nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Central versus lower body obesity distribution and the association with lower limb physical function and disability.

To determine whether fat distribution in obese adults is significantly associated with decreased function and increased disability.



Cross-sectional epidemiologic analysis.



Multicenter, community-based study.



Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study participants included adults ages 50-79 years at high risk of developing or already possessing knee osteoarthritis. A total of 549 men and 892 women from the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study who had a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m² and who underwent dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans were included in these analyses. Exclusion criteria included bilateral knee replacements, cancer, or other rheumatologic disease.



Body fat distribution was determined using baseline DEXA scan data. A ratio of abdominal fat in grams compared with lower limb fat in grams (trunk:lower limb fat ratio) was calculated. Participants were divided into quartiles of trunk:lower limb fat ratio, with highest and lowest quartiles representing central and lower body obesity, respectively. Backward elimination linear regression models stratified by gender were used to analyze statistical differences in function and disability between central and lower body obesity groups.



Lower limb physical function measures included 20-meter walk time, chair stand time, and peak knee flexion and extension strength. Disability was assessed using the Late Life Function and Disability Index.



Trunk:lower limb fat ratio was not significantly associated with physical function or disability in women or men (P value .167-.972). Total percent body fat (standardized β = -0.1533 and -0.1970 in men and women, respectively) was a better predictor of disability when compared with trunk:lower limb fat ratio (standardized β = 0.0309 and 0.0072).



Although fat distribution patterns may affect clinical outcomes in other areas, lower limb physical function and disability do not appear to be significantly influenced by the distribution of fat in obese older adults with, or at risk for, knee osteoarthritis. These data do not support differential treatment of functional limitations based on fat distribution.
Efficacy of convective-controlled double high-flux hemodiafiltration versus on-line hemodiafiltration: 1-year prospective study.

A recent cross-sectional study demonstrated that convective-controlled double high-flux hemodiafiltration (CC-HDF) could yield equivalent removal of small and middle molecule uremic toxins to on-line hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF).



The present study was conducted to compare the 1-year efficacy between CC-HDF (n = 10) and OL-HDF (n = 16) in chronic hemodialysis patients undergoing thrice weekly high-flux hemodialysis for at least 6 months.



When compared with baseline (high-flux hemodialysis), 1-year treatment with both HDF modes had comparable efficacy in significantly lowering serum pre-dialysis beta(2)-microglobulin (beta(2)m) levels (p < 0.05) and significantly enhancing greater urea reduction ratio (p < 0.05). Both HDF modes could comparably maintain the hematology profile, calcium-phosphorus metabolism, and nutritional status according to the K-DOQI guidelines.



CC-HDF can provide equivalent 1-year efficacy to OL-HDF and would be an effective alternative mode to OL-HDF.
Les tumeurs malignes anorectales en milieu hospitalier à Ouagadougou: aspects épidémiologiques et diagnostiques

Le but de notre étude était de décrire les caractéristiques épidémiologiques et diagnostiques des tumeurs malignes anorectales en milieu hospitalier à Ouagadougou. Il s'est agi d'une étude rétrospective et transversale qui a concerné les patients vus en endoscopie digestive basse au cours de la période allant du 29/09/1999 au 04/10/2008. À l'aide d'une fiche de collecte, nous avons recueilli, dans 4 structures sanitaires et 3 laboratoires d'anatomie et de cytologie pathologiques de la ville de Ouagadougou, les données à partir des comptes-rendus d'endoscopie digestive basse et des registres d'anatomie et de cytologie pathologiques. Durant la période de notre étude, 645 patients ont été examinés en anorectoscopie et 882 cas d'affections anorectales colligés. Les tumeurs malignes anorectales avec 61 cas (6,9%) occupaient la quatrième place après la maladie hémorroïdaire (45,6%), les anites (21,1%) et les fissures (13,9%). Elles regroupaient les cancers du rectum (4,2%) et les cancers de l'anus (2,7%). Vingt cancers anorectaux ont été histologiquement confirmés parmi lesquels l'adénocarcinome était le type histologique le plus retrouvé avec 17 cas. Les tumeurs malignes, quatrième affection anorectale la plus fréquente au cours de notre étude, constituent une préoccupation du fait de leur fréquence croissante, leur diagnostic souvent tardif et les difficultés liées à leur prise en charge surtout dans nos pays avec une population à faible revenu. La sensibilisation de la population et la prescription plus large de l'endoscopie digestive basse devraient permettre une meilleure prise en charge des patients. Pan African Medical Journal. 2014; 18:26 doi:10.11604/pamj.2014.18.26.3003 This article is available online at: http://www.panafrican-med-journal.com/content/article/18/26/full/   19378688 (www.panafrican-med-journal.com) Published in partnership with the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET). (www.afenet.net)
Septal flash predicts cardiac resynchronization therapy response in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation.

