nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
N-Acetyltransferase 2 Genotype-Related Efficacy of Sulfasalazine in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

For the individual optimization of drug therapy with sulfasalazine (SASP), we studied the influence of the N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) genotype on the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and incidence of adverse reactions of SASP in patients.  Ninety-six rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients were treated or had been treated with 0.5 and/or 1.0 g/day of SASP. The wild-type allele (NAT2*4) and three variant alleles (NAT2*5B, *6A, and *7B) of NAT2 were determined by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Plasma concentrations of SASP and its two metabolites, sulfapyridine (SP) and N-acetylsulfapyridine (AcSP), were estimated by HPLC. Therapeutic efficacy and incidence of adverse reactions were also monitored as recommended by the American College of Rheumatology.  Patients were classified into three groups by NAT2 genotyping: Rapid Type (homozygote for NAT2*4), Intermediate Type (heterozygote for NAT2*4 and variant alleles), and Slow Type (homozygote for variant alleles). There was no clear difference in the genotype frequencies between RA patients and healthy subjects. NAT2 genotypes significantly affected both the plasma concentration ratios of SP to AcSP (SP/AcSP) and the efficacy of SASP (p < 0.05). Adverse reactions to SASP were found in 26 (27.1%) out of 96 patients, and there was no difference among the three genotype groups.  NAT2 gene polymorphism is related to the plasma SP/AcSP ratio and the efficacy of SASP.
Age-Related Decline of Precision and Binding in Visual Working Memory

Working memory declines with normal aging, but the nature of this impairment is debated. Studies based on detecting changes to arrays of visual objects have identified two possible components to age-related decline: a reduction in the number of items that can be stored, or a deficit in maintaining the associations (bindings) between individual object features. However, some investigations have reported intact binding with aging, and specific deficits arising only in Alzheimer's disease. Here, using a recently developed continuous measure of recall fidelity, we tested the precision with which adults of different ages could reproduce from memory the orientation and color of a probed array item. The results reveal a further component of cognitive decline: an age-related decrease in the resolution with which visual information can be maintained in working memory. This increase in recall variability with age was strongest under conditions of greater memory load. Moreover, analysis of the distribution of errors revealed that older participants were more likely to incorrectly report one of the unprobed items in memory, consistent with an age-related increase in misbinding. These results indicate a systematic decline with age in working memory resources that can be recruited to store visual information. The paradigm presented here provides a sensitive index of both memory resolution and feature binding, with the potential for assessing their modulation by interventions. The findings have implications for understanding the mechanisms underpinning working memory deficits in both health and disease.
Hexaminolevulinate-guided transurethral resection of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer does not reduce the recurrence rates after a 2-year follow-up: a prospective randomized trial

To assess the impact of hexaminolevulinate (HAL) on the long-term recurrence rate of NMIBC. A total of 130 patients with bladder tumour were randomized into two groups. The patients in one group had a HAL instillation before surgery, and they first had a white-light and after that a blue-light cystoscopy (BL group) and resection. The second group had only white-light cystoscopy (WL group) and resection. They have been followed up with cystoscopy every 3 months for a period of up to 40 months. The recurrence-free period was not significantly different between the two groups (BL and WL groups) (long-rank test p = 0.202). The use of HAL helped detect four flat lesions and 28 papillary lesions with cancer that would have been missed under WL only, on 16 out of the 54 patients (29.6 % CI 95 % 11.1–33.3). The use of HAL changed the proposed postoperative treatment and follow-up for one out of the five patients. Although the use of HAL cystoscopy identified at least one cancer lesion more than WL cystoscopy on one out of the three patients, the recurrence-free period was not significantly different.
Single centre open study to compare patient recording of PRN salbutamol use on a daily diary card with actual use as recorded by the MDI compliance monitor.

The aim of this study was to assess the patients' use of inhaled short acting bronchodilators as rescue therapy during a 4-week study period. In this study an electronic metered-dose inhaler compliance monitor (MDI-CM) was used to measure the time and date of actuations of the device and this information was then compared with the patients' self reporting diary card (DC). Salbutamol canisters were used in the compliance monitor. The study was approved by the local ethics committee, and written informed consent was obtained from all patients. Patients aged 18 years and over who were either receiving, or in the investigators opinion required, inhaled salbutamol on a PRN basis were enrolled for a 4-week monitoring phase during which all rescue salbutamol used was obtained from the MDI-CM. Patients were recording their use of salbutamol in the DC each morning and evening. There was a 2-week follow-up period following completion of the monitoring phase or withdrawal from the study. Forty-four patients were enrolled and 35 patients completed the study. The mean age (range) was 43 (20-76) years and mean FEV1 2.32 (0.7-4.0) 1, with male:female ratio of 19:25. Comparison of MDI-CM and DC recordings showed patients fell into three categories: (1) patients who used rescue salbutamol appropriately and whose MDI-CM and DC recordings matched closely; (2) patients who used rescue salbutamol for acute relief but whose MDI-CM and DC recordings did not correlate and (3) patients whose use of rescue salbutamol was inappropriate or erratic according to the MDI-CM but whose DC indicated good compliance. This category of patients include those who 'dumped' all their salbutamol before attending clinic appointments. There was no significant difference in the demographic details or the severity of disease in the three groups. Recorded use of 'rescue' bronchodilator is frequently used as an indicator of efficacy for new anti-asthma therapies. This study comparing electronic data monitoring and remembered rescue salbutamol highlights the potential errors that can occur without accurate recording systems.
FLUCTUATING JAUNDICE IN THE ADENOCARCINOMA OF THE AMPULLA OF VATER: a classic sign or an exception?

