nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
User-Friendly Data-Sharing Practices for Fostering Collaboration within a Research Network: Roles of a Vanguard Center for a Community-Based Study

Although various attempts have been made to build collaborative cultures for data sharing, their effectiveness is still questionable. The Jackson Heart Study (JHS) Vanguard Center (JHSVC) at the NIH-funded Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Translational Research Network (RTRN) Data Coordinating Center (DCC) may be a new concept in that the data are being shared with a research network where a plethora of scientists/researchers are working together to achieve their common goal. This study describes the current practices to share the JHS data through the mechanism of JHSVC. The JHS is the largest single-site cohort study to prospectively investigate the determinants of cardiovascular disease among African-Americans. It has adopted a formal screened access method through a formalized JHSVC mechanism, in which only a qualified scientist(s) can access the data. The role of the DCC was to help RTRN researchers explore hypothesis-driven ideas to enhance the output and impact of JHS data through customized services, such as feasibility tests, data querying, manuscript proposal development and data analyses for publication. DCC has implemented these various programs to facilitate data utility. A total of 300 investigators attended workshops and/or received training booklets. DCC provided two online and five onsite workshops and developed/distributed more than 250 copies of the booklet to help potential data users understand the structure of and access to the data. Information on data use was also provided through the RTRN website. The DCC efforts led to the production of five active manuscript proposals, seven completed publications, 11 presentations and four NIH grant proposals. These outcomes resulted from activities during the first four years; over the last couple of years, there were few new requests. Our study suggested that DCC-customized services enhanced the accessibility of JHS data and their utility by RTRN researchers and helped to achieve the principal goal of JHSVC of scientific productivity. In order to achieve long-term success, the following, but not limited to these, should be addressed in the current data sharing practices: preparation of new promotional strategies in response to changes in technology and users' needs, collaboration with the Network statisticians, harmonization of the JHS data with the other local-based heart datasets to meet the needs of the potential users from the broader geographical areas, adoption of the RTRN comprehensive data-sharing policy to broaden the variety of research topics and implementation of an ongoing monitoring program to evaluate its success.
Opening wedge high tibial osteotomy: navigation system compared to the conventional technique in a controlled clinical study

This study aimed to verify if the navigation system used in high tibial osteotomy (HTO) adds precision to the procedure regarding mechanical axis correction and prevention of tibial slope increases. In this historically controlled study, patients with medial osteoarthrosis and genuvarum underwent HTO between 2004 and 2012; the first 20 were operated with the conventional technique, using pre-planning correction by the Dugdale method and 18 further patients were operated with the navigation system introduced in our hospital. The two groups were similar for pre-operative mechanical axis (mean 8.10 ± 3.14 for the control and 6.60 ± 2.50 for the navigated group), pre-operative tibial slope (mean 8.95 ± 3.47 versus 8.17 ± 3.11, respectively) and Lyshom score (40.85 ± 15.46 and 44.83 ± 16.86). After surgery, the control group presented mean mechanical axis of 3.35 ± 3.27, tibial slope of 13.75 ± 3.75 and Lyshom score of 87.60 ± 11.12. The navigated group showed a postoperative mechanical axis mean of 3.06 ± 1.70, tibial slope of 10.11 ± 0.18 and Lyshom score of 91.94 ± 11.61. The navigation system allowed a significantly better control of tibial slope. Patients operated with the navigation system had significantly better Lysholm scores.
Automatic remote monitoring of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator lead and generator performance: the Lumos-T Safely RedUceS RouTine Office Device Follow-Up (TRUST) trial.

Monitoring performance of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) generators and leads is important. Methods available are with in-person evaluations or by automatic remote home monitoring (HM). These were prospectively evaluated and compared in the TRUST trial. The HM technology tested performed daily self-checks and databasing with rapid event notifications for out-of-range (including asymptomatic) conditions.



