nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of individual placement and support for people with mental illness new on social benefits: a study protocol

In Switzerland, people with a severe mental illness and unable to work receive disability benefits ('IV-pension'). Once they are granted these benefits, the chances to regain competitive employment are usually small. However, previous studies have shown that individual placement and support (IPS) supports a successful reintegration into competitive employment. This study focuses on the integration of newly appointed IV-pensioners, who have received an IV-pension for less than a year.



The present pilot project ZHEPP (Zürcher Eingliederungs-Pilot Projekt; engl.: Zurich integration pilot project) is a randomized controlled trial (RCT). The 250 participants will be randomized to either the intervention or the control group. The intervention group receives support of a job coach according to the approach of IPS. Participants in the control group do not receive IPS support. Participation takes a total of two years for each participant. Each group is interviewed every six months (T0-T4). A two-factor analysis of variance will be conducted with the two factors group (intervention versus control group) and outcome (employment yes/no). The main criterion of the two-factor analysis will be the number of competitive employment contracts in each group.



This study will focus on the impact of IPS on new IV-pensioners and aims to identify predictors for a successful integration. Furthermore, we will examine the effect of IPS on stigma variables and recovery orientation.
Stereotactic breast biopsy as an alternative to open excisional biopsy

Health care cost continues to play a dominant role in our society. Technological advances are expensive, with the possible exception of stereotactic breast biopsy. We must learn other alternatives that give the same diagnostic accuracy at lower cost. The intention of this study was to find other acceptable alternatives to open excisional breast biopsies.  Patients were referred to Baylor University Medical Center betwee between May 1990 and June 1992 for stereotactic breast biopsy of nonpalpable mammographic abnormalities. Before stereotactic biopsy, lesions were categorized into low or high suspicion for malignancy based on screening mammography. Slides were reviewed by a pathologist and the histological diagnosis was compared with mammographic characterization. Benign histology confirming the low-suspicion mammographic abnormality demonstrated mammographic and histologic correlation. Mammographic follow-up was recommended.  Two hundred twenty-five women underwent 250 stereotactic breast biopsies. Malignancy was diagnosed in 47 patients; the remaining 203 lesions were benign on pathological examination and are being followed regularly. Seventy-eight percent of the lesions were characterized as low suspicion for malignancy, and 22% were characterized as high suspicion. The average cost saving per lesion using stereotactic biopsy was $1,629.  Stereotactic breast biopsy is an acceptable, less expensive alternative to open excisional biopsy for diagnosing nonpalpable mammographic findings.
Social cognition and interaction training (SCIT) for outpatients with schizophrenia: A preliminary study

Social functioning deficits (e.g., social skill, community functioning) are a core feature of schizophrenia. These deficits are only minimally improved via the frontline treatments for schizophrenia (e.g. medication, social skills training, cognitive-behavioral therapy). Social cognition is a promising treatment target in this regard as it may be more strongly related to social functioning outcomes than traditional neurocognitive domains [Couture, S., Penn, D.L., Roberts, D.L., 2006. The functional significance of social cognition in schizophrenia: a review. Schizophrenia Bulletin (, S-44-63]. Social cognition and interaction training (SCIT) is a 20-week, manualized, group treatment designed to improve social functioning in schizophrenia by way of improved social cognition. This article reports preliminary data from a quasi-experimental study comparing SCIT + treatment as usual (TAU; n=20) to TAU alone (n=11) among outpatients. Results using analysis of variance (ANOVA) suggest SCIT-related improvements in emotion perception and social skill.
Consumption of black and green tea has no effect on inflammation, haemostasis and endothelial markers in smoking healthy individuals

