nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Decreased Expression of CXCR4 Chemokine Receptor in Bone Marrow after Chemotherapy in Patients with Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas Is a Good Prognostic Factor

CXCR4 chemokine receptor is constitutively expressed on normal and malignant B lymphocytes derived from patients with B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders and has a significant role in cell migration to lymph nodes and bone marrow. 's lymphomas (NHL) constitute a heterogeneous group of lymphoproliferative diseases, which can localize not only to lymph nodes, but also can migrate to peripheral blood and metastase to other organs, including bone marrow.



The purpose of this study was to determine CXCR4 gene expression in peripheral blood and bone marrow of NHL patients before and after treatment.



Samples of lymphoma lymph nodes, peripheral blood and bone marrow aspirates of patients with B-cell NHL were taken at diagnosis and after chemotherapy. Gene expression was determined by the reverse transcription (RT)-polymerase chain reaction method. Expression was estimated from 0 AU (no amplificate signal) to 3 AU (maximal amplificate signal).



No significant difference in the level of CXCR4 expression was found in reactive lymph nodes compared to lymphoma samples We observed high level of CXCR4 expression in most patients before treatment: in bone marrow: 3 AU-10 pts, 2 AU-8 pts, 1 AU-2 pts. In peripheral blood: 3 AU-14 pts, 2 AU-4 pts, 1 AU-1 pts, 0 AU-1 pts. After chemotherapy, significant decrease in CXCR4 expression was observed. Bone marrow: 3 AU-5 pts, 2 AU-7 pts, 1 AU-5 pts, 0 AU-3 pts (p = 0.03). Peripheral blood: 3 AU-2 pts, 2 AU-6 pts, 1 AU-10 pts, 0 AU-2 pts (p = 0.0002). There was a good response to treatment in patients with significant decrease of CXCR4 expression in the bone marrow after treatment with 10-fold lower risk of death (p = 0.03).



Decrease in CXCR4 expression in the bone marrow of NHL patients after chemotherapy may be a good prognostic factor.
Different time management behaviors of Germans, Chinese and Japanese

We are studying how to design a collaborative time management system to facilitate intercultural collaborations considering cultural differences. In this paper, we present the results of a pilot study comparing time management behaviors of Germans, Chinese and Japanese. The results revealed that Germans and Japanese use time management mechanics and goal setting and priorities more frequently than Chinese. Japanese and Chinese have higher preference for organization than Germans. All three groups use more time management mechanics than goal setting and priorities. The implications for time management system design were discussed.
A multicentre randomised controlled trial to compare the pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety of CT-P10 and innovator rituximab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

To demonstrate pharmacokinetic equivalence of CT-P10 and innovator rituximab (RTX) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with inadequate responses or intolerances to antitumour necrosis factor agents.



In this randomised phase I trial, patients with active RA were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive 1000 mg CT-P10 or RTX at weeks 0 and 2 (alongside continued methotrexate therapy). Primary endpoints were area under the serum concentration-time curve from time zero to last quantifiable concentration (AUC0-last) and maximum serum concentration after second infusion (Cmax). Additional pharmacokinetic parameters, efficacy, pharmacodynamics, immunogenicity and safety were also assessed. Data are reported up to week 24.



103 patients were assigned to CT-P10 and 51 to RTX. The 90% CIs for the ratio of geometric means (CT-P10/RTX) for both primary endpoints were within the bioequivalence range of 80%-125% (AUC0-last: 97.7% (90% CI 89.2% to 107.0%); Cmax: 97.6% (90% CI 92.0% to 103.5%)). Pharmacodynamics and efficacy were comparable between groups. Antidrug antibodies were detected in 17.6% of patients in each group at week 24. CT-P10 and RTX displayed similar safety profiles.



CT-P10 and RTX demonstrated equivalent pharmacokinetics and comparable efficacy, pharmacodynamics, immunogenicity and safety.
Feasibility of a group-based self-management program among congestive heart failure patients.

This study assessed the feasibility of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) among patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). The program emphasizes patients' central role and responsibility in managing their illness.



Patients were randomly assigned to the program, which was led by a cardiac nurse specialist and a CHF patient. Data on performance according to protocol, adherence, and opinion about the program were collected among 186 patients and 18 leaders.



