nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Reliability and Validity of the Dissociative Experiences Scale Among South Korean Patients With Schizophrenia.

The Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) is the most widely used self-report tool for use with the general population and various clinical entities, including those with schizophrenia. This preliminary study tested the reliability of the DES, especially temporal stability and validity, in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia receiving inpatient or outpatient treatment. The DES was administered at a university-affiliated training hospital in South Korea to a total of 68 patients (39 inpatients and 29 outpatients) whose diagnosis of schizophrenia was confirmed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis Disorders. Internal consistency, 4-week test-retest reliability, and validity were calculated. Participants also completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Symptom Checklist-Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Scale. Four-week test-retest reliability was moderate (r = .69) and internal consistency was good (Cronbach's α = .95). Total score on the DES was correlated with childhood trauma (r = .69, p < .001), posttraumatic symptoms (r = .50, p < .001), and depression (r = .52, p < .001), demonstrating the convergent validity of the scale. Our study confirms the psychometric soundness of the DES among patients with schizophrenia after the acute stage of illness (e.g., 3 weeks after admission), supporting use of the scale for screening and evaluating dissociative symptoms within this population.
Clinical applicability of human in vivo localized phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy of bone and soft tissue tumors

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is of restricted value for the in vivo characterization of tumor types. The applicability of phosphorus-31 (31P) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in the diagnosis of bone and soft tissue tumors is unknown.  A total of 191 consecutive patients (85 females and 106 males; mean age 41 years, range 1–80) with a well-defined bone or soft tissue tumor on MRI were analyzed for additional31P spectroscopy. Histology and/or cytology was obtained from all tumors. Because of low sensitivity of the31P nucleus and the contamination of surrounding tissue, only large, superficially located tumors accessible to the surface coil could be accepted for MRS.  Twenty-one patients (11%) could be included in the study. From this remaining group only 12 studies (57%) produced spectra with well resolved phosphorus peaks and an acceptable signal-to-noise ratio. However, these spectra did not allow differentiation between the benign and malignant nature of the lesions. The other 9 studies showed spectra with poor signal intensities and/or poorly defined peaks, making tumor differentiation impossible.  Only 6% of the bone and soft tissue tumors produced well defined spectra, which implies that localized31P MRS cannot be considered as a routine technique in the diagnostic and treatment evaluation of bone and soft tissue tumors.
Case-finding of dementia in general practice and effects of subsequent collaborative care; design of a cluster RCT

In the primary care setting, dementia is often diagnosed relatively late in the disease process. Case finding and proactive collaborative care may have beneficial effects on both patient and informal caregiver by clarifying the cause of cognitive decline and changed behaviour and by enabling support, care planning and access to services.We aim to improve the recognition and diagnosis of individuals with dementia in general practice. In addition to this diagnostic aim, the effects of case finding and subsequent care on the mental health of individuals with dementia and the mental health of their informal carers are explored.



cluster randomised controlled trial with process evaluation.



162 individuals ≥ 65 years, in 15 primary care practices, in whom GPs suspect cognitive impairment, but without a dementia diagnosis.Intervention; case finding and collaborative care: 2 trained practice nurses (PNs) invite all patients with suspected cognitive impairment for a brief functional and cognitive screening. If the cognitive tests are supportive of cognitive impairment, individuals are referred to their GP for further evaluation. If dementia is diagnosed, a comprehensive geriatric assessment takes place to identify other relevant geriatric problems that need to be addressed. Furthermore, the team of GP and PN provide information and support.



GPs provide care and diagnosis as usual.Main study parameters: after 12 months both groups are compared on: 1) incident dementia (and MCI) diagnoses and 2) patient and caregiver quality of life (QoL-AD; EQ5D) and mental health (MH5; GHQ 12) and caregiver competence to care (SSCQ). The process evaluation concerns facilitating and impeding factors to the implementation of this intervention. These factors are assessed on the care provider level, the care recipient level and on the organisational level.



