nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Randomized Controlled Trial of Audio Computer-assisted Self-Interviewing : Utility and Acceptability in Longitudinal Studies

Recent studies have reported on the utility of audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (ACASI) in surveys of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behaviors that involve a single assessment. This paper reports the results of a test of ACASI within a longitudinal study of HIV risk behavior and infection. Study participants (gay men (n = 1,974) and injection drug users (n = 903)) were randomly assigned to either ACASI or intervieweradministered assessment at their second follow-up visit 12 months after baseline. Significantly more of the sexually active gay men assessed via ACASI reported having sexual partners who were HIV antibody positive (odds ratio = 1.36, 95% confidence interval: 1.08, 1.72), and a higher proportion reported unprotected receptive anal intercourse. Among injection drug users (IDUs), our hypothesis was partially supported. Significantly more IDUs assessed via ACASI reported using a needle after another person without cleaning it (odds ratio = 2.40, 95% confidence interval: 1.34, 4.30). ACASI-assessed IDUs reported similar rates of needle sharing and needle exchange use but a lower frequency of injection. Participants reported few problems using ACASI, and it was well accepted among members of both risk groups. Sixty percent of the participants felt that the ACASI elicited more honest responses than did interviewer-administered questionnaires. Together, these data are consistent with prior research findings and suggest that ACASI can enhance the quality of behavioral assessment and provide an acceptable method for collecting self-reports of HIV risk behavior in longitudinal studies and clinical trials of prevention interventions.
An improved full-duplex retransmission technique

Current concepts in computer telecommunication are surveyed. Error detection with retransmission is shown to be the best method in general to achieve near error-free data transmission over common carrier channels. A new version is proposed by the authors which is specifically designed for full-duplex links. The superiority of this technique is demonstrated by a simulation program which compares the proposed partial retransmission scheme with an ideal block retransmission method with degraded line conditions.
Metronidazole in the treatment of chronic radiation proctitis: clinical trial.

To evaluate the effectiveness of metronidazole in combination with corticosteroids in enema and mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid) in comparison with the same protocol without metronidazole in the treatment of chronic radiation proctitis.



Sixty patients with rectal bleeding and diarrhea were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in the first group were treated with metronidazole (3x400 mg orally per day), mesalazine (3x1 g orally per day), and betamethasone enema (once a day during 4 weeks). Patients in the second group were treated with mesalazine and betamethasone enema, but without metronidazole. The efficacy of metronidazole was assessed on the basis of rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and rectosigmoidoscopy findings in all patients.



The incidence of rectal bleeding and mucosal ulcers was significantly lower in the metronidazole group, 4 weeks (p=0.009), 3 months (p=0.031), and 12 months (p=0.029) after therapy. There was also a significant decrease in diarrhea and edema in the metronidazole group, 4 weeks (p=0.044), 3 months (p=0.045), and 12 months (p=0.034) after treatment.



Metronidazole in combination with mesalazine and betamethasone enemas successfully treats rectal bleeding and diarrhea in chronic radiation proctitis.
Carbohydrate restriction (with or without additional dietary cholesterol provided by eggs) reduces insulin resistance and plasma leptin without modifying appetite hormones in adult men.

Carbohydrate-restricted diets (CRDs) have been shown to reduce body weight, whereas whole egg intake has been associated with increased satiety. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of additional dietary cholesterol and protein provided by whole eggs while following a CRD on insulin resistance and appetite hormones. Using a randomized blind parallel design, subjects were allocated to an egg (640 mg/d additional dietary cholesterol) or placebo (0 mg/d additional dietary cholesterol) group for 12 weeks while following a CRD. There were significant reductions in fasting insulin (P < .025) and fasting leptin concentrations (P < .01) for both groups, which were correlated with the reductions in body weight and body fat (P < .05 and P < .01, respectively). Both groups reduced insulin resistance as measured by the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (P < .025). There was a significant decrease in serum glucose levels observed after the intervention. We did not observe the expected increases in plasma ghrelin levels associated with weight loss, suggesting a mechanism by which subjects do not increase appetite with CRD. To confirm these results, the subjective measures of satiety using visual analog scale showed that both groups felt more "full" (P < .05), "satisfied" (P < .001), and "wanted to eat less" (P < .001) after the intervention. These results indicate that inclusion of eggs in the diet (additional dietary cholesterol) did not modify the multiple beneficial effects of CRD on insulin resistance and appetite hormones.
Transcatheter pacemaker implantation in a patient with a bioprosthetic tricuspid valve

