Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A phase 1 and pharmacodynamic study of decitabine in combination with carboplatin in patients with recurrent, platinum‐resistant, epithelial ovarian cancer

Aberrant DNA methylation is a hallmark of cancer, and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors have demonstrated clinical efficacy in hematologic malignancies. On the basis of preclinical studies indicating that hypomethylating agents can reverse platinum resistance in ovarian cancer cells, the authors conducted a phase 1 trial of low‐dose decitabine combined with carboplatin in patients with recurrent, platinum‐resistant ovarian cancer.
A comparison of motor abilities and perceived self-efficacy between children with hearing impairments and normal hearing children

Purpose. The present study evaluates the differences in motor abilities and in self-efficacy between children with hearing impairments and children with normal hearing. Method. Participants were 48 children, aged 5 – 9 years, including 22 with hearing impairments and 26 with normal hearing. Motor abilities were evaluated by the Children Activity Scales for Teachers (ChAS-T) and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC). Self-efficacy was evaluated using the Perceived Efficacy and Goal Setting System (PEGS). Results. Children with hearing impairments showed significantly lower motor abilities, according to the ChAS-T and the MABC. No significant differences were found between the groups in regard to the self-efficacy level according to most evaluated scales. Results for the study group revealed a significant correlation between the ChAS-T and the static balance score of the MABC. In both groups, significant correlations were found between motor abilities and child's age. Conclusions. While children with hearing impairments may show lower motor abilities, as expressed by the MABC and the ChAS-T, their self-efficacy is similar to that of their normal hearing peers.
Psychosocial impact of participation in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games and Winter Sports Clinic

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of individuals who participate in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games (NVWG) and the Winter Sports Clinic (WSC) for veterans with disabilities. In addition, it was of interest to determine how these events had impacted their lives. Method. Participants were recruited at the 20th Winter Sports Clinic, held in Snowmass Colorado and the 26th National Veterans Wheelchair Games held in Anchorage, Alaska. Data of interest included demographic, sport participation information, community integration, self-esteem, and quality of life. A secondary data analysis was completed to determine how comparable individuals who attended the NVWG/WSC were to individuals who did not participate in these events. Results. The 132 participants were a mean age of 47.4 + 13.4 and lived with a disability for an average of 13.4 + 12.1. Participants felt that the NVWG/WSC increased their knowledge of sports equipment (92%), learning sports (89%), mobility skills (84%), and acceptance of disability (84%). The majority of participants stated that the NVWG/WSC improved their life. Of those who participated at the NVWG/WSC, they tended to be more mobile, but have increased physical and cognitive limitations as measured by the CHART when compared to the non-attendees. Conclusions. Recommending veterans participate in events such as the NVWG and WSC can provide psychosocial benefits to veterans with disabilities.
The Immunology of Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease of unknown etiology characterized by enhanced immune responses at sites of involvement. This definition, provided by the International Committee at the Paris Conference in 1981, outlines the importance of immunologic findings in this disease. As a matter of fact, notwithstanding our ignorance on its etiology, immunologic studies have elucidated some of the mechanisms involved in the formation and maintenance of sarcoid granuloma. Besides increasing our knowledge of the pathogenesis of the disease, immunologic evaluation has another benefit: It enables a correct staging of these patients, which in turn allows the definition of the disease course and the institution of proper therapeutic schedule. The occasional occurrence of familiar sarcoidosis suggests possible genetic influences, notably a racial predisposition with a recessive mode of inheritance for susceptibility. Individual sarcoid patients may present with widely different expressions of the disease, and it is unknown why some cases pursue an acute, explosive course and others have a chronic, indolent course. Since in some diseases the course and manifestations are genetically determined, an association between HLA and the development of sarcoidosis has been researched. However, at this point we can only state that persons who are HLA-B8, A1, CW7, and DR3 are more likely to express their sarcoidosis in the form of erythema nodosum, acute arthritis, and anterior uveitis, and that sarcoidosis, when developed in persons who are HLA-B13, is likely to be chronic and persistent.
A peer-led HIV counselling and testing programme for the deaf in Kenya

