nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Buprenorphine maintenance treatment of opiate dependence: a multicenter, randomized clinical trial.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of an 8 mg/day sublingual dose of buprenorphine in the maintenance treatment of heroin addicts by comparison with a 1 mg/day dose over a 16-week treatment period. As a secondary objective, outcomes were determined concurrently for patients treated with two other dose levels.



Patients were randomized to four dosage groups and treated double-blind.



Twelve outpatient opiate maintenance treatment centers throughout the United States.



Two hundred and thirty-nine women and 497 men who met the DSM-III-R criteria for opioid dependence and were seeking treatment.



Patients received either 1, 4, 8 or 16 mg/day of buprenorphine and were treated in the usual clinical context, including a 1-hour weekly clinical counseling session.



Retention in treatment, illicit opioid use as determined by urine toxicology, opioid craving and global ratings by patient and staff. Safety outcome measures were provided by clinical monitoring and by analysis of the reported adverse events.



Outcomes in the 8 mg group were significantly better than in the 1 mg group in all four efficacy domains. No deaths occurred in either group. The 8 mg group did not show an increase in the frequency of adverse events. Most reported adverse effects were those commonly seen in patients treated with opioids.



The findings support the safety and efficacy of buprenorphine and suggest that an adequate dose of buprenorphine will be a useful addition to pharmacotherapy.
Effectiveness of hepatitis B rapid tests toward linkage-to-care: results of a randomized, multicenter study.

Worldwide, many infected individuals are unaware of their hepatitis B virus (HBV) status. We evaluated the effectiveness of HBV rapid testing in promoting linkage-to-care.



In 2012, volunteers were recruited from five Parisian centers. Participants were randomized 1 : 1 to receive standard serology (S) or rapid testing (VIKIA-HBsAg/Quick Profile anti-HBsAb) with confirmatory serology (R+S). The primary endpoint was percentage of individuals with appropriate linkage-to-care (nonimmunized individuals starting vaccination or HBsAg-positive individuals receiving medical evaluation). The secondary outcomes were percentage receiving HBV-test results and performance of HBV rapid tests.



In total, 995 individuals were screened. Among the HBV-infection groups included in the primary endpoint (n=409), 20 (4.9%) received appropriate linkage-to-care, with no difference between S and R+S groups (5.7 vs. 4.1%, ). Two of eight HBsAg-positive participants had a medical visit (1/6 and 1/2 in the S and R+S groups, respectively) and 18/401 (4.5%) nonimmunized participants initiated HBV-vaccination (11/205 and 7/196). Factors that tended to be associated with linkage-to-care were female sex, birth country of high HBV prevalence, and extended medical stay. Test results were not obtained in 4.7% of participants, which was significantly higher in the S arm (P=0.02). Both sensitivity and specificity were 100% for the VIKIA-HBsAg rapid test and 94.4 and 80.8%, respectively, for the anti-HBsAb Quick Profile rapid test.



Despite a higher proportion of participants obtaining their results in the R+S arm and better performance of anti-HBsAb rapid tests than described previously, we found no evidence that HBV screening based initially on rapid tests leads to increased HBV-vaccination rates or medical evaluation. This strategy should be evaluated in more hard-to-reach populations.
Prophylaxis and treatment of bladder dysfunction after Wertheim-Meigs operation: the positive effect of early postoperative detrusor stimulation using the cholinergic drug betanecholchloride

The efficacy of betanecholchloride in the postoperative treatment of bladder dysfunction is controversial. We therefore performed a comparative study on the effect of this therapy for the prophylaxis of detrusor hypotonia after Wertheim-Meigs operation. Forty patients with cervical cancer FIGO stage Ib/IIa were divided into two study groups. The control group (24 patients) only received betanecholchloride if the residual urine persisted above 50 ml after the 10th postoperative day. The study group (16 patients) received 50 mg betanecholchloride three times a day from the 3rd postoperative day onward. In this group postoperative catheter treatment, and consequently hospital stay, were significantly shorter (9.6 versus 13.3 days and 15.5 versus 18.6 days). The residual urinary volume normalized faster (8.0 versus 13.0 days) and the rate of cystitis was lower (18.8 versus 25%). According to our study, a prophylactic application of the parasympathomimetic drug betanecholchloride diminishes postoperative complications associated with bladder dysfunction after Wertheim-Meigs operation.
Pharmacokinetics and Relative Bioavailability of Carboxyamido-Triazole with Respect to Food and Time of Administration: Use of a Single Model for Simultaneous Determination of Changing Parameters