Patients (n=1339) were randomly assigned after ICD implant 2:1 to HM or to conventional groups. Both groups underwent scheduled checks every 3 months and were followed for 15 months. In HM, in-person office visits were scheduled at 3 and 15 months. At 6, 9, and 12 months, HM only was used with subsequent office visits if necessary. Between these time points, ICDs triggered event notifications for system integrity problems. Patients randomly assigned to conventional follow-up were evaluated with office visits only. HM and conventional patients were similar (age, 63.3±12.8 versus 64.0±12.1 years; 72.0% versus 73.1% male; New York Heart Association II class, 55.9% versus 60.4%; left ventricular ejection fraction, 29.0±10.7% versus 28.5±9.8%; coronary artery disease, 64.8% versus 71.7%; primary prevention, 72.2% versus 73.8%; DDD devices, 57.8% versus 56.6%). Four patients crossed over from conventional to HM because of advisories. Scheduled checks were more successfully accomplished in HM (92.7% versus 89.2% in conventional, P<0.001). Sixty-two device-related events (53 in HM versus 9 in conventional) were observed in 46 patients (40 [4.4%] in HM versus 6 [1.39%] in conventional, P=0.004). Forty-seven percent were asymptomatic. HM detected generator and lead problems earlier (HM versus conventional: median, 1 versus 5 days; P=0.05). A total of 20 device problems (eg, lead fracture, elective replacement indicators) requiring surgical revision (0.012 per patient-year) were found, 15 in HM and 5 in the conventional groups. Other events were managed nonsurgically (eg, reprogramming, initiation of antiarrhythmics).



ICD lead and generator malfunction was infrequent and often asymptomatic. Only a minority of detected events required surgical intervention. Automatic HM enhanced discovery, permitted prompt detection, and facilitated management decisions. Longitudinal parameter trending, with component function evaluated daily by remote monitoring, may enable long-term performance assessment.
Predictors of severe exacerbations, poor asthma control, and β-agonist overuse for patients with asthma.

Predictors of asthma exacerbations, poor asthma control, or extreme β-agonist overuse may be of clinical utility in the management of asthma.



To investigate characteristics that predict subsequent adverse outcomes in asthma.



An independent 24-week, randomized controlled trial of 303 adult patients with asthma who are at risk, which compared the efficacy of SMART (single budesonide-formoterol inhaler as maintenance and reliever therapy) with a fixed-dose regimen with salbutamol as reliever ("Standard"). Inhaled medication use was measured by electronic monitoring. Baseline characteristics that were predictors of subsequent severe asthma exacerbations, poor asthma control (Asthma Control Questionnaire -5 score ≥1.5), and "extreme" β-agonist overuse (>16 budesonide-formoterol actuations/d in SMART and >32 salbutamol actuations/d in Standard) were assessed by multivariate analyses.



FEV₁ % predicted (rate ratio [RR] 1.14 [95% CI, 1.03-1.27] per 10% lower), more previous exacerbations (RR 1.15 [95% CI, 1.01-1.31]), Standard therapy (RR 1.62 [95% CI, 1.07-2.47]), and female sex (RR 2.18 [95% CI, 1.29-3.67]) were associated with future severe exacerbations.  and age (regression coefficient 0.09 [95% CI, 0.01-0.17] per decade older) were associated with future poorly controlled asthma. Higher reliever use (RR 1.63 [95% CI, 1.36-1.95] per categorical score in Asthma Control Questionnaire question no. 6), Māori ethnicity (RR 2.20 [95% CI, 1.43-3.38]) and FEV₁ % predicted (RR 1.16 [95% CI, 1.03-1.31] per 10% lower) were associated with future extreme β-agonist overuse.



Future severe asthma exacerbations, poor asthma control, and extreme β-agonist overuse are predicted by different baseline clinical and demographic characteristics and management approaches in at-risk asthma.
Comparison of small area techniques for estimating prevalence of mental disorder symptoms among Iranian's southern adolescents.

Mental disorders may lead to several complications in adolescents' people whose compensation is very difficult and sometime impossible. They are prone to emotional problems. Therefore, knowing prevalence of diseases and valid statistical technique is necessary to plan for prevention and control of diseases.