Firstly, to study the effect of tea and tea polyphenols on cardiovascular risk indicators of the inflammatory system (IL6, IL1β and TNF-α, CRP), and on haemostasis and endothelial proteins with an acute phase behaviour (fibrinogen, vWF, PAI-1, FVIIa and u-PA). Secondly, to study the relationship between plasma levels of antioxidants (α-tocopherol, β-carotene and vitamin C) and these acute-phase, cardiovascular risk indicators. Randomized study. Sixty-four smoking healthy volunteers were recruited by newspaper advertisements; there were five dropouts. Four-week administration of black tea, green tea, green tea polyphenol isolate and mineral water (13–16 per group).Measures: Plasma levels of the inflammatory markers IL6, IL1β, TNF-α, CRP, fibrinogen, vWF, PAI-1, FVIIa and u-PA and of the antioxidants α-tocopherol, β-carotene and vitamin C.Results: Different dosages of tea polyphenols had no effect on inflammation, haemostasis and endothelial markers. There was a significant negative correlation between the levels of the antioxidant β-carotene and the inflammation markers IL6 and fibrinogen (r=−0.35 and r=−0.37, respectively, P<0.01) in this group of smokers. Remarkably, there was a significant positive correlation between the levels of the antioxidant α-tocopherol and the inflammation marker IL6 (r=0.28,  Tea drinking had no effect on the levels of the inflammation, haemostasis and endothelial cardiovascular risk factors measured. We did observe a relationship between the antioxidant variables α-tocopherol and β-carotene and inflammation markers in this group of healthy smoking subjects. This work was supported in part by Unilever Research, Vlaardingen, The Netherlands.  (2000) 24,
Multi-omic integrated networks connect DNA methylation and miRNA with skeletal muscle plasticity to chronic exercise in Type 2 diabetic obesity.

Epigenomic regulation of the transcriptome by DNA methylation and posttranscriptional gene silencing by miRNAs are potential environmental modulators of skeletal muscle plasticity to chronic exercise in healthy and diseased populations. We utilized transcriptome networks to connect exercise-induced differential methylation and miRNA with functional skeletal muscle plasticity. Biopsies of the vastus lateralis were collected from middle-aged Polynesian men and women with morbid obesity (44 kg/m(2) ± 10) and Type 2 diabetes before and following 16 wk of resistance (n = 9) or endurance training (n = 8). Longitudinal transcriptome, methylome, and microRNA (miRNA) responses were obtained via microarray, filtered by novel effect-size based false discovery rate probe selection preceding bioinformatic interrogation. Metabolic and microvascular transcriptome topology dominated the network landscape following endurance exercise. Lipid and glucose metabolism modules were connected to: microRNA (miR)-29a; promoter region hypomethylation of nuclear receptor factor (NRF1) and fatty acid transporter (SLC27A4), and hypermethylation of fatty acid synthase, and to exon hypomethylation of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase and Ser/Thr protein kinase. Directional change in the endurance networks was validated by lower intramyocellular lipid, increased capillarity, GLUT4, hexokinase, and mitochondrial enzyme activity and proteome. Resistance training also lowered lipid and increased enzyme activity and caused GLUT4 promoter hypomethylation; however, training was inconsequential to GLUT4, capillarity, and metabolic transcriptome. miR-195 connected to negative regulation of vascular development. To conclude, integrated molecular network modelling revealed differential DNA methylation and miRNA expression changes occur in skeletal muscle in response to chronic exercise training that are most pronounced with endurance training and topographically associated with functional metabolic and microvascular plasticity relevant to diabetes rehabilitation.
Memory rehabilitation and brain training for surgical temporal lobe epilepsy patients: A preliminary report

The short term impact of a memory rehabilitation programme on verbal memory test performance and subjective ratings of memory in everyday life was assessed in healthy controls and left temporal lobe epilepsy (LTLE) surgical patients. The intervention involved training in the use of external and internal memory support strategies. Half of the sample in addition undertook computerised brain training exercises as homework. LTLE patients were seen either before surgery or 3-6 months after their operation. Improvements in verbal memory were observed in both groups. An effect of brain training was recorded but this did not occur in a consistent direction. Subjective ratings of memory indicated improvements that were significant for the LTLE group but not the controls. Positive changes in the memory outcome measures were associated with improvements in mood. Pre-operative memory rehabilitation was not associated with better outcomes than post-operative intervention. Further research is needed to explore the persistence of the changes observed and to explore if pre-operative rehabilitation offsets post-operative memory decline.
Effect of Xiaoyu Zhixue Tablet on the expression of platelet membrane glycoprotein I b/IX/V complex in patients with chronic renal failure.

