nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Effects of Telmisartan and Losartan on Insulin Resistance in Hypertensive Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Partial peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) agonists are known to decrease insulin resistance. Experimental studies have shown that the angiotensin type 1 receptor blocker (ARB) telmisartan has a PPAR-γ−activating property, but there does not appear to be a class effect. To test telmisartan's clinical importance, we here investigated its effect on insulin resistance in hypertensive patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in comparison with another ARB, losartan. A total of 42 hypertensive MetS patients (29 female, 13 male) were included (mean age: 50±9, range: 20–70 years). NCEP-ATP III criteria were used for the diagnosis of MetS. Patients were randomized to receive either telmisartan 80 mg/day (n=21) or losartan 50 mg/day (n=21) for 8 weeks. Biochemical assessments were made at baseline and at the end of the 8 weeks. Insulin resistance was evaluated by using homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Both groups had similar reductions in systolic and diastolic pressures (p>0.05). HOMA-IR did not change significantly in either group throughout the study. In the telmisartan group, the mean HOMA-IR at baseline and at the end of the study were 1.9±07 and 1.9±0.5, respectively. The figures for the losartan group were 1.8±0.6 and 1.8±0.6, corresponding. In conclusion, in contrast with the reports that telmisartan may decrease insulin resistance by an effect associated with its molecular structure, 8 weeks of telmisartan treatment in the present study had a neutral effect on insulin resistance in hypertensive MetS patients, and similar results were obtained for losartan.
RAS mutations and cetuximab in locally advanced rectal cancer: results of the EXPERT-C trial.

RAS mutations predict resistance to anti-epidermal growthfactor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibodies in metastatic colorectal cancer. We analysed RAS mutations in 30 non-metastatic rectal cancer patients treated with or without cetuximab within the 31 EXPERT-C trial.



Ninety of 149 patients with tumours available for analysis were KRAS/BRAF wild-type, and randomly assigned to capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (CAPOX) followed by chemoradiotherapy, surgery and adjuvant CAPOX or the same regimen plus cetuximab (CAPOX-C). Of these, four had a mutation of NRAS exon 3, and 84 were retrospectively analysed for additional KRAS (exon 4) and NRAS (exons 2/4) mutations by using bi-directional Sanger sequencing. The effect of cetuximab on study end-points in the RAS wild-type population was analysed.



Eleven (13%) of 84 patients initially classified as KRAS/BRAF wild-type were found to have a mutation in KRAS exon 4 (11%) or NRAS exons 2/4 (2%). Overall, 78/149 (52%) assessable patients were RAS wild-type (CAPOX, n=40; CAPOX-C, n=38). In this population, after a median follow-up of 63.8months, in line with the initial analysis, the addition of cetuximab was associated with numerically higher, but not statistically significant, rates of complete response (15.8% versus 7.5%, p=0.31), 5-year progression-free survival (75.5% versus 67.5%, hazard ratio (HR) 0.61, p=0.25) and 5-year overall survival (83.8% versus 70%, HR 0.54, p=0.20).



RAS mutations beyond KRAS exon 2 and 3 were identified in 17% of locally advanced rectal cancer patients. Given the small sample size, no definitive conclusions on the effect of additional RAS mutations on cetuximab treatment in this setting can be drawn and further investigation of RAS in larger studies is warranted.
Stand-alone mapping using different transluminal mapping catheters—an accurate and safe way to isolate all pulmonary veins with the cryoballoon?