A 66-year-old white female s/p mitral and tricuspid valve replacement was seen in cardiac consultation and diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and high-degree atrioventricular (AV) block with symptomatic bradycardia, thus pacemaker placement was recommended. For this particular patient, a standard, single-lead implantable pacemaker, while not contraindicated, was not a preferable solution due to the patient’s newly implanted bioprosthetic tricuspid valve and the potential complications transvalvular lead placement may bring . No FDAapproved leadless pacemaker is available in the USA at this time; however, initial safety and feasibility trials have shown comparable results to traditional transvenous leads .
Feasibility and efficacy of an 8-week progressive home-based strengthening exercise program in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip and/or total hip joint replacement: a preliminary trial

The feasibility and efficacy of an additional progressive home-based strengthening exercise program (PHSEP) on subjects that already attended supervised institutional exercise therapy was investigated. Thirty-six hip patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) and/or total hip replacement in at least one hip joint were randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG) or a control group (CG). IG (18 patients, mean age 64.9, standard deviation (SD) 7.5) followed an 8-week PHSEP in addition to their weekly institutional exercise therapy, while CG (18 patients, mean age 64.7, SD 9) solely continued the weekly institutional exercise sessions. Before and after the intervention period, strength of hip muscles was quantified applying isokinetic concentric and isometric measurements, and health-related quality of life was monitored using the SF36 questionnaire. Adherence to the exercise program was evaluated using exercise logs. The PHSEP was feasible for all subjects in IG with an adherence of 99%. Exercise logs reported that pain resulting from the PHSEP was low. Increased strength in isokinetic concentric hip adduction (13%) and isometric hip abduction (9%), adduction (12%), and flexion (7%) was found in IG in comparison to CG. The results of the SF36 did not change during the intervention period. Consequently, supervised institutional exercise therapy supplemented by a PHSEP could increase hip muscle strength in patients with hip OA and/or total hip replacement. However, further research should evaluate the optimal frequency and duration of such supplementary sessions and their potential to increase physical function and reduce pain.
A retrospective observational study of the effectiveness of paliperidone palmitate on acute inpatient hospitalization rates

This retrospective mirror-image observational study aimed to establish the effects of the long-acting antipsychotic injection paliperidone palmitate (PP) on acute inpatient hospitalization rates. We utilized routinely collected clinical data to compare the number and length of acute patient admissions 1 year before and 1 year after initiation of PP. A single cohort of 66 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and who had received monthly injections of PP for at least 1 year were included in the analysis. The mean number of acute inpatient admissions fell from 0.86 in the year before PP initiation to 0.23 in the following year (P = 0.001), and there was a numerical but nonsignificant decrease in the number of bed days from 32.48 to 31.22 over the study duration. The median number of bed days in the year before PP initiation was 20, and in the year after initiation it was 0. The median number of admissions also fell from 1 to 0 during the same period. The results of the study should be treated cautiously because of the limitations of the study design but suggest that patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia who continue treatment with PP over 12 months experience a significant reduction in hospital admissions compared with the previous year.
Effect of Peer-Based Low Back Pain Information and Reassurance at the Workplace on Sick Leave: A Cluster Randomized Trial

To evaluate whether information and reassurance about low back pain (LBP) given to employees at the workplace could reduce sick leave.  A Cluster randomized controlled trial with 135 work units of about 3,500 public sector employees in two Norwegian municipalities, randomized into two intervention groups; Education and peer support (EPS) (n = 45 units), education and “peer support and access to an outpatient clinic” (EPSOC) (n = 48 units), and a control group (n = 42 units). Both interventions consisted of educational meetings based on a “non-injury model” and a “peer adviser” appointed by colleagues. Employees in the EPSOC group had access to an outpatient clinic for medical examination and further education. The control group received no intervention. The main outcome was sick leave based on municipal records. Secondary outcomes were self-reported pain, pain related fear of movement, coping, and beliefs about LBP from survey data of 1,746 employees (response rate about 50 %).  EPS reduced sick leave by 7 % and EPSOC reduced sick leave by 4 % during the intervention year, while sick leave in the control group was increased by 7 % during the same period. Overall, Rate Ratios (RR) were statistically significant for EPSOC (RR = .84 (C.I = 0.71–.99) but not EPS (RR = .92 (C.I = 0.78–1.09)) in a mixed Poisson regression analysis. Faulty beliefs about LBP were reduced in both intervention groups.  Educational meetings, combined with peer support and access to an outpatient clinic, were effective in reducing sick leave in public sector employees.
A randomized study of epirubicin monotherapy every four or every two weeks in advanced breast cancer. A Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group study.