Some authors consider the fluctuating jaundice as a classic sign of the adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater.



Assessing the frequency of fluctuating jaundice in their forms of its depiction in the patients with adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater.



Observational and retrospective study, conducted through analyses of medical records from patients subjected to pancreatic cephalic resections between February 2008 and July 2013. The pathological examination of the surgical specimen was positive to adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater. Concepts and differences on clinical and laboratory fluctuating jaundice were standardized. It was subdivided into type A and type B laboratory fluctuating jaundice.



Twenty patients were selected. One of them always remained anicteric, 11 patients developed progressive jaundice, 2 of them developed clinical and laboratory fluctuating jaundice, 5 presented only laboratory fluctuating jaundice and one did not present significant variations on total serum bilirubin levels. Among the seven patients with fluctuating jaundice, two were classified as type A, one as type B and four were not classified due to lack information. Finally, progressive jaundice was the prevailing presentation form in these patients (11 cases).



This series of cases suggested that clinical fluctuating jaundice is a uncommon signal in adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater.
Diabetes care and the new GMS contract: the evidence for a whole county.

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) of the new GP contract on diabetes care in Shropshire, which has a total population of approximately 460 000. The mean percentage of patients achieving each of the quality indicators in each practice in Shropshire, before and after the implementation of the QOF was calculated. All 16 867 patients with diabetes from all 66 Shropshire practices were included. There were significant improvements in the percentage of patients achieving targets for all quality indicators between April 2004 to March 2006 (P<0.001).
Evaluation of therapeutic riding (Sweden)/hippotherapy (United States). A single-subject experimental design study replicated in eleven patients with multiple sclerosis.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether therapeutic riding (TR, Sweden) hippotherapy (HT, United States) may affect balance, gait, spasticity, functional strength, coordination, pain, self-rated level of muscle tension (SRLMT), activities of daily living (ADL), and health-related quality of life. Eleven patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) were studied in a single-subject experimental design iSSED) study, type A-B-A. The intervention comprised ten weekly TR/HT sessions of 30 minutes each. The subjects were measured a maximum of 13 times. Physical tests were: the Berg balance scale, talking a figure of eight, the timed up and go test, 10 m walking, the modified Ashworth scale, the Index of Muscle Function, the Birgitta Lindmark motor assessment, part B, and individual measurements. Self-rated measures were. the Visual Analog Scale for pain, a scale for SRLMT, the Patient-Specific Functional Scale for ADL, and the SF-36. Data were analyzed visually, semi-statistically and considering clinical significance. Results showed improvement for ten subjects in one or more of the variables, particularly balance, and some improvements were also seen in pain, muscle tension, and ADL. Changes in SF-36 were mostly positive, with an improvement in Role-Emotional seen in eight patients. Conclusively, balance and Role-Emotional were the variables most often improved, but TR/HT appeared to benefit the subjects differently.
Improved survival with vemurafenib in melanoma with BRAF V600E mutation.

Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials of the BRAF kinase inhibitor vemurafenib (PLX4032) have shown response rates of more than 50% in patients with metastatic melanoma with the BRAF V600E mutation.



We conducted a phase 3 randomized clinical trial comparing vemurafenib with dacarbazine in 675 patients with previously untreated, metastatic melanoma with the BRAF V600E mutation. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either vemurafenib (960 mg orally twice daily) or dacarbazine (1000 mg per square meter of body-surface area intravenously every 3 weeks). Coprimary end points were rates of overall and progression-free survival. Secondary end points included the response rate, response duration, and safety. A final analysis was planned after 196 deaths and an interim analysis after 98 deaths.



At 6 months, overall survival was 84% (95% confidence interval [CI], 78 to 89) in the vemurafenib group and 64% (95% CI, 56 to 73) in the dacarbazine group. In the interim analysis for overall survival and final analysis for progression-free survival, vemurafenib was associated with a relative reduction of 63% in the risk of death and of 74% in the risk of either death or disease progression, as compared with dacarbazine (P<0.001 for both comparisons). After review of the interim analysis by an independent data and safety monitoring board, crossover from dacarbazine to vemurafenib was recommended. Response rates were 48% for vemurafenib and 5% for dacarbazine. Common adverse events associated with vemurafenib were arthralgia, rash, fatigue, alopecia, keratoacanthoma or squamous-cell carcinoma, photosensitivity, nausea, and diarrhea; 38% of patients required dose modification because of toxic effects.



Vemurafenib produced improved rates of overall and progression-free survival in patients with previously untreated melanoma with the BRAF V600E mutation. (Funded by Hoffmann-La Roche; BRIM-3 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01006980.).
Risk factors of falls among elderly living in Urban Suez - Egypt

Falling is one of the most common geriatric syndromes threatening the independence of older persons. Falls result from a complex and interactive mix of biological or medical, behavioral and environmental factors, many of which are preventable. Studying these diverse risk factors would aid early detection and management of them at the primary care level.



This is a cross sectional study about risk factors of falls was conducted to 340 elders in Urban Suez. Those are all patients over 60 who attended two family practice centers in Urban Suez.



When asked about falling during the past 12 months, 205 elders recalled at least one incident of falling. Of them, 36% had their falls outdoors and 24% mentioned that stairs was the most prevalent site for indoor falls. Falls were also reported more among dependant than independent elderly. Using univariate regression analysis, almost all tested risk factors were significantly associated with falls in the studied population. These risk factors include: living alone, having chronic diseases, using medications, having a physical deficit, being in active, and having a high nutritional risk. However, the multivariate regression analysis proved that the strongest risk factors are low level of physical activity with OR 0.6 and P value 0.03, using a cane or walker (OR 1.69 and P value 0.001) and Impairment of daily living activities (OR 1.7 and P value 0.001).



Although falls is a serious problem among elderly with many consequences, it has many preventable risk factors. Health care providers should advice people to remain active and more research is needed in such an important area of Family Practice.
Effectiveness and Safety of Generic Fixed-Dose Combination of Tenofovir/Emtricitabine/Efavirenz in HIV-1-Infected Patients in Western India

To assess effectiveness and safety of a generic fixed-dose combination of tenofovir (TDF)/emtricitabine (FTC)/efavirenz (EFV) among HIV-1-infected patients in Western India.



Antiretroviral (ARV)-naive and experienced (thymidine analog nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor [tNRTI] replaced by TDF) patients were started on a regimen of 1 TDF/FTC/EFV pill once a day. They were followed clinically on a periodic basis, and viral loads and CD4 counts were measured at 6 and 12 months. Creatinine clearance was calculated at baseline and at 6 months and/or as clinically indicated. Effectiveness was defined as not having to discontinue the regimen due to failure or toxicity.



One hundred forty-one patients who started TDF/FTC/EFV before 1 June 2007 were eligible. Of these, 130 (92.2%) and 44 (31.2%) had 6- and 12-months follow-up, respectively. Thirty-five percent of the patients were ARV-naive. Eleven patients discontinued treatment (4 for virologic failure, 1 for grade 3-4 central nervous system disturbances, 4 for grade 3-4 renal toxicity, and 2 for cost). Ninety-six percent of patients were virologically suppressed at 6 months. Frequency of TDF-associated grade 3-4 renal toxicity was 2.8%; however, 3 of these patients had comorbid conditions associated with renal dysfunction.



A fixed-dose combination of generic TDF/FTC/EFV is effective in ARV-naive and experienced patients. Although frequency of severe renal toxicity was higher than has been reported in the literature, it was safe in patients with no comorbid renal conditions.
The validity of physical therapy assessment of low back pain via telerehabilitation in a clinical setting.

Back pain is a common and disabling condition for people in rural and remote areas. In these areas, access to rehabilitation services is limited by service availability. Telerehabilitation is suggested as a solution for providing physical therapy services; however, the validity of clinical assessment is largely unproven. The aim of this study was to establish the validity of clinically pragmatic remote assessment of spinal posture, active movements of the lumbar spine, and the passive straight leg raise (SLR) test.



Face-to-face physical therapist assessment was compared with telerehabilitation assessment of spinal posture, active movements of the lumbar spine, and the SLR test. Twenty-six participants recruited from a rural population with current or recent low back pain (LBP) were assessed by a face-to-face physical therapist and a remote physical therapist. Pain, disability, and clinical measurements were assessed. Outcomes were compared to establish agreement.