This study will provide insight into the diagnostic yield and the clinical effects of case finding and collaborative care for individuals with suspected cognitive impairment, compared to usual care. A process evaluation will give insight into the feasibility of this intervention.The first results are expected in the course of 2013.
Esophageal pH Profile Following Laparoscopic Total Fundoplication Compared to Anterior Fundoplication

In Barrett’s esophagus, total abolition of reflux may give maximum protection against the development of malignancy. To determine whether laparoscopic anterior fundoplication gives the same degree of antireflux control as a total fundoplication, we analyzed a prospectively followed cohort of patients from randomized controlled trials of laparoscopic antireflux surgery. There were 167 patients who returned for routine esophageal pH studies within 6 months of surgery (123 laparoscopic total fundoplications and 44 anterior fundoplications). There was no difference in percentage time pH <4 between fundoplication groups, but the total number of reflux episodes was significantly different (total fundoplication, four reflux events vs. partial fundoplication, six reflux events; p = 0.03). It is difficult to believe that this difference is either biologically or clinically important. In patients with a second esophageal pH study more than 5 years later, both the percentage time pH <4 (0.1% total fundoplication vs. 2.7% partial fundoplication; p = 0.004) and total number of reflux episodes (three total fundoplication vs. 24 partial fundoplication; p = 0.002) were significantly different. However, the postoperative esophageal acid exposure was within the normal range for both total and partial fundoplication, so whether the statistical difference is clinically important, remains a moot point.
Corticosteroid-induced hyperglycemia is increased 10-fold in patients with pemphigus.

This study aimed to highlight the importance of routine screening for hyperglycemia and to develop a standardized, evidence-based approach for the management of pemphigus patients on prolonged systemic corticosteroid (CS) therapy. A cross-sectional study was conducted in two university-affiliated teaching hospitals using a referred sample of 200 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus, or mucous membrane pemphigoid. All patients were receiving systemic CS therapy. A total of 150 patients responded to the survey. Six participants were excluded and 144 were included. The main outcome measure was blood glucose level to detect hyperglycemia. New-onset hyperglycemia was identified in 40% of patients who received CS therapy. None of the expected variables, including age, body mass index, family history of diabetes, corticosteroid dose, and duration of corticosteroid therapy, were independently associated with new-onset hyperglycemia. These findings indicate that the prevalence of CS-induced hyperglycemia in pemphigus patients is 40% and that in patients with pemphigus or MMP, CS therapy is associated with a markedly increased risk for hyperglycemia (odds ratio = 10.7, 95% confidence interval 1.38-83.50) compared with that of patients with the same diseases who do not receive CS therapy.
Health-related Quality of Life of Thai children with HIV infection: a comparison of the Thai Quality of Life in Children (ThQLC) with the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ version 4.0 (PedsQL™ 4.0) Generic Core Scales

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Thai Quality of Life in Children (ThQLC) and compare it with the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™ 4.0) in a sample of children receiving long-term HIV care in Thailand. The ThQLC and the PedsQL™ 4.0 were administered to 292 children with HIV infection aged 8–16 years. Clinical parameters such as the current viral load, CD4 percent, and clinical staging were obtained by medical record review. Three out of five ThQLC scales and three out of four PedsQL™ 4.0 scales had acceptable internal consistency reliability (i.e., Cronbach’s alpha >0.70). Cronbach’s alpha values of each scale ranged from 0.52 to 0.75 and 0.57 to 0.75 for the ThQLC and the PedsQL™ 4.0, respectively. Corresponding scales (physical functioning, emotional well-being, social functioning, and school functioning) of the ThQLC and the PedsQL™ 4.0 correlated substantially with one another (r = 0.47, 0.67, 0.59 and 0.56, respectively). Both ThQLC and PedsQL™ 4.0 overall scores significantly correlated with the child’s self-rated severity of the illness (r = −0.23 for the ThQLC and −0.28 for the PedsQL™ 4.0) and the caregiver’s rated overall quality of life (r = 0.07 for the ThQLC and 0.13 for the PedsQL™ 4.0). The overall score of the ThQLC correlated with clinical and immunologic categories of the United State-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US-CDC) classification system (r = −0.12), while the overall score of the PedsQL™ 4.0 significantly correlated with the number of disability days (r = −0.12) and CD4 percent (r = −0.15). However, the overall score from both instruments were not significantly different by clinical stages of HIV disease. A multitrait-multimethod analysis results demonstrated that the average convergent validity and off-diagonal correlations were 0.58 and 0.45, respectively. Discriminant validity was partially supported with 62% of validity diagonal correlations exceeding correlations between different domains (discriminant validity successes). The Hays-Hayashi MTMM quality index was 0.61. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the ThQLC physical functioning scale provided unique information in predicting child self-rated severity of the illness and overall quality of life beyond that explained by the PedsQL™ 4.0 in Thai children with HIV infection. We found evidence in support of the reliability and validity of the ThQLC and the PedsQL™ 4.0 for measuring the health-related quality of life of Thai children with HIV infection.
Validation of Sinhala Version of Cardiff Wound Impact Schedule in Patients with Diabetic Leg and Foot Ulcers.

