Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A phase IB, open-label dose-escalating study of the oral angiogenesis inhibitor PTK787/ZK 222584 (PTK/ZK), in combination with FOLFOX4 chemotherapy in patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND This open-label, phase IB study was undertaken to determine the safety/toxicity profile and recommended dose of oral once-daily PTK787/ZK 222584 (PTK/ZK) combined with oxaliplatin/5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/leucovorin (FOLFOX4) chemotherapy in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Secondary objectives were to assess full pharmacokinetics and gather preliminary evidence of antitumor activity. PATIENTS AND METHODS Thirty-five patients received escalating doses of PTK/ZK (range 500-2000 mg daily) continuously. Concurrent FOLFOX4 chemotherapy was administered on days 1 and 2 and repeated every 14 days. Dose escalation of PTK/ZK was continued until maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was established and additional patients were then enrolled at MTD dosage. RESULTS Mean treatment duration of PTK/ZK was 9.5 months. The MTD was 1250 mg daily with dizziness being the most frequent dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). Hypertension (23%, grade 3) and neutropenia (37%, grades 3 + 4) were the most frequent grade 3 or 4 adverse events. Pharmacokinetic analyses found no evidence for interactions between PTK/ZK and the combination of 5-FU, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin during concomitant use. Median progression-free survival was 11.4 months. CONCLUSION The MTD of PTK/ZK in combination with FOLFOX4 in this patient population is 1250 mg daily. The combination is feasible and safe and is not associated with significant pharmacokinetic interactions.
Low back problems and possible improvements in nursing jobs.

AIM This paper reports a study that aimed to evaluate the workload, to identify problems leading to the higher incidence rate of work-related low back injury among nurses in the orthopaedic and intensive care unit departments of the hospital, and to gather information about improvements that the nurses would like in the workplace. BACKGROUND The literature shows that low back injuries are common among nurses, and intervention programmes are needed to address this problem. METHOD The hospital injury records were examined in a retrospective study. In addition, a validated questionnaire was administered between January and May 2005 to 47 nurses (23 orthopaedic and 24 intensive care nurses). The questionnaire contained questions on workload, history of back injuries, problems, possible solutions and psychophysical measures of exertion. FINDINGS The life-time incidence and point prevalence of low back pain were 65% and 30%, respectively, in orthopaedic nurses, and 58% and 25%, respectively, in the intensive care nurses. The mean weight handled was reported to be 47 +/- 30 kg by the orthopaedic nurses and 26 +/- 10 kg by the intensive care nurses. The low back scored highest for body-part discomfort - 4.6 and 4.0, respectively, on a 10-point scale. The rate of perceived job exertion was 6.7 +/- 1.8 (very strong), and 5.8 +/- 1.9 (strong) on Borg's 10-point scale. The total effort required by the job, rated on Visual Analogue Scales, was 67 +/- 14% and 68 +/- 15% of the maximum, respectively. The Borg scores and the total effort according to the Visual Analogue Scale, and the Borg scores and force effort on the Visual Analogue Scale were moderately correlated (r = 0.53, P < 0.01 for both comparisons). CONCLUSION The methodology proposed here is practical for job evaluation and to design a participatory ergonomic intervention aiming at reducing low back injuries in nursing jobs. There are workload differences between nursing jobs. Lifting devices, biomechanical training, bigger rooms, adequate set-up and additional staff are suggested improvements.
Características de crescimento, composição corporal e desempenho físico relacionado à saúde em crianças e adolescentes de 07 a 14 anos da região do Cotinguiba (SE)