To investigate the effect of Xiaoyu Zhixue Tablet (XYZXT) on the expression of platelet membrane glycoprotein (GP) Ib/IX/V complex and GP I b alpha in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) in early metaphase.



Fifty-one patients with CRF in early metaphase (treated group) were treated with XYZXT, 3 months as the course of treatment for 2 courses. The previous therapies remained unchanged. Flow cytometry was used to assess the expression of platelet GP Ib/IX/V complex and GP Ib alpha in patients with CRF, and turbidity method was used to determine the platelet maximum aggregation rate (MAR), meanwhile the renal function was measured. The final data were compared with those before the treatment, and with those in the normal control group (31 healthy subjects).



Compared with the normal control group, expressions of GP I b/IX/V complex and GP I b alpha, and platelet MAR in CRF patients were significantly lower (P=0.007, P=0.001, P=0.009) before the treatment; after the treatment with XYZXT, the above indexes in CRF patients were remarkably increased (P=0.033, P=0.026, P=0.045), but still lower than those in the normal control group, however, it was not statistically significant.



(1) The expression of GP I b/IX/V complex in CRF patients of early metaphase was decreased, which lead to platelet aggregation dysfunction. This might be one of the reasons for the hemorrhagic trend in CRF. (2) XYZXT was able to upgrade expressions of GP I b/IX/V complex and GP I b alpha in CRF patients, improve platelet function and down-regulate platelet activation in patients with CRF.
Anthropometric factors and breast cancer risk among urban and rural women in South India: a multicentric case–control study

Breast cancer (BC) incidence in India is approximately twice as high in urban women than in rural women, among whom we investigated the role of anthropometric factors and body size. The study was conducted at the Regional Cancer Centre, Trivandrum, and in three cancer hospitals in Chennai during 2002–2005. Histologically confirmed cases (n=1866) and age-matched controls (n=1873) were selected. Anthropometric factors were measured in standard ways. Information on body size at different periods of life was obtained using pictograms. Odds ratios (OR) of BC were estimated through logistic regression modelling. Proportion of women with body mass index (BMI)>25.0 kg/m2, waist size >85 cm and hip size >100 cm was significantly higher among urban than rural women. Risk was increased for waist size >85 cm (pre-menopausal: OR=1.24, 95% CI: 0.96–1.62; post-menopausal: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.22–2.12) and hip size >100 cm (pre-menopausal: OR=1.47, 95% CI: 1.05–2.06; post-menopausal 2.42, 95% CI: 1.72–3.41). Large body size at age 10 (OR=1.75, 95% CI: 1.01–3.03) and increased BMI (OR=1.33, 95% CI: 1.05–1.69 for 25.0–29.9 kg/m2 and OR=1.56, 95% CI: 1.03–2.35 for 30+ kg/m2) were associated with pre-menopausal BC risk. Our data support the hypotheses that increased anthropometric factors are risk factors of BC in India.
A population-based, shared decision-making approach to recruit for a randomized trial of bariatric surgery versus lifestyle for type 2 diabetes.

Randomized trials of bariatric surgery versus lifestyle treatment likely enroll highly motivated patients, which may limit the interpretation and generalizability of study findings. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of a population-based shared decision-making (SDM) approach to recruitment for a trial comparing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery with intensive lifestyle intervention among adults with mild to moderate obesity and type 2 diabetes.



Adult members with a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 45 kg/m(2) taking diabetes medications were identified in electronic databases and underwent a multiphase screening process. Candidates were given a telephone survey, education about treatment options for obesity and diabetes using decision aids, and an SDM phone call with a nurse practitioner, in addition to standard office-based consent.