Cryoballoon isolation of the pulmonary veins (PVI) is an effective and safe method in the treatment of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). The circular mapping catheter Achieve® (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, USA) can be introduced into the pulmonary vein (PV) through the inner lumen of the balloon catheter, allowing online mapping of the PV electrograms during ablation. We prospectively compared the accuracy of this catheter in both available sizes to a standard circular mapping catheter (SCMC) in order to determine bidirectional PV block. Patients with symptomatic PAF underwent cryoballoon ablation using either the Achieve® 15-mm catheter (group 1, 15 patients) or the Achieve® 20 mm (group 2, 15 patients). PV potentials were recorded using Achieve® before, during, and after ablation, and exit block was obtained by pacing from inside the PV. Accuracy of PV potential detection was controlled by a SCMC before and after ablation. Rate of PV which could be isolated exclusively using the Achieve® as guidewire was 98 % (59/60) in group 1 and 93 % (57/60) in group 2. Online signal recording during ablation was possible in 40 and 60 % of PV (p = 0.037), respectively. Final Achieve® diagnosis was accurate in 55/60 (92 %) of the PVs and 12/15 (80 %) of patients in group 1 and 60/60 (100 %) of PV and 15/15 (100 %) of patients in group 2. Stand-alone mapping using Achieve® 15 mm resulted in a significant lack of diagnostic accuracy. Achieve® 20 mm provided excellent diagnostic accuracy comparable to a SCMC and should be preferentially used.
Prospective Observational Study of Predictors of Re-Intubation Following Extubation in the Surgical ICU.

Re-intubation is associated with high morbidity and mortality. There is limited information regarding the risk factors that predispose patients admitted to the surgical ICU to re-intubation. We hypothesized that preoperative comorbidities, acquired muscular weakness, and renal dysfunction would be predictors of re-intubation in the surgical ICU population.



This was a prospective observational study in 2 surgical ICUs of a large tertiary hospital. All patients who were extubated during their surgical ICU stay were included. Demographic and clinical data were collected before and after extubation. The primary outcome was re-intubation within 72 h. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, independent risk factors of re-intubation were determined, and a prediction score was developed.



Between December 1, 2012, and January 31, 2014, we included 764 consecutive subjects. Of these, 65 subjects (8.5%) required re-intubation. Independent risk factors of re-intubation were blood urea nitrogen level of >8.2 mmol/L (odds ratio [OR] 3.66, 95% CI 1.97-6.80), hemoglobin level of <75 g/L (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.23-3.61), and muscle strength of ≤3 (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.16-3.55). The presence of all 3 risk factors was associated with an estimated probability for re-intubation of 26.8%.



In noncardiac surgery, surgical ICU subjects, elevated blood urea nitrogen level, low hemoglobin level, and muscle weakness were identified as independent risk factors for re-intubation. The presence of these risk factors can potentially aid clinicians in making informed decisions regarding optimal airway management in patients considered for an extubation attempt.
Association between exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and the development of acute coronary syndromes: the CARDIO2000 case-control study.

To investigate the association between environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure (at least 30 minutes a day) and the risk of developing acute coronary syndromes (ACS).



The CARDIO2000 is a case-control study which was conducted in Greece from 2000 to 2001. Cases included 847 individuals with a first event of ACS and 1078 cardiovascular disease-free controls. Cases and controls were frequency matched on age (within three years of age), sex, and region.



ACS was defined as a diagnosis of first acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina.  Exposure to ETS was measured by self report as follows: after the second day of hospitalisation for the cases, and at the entry for the controls, participants were asked whether they were currently exposed to tobacco smoke from other people (home and/or work) for more than 30 minutes a day. The responses were categorised into three levels: no exposure, occasional exposure (< 3 times per week), and regular exposure. In addition participants were asked how many years they had been exposed. Because these were self reported assessments and prone to bias, the results were compared to reports obtained from subjects' relatives or friends, using the Kendal's tau coefficient that showed high agreement.



731 (86%) of the patients and 605 (56%) of the controls reported current exposure of 30 minutes per day or more to ETS. Among current non-smokers, cases were 47% more likely to report regular exposure to ETS (odds ratio (OR) 1.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26 to 1.80) compared to controls. Exposure to ETS at work was associated with a greater risk of ACS compared to home exposure (+97% v +33%). The risk of ACS was also raised in active smokers (OR 2.83, 95% CI 2.07 to 3.31) regularly exposed to ETS.