Patients with heart failure (HF) as well as atrial fibrillation (AF) have suboptimal response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Identification of mechanical abnormalities, amenable to correction with CRT, might improve the selection of candidates and CRT efficiency. We evaluated whether abnormal septal motion, assessed by the presence of septal flash (SF) is related to CRT response in patients with AF.



Ninety-four CRT patients with AF were included. Echocardiography was performed in all subjects at baseline and at 12-month follow-up. Abnormal septal motion was defined by the presence of SF (early septal inward/outward motion within the isovolumic contraction period/QRS duration). Response to CRT was defined as a reduction (>15%) of the end-systolic volume of the left ventricle (LV). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the predictors of CRT response. The mean age was 69 ± 8 years, 79% were males, and 59% of patients responded to CRT. Cardiovascular death was 14.4% and all-cause mortality was 16.5% during follow-up. Patients with SF at baseline that was acutely corrected by CRT were significantly more likely to respond than patients without SF. Baseline SF was an independent predictor of CRT response (OR 5.24; 95% CI 1.95-14.11).



Abnormal septal motion, assessed by the presence of SF, is a mechanism amenable to CRT correction. Its correction is associated with a higher likelihood of CRT response in HF patients with long-standing AF. This could improve the selection of candidates to CRT in a subgroup with particularly poor response and long-term prognosis.
Methylphenidate: Rate-dependent drug effects in hyperactive boys

The purpose of this study was to test whether the effects of methylphenidate on rates of operant responding in hyperactive boys differed depending on the predrug baseline rates of responding. On the basis of the rate dependency hypothesis, dose-related decreases from high baseline rates and increases from low baseline rates would be predicted. A multiple FR-DRL (fixed ratio-differential reinforcement of low Rates) schedule was used to generate high and low rates of responding on a simple operant task, using nickels as reinforcers. Three dosage levels were used: placebo, 0.3 mg/kg, and 1.0 mg/kg of methylphenidate. Both experimenter and subject were blind to dosage level. Surprisingly, DRL response rates were not significantly affected by the drug, while FR rates increased linearly with increasing dose. Thus, the predicted between-schedule differences were not found. However, within the FR schedule, changes from baseline to postdrug rates within each active drug condition were consistent with the rate dependency hypothesis; i.e., subjects with lower baselines increased their response rates, while subjects with higher baselines decreased or did not change their rates. The opposite effect occurred following placebo.
Ticagrelor Compared With Clopidogrel in Patients With Prior Lower Extremity Revascularization for Peripheral Artery Disease.

In patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease with a history of limb revascularization, the optimal antithrombotic regimen for long-term management is unknown.



The EUCLID trial (Examining Use of Ticagrelor In PAD) randomized 13 885 patients with peripheral artery disease to treatment with ticagrelor 90 mg twice daily or clopidogrel 75 mg daily. Patients were enrolled based on an abnormal ankle-brachial index ≤0.80 or a previous lower extremity revascularization. This analysis focuses on the 7875 (57%) patients enrolled based on the previous lower extremity revascularization criterion. Patients could not be enrolled within 30 days of most recent revascularization, and patients with an indication for dual antiplatelet therapy were excluded. The primary efficacy end point was a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or ischemic stroke. The primary safety end point was major bleeding.