Carboxyamido-triazole (CAI) is an anti-invasive, antimetastatic, antiangiogenic agent in clinical development for cancer treatment. It has been postulated that food might enhance the oral absorption of micronized CAI based on an apparent discrepancy in steady state maximum concentrations when taken without regard to meals vs. fasting. The purpose of this study was to determine if a standardized meal affects the absorption and pharmacokinetics of this agent. Twelve patients with refractory cancers and good end organ function were randomized to receive two doses of CAI (250 mg/m 2 ) with and without a standardized high fat meal. One cohort of 6 patients received these doses at 9 AM, and the remaining 6 patients received CAI at 9 PM. Blood was obtained prior to each dose, and serially thereafter. A series of pharmacokinetic (PK) models were fit to the concentration–time data. PK parameters were ultimately calculated using a model which allows simultaneous estimation of parameters from both test doses using nonlinear least squares analysis with ADAPT II. This model estimates independent absorption rate constants and relative fraction absorbed for each condition. AUC 0–t was determined using the trapezoidal method, extrapolated to infinity, and used to calculate the relative bioavailability. No significant differences in PK parameters were noted between the morning and evening cohorts. However, the relative bioavailability, as measured by AUC 0–∞, of CAI was significantly increased when administered with a high fat meal compared to fasting (138.9 vs. 52.2 μg * hr/ml; p=0.0005). The magnitude of the increase in relative bioavailability of CAI taken with food could have profound implications for patients who may inadvertently take this medication shortly after eating.
The Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project: Description of a Multi-Institutional Collaboration to Identify Environmental Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

The Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project is a federally mandated, population-based case-control study to determine whether breast cancer risk among women in the counties of Nassau and Suffolk, NY, is associated with selected environmental exposures, assessed by blood samples, self-reports, and environmental home samples. This report describes the collaborative project's background, rationale, methods, participation rates, and distributions of known risk factors for breast cancer by case-control status, by blood donation, and by availability of environmental home samples. Interview response rates among eligible cases and controls were 82.1% (n, = 1,508) and 62.8% (n = 1,556), respectively. Among case and control respondents who completed the interviewer-administered questionnaire, 98.2 and 97.6% self-completed the food frequency questionnaire; 73.0 and 73.3% donated a blood sample; and 93.0 and 83.3% donated a urine sample. Among a random sample of case and control respondents who are long-term residents, samples of dust (83.6 and 83.0%); soil (93.5 and 89.7%); and water (94.3 and 93.9%) were collected. Established risk factors for breast cancer that were found to increase risk among Long Island women include lower parity, late age at first birth, little or no breast feeding, and family history of breast cancer. Factors that were found to be associated with a decreased likelihood that a respondent would donate blood include increasing age and past smoking; factors associated with an increased probability include white or other race, alcohol use, ever breastfed, ever use of hormone replacement therapy, ever use of oral contraceptives, and ever had a mammogram. Long-term residents (defined as 15+ years in the interview home) with environmental home samples did not differ from other long-term residents, although there were a number of differences in risk factor distributions between long-term residents and other participants, as anticipated.
Aesthetics in Breast Conserving Therapy: Do Objectively Measured Results Match Patients’ Evaluations?

