nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Improved detection of urothelial carcinoma in situ with hexaminolevulinate fluorescence cystoscopy.

In this European multicenter study we compared hexaminolevulinate (HAL) fluorescence cystoscopy and standard white light cystoscopy for the detection of carcinoma in situ (CIS) in patients suspected of having high risk bladder cancer.



This study was a prospective controlled, within-patient comparison of standard and HAL fluorescence cystoscopy. Eligible patients received an intravesical instillation of 50 ml HAL 8 mM solution. Cystoscopy was performed using a D light system, which provided white and blue light at 375 to 440 nm. The bladder wall was inspected and mapped, first under white light, followed by blue light. All tumors and suspicious areas identified under white light and by red fluorescence were resected or biopsied. Histological findings were assessed by an independent central pathologist blinded to the identity of the biopsies.



Of 211 evaluable patients 83 (39%) had CIS, of whom 18 (22%) were detected by HAL cystoscopy only, 62 (75%) were detected by standard and HAL cystoscopy, 2 (2%) were detected by standard cystoscopy only and 1 (1%) was detected by nonguided biopsy. Therefore, HAL cystoscopy identified 28% more patients with CIS than standard cystoscopy. The side effects of HAL instillation were negligible and no unexpected events were reported.



HAL fluorescence cystoscopy improves the detection of bladder CIS significantly, which has consequences for clinical management and may improve the patient prognosis. The procedure is easily implemented as an adjunct to standard cystoscopy and it adds no significant risk of complications.
Complications in acute stroke in India (CAST-I): a multicenter study.

The prognosis and final outcome in patients who sustain stroke are significantly affected by medical complications occurring during the acute phase of stroke. Only limited information is available from India and other developing countries regarding acute complications of stroke. This study examined the frequency of acute stroke and the factors associated with complications of stroke in India. In this prospective multicenter study, running from March 2008 to September 2009, 6 hospitals collected information on complications of first-ever stroke during admission. Complications were defined in accordance with standard criteria. Outcome at 30 days poststroke was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale. Stroke characteristics, length of hospital stay, and stroke severity (based on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) were documented. Hematologic (ie, hemoglobin) and biochemical (ie, total proteins and albumin) parameters also were obtained. A total of 449 patients out of the recruited 476 completed follow-up. The mean age was 58.1 ± 13.7 years (range, 16-96 years), and the majority were men (n = 282; 62.8%). The mean National Institutes of Stroke Scale score was 10.2 ± 5.3. Overall, 206 patients (45.9%) experienced complications during admission. In the logistic regression analysis, limb weakness (odds ratio [OR], 0.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02-0.67; P = .01), anemia (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.15-0.81; P = .01), length of hospital stay (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.85-0.94; P < .0001), and stroke severity (OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.10-0.72; P = .01) were the variables associated with complications. Such complications as urinary tract infection (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.13-0.78; P = .01), chest infection (OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.12-2.93; P = .02), bedsores (OR, 3.52; 95% CI, 1.02-12.08; P = .05), other pain (OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.09-0.49; P < .0001), and depression (OR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.30-3.80; P < .01) were associated with poor outcome. Our study shows high rates of complication in acute stroke. Limb weakness, stroke severity, length of hospital stay, and anemia were the factors associated with complications. Other complications, such as urinary tract infection, chest infection, bedsores, other pain, and depression, can lead to poor outcome.
Spine radiographs to improve the identification of women at high risk for fractures

In women older than 60 years with clinical risk factors for osteoporosis but without osteoporosis based on bone mineral density (T-score ≥ −2.5), a systematic survey with X-rays of the spine identified previously unknown vertebral deformities in 21% of women. This study determines the prevalence of vertebral deformities in elderly women with clinical risk factors for osteoporosis but with BMD values above the threshold for osteoporosis (T-score ≥ −2.5). Bisphosphonate naïve women older than 60 years attending 35 general practices in the Netherlands with ≥2 clinical risk factors for osteoporosis were invited for BMD measurement (DXA). In women with T-score ≥ −2.5 at both spine and the hips, lateral radiographs of the thoracic and lumbar spine were performed. Of 631 women with a DXA measurement, 187 (30%) had osteoporosis (T-score < −2.5 at the spine or the hip). Of the remaining 444 women with T-score ≥ −2.5 at both spine and hip, 387 had additional spine radiographs, of whom 80 (21%) had at least one vertebral deformity. In elderly women with clinical risk factors for osteoporosis but BMD T-score ≥ −2.5, addition of spine radiographs identified vertebral deformities in 21% (95% CI: 17–25). Since these women are at risk of future fractures, antiosteoporotic treatment should be considered.
Changes in the small bowel of symptomatic kidney transplant recipients converted from mycophenolate mofetil to enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium.

Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in renal transplant recipients may be caused due to mycophenolic acid (MPA) toxicity. Using small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) we examined the impact of conversion from Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) to enteric-coated formulation of Mycophenolate Sodium (EC-MPS) given to treat GI mucosal lesions.



Adult kidney-only recipients at least 30 days after transplant, presenting with GI symptoms while receiving MMF completed a Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) questionnaire, underwent SBCE, and had MMF substituted by EC-MPS. After 30 days, GSRS and SBCE were repeated and findings were compared to baseline values. Patients who were still on EC-MPS 6-24 months post-conversion were contacted for completing a follow-up GSRS questionnaire and SBCE.



Eighteen out of 23 subjects completed the first part of the study. Subjects' median ages and post-transplant time were 47.5 years old and 4.5 months, respectively. Tacrolimus, MMF and prednisone was the main regimen (94%), with a median MMF dose of 750 mg BID. The average baseline GSRS was 2.99 ± 0.81; it significantly decreased to 2.19 ± 0.8 at 30 days post-conversion. At baseline, 50 had gastric and 89% had small bowel lesions. At 30 days, 29 and 62% of the SBCE were still showing gastric and small bowel lesions, respectively. Of 5 patients in the study extension, 4 had abnormal SBCE findings but have been reporting improvement in their symptoms.



Stomach and small bowel mucosal lesions are common in kidney recipients with GI symptoms when treated with MMF. Conversion to EC-MPS for 30 days significantly alleviated the GI symptoms; however, no evident correlation with SBCE findings was found.
Physical Performance Is Associated with Working Memory in Older People with Mild to Severe Cognitive Impairment

Physical performances and cognition are positively related in cognitively healthy people. The aim of this study was to examine whether physical performances are related to specific cognitive functioning in older people with mild to severe cognitive impairment.



This cross-sectional study included 134 people with a mild to severe cognitive impairment (mean age 82 years). Multiple linear regression was performed, after controlling for covariates and the level of global cognition, with the performances on mobility, strength, aerobic fitness, and balance as predictors and working memory and episodic memory as dependent variables.



The full models explain 49-57% of the variance in working memory and 40-43% of episodic memory. Strength, aerobic fitness, and balance are significantly associated with working memory, explaining 3-7% of its variance, irrespective of the severity of the cognitive impairment. Physical performance is not related to episodic memory in older people with mild to severe cognitive impairment.



Physical performance is associated with working memory in older people with cognitive impairment. Future studies should investigate whether physical exercise for increased physical performance can improve cognitive functioning.
Impact of renal function of patients with advanced urothelial cancer on eligibility for first-line chemotherapy and treatment outcomes.

The aim of the study is to clarify the clinical effects of first-line chemotherapy regimens for advanced urothelial cancer on clinical responses and survival of patients grouped by renal function.



In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, 345 urothelial cancer patients received systemic chemotherapy for metastatic or unresectable disease in 17 centers (2004-10).



Two hundred and forty-one patients were treated with methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin and cisplatin/methotrexate, epirubicin and cisplatin (n = 136) or gemcitabine and cisplatin (n = 105) followed by carboplatin-based treatments, non-platinum treatments or other regimens. After 2008, gemcitabine and cisplatin was the most frequently used regimen in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) and in those with estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2). The gemcitabine and cisplatin patients' complete response rate was 10.5% and their response rate was 52.4%, which was highest among all regimens. Gemcitabine and cisplatin demonstrated a better 3-year overall survival when the estimated glomerular filtration rate was ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) (31.4%), but it tended to be worse when the estimated glomerular filtration rate was < 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) (14.1%). In the latter cases, the dose reduction rate of gemcitabine and cisplatin was high (43.9%). Among the patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2), the 1-year overall survival of the patients treated with a reduced dose of gemcitabine and cisplatin was significantly lower than that of those treated with standard-dose gemcitabine and cisplatin (26.2 vs. 60.3%, respectively, P = 0.0108).



Gemcitabine and cisplatin provided favorable responses and survival in patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) but unsatisfactory oncological outcomes in patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2), especially when treated with a reduced dose. Alternative regimens might be optimal rather than reduced-dose gemcitabine and cisplatin in patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2).
Less can be more: Targeted embolization of aneurysms associated with arteriovenous malformations unsuitable for surgical resection.

To mitigate risks of hemorrhage, high-risk features of brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) can be targeted to reduce the risk of rupture. Previous investigation has examined embolization of a pedicle supplying a high-risk feature; this study examines embolization targeted specifically at aneurysms associated with BAVMs.



Patients with BAVMs treated at two high-volume neurointerventional services were retrospectively reviewed. Patients treated with intention to occlude only the associated aneurysm itself were analyzed. Demographic and lesion characteristics were identified, as were technical and clinical outcomes. Adverse events were defined as hemorrhage, new seizure, and death.



Thirty-two patients met inclusion criteria out of 1103 patients treated during the study period. Twenty-seven (84.4%) BAVMs were acutely ruptured, all with the aneurysm identified as the hemorrhage source. Twenty-four (75.0%) lesions involved eloquent territory. There were equal numbers of feeding artery and nidus aneurysms. Follow-up data were available for a total of 101.3 patient-years for a mean follow-up time of 2.9 years. One patient died; the remaining 31 patients had improved functional status at last contact. Annualized rate of hemorrhage after treatment was 1.0%; rate of adverse events after treatment was 3.0%. Excluding time after confirmed occlusion following radiosurgery, annualized rates were 1.4% and 4.8%, respectively.



In inoperable BAVMs, targeted embolization of associated aneurysms can be performed safely and effectively. This should be considered in high-risk lesions prior to radiosurgery or in cases when no other treatment options are available. Such intervention warrants further investigation.
It's LiFe! Mobile and Web-Based Monitoring and Feedback Tool Embedded in Primary Care Increases Physical Activity: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

Physical inactivity is a major public health problem. The It's LiFe! monitoring and feedback tool embedded in the Self-Management Support Program (SSP) is an attempt to stimulate physical activity in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or type 2 diabetes treated in primary care.



Our aim was to evaluate whether the SSP combined with the use of the monitoring and feedback tool leads to more physical activity compared to usual care and to evaluate the additional effect of using this tool on top of the SSP.



This was a three-armed cluster randomised controlled trial. Twenty four family practices were randomly assigned to one of three groups in which participants received the tool + SSP (group 1), the SSP (group 2), or care as usual (group 3). The primary outcome measure was minutes of physical activity per day. The secondary outcomes were general and exercise self-efficacy and quality of life. Outcomes were measured at baseline after the intervention (4-6 months), and 3 months thereafter.



The group that received the entire intervention (tool + SSP) showed more physical activity directly after the intervention than Group 3 (mean difference 11.73, 95% CI 6.21-17.25; P<.001), and Group 2 (mean difference 7.86, 95% CI 2.18-13.54; P=.003). Three months after the intervention, this effect was still present and significant (compared to Group 3: mean difference 10.59, 95% CI 4.94-16.25; P<.001; compared to Group 2: mean difference 9.41, 95% CI 3.70-15.11; P<.001). There was no significant difference in effect between Groups 2 and 3 on both time points. There was no interaction effect for disease type.



The combination of counseling with the tool proved an effective way to stimulate physical activity. Counseling without the tool was not effective. Future research about the cost-effectiveness and application under more tailored conditions and in other target groups is recommended.
Priming Immunization with DNA Augments Immunogenicity of Recombinant Adenoviral Vectors for Both HIV-1 Specific Antibody and T-Cell Responses

Induction of HIV-1-specific T-cell responses relevant to diverse subtypes is a major goal of HIV vaccine development. Prime-boost regimens using heterologous gene-based vaccine vectors have induced potent, polyfunctional T cell responses in preclinical studies.



The first opportunity to evaluate the immunogenicity of DNA priming followed by recombinant adenovirus serotype 5 (rAd5) boosting was as open-label rollover trials in subjects who had been enrolled in prior studies of HIV-1 specific DNA vaccines. All subjects underwent apheresis before and after rAd5 boosting to characterize in depth the T cell and antibody response induced by the heterologous DNA/rAd5 prime-boost combination.



rAd5 boosting was well-tolerated with no serious adverse events. Compared to DNA or rAd5 vaccine alone, sequential DNA/rAd5 administration induced 7-fold higher magnitude Env-biased HIV-1-specific CD8(+) T-cell responses and 100-fold greater antibody titers measured by ELISA. There was no significant neutralizing antibody activity against primary isolates. Vaccine-elicited CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cells expressed multiple functions and were predominantly long-term (CD127(+)) central or effector memory T cells and that persisted in blood for >6 months. Epitopes mapped in Gag and Env demonstrated partial cross-clade recognition.



Heterologous prime-boost using vector-based gene delivery of vaccine antigens is a potent immunization strategy for inducing both antibody and T-cell responses.
Changes in haemodynamics and left ventricular function during intravenous nifedipine infusion with and without additional propranolol in patients with coronary artery disease. A randomized, placebo controlled trial

The haemodynamic effects of a combined intravenous treatment of nifedipine and propranolol in ten patients with coronary artery disease compared to a single treatment with nifedipine or placebo were investigated. Nifedipine infusion resulted in a reduction of left ventricular (LV) afterload and LV volumes with an increase in heart rate and EF and no change of the double product, coronary sinus flow, LV diastolic parameters and dp/dtmax. Addition of propranolol lowers myocardial oxygen demand by reducing heart rate and dp/dtmax together with a sustained afterload reduction with no change in LV volumes and EF. The vasodilatatory action of nifedipine pretreatment balanced the negative effects of acute beta-receptor blockade on LV function and allows the reduction of myocardial oxygen demand without a deterioration of LV function.
Mathematical model for evaluating incidence of acute rectal toxicity during conventional or hypofractionated radiotherapy courses for prostate cancer.

To describe the radiation-induced acute rectal toxicity (ART) using a modified Lyman-Kutcher-Burman normal tissue complication probability model and parameters set, taking into account the overall treatment time.



A total of 160 patients underwent three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy to the prostate and seminal vesicles and were randomized to receive 80 Gy in 40 fractions within 8 weeks (Group A) or 62 Gy in 20 fractions within 5 weeks, 4 d/wk (Group B). An additional 52 patients (Group C) underwent intensity-modulated radiotherapy with a hypofractionation schedule consisting of 56 Gy, delivered in 16 fractions (4/wk) of 3.5 Gy. Patients were followed for ART weekly during treatment. The overall treatment time, rectal dose-volume histograms, and ART status, defined as Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Grade 2 or greater gastrointestinal toxicity, were used to determine the modified Lyman-Kutcher-Burman model parameters. The m and n values were obtained from the cohort, and the tolerance doses for 50% complication probability for uniform irradiation [TD(50)(1)(k)] were obtained for each fractionation schedule indicated with k.



Of 212 patients treated with localized prostate radiotherapy, 65 developed Grade for > or = 1 week during treatment. The m and n value was 0.17 and 0.08, respectively. The TD(50)(1)(k) parameter was 79, 62.5, and 53 Gy, respectively for Group A, B, and C.



The optimized modified Lyman-Kutcher-Burman normal tissue complication probability model allowed us to describe the ART data from conventional and hypofractionated regimens, using the dose-volume histograms and overall treatment time. This model could prove useful in designing hypofractionation schedules to reduce the incidence of ART.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to SMA worsens complex movements in Parkinson ' s disease

To evaluate the therapeutic potential of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for Parkinson's disease (PD) by delivering stimulation at higher intensity and frequency over longer time than in previous research. Promising bene®cial effects on movement during or after rTMS have been reported.  Ten patients with idiopathic PD were enrolled in a randomized crossover study comparing active versus sham rTMS to the supplementary motor area (SMA). Assessments included reaction and movement times (RT/MT), quantitative spiral analysis, timed motor performance tests, United Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), patient self-report and guess as to stimulation condition.  Two of 10 patients could not tolerate the protocol. Thirty to 45 min following stimulation, active rTMS as compared with sham stimulation worsened spiral drawing (P  0:001) and prolonged RT in the most affected limb (P  0:030). No other signi®cant differences were detected.  We sought clinically promising improvement in PD but found subclinical worsening of complex and preparatory movement following rTMS to SMA. These results raise safety concerns regarding the persistence of dysfunction induced by rTMS while supporting the value of rTMS as a research tool. Studies aimed at understanding basic mechanisms and timing of rTMS effects are needed. q 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Valuing postoperative recovery: validation of the SF-6D health-state utility.

Many surgical innovations are costly but may result in faster patient recovery. Economic analyses of these innovations require utility measures that reflect the construct of "postoperative recovery." We investigated the validity of Short Form 6D (SF-6D) utility value as a measure of postoperative recovery in patients undergoing elective colorectal resection.



Patients undergoing elective colorectal resection completed the Short Form 36 and the 6-min walk test at baseline (before surgery) and at 4 and 8 wk postoperatively. SF-6D utilities were derived from the Short Form 36. Longitudinal validity (responsiveness) was assessed using standardized response means (SRM). Construct validity was assessed by comparing the difference in mean SF-6D between patients with and without complications (discriminant) and by correlating the SF-6D with other measures of recovery (convergent).



A total of 191 patients were included (58% male; mean age 63.0 (SD 14.2) y, 81% malignancy, and 54% laparoscopic). SF-6D values dropped significantly from baseline to 4 wk after surgery (SRM -0.54, P < 0.001) and returned to baseline by 8 wk (SRM -0.12, P = 0.111). At 4 wk after surgery, the SF-6D was lower in patients with complications than in those without (mean difference -0.047, 95% CI -0.088, -0.006). At all time points, the SF-6D correlated significantly with the physical and mental component scales of the SF-36 (Pearson r 0.67-0.80, all P < 0.001) and the 6-min walk test (r 0.21-0.29, all P < 0.05).



The SF-6D is a valid measure of postoperative recovery following elective colorectal resection and may be used to measure quality-adjusted life years for cost-effectiveness analyses of surgical technologies and interventions hypothesized to impact recovery.