This study supports the hypothesis that exposure to ETS increases the risk of developing ACS. The consistency of these findings with the existing totality of evidence presented in the literature supports the role of ETS in the aetiology of ACS.
On improving the robustness of variational optical flow against illumination changes

The brightness constancy assumption is the base of estimating the flow fields in most differential optical flow approaches. However, the brightness constancy constraint easily violates with any variation in the lighting conditions in the scene. Thus, this work proposes a robust data term against illumination changes based on a rich descriptor. This descriptor extracts the textures features for each image in the two consecutive images using local edge responses. In addition, a weighted non-local term depending on the intensity similarity, the spatial distance and the occlusion state of pixels is integrated within the adapted duality total variational optical flow algorithm in order to obtain accurate flow fields. The proposed model yields state-of-the-art results on the the KITTI optical flow database and benchmark.
Non-invasive electric current stimulation for restoration of vision after unilateral occipital stroke.

Occipital stroke often leads to visual field loss, for which no effective treatment exists. Little is known about the potential of non-invasive electric current stimulation to ameliorate visual functions in patients suffering from unilateral occipital stroke. One reason is the traditional thinking that visual field loss after brain lesions is permanent. Since evidence is available documenting vision restoration by means of vision training or non-invasive electric current stimulation future studies should also consider investigating recovery processes after visual cortical strokes. Here, protocols of repetitive transorbital alternating current stimulation (rtACS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are presented and the European consortium for restoration of vision (REVIS) is introduced. Within the consortium different stimulation approaches will be applied to patients with unilateral occipital strokes resulting in homonymous hemianopic visual field defects. The aim of the study is to evaluate effects of current stimulation of the brain on vision parameters, vision-related quality of life, and physiological parameters that allow concluding about the mechanisms of vision restoration. These include EEG-spectra and coherence measures, and visual evoked potentials. The design of stimulation protocols involves an appropriate sham-stimulation condition and sufficient follow-up periods to test whether the effects are stable. This is the first application of non-invasive current stimulation for vision rehabilitation in stroke-related visual field deficits. Positive results of the trials could have far-reaching implications for clinical practice. The ability of non-invasive electrical current brain stimulation to modulate the activity of neuronal networks may have implications for stroke rehabilitation also in the visual domain.
NOTCH pathway inactivation promotes bladder cancer progression.

NOTCH signaling suppresses tumor growth and proliferation in several types of stratified epithelia. Here, we show that missense mutations in NOTCH1 and NOTCH2 found in human bladder cancers result in loss of function. In murine models, genetic ablation of the NOTCH pathway accelerated bladder tumorigenesis and promoted the formation of squamous cell carcinomas, with areas of mesenchymal features. Using bladder cancer cells, we determined that the NOTCH pathway stabilizes the epithelial phenotype through its effector HES1 and, consequently, loss of NOTCH activity favors the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Evaluation of human bladder cancer samples revealed that tumors with low levels of HES1 present mesenchymal features and are more aggressive. Together, our results indicate that NOTCH serves as a tumor suppressor in the bladder and that loss of this pathway promotes mesenchymal and invasive features.
Music and video as distractors for boys with ADHD in the classroom: comparison with controls, individual differences, and medication effects.

This study examined the effects of music and video on the classroom behavior and performance of boys with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and examined the effects of 0.3 mg/kg methylphenidate (MPH). In one study, 41 boys with ADHD and 26 controls worked in the presence of no distractor, music, or video. Video produced significant distraction, particularly for the boys with ADHD, and MPH improved the performance of boys with ADHD across distractor conditions.There were individual differences in response to the music such that some boys were adversely affected and others benefited relative to no-distractor.In a second study, music and MPH were assessed in an additional 86 boys with ADHD to examine further the music results. In the presence or absence of music, MPH improved performance relative to placebo. Similar individual differences were found as in Experiment 1.
Prostate motion during radiotherapy of prostate cancer patients with and without application of a hydrogel spacer: a comparative study

The use of a tissue expander (hydrogel) for sparing of the rectum from increased irradiation during prostate radiotherapy is becoming popular. The goal of this study is to investigate the effect of a tissue expander (hydrogel) on the intrafraction prostate motion during radiotherapy.



Real time prostate motion was analysed for 26 patients and 742 fractions; 12 patients with and 14 patients without hydrogel (SpaceOAR™). The intra-fraction motion was quantified and compared between the two groups.



