nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Asymptotical Stability of Cohen-Grossberg Neural Networks Involving S-Type Distributed Delays

In this paper, we have introduced the S-type distributed delays into the Cohen-Grossberg neural networks since this type of delays may arise in practice and is more general than usual type of distributed delays. In order to use the topological degree method in providing the existence of the equilibrium except for zero equilibrium, some new analysis techniques are demonstrated. Moreover by means of simple but efficient Lyapunov functions we have also presented some sufficient conditions to ensure the exponential stability or asymptotically stable of those equilibria. Our results , which are easily checked and are more general than those in the existing articles, have avoided the deficiency as that in the existing Refs.
Psychometric assessment of the Chinese version of the brief illness perception questionnaire in breast cancer survivors

The eight-item Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ) supposedly evaluates cognitive and emotional representations of illness. This study examined the validity and reliability of a traditional Chinese version of the B-IPQ in Hong Kong Chinese breast cancer survivors.



358 Chinese breast cancer survivors who had recently ended their primary treatment completed this B-IPQ Chinese version. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) tested the factor structure. The internal consistency, construct, predictive and convergent validities of the scale were assessed.



CFA revealed that the original three-factor (cognitive-emotional representations and illness comprehensibility) structure of the B-IPQ poorly fitted our sample. After deleting one item measuring illness coherence, seven-item gave an optimal two-factor (cognitive-emotional representations) structure for the B-IPQ (B-IPQ-7). Cronbach's alpha for the two subscales were 0.653 and 0.821, and for the overall seven-item scale of B-IPQ was 0.783. Correlations of illness perception and physical symptom distress, anxiety, depression and known-group comparison between different treatment status suggested acceptable construct validity. The association between baseline illness perception and psychological distress at 3-month follow up supported predictive validity.



B-IPQ-7 appears to be a moderately valid measure of illness perception in cancer population, potentially useful for assessing illness representations in Chinese women with breast cancer.
Steady-state quantile parameter estimation: An empirical comparison of stochastic kriging and quantile regression

The time required to execute simulation models of modern production systems remains high even with todays computing power, particularly when what-if analyses need to be performed to investigate the impact of controllable system input variables on an output performance measure. Compared to mean and variance which are frequently used in practice, quantiles provide a more complete picture of the performance of the underlying system. Nevertheless, quantiles are more difficult to estimate efficiently through stochastic simulation. Stochastic kriging (SK) and quantile regression (QR) are two promising metamodeling tools for addressing this challenge. Both approximate the functional relationship between the quantile parameter of a random output (e.g., cycle time) and multiple input variables (e.g., start rate, unloading times). In this paper, we compare performances of SK and QR on steady-state quantile parameter estimation. Results are presented from simulations of an M/M/1 queue and a more realistic model of a semiconductor manufacturing system.
Increased plasma acylation-stimulating protein in pediatric proteinuric renal disease

Hyperlipidemia has been well recognized as a striking feature of nephrotic syndrome and other renal diseases. However, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms still have not yet been elucidated. In this study, we evaluated acylation-stimulating protein (ASP) and complement component 3 (C3) in children (n = 48) with various forms of proteinuric renal disease [nephrotic syndrome, acute poststreptococcal infection glomerulonephritis (APSGN), and lupus nephritis (LN)] in comparison with age- and gender-matched controls (n = 279). In children with proteinuric renal disease, various aberrations in plasma lipids were noted, including increased triglyceride, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (all p < 0.0001). Whereas C3 was not altered in children with nephrotic syndrome (1.05 ± 0.05 g/L vs. 1.29 ± 0.04 controls), the decrease was pronounced in children with LN and APSGN (0.42 ± 0.11, p < 0.05 and 0.30 ± 0.06, p < 0.001, respectively). Plasma C3 correlated positively with lipid parameters [triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL-C, apolipoprotein B (apoB), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apoA1] and inversely with total protein, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine. By contrast, plasma ASP was significantly elevated in all proteinuric renal diseases (101.4 ± 7.1 nmol/L nephrotic syndrome, 90.9 ± 14.1 LN, and 81.8 ± 7.2 APSGN vs. 44.3 ± 1.5 controls, p < 0.05 to p < 0.001), and this increase was correlated with changes in lipid parameters (triglycerides and apoA1). In summary, these results demonstrate alterations in C3 and ASP that may contribute to or compensate for dyslipidemia.
Brentuximab vedotin in relapsed/refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma: the Italian experience and results of its use in daily clinical practice outside clinical trials.