In this cross-sectional study; direct, synthetic, and post-stratified estimation as small area methods were used to compute mental disorder symptoms (MDS) prevalence with county-level reference among adolescents in south of Iran. We conducted Mental Health Study data (MHS) conducted in Bushehr Province, southern Iran in 2005 for individual-level classification of MDS (n=2584). Students were in grade 9, 10 and 11, and enrolled with complete satisfaction.



The synthetic method was superior to the direct and post-stratified technique with respect to discrepancy statistics such as MSE and width 95% confidence interval (MSEs(synthetic)≈0.001, MSEs(post-stratified)≈0.010, MSEs(direct)≈0.100). In addition, the width range of 95% confidence intervals for all county estimates was 9.7% to 65.3% based on in direct methods. Besides, the width range of 95% confidence intervals for all county estimates under post-stratified and synthetic method was 16.7% to 62.2% and 11.8 %-25.1%, respectively. Hence, we could categorize prevalence of mental disorder symptoms in Bushehr's counties into five categories based-on synthetic methods. Maximum and minimum prevalence belongs to Geneveh (0.403) and Dashty (0.398) counties, respectively.



The MHS cannot be used as a valid source of county-level mental health prevalence data and the small-area method such synthetic method should be used to estimate prevalence of mental disorder symptoms in county-level. Furthermore, the synthetic method improved MDS prevalence more than direct and post-stratified methods.
Determinants of image quality of rotational angiography for on-line assessment of frame geometry after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

To study the determinants of image quality of rotational angiography using dedicated research prototype software for motion compensation without rapid ventricular pacing after the implantation of four commercially available catheter-based valves. Prospective observational study including 179 consecutive patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with either the Medtronic CoreValve (MCS), Edward-SAPIEN Valve (ESV), Boston Sadra Lotus (BSL) or Saint-Jude Portico Valve (SJP) in whom rotational angiography (R-angio) with motion compensation 3D image reconstruction was performed. Image quality was evaluated from grade 1 (excellent image quality) to grade 5 (strongly degraded). Distinction was made between good (grades 1, 2) and poor image quality (grades 3–5). Clinical (gender, body mass index, Agatston score, heart rate and rhythm, artifacts), procedural (valve type) and technical variables (isocentricity) were related with the image quality assessment. Image quality was good in 128 (72 %) and poor in 51 (28 %) patients. By univariable analysis only valve type (BSL) and the presence of an artefact negatively affected image quality. By multivariate analysis (in which BMI was forced into the model) BSL valve (Odds 3.5, 95 % CI [1.3–9.6], p = 0.02), presence of an artifact (Odds 2.5, 95 % CI [1.2–5.4], p = 0.02) and BMI (Odds 1.1, 95 % CI [1.0–1.2], p = 0.04) were independent predictors of poor image quality. Rotational angiography with motion compensation 3D image reconstruction using a dedicated research prototype software offers good image quality for the evaluation of frame geometry after TAVI in the majority of patients. Valve type, presence of artifacts and higher BMI negatively affect image quality.
The ENHANCES study—Enhancing Head and Neck Cancer patients’ Experiences of Survivorship: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Few cancers pose greater challenges than head and neck (H&N) cancer. Residual effects following treatment include body image changes, pain, fatigue and difficulties with appetite, swallowing and speech. Depression is a common comorbidity. There is limited evidence about ways to assist patients to achieve optimal adjustment after completion of treatment. In this study, we aim to examine the effectiveness and feasibility of a model of survivorship care to improve the quality of life of patients who have completed treatment for H&N cancer.