To analyze the relationship of objective and subjective evaluation tools of breast aesthetics, we compare the results of the BCCT.core (breast cancer conservative treatment.cosmetic results) software, a semiautomated objective symmetry evaluation tool, with those of the Aesthetic Status of the BCTOS (Breast Cancer Treatment Outcome Scale) patient questionnaire. We included 128 patients with one-sided, primary breast cancer, treated conservatively in a prospective, exploratory study in order to assess the inter-rater reliability of the BCCT.core and the agreement between the BCCT.core and the BCTOS preoperatively, shortly and 1 year after surgery. Therefore, we use agreement rates, multiple (mk), and weighted (wk) kappa coefficients as statistical methods. Furthermore, we analyzed patient-, tumor-, and therapy-related variables as possible covariates to explain agreement. The inter-rater reliability for the semiautomated BCCT.core is very good with agreement rates up to 84% (mk = 0.80). The agreement rates of the BCCT.core and the BCTOS Aesthetic Status range between 35 and 44% subject to the different times of assessment (wk = 0.34 at best). Moreover, the patients judge their aesthetic outcome more positively than the software. None of the considered patient-, tumor-, and therapy-related covariates turned out to explain agreement. The BCCT.core is a reliable instrument that shows fair agreement with patient’s perspective.
Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Acoustic Neuromas

When compared to radiosurgery, fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSR) for acoustic neuroma (AN) offers escalation of tumor dose (Gy) and potential sparing of auditory and facial nerve functions.   Over the past 6.5 years 287 consecutive patients have received FSR for AN. One hundred fifty patients have follow up greater than 1 year and comprise this report. Non-invasive, repeat-fixation mask allowed simulation via spiral CT. Differential collimation and beam weighting achieved conformality. Three distinct schedules for total dose and fractionation were used. For AN<3.0 cm diameter (mean volume 1.5±0.2 cc), ≥3.0 and ≤3.9 cm (mean volume 8.7±1.0 cc) and ≥4.0 cm (mean volume 28.3 cc (one case) doses of 5 Gy given in 5 consecutive daily fractions (25 Gy total) (131 patient), 10 fractions of 3 Gy (30 Gy total) (18 pts), or 20 fractions of 2 Gy (1 patient) were given. All treatments were prescribed to the 80% isodose and given via the dedicated 10 MeV accelerator.   The percentage decreases in tumor size were 14±1 (range: 0–100), 15±3 (range 0–38) and 8 for the 25, 30 and 40 Gy regimens, respectively. No patient had growth of AN or developed facial weakness. Two patients developed transient decrease in facial sensation. Rates of hearing preservation were similar for both the larger and smaller tumors.   Fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy may preserve normal function and control both small and large acoustic neuromas.
Incidence of first–ever ischemic stroke in the Canton Basle–City, Switzerland

Our study sought to estimate the incidence rate of firstever ischemic stroke (FEIS) in the geographically well–defined population of the Canton Basle–City, Switzerland. An one–year prospective population–based study among the permanent residents of the Canton Basle–City (188015 inhabitants, census 2002) was carried out. Multiple overlapping sources of information were used. Stroke was defined according to the WHO criteria. The diagnosis of FEIS was based on clinical assessment and neuroimaging findings. 269 patients (114 males; mean age 72.8, standard deviation (SD) ± 12 and 155 females; mean age 78.4, SD ± 11) with FEIS were identified. The overall crude incidence of FEIS amounted to 143 per 100000 population (95% confidence interval (CI) 126 to 160) and it was higher among females (156; 95% CI 132 to 181) than in males (128; 95% CI 105 to 152). The age–specific incidence rates of FEIS approximately doubled with each decade of life, increasing from 17 (95 % CI 2 to 31) among 0–44 years old group to 1034 (95% CI 774 to 1293) for those aged 85 or more years. The overall incidence rate of FEIS adjusted for age to the European standard population was 76 per 100000 inhabitants (95% CI 66 to 86) and it was higher in males—89, 95% CI 72–106—than in females—66, 95 % CI 53–77. Moreover, in comparison with studies from other developed countries (e. g. Germany, Italy, Australia)—carried out in the middle of 1990s—the standardised incidence rates of FEIS were substantially lower in Switzerland. Our results indicate that the risk of ischemic stroke might be low in Switzerland. However, giving a major reduction in the age and gender specific stroke incidence over the past years our findings might—alternatively—mirror this favourable trend.
A Mixed Methods Evaluation of the Effect of the Protect and Respect Intervention on the Condom Use and Disclosure Practices of Women Living with HIV/AIDS