CHARACTERISTICS OF GROWTH, BODY COMPOSITION AND PHYSICAL FITNESS RELATED TO THE HEALTH IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS FROM 07 TO 14 YEARS OLD OF THE REGIÃO DO COTINGUIBA – SERGIPE STATE – BRAZIL Author: Roberto Jerônimo dos Santos Silva Advisor: Prf. Dr. Édio Luiz Petroski The analysis of the growth, body composition and physical fitness it has been done in vary communities with the intention to characterize the same ones some the aspects related to the health and the functional capacity. Leaving of this perspective, this work has for general purpose, to define and toanalyze the growth, body composition and physical fitness related to the health characteristics in children and adolescents of the Região do Cotinguiba – Sergipe State – Brazil. This work was characterized as descriptive with cross-sectional design. The population was composed by all the students regularly enrolled in the State Schools under jurisdiction of the Regional Management of Education of Japaratuba – DRE’04, with sample of 1271 students, selected in two stages, in the first the sample the sample was stratified by city and, in the sequence, aleatory for conglomerade of school class. Were measured body mass, stature, skin fold thickness, aerobic capacity, force and muscular endurance, flexibility and maturational development level. For the analysis of the data it was used the descriptive statistics, the ANOVA ONE WAY and the correlations of Pearson with p ≤ 0,05. The principal results showed that the median for age group tehd to be larger than the National and the Northeast Parameters used (PNSN – Brazil). It was found a prevalence of obesity of 8% for the boys and 16% in the girls when considered the adiposity index parameters. For the physical fitness related to the health variables, it was verified in both, the boys and the girls, for flexibility, an increase with moving forward of the age, reaching peak to the 13 years. For the push-ups, it was found, in the girls, peak to the 13 years and in the boys to the 14. For the curl ups, the boys obtained acceleration starting from the 10 years and the girls a fall starting from the 09 years old. For the cardio respiratory capacity it was found, in the girls, a reduction with moving forward of the age, while for the boys was verified a constant curve when considered all the age groups. Concluding, normative charts was proposed for the treated variables in this study to subsidy future searches in the Northeast Region and the Sergipe State – Brazil.
Multiple functions of BMPs in chondrogenesis

The ability of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) to promote chondrogenesis has been investigated extensively over the past two decades. Although BMPs promote almost every aspect of chondrogenesis, from commitment to terminal differentiation is well known, the mechanisms of BMP action in discrete aspects of endochondral bone formation have only recently begun to be investigated. In this review, we focus on in vivo studies that have identified interactions between BMP signaling pathways and key downstream targets of BMP action in chondrogenesis. We also discuss evidence regarding the potential roles of BMP receptors in mediating distinct aspects of chondrogenesis, and studies investigating the intersection of BMP pathways with other pathways known to coordinate the progression of chondrocytes through the growth plate. These studies indicate that both Smad‐dependent and ‐independent BMP pathways are required for chondrogenesis, and that BMPs exert essential roles via regulation of the Indian hedgehog (IHH)/parathyroid hormone‐related protein (PTHrP) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) pathways in the growth plate. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Umbilical Artery Flow Velocity Waveforms and Cord Blood Viscosity

The role of cord blood viscosity in determining the umbilical artery Doppler flow velocity waveform (FVW) was investigated in 22 normal pregnancies and 29 complicated pregnancies. FVWs were quantified by calculating the pulsatility index (PI). There was a significant correlation between an abnormal PI (more than 2 SD from the mean) and fetal growth retardation (less than 5th birthweight centile), cesarean section for fetal distress, and raised cord blood hematocrit. However, there was no relationship between whole blood or plasma viscosity measurements and the umbilical artery PI.
Chapter 5 Analytical Supercritical Fluid Extraction for Food Applications

In this review, we explore the fundamental concepts of supercritical fluids and supercritical fluid extractions. Carbon dioxide and other solvents are discussed; the solubility theory is introduced together with the calculation of the density of carbon dioxide. The state-of-the-art instrumentation is presented in terms of fundamental components. The most widely used application of analytical SFE is in the food industry and this review includes fats, oils, vitamins, and pesticides in research and routine applications.
Monitoring method for surface contamination caused by selected antineoplastic agents.

