nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Modeling and simulation of the interference due to digital switching in mixed-signal ICs

The paper introduces a methodology for the evaluation of the interference noise, caused by digital switching activity, in sensitive circuits of a mixed-digital-analog chip. The digital switching activity is modeled stochastically as functions defined on Markov chains. The actual interference signal is obtained through the modulation of this discrete stochastic signal with real current injection patterns stored a priori in a pre-characterized library. The interference noise results from the propagations of these continuous stochastic signals through the linear network that models the chip power grid, substrate and relevant package parasitics. The interference noise power spectral density is computed by linear frequency-domain analysis. The methodology is implemented using advanced numerical techniques capable of tackling very large problems.
Association of ADRA2A and MTHFR gene polymorphisms with weight loss following antipsychotic switching to aripiprazole or ziprasidone.

Various genetic polymorphisms have been reported to be associated with antipsychotic-induced weight gain. In this study, we aimed to determine whether risk polymorphisms in 12 candidate genes are associated with reduction in body mass index (BMI) of patients following switching of antipsychotics to aripiprazole or ziprasidone.



We recruited 115 schizophrenia patients with metabolic abnormalities and who have been on at least 1 year treatment with other antipsychotics; they were then switched to either aripiprazole or ziprasidone. They were genotyped, and their BMI monitored for 6 months.



Significant associations with reduction in BMI at 6 months following switching were found in two of these genes: with rs1800544 of the ADRA2A gene (CC + CG [-0.32 ± 1.41 kg/m²] vs GG [-1.04 ± 1.63 kg/m²], p = 0.013) and with rs1801131 of the MTHFR gene (AA [-0.36 ± 1.53] vs AC + CC [-1.07 ± 1.53], p = 0.015).



The study data indicated that carriage of the ADRA2A rs1800544 GG genotype and the MTHFR rs1801131 C allele are associated with BMI reduction in this population following switching of antipsychotics to aripiprazole and ziprasidone.
Database Research: Achievements and Opportunities Into the 21st Century

In February of 1990, a group of database researchers met to examine the prospects for future database research e orts. The resulting report (Silberschatz et al. [1990]) was instrumental in bringing to the public's attention both the signi cance of prior database research and the number of challenging and important problems that lay ahead. We shall not repeat here the major points made in that report concerning the historical development of relational database systems and transaction management. Rather the reader is encouraged to consult either that report or an on-line document (Gray [1995]), each of which discusses these and other historical achievements of database research. In May of 1995, a second workshop was convened to consider anew the prospects for database research, and this paper reports on our ndings. The following points summarize the conclusions of this forum.
Benefit of clopidogrel in patients with acute coronary syndromes without ST-segment elevation in various risk groups.

The Clopidogrel in Unstable angina to prevent Recurrent Events (CURE) trial demonstrated that clopidogrel, given early and continued long term, was superior to placebo in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes receiving aspirin. The purpose of the present analysis was to estimate the treatment effect Zof clopidogrel in patients who were stratified according to their risk of future cardiovascular events.



Patients (n=12 562) who presented within 24 hours after the onset of symptoms were randomized to receive clopidogrel (300 mg followed by 75 mg daily) or placebo in addition to aspirin for 3 to 12 months. Treatment effect was analyzed in various risk groups according to the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk score. The TIMI risk model was validated in the CURE population (C statistic, 0.634). The primary composite outcome of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke increased proportionally with increasing risk according to the TIMI risk score. The impact of clopidogrel versus placebo on the rate of the primary outcome was as follows: low-risk group (TIMI score 0 to 2), 4.1% versus 5.7% (relative risk [RR], 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.52 to 0.97; P< 0.04), intermediate-risk group (TIMI score 3 to 4), 9.8% versus 11.4% (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74 to 0.98; P<0.03), and high-risk group (TIMI score 5 to 7), 15.9% versus 20.7% (RR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.90; P<0.004). There was no evidence of statistical heterogeneity among the groups.



The benefit of clopidogrel demonstrated in the CURE trial is consistent in low-, intermediate-, and high-risk patients with acute coronary syndromes (as stratified by TIMI risk score), thus supporting its use in all patients with documented non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes.
Feasibility study of S-1 and intraperitoneal docetaxel combination chemotherapy for gastric cancer with peritoneal dissemination.

Gastric cancer with cancer cells on peritoneal cytology has very poor prognosis because of the existence of simultaneous peritoneal metastasis. Here we performed a dose-escalation study of intraperitoneal docetaxel (DTX) combined with S-1 to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended dose (RD) in gastric cancer with peritoneal dissemination.



Twelve gastric cancer patients with positive cytology were enrolled in this study. Peritoneal lavage specimens were obtained under local anesthesia or staging laparoscopy before treatment and the combination chemotherapy was applied in patients with positive cytology. DTX was administered on day 1 intraperitoneally with initial dose of 40 mg/m(2), stepped up to 50 or 60 mg/m(2). S-1 was administered at a fixed dose of 80 mg/m(2)/day on days 1-14, followed by 7 days of rest. After two cycles of the combination chemotherapy, staging laparoscopy was performed to evaluate the effect of the chemotherapy. Simultaneous gastrectomy was performed in cases without peritoneal deposits at staging laparoscopy.



The MTD of intraperitoneal DTX was not determined and the RD was defined as 60 mg/m(2) because dose-limiting toxicity occurred in only one patient at level II (DTX: 50 mg/m(2)). Out of twelve patients given the combination chemotherapy, nine had cytologically negative peritoneal lavage and had no peritoneal metastases at surgery after chemotherapy.



The combined chemotherapy of S-1 plus intraperitoneal DTX was revealed to be safe and may be effective for gastric cancer with peritoneal dissemination.
Comparison of embedded and added motor imagery training in patients after stroke: study protocol of a randomised controlled pilot trial using a mixed methods approach

Two different approaches have been adopted when applying motor imagery (MI) to stroke patients. MI can be conducted either added to conventional physiotherapy or integrated within therapy sessions. The proposed study aims to compare the efficacy of embedded MI to an added MI intervention. Evidence from pilot studies reported in the literature suggests that both approaches can improve performance of a complex motor skill involving whole body movements, however, it remains to be demonstrated, which is the more effective one.



A single blinded, randomised controlled trial (RCT) with a pre-post intervention design will be carried out. The study design includes two experimental groups and a control group (CG). Both experimental groups (EG1, EG2) will receive physical practice of a clinical relevant motor task ('Going down, laying on the floor, and getting up again') over a two week intervention period: EG1 with embedded MI training, EG2 with MI training added after physiotherapy. The CG will receive standard physiotherapy intervention and an additional control intervention not related to MI. The primary study outcome is the time difference to perform the task from pre to post-intervention. Secondary outcomes include level of help needed, stages of motor task completion, degree of motor impairment, balance ability, fear of falling measure, motivation score, and motor imagery ability score. Four data collection points are proposed: twice during baseline phase, once following the intervention period, and once after a two week follow up. A nested qualitative part should add an important insight into patients' experience and attitudes towards MI. Semi-structured interviews of six to ten patients, who participate in the RCT, will be conducted to investigate patients' previous experience with MI and their expectations towards the MI intervention in the study. Patients will be interviewed prior and after the intervention period.



Results will determine whether embedded MI is superior to added MI. Findings of the semi-structured interviews will help to integrate patient's expectations of MI interventions in the design of research studies to improve practical applicability using MI as an adjunct therapy technique.
Diabetes quality improvement in Department of Veterans Affairs Ambulatory Care Clinics: a group-randomized clinical trial.

To conduct a group-randomized clinical trial to determine whether regular feedback to primary care providers of synthesized information on patients' health, function, and satisfaction would demonstrate improved outcomes for their patients with diabetes.



Patients in General Internal Medicine Clinics Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers were randomized into seven intervention or control firms. Patient self-reported information was collected by mail on general health, diabetes, and up to five other chronic conditions. Patients with diabetes received the Seattle Diabetes Questionnaire, the 36-item Medical Outcomes Study short form (SF-36), and a validated patient satisfaction questionnaire at regular intervals. Data from self-report, clinical, pharmacy, and laboratory sources were synthesized into patient-specific feedback reports that intervention providers received before patients' visits.



The timely delivery to primary care providers of state-of-the-art patient-feedback reports that identified patient issues and areas for improvement did not result in significant improvements in patient outcomes between the intervention and control firms.



Outcomes in diabetic patients whose providers received synthesized patient data before visits were no better than in those receiving care from control firms. Future studies may benefit from substantial involvement in patients discussing, problem solving, and goal setting in addition to use of timely synthesized patient data.
HER2 status in gastric cancers: a retrospective analysis from four Chinese representative clinical centers and assessment of its prognostic significance.

HER2 has a predictive value in gastric cancer. However, its association with prognosis remains uncertain. The aim of our study was to estimate the HER2-positive rate in Chinese gastric cancers, compare the classical fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) method with the novel bright-field dual color silver-enhanced in situ hybridization (DSISH) detection system, and evaluate the relationship between the HER2 status and prognosis.



Seven hundred and twenty-six resected gastric cancers separately from four clinical centers in China were examined for HER2 by immunohistochemistry (IHC), FISH, and DSISH.



The HER2-positive rate was 13%. The consistency between FISH and DSISH results was high (99%; κ = 0.958; P < 0.001). Tumor heterogeneity and polysomy were the main reasons for inconsistency. There was no significant difference in the 3-year overall survival (OS) between HER2-positive and -negative patients (P = 0.959). Multivariate analysis showed that HER2 was not an independent prognostic factor.


CONCLUSION(S)
HER2 overexpression and amplification occur in a significant number of Chinese gastric cancer patients. Given the obvious advantages and high consistency with FISH, DSISH was superior for evaluating HER2 amplification in gastric cancer. HER2 was not a prognostic factor for gastric cancer in our study.
Randomized, double-blind, multicenter study of the Endeavor zotarolimus-eluting phosphorylcholine-encapsulated stent for treatment of native coronary artery lesions. Clinical and angiographic results of the ENDEAVOR II Trial.

The use of the Endeavor stent might reduce restenosis and stent thrombosis at 9 months.



Patients (n =1,197) treated for single coronary artery stenosis were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, double-blind study and randomly assigned to receive the Endeavor zotarolimus-eluting phosphorylcholine polymer-coated stent (n= 598) or the same bare metal stent but without the drug or the polymer coating (n=599).



The 2 groups were well matched in baseline characteristics. Diabetes was present in 20.1% of patients; the mean reference vessel diameter was 2.75 mm; and the mean lesion length was 14.2 mm. The primary end point of target vessel failure at 9 months was reduced from 15.1% with the bare metal stent to 7.9% with the Endeavor (P=0.0001), and the rate of major adverse cardiac events was reduced from 14.4% with the bare metal stent to 7.3% with the Endeavor (P=0.0001). Target lesion revascularization was 4.6% with Endeavor compared with 11.8% with the bare metal stent (P=0.0001). The rate of stent thrombosis was 0.5% with the Endeavor, which was not significantly different from 1.2% with the bare metal stent. In 531 patients submitted to angiographic follow-up, late loss was reduced from 1.03+/-0.58 to 0.61+/-0.46 (P<0.001) in stent and from 0.72+/-0.61 to 0.36+/-0.46 (P<0.001) in segment. The rate of in-segment restenosis was reduced from 35% to 13.2% with Endeavor (P<0.0001). There was no excessive edge stenosis, aneurysm formation, or late acquired malposition by intravascular ultrasound imaging. Differences in clinical outcome were maintained at 12 and 24 months (P<0.0001).



Compared with bare metal stents, the Endeavor stent is safe and reduces the rates of clinical and angiographic restenosis at 9, 12, and 24 months.
Effects of exercise training on physical impairment, arterial stiffness and health-related quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease: a pilot study

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have impaired performance in physical tasks, lower health-related quality of life and high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Moderate intensity exercise has been shown to provide cardiovascular and metabolic benefits in healthy individuals and patients without CKD. Long-term exercise training is recommended as a vital component in the management of a number of chronic diseases. This randomized controlled pilot project examined the effects of exercise in predialysis CKD patients. Ten patients were randomized to 12 months of exercise (EX) and 10 to standard care (CT). We compared the difference between the two groups in physical impairment (VO2peak and endurance time [ET]), arterial stiffness (augmentation index [AI]) and health-related quality of life (EuroQol EQ-5D and Short Form-36 questionnaires) (all measured at baseline and 12 months). The difference between EX and CT was statistically significant for VO2peak (3.59 ml O2/kg/min; 95% CI 0.92, 6.26; P = 0.01), ET (10.97 min; 95% CI 4.34, 17.59; P = 0.003) and AI (−11.7%; 95% CI −18.79, −4.61; P = 0.003). Clinically important changes were noted in EQ-5D and SF-36. This study suggests that long-term exercise training improves physical impairment, arterial stiffness and health-related quality of life in patients with predialysis CKD. A larger randomized trial is required to examine the impact of exercise on markers of cardiovascular risk and quality of life in predialysis CKD patients.
A Low Serum Bicarbonate Concentration as a Risk Factor for Mortality in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Metabolic acidosis is common in patients with chronic kidney disease and is associated with increased mortality in hemodialysis patients. However, this relationship has not yet been determined in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.



This prospective observational study included a total of 441 incident patients who started PD between January 2000 and December 2005. Using time-averaged serum bicarbonate (TA-Bic) levels, we aimed to investigate whether a low serum bicarbonate concentration can predict mortality in these patients.



Among the baseline parameters, serum bicarbonate level was positively associated with hemoglobin level and residual glomerular filtration rate (GFR), while it was negatively associated with albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, peritoneal Kt/V urea, and normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR) in a multivariable linear regression analysis. During a median follow-up of 34.8 months, 149 deaths were recorded. After adjustment for age, diabetes, coronary artery disease, serum albumin, ferritin, CRP, residual GFR, peritoneal Kt/V urea, nPCR, and percentage of lean body mass, TA-Bic level was associated with a significantly decreased risk of mortality (HR per 1 mEq/L increase, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76-0.91; p < 0.001). In addition, compared to patients with a TA-Bic level of 24-26 mEq/L, those with a TA-Bic level < 22 and between 22-24 mEq/L conferred a 13.10- and 2.13-fold increased risk of death, respectively.



This study showed that a low serum bicarbonate concentration is an independent risk factor for mortality in PD patients. This relationship between low bicarbonate levels and adverse outcome could be related to enhanced inflammation and a more rapid loss of RRF associated with metabolic acidosis. Large randomized clinical trials to correct acidosis are warranted to confirm our findings.
Rotational alignment in patient-specific instrumentation in TKA: MRI or CT?

To compare CT-guided and MRI-guided patient-specific instrumentation in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Forty-four patients underwent primary TKA using either CT-guided or MR-guided Signature™ patient-specific instrumentation. They were prospectively assigned into two groups: 23 patients into the MR-guided instrumentation (group A) and 21 patients into the CT-guided patient-specific instrumentation (group B). All patients underwent computed tomography of the operated knee in the first week after the surgery to measure the components rotation. The femoral component rotation was 0.0° (0.0, 1.0) in group A and 0.0° (−2.0, 1.0) in group B. The tibial component rotation was −16.0° (−19.0, −14.0) in group A and −15.0° (−18.0, −8.0) in group B. In both components, there were no significant differences between the two groups. The difference between the tibial component rotation and the neutral tibial rotation was similar in both groups [2.0° (−1.4, 4.0) in group A and 3.0° (−0.5, 5.0) in group B], but the dispersion around the median was different between the two groups, with the amplitude of the difference between tibial rotation and neutral position 9° (−3.0, 6.0) in group A and 27° (−9.0, 18.0) in group B. MRI may be more accurate than CT using the Signature™ system when planning the surgical guides for TKA, with fewer patients with malrotation of the tibial component. II.
A multifaceted strategy using mobile technology to assist rural primary healthcare doctors and frontline health workers in cardiovascular disease risk management: protocol for the SMARTHealth India cluster randomised controlled trial

Blood Pressure related disease affected 118 million people in India in the year 2000; this figure will double by 2025. Around one in four adults in rural India have hypertension, and of those, only a minority are accessing appropriate care. Health systems in India face substantial challenges to meet these gaps in care, and innovative solutions are needed.



We hypothesise that a multifaceted intervention involving capacity strengthening of primary healthcare doctors and non-physician healthcare workers through use of a mobile device-based clinical decision support system will result in improved blood pressure control for individuals at high risk of a cardiovascular disease event when compared with usual healthcare. This intervention will be implemented as a stepped wedge, cluster randomised controlled trial in 18 primary health centres and 54 villages in rural Andhra Pradesh involving adults aged ≥40 years at high cardiovascular disease event risk (approximately 15,000 people). Cardiovascular disease event risk will be calculated based on World Health Organisation/International Society of Hypertension's region-specific risk charts. Cluster randomisation will occur at the level of the primary health centres. Outcome analyses will be conducted blinded to intervention allocation.



The primary study outcome is the difference in the proportion of people meeting guideline-recommended blood pressure targets in the intervention period vs. the control period. Secondary outcomes include mean reduction in blood pressure levels; change in other cardiovascular disease risk factors, including body mass index, current smoking, reported healthy eating habits, and reported physical activity levels; self-reported use of blood pressure and other cardiovascular medicines; quality of life (using the EQ-5D); and cardiovascular disease events (using hospitalisation data). Trial outcomes will be accompanied by detailed process and economic evaluations.



The findings are likely to inform policy on a scalable strategy to overcome entrenched inequities in access to effective healthcare for under-served populations in low and middle income country settings.
Combined chelation therapy in thalassemia major for the treatment of severe myocardial siderosis with left ventricular dysfunction

In thalassemia major (TM), severe cardiac siderosis can be treated by continuous parenteral deferoxamine, but poor compliance, complications and deaths occur. Combined chelation therapy with deferiprone and deferoxamine is effective for moderate myocardial siderosis, but has not been prospectively examined in severe myocardial siderosis.



T2* cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) was performed in 167 TM patients receiving standard subcutaneous deferoxamine monotherapy, and 22 had severe myocardial siderosis (T2* < 8 ms) with impaired left ventricular (LV) function. Fifteen of these patients received combination therapy with subcutaneous deferoxamine and oral deferiprone with CMR follow-up.



At baseline, deferoxamine was prescribed at 38 +/- 10.2 mg/kg for 5.3 days/week, and deferiprone at 73.9 +/- 4.0 mg/kg/day. All patients continued both deferiprone and deferoxamine for 12 months. There were no deaths or new cardiovascular complications. The myocardial T2* improved (5.7 +/- 0.98 ms to 7.9 +/- 2.47 ms; p = 0.010), with concomitant improvement in LV ejection fraction (51.2 +/- 10.9% to 65.6 +/- 6.7%; p < 0.001). Serum ferritin improved from 2057 (CV 7.6%) to 666 (CV 13.2%) microg/L (p < 0.001), and liver iron improved (liver T2*: 3.7 +/- 2.9 ms to 10.8 +/- 7.3 ms; p = 0.006).



In patients with severe myocardial siderosis and impaired LV function, combined chelation therapy with subcutaneous deferoxamine and oral deferiprone reduces myocardial iron and improves cardiac function. This treatment is considerably less onerous for the patient than conventional high dose continuous subcutaneous or intravenous deferoxamine monotherapy, and may be considered as an alternative. Very prolonged tailored treatment with iron chelation is necessary to clear myocardial iron, and alterations in chelation must be guided by repeated myocardial T2* scans.