Clinical trial results indicate that brentuximab vedotin brings considerable promise for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma. A retrospective multicenter study was conducted on 65 heavily pretreated patients who underwent therapy through a Named Patient Program in Italy (non trial-setting). The primary study endpoint was the objective response rate; secondary endpoints were safety, overall survival and progression-free survival. The best overall response rate (70.7%), including 21.5% complete responses, was observed at the first restaging after the third cycle of treatment. After a median follow up of 13.2 months, the overall survival rate at 20 months was 73.8% while the progression-free survival rate at 20 months was 24.2%. Globally nine patients are in continuous complete response with a median follow up of 14 months (range, 10-19 months). Four patients proceeded to autotransplantation and nine to allotransplantation. The most frequent extra-hematologic toxicity was peripheral neuropathy, observed in 21.5% of cases (9 patients with grade 1/2 and 5 patients with grade 3/4); neurological toxicity led to discontinuation of treatment in three patients and to dose reduction in four. In general the treatment was well tolerated and toxicities, both hematologic and extra-hematologic, were manageable. This report indicates and confirms that brentuximab vedotin as a single agent is effective and safe also when used in standard, everyday clinical practice outside a clinical trial. Best overall responses were recorded after three or four cycles and showed that brentuximab vedotin provides an effective bridge to further therapeutic interventions.
The European Community Respiratory Health Survey II.

The European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) II is a multicentre study that includes assessment of bronchial responsiveness using the Mefar dosimeter (Mefar, Brescia, Italy). WARD et al.  report that in some centres taking part in ECRHS II, there is potential for systematic variation in Mefar dosimeter driving pressure, which constitutes possible significant confounding for between-centre comparisons of bronchial hyperresponsiveness. They reported a wide range of driving pressures between centres "ranging between 70–245 kPa, with most outside the quoted manufacturer9s specification of 180¡5%". WARD et al.  drew our attention to this problem when we were developing the quality control programme for ECRHS II. All ECRHS II centres were requested to check dosimeter driving pressure at least once a month and to send reports to the Coordinating Centre. Where readings were v160 kPa or w180 kPa, centres were advised to adjust the dosimeter to a level within these limits. R.J. Ward and his group set up a website with instructions on how this could be achieved, together with information on the testing procedure. Reports were received from all centres except for Umea (Sweden) and showed that no centre recorded a level v160 kPa and the highest value was 200 kPa, found in Hamburg (Germany). In Hamburg, alterations were made to the equipment and it operated aty180 kPa for the rest of the study. The mean pressure for centres throughout the study ranged 160 kPa–189 kPa (Hamburg had a higher mean due to its driving pressure being 200 kPa for a period). Although table 1 of the paper concerned  implies a substantial problem within the participating European Community Respiratory Health Survey II centres, the quality control programme reveals that although variation exists, the magnitude and its influence on between-centre comparisons is much smaller than suggested by WARD et al.  in their recent paper.
Shyness 1: distance treatment of social phobia over the Internet.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effectiveness of an Internet-based clinician-assisted computerized cognitive behavioural therapy programme for social phobia.



A total of 105 individuals with social phobia were randomly assigned to a six-lesson cognitive behavioural treatment programme or to a waitlist control group. Treatment consisted of four components: six online lessons; homework assignments; participation in an online discussion forum; and regular email contact with a therapist. An intention-to-treat model was used for data analyses.