This is a preliminary study in which 120 patients will be recruited. A prospective randomised controlled trial of the H&N Cancer Survivor Self-management Care Plan (HNCP) involving pre- and post-intervention assessments will be used. Consecutive patients who have completed a defined treatment protocol for H&N cancer will be recruited from two large cancer services and randomly allocated to one of three study arms: (1) usual care, (2) information in the form of a written resource or (3) the HNCP delivered by an oncology nurse who has participated in manual-based training and skill development in patient self-management support. The trained nurses will meet patients in a face-to-face interview lasting up to 60 minutes to develop an individualised HNCP, based on principles of chronic disease self-management. Participants will be assessed at baseline, 3 and 6 months. The primary outcome measure is quality of life. The secondary outcome measures include mood, self-efficacy and health-care utilisation. The feasibility of implementing this intervention in routine clinical care will be assessed through semistructured interviews with participating nurses, managers and administrators. Interviews with patients who received the HNCP will explore their perceptions of the HNCP, including factors that assisted them in achieving behavioural change.



In this study, we aim to improve the quality of life of a patient population with unique needs by means of a tailored self-management care plan developed upon completion of treatment. Delivery of the intervention by trained oncology nurses is likely to be acceptable to patients and, if successful, will be a model of care that can be implemented for diverse patient populations.
The reproducibility and effect on non-specific airway responsiveness of inhaled prostaglandin D2 and leukotriene D4 in asthmatic subjects.

1. Mast cell mediators PGD2 and LTD4 may play important roles in asthma pathogenesis. There is little information on the repeatability of inhalation challenge with these agonists in the laboratory. 2. We assessed the repeatability of inhalation challenges using PGD2 and LTD4 in two groups of 10 asthmatic volunteers. Non-specific bronchial responsiveness was assessed by histamine inhalation challenges. 3. Using the Bland-Altman method, we found the coefficient of repeatability to be 1.2 doubling doses for LTD4 and 2.1 for PGD2 at a 1 week interval. Repeatability for histamine inhalation challenge over the same time period was similar at 1.4 and 2.1 doubling doses respectively. 4. Non-specific bronchial responsiveness following LTD4 challenge decreased significantly, mean PD20FEV1 increasing from 169 nmol on day 1 to 278 nmol on day 3 (P = 0.001), before returning to baseline levels. 5. A progressive decrease in non-specific bronchial responsiveness occurred following PGD2 challenge. Baseline PD20FEV1 was 195 nmol, increasing to 238 nmol by day 3 (NS) and 313 nmol by day 8 (P = 0.016). 6. PGD2 inhalation challenges performed a week apart are less reproducible than LTD4 challenges, possibly as a result of significant changes in histamine bronchial responsiveness. Our findings allow accurate power calculations to be made for studies to assess new pharmacological antagonists to these mediators.
ABT-450/r-ombitasvir and dasabuvir with or without ribavirin for HCV.

The interferon-free regimen of ABT-450 with ritonavir (ABT-450/r), ombitasvir, and dasabuvir with or without ribavirin has shown efficacy in inducing a sustained virologic response in a phase 2 study involving patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 infection. We conducted two phase 3 trials to examine the efficacy and safety of this regimen in previously untreated patients with HCV genotype 1 infection and no cirrhosis.



We randomly assigned 419 patients with HCV genotype 1b infection (PEARL-III study) and 305 patients with genotype 1a infection (PEARL-IV study) to 12 weeks of ABT-450/r-ombitasvir (at a once-daily dose of 150 mg of ABT-450, 100 mg of ritonavir, and 25 mg of ombitasvir), dasabuvir (250 mg twice daily), and ribavirin administered according to body weight or to matching placebo for ribavirin. The primary efficacy end point was a sustained virologic response (an HCV RNA level of <25 IU per milliliter) 12 weeks after the end of treatment.



The study regimen resulted in high rates of sustained virologic response among patients with HCV genotype 1b infection (99.5% with ribavirin and 99.0% without ribavirin) and among those with genotype 1a infection (97.0% and 90.2%, respectively). Of patients with genotype 1b infection, 1 had virologic failure, and 2 did not have data available at post-treatment week 12. Among patients with genotype 1a infection, the rate of virologic failure was higher in the ribavirin-free group than in the ribavirin group (7.8% vs. 2.0%). In both studies, decreases in the hemoglobin level were significantly more common in patients receiving ribavirin. Two patients (0.3%) discontinued the study drugs owing to adverse events. The most common adverse events were fatigue, headache, and nausea.



