Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Grip strength: effect of hand dominance.

AIM OF THE STUDY Reliable and valid evaluation of hand strength is important for determining the effectivity of treatment strategies and it is accepted that grip and pinch strength provide an objective index for the functional integrity of upper extremity. This study was designed to evaluate the grip and pinch strength differences between sides for the right and left handed population. METHODS The study included 128 right and 21 left hand dominant volunteers. Grip strength of the participants were measured by using a Jamar dynamometer. Pulp pinch strength measurements were performed by manual pinchmeter. RESULTS When the study group was totally evaluated, a statistically significant difference was found between the grip and pinch strengths of dominant and nondominant hands in favour of the dominant hand. For further information we grouped 149 participants as right and left handed and investigated the number of subjects with stronger nondominant hand for each group. The percentage of stronger nondominant hand grip was 10.93% and 33.33% for right and left handed groups respectively. The results were less significant for pinch strength with 28.12% and 28.57% for right and left handed subjects respectively. CONCLUSION We concluded that the dominant hand is significantly stronger in right handed subjects but no such significant difference between sides could be documented for left handed people.
Disease-specific gender differences among total knee arthroplasty candidates.

BACKGROUND Women with knee osteoarthritis are less likely to undergo joint replacement despite greater self-reported disability. The primary aim of the present study was to assess gender differences in the type and magnitude of osteoarthritis-related impairment prior to knee arthroplasty. METHODS Two hundred and twenty-one knee arthroplasty candidates (ninety-five men and 126 women) and forty-four healthy gender, age, and body mass index-matched individuals were tested. Individuals with contralateral limb injury or abnormality, cardiovascular disease, neurological impairment, and medical conditions limiting activity were excluded. Collected data included Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 mental and physical component scores, the Knee Outcome Survey Activities of Daily Living Scale score, knee range of motion, timed up-and-go test time, stair-climb test time, six-minute walk distance, normalized quadriceps strength, and volitional muscle activation. RESULTS Women in the arthroplasty group had lower Short Form-36 and Knee Outcome Survey scores, longer timed up-and-go test and stair-climb test times, shorter six-minute walk distances, and lower normalized quadriceps strength compared with men. Healthy women had longer stair-climb test times and shorter six-minute walk distances in comparison with healthy men. Between-group comparisons revealed that women in both the control group and the arthroplasty group had reduced normalized quadriceps strength in comparison with men, that healthy women had higher voluntary muscle activation in comparison with healthy men, and that female arthroplasty candidates had lower activation levels in comparison with male candidates. CONCLUSIONS Observed gender differences in strength and function appear to be inherent but are magnified in arthroplasty candidates. Strength and functional decline should be closely monitored in women with knee osteoarthritis to serve as an indicator of worsening condition, and preoperative interventions should reflect these gender-specific impairments.
In Vitro and In Vivo Selective Antitumor Activity of a Novel Orally Bioavailable Proteasome Inhibitor MLN9708 against Multiple Myeloma Cells

Purpose: The success of bortezomib therapy for treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) led to the development of structurally and pharmacologically distinct novel proteasome inhibitors. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of one such novel orally bioactive proteasome inhibitor MLN9708/MLN2238 in MM using well-established in vitro and in vivo models. Experimental Design: MM cell lines, primary patient cells, and the human MM xenograft animal model were used to study the antitumor activity of MN2238. Results: Treatment of MM cells with MLN2238 predominantly inhibits chymotrypsin-like activity of the proteasome and induces accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins. MLN2238 inhibits growth and induces apoptosis in MM cells resistant to conventional and bortezomib therapies without affecting the viability of normal cells. In animal tumor model studies, MLN2238 is well tolerated and inhibits tumor growth with significantly reduced tumor recurrence. A head-to-head analysis of MLN2238 versus bortezomib showed a significantly longer survival time in mice treated with MLN2238 than mice receiving bortezomib. Immununostaining of MM tumors from MLN2238-treated mice showed growth inhibition, apoptosis, and a decrease in associated angiogenesis. Mechanistic studies showed that MLN2238-triggered apoptosis is associated with activation of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9; increase in p53, p21, NOXA, PUMA, and E2F; induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response proteins Bip, phospho-eIF2-α, and CHOP; and inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B. Finally, combining MLN2238 with lenalidomide, histone deacetylase inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid, or dexamethasone triggers synergistic anti-MM activity. Conclusion: Our preclinical study supports clinical evaluation of MLN9708, alone or in combination, as a potential MM therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 17(16); 5311–21. ©2011 AACR.
An intervention to promote walking amongst the general population based on an ‘extended’ theory of planned behaviour: A waiting list randomised controlled trial