A total of 78% of treatment group participants completed all lessons, and post-treatment data were obtained from 93/105 participants. Significant post-treatment differences between treatment and waitlist participants were found on two measures of symptoms of social phobia. Mean within- and between-group effect sizes (Cohen's d) for the primary social phobia outcome measures were 1.15, and 0.95, respectively.



These results were comparable with those obtained in exemplary face-to-face treatment programmes. They provide further positive data about the utility of Internet-based guided self-help programmes for people with common mental disorders.
Is the prevalence of hypertension in overweight children overestimated?

The aim of this study is to explore different methods for screening and diagnosing hypertension-which definitions and criteria to use-in children and in addition to determine the prevalence of hypertension in Dutch overweight children.



A cross-sectional study performed in the Dutch Child Health Care setting.



Four Child Health Care centres in different cities in the Netherlands.



969 overweight (including obese) and 438 non-overweight children, median age 11.7 years (range 4.1-17.10), 49% boys.



The main outcome was blood pressure, and the difference in prevalence of hypertension using different criteria for blood pressure interpretation: using the first blood pressure measurement, the mean of two measurements and the lowest of three measurements on two different occasions.



Looking at the first measurement alone, 33% of overweight and 21% of non-overweight children had hypertension. By comparing the mean of the first two measurements with reference values, 28% of overweight children and 16% of non-overweight children had hypertension. Based on the lowest of three consecutive measurements, the prevalence decreased to 12% among overweight children and 5% among non-overweight children at visit one and at visit two 4% of overweight children still had hypertension.



The prevalence of hypertension is highly dependent on the definitions and criteria used. We found a prevalence of 4% in overweight children, which is considerably lower than suggested by recent literature (4%-33%). This discrepancy can be explained by our more strict definition of hypertension. However, to draw any conclusions on the prevalence, normal values using the same definition of hypertension should be established. Despite the low prevalence, we recommend measuring blood pressure in all overweight children in view of later cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Left atrial remodeling and function in advanced heart failure with preserved or reduced ejection fraction.

Left atrial (LA) structure and function are altered in most heart failure (HF) patients, but there may be fundamental differences in LA properties between HF with preserved (HFpEF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).



One hundred ninety-eight HF patients (51% HFpEF, New York Heart Association 3.1±0.7) and 40 HF-free controls underwent catheterization, echocardiography, and follow-up. Compared with controls, HF patients had larger and more dysfunctional left atria. At identical mean LA pressure (20 versus 20 mm Hg; P=0.9), HFrEF patients had larger LA volumes (LA volume index 50 versus 41 mL/m(2); P<0.001), whereas HFpEF patients had higher LA peak pressures, lower LA minimal pressures, higher LA stiffness (0.79 versus 0.48 mm Hg/mL; P<0.001), greater LA pulsatility (19 versus 13 mm Hg; P<0.001), and higher wall stress variations. Despite smaller LA volumes, better function, and less mitral regurgitation, HFpEF patients had more atrial fibrillation (42 versus 26%; P=0.02). LA dysfunction was associated with increased pulmonary vascular resistance and right ventricular dysfunction in both HF phenotypes. After a median follow-up of 350 days, 31 HFpEF and 28 HFrEF patients died. LA function (total LA EF) was associated with lower mortality in HFpEF (hazard ratio 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.2-0.9; P<0.05), but not in HFrEF.



HFrEF is characterized by greater eccentric LA remodeling, whereas HFpEF by increased LA stiffness, which might contribute to greater atrial fibrillation burden. LA function is associated with pulmonary vascular disease and right HF in both HF phenotypes, but is associated with outcome more closely in HFpEF, supporting efforts to improve LA function in this cohort.
Randomized, double-blind, crossover study comparing DFN-11 injection (3 mg subcutaneous sumatriptan) with 6 mg subcutaneous sumatriptan for the treatment of rapidly-escalating attacks of episodic migraine