A method of evaluating surface contamination caused by selected antineoplastic agents was studied. The antineoplastic agents tested were cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, doxorubicin hydrochloride, fluorouracil, and paclitaxel. Each agent was reconstituted and prepared as a stock solution. A 0.1-mL portion of each solution was spread evenly over a 600-cm2 area of a stainless steel surface, a resin countertop surface, and a vinyl flooring surface. After drying, the surfaces were wiped with each of two types of commercially available wiping materials (What-man no. 42 filters and Kimberly-Clark Kimwipes). A blend of methanol, acetonitrile, and buffered water was used both as the wetting agent for wiping the surfaces and as a desorbing solution. The desorbate was analyzed for drug concentration by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Mean +/- S.D. percent total recovery ranged from 72.4% +/- 17.6% to 95.3% +/- 2.9% for the vinyl surface wiped with filters, 91.5% +/- 5.4% to 104.7% +/- 0.8% for the resin surface wiped with filters, 73.9% +/- 2.3% to 95.3% +/- 1.7% for the stainless steel surface wiped with filters, and 18.2% +/- 1.4% to 372.8% +/- 8.0% for the stainless steel surface wiped with Kimwipes. Results were best for ifosfamide and cyclophosphamide. Kimwipes were deemed ineffective for this monitoring method because an ingredient interfered with the quantitative analytical tests. A wipe-sampling, desorption, and HPLC method for monitoring surface contamination by selected antineoplastic agents was sufficiently accurate and sensitive to evaluate surfaces typically found in both the pharmacy and drug administration areas of oncology treatment facilities.
Hydrogen‐Peroxide‐Induced Toxicity of Rat Striatal Neurones Involves Activation of a Non‐Selective Cation Channel

Striatal neurones are particularly vulnerable to hypoxia/ischaemia‐induced damage, and free radicals are thought to be prime mediators of this neuronal destruction. It has been shown that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), through the production of free radicals, induces rat insulinoma cell death by activation of a non‐selective cation channel, which leads to irreversible cell depolarization and unregulated Ca2+ entry into the cell. In the study presented here, we demonstrate that a subpopulation of striatal neurones (medium spiny neurones) is depolarized by H2O2 through the production of free radicals. Cell‐attached recordings from rat cultured striatal neurones demonstrate that exposure to H2O2 opens a large‐conductance channel that is characterized by extremely long open times (seconds). Inside‐out recordings show that cytoplasmically applied β‐nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide activates a channel with little voltage dependence, a linear current‐voltage relationship and a single‐channel conductance of between 70 and 90 pS. This channel is permeable to Na+, K+ and Ca2+ ions. Fura‐2 imaging from cultured striatal neurones reveals that H2O2 exposure induces a biphasic intracellular Ca2+ increase in a subpopulation of neurones, the second, later phase resulting in Ca2+ overload. This later component of the Ca2+ response is dependent on the presence of extracellular Ca2+ and is independent of synaptic activity or voltage‐gated Ca2+ channel opening. Consequently, this channel may be an important contributor to free radical‐induced selective striatal neurone destruction. These results are remarkably similar to those observed for insulinoma cells and suggest that this family of non‐selective cation channels has a widespread distribution in mammalian tissues.
Study of the biologic effects of lapatinib, a reversible inhibitor of ErbB1 and ErbB2 tyrosine kinases, on tumor growth and survival pathways in patients with advanced malignancies.