To validate the Cardiff Wound Impact Schedule (CWIS) to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of Sri Lankan patients with diabetic leg and foot ulcers.



English version of CWIS was examined for cultural compatibility, translated into Sinhala and pretested. The Sinhala version was administered in parallel with the validated Sinhala version of SF-36 by an interviewer to all patients (n = 140) at baseline to determine the construct validity. Reliability of CWIS was measured by internal consistency and test-retest stability. The instrument was readministered in 2 weeks on 33 patients with nonhealing ulcers to determine the test-retest stability and in 3 months on 50 patients with healed ulcers to determine the ability of CWIS to discriminate HRQoL between patients with healed versus nonhealed ulcers. Acceptability of CWIS was assessed by the response rate, completion rate and the average time taken to complete a single interview.



The construct validity demonstrated moderately significant correlations between related subscales of CWIS and SF-36 (Spearman's r = .32-.51, p = .021 to p < .001) for the whole study sample. Internal consistencies (Cronbach α = .68-.86) and test-retest stability (.56-.70) were acceptable. The tool was sensitive in discriminating the impact of the wound on HRQoL in healed versus nonhealed status (p ≤ .001). The tool showed good acceptability.



The Sinhala version of CWIS is valid, reliable and acceptable for assessing the impact of wound on HRQoL. This instrument is sensitive in detecting the differences of the impact of healed and nonhealed ulcers on QoL in patients with diabetic leg and foot ulcer.
A comparison of EMG biofeedback and a credible pseudotherapy in treating tension headache

Thirty-one tension headache sufferers were assigned to frontalis electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback training, to a highly credible pseudotherapy providing no opportunity to learn control of EMG activity, or to a symptom-monitoring control group. Participants receiving biofeedback showed significant reductions in frontalis EMG within and across treatment sessions and exhibited reduced EMG activity following treatment. Participants receiving pseudotherapy showed no changes in EMG activity. Although biofeedback and pseudotherapy were rated as equally credible treatments, only the headache activity of the biofeedback group was significantly improved following treatment. These results suggest that outcomes obtained with biofeedback do not result merely from exposure to a credible treatment procedure. Evidence suggesting that headache improvements may be mediated by cognitive and behavioral changes and not the learned control of physiological activity is discussed.
Tazarotene: randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, and open-label concurrent trials for basal cell carcinoma prevention and therapy in patients with basal cell nevus syndrome.