Eighty percent of the group sessions were carried out largely according to protocol. Three fourths of the patients attended at least 4 of the 6 sessions. Female sex and lower New York Heart Association classification predicted good attendance.



Directly after the program and at 12-month follow-up, approximately three fourths of the patients stated that they had benefited from the program. Recommendations mainly concerned spending more time on several program topics and specifying patient-selection criteria in more detail. The program was considered feasible.
Efficacy and safety of nebivolol in elderly heart failure patients with impaired renal function: insights from the SENIORS trial

To determine the safety and efficacy of nebivolol in elderly heart failure (HF) patients with renal dysfunction.



SENIORS recruited patients aged 70 years or older with symptomatic HF, irrespective of ejection fraction, and randomized them to nebivolol or placebo. Patients (n = 2112) were divided by tertile of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Mean age of patients was 76.1 years, 35% of patients had an ejection fraction of >35%, and 37% were women resulting in a unique cohort, far more representative of clinical practice than previous trials. eGFR was strongly associated with outcomes and nebivolol was similarly efficacious across eGFR tertiles. The primary outcome rate (all-cause mortality or cardiovascular hospital admission) and adjusted hazard ratio for nebivolol use in those with low eGFR was 40% and 0.84 (95% CI 0.67-1.07), 31% and 0.79 (0.60-1.04) in the middle tertile, and 29% and 0.86 (0.65-1.14) in the highest eGFR tertile. There was no interaction noted between renal function and the treatment effect (P = 0.442). Nebivolol use in patients with moderate renal impairment (eGFR <60) was not associated with major safety concerns, apart from higher rates of drug-discontinuation due to bradycardia.



Nebivolol is safe and has a similar effect in elderly HF patients with mild or moderate renal impairment.
Urinary Nucleic Acid TSPAN13-to-S100A9 Ratio as a Diagnostic Marker in Prostate Cancer

The potential use of urinary nucleic acids as diagnostic markers in prostate cancer (PCa) was evaluated. Ninety-five urine samples and 234 prostate tissue samples from patients with PCa and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were analyzed. Micro-array analysis was used to identify candidate genes, which were verified by the two-gene expression ratio and validated in tissue mRNA and urinary nucleic acid cohorts. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to measure urinary nucleic acid levels and tissue mRNA expression. The TSPAN13-to-S100A9 ratio was selected to determine the diagnostic value of urinary nucleic acids in PCa (P = 0.037) and shown to be significantly higher in PCa than in BPH in the mRNA and nucleic acid cohort analyses (P < 0.001 and P = 0.013, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve was 0.898 and 0.676 in tissue mRNA cohort and urinary nucleic acid cohort, respectively. The TSPAN13-to-S100A9 ratio showed a strong potential as a diagnostic marker for PCa. The present results suggest that the analysis of urine supernatant can be used as a simple diagnostic method for PCa that can be adapted to the clinical setting in the future.
Effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug treatments on cognitive decline vary by phase of pre-clinical Alzheimer disease: findings from the randomized controlled Alzheimer's Disease Anti-inflammatory Prevention Trial.

We examined the effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on cognitive decline as a function of phase of pre-clinical Alzheimer disease.



Given recent findings that cognitive decline accelerates as clinical diagnosis is approached, we used rate of decline as a proxy for phase of pre-clinical Alzheimer disease. We fit growth mixture models of Modified Mini-Mental State (3MS) Examination trajectories with data from 2388 participants in the Alzheimer's Disease Anti-inflammatory Prevention Trial and included class-specific effects of naproxen and celecoxib.



We identified three classes: "no decline", "slow decline", and "fast decline", and examined the effects of celecoxib and naproxen on linear slope and rate of change by class. Inclusion of quadratic terms improved fit of the model (-2 log likelihood difference: 369.23; p < 0.001) but resulted in reversal of effects over time. Over 4 years, participants in the slow-decline class on placebo typically lost 6.6 3MS points, whereas those on naproxen lost 3.1 points (p-value for difference: 0.19). Participants in the fast-decline class on placebo typically lost 11.2 points, but those on celecoxib first declined and then gained points (p-value for difference from placebo: 0.04), whereas those on naproxen showed a typical decline of 24.9 points (p-value for difference from placebo: <0.0001).