PURPOSE This was a pilot study to assess the biologic effects of lapatinib on various tumor growth/survival pathways in patients with advanced ErbB1 and/or ErbB2-overexpressing solid malignancies. PATIENTS AND METHODS Heavily pretreated patients with metastatic cancers overexpressing ErbB2 and/or expressing ErbB1 were randomly assigned to one of five dose cohorts of lapatinib (GW572016) administered orally once daily continuously. The biologic effects of lapatinib on tumor growth and survival pathways were assessed in tumor biopsies obtained before and after 21 days of therapy. Clinical response was determined at 8 weeks. RESULTS Sequential tumor biopsies from 33 patients were examined. Partial responses occurred in four patients with breast cancer, and disease stabilization occurred in 11 others with various malignancies. Responders exhibited variable levels of inhibition of p-ErbB1, p-ErbB2, p-Erk1/2, p-Akt, cyclin D1, and transforming growth factor alpha. Even some nonresponders demonstrated varying degrees of biomarker inhibition. Increased tumor cell apoptosis (TUNEL) occurred in patients with evidence of tumor regression but not in nonresponders (progressive disease). Clinical response was associated with a pretreatment TUNEL score > 0 and increased pretreatment expression of ErbB2, p-ErbB2, Erk1/2, p-Erk1/2, insulin-like growth factor receptor-1, p70 S6 kinase, and transforming growth factor alpha compared with nonresponders. CONCLUSION Lapatinib exhibited preliminary evidence of biologic and clinical activity in ErbB1 and/or ErbB2-overexpressing tumors. However, the limited sample size of this study and the variability of the biologic endpoints suggest that further work is needed to prioritize biomarkers for disease-directed studies, and underscores the need for improved trial design strategies in early clinical studies of targeted agents.
[An international collaborative study on influenza viruses antibody titers and contact patterns of individuals in rural and urban household of Guangzhou].

OBJECTIVE To describe the influenza viruses antibody levels and contact patterns of individuals in rural and urban regions of Guangzhou and to understand how contact patterns and other factors would correlate with the levels on the titers of antibody. METHODS "Google Map" was used to randomly select the study points from the administrative areas in Guangzhou region. Each participant was required to provide 5 ml blood serum sample to be tested against different strains of H1N1 and H3N2 influenza viruses. RESULTS 1) Using "Google map", 50 study points were selected but only 40 study points would meet the inclusion criteria. The cohort of this study consisted 856 households with 2 801 individuals. 1 821 participants (65% of the total number individuals in the cohort) completed the questionnaires. Among the 1 821 participants, 77.3% (1 407/1 821) and 22.7% (414/1 821) of them were from rural and urban areas respectively. There were more male participants in the rural but more female participants in the urban regions. Majority of the participants were from age group 18-59 followed by group 60 with aged 2-17 the least, in both rural and urban areas. 2) 78.1% (1 423/1 821) of the participants provided their serum samples. There appeared a strong correlation between age of the participants and the strength of their antibodies against that strain when a strain first circulated. In particular, seroprevalence was the highest at the age group 2-17. 3) 'Contact' was defined as persons having physical touch or/and conversation within one meter with the participants. Participants reported all having had large number of contacts. The proportion of participants having contacts with ten persons or above was the highest, ranging from 49.8% to 72.6%, particularly in age group 6-17. Compared to weekdays, participants had fewer contact persons on weekends. CONCLUSION There was a strong correlation between the age of participants at the time when the strains first circulated and the seroprevalence against influenza virus strains of H1N1 and H3N2. Also, age of the participants and the frequencies of their contacts to people, was also correlated.
A Short Scale for Measuring Brand Personality

A brand personality scale is developed and tested with a large and carefully selected sample of car owners in Germany. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to validate the actual structure of the brand personality scale. Recent research has swiftly leapt ahead to cross–cultural brand personality research without paying very much attention to the correct application of brand personality scales to single brands. This paper shows the usefulness of the scale and highlights the importance of vigorous scale testing. The presented scale may be a viable alternative to Aaker’s (1997) popular scale. The focus was on one country and on one industry and therefore offers potential for further testing. The study provides managerial and theoretical implications and areas for future research are suggested. Page 1 of 9 ANZMAC 2009
Meaning of the Oral Hygiene in Children, Due to Atherosclerosis Generation