Purpose. To describe and evaluate the establishment of the first VCT services for the Deaf in Africa. Method. Operational research methods were used to document programme establishment. The demographics of deaf VCT clients were compared with hearing clients at the same sites as well as where clients had learned of the service, HIV risks, and HIV test results. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used. Results. During the two year period (January 2004 to December 2005) 1709 Deaf and 1649 hearing clients were seen at three Deaf VCT sites. The majority of Deaf clients in this sample learned of the services through the peer education programme. Data indicate that Deaf VCT clients are as much at risk of HIV from sexual transmission as their hearing counterparts and that Deaf persons seeking VCT services have an HIV prevalence of 7%, similar to the national rate of 6.7%. Conclusions. The Deaf in Kenya are at risk of HIV and there is an urgent need for Deaf-friendly HIV services, supplemented by peer education programmes. This is the first published report describing HIV services run by the Deaf for the Deaf in the developing world.
Questions regarding frontline therapy of acute myeloid leukemia

In this issue ofCancer, a review of 6 studies by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) involving 1980 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by Rowe et al focuses on 1272 patients (64%) who achieved a complete response (CR) either after 1 course (n1⁄4 945) or after 2 courses (n1⁄4 327) of chemotherapy. The authors’ objective was to define the prognosis of such patients, because the common notion is that patients with AML who require more than 1 course of induction chemotherapy have a worse outcome. They demonstrated that patients who received a second course of induction had an outcome similar to that of patients who required only 1 course to achieve CR. They emphasized that ‘‘the results of this study in no way suggest a recommendation for patients to receive a second cycle on Day 14,’’ but that their study negates the common perception that patients who require 2 courses of induction to achieve a CR (the second course delivered because of residual AML on a bone marrow analysis on Day 10-14 of Course 1) have a worse prognosis. These results raise important questions related to frontline AML therapy: 1) What is the prognosis for unselected patients with AML who receive standard frontline AML therapy? 2) What is the significance of ‘‘residual leukemia’’ documented after 1 course of induction; and should such bone marrow analyses be performed early (Day 10-14) and be followed with a second course of induction if ‘‘residual leukemia’’ is noted? 3) Is daunorubicin at a dose of 45 to 60 mg/m daily for 3 days and cytarabine 100 to 200 mg/m daily for 7 days (‘‘3 þ 7 regimen’’) still considered standard frontline AML therapy?
Treatment of type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents

Despite the recent advances in treatment and technology, intensive insulin therapy for treatment of type 1 diabetes remains a challenge in children due to developmental issues, wide glycemic fluctuations and unpredictable eating and activity patterns. Many children with diabetes nowadays use a basal‐bolus regimen by means of either multiple daily injections or CSII in an attempt to mimic closely the physiological insulin and serum glucose profiles in order to achieve optimal glycemic control. This article reviews the different regimens employed to treat type 1 diabetes in children, using short‐ and intermediate‐acting insulins, newer insulin analogues, as well as continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). With the ongoing development of new technologies allowing better monitoring of blood glucose and insulin delivery, it is hoped that in the near future a “closed loop system” will help in achieving normal glycemic control while minimizing side effects related to administration of exogenous insulin. Drug Dev Res 69:158–164, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Níveis de atividade física e alterações metabólicas em pessoas vivendo com HIV/AIDS

The introduction of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) - antiretroviral therapy highly active has deeply changed the course of HIV infection with increase in survival and improvement in quality of life as well as partial restoration of the immune system. After about ten years from the HAART use, the effects of combination treatment / virus started to come out. Among these, we can mention changes in lipid metabolism with hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia and redistribution of body fat as risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Observational studies with people living with HIV / AIDS evidence that when an individual finds out that he/she is an HIV/AIDS patient, he/she end ups feeling fear or shame, reducing hence social circle, work and leisure activities, and becomes isolated at home or in small groups which have common identity of HIV / AIDS patients. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the relationship between the level of habitual physical activity and recreation of people living with HIV / AIDS and its relation with metabolic changes. The patients were classified into active and sedentary, using the Habitual Physical Activity questionnaire proposed by Baecke and validated for HIV / AIDS patients. Classification was conducted according to the recommendations of the American College of Sports Medicine. Metabolism was assessed through plasma levels of glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, using commercial kits. The sample consisted of 65 HIV patients who used HAART for at least five years. 64.6% were classified as sedentary and 35.4% as active. The study shows a direct relationship between physical activity level and higher levels of HDL - cholesterol in HIV / AIDS. HDL - Cholesterol is a lipoprotein of cardiovascular protection and, although other assessed parameters have not shown difference, these results highlight the need for additional studies on risk factors and physical activity for HIV / AIDS enabling proposals for specific interventions for these patients.
Vision self-management for older adults: A pilot study

Purpose. The aim of this study was to pilot test the vision self-management programme (VSM) a newly developed, 8-week self-management intervention. The programme is a structured, repeatable and theoretically derived programme for older adults with age-related vision loss (ARVL). Method. A pre-and post-test design was used, and involved 12 older adults with ARVL. The activity card sort, a measure of participation in life situations, was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures examining general health and vision specific domains were also used. Results. Participants reported a statistically significant increase in participation in life situations immediately following the VSM programme. However, whilst an increase in such participation was still present at 12-week follow-up, this was no longer statistically significant. In addition, the participants demonstrated statistically significant gains in both general health and vision specific domains. Although these findings are exploratory they suggest that the VSM may have both short and longer term benefits for older adults living with ARVL. Conclusions. Overall findings indicate that the participation in the self-management programme resulted in improved participation and health outcomes and support the need for further study using more rigorous designs.
Effect of Modulated TENS on Muscle Activation, Oxygenation, and Pain: Searching for a Physiological Mechanism

Objectives: To understand the possible physiological mechanisms of a modulated transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [TENS] device on the reported reductions in pain using quantitative electromyography to measure muscle activation and near-infrared spectroscopy to estimate muscular oxygenation levels. Methods: All subjects self-selected the intensity of the TENS stimulation current. Electromyography, near-infrared spectroscopy and a color analog scale of pain intensity to measure reported pain levels were collected both pre- and post-treatment. For Studies 1 and 2, measures of muscle activity and self-perceived pain were taken from 51 male and female subjects. For study 3, measures of muscle oxygenation and pain scores were taken from 12 different subjects. Results: Myoelectric activation level and pain scores of painful muscles were reduced after treatment [P < 0.001] with no change in activation or pain in the control muscles. The follow-up study revealed that muscle oxygenation was significantly increased in the treatment trials when compared to the control trials [P = 0.013], while the color analog scale of pain intensity pain scores decreased [P <. 05]. Conclusions: Pain reduction following TENS treatment has been reported before. The documented reduction in muscle activation suggests less vasoconstriction from prolonged contraction. Simultaneous documentation of increases in available oxygen suggests a tenable mechanism; reduced contraction level and less oxygen consumption, and/or more blood flow suggests an increased capacity to flush metabolites known to cause pain.
Persistence and Improvement of Nasolabial Fold Correction with Nonanimal‐Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid 100,000 Gel Particles/mL Filler on Two Retreatment Schedules: Results up to 18 Months on Two Retreatment Schedules

BACKGROUND Nonanimal-stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA) fillers are frequently used for facial soft tissue augmentation. Their long-term efficacy and the effects of different retreatment schedules are not well established. OBJECTIVE This is an 18-month interim analysis of a 30-month study to evaluate the efficacy and persistence of NASHA 100,000 gel particles/mL filler with two different retreatment schedules. METHODS This multicenter, randomized, evaluator-blinded study enrolled 75 patients with moderate to severe nasolabial folds. Patients were randomized to retreatment of one nasolabial fold at 4.5 months and the contralateral fold at 9 months after correction of both folds at the initial visit. RESULTS Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale scores improved significantly (p<.001) from baseline, with mean improvements ranging from 1.1 to 1.7 grades. Almost all patients (97%) responded satisfactorily, and the efficacy of the retreatment schedules did not differ significantly. Adverse events, primarily swelling and bruising, occurred in 33% of patients; none were serious. CONCLUSION The improvements seen after initial treatment with NASHA 100,000 gel particles/mL filler persisted for up to 18 months with one retreatment. The response was equivalent for retreatment at 4.5 and 9 months.
Insulin response to feeding forage with varying crude protein and amino acid content in horses at rest and after exercise