To evaluate the impact on the response rate in patients with advanced breast cancer (ABC) of the doubling of the dose intensity (DI) of epirubicin monotherapy.



From January 1991 until April 1996, 167 patients with ABC were randomized to receive epirubicin (110 mg/m2) either every four (81 patients, group A) or every two weeks (86 patients, group B). Filgrastim (5 micrograms/kg/daily) was administered prophylactically on days 2-12 of each cycle.



The two groups were equally balanced in terms of major patient and tumor characteristics. Even though the median cumulative dose of epirubicin was identical in the two groups (651 mg/m2), the median DI of epirubicin was doubled in group B (27.2 vs. 52.9 mg/m2/wk, respectively). The complete response (CR) rate was significantly increased in group B (5%, 95% CI: 0.16%-9.84% vs. 17%, 95% CI: 8.9%-25.08%, P = 0.011), although overall response rates were similar (49% vs. 53%, P = 0.5957). Also, there was no significant difference in the incidence of grade 3-4 toxicity between the two groups. After a median follow-up of 25 months (range, 0.43-43.3+) no significant difference was observed in the duration of response (median, 10 months vs. 8.5 months, P = 0.5130), time to progression (median, 7.2 months vs. 7.4 months, P = 0.2970) or survival (median, 14.6 months vs. 14.9 months, P = 0.4483). Logistic regression analysis showed that performance status was a significant variable for response (P = 0.0068) and multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model revealed that performance status was significant for survival (P = 0.0049), while the presence of multiple metastases (P = 0.0020) was significant for time to progression.



Doubling the planned DI of epirubicin monotherapy significantly increases the CR rate but has no influence on time to progression or survival in patients with ABC.
Randomised clinical trial: dried plums (prunes) vs. psyllium for constipation.

Treatment of chronic constipation remains challenging with 50% of patients dissatisfied with current therapy. There is an unmet need for natural and safe alternatives. Dried plums (prunes) have been used traditionally for constipation but their efficacy is not known.  To assess and compare the effects of dried plums and psyllium in patients with chronic constipation.



Subjects were enrolled in an 8-week, single-blind, randomised cross-over study. Subjects received either dried plums (50 g b.d., fibre=6 gm/day) or psyllium (11 g b.d., fibre=6 gm/day) for 3 weeks each, in a crossover trial with a 1-week washout period. Subjects maintained a daily symptom and stool diary. Assessments included number of complete spontaneous bowel movements per week, global relief of constipation, stool consistency, straining, tolerability and taste.



Forty constipated subjects (m/f=3/37, mean age=38 years) participated. The number of complete spontaneous bowel movements per week (primary outcome measure) and stool consistency scores improved significantly (P<0.05) with dried plums when compared to psyllium. Straining and global constipation symptoms did not differ significantly between treatments (P=N.S.). Dried plums and psyllium were rated as equally palatable and both were safe and well tolerated.



Dried plums are safe, palatable and more effective than psyllium for the treatment of mild to moderate constipation, and should be considered as a first line therapy.
An educational intervention as decision support for menopausal women.

The purpose of this study was to develop and test a decision support intervention (DSI) to assist women to make and act on informed decisions that are consistent with their values in the area of menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Mode and intensity of intervention were tested in midlife women (N = 248), randomly assigned to one of three intervention formats: written information only, guided discussion, or personalized decision exercise. Data were collected over 12 months. Knowledge, decisional conflict, satisfaction with health care provider, and self-efficacy improved following intervention and were maintained for 12 months for all groups. Women's adherence to their own plans over 12 months was 59% (exercise), 76% (calcium intake), and 89% (HRT). Carefully written information is effective in promoting knowledge, adherence, and satisfaction among well-educated, interested women. It was concluded that women can understand complex information, including tradeoffs regarding treatment options. Women will adhere to their own plans, suggesting that consumer rather than provider plans may be the more appropriate gold standard for measuring adherence.
The effect of verapamil on the pharmacokinetics of adriamycin

The concurrent administration of adriamycin (intravenous) and verpamil (oral) is of considerable interest because of experimental data suggesting that resistance to adriamycin may be overcome by this means. The potential for a pharmacokinetic interaction between the two drugs has therefore been investigated in five patients with small cell lung cancer treated with combination chemotherapy comprising adriamycin, VP16, vincristine and cyclophosphamide. The data indicate that a significant interaction takes place. Adriamycin peak levels, terminal halflife and the volume of distribution at steady state are higher, whereas plasma drug clearance and the volume of the central compartment are lower with co-administration of verapamil. There was no evidence of enhanced drug toxicity in this study; however, the data should be considered in the interpretation of clinical trials in which adriamycin and verapamil are used together, both in terms of toxicity and tumour response.
Quality of life in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast treated with conservative surgery and postoperative irradiation