We identified 1808 members, and 828 (45.7%) had a BMI of 30-34.9 kg/m(2). Among these, 1063 (59%) agreed to the telephone survey, 416 (23%) expressed interest in education about treatment options, and 277 (15%) completed the SDM process. The preferred treatment options were surgery (21 [8%]), diet and exercise (149 [53.8%]), pharmacotherapy (5 [2%]), none of the above (8 [3%]), and unsure (94 [34%]). Ultimately, 43 participants were randomly assigned to the trial. Significant differences, mainly related to sex, disease severity, and hypoglycemic medication use, were observed among people who did and did not agree to participate in our trial.



This population-based, SDM-based recruitment strategy successfully identified, enrolled, and randomly assigned patients who had balanced views of surgery and lifestyle management. Even with this approach, selection biases may remain, highlighting the need for careful characterization of nonparticipants in all future studies.
Explosive anger as a response to human rights violations in post-conflict Timor-Leste.

Over several decades, clinicians have documented a pattern of explosive anger amongst survivors of gross human rights violations. Yet there is a dearth of epidemiological research investigating explosive anger in post-conflict countries. In the present study undertaken in Timor-Leste between March and November 2004, we identified an indigenous descriptor for explosive anger, including this index in the East Timor Mental Health Epidemiological Needs Study, a small area total population survey of 1544 adults living in an urban and a rural area. Other measures included indices of past trauma events, post-traumatic stress and general psychological distress, and socio-demographic variables. We found that 38% of the population reached the defined threshold of one attack of explosive anger a month (average=1 episode every 2-3 days). Only a minority of persons with explosive anger reached threshold scores for post-traumatic stress and general psychological distress. High levels of trauma exposure represented the strongest predictor of explosive anger. Latent class analysis identified three sub-groups with explosive anger: young trauma-affected adults living in the capital city who were unemployed; an older group, predominantly men, who had experienced extensive violence, including combat, assault and torture; and a less well characterized group of women. The findings offer support for a sequential model of explosive anger in which experiences of past persecution are compounded by frustrations in the post-conflict environment. The data provide a foundation for exploring further the role of trauma-induced anger in the cycles of violence that are prevalent in post-conflict countries.
The insertion/deletion polymorphism of the ACE gene is related to insulin sensitivity in overweight women.

The ACE insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism has been identified as a genetic risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). The deletion (D) allele of the ACE gene may be associated with higher insulin sensitivity. Individuals who are homozygous for the DD allele have higher ACE levels and possibly more angiotensin II, which, when infused exogenously, causes an increase in insulin sensitivity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of the I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene with insulin sensitivity and CHD risk factors.



The study included 66 women (ages 57 +/- 1 years) who were overweight or obese (means +/- SEM, BMI = 33 +/- 1 kg/m(2)) and sedentary (VO(2max) = 19.6 +/- 0.4 ml. kg(-1). min(1)). Total body fat mass and percent fat were determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and abdominal fat was by computed tomography. Insulin sensitivity was measured during the last 30 min of 3-h hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps (40 mU. m(-2). min(-1)). Comparisons were made among women with the II (n = 9), ID (n = 36), and DD (n = 21) genotypes.



Age, percent body fat, waist-to-hip ratio, visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat areas, plasma lipid levels, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures did not differ by ACE genotype. Fasting glucose and 2-h glucose levels were similar among genotypes, but fasting plasma insulin levels were lower in DD women than in ID women (P < 0.05). Glucose utilization was higher in women with the DD genotype than in women with the II genotype (53.1 +/- 3.9 vs. 36.0 +/- 3.8 micromol. kg(-1) FFM. min(-1), P = 0.01) and was higher in ID women than in II women (48.5 +/- 2.5 micromol. kg(-1) FFM. min(-1), P = 0.04).



