nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
His595Tyr polymorphism in the methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) gene is associated with pancreatic cancer risk.

This study attempts to elucidate a part of the genetic predisposition to the sporadic invasive ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas focusing on the genes implicated in the gene-environment interactions in carcinogenesis.



First, 227 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of 46 genes were genotyped on 198 cases and 182 controls. The SNPs, which showed a significant association, were further genotyped on additional samples to perform a joint analysis (total 317 cases vs 1232 controls). The gene selected by joint analysis was resequenced for a high-density SNP typing and a haplotype analysis on 702 cases and 785 controls. Function of the risk and wild-type haplotypes was assessed using cells transfected with complementary DNA (cDNA).



The joint analysis with multiple testing adjustment identified 2 SNPs on the methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) gene: rs162049 (intronic SNP), Fisher exact test, P = .0018; OR, 1.33; 95% CI: 1.11-1.60 and rs10380 (His595Tyr), Fisher exact test, P = .0063; OR, 1.45; 95% CI: 1.11-1.88. The SNPs remained significant in the recessive model after the permutation test for multiple testing (rs162049, P = .024; rs10380, P = .023) in the high-density analysis. Stable transfectants of the risk haplotype MTRR cDNA showed significantly elevated homocysteine levels in a culture medium, a lower level of the LINE-1 methylation, and a lower expression of the MTRR protein than did the transfectants with the wild-type haplotype cDNA.



Our study suggested a common missense SNP of the MTRR gene as a novel pancreatic cancer susceptibility factor with a functional significance in folate-related metabolism and the genome-wide methylation status.
Antisecretory effects of Librax in patients with duodenal ulcer

The antisecretory effectiveness of a standard dose of Librax—a combination of an anticholinergic agent clidinium bromide, and an ataractic chlordiazepoxide—was determined in 20 patients with duodenal ulcer by a paired, 6-hr., placebo-controlled test. Significant reductions in mean hourly pH, mean hourly secretory volume, hourly total acid output, hourly volume (percentage of control), and hourly acid output (percentage of control) were observed. The magnitude of the antisecretory changes were in that descending order. The results indicate that the antisecretory effect observed was due to a reduction both in volume and in acid concentration. The reduced acid concentration was reflected in change in pH; titratable acidity was altered insignificantly, but in the same direction. The antisecretory effects were of the same magnitude in the highest secretors as compared with the lowest secretors. Evidence from the reports of others is cited that the antisecretory effects observed were due to the anticholinergic component of Librax. Unexpectedly, gastric secretory rates increased significantly following placebo administration.
Short term efficacy of ibuprofen phonophoresis versus continuous ultrasound therapy in knee osteoarthritis.

To compare the effectiveness of ibuprofen phonophoresis (PH) with conventional ultrasound (US) therapy in knee osteoarthritis.



Sixty patients with a mean age of 59.8 +/- 9.0 years were randomly assigned to PH or US groups. Continuous ultrasonic waves of 1 MHz frequency and 1 watt/cm2 power were applied for 5 minutes to the target knee joint. Acoustic gel without any active pharmacological agent was applied in the US group, whereas cream containing 5% ibuprofen was applied in the PH group for a total treatment period of 10 sessions. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores, pain on passive and active motion, 20 metres walking time, knee range of motion (ROM), and global assessments of disease activity and treatment efficacy by the investigator and by the patients were evaluated before and after therapy. Primary outcome measure of the study was 30% improvement in total WOMAC scores at the end of the study with respective scores at baseline.



At the end of two weeks, 30% improvement in total WOMAC score was observed in 12 (40%) and 14 (46.6%) of patients in the PH and US groups respectively, indicating no significant difference in improvement rates. Pain scores, knee ROM degrees, 20 metres walking time measurements and all global assessment scores also improved significantly in both groups, yet these variables showed no significant differences between the two groups. When treatment efficacy was assessed as satisfaction rates, investigator satisfaction rates were 96.7% and 90%, while patient satisfaction rates were 93.3% and 83.3% in the PH and US groups respectively, suggesting similar satisfaction rates for both treatment methods.