Our results appeared statistically robust but provided some unexpected contrasts in effects of different treatments at different times. Naproxen may attenuate cognitive decline in slow decliners while accelerating decline in fast decliners. Celecoxib appeared to have similar effects at first but then attenuated change in fast decliners.
[Studies and Publication Practice in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology in Germany--An Analysis of the Period 1970-2006].

Several therapy optimization studies (TOSs) for the treatment of hematologic and oncologic disorders in children and adolescents have been conducted in Germany. The publication of research results is necessary to ensure that future studies are well designed and based on relevant and unanswered questions. This retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the study- and publication practice in this field.



All study protocols in the field of the pediatric oncology and hematology in Germany were collected. Relevant data from study protocols were extracted, beginning with 1) general information about the study protocol, and 2) information about each methodological trial. In a second step, the publication practice was characterized by searching in electronic databases and by contacting principal investigators. Relevant Data of each publication was extracted.



The research activity has increased significantly in the past few years. The found publication rate of 85% represents an outstanding publication practice. Additionally, German, as being the main publication language a few decades ago, has been almost completely replaced with English. An acceptable methodological conduct was observed in the analyzed study protocols.



Studies have been principally based on the concept of TOS, without considering a detailed breakdown into each methodological trial. A markedly subdivision of studies into methodologically identifiable trials would allow a clear definition of their parameters, while increasing transparency of the study conduct and its results.
Score to identify the severity of adult patients with influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus infection at hospital admission

The objective of this paper was to develop a prognostic index for severe complications among hospitalized patients with influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus infection. We conducted a prospective observational cohort study of 618 inpatients with 2009 H1N1 virus infection admitted to 36 Spanish hospitals between July 2009 and February 2010. Risk factors evaluated included host-related factors and clinical data at admission. We developed a composite index of severe in-hospital complications (SIHC), which included: mortality, mechanical ventilation, septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and requirement for resuscitation maneuvers. Six factors were independently associated with SIHC: age >45 years, male sex, number of comorbidities, pneumonia, dyspnea, and confusion. From the β parameter obtained in the multivariate model, a weight was assigned to each factor to compute the individual influenza risk score. The score shows an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.77. The SIHC rate was 1.9 % in the low-risk group, 10.3 % in the intermediate-risk group, and 29.6 % in the high-risk group. The odds ratio for complications was 21.8 for the high-risk group compared with the low-risk group. This easy-to-score influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus infection risk index accurately stratifies patients hospitalized for H1N1 virus infection into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups for SIHC.
Effects of cognac on coronary flow reserve and plasma antioxidant status in healthy young men

The cardioprotective effects of certain alcoholic beverages are partly related to their polyphenol content, which may improve the vasodilatory reactivity of arteries. Effect of cognac on coronary circulation, however, remains unknown. The purpose of this randomized controlled cross-over study was to determine whether moderate doses of cognac improve coronary reactivity as assessed with cold pressor testing (CPT) and coronary flow reserve (CFR) measurement.



Study group consisted of 23 subjects. Coronary flow velocity and epicardial diameter was assessed using transthoracic echocardiography at rest, during CPT and adenosine infusion-derived CFR measurements before drinking, after a moderate (1.2 +/- 0.1 dl) and an escalating high dose (total amount 2.4 +/- 0.3 dl) of cognac. To explore the bioavailability of antioxidants, the antioxidant contents of cognac was measured and the absorption from the digestive tract was verified by plasma antioxidant capacity determination.



Serum alcohol levels increased to 1.2 +/- 0.2 per thousand and plasma antioxidant capacity from 301 +/- 43.9 micromol/l to 320 +/- 25.0 micromol/l by 7.6 +/- 11.8%, (p = 0.01) after high doses of cognac. There was no significant change in flow velocity during CPT after cognac ingestion compared to control day. CFR was 4.4 +/- 0.8, 4.1 +/- 0.9 (p = NS), and 4.5 +/- 1.2 (p = NS) before drinking and after moderate and high doses on cognac day, and 4.5 +/- 1.4, and 4.0 +/- 1.2 (p = NS) on control day.



Cognac increased plasma antioxidant capacity, but it had no effect on coronary circulation in healthy young men.
RANDOMIZED , DOUBLE-BLIND TRIAL COMPARING INDINAVIR ALONE , ZIDOVUDINE ALONE AND INDINAVIR PLUS ZIDOVUDINE IN ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY-NAIVE HIV-INFECTED INDIVIDUALS WITH CD 4 CELL COUNTS BETWEEN 50 AND 250 / MM 3

Protocol 028 Study Group, Centers and Investigators (1) Escola Paulista de Medicina / UFESP, São Paulo, Brazil: Gilberto Turcato Jr.; Ana C. Gales; Ana L. Schmidt; Eduardo O. Marl iere; Jessé R. Alves; Lucas E. Darrigo; Marcelo Sampaio; Maria Claudia Stockler; Maria Tereza P. Lima; Paulo R.A. Ferreira; Swami C. Oliveira; Greyce B.L. Lewi (2) Instituto de Infectologia Emílio Ribas, São Paulo, Brazil: Marcia Y.S. Tomishige; Alexandre Almeida; Gloria L.B.F. Brunetti ; L iz A.B. Barra;  Tamara N.L. Souza; Ricardo Minkoves; Zarifa K. Gregorio; Paulo D. Garbelotto; Paulo T. Dualiby; Guido C. Levi, Nelly A. Fantini. (3) Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil: Ana Marli C. Sartori; Ana L úcia L.M. Lima; Luis Henrique B. Borges; Luiz G. Martins Filho; Alexandre L.G.P. Lins; Ruth M. Leite; Cristina M.F. Guastini; Maria Luiza P. Brussi; Fátima M. Tengan; Carlos R.V. Kiffe r; Marília S. de Oliveira; Juliane G. Paula; Marise O. Fonseca; Francisco Bonasser Filho; Eliana B. Gutierrez; Noemia C. Pereira; Sheila W. Santoro; Bruno Caramelli; Marilena A. Baro ne. (4) Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil: Francisco H. Aoki; Josué N. Lima; Dinaida T. Monteiro; Mariana C.E.S. Carvalho;  Carlos M. Sabioni; Claudia C. Santos; Andrea F. Colombo. (5) Centro de Referência e Treinamento de AIDS, São Paulo, Brazil: Paulo R. Teixeira; José V. Madruga; Suzana Leme; Fabio Arauj o; Leila Peron; Wong K. Kuen; Denize L. Estevam; Eduardo R. Lagonegro; Maria E. Galafassi; Silvia A. Piedade;  Merck Research Laboratories – Brazil: Celia T. Wünsch, Silvia A. Assakawa, Lilian F. Azevedo, Kleber Castilho, Patricia L. Fortner, Neide Lima, Ana Paula Neves, Mari a Victoria F. Thompson, Suzana Zamataro, Karina Z. Brito, Adriana Fernandes, Gisela M. Karic, Luciana V. Gimenez. (7) Merck Research Laboratories USA: Jeffrey A. Chodakewitz, Emilio Emini, Pamela M. Fearon, Lucinda R. Gilde, Albert J. Gets on, Jorge G. Guerra, Charlotte Harvey, Rand Rhodes, Jacobo Sabbaj, William Schleif. Correspondence to: Dr. David S. Lewi, Depto de Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Escola Paulista de Medicina, UFESP, Rua Dr. Bacelar 384, 0402 6-001 São Paulo, SP, Brazil. RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLIND TRIAL COMPARING INDINAVIR ALONE, ZIDOVUDINE ALONE AND INDINAVIR PLUS ZIDOVUDINE IN ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY-NAIVE HIV-INFECTED INDIVIDUALS WITH CD4 CELL COUNTS BETWEEN 50 AND 250/MM 3
Comparing the impact of supine and leg elevation positions during coronary artery bypass graft on deep vein thrombosis occurrence: a randomized clinical trial study.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common preoperative complication that occurs in patients who undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG). Early ambulation, elastic stockings, intermittent pneumatic compression, and leg elevation, before and after surgery, are among preventative interventions. The goal of the study was to compare the effect of supine position with that of leg elevation on the occurrence of DVT during CABG and after, until ambulation. Between October, 2008, and May, 2011, a total of 185 eligible CABG patients admitted to the Cardiac Surgery Unit were randomly assigned to groups designated as the supine group (n = 92) or the leg-elevation group (n = 93). Of this total, 92 patients were assigned to the supine group and 93 to the leg-elevation group. Doppler ultrasonography of the superficial and deep veins in the lower extremities was performed for each patient before and after surgery. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the possible independent factors associated with DVT. DVT was detected in 25 (13.5%) patients: 17 (18.4%) patients in the supine position group and 8 (8.6%) in the leg-elevation group (P value = .065). After adjustment for confounding factors there was no effect of position on the presence of DVT (P = .126).Clots were often localized in legs ipsilateral to the saphenous vein harvest. The authors conclude that a positive, albeit not statistically significant, trend was evident toward higher incidence of silent DVT in supine position during and after CABG in comparison with leg elevation. Future studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm this result.
The Effect of Weight Loss on Indigenous Australians with Diabetes: a study of Feasibility, Acceptability and Effectiveness of Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding.