This study assessed the insulin response to forage intake with varying crude protein (CP) content in horses at rest and after exercise. Six geldings were fed three grass haylage-only diets for 7 days according to a 3×3 Latin square design. On day 7, blood samples were collected before and for 120 min after feeding 15% of the daily allowance before exercise (feeding A) and after standardised exercise (feeding B). Feed samples were collected before each feeding. Dry matter (DM) and nutrient content varied (DM: 37-58%, water-soluble carbohydrates minus fructans (WSC-f): 3-12% of DM, CP: 10-15% of DM) which resulted in a variation in nutrient intake within haylage batches. Based on individual CP and WSC-f intakes, intake groups were therefore formed (low and high CP intake; ≤ and ≯180 g CP/100 kg body weight, respectively and low and high WSC-f intake; ≤ and ≯100 g/100 kg body weight, respectively). Amino acids were analysed and intakes were generally higher in the high CP group than in the low CP group. An A.
Transepithelial Versus Epithelium-Off Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking for Progressive Keratoconus: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose: To compare the safety and efficacy of transepithelial with epithelium-off corneal cross-linking for progressive keratoconus. Methods: In a prospective clinical trial, 70 patients with progressive keratoconus were randomized to undergo corneal cross-linking with intact epithelium (n = 34) or after deepithelialization (n = 36). The main outcome measure was a change in the maximum K reading (Kmax). Results: With 3-year follow-up, Kmax decreased in the epithelium-off group with a mean of 2.4 D and no patient showed evidence of progression. In the transepithelial group, Kmax increased by a mean of 1.1 D, and 20 patients (55%) showed progression of keratoconus. Conclusions: In this study, epithelium-off was significantly more effective than transepithelial corneal cross-linking in halting the progression of keratoconus (P < 0.0001).
Body composition and physical function after progressive resistance and balance training among older adults after stroke: an exploratory randomized controlled trial

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate whether improvements in physical function are related to changes in body composition after a three-month progressive resistance and balance exercise program among individuals approximately one to three years after stroke. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 43 community-dwelling subjects (65–85 years, mean age 73 ± 5 years, 73% men) were allocated to a progressive resistance and balance exercise program twice weekly for three months (intervention group [IG], n = 20) or a control group (n = 23). The main outcome measures were fat mass (kg) and fat-free mass (kg), as measured by bioelectrical impedance analyses (Tanita®). Physical function was measured using the six-minute walk test. Results: Complete case analyses revealed reduced fat mass in the IG compared with the control (−1.5 vs. (0). 13% of body weight, respectively; effect size =0.62; p = 0.048). In contrast, no between-group difference in fat-free mass was observed. The six-minute walk test was improved (25 vs. −10 m, respectively, effect size =0.69, p = 0.039) at three months in favor of the IG. The reduced fat mass was associated with an improved six-minute walk test (r = 0.48, p = 0.038) in the IG. Conclusions: Three-month progressive resistance and balance training was associated with reduced fat mass, which was related to improvements in walking capacity in older adults approximately one year after stroke. Implications for rehabilitation This three-month PRB group exercise program supported by motivational discussions and daily home-based exercises indicate the following: • Improved walking capacity was associated with a reduction in fat mass. • IGF-1 is reduced, possibly indicating improved insulin sensitivity.
Handbook of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has been recognized as an entity since the 1800s, when it was known as “neurasthenia. ” A panel of experts who convened in 1994 to establish a set of diagnostic criteria for CFS described it as a syndrome that includes disabling fatigue, cognitive difficulties, nonrefreshing sleep, and myalgias. Autonomic instability, mental illness, immunologic abnormalities, and swollen lymph nodes are sometimes present in patients with CFS. It frequently coexists with fibromyalgia. The Handbook of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome summarizes the current research and clinical knowledge about this disorder. Chronic fatigue syndrome is largely a “diagnostically homeless” entity. No one medical specialty takes ownership of CFS, and it is not routinely included in medical school and residency curricula. There is much controversy surrounding its diagnosis and even its legitimacy as a medical illness. The differential diagnosis of CFS is large, making its diagnosis difficult. Endocrine, rheumatologic, neurologic, infectious, hematologic, nutritional, metabolic, and psychiatric disorders can mimic or contribute to the disorder. Profound occupational, social, and family problems can also result from the illness. A multisystem approach using the biopsychosocial model is best used in the diagnosis and management of CFS. Part I of the Handbook discusses epidemiology, differential diagnosis, sociocultural issues, immunology, and genetics; the major criteria as well as additional symptoms that constitute the diagnosis of CFS, as established by the panel of experts, are listed. Part II is about the social, individual, and family systems effects of CFS. Part III goes into specifics about the symptomatology of CFS, including sections on pain and fatigue, orthostatic intolerance, and sleep, cardiac, and neuroendo-crine dysfunction. Part IV discusses pain rating scales and other diagnostic instruments. Part V is a large section on treatments and interventions. Comprehensive treatment regimens including medical treatment, exercise, nutrition, and psychotherapy are described. Part VI discusses diagnosis and treatment of CFS in children and adolescents. The editors have succeeded in producing a comprehensive and interesting text. Although this volume, at 794 pages, stretches the definition of “handbook,” readers are rewarded with an exhaustively researched and evidence-based work that should prove to be clinically useful.