High levels of agreement were found with detecting pain with specific lumbar movements, eliciting symptoms, and sensitizing the SLR test. Moderate agreement occurred with identifying the worst lumbar spine movement direction, SLR range of motion, and active lumbar spine range of motion. Poor agreement occurred with postural analysis and identifying reasons for limitations to lumbar movements.



Conducted in a rural clinical setting, this study validates elements of the physical assessment of the lumbar spine and identifies technical and clinical issues to be addressed by future research. Important components of the standard musculoskeletal assessment of LBP are valid via telerehabilitation in a clinical setting.
Patient-reported outcomes one year after primary hip replacement in a European Collaborative Cohort.

To identify whether patients have symptomatic improvement 12 months following total hip replacement (THR) surgery.



The European Collaborative Database of Cost and Practice Patterns of Total Hip Replacement study consists of 1,327 patients receiving primary THR for osteoarthritis (OA) across 20 European orthopedic centers. The primary outcome was the difference in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA Index (WOMAC) score between preoperative and 12-month postoperative measurements. To classify whether patients responded to THR at 12 months, we used return to normal, Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials (OMERACT)-OA Research Society International (OARSI) criteria, minimum important difference (MID), and minimum clinically important difference. Exposures were age, sex, obesity, employment, educational attainment, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, and radiographs.



On average, there was a large improvement in WOMAC scores 12 months after surgery, but whereas some patients improved, others got worse. The OMERACT-OARSI method classified 85.7% of patients as responders, MID 70.1%, and return to normal 64.1%. In general, each approach classified the same groups of patients as responding to THR. Based on total WOMAC score, patients who were younger, morbidly obese, employed, and better educated were more likely to respond to THR, but the effects were attenuated after adjustment for confounding, with only the effect of education remaining important.



The overall average response to THR was good, but approximately 14-36% of patients did not improve, or were worse, 12 months postsurgery. Although the OMERACT-OARSI criteria were originally designed for use in clinical drug trials, they performed well in classifying patient response 12 months post-THR. Further research is required to understand the determinants of patient outcomes following THR.
A phase II study of menogaril (NSC-269148) in colorectal carcinoma

In this phase II trial, menogaril was administered to patients with metastatic colon cancer at a dose of 200 mg/m2 IV over one hour with cycles repeated every 28 days provided the absolute granulocyte count was ≥ 2000 cells/μl. Dose adjustments up or down were made depending upon nadir counts. Twenty-four patients were entered on this study with 21 eligible and evaluable for response. There was 1 CR lasting four and one-half months and 1 PR lasting three months for an overall CR \s&#x002B; PR rate of 10% with a 95% confidence interval of 1% to 30%. Six patients (29%) had stable disease and 13 (62%) progressed. Median survival is 13.1 months. Toxicity was primarily hematologic with two cases of life-threatening leukopenia (< 1000 cells/μl) and one case of life-threatening granulocytopenia (< 250 cells/μl) among the 21 eligible patients, and one case of life-threatening leukopenia and granulocytopenia in one ineligible patient. There were no deaths due to treatment.
Impact of hand-carried cardiac ultrasound on diagnosis and management during cardiac consultation rounds.

To evaluate the impact of hand-carried cardiac ultrasound (HCU) on the diagnosis and management of patients during cardiac consultation rounds.



One hundred and fifty patients hospitalized in non-cardiac units were included after the consulting cardiologist felt that an echocardiographic examination was indicated as part of his work-up. They were randomly allocated to echocardiography with an HCU device (SonoHeart, SonoSite, Inc.) (75 patients) or with a full-featured standard echo (FE) system (75 patients). The consulting cardiologist noted whether a definitive diagnosis was made or further study was necessary. Diagnosis and change in management were noted. In the HCU patient group there were 103 clinical questions. Seventy-two percent of the referral questions required no comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation. For questions of left ventricular function, valve abnormalities and pericardial effusion this was 98%. In 48% there was an immediate change in clinical management. In the FE patient group there were 94 clinical questions. In 32% the FE examination led to change in clinical management.



HCU echocardiography provides clinically worthwhile assessment of left ventricular function, valve abnormalities and pericardial effusion in 98% of the cases. A direct assessment of cardiac function and anatomy at the bedside by an experienced cardiologist results in a significant immediate change in clinical management during consultation.
Treatment of diabetes mellitus with Coccinia indica.

In alpha-chain disease a number of apparent cures have been obtained with cytotoxic drugs or tetracycline either alone or in combination with prednisolone.' Early diagnosis, at a stage when secreted free alpha chains may not be easily detectable, is therefore important. We have found that a sensitive immunofluorescence test of biopsy specimens can analyse individual plasma cells simultaneously for alpha chain and light chain production. This technique should contribute to early diagnosis.