Patients with a previous revascularization had a mean age of 66 years, 73% were male, and the median baseline ankle-brachial index was 0.78. After adjustment for baseline characteristics, patients enrolled based on previous revascularization had similar rates of the primary composite end point (hazard ratio [HR] 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.98-1.23, P=0.12) and statistically significantly higher rates of myocardial infarction (HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.08-1.55, P=0.005) and acute limb ischemia (HR 4.23, 95% CI 2.86-6.25, P<0.001) when compared with patients enrolled based on ankle-brachial index criteria. No differences in ticagrelor- versus clopidogrel-treated patients were found for the primary efficacy end point (11.4% vs 11.3%; HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.88-1.15; P=0.90), all-cause mortality (9.2% vs 9.2%; HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.86-1.15; P=0.93), acute limb ischemia (2.5% vs 2.5%; HR 1.03, 95% CI 0.78-1.36; P=0.84), or major bleeding (1.9% vs 1.8%; HR 1.15, 95% CI 0.83-1.59; P=0.41). The median duration of follow-up was ≈30 months.



After adjustment for baseline characteristics, patients enrolled based on previous revascularization for peripheral artery disease had higher rates of myocardial infarction and acute limb ischemia, with similar composite rates of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke when compared with patients enrolled based on the ankle-brachial index criterion. No significant differences were found between ticagrelor and clopidogrel for reduction of cardiovascular or acute limb events.
Call center simulation in Bell Canada

Call centers have relied historically, on Erlang-C bas estimation formulas to help determine number of age positions and queue parameters. These estimators h worked fairly well in traditional call centers, howeve recent trends such as skill-based routing, electro channels and interactive call handling demand mo sophisticated techniques (see Cleveland and Mayb 1997). Discrete event simulation provides the necess techniques to gain insight into these new trends, a helping to shape their current and future designs. T paper relates the experiences of designing call cen simulations in Bell Canada. We the experience constructing, executing and analysing a large call cen model. Problems that we faced are identified a potential solutions are given. The examples are tak from large and small call centers alike in the attempt bring forth some common problems that a simulation will face.
Novel local features with hybrid sampling technique for image retrieval

In image retrieval, most existing approaches that incorporate local features produce high dimensional vectors, which lead to a high computational and data storage cost. Moreover, when it comes to the retrieval of generic real-life images, randomly generated patches are often more discriminant than the ones produced by corner/blob detectors. In order to tackle these problems, we propose a novel method incorporating local features with a hybrid sampling (a combination of detector-based and random sampling). We take three large data collections for the evaluation: MIRFlickr, ImageCLEF, and a collection from British National Geological Survey. The overall performance of the proposed approach is better than the performance of global features and comparable with the current state-of-the-art methods in content-based image retrieval. One of the advantages of our method when compared with others is its easy implementation and low computational cost. Another is that hybrid sampling can improve the performance of other methods based on the ``bag of visual words'' approach.
Comorbidities and race/ethnicity among adults with stimulant use disorders in residential treatment.

Comorbid physical and mental health problems are associated with poorer substance abuse treatment outcomes; however, little is known about these conditions among stimulant abusers at treatment entry. This study compared racial and ethnic groups on baseline measures of drug use patterns, comorbid physical and mental health disorders, quality of life, and daily functioning among cocaine and stimulant abusing/dependent patients. Baseline data from a multi-site randomized clinical trial of vigorous exercise as a treatment strategy for a diverse population of stimulant abusers (N=290) were analyzed. Significant differences between groups were found on drug use characteristics, stimulant use disorders, and comorbid mental and physical health conditions. Findings highlight the importance of integrating health and mental health services into substance abuse treatment and could help identify potential areas for intervention to improve treatment outcomes for racial and ethnic minority groups.
Economic impact of 21-gene recurrence score testing on early-stage breast cancer in Ireland