Diabetes and obesity are common and serious health challenges for indigenous people worldwide. The feasibility of achieving substantial weight loss, leading to remission of diabetes, was evaluated in a regional indigenous Australian community.



A prospective cohort study of 30 obese indigenous adults from the Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative in Central Victoria was performed. Inclusion criteria included aboriginality, BMI > 30 kg/m(2) and diabetes diagnosed within the last 10 years. Weight loss was achieved using laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). Participants were treated in their community and followed for 2 years. Outcomes were compared with those of non-indigenous Australians from an earlier randomized controlled trial (RCT) using a similar protocol.



30 participants (26 females, mean age 44.6 years; mean BMI 44.3) had LAGB at the regional hospital. Twenty-six participants completed diabetes assessment at 2 years follow-up. They showed diabetes remission (fasting blood glucose < 7.0 mmol/L and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) < 6.2 % while off all therapy except metformin) in 20 of the 26 and a mean weight loss (SD) of 26.0 (14) kilograms. Based on intention-to-treat, remission rate was 66 %. Quality of life improved. There was one early event and 12 late adverse events. The outcomes for weight loss and diabetes remission were not different from the LAGB group of the RCT.



For obese indigenous people with diabetes, a regionalized model of care centred on the LAGB is an effective approach to a serious health problem. The model proved feasible and acceptable to the indigenous people.
Does methylphenidate improve inhibition and other cognitive abilities in adults with childhood-onset ADHD?

We examined the effect of methylphenidate (Mph) on inhibition and several other cognitive abilities in 43 adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by use of Conners' Continuous Performance Test (CPT) and the Change Task (ChT), an extension of the Stop Signal Test (SST). In a double blind, cross-over, placebo controlled study with Mph, tests were administered during the third week of individually titrated treatment with Mph (maximum dose 1 mg / kg / day) and during the third week of treatment with placebo. We established large medication effects for commission errors, standard error of mean reaction time, and attentiveness on the CPT, as well as moderate medication effects for mean reaction time on the CPT and response re-engagement speed on the ChT. For Stop Signal Reaction Time (SSRT) on the ChT, we also established large effects of Mph, but only in a group of participants who showed slow SSRTs on placebo. Mph indeed ameliorates inhibition, which is the core problem of ADHD, and certain other cognitive abilities in adults with ADHD.
Detection of cervical metastases with (11)C-tyrosine PET in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity or oropharynx: A comparison with (18)F-FDG PET.

A disadvantage of 2-[(18)F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ((18)F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) in head and neck cancer is that (18)F-FDG uptake is not specific to malignant tissue. To provide an alternative, radiolabeled amino acids such as L-1-[(11)C]-tyrosine ((11)C-TYR), were introduced because these are less avidly metabolized by inflammatory cells.



In this prospective study, we compared both (11)C-TYR PET and (18)F-FDG PET performance in detecting cervical metastases in 27 patients with a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of oral cavity or oropharynx.



(11)C-TYR PET sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for detecting nodal metastases were 33%, 100%, and 81%, respectively. With respect to (18)F-FDG PET, these figures were 67%, 97%, and 89%, respectively. Neck metastases not detected by (11)C-TYR PET were camouflaged by high tracer uptake by salivary glands.



Because of bilateral accumulation of (11)C-TYR in salivary glands, (11)C-TYR PET is not suitable to replace (18)F-FDG PET in staging SCC of oral cavity and oropharynx.