This mixed methods study evaluated the efficacy of an intervention to increase HIV status disclosure and condom use among 184 women living with HIV/AIDS (WLH/A). Participants were recruited from an HIV clinic and randomly assigned to: (1) a comparison group, who received brief messages from their health care providers (HCPs), or; (2) an intervention group, who received messages from HCPs, a group-level intervention, and peer-led support groups. Participants completed risk surveys at baseline, 6-, 12-, and 18-months. Quantitative analyses using hierarchical generalized linear models within a repeated measures framework indicated that intervention participants had significantly higher odds of reporting condom use with sexual partners in months 6 and 18. Grounded Theory-based qualitative analyses suggested that the opportunity to discuss the social context of their lives in addition to HIV/AIDS, including continued stigma and fear related to disclosure, are also essential components of a prevention strategy for WLH/A.
Credential management in event-driven healthcare systems

Health processes generate data that must be both stored and shared---often across organisational boundaris. Emerging initiatives in healthcare require the dynamic formation of care teams spanning widely-distributed, heterogeneous infrastructure. These environments suit decoupled communication paradigms such as publish/subscribe. Health information is sensitive, thus access control is critically important. This paper focuses on the management of credentials in event-driven healthcare environments. We describe the integration of credential management mechanisms with a context-sensitive data control model to provide fine-grained specification of data disclosure policy.
A Combined System for Update Logic and Belief Revision

In this paper we propose a logical system combining the update logic of A. Baltag, L. Moss and S. Solecki (to which we will refer to by the generic term BMS, ) with the belief revision theory as conceived by C. Alchouròn, P. Gärdenfors and D. Mackinson (that we will call the AGM theory, [GardRott95]) viewed from the point of view of W. Spohn ([Spohn90,Spohn88]). We also give a proof system and a comparison with the AGM postulates.  Update logic is a modal logic trying to model epistemic situations involving several agents, and changes that can occur in these situations due to incoming information or more generally incoming action. Belief revision theory typically deals with changes (revisions) that a database representing a belief state of a unique agent must undergo after adding conflicting information to the database. Roughly speaking, these two theories thus deal with the same kind of phenomenon. However, there are some dissimilarities. On the one hand, belief revision theory is not a logic and it deals with a single agent, unlike update logic. On the other hand, belief revision theory deals with revision (and expansion) of information unlike update logic which deals only with expansion of information. Far from being in contradiction, it seems then that these theories have a lot to give each other. So it makes sense to look for a way in which they can be merged. In Sect. 1, we will set out the BMS theory and the AGM theory viewed from the point of view of W. Spohn. In Sect. 2 we will propose a system combining these two theories. In Sect. 3, we will give an axiomatization of it with a soundness and completeness proof. In Sect. 4, we will show that it fulfills the 8 AGM postulates. 1 Update Logic and Belief Revision Theory
Findings from the NIMH Multimodal Treatment Study of ADHD (MTA): implications and applications for primary care providers.