The 21-gene test is a validated multi-gene diagnostic test that predicts chemotherapy (CT) benefit in oestrogen receptor positive (ER+), lymph node-negative (N0) breast cancer (BC) patients (pts). Ireland was the first public health care system to reimburse this test in Europe. Study objectives were to assess the impact of this test on decision-making and to analyse the economic impact of testing. Between October 2011 and February 2013, a national, retrospective, cross-sectional observational study of ER+, N0 BC pts tested with the 21-gene test was conducted. Surveyed breast medical oncologists, provided the assumption for the decision impact analysis that grade (G) 1 pts would not have received CT before testing and G2/3 pts would have received CT before testing. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed. 592 pts were identified; Low, intermediate and high recurrence score were identified in 53, 36 and 10 % pts, respectively. 384 (70 %) pts had G2, 129 (22 %) G3 and 76 (13 %) G1 tumours. Post testing, 345 pts (59 %) experienced a change in CT decision; 339 changed to hormone therapy alone and 6 advised to receive CT. 172 (30 %) pts received CT, 12 (3.9 %) of pts with low scores, 108 (50.9 %) of intermediate risk and 50 (90.9 %) of pts with high risk scores. Net reduction in CT use was 58 % and net savings achieved were €793,565. Since public reimbursement, the introduction of the 21-gene test has resulted in a significant reduction in chemotherapy administration and cost savings for the Irish public healthcare system.
Early intervention with epoetin beta prevents severe anaemia in patients with solid tumours receiving platinum-based chemotherapy: results of the NeoPrevent study

Anaemia is common during platinum-based chemotherapy. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of epoetin beta in the prevention of severe anaemia in patients with solid tumours receiving concomitant platinum therapy. In this open-label, single-arm study, patients (n = 255) with solid tumours and haemoglobin (Hb) levels ≤ 13 g/dl (men) or ≤ 12 g/dl (women) received epoetin beta 450 IU/kg (∼30,000 IU) weekly until 4 weeks after their last platinum-based chemotherapy cycle. An anaemia prevention response [defined as patients with a Hb response (increase in Hb level > 1 g/dl from baseline) plus patients whose Hb levels remained ± 1 g/dl of baseline throughout the study] was observed in 234 patients (92%). Response to epoetin beta was rapid. Of the 159 patients achieving a Hb response, 139 (87%) had Hb levels > 1 g/dl of baseline within 4 weeks of treatment initiation. Mean Hb levels had improved from 10.8 ± 1.0 g/dl at baseline to 12.2 ± 1.8 g/dl by the final visit. Quality of life measured by linear analogue scale assessment significantly (P < 0.01) improved in patients achieving a Hb response (n = 159). Epoetin beta effectively prevents anaemia in most patients with solid tumours receiving concurrent platinum-based chemotherapy.
Modafinil ameliorates excessive daytime sleepiness after traumatic brain injury.

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and fatigue are common symptoms after traumatic brain injury (TBI), but there is no specific treatment for affected patients. With this pilot study, we aimed at studying the effect of daily modafinil on posttraumatic EDS and fatigue.



We conducted a prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study in 20 patients with TBI who had fatigue or EDS or both. After baseline examinations (questionnaires including the Epworth Sleepiness Scale to assess EDS and the Fatigue Severity Scale to assess fatigue, actigraphy, polysomnography, maintenance of wakefulness test, and psychomotor vigilance test), 10 patients received 100 to 200 mg modafinil every morning, and 10 patients were treated with placebo. After a 6-week treatment period, all examinations were repeated.



EDS improved significantly in patients with TBI who were treated with modafinil, compared with the placebo group. Similarly, the ability to stay awake on the maintenance of wakefulness test improved only in the modafinil group. Modafinil, however, had no impact on posttraumatic fatigue. Clinically relevant side effects were not observed.