The average (±standard deviation) of the mean motion during the treatment for patients with and without hydrogel was 1.5 (±0.8 mm) and 1.1 (±0.9 mm) respectively (p < 0.05). The average time of motion >3 mm for patients with and without hydrogel was 7.7 % (±1.1 %) and 4.5 % (±0.9 %) respectively (p > 0.05). The hydrogel age, fraction number and treatment time were found to have no effect (R (2)  < 0.05) on the prostate motion.



Differences in intrafraction motion in patients with hydrogel and without hydrogel were within measurement uncertainty (<1 mm). This result confirms that the addition of a spacer does not negate the need for intrafraction motion management if clinically indicated.
The effect of interleukin-2 on canine peripheral nerve sheath tumours after marginal surgical excision: a double-blind randomized study

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect on outcomes of intraoperative recombinant human interleukin-2 injection after surgical resection of peripheral nerve sheath tumours. In this double-blind trial, 40 patients due to undergo surgical excision (<5 mm margins) of presumed peripheral nerve sheath tumours were randomized to receive intraoperative injection of interleukin-2 or placebo into the wound bed.



There were no significant differences in any variable investigated or in median survival between the two groups. The median recurrence free interval was 874 days (range 48-2141 days), The recurrence-free interval and overall survival time were significantly longer in dogs that undergone the primary surgery by a specialist-certified surgeon compared to a referring veterinarian regardless of whether additional adjunct therapy was given.



Overall, marginal excision of peripheral nerve sheath tumours in dogs resulted in a long survival time, but adjuvant treatment with recombinant human interleukin-2 (rhIL-2) did not provide a survival advantage.
Clinical application of therapeutic plasma exchange in the Three Gorges Area.

To analyze the clinical effect of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) on 43 patients in the Three Gorges Area.



Plasma was collected by machine and combined with low-molecular-weight dextran and albumin for use as a replacement fluid for TPE treatment of 43 patients suffering from various blood disorders, diseases of the nervous system, ABO incompatible allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and kidney disease.



The volume of a single TPE was 1.6-2.0l, performed on average 2.3 times/case, and effective in 88.4% (38/43) of cases.



TPE through the plasma collection machine is a well tolerated, economic and effective treatment.
Effectiveness of transforaminal epidural steroid injection by using a preganglionic approach: a prospective randomized controlled study.

To prospectively evaluate the short- and midterm effectiveness of transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) for lumbosacral radiculopathy with respect to injection level.



Institutional review board approval and written informed consent were obtained. From March 2005 to February 2006, 239 consecutive patients (106 male, 133 female; mean age, 49.8 years; range, 13-82 years) who were scheduled to undergo lumbar TFESI were enrolled. The patients were randomly assigned to either the ganglionic (TFESI at the location of the exiting nerve root) or preganglionic group (TFESI at the supraadjacent intervertebral disk level). Follow-up was conducted within 1 month (short term) and more than 6 months (midterm) after injections. Short- and midterm outcomes were measured by using a visual analog scale and a four-grade scale. Univariate analysis (by using the Fisher exact and chi(2) tests) and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed to evaluate the relationship between possible outcome predictors (ganglionic or preganglionic injection levels, cause of radiculopathy, duration of symptoms, age group, and sex) and the therapeutic effect.



Univariate analysis showed that the preganglionic group had a better treatment effect (99 of 112, 88.4%) than did the ganglionic group (90 of 127, 70.9%) at short-term follow-up (P = .001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the only significant outcome predictor at short-term follow-up was injection level (odds ratio = 2.232, P = .037). No significant difference was identified regarding TFESI approach or cause of radiculopathy at midterm follow-up.



