nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
A randomized comparison of print and web communication on colorectal cancer screening.

New methods to enhance colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates are needed. The web offers novel possibilities to educate patients and to improve health behaviors, such as cancer screening. Evidence supports the efficacy of health communications that are targeted and tailored to improve the uptake of recommendations.



We identified unscreened women at average risk for CRC from the scheduling databases of obstetrics and gynecology practices in 2 large health care systems. Participants consented to a randomized controlled trial that compared CRC screening uptake after receipt of CRC screening information delivered via the web or in print form. Participants could also be assigned to a control (usual care) group. Women in the interventional arms received tailored information in a high- or low-monitoring Cognitive Social Information Processing model-defined attentional style. The primary outcome was CRC screening participation at 4 months.



A total of 904 women were randomized to the interventional or control group. At 4 months, CRC screening uptake was not significantly different in the web (12.2%), print (12.0%), or control (12.9%) group. Attentional style had no effect on screening uptake for any group. Some baseline participant factors were associated with greater screening, including higher income (P = .03), stage of change (P < .001), and physician recommendation to screen (P < .001).



A web-based educational intervention was no more effective than a print-based one or control (no educational intervention) in increasing CRC screening rates in women at average risk of CRC. Risk messages tailored to attentional style had no effect on screening uptake. In average-risk populations, use of the Internet for health communication without additional enhancement is unlikely to improve screening participation.
Testosterone does not adversely affect fibrinogen or tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels in 46 men with chronic stable angina.

In women, sex hormones cause increased morbidity and mortality in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and adversely affect the coagulation profile. We have studied the effect of physiological testosterone replacement therapy in men on coagulation factor expression, to determine if there is an increased risk of thrombosis.



Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of testosterone in 46 men with chronic stable angina. Measurements of free, total and bioavailable testosterone, luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), fibrinogen, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and full blood count were made at 0, 6 and 14 weeks.



Bioavailable testosterone levels were: 2.58 +/- 0.58 nmol/l at baseline, compared with 3.35 +/- 0.31 nmol/l at week 14 (P < 0.001) after treatment compared with 2.6 +/- 0.18 nmol/l and 2.44 +/- 0.18 nmol/l in the placebo group (P was not significant). There was no change in fibrinogen (3.03 +/- 0.18 g/l at baseline and 3.02 +/- 0.18 g/l at week 14, P = 0.24), tPA activity (26.77 +/- 4.9 Iu/ml and 25.67 +/- 4.4 Iu/ml, P = 0.88) or PAI-1 activity (0.49 +/- 0.85 Iu/ml and 0.36 +/- 0.06 Iu/ml, P = 0.16) with active treatment and no differences between the groups (at week 14, P value 0.98, 0.59 and 0.8 for fibrinogen, PAI-1 and tPA respectively). Haemoglobin concentration did not change over time, in the testosterone group (1.44 +/- 0.02 g/l and 1.45 +/- 0.02 g/l, P = 0.22).



Physiological testosterone replacement does not adversely affect blood coagulation status.
[Validity and reliability of a clinical performance examination using standardized patients].

The purpose of this study was to test the validity of a modified clinical performance examination (CPX) for preclinical students in nursing.



70 nursing students in their second semester of the junior year at C University participated in CPX. Scenarios and checklists were developed by our research team from September to October 2005. Six stations were organized. Evaluation included physical examination of a patient with lung cancer, education on usage of a metered dosage inhaler, and lobectomy postoperative care. Students were randomly assigned to a station.



There was a difference in the CPX scores according to stations. The agreement of scoring between trained faculty members and SPs was more than moderate (r=.647). The correlation between the CPX score and the average grade in the previous semester and between the CPX score and the average grade of a paper and pen test of the pulmonary system of adults was low (r=.276; r=.048).



Traditional CPX is generally recommended, however, modified CPX is appropriate for preclinical students in the current Korean Nursing school setting if there are additional scoring systems to balance the testing level at each station.
Effect of priming with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor on the outcome of chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia.

Sensitization of leukemic cells with hematopoietic growth factors may enhance the cytotoxicity of chemotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).



In a multicenter randomized trial, we assigned patients (age range, 18 to 60 years) with newly diagnosed AML to receive cytarabine plus idarubicin (cycle 1) and cytarabine plus amsacrin (cycle 2) with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) (321 patients) or without G-CSF (319). G-CSF was given concurrently with chemotherapy only. Idarubicin and amsacrin were given at the end of a cycle to allow the cell-cycle-dependent cytotoxicity of cytarabine in the context of G-CSF to have a greater effect. The effect of G-CSF on disease-free survival was assessed in all patients and in cytogenetically distinct prognostic subgroups.



After induction chemotherapy, the rates of response were not significantly different in the two groups. After a median follow-up of 55 months, patients in complete remission after induction chemotherapy plus G-CSF had a higher rate of disease-free survival than patients who did not receive G-CSF (42 percent vs. 33 percent at four years, P=0.02), owing to a reduced probability of relapse (relative risk, 0.77; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.61 to 0.99; P=0.04). G-CSF did not significantly improve overall survival (P=0.16). Although G-CSF did not improve the outcome in the subgroup with an unfavorable prognosis, the 72 percent of patients with standard-risk AML benefited from G-CSF therapy (overall survival at four years, 45 percent, as compared with 35 percent in the group that did not receive G-CSF [relative risk of death, 0.75; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.59 to 0.95; P=0.02]; disease-free survival, 45 percent vs. 33 percent [relative risk, 0.70]; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.55 to 0.90; P=0.006).



Sensitization of leukemic cells with growth factors is a clinically applicable means of enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy in patients with AML.
Computer game-based upper extremity training in the home environment in stroke persons: a single subject design

The objective of the present study was to assess whether computer game-based training in the home setting in the late phase after stroke could improve upper extremity motor function. Twelve subjects with prior stroke were recruited; 11 completed the study. The study had a single subject design; there was a baseline test (A1), a during intervention test (B) once a week, a post-test (A2) measured directly after the treatment phase, plus a follow-up (C) 16–18 weeks after the treatment phase. Information on motor function (Fugl-Meyer), grip force (GrippitR) and arm function in activity (ARAT, ABILHAND) was gathered at A1, A2 and C. During B, only Fugl-Meyer and ARAT were measured. The intervention comprised five weeks of game-based computer training in the home environment. All games were designed to be controlled by either the affected arm alone or by both arms. Conventional formulae were used to calculate the mean, median and standard deviations. Wilcoxon’s signed rank test was used for tests of dependent samples. Continuous data were analyzed by methods for repeated measures and ordinal data were analyzed by methods for ordered multinomial data using cumulative logistic models. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Six females and five males, participated in the study with an average age of 58 years (range 26–66). FMA-UE A-D (motor function), ARAT, the maximal grip force and the mean grip force on the affected side show significant improvements at post-test and follow-up compared to baseline. No significant correlation was found between the amount of game time and changes in the outcomes investigated in this study. The results indicate that computer game-based training could be a promising approach to improve upper extremity function in the late phase after stroke, since in this study, changes were achieved in motor function and activity capacity.
Interpreting SF-12 mental component score: an investigation of its convergent validity with CESD-10

To examine the convergent validity of Mental Component Scale of the Short-Form 12 (SF-12 MCS) with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10). The CESD-10 is a screening tool for probably clinically significant depression in the Chinese population. Data were obtained from a household survey carried out in Hong Kong. A two-stage stratified sampling method successfully interviewed 1795 adult subjects from 1239 households. Data on SF-12 MCS and the CESD-10 were extracted. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analyses were performed to examine the convergent validity of SF-12 MCS against the CESD-10 threshold for probably clinically significant depression for the younger to middle-aged, late middle-aged and older population cohorts. ROC analysis indicated the excellent convergent validity of SF-12 MCS with the CESD-10 threshold for identifying probably clinically significant depression, with the area under curve ranged from 0.81 to 0.85. The optimal cutoff scores for depression among the younger to middle age group, late middle age group and older age group were 48.1, 50.2 and 50.2, respectively, with sensitivities ranged from 77 to 83 % and specificities ranged from 73 to 78 %. Bootstrapping estimates of the mean difference indicated no significant difference in the optimal cutoff scores between these age cohorts. SF-12 is a widely adopted measure to capture the health profile of Chinese population. The study findings indicated the satisfactory performance of the SF-12 MCS in identifying probably clinical depression. Future study is warrant to examine the diagnostic validity of the SF-12 MCS by using gold standard to assess clinical depression.
Core needle biopsy of thyroid nodules - evaluation of diagnostic utility and pain experience.

A crucial problem in the non-operative diagnosis of thyroid nodules is the significant amount of non-diagnostic biopsies. This is a challenge for practicing endocrinologists especially when the results of the repeated biopsies remain non-diagnostic. The lack of a concrete preoperative diagnosis may result in unnecessary thyroidectomies in patients. Alternatively, it may also lead to the delayed diagnosis of cancer. One method of biopsy specimen acquisition that could potentially increase the diagnostic accuracy of thyroid biopsies is the application of core-needles. The aim of the study was to compare the diagnostic value and patient tolerability of core-needle aspiration biopsies (CNAB) with fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB).



The study included patients with thyroid nodular goiter in whom previous conventional FNAB yielded non-diagnostic results. CNABs were performed using 22G core-needles. The control group consisted of patients undergoing conventional FNAB with 25G fine-needles. Pain during core-needle biopsies of thyroid nodules was assessed using the 10-point visual analog scale.



There were a total of 30 lesions in 26 patients undergoing CNAB (22 women, 4 men, mean age 48.3) and a total of 59 lesions in 40 patients undergoing FNAB (34 women, 6 men, mean age 57.3). 56.6% of CNABs and 50.8% of FNABs were diagnostic (p=0.60). When assessing pain via the visual analog scale, the median score for biopsies performed with core-needles was four. 60.0% of patients considered the pain of core-needle aspiration biopsies to be similar to the pain experienced during the previous conventional fine-needle aspiration biopsies, while 40% of patients claimed that the pain was more intense.



CNAB did not prove to be superior to FNAB. Despite the larger needle gauge used during core-needle biopsies, the patients' tolerability was comparable to conventional fine-needle biopsies.
Once daily versus every two week multidose ofloxacin in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic respiratory disease

Two different oral ofloxacin regimens, daily single-dose treatment with 200 mg (Regimen I) and every two week multidose treatment with 3×200 mg/day (Regimen II), were compared to evaluate the efficacy of quinolone regimens in controlling acute exacerbations of chronic respiratory tract infections. Fifty-one patients were evaluated in the study: 28 in Regimen I and 23 in Regimen II. The corrected mean incidence of exacerbation per case during the six months before and during the study was reduced from 2.45 to 0.48 in Regimen I, and from 2.79 to 1.0 in Regimen II. The development of resistant strains was not found to be a problem. We conclude that the long-term administration of new quinolones, especially the daily single-dose regimen with 200 mg of ofloxacin, is useful in controlling acute exacerbations of chronic respiratory tract infections. Zur Kontrolle akuter Exazerbationen chronischer Atemwegserkrankungen wurde Ofloxacin in zwei verschiedenen Therapieprotokollen eingesetzt; dabei wurden entweder täglich 200 mg als Einmaldosis oder alle zwei Wochen dreimal täglich 200 mg oral verabreicht. Von den 51 auswertbaren Patienten erhielten 28 das erstgenannte Protokoll I, 23 Protokoll II. In einer Beobachtungszeit von sechs Monaten vor der Studie hatte im Vergleich zur Studienphase bei Patienten der Gruppe I die Inzidenz der Exazerbationen im Mittel von 2,45 auf 0,48 und in Gruppe II von 2,79 auf 1 abgenommen. Probleme durch Resistenzentwicklung traten nicht auf. Unserer Ansicht nach ist die Langzeitanwendung neuer Chinolone, vor allem bei täglicher Einnahme von 200 mg, eine wirksame Methode zur Prävention akuter Exazerbationen chronischer Atemwegsinfektionen.
Autologous transplantation in poor risk Hodgkin's disease using high dose melphalan/etoposide conditioning with non-cryopreserved marrow rescue. The Newcastle and Northern Region Lymphoma Group.

This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of using high dose melphalan and etoposide followed by autologous, non-cryopreserved marrow rescue in advanced Hodgkin's disease (HD). Seventeen patients with poor risk Hodgkin's disease from a single centre underwent autologous bone marrow transplant (ABMT) using high dose melphalan and etopside conditioning. Two patients had primary progressive resistant disease (PD), two were in fourth relapse, six in second or third complete remission (CR), one patient had good partial response (GPR) (> 75% reduction in initial bulk) to primary therapy and six were in first complete remission. The patients transplanted in first CR all has a Scotland and Newcastle Lymphoma Group (SNLG) Prognostic Index (Proctor et al., 1991) which indicated they were in a poor risk prognostic group. Melphalan and etoposide both have a short half life enabling ABMT to be accomplished using unmanipulated marrow stored at 4 degrees C. The marrow was returned to the patient within 56 h of harvest. Complete haematological reconstitution occurred in 16/17 patients, the rate of engraftment reflecting the amount of previous chemotherapy. One patient died of progressive Hodgkin's disease before full engraftment could occur. In patients autografted in first remission, the median number of days with neutropenia (< 0.5 x 10(9) l-1 neutrophils) was 19 (range 9-33) and, in those in subsequent remission, 27 days (range 18-36). The median number of days to 50 x 10(9) l-1 platelets in the same groups were 29 (21-80) and 50 (41-74) respectively. The number of days in hospital post transplant in both groups was similar; median 22 (15-27) and 23 (17-37) respectively. There were no procedural deaths and none of the patients transplanted in first, second or third CR have relapsed (median follow up 21 months). The two patients transplanted with progressive disease showed only temporary responses. The two patients transplanted in fourth relapse went into CR; one is still alive and in CR 15 months post transplant, but the other relapsed 18 months post transplant. This form of intensification therapy with marrow rescue has been shown to be effective and of low toxicity and now forms part of a randomised controlled trial in poor risk Hodgkin's patients as identified by the SNLG index (Proctor et al., 1992).
A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Effects of Counseling and Alarm Device on HAART Adherence and Virologic Outcomes

Behavioral interventions that promote adherence to antiretroviral medications may decrease HIV treatment failure. Antiretroviral treatment programs in sub-Saharan Africa confront increasing financial constraints to provide comprehensive HIV care, which include adherence interventions. This study compared the impact of counseling and use of an alarm device on adherence and biological outcomes in a resource-limited setting.



A randomized controlled, factorial designed trial was conducted in Nairobi, Kenya. Antiretroviral-naïve individuals initiating free highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in the form of fixed-dose combination pills (d4T, 3TC, and nevirapine) were randomized to one of four arms: counseling (three counseling sessions around HAART initiation), alarm (pocket electronic pill reminder carried for 6 months), counseling plus alarm, and neither counseling nor alarm. Participants were followed for 18 months after HAART initiation. Primary study endpoints included plasma HIV-1 RNA and CD4 count every 6 months, mortality, and adherence measured by monthly pill count. Between May 2006 and September 2008, 400 individuals were enrolled, 362 initiated HAART, and 310 completed follow-up. Participants who received counseling were 29% less likely to have monthly adherence <80% (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49-1.01; p = 0.055) and 59% less likely to experience viral failure (HIV-1 RNA ≥5,000 copies/ml) (HR 0.41; 95% CI 0.21-0.81; p = 0.01) compared to those who received no counseling. There was no significant impact of using an alarm on poor adherence (HR 0.93; 95% CI 0.65-1.32; p = 0.7) or viral failure (HR 0.99; 95% CI 0.53-1.84; p = 1.0) compared to those who did not use an alarm. Neither counseling nor alarm was significantly associated with mortality or rate of immune reconstitution.



Intensive early adherence counseling at HAART initiation resulted in sustained, significant impact on adherence and virologic treatment failure during 18-month follow-up, while use of an alarm device had no effect. As antiretroviral treatment clinics expand to meet an increasing demand for HIV care in sub-Saharan Africa, adherence counseling should be implemented to decrease the development of treatment failure and spread of resistant HIV.
Introduction to Demos

Demos  is yet another discrete event simulation language hosted in Simula. It was released in 1979 and is now running on IBM, DEC, UNIVAC, and CDC hardwares amongst others. The paper contains a short introduction to Simula's object and context features; an explanation of the process approach to simulation; a brief comparison of Simula and GPSS; and finally, the main features of Demos are presented via an example.
Phase I dose-escalation study evaluating safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of MEDI-573, a dual IGF-I/II neutralizing antibody, in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumours

This Phase I, open-label, single-arm, dose-escalation study aimed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I/II) neutralizing antibody, MEDI-573, in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumours refractory to standard therapy or for which no standard therapy exists. The pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and antitumour activity of MEDI-573 were also evaluated.  Three cohorts of patients received MEDI-573 in escalating order: cohort 1, 5 mg/kg on Day 1, 8 and 15; cohort 2, 15 mg/kg on Day 1, 8 and 15; cohort 3, 45 mg/kg on Day 1, of 21-day cycles.  Ten patients who received at least one dose of MEDI-573 were evaluated. The median number of treatment cycles was 2.0 (range 1–6) and the median number of MEDI-573 doses received was 4.0 (range 1–17). The most commonly reported drug-related adverse events were fatigue (n = 2 patients), pyrexia (n = 2), diarrhoea (n = 2) and electrocardiogram QT prolongation (n = 2). No patients experienced a dose-limiting toxicity. Pharmacokinetics of MEDI-573 were linear with a dose-dependent increase. There were no complete or partial responses; four patients had an overall best response of stable disease. Conclusions MEDI-573 is well tolerated at the doses investigated.
Probabilistic model supported rank aggregation for the semantic concept detection in video

Rank aggregation (RA) is an important classifier combination technology for semantic concept detection (SCD) in video because modelling of semantic concepts based on multimodal representations requires effective and robust methods of classifier combination. Although many RA methods have been developed and proven workable in practice, there are few theoretical hints for devising better ones because the reasons why RA can improve the classification precision have not been thoroughly elucidated. In this work, we use the order statistics to reveal the meaning of rank and RA for classification problems and propose the Probabilistic Model Supported Rank Aggregation (PMSRA) framework, which not only provides a probabilistic interpretation of why RA may be good for classification but also serves as a possible guide to new RA methods. Moreover, we apply the principle of Bayesian decision to the PMSRA framework to develop a new RA method, i.e. the Bayesian PMSRA. The effectiveness and robustness of our method have been further collaborated by the experimental results of incremental RA for SCD in video on the TRECVID 2005's dataset and an artificial dataset.