This study indicates that modafinil is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of posttraumatic EDS but not of fatigue.



This study provides Class I evidence that modafinil (100-200 mg daily) improves posttraumatic EDS compared with placebo. This study provides Class I evidence that modafinil (100-200 mg daily) does not improve posttraumatic fatigue compared with placebo.
Quantum Chemical and Kinetic Study on Polychlorinated Naphthalene Formation from 3-Chlorophenol Precursor

Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) are the smallest chlorinated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (Cl-PAHs) and are often called dioxin-like compounds. Chlorophenols (CPs) are important precursors of PCN formation. In this paper, mechanistic and kinetic studies on the homogeneous gas-phase formation mechanism of PCNs from 3-CP precursor were investigated theoretically by using the density functional theory (DFT) method and canonical variational transition-state theory (CVT) with small curvature tunneling contribution (SCT). The reaction priority of different PCN formation pathways were disscussed. The rate constants of crucial elementary steps were deduced over a wide temperature range of 600-1200 K. The mechanisms were compared with the experimental observation and our previous works on the PCN formation from 2-CP and 4-CP. This study shows that pathways ended with Cl elimination are favored over those ended with H elimination from the 3-CP precursor. The formation potential of MCN is larger than that of DCN. The chlorine substitution pattern of monochlorophenols has a significant effect on isomer patterns and formation potential of PCN products. The results can be input into the environmental PCN controlling and prediction models as detailed parameters, which can be used to confirm the formation routes of PCNs, reduce PCN emission and establish PCN controlling strategies.
Recovery-Oriented Training and Staff Attitudes over Time in Two State Hospitals

Recovery attitudes and concepts are often promoted to community mental health staff through educational and in-service trainings, but no study found has examined this in state hospitals. The current observational study aimed to examine the types of recovery-oriented trainings that occurred at two state hospitals over 1 year and subsequent changes in staff recovery attitudes. A total of 184 state hospital staff completed questionnaires assessing their personal optimism, consumer optimism, and agency recovery orientation at baseline and 1 year later. The types of recovery-oriented trainings staff received were categorized as general/inspirational or specific/practical training. Results found that the majority of staff at the two state hospitals received some recovery-oriented training, mostly general/inspirational training. Staff who received specific/practical training had a greater increase in agency recovery attitudes than staff who received only general/inspirational training or no training. However, the more trainings staff had, the higher their consumer optimism. These results suggest state hospitals are incorporating recovery-oriented staff trainings, but more specific trainings may be needed and all staff involved in different levels of care need to be included.
Development and preliminary evaluation of a telephone-based mindfulness training intervention for survivors of critical illness.

Persistent symptoms of psychological distress represent an unmet need among intensive care unit (ICU) survivors.



We aimed to develop and pilot test a simple telephone-based mindfulness training intervention to address this population's unique needs.



Open trial involving survivors of medical and surgical critical illness and their informal caregivers, using a pretest-posttest design.



We developed a six-session, telephone-delivered, ICU survivor-specific mindfulness intervention based on past focus groups, the medical literature, and the precedent of the most effective components of existing mindfulness programs. A total of 11 survivors of mechanical ventilation were enrolled, together with 2 informal caregivers for exploratory purposes. Three patients dropped out before intervention initiation because of progressive illness or severe social stressors. Of the 10 remaining participants, 8 (80%) completed the program within 7 weeks. Among these eight patients and caregivers who completed all study procedures, six (75%) experienced improvement in symptoms of psychological distress (anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder). Changes in distress symptoms were correlated with improvement in mindfulness qualities, adaptive coping, and emotion regulation. Participants reported high satisfaction with the program in postintervention interviews.



A new ICU survivor-specific mindfulness training intervention delivered by telephone was acceptable and feasible. Changes in symptoms of distress were correlated with changes in skills that were targeted by the mindfulness program. Controlled trials are needed to further evaluate this promising intervention.