Twelve weeks of treatment with ABT-450/r-ombitasvir and dasabuvir without ribavirin was associated with high rates of sustained virologic response among previously untreated patients with HCV genotype 1 infection. Rates of virologic failure were higher without ribavirin than with ribavirin among patients with genotype 1a infection but not among those with genotype 1b infection.
Communicating new policy on antibiotic prophylaxis with patients: a randomised controlled trial

This trial aimed to assess the effectiveness of two different communication tools on the levels of anxiety and concern when a change in patients' treatment was introduced. Patients previously advised to have antibiotic prophylaxis before their dental treatments were randomised to receive information about the new policy either through a video accompanied by a written leaflet or just the leaflet. All patients completed a questionnaire to assess anxiety and concern as well as intentions regarding accepting dental treatment without antibiotic prophylaxis at enrolment point, after intervention and after meeting the cardiologist. Ninety questionnaires were analysed (45 in each group). The mean level of anxiety and concern scores were significantly reduced after the intervention point (p <0.05). The ANOVA model revealed a significant reduction in the levels of anxiety and concern during the trial (p <0.001). However, the main effect of group (intervention versus control) and the interaction term were not significant. At the end of trial there was no difference in the number of patients accepting dental treatment without cover in the two groups. Patients appear more likely to accept a change if it is communicated directly to them by their practitioners via face to face consultation compared with video or leaflet. When there is a lack of time for in-depth consultation, video could be a more effective method than leaflet alone.
Efficacy and safety of a novel oral inducer of apolipoprotein a-I synthesis in statin-treated patients with stable coronary artery disease a randomized controlled trial.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of RVX-208, the first oral agent designed to enhance apolipoprotein (apo) A-I synthesis.



No agent that selectively induces synthesis of apoA-I has reached an advanced stage of clinical development.



A total of 299 statin-treated patients with coronary artery disease were treated with placebo or with RVX-208 at a dose of 50, 100, or 150 mg twice daily for 12 weeks. Changes in lipid-related biomarkers, in addition to safety and tolerability, of RVX-208 were investigated.



For each dose of RVX-208, individual pairwise comparisons of apoA-I changes with placebo, the primary end point, did not achieve statistical significance. However, treatment with RVX-208 was associated with a dose-dependent increase in apoA-I levels by up to 5.6% (p = 0.035 for trend). Administration of RVX-208 resulted in significant increases in levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ranging from 3.2% to 8.3% (p = 0.02), and large HDL particles increased by 11.1% to 21.1% (p = 0.003). ApoA-I levels increased rapidly from 8 to 12 weeks, suggesting that peak pharmacological effect has not been achieved by the end of the 12-week study. Transient and reversible elevations in liver transaminases >3 times the upper limit of normal were observed in 18 patients treated with RVX-208, with no associated increase in bilirubin levels.



Administration of RVX-208 for 12 weeks was associated with increases in apoA-I, HDL-C, and concentration of large HDL particles, consistent with facilitation of cholesterol mobilization. Maximal increases in apoA-I may require longer exposure. An increase in liver enzymes was observed with active treatment.
A motion-flow-based fast video retrieval system

In this paper, we propose the use of motion vectors embedded in MPEG bitstreams to generate so-called "motion-flows", which are applied them to perform quick video retrieval. By using the motion vectors directly, we do not need to consider the shape of a moving object and its corresponding trajectory. Instead, we simply "link" the local motion vectors across consecutive video frames to form motion flows, which are then annotated and stored in a video database. In the video retrieval phase, we propose a coarse-to-fine strategy to execute the video retrieval task. Motions that do not belong to the main-stream motion flows are filtered out by our proposed algorithm. The retrieval process can be triggered by query-by-sketch (QBS) or query-by-example (QBE). The experiment results show that our method is indeed efficient and accurate in the video retrieval process.