Sporadic human basal cell carcinomas (BCC) are generally well managed with current surgical modalities. However, in the subset of high-risk patients predisposed to developing large numbers of BCCs, there is an unmet need for effective, low-morbidity chemoprevention. This population includes fair-skinned patients with extensive sun exposure and those with genodermatoses such as the basal cell nevus (Gorlin) syndrome (BCNS). Tazarotene (Tazorac, Allergan) is a topical retinoid with relative specificity for RAR-β and RAR-γ receptors. We previously demonstrated tazarotene's robust anti-BCC efficacy in Ptch1(+/-) mice, a murine equivalent of BCNS, and others have found it to have some efficacy against sporadic human BCCs. We report here results of a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study in patients with BCNS evaluating the efficacy of topically applied tazarotene for BCC chemoprevention (N = 34 subjects), along with an open-label trial evaluating tazarotene's efficacy for chemotherapy of BCC lesions (N = 36 subjects) for a maximum follow-up period of 3 years. We found that only 6% of patients had a chemopreventive response and that only 6% of treated BCC target lesions were clinically cured. Our studies provide no evidence for either chemopreventive or chemotherapeutic effect of tazarotene against BCCs in patients with BCNS.
Induction of labour versus expectant monitoring for gestational hypertension or mild pre-eclampsia after 36 weeks' gestation (HYPITAT): a multicentre, open-label randomised controlled trial

Robust evidence to direct management of pregnant women with mild hypertensive disease at term is scarce. We investigated whether induction of labour in women with a singleton pregnancy complicated by gestational hypertension or mild pre-eclampsia reduces severe maternal morbidity.



We undertook a multicentre, parallel, open-label randomised controlled trial in six academic and 32 non-academic hospitals in the Netherlands between October, 2005, and March, 2008. We enrolled patients with a singleton pregnancy at 36-41 weeks' gestation, and who had gestational hypertension or mild pre-eclampsia. Participants were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio by block randomisation with a web-based application system to receive either induction of labour or expectant monitoring. Masking of intervention allocation was not possible. The primary outcome was a composite measure of poor maternal outcome--maternal mortality, maternal morbidity (eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, pulmonary oedema, thromboembolic disease, and placental abruption), progression to severe hypertension or proteinuria, and major post-partum haemorrhage (>1000 mL blood loss). Analysis was by intention to treat and treatment effect is presented as relative risk. 
756 patients were allocated to receive induction of labour (n=377 patients) or expectant monitoring (n=379). 397 patients refused randomisation but authorised use of their medical records. Of women who were randomised, 117 (31%) allocated to induction of labour developed poor maternal outcome compared with 166 (44%) allocated to expectant monitoring (relative risk 0.71, 95% CI 0.59-0.86, p<0.0001). No cases of maternal or neonatal death or eclampsia were recorded.



Induction of labour is associated with improved maternal outcome and should be advised for women with mild hypertensive disease beyond 37 weeks' gestation.



ZonMw.
Acute and chronic effects of flavanol-rich cocoa on vascular function in subjects with coronary artery disease: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study.

Evidence suggests that flavonoid-containing diets reduce cardiovascular risk, but the mechanisms responsible are unclear. In the present study, we sought to determine the effect of flavanol-rich cocoa on vascular function in individuals with CAD (coronary artery disease). Forty subjects (61+/-8 years; 30 male) with CAD were recruited to a 6-week randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Subjects consumed either a flavanol-rich chocolate bar and cocoa beverage daily (total flavanols, 444 mg/day) or matching isocaloric placebos daily (total flavanols, 19.6 mg/day) for 6 weeks. Brachial artery FMD (flow-mediated dilation) and SAC (systemic arterial compliance) were assessed at baseline, 90 min following the first beverage and after 3 and 6 weeks of daily consumption. Soluble cellular adhesion molecules and FBF (forearm blood flow) responses to ACh (acetylcholine chloride; 3-30 microg/min) and SNP (sodium nitroprusside; 0.3-3 microg/min) infusions, forearm ischaemia and isotonic forearm exercise were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks. FMD, SAC and FBF responses did not differ between groups at baseline. No acute or chronic changes in FMD or SAC were seen in either group. No difference in soluble cellular adhesion molecules, FBF responses to ischaemia, exercise, SNP or ACh was seen in the group receiving flavanol-rich cocoa between baseline and 6 weeks. These data suggest that over a 6-week period, flavanol-rich cocoa does not modify vascular function in patients with established CAD.
Efficacy of losartan and carvedilol on central hemodynamics in hypertensives: a prospective, randomized, open, blinded end point, multicenter study