To evaluate the quality of life (QL) in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast treated with conservative surgery and postoperative irradiation.  A self‐completed questionnaire covering many disease‐, symptom‐, and treatment‐specific issues was administered to 106 conservatively treated patients affected by non‐infiltrating breast cancer. The questionnaire was based on a series of 34 items assessing five main fields of post‐treatment adjustment: physical well being, sexual adaptation, aesthetic outcome, emotional/psychological well being, relational behaviour. Furthermore, the patients were requested to evaluate the degree of information provided by the medical staff concerning surgical procedures and radiation therapy, and to evaluate the effects of the treatment on their social and overall life.  The questionnaire was completed by 83 patients (78%), who had a median follow‐up of 54.5 months. This final sample had a median age of 50 years (range 29–88) at the time of treatment and 54 years (range 32–94) at the time of study. The patients claimed to be in good physical condition. Data relating to sexual life were provided by 93% of the sample. Some limitations in sexuality, some interference with sexual desire, and some modifications during intercourse were reported by 5, 6, and 5 patients, respectively. The subjective evaluations of the cosmetic results of the therapies were generally good. Only 13 patients (16%) reported the perception of a worsened body image. Forty‐six percent of the sample (38 patients) declared that they felt tense, 48% (39 patients) nervous, 29% (38 patients) lonely, 59% (41 patients) anxious, and 41% (34 patients) depressed. Only seven patients (8%) declared that the treatment had had a bad effect on their social life, and 15 (18%) thought that their current life had been affected by the treatment. The amount of information received concerning the disease and treatment (surgery and radiotherapy) was considered sufficient by 79%, 75%, and 79% of the sample, respectively.  This study revealed a good QL in patients treated with breast conservation and postoperative irradiation, with a preserved favourable body image and a lack of negative impact on sexuality. Radiation therapy did not lead to any significant additional problems capable of affecting the QL.
Duloxetine improves oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy in patients with colorectal cancer: an open-label pilot study

This open-label pilot study is aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the antidepressant duloxetine, which is effective for diabetic neuropathic pain, in the treatment of chronic oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (OIPN). We enrolled a total of 39 patients with stage III or IV colorectal cancer with chronic OIPN. They were treated with duloxetine by increasing the dose from 30 mg/day to 60 mg/day. Patients’ pain intensity was rated at baseline and 12 weeks after duloxetine administration. The severity of neuropathic pain was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) score and the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events, version 3 (NCI-CTCAE v3.0). Nine patients (23.1%) discontinued duloxetine before the end of treatment because of adverse events. Of the remaining 30 patients, 19 patients (63.3%) had a VAS score improvement. Among them, nine (47.4%) showed a simultaneous grade improvement, and the other 10 patients (52.6%) had a stable grade according to NCI-CTCAE v3.0. Treatment with duloxetine did not impair renal or liver function and did not interfere with chemotherapy. Duloxetine is feasible in treating chronic OIPN with tolerable toxicity at a daily dose of 60 mg/day.
School neighborhood disadvantage as a predictor of long-term sick leave among teachers: prospective cohort study.

This ongoing prospective study examined characteristics of school neighborhood and neighborhood of residence as predictors of sick leave among school teachers. School neighborhood income data for 226 lower-level comprehensive schools in 10 towns in Finland were derived from Statistics Finland and were linked to register-based data on 3,063 teachers with no long-term sick leave at study entry. Outcome was medically certified (>9 days) sick leave spells during a mean follow-up of 4.3 years from data collection in 2000-2001. A multilevel, cross-classified Poisson regression model, adjusted for age, type of teaching job, length and type of job contract, school size, baseline health status, and income level of the teacher's residential area, showed a rate ratio of 1.30 (95% confidence interval: 1.03, 1.63) for sick leave among female teachers working in schools located in low-income neighborhoods compared with those working in high-income neighborhoods. A low income level of the teacher's residential area was also independently associated with sick leave among female teachers (rate ratio = 1.50, 95% confidence interval: 1.18, 1.91). Exposure to both low-income school neighborhoods and low-income residential neighborhoods was associated with the greatest risk of sick leave (rate ratio = 1.71, 95% confidence interval: 1.27, 2.30). This study indicates that working and living in a socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhood is associated with increased risk of sick leave among female teachers.