Research focused on association between periodontal diseases and atherosclerosis has been substantial in recent years. It is now well known that chronic inflammation plays an important role in initiation and evolution of atherosclerosis. The bacterial plaque is a key pathology leading to periodontal inflammation. As reported by other authors, bacteria causing periodontal disease were found within the carotid arteries in adults, thus association between periodontal disease in childhood and peripheral vascular disease seem justifiable. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential link between certain bacteria found in children with periodontal disease and the process of atherosclerosis in adults. Research was carried out in 97 children of which 58 aged between 6-14 comprised an experimental group, whereas 39 children aged of 6-13 comprised the control group. Based on physical examination, the oral hygiene in children of the experimental group was average or bad, while in children of the control group the oral hygiene was good. Blood samples and subgingival plaques were obtained to proceed with microbiological testing by PCR technique. The results of tests showed Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in 55% and Prevotella intermedia in 79% of children in the experimental group. Only 2 cases of Prevotella intermedia were detected in the control group, however, no cases of Porphyromnas gingivalis were found in either groups. Full blood count, serum homocysteine, CRP, fibrinogen and HDL cholesterol values were normal in both groups. Total cholesterol value was increased in 24,14% in the experimental group vs. 5,15% in the control group, thus increase of total serum cholesterol concentration in children with bad oral hygiene may by a risk factor of atherosclerosis.
Cyclosporin as an oral corticosteroid sparing agent in stable asthma.

BACKGROUND Patients with chronic severe asthma are often dependent on the long term prescription of oral corticosteroids. The use of steroids is associated with serious side effects. Physicians treating such patients continue to search for alternative therapies that reduce the need for chronic dosing with oral steroids. Cyclosporin is an immunosuppressive agent and has benefits in the treatment of a number of inflammatory disorders. It has therefore been identified as an potentially useful agent in the treatment of chronic severe asthma both in terms of possible efficacy and as a steroid sparing agent. OBJECTIVES The objective of this review was to assess the effects of adding cyclosporin to oral steroids in the treatment of chronic steroid dependent asthmatics. SEARCH STRATEGY The Cochrane Airways Group trials register and reference lists of identified articles were searched. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised trials looking at the addition of cyclosporin compared to placebo in adult steroid dependent asthmatics. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Trial quality was assessed and data extraction was carried out by two reviewers independently. Study authors were contacted for missing information. MAIN RESULTS Three trials fulfilled the criteria for inclusion in the review and a total of 106 patients were recruited into these studies. Data from 98 patients could be analysed. There was a small but significant treatment effect for cyclosporin in terms of steroid dose reduction (SMD -0.5, 95% CI -1.0, -0.04). No meta-analyses could be performed for measures of lung function although one study showed small, but significant improvements in lung spirometry. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS The changes with cyclosporin are small and of questionable clinical significance. Given the side effects of cyclosporin, the evidence available does not recommend routine use of this drug in the treatment of oral corticosteroid dependent asthma.
Microwave tomography using dynamic 802.15.4 wireless networks

We demonstrate tomographic imaging of room-sized spaces using the propagation properties of 2.4 GHz, IEEE 802.15. 4 direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) radio waves. We have successfully imaged dielectric phantom objects of the order of the RF wavelength (12.5 cm) in a wireless ZigBee network using only received signal strength indicator (RSSI) data. The Microchip ZigBee stack is utilized to provide an application layer program to control the network and provide an outlet for network data. Using the data collected by a coordinator node, tomographic methods are applied to the data to create images of objects that are physically located within a network of nodes.
Constraints on the Control Benefits of Brokerage: A Study of Placement Agents in U.S. Venture Capital Fundraising

This paper theorizes about constraints on brokers' control benefits. I propose that brokers prefer to represent high-quality actors and that the value an actor places on representation is inversely related to the actor's perceived quality. But matching of more reputable brokers with higher-quality actors should mitigate these quality constraints. Empirical analyses of 1,028 venture capital funds raised by 745 firms from 2001 to 2006 support the theory. The likelihood that a firm's venture fund is represented by a placement agent first increases and then decreases with firm quality, measured as size, experience, and status. Neither those that value representation most (i.e., funds of low perceived quality) nor those that placement agents would most like to represent (i.e., funds of high perceived quality) are most likely to be represented by a placement agent. Results also show that more reputable placement agents represent funds raised by higher-quality firms, which indicates that a broker's reputation mitigates constraints on the control benefits of brokerage.