TFESI for lumbosacral radiculopathy with a preganglionic approach is more effective than TFESI with a ganglionic approach at short-term follow-up.
Complement C3a predicts outcome in cardiac resynchronization therapy of heart failure

The chronic inflammation plays an important role in heart failure and complement components might be useful markers of the prognosis. We set out to evaluate their predictive value in the clinical outcomes of patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We determined the complement levels C3, C3a, sC5b-9 and also the N-terminus of the prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) of 126 heart failure patients in a prospective, single-center observational study before and 6 months after CRT implantation. CRT reduced the C3a [212.5 (148.2–283.6) vs. 153 (119.8–218.3) ng/mL, p < 0.0001] and the sC5b-9 levels [296.9 (234.2–358.8) vs. 255.1 (210.1–319.0) ng/mL, p = 0.0006], but not the total C3 levels [1.43 (1.26–1.61) vs. 1.38 (1.23–1.57) g/L, p = 0.57]. C3a predicted the 5-year mortality of the patients [C3a > 165 ng/mL hazard ratio = 4.21 (1.65–10.72), p = 0.003] independent of the NT-proBNP and other factors. After reclassification, we observed a significant net reclassification improvement [NRI = 0.71 (0.43–0.98), p < 0.0001] and integrated discrimination improvement [IDI = 0.08 (0.03–0.12), p = 0.0002]. In patients with CRT, elevated C3a levels increase the risk of mortality independent of the NT-proBNP levels or other factors. CRT exerts anti-inflammatory effect by reducing the complement activation.
Results of the HepZero study comparing heparin-grafted membrane and standard care show that heparin-grafted dialyzer is safe and easy to use for heparin-free dialysis.

Heparin is used to prevent clotting during hemodialysis, but heparin-free hemodialysis is sometimes needed to decrease the risk of bleeding. The HepZero study is a randomized, multicenter international controlled open-label trial comparing no-heparin hemodialysis strategies designed to assess non-inferiority of a heparin grafted dialyzer (NCT01318486). A total of 251 maintenance hemodialysis patients at increased risk of hemorrhage were randomly allocated for up to three heparin-free hemodialysis sessions using a heparin-grafted dialyzer or the center standard-of-care consisting of regular saline flushes or pre-dilution. The first heparin-free hemodialysis session was considered successful when there was neither complete occlusion of air traps or dialyzer, nor additional saline flushes, changes of dialyzer or bloodlines, or premature termination. The current standard-of-care resulted in high failure rates (50%). The success rate in the heparin-grafted membrane arm was significantly higher than in the control group (68.5% versus 50.4%), which was consistent for both standard-of-care modalities. The absolute difference between the heparin-grafted membrane and the controls was 18.2%, with a lower bound of the 90% confidence interval equal to plus 7.9%. The hypothesis of the non-inferiority at the minus 15% level was accepted, although superiority at the plus 15% level was not reached. Thus, use of a heparin-grafted membrane is a safe, helpful, and easy-to-use method for heparin-free hemodialysis in patients at increased risk of hemorrhage.
Does the antihypertensive response to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition predict the antihypertensive response to angiotensin receptor antagonism?

To test the hypothesis that the antihypertensive response to angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition can predict the response to angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1R) antagonism, 33 hypertensive patients were randomized to receive lisinopril (20 mg) or losartan (50 mg) for 5 weeks. Patients were then crossed-over to the alternative treatment for a second 5-week period. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory BP (ABP) was measured before randomization and on the final day of each period. The agreement in ABP response between the two drugs was assessed using the following approaches: Subjects were classified as responders and nonresponders using as a threshold an arbitrary level of response (ABP fall > or = 10 mm Hg systolic or > or = 5 mm Hg diastolic) or the median ABP response achieved by each of the drugs. Disagreement between the two drugs in the responders-nonresponders classification was expressed as the proportion of subjects whose ABP responded to one of the drugs only. Lisinopril was more effective than losartan in reducing ABP (mean difference 4.7+/-8.1/3.3+/-5.7 mm Hg, systolic/diastolic, P < .05). Disagreement in the antihypertensive response between the two drugs was found in 39%/33% of subjects for systolic/diastolic ABP using the arbitrary response criterion (33%/39% using the median response criterion). Significant correlations were found between the responses to lisinopril and losartan (r = 0.47/0.59, systolic/diastolic, P < .01). We conclude that in more than one third of hypertensive subjects, the BP response to ACE inhibition fails to predict the response to AT1R antagonism and vice versa. These data suggest that there are differences between these two drug classes that are not only of theoretical but also of practical significance.