A 6-mg dose of SC sumatriptan is the most efficacious and fast-acting acute treatment for migraine, but a 3-mg dose of SC sumatriptan may improve tolerability while maintaining efficacy. This randomized, double-blind, crossover study compared the efficacy and tolerability of 3 mg subcutaneous (SC) sumatriptan (DFN-11) with 6 mg SC sumatriptan in 20 adults with rapidly-escalating migraine attacks. Eligible subjects were randomized (1:1) to treat 1 attack with DFN-11 and matching placebo autoinjector consecutively or 2 DFN-11 autoinjectors consecutively and a second attack similarly but with the alternative dose (3 mg or 6 mg). The proportions of subjects who were pain-free at 60 min postdose, the primary endpoint, were similar following treatment with 3 mg SC sumatriptan and 6 mg SC sumatriptan (50% vs 52.6%, P  =  .87). The proportions of subjects experiencing pain relief (P  ≥  .48); reductions in migraine pain intensity (P  ≥  .78); and relief from nausea, photophobia, or phonophobia (P  ≥  .88) with 3 mg SC sumatriptan and 6 mg SC sumatriptan were similar, as were the mean scores for satisfaction with treatment (M  =  2.6 vs M  =  2.4, P  =  .81) and the mean number of rescue medications used (M  =  .11 vs M  =  .26, P  =  .32). The most common adverse events with the 3- and 6-mg doses were triptan sensations — paresthesia, neck pain, flushing, and involuntary muscle contractions of the neck — and the incidence of adverse events with both doses was similar (32 events total: 3 mg, n  =  14 [44%]; 6 mg, n  =  18 [56%], P  =  .60). Triptan sensations affected 4 subjects with the 6-mg dose only, 1 subject with the 3-mg dose only, and 7 subjects with both sumatriptan doses. Chest pain affected 2 subjects (10%) treated with the 6-mg dose and no subjects (0%) treated with the 3-mg dose of DFN-11. There were no serious adverse events. The 3-mg SC dose of sumatriptan in DFN-11 provided relief of migraine pain and associated symptoms comparable to a 6-mg SC dose of sumatriptan. Tolerability was similar with both study medications; DFN-11 treatment was associated with fewer triptan sensations than the 6-mg dose. DFN-11, with its 3-mg dose of sumatriptan, may be a clinically useful alternative to higher-dose autoinjectors.
Internet-Based Early Intervention to Prevent Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Injury Patients: Randomized Controlled Trial

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops in 10-20% of injury patients. We developed a novel, self-guided Internet-based intervention (called Trauma TIPS) based on techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to prevent the onset of PTSD symptoms.



To determine whether Trauma TIPS is effective in preventing the onset of PTSD symptoms in injury patients.



Adult, level 1 trauma center patients were randomly assigned to receive the fully automated Trauma TIPS Internet intervention (n=151) or to receive no early intervention (n=149). Trauma TIPS consisted of psychoeducation, in vivo exposure, and stress management techniques. Both groups were free to use care as usual (nonprotocolized talks with hospital staff). PTSD symptom severity was assessed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post injury with a clinical interview (Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale) by blinded trained interviewers and self-report instrument (Impact of Event Scale-Revised). Secondary outcomes were acute anxiety and arousal (assessed online), self-reported depressive and anxiety symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and mental health care utilization. Intervention usage was documented.



The mean number of intervention logins was 1.7, SD 2.5, median 1, interquartile range (IQR) 1-2. Thirty-four patients in the intervention group did not log in (22.5%), 63 (41.7%) logged in once, and 54 (35.8%) logged in multiple times (mean 3.6, SD 3.5, median 3, IQR 2-4). On clinician-assessed and self-reported PTSD symptoms, both the intervention and control group showed a significant decrease over time (P<.001) without significant differences in trend. PTSD at 12 months was diagnosed in 4.7% of controls and 4.4% of intervention group patients. There were no group differences on anxiety or depressive symptoms over time. Post hoc analyses using latent growth mixture modeling showed a significant decrease in PTSD symptoms in a subgroup of patients with severe initial symptoms (n=20) (P<.001).



Our results do not support the efficacy of the Trauma TIPS Internet-based early intervention in the prevention of PTSD symptoms for an unselected population of injury patients. Moreover, uptake was relatively low since one-fifth of individuals did not log in to the intervention. Future research should therefore focus on innovative strategies to increase intervention usage, for example, adding gameplay, embedding it in a blended care context, and targeting high-risk individuals who are more likely to benefit from the intervention.
Perception of Effort During Activity in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) are used to monitor and prescribe exercise intensity for a variety of patient populations. It is important to understand RPE in different patient populations to ensure appropriate prescriptions and maximize the likelihood of adherence. Chronic liver diseases (CLDs) are a constellation of diseases that are associated frequently with fatigue, metabolic abnormalities, and cardiovascular disease, all targets for prescription of exercise. However, there have been no investigations of the correlates of RPE in those with CLD.



To correlate RPE during a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) with biological/physiological measures in subjects with chronic hepatitis C (CH-C) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).



Observational analytical study.



Specialty clinic.



A convenience sample of 51 subjects with NAFLD or CH-C (age: 51.1 ± 8.8 years, 35% female) was enrolled. Subjects receiving antiviral therapies or those with recent myocardial infarction, cardiovascular, or musculoskeletal comorbidities affecting exertion were excluded.



Participants underwent fasting morning venipuncture, and resting cardiorespiratory data were collected. Then the participants completed a 6MWT. At the conclusion of the 6MWT, participants reported their RPE, and cardiorespiratory data were reassessed.



RPE, 6MWT, resting/postexertion cardiorespiratory data (eg, heart rate, cardiac output), Human Activity Profile (HAP), fasting morning glucose (GLU), total cholesterol (TC), lipids, and interleukin-8 (IL-8) were determined.



For the entire group, RPE was significantly correlated to serum IL-8 and GLU but not to the other factors. When we controlled for age and triglycerides, RPE remained significantly related to GLU (rs = 0.54; P = .04), maximal activity level (HAP) (rs = 0.58; P = .03), and distance walked (rs = 0.61; P = .03) in those with NAFLD. In those with CH-C, only IL-8 remained a strong correlate of RPE (rs = 0.54; P = .01).



In individuals with CH-C, RPE was related to an inflammatory factor, whereas in individuals with NAFLD, RPE was related to a metabolic and a lifestyle factor.
Assessment of diclofenac or spinal manipulative therapy, or both, in addition to recommended first-line treatment for acute low back pain: a randomised controlled trial

We aimed to investigate whether the addition of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or spinal manipulative therapy, or both, would result in faster recovery for patients with acute low back pain receiving recommended first-line care.



240 patients with acute low back pain who had seen their general practitioner and had been given advice and paracetamol were randomly allocated to one of four groups in our community-based study: diclofenac 50 mg twice daily and placebo manipulative therapy (n=60); spinal manipulative therapy and placebo drug (n=60); diclofenac 50 mg twice daily and spinal manipulative therapy (n=60); or double placebo (n=60). The primary outcome was days to recovery from pain assessed by survival curves (log-rank test) in an intention-to-treat analysis. 
Neither diclofenac nor spinal manipulative therapy appreciably reduced the number of days until recovery compared with placebo drug or placebo manipulative therapy (diclofenac hazard ratio 1.09, 95% CI 0.84-1.42, p=0.516; spinal manipulative therapy hazard ratio 1.01, 95% CI 0.77-1.31, p=0.955). 237 patients (99%) either recovered or were censored 12 weeks after randomisation. 22 patients had possible adverse reactions including gastrointestinal disturbances, dizziness, and heart palpitations. Half of these patients were in the active diclofenac group, the other half were taking placebo. One patient taking active diclofenac had a suspected hypersensitivity reaction and ceased treatment.



Patients with acute low back pain receiving recommended first-line care do not recover more quickly with the addition of diclofenac or spinal manipulative therapy.