In 1992, the National Institute of Mental Health and 6 teams of investigators began a multisite clinical trial, the Multimodal Treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (MTA) study. Five hundred seventy-nine children were randomly assigned to either routine community care (CC) or one of three study-delivered treatments, all lasting 14 months. The three MTA treatments-monthly medication management (usually methylphenidate) following weekly titration (MedMgt), intensive behavioral treatment (Beh), and the combination (Comb)-were designed to reflect known best practices within each treatment approach. Children were assessed at four time points in multiple outcome. Results indicated that Comb and MedMgt interventions were substantially superior to Beh and CC interventions for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms. For other functioning domains (social skills, academics, parent-child relations, oppositional behavior, anxiety/depression), results suggested slight advantages of Comb over single treatments (MedMgt, Beh) and community care. High quality medication treatment characterized by careful yet adequate dosing, three times daily methylphenidate administration, monthly follow-up visits, and communication with schools conveyed substantial benefits to those children that received it. In contrast to the overall study findings that showed the largest benefits for high quality medication management (regardless of whether given in the MedMgt or Comb group), secondary analyses revealed that Comb had a significant incremental effect over MedMgt (with a small effect size for this comparison) when categorical indicators of excellent response and when composite outcome measures were used. In addition, children with parent-defined comorbid anxiety disorders, particularly those with overlapping disruptive disorder comorbidities, showed preferential benefits to the Beh and Comb interventions. Parental attitudes and disciplinary practices appeared to mediate improved response to the Beh and Comb interventions.
N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide level at long-term follow-up after atrial fibrillation ablation: a marker of reverse atrial remodelling and successful ablation

We investigated the relationship between arrhythmia burden, left atrial volume (LAV) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) at baseline and after long-term follow-up of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. We studied 38 patients (23 paroxysmal, 6 women, mean age 56 ± 11) scheduled for AF ablation. LAV was calculated on the basis of computed tomography images at baseline and long-term follow-up, and arrhythmia burden was graded from self-reported frequency and duration of AF episodes. After a mean period of 22 ± 5 months, 28/38 patients (11/15 persistent) were free from AF recurrence. At baseline there were no differences in mean LAV (125 vs. 130 cm3, p = 0.7) or median NT-pro-BNP (33.5 vs. 29.5 pmol/L, p = 0.9) between patients whose ablation had been successful or otherwise. At long-term follow-up, there was a marked decrease in LAV (105 vs. 134 cm3, p < 0.05) and level of NT-pro-BNP (7 vs. 17.5 pmol/L, p < 0.05) in the successful ablation patients. NT-pro-BNP correlated with LAV both at baseline (r = 0.71, p < 0.001) and at follow-up (r = 0.57, p < 0.001). Arrhythmia burden correlated with both NT-pro-BNP (r = 0.47, p < 0.01) and LAV (r = 0.52, p < 0.01). A decrease in NT-pro-BNP at follow-up of >25% of baseline value had a specificity of 0.89 and a sensitivity of 0.6 (receiver operator characteristics, accuracy 0.82) for ablation success. NT-pro-BNP correlates with LAV and arrhythmia burden in AF patients and both NT-pro-BNP and LAV decrease significantly after successful ablation. A decrease in NT-pro-BNP of >25% from the baseline value could be useful as a marker of ablation success.
Validity, invariance and responsiveness of a self-report measure of functional limitations and disability in multiple sclerosis.

This study examined the structural and external aspects of score validity for the abbreviated Late Life-Function and Disability Inventory (LL-FDI) as well as its longitudinal measurement invariance and responsiveness in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).



The sample included 292 individuals with MS who completed a battery of questionnaires on two occasions separated by 6 months. The battery included the abbreviated LL-FDI along with measures of mobility disability; neurological impairments; symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, depression and pain; health status; and quality of life. The data were analysed using Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), versions 16.0.



Confirmatory factor analysis supported the structural validity and longitudinal measurement invariance of the disability and functional limitations components of the abbreviated LL-FDI. MANOVA and bivariate correlations supported the external aspects of score validity based on differences in mean scores as a function of clinical MS course (relapsing vs. progressive) and level of mobility disability (mild vs. moderate mobility disability) and associations with measures of neurological impairments, symptoms, health status and QOL, respectively. ANOVA established the responsiveness (i.e., sensitivity for reflecting clinically important differences in health status across time) of the functional limitations and disability components of the abbreviated LL-FDI for detecting changes in mobility disability across 6-months.



Such findings provide a new option for the measurement of functional limitations and disability using the abbreviated LL-FDI in persons with MS.