These data suggest that the I/D polymorphism is not associated with risk factors for CHD in overweight sedentary women; however, women who are homozygous for the D allele of the ACE gene are more insulin sensitive, whereas women who are homozygous for the I allele of the ACE gene have greater insulin resistance and potential risk for type 2 diabetes.
Efficacy of acotiamide in combination with esomeprazole for functional dyspepsia refractory to proton-pump inhibitor monotherapy.

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a gastroduodenal disorder that presents as postprandial fullness, early satiation, or epigastric burning despite no evidence of a structural disease. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are often the first choice for treating FD. However, some patients need additional medication because of residual symptoms despite a certain level of benefit from the PPI. For these patients, a combination of PPI and other agents has a possibly more beneficial effect than changing their medication. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an initial PPI followed by combination therapy with PPI and acotiamide in FD patients with residual symptoms after an initial PPI. We enrolled 105 patients who started an initial PPI (20 mg of esomeprazole once a day). Twenty-three patients with residual symptoms received 100 mg of acotiamide, a cholinesterase inhibitor, three times a day with esomeprazole as a combination therapy for 2 weeks. The symptoms were evaluated using the modified Frequency Scale for the Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (mFSSG). Eighteen of 23 patients (78%) achieved an overall improvement in symptoms. Almost all FD-related symptoms statistically improved after the combination therapy, with an improvement in the mFSSG score relevant to the postprandial distress syndrome and epigastric pain syndrome. The symptoms improved regardless of age, sex, and the pre-combination therapy score of the mFSSG. Our findings suggest that the combination therapy of acotiamide and PPI may be effective in selected FD patients with insufficient improvement with an initial PPI. However, well-designed trials are required to confirm the efficacy.
[Clinical stages of patients with Alzheimer disease treated in specialist clinics in Spain. The EACE study].

The diagnostic paradigm of Alzheimer disease (AD) is changing; there is a trend toward diagnosing the disease in its early stages, even before the complete syndrome of dementia is apparent. The clinical stage at which AD is usually diagnosed in our area is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to describe the clinical stages of AD patients at time of diagnosis.



Multicentre, observational and cross-sectional study. Patients with probable AD according to NINCDS-ARDRA criteria, attended in specialist clinics in Spain, were included in the study. We recorded the symptom onset to evaluation and symptom onset to diagnosis intervals and clinical status of AD (based on MMSE, NPI questionnaire, and CDR scale).



Participants in this study included 437 specialists representing all of Spain's autonomous communities and a total of 1,707 patients, of whom 1,694 were included in the analysis. Mean MMSE score was 17.6±4.8 (95% CI:17.4-17.9). Moderate cognitive impairment (MMSE between 10 and 20) was detected in 64% of the patients, and severe cognitive impairment (MMSE<10) in 6%. The mean interval between symptom onset and the initial primary care visit was 10.9±17.2 months (95% CI:9.9-11.8), and the interval between symptom onset and diagnosis with AD was 28.4±21.3 months.



Results from the EACE show that most AD patients in our area have reached a moderate clinical stage by the time they are evaluated in a specialist clinic.
Hypertension and arterial stiffness in heart transplantation patients

Post-transplantation hypertension is prevalent and is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and subsequent graft dysfunction. The present study aimed to identify the factors associated with arterial stiffness as measured by the ambulatory arterial stiffness index.



The current study used a prospective, observational, analytical design to evaluate a group of adult heart transplantation patients. Arterial stiffness was obtained by monitoring ambulatory blood pressure and using the ambulatory arterial stiffness index as the surrogate outcome. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to control confounding.



In a group of 85 adult heart transplantation patients, hypertension was independently associated with arterial stiffness (OR 4.98, CI 95% 1.06-23.4) as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure averages and nighttime descent.



Measurement of ambulatory arterial stiffness index is a new, non-invasive method that is easy to perform, may contribute to better defining arterial stiffness prognosis and is associated with hypertension.