Both therapeutic modalities were found to be effective and generally well tolerated after 10 therapy sessions. Ibuprofen PH was not superior to conventional ultrasound in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Therapeutic equivalence between bambuterol, 10 mg once daily, and terbutaline controlled release, 5 mg twice daily, in mild to moderate asthma.

Bambuterol is the first long-acting oral beta 2-agonist with a 24 h effective duration. In order to investigate the possibility of replacing established treatment modalities with bambuterol once daily, we wanted to compare the bronchodilating and tremorogenic effects of bambuterol, 10 mg once daily, and terbutaline, 5 mg controlled-release (CR) tablets twice daily. The study was of a double-blind, double-dummy, randomized, cross-over design and involved two, two week treatment periods, separated by a one week wash-out period. Peak expiratory flow (PEF) recorded in patients' diaries was the primary efficacy variable. Seventy adult, asthmatic out-patients with mild to moderate asthma were included (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) > or = 50% predicted). After treatment with bambuterol, mean morning and evening PEF (SD) were 347 (122) and 365 (121) l.min-1, respectively and 346 (121) and 365 (122) l.min-1, respectively, after treatment with terbutaline. FEV1 (SD) was 2.21 (0.91) l and 2.27 (0.93) l after bambuterol and terbutaline treatments, respectively. Tremor scores tended to be lower during treatment with bambuterol, although not significantly so. Tremor scores were low, in general. In conclusion, no difference in the bronchodilating effect was demonstrated between bambuterol, 10 mg once daily, and controlled release terbutaline, 5 mg twice daily. A tendency towards less tremor was seen with bambuterol.
Accuracy of reported service use in a cohort of people who are chronically homeless and seriously mentally ill

Self-reported service use is an integral feature of interventional research with people who are homeless and mentally ill. The objective of this study was to investigate the accuracy of self-reported involvement with major categories of publicly funded services (health, justice, social welfare) within this sub-population.



Measures were administered pre-randomization in two randomized controlled trials, using timeline follow back with calendar aids for Health, Social, and Justice Service Use, compared to linked administrative data. Variables examined were: psychiatric admissions (both extended stays of more than 6 months and two or more stays within 5 years); emergency department visits, general hospitalization and jail in the past 6 months; and income assistance in the past 1 month. Participants (n = 433) met criteria for homelessness and a least one mental illness.



Prevalence adjusted and bias adjusted kappa (PABAK) values ranged between moderate and almost perfect for extended psychiatric hospital separations (PABAK: 0.77; 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 0.71, 0.83), multiple psychiatric hospitalizations (PABAK = 0.50, 95 % CI = 0.41, 0.59), emergency department visits (PABAK: 0.77; 95 % CI = 0.71, 0.83), jail (PABAK: 0.74; 95 % CI = 0.68, 0.81), and income assistance (PABAK: 0.82; 95 % CI = 0.76, 0.87). Significant differences in under versus over reporting were also found.



People who are homeless and mentally ill reliably reported their overall use of health, justice, and income assistance services. Evidence of under-reporting and over-reporting of certain variables has implications for specific research questions.  Housing First plus Assertive Community Treatment versus congregate housing plus supports versus treatment as usual); and 66721740 (Vancouver at Home study: Housing First plus Intensive Case management versus treatment as usual).
Intracranial aneurysms: midterm outcome of pipeline embolization device--a prospective study in 143 patients with 178 aneurysms.

To evaluate the midterm clinical and angiographic outcomes after pipeline embolization device (PED) placement for treatment of intracranial aneurysms.



