To compare the advantages and disadvantages of skin staplers versus conventional sutures in head and neck surgery.



Fifty consecutive patients who underwent extensive surgery in the head and neck area were included in this prospective trial.



Patients were randomized into two equal groups: one group had their wounds closed with staplers and the other with monofilament sutures. The main outcome measures were speed of suturing, wound healing and cosmetic result, complications, and cost of either method.



Cosmetic results were good in both groups. Neither group had any complications. Wound closure speed was 18.9 +/- 1.4 cm/min when using skin staplers and 1.9 +/- 0.4 cm/min for conventional suturing (p < .001).



Skin staplers significantly reduce wound closure time and yield similar cosmetic results with no complications and with only a slightly higher cost of suturing material.
Predicting chronic left ventricular dysfunction 90 days after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: An Assessment of Pexelizumab in Acute Myocardial Infarction (APEX-AMI) Substudy.

The purpose of this study was to determine predictors of 90-day left ventricular function following acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) using variables from clinical presentation, biomarker testing, and cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR).



Identifying patients with acute STEMI who experience adverse remodeling and develop left ventricular dysfunction 3 months post-MI is a priority for guiding subsequent therapy.



The Assessment of Pexelizumab in Acute Myocardial Infarction trial tested pexelizumab treatment in STEMI patients presenting within 6 hours of symptom onset who were to undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention. We studied 64 patients within this trial according to a prespecified substudy that included paired core laboratory delayed-enhancement CMR at days 3 and 90 as well as plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP; in picograms per milliliter) measured at randomization and 24 hours. A multivariable model predicting day 90 left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was developed from clinical, biomarker, and imaging findings.



Patients had a median age of 60 years (52-68), 89% were male, and 60% had anterior STEMI. Time from symptom onset to percutaneous coronary intervention was 3 hours. The median baseline LVEF was 48% (38%-56%) and was 50% (40%-54%) at 90 days: 7 patients (11%) had an LVEF <35% at 90 days. Patients with a lower 90-day LVEF (as a continuous variable) had a higher 24-hour NT-proBNP (P = .02) and a larger baseline infarct size by CMR (median 15% LV [8%-20% LV]) (P < .01). Microvascular obstruction (no reflow) was greater as measured by CMR (median 2.8% [1.4%-6.1%]) in patients with a lower 90-day LVEF (P < .01). Median baseline and 24-hour NT-proBNP levels were 94 pg/mL (54-292 pg/mL) and 1,448 pg/mL (958-2,599 pg/mL), respectively. In a multivariable model with clinical, biomarker, and imaging variables, only 3 variables independently predicted 90-day LVEF: 24-hour NT-proBNP, baseline CMR infarct size, and microvascular obstruction.



Three key pathophysiologic variables of the post-STEMI myocardium measuring baseline infarct size and the extent of microvascular obstruction on CMR and wall tension (24-hour NT-proBNP) independently predicted 90-day LVEF. Further studies linking these measures with earlier use of clinical therapies may be warranted.