Renin–angiotensin system (RAS) blockers have shown clinical outcomes superior to those of the beta (β)-blocker atenolol, despite similar reductions in the peripheral blood pressure (BP), perhaps because of different impacts on central hemodynamics. However, few comparative studies of RAS blockers and newer vasodilating β-blockers have been performed. We compared the central hemodynamic effects of losartan and carvedilol in a prospective, randomized, open, blinded end point study. Of the 201 hypertensive patients enrolled, 182 (49.6±9.9 years, losartan group=88 and carvedilol group=94) were analyzed. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), aortic augmentation index (AIx), AIx corrected for a heart rate (HR) of 75 beats per minute (AIx@HR75) and central BP were measured noninvasively at baseline and after a 24-week treatment regimen with losartan or carvedilol. After 24 weeks, there were no between-group differences in the brachial BP, cfPWV, AIx@HR75 or central BP changes, except for a more favorable AIx effect with losartan. The changes in all measured metabolic and inflammatory parameters were also not significantly different between the two groups, except for uric acid. Losartan and carvedilol showed generally comparable effects on central hemodynamic indices, metabolic profile, inflammatory parameters and peripheral arterial pressure with a 24-week treatment.
The Clinical Value of Preoperative Wire Localization of Breast Lesions by Magnetic Resonance Imaging – A Multicenter Study

To evaluate the clinical value of MRI guided preoperative wire localization of clinically and mammographically occult lesions of the breast. In a multicenter study, we evaluated 132 preoperative MRI guided localizations. Median lesion size evaluated by MRI prior to wire localization was 9 2–30 mm. MRI guided localization was successfully performed in 96.2% of cases. Median wire deviation from the lesion was 0 (0–10) mm. Moderate bleeding with no further treatment required occurred in three patients. We conclude that MRI guided preoperative wire localization is a safe and accurate procedure in cases of clinically and mammographically occult lesions of the breast.
Telaprevir alone or with peginterferon and ribavirin reduces HCV RNA in patients with chronic genotype 2 but not genotype 3 infections.

We evaluated antiviral activity of 2 weeks therapy with telaprevir alone, peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin (PR), or all 3 drugs (TPR) in treatment-naïve patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2 or 3 infections.



We performed a randomized, multicenter, partially blinded study of patients (23 with HCV genotype 2, 26 with genotype 3) who received telaprevir (750 mg every 8 h), placebo plus PR (peginterferon, 180 μg, once weekly and ribavirin, 400 mg, twice daily), or TPR for 15 days, followed by PR for 22 or 24 weeks. Plasma levels of HCV RNA were quantified.



Levels of HCV RNA decreased in all patients with HCV genotype 2, including those who received telaprevir monotherapy. The decrease was more rapid among patients who received telaprevir. By day 15, 0% (telaprevir), 40% (TPR), and 22% (PR) of patients with HCV genotype 2 had undetectable levels of HCV RNA; rates of sustained virologic response were 56%, 100%, and 89%, respectively. Overall, 6 of 9 HCV genotype 2 patients that received only telaprevir had viral breakthrough within 15 days after an initial response. HCV RNA levels decreased slightly among patients with HCV genotype 3 who received telaprevir and decreased rapidly among patients given PR or TPR (telaprevir had no synergistic effects with PR). Sustained virologic response rates were 50%, 67%, and 44% among patients given telaprevir, TPR, or PR respectively; 7 patients with HCV genotype 3 relapsed after therapy (2 given telaprevir, 3 given TPR, and 2 given PR) and 3 patients with HCV genotype 3 had viral breakthrough during telaprevir monotherapy. The incidence of adverse events was similar among groups.



Telaprevir monotherapy for 2 weeks reduces levels of HCV RNA in patients with chronic HCV genotype 2 infections, but has limited activity in patients with HCV genotype 3.