This prospective nonrandomized multicenter study was approved by the review boards of all involved centers; informed consent was obtained. Patients (143 patients, 178 aneurysms) with unruptured saccular or fusiform aneurysms or recurrent aneurysms after previous treatment were included and observed angiographically for up to 18 months and clinically for up to 3 years. Study endpoints included complete aneurysm occlusion; neurologic complications within 30 days and up to 3 years; clinical outcome of cranial nerve palsy after PED placement; angiographic evidence of occlusion or stenosis of parent artery and that of occlusion of covered side branches at 6, 12, and 18 months; and clinical and computed tomographic evidence of perforator infarction.



There were five (3.5%) cases of periprocedural death or major stroke (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] > 3) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3%, 8.4%), including two posttreatment delayed ruptures, two intracerebral hemorrhages, and one thromboembolism. Five (3.5%) patients had minor neurologic complications within 30 days (mRS = 1) (95% CI: 1.3%, 8.4%), including transient ischemic attack (n = 2), small cerebral infarction (n = 2), and cranial nerve palsy (n = 1). Beyond 30 days, there was one fatal intracerebral hemorrhage and one transient ischemic attack. Ten of 13 patients (95% CI: 46%, 93.8%) completely recovered from symptoms of cranial nerve palsy within a median of 3.5 months. Angiographic results at 18 months revealed a complete aneurysm occlusion rate of 84% (49 of 58; 95% CI: 72.1%, 92.2%), with no cases of parent artery occlusion, parent artery stenosis (<50%) in three patients, and occlusion of a covered side branch in two cases (posterior communicating arteries). Perforator infarction did not occur.



PED placement is a reasonably safe and effective treatment for intracranial aneurysms. The treatment is promising for aneurysms of unfavorable morphologic features, such as wide neck, large size, fusiform morphology, incorporation of side branches, and posttreatment recanalization, and should be considered a first choice for treating unruptured aneurysms and recurrent aneurysms after previous treatments.



http://radiology.rsna.org/lookup/suppl/doi:10.1148/radiol.12120422/-/DC1.
Fatigue and menopausal symptoms in women with breast cancer undergoing hormonal cancer treatment.

Hormonal treatment for women with breast cancer is frequently proposed in the adjuvant as well as in the palliative setting. Therefore, many women are confronted with early menopause and prolonged oestrogen deprivation and consequently with a variety of quality of life issues, such as menopausal symptoms and fatigue.



It was the aim of this study to explore the occurrence and frequency of menopausal symptoms in women with breast cancer, undergoing hormonal cancer treatment and to investigate their relationship with fatigue. A cross-sectional, quantitative approach was used in this multi-centre study. The Checklist for Patients with Endocrine Therapy (C-PET) and the International Breast Cancer Study Group (IBCSG) Linear Analogue Scales for patients with endocrine treatment were used. Descriptive statistics, as well as cluster analyses were performed.



Most frequent menopausal symptoms involved hot flashes/sweats, tiredness, weight gain, vaginal dryness and decreased sexual interest. There were significant differences between the fatigued and the non-fatigued population regarding the intensity of menopausal symptoms, emotional irritability and general coping. Cluster analyses supported a menopausal symptom cluster.



Fatigue accompanies menopausal symptoms and an association can be expected. Methods for routine screening for menopausal symptoms, including fatigue, are suggested as a relevant research issue in women with breast cancer undergoing hormonal treatment.
Second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors improve the survival of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in whom imatinib therapy has failed.

It has not been clearly established whether second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors actually improve the survival of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase who are given nilotinib or dasatinib therapy after treatment failure with imatinib.



To address this issue we compared the survival of 104 patients in whom first-line therapy with imatinib failed and who were then treated with second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors with the outcome of 246 patients in whom interferon-α therapy failed and who did not receive tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy.



Patients treated with second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors had longer overall survival than the interferon controls (adjusted relative risk= 0.28, P=0.0001). However this survival advantage was limited to the 64.4% of patients in whom imatinib failed but who achieved complete cytogenetic response with the subsequent tyrosine kinase inhibitor (adjusted relative risk =0.05, P=0.003), whereas the 35.6% of patients who failed to achieve complete cytogenetic response on the second or third inhibitor had similar overall survival to that of the controls (adjusted relative risk=0.76, P=0.65).



Patients in whom imatinib treatment fails who receive sequential therapy with second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors have an enormous advantage in survival over controls (palliative therapy); this advantage is, however, limited to the majority of the patients who achieve a complete cytogenetic response.
The effects of cinacalcet on blood pressure, mortality and cardiovascular endpoints in the EVOLVE trial

Patients with end-stage renal disease often have derangements in calcium and phosphorus homeostasis and resultant secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT), which may contribute to the high prevalence of arterial stiffness and hypertension. We conducted a secondary analysis of the Evaluation of Cinacalcet Hydrochloride Therapy to Lower Cardiovascular Events (EVOLVE) trial, in which patients receiving hemodialysis with sHPT were randomly assigned to receive cinacalcet or placebo. We sought to examine whether the effect of cinacalcet on death and major cardiovascular events was modified by baseline pulse pressure as a marker of arterial stiffness, and whether cinacalcet yielded any effects on blood pressure. As reported previously, an unadjusted intention-to-treat analysis failed to conclude that randomization to cinacalcet reduces the risk of the primary composite end point (all-cause mortality or non-fatal myocardial infarction, heart failure, hospitalization for unstable angina or peripheral vascular event). However, after prespecified adjustment for baseline characteristics, patients randomized to cinacalcet experienced a nominally significant 13% lower adjusted risk (95% confidence limit 4–20%) of the primary composite end point. The effect of cinacalcet was not modified by baseline pulse pressure (Pinteraction=0.44). In adjusted models, at 20 weeks cinacalcet resulted in a 2.2 mm Hg larger average decrease in systolic blood pressure (P=0.002) and a 1.3 mm Hg larger average decrease in diastolic blood pressure (P=0.002) compared with placebo. In summary, in the EVOLVE trial, the effect of cinacalcet on death and major cardiovascular events was independent of baseline pulse pressure.
Validation of the Spanish version of the Clinical Assessment for Negative Symptoms (CAINS)

Negative symptoms are a core feature of schizophrenia and their reliable and valid assessment is a prerequisite for developing effective therapeutic interventions. This study examined the psychometric properties and validity of the Spanish version of a new rating instrument, the Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS). Outpatients and inpatients (N=100) with DSM-IV schizophrenia were administered the translated CAINS, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), and the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS). A subsample (N=46) was rated for Parkinsonism using the Extrapyramidal Symptoms Rating Scale (ESRS). The scale showed good inter-rater and intra-rater reliability. Both the CAINS overall and the subscales for motivation/pleasure (CAINS-Map) and expression (CAINS-Exp) scores correlated significantly with the SANS and PANSS negative symptom scale. Significant correlations with positive symptoms and general psychopathology were also found, but these reduced and mostly became insignificant when overall severity of illness was controlled for. Significant correlations with depression also disappeared when severity was controlled for. There was a trend-level correlation between the CAINS total score and Parkinsonism, which reflected an association with the CAINS-Exp subscale only. Factor analysis revealed a two-dimensional structure that explained the 67.44% of the variance. Overall, the Spanish version of the CAINS appears to be a valid tool for measuring negative symptoms in schizophrenia.
Prostate specific antigen in a community-based sample of men without prostate cancer: correlations with prostate volume, age, body mass index, and symptoms of prostatism.

The correlation between both prostate specific antigen levels (PSA) and prostate specific antigen density (PSAD) and age, prostate volume parameters, body mass index, and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) were studied in a community-based population. A sample of 502 men aged 55 through 74 years was evaluated, excluding those with a serum PSA above 10 ng/ml, those with biopsy proven prostate cancer, and those who had previously undergone a prostate operation. PSA and PSAD did not correlate with the body mass index. Weak correlations were found between PSA and age (r = 0.25; P < 0.001), PSAD and age (r = 0.17; P < 0.001) and between PSA and the total prostate volume (r = 0.58; P < 0.001). PSA did not correlate independently with age after adjustment for volume (P = 0.22). The finding that PSAD correlates with age (r = 0.17; P < 0.001) is partly explained by the incomplete volume adjustment of PSAD which is proved by the positive correlation between PSAD and prostate volume (r = 0.26; P < 0.001). In the main target age-range for prostate cancer screening there is a poor basis for the use of age-specific reference values or volume adjustment for PSA levels in order to increase the clinical usefulness of this serum marker. Comparison of the results of the present study and studies conducted in others regions shows that there may be significant differences in PSA values per age stratum. Further studies are needed to clarify the reasons for these differences.
Does the use of a volatile anesthetic regimen attenuate the incidence of cardiac events after vascular surgery?

To compare the effects of a volatile anesthetic to a non-volatile anesthetic regimen on the incidence of postoperative cardiac events, including the postoperative elevation of troponin I values after arterial vascular surgery in high risk patients.



Retrospective analysis of data of a phase II study that compared the Na+/H+ exchanger type II inhibitor, zoniporide to placebo on the occurrence of cardiac events.



Multicenter study conducted in 105 sites throughout the United States, South America, Europe and Asia.



784 subjects scheduled for urgent or elective major arterial vascular surgery and a history of at least 3 of the following: age > or = 65 years, hypertension, documented stroke or transient ischemic attack, previous myocardial infarction, active angina pectoris diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, or symptomatic cardiac arrhythmia.



Type of anesthesia was retrospectively retrieved from the database and patients were subdivided in two groups: inhalational (group A) vs non-inhalational anesthetic regimen (group B). Incidence of postoperative cardiac events was compared between the two groups.



The incidence of postoperative cardiac events was not different between the two groups. Maximum postoperative troponin I levels was not different between the two groups in the total population and in the patients undergoing peripheral arterial surgery. In patients undergoing aortic surgery the incidence of elevated troponin levels higher than 1.5 and 4 ng x mL(-1) tended to be lower in group A than in group B in the aortic surgery (28% vs 18% and 30% vs 20% respectively) but this difference did not reach statistical significance.



The results of this hypothesis-generating study suggest that potential beneficial effects on extent of postoperative myocardial damage in high risk patients undergoing arterial surgery will probably be more apparent in abdominal aortic surgery than in peripheral vascular surgery. Further sufficiently powered studies using a standardized protocol should now be performed to definitively address this question.
A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Modafinil for Cocaine Dependence

Despite years of active research, there are still no approved medications for the treatment of cocaine dependence. Modafinil is a glutamate-enhancing agent that blunts cocaine euphoria under controlled conditions, and the current study assessed whether modafinil would improve clinical outcome in cocaine-dependent patients receiving standardized psychosocial treatment. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted at a university outpatient center (from 2002 to 2003) on a consecutive sample of 62 (predominantly African American) cocaine-dependent patients (aged 25–63) free of significant medical and psychiatric conditions. After screening, eligible patients were randomized to a single morning dose of modafinil (400 mg), or matching placebo tablets, for 8 weeks while receiving manual-guided, twice-weekly cognitive behavioral therapy. The primary efficacy measure was cocaine abstinence based on urine benzoylecgonine levels. Secondary measures were craving, cocaine withdrawal, retention, and adverse events. Modafinil-treated patients provided significantly more BE-negative urine samples (p=0.03) over the 8-week trial when compared to placebos, and were more likely to achieve a protracted period (⩾3 weeks) of cocaine abstinence (p=0.05). There were no serious adverse events, and none of the patients failed to complete the study as a result of adverse events. This study provides preliminary evidence, which should be confirmed by a larger study, that modafinil improves clinical outcome when combined with psychosocial treatment for cocaine dependence.