Theory of planned behaviour (TPB) studies have identified perceived behavioural control (PBC) as the key determinant of walking intentions. The present study investigated whether an intervention designed to alter PBC and create walking plans increased TPB measures concerning walking more, planning and objectively measured walking. One hundred and thirty UK adults participated in a waiting-list randomised controlled trial. The intervention consisted of strategies to boost PBC, plus volitional strategies to enact walking intentions. All TPB constructs were measured, along with self-reported measures of action planning and walking, and an objective pedometer measure of time spent walking. The intervention increased PBC, attitudes, intentions and objectively measured walking from 20 to 32 min a day. The effects of the intervention on intentions and behaviour were mediated by PBC, although the effects on PBC were not mediated by control beliefs. At 6 weeks follow-up, participants maintained their increases in walking. The findings of this study partially support the proposed causal nature of the extended TPB as a framework for developing and evaluating health behaviour change interventions. This is the first study using the TPB to develop, design and evaluate the components of an intervention which increased objectively measured behaviour, with effects mediated by TPB variables.
Endoscopic Repair of Posterior Ankle Impingement Syndrome Due to Os Trigonum in Soccer Players

Background: An os trigonum may cause posterior ankle impingement syndrome (PAIS), which may lead to poor sports performance, especially in soccer players. The aim of the present study was to analyze the outcomes of endoscopic repaired posterior ankle impingement (PAI) secondary to os trigonum syndrome within a group of soccer players as well as their return to play time. Methods: A retrospective review of 20 soccer players with Tegner activity level 9 was performed. All players were diagnosed of PAIS due to os trigonum. Chief complaint was pain produced with forced plantarflexion when kicking the ball. Conservative treatment was first performed during a 6-week rehabilitation program. When conservative treatment failed, arthroscopic surgical resection of the os trigonum was proposed. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to measure pain before and after surgery as well as time until their return to previous sports level. Results: VAS showed a mean preoperative pain score of 7.5 (SD = 0.9), whereas postoperative VAS at 1 month after surgery decreased to 0.8 (SD = 1.36). Mean symptomatic period was 8.5 months (SD = 4.3), from the beginning of symptoms up to the surgery day. Once patients had undergone surgery, mean time until their return to previous level of sports was 46.9 days (SD = 25.96), reaching the same pre-lesion Tegner level. Conclusions: Endoscopic treatment of posterior ankle impingement syndrome due to os trigonum showed excellent results. Hindfoot endoscopy with a posterior approach was an effective treatment and allowed for a prompt return to play in soccer players with a high activity level. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.
Lung cancer physicians' referral practices for palliative care consultation.

BACKGROUND Integration of palliative care with standard oncologic care improves quality of life and survival of lung cancer patients. We surveyed physicians to identify factors influencing their decisions for referral to palliative care. METHODS We provided a self-administered questionnaire to physicians caring for lung cancer patients at five medical centers. The questionnaire asked about practices and views with respect to palliative care referral. We used multiple regression analysis to identify predictors of low referral rates (<25%). RESULTS Of 155 physicians who returned survey responses, 75 (48%) reported referring <25% of patients for palliative care consultation. Multivariate analysis, controlling for provider characteristics, found that low referral rates were associated with physicians' concerns that palliative care referral would alarm patients and families [odds ratio (OR) 0.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.21-0.98], while the belief that palliative care specialists have more time to discuss complex issues (OR 3.07, 95% CI 1.56-6.02) was associated with higher rates of referral. CONCLUSIONS Although palliative care consultation is increasingly available and recommended throughout the trajectory of lung cancer, our data indicate it is underutilized. Understanding factors influencing decisions to refer can be used to improve integration of palliative care as part of lung cancer management.
Preteen-Parent Experiences With PREP-T1 Feasibility Intervention

Purpose The purpose of this article is to report the focus group perspectives of preteens’ and parents’ experiences with a feasibility intervention entitled PREP-T1 (Preteen Re-Education with Parents–Type 1 Diabetes), an interactive education and peer mentoring intervention. Methods The parent and preteen focus groups were conducted by the principal investigator, coinvestigator, and note takers at 2 sites. The preteen-parent groups were conducted concurrently with a total of 11 preteens and 11 parents. Note-based qualitative content analysis was used, resulting in preteen-parent perspectives on reeducation and strategies for families to work more effectively in managing type 1 diabetes (T1DM). Results The findings suggest that the preteens enjoyed learning about their diabetes management from a teen educator mentor in conjunction with a human patient simulator. They reported this type of peer support would benefit other preteens with T1DM. Parents were overwhelmingly positive about their interactions with the parent educator mentor in conjunction with the psychologist and about focusing on how to better collaborate with their preteens on diabetes management decision making. Further recommendations about the timing and intervention dose were also discussed. Conclusions Moderated peer mentoring with technology has potential as a means for teaching preteens and their parents shared diabetes management. These data will be used to inform the PREP-T1 fully powered intervention study.
Causal Relationship between International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): A Panel Data Analysis of ASEAN Countries

This study investigates the causal relationship between International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) adoption and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows in ASEAN countries during the period of 2001 to 2016. This study applies panel co-integration and causality test to examine the short and long run and causal relationship between variables. IFRS adoption was measured based on dummy variable in Model 1 and level of IFRS compliance in Model 2. Findings of this study confirm the presence of co-integration between variables and the Dynamic Ordinary Least Square (DOLS) estimation analysis reveals positive and significant relationship between IFRS adoption, based on both measures and FDI inflows. Furthermore, the causality test shows that there is short run causality from IFRS to FDI inflows and long run causality between variables. This study extends knowledge on the relationship between IFRS adoption and FDI inflows by examining this relationship in the setting of ASEAN countries. Findings of this study could be useful for countries which are IFRS adopter and also non-adopters to understand the economic consequences of IFRS adoption, in their effort to attract more investors so as to accelerate economic growth.
Allergies and Disease Severity in Childhood Narcolepsy: Preliminary Findings.

INTRODUCTION Narcolepsy frequently begins in childhood, and is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, with the presence of cataplexy reflecting a more severe phenotype. Narcolepsy may result from genetic predisposition involving deregulation of immune pathways, particularly involving T helper 2 cells (Th2). Increased activation of Th2 cells is usually manifested as allergic conditions such as rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and asthma. We hypothesized that the presence of allergic conditions indicative of increased Th2 balance may dampen the severity of the phenotype in children with narcolepsy. METHODS A retrospective chart review of childhood narcolepsy patients was conducted at three major pediatric sleep centers. Patients were divided into those with narcolepsy without cataplexy (NC-) and narcolepsy with cataplexy (NC+). Demographics, polysomnographic and multiple sleep latency test data, and extraction of information on the presence of allergic diseases such allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and asthma was performed. RESULTS There were 468 children identified, with 193 children in NC- group and 275 patients in the NC+ group. Overall, NC+ children were significantly younger, had higher body mass index, and had shorter mean sleep latencies and increased sleep onset rapid eye movement events. The frequency of allergic conditions, particularly asthma and allergic rhinitis, was markedly lower in NC+ (58/275) compared to NC- patients (94/193; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Involvement of the immune system plays an important role in the pathophysiology of narcolepsy. Current findings further suggest that an increased shift toward T helper 2 cells, as indicated by the presence of allergic conditions, may modulate the severity of the phenotype in childhood narcolepsy, and reduce the prevalence of cataplexy in these patients.
High-frequency oscillatory ventilation in pediatric patients with acute respiratory failure

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) in pediatric patients with acute respiratory failure, failing conventional ventilation. Design: A prospective, clinical study. Setting: Tertiary care pediatric intensive care unit. Patients: Twenty pediatric patients (ages 12 days to 5 yrs) with acute respiratory failure (pneumonia, 14; sepsis with acute respiratory distress syndrome, 3; pulmonary edema as a complication of upper airway obstruction, 2; salicylate intoxication with acute respiratory distress syndrome, 1), failing conventional ventilation (median alveolar-arterial oxygen difference [P(a-a)o2] 578 [489–624] torr, median oxygenation index 26 [21–32]. Interventions: HFOV was instituted after a median length of conventional ventilation of 15.5 (3.3–43.5) hrs. Measurements and Main Results: Ventilator settings, arterial blood gases, oxygenation index, and P(a-a)o2 were recorded before HFOV (0 hrs) and at predetermined intervals during HFOV and compared using the one-way Friedman rank-sum procedure and a two-tailed Wilcoxon matched-pairs test. Initiation of HFOV caused a significant decrease in Fio2 at 1 hr that continued to 24 hrs (p ≤ .04). In all patients, target ventilation was achieved, and 19 had improved oxygenation. After 1 hr, Paco2 significantly decreased (p = .002) and remained within the target range thereafter. There were significant decreases in P(a-a)o2 and oxygenation index at 1 and 4 hrs, respectively, that were sustained up to 12 hrs (p ≤ .04). No significant complications associated with HFOV were detected. Fifteen patients (75%) survived to hospital discharge. Only one patient died from respiratory failure. Conclusions: In pediatric patients with acute respiratory failure, failing conventional ventilation, HFOV improves gas exchange in a rapid and sustained fashion. However, randomized controlled trials are needed to identify its benefits over conventional modes of mechanical ventilation.
Effects of a Structured Decoding Curriculum on Adult Literacy Learners’ Reading Development

Abstract This article reports the results from a randomized control field trial that investigated the impact of an enhanced decoding and spelling curriculum on the development of adult basic education (ABE) learners’ reading skills. Sixteen ABE programs that offered class-based instruction to Low-Intermediate-level learners were randomly assigned to either the treatment group or the control group. Reading instructors in the 8 treatment programs taught decoding and spelling using the study-developed curriculum, Making Sense of Decoding and Spelling, and instructors in the 8 control programs used their existing reading instruction. A comparison group of 7 ABE programs whose instructors used K-3 structured curricula adapted for use with ABE learners were included for supplemental analyses. Seventy-one reading classes, 34 instructors, and 349 adult learners with pre- and posttests participated in the study. The study found significantly greater gains for the treatment group relative to the control group on one measure of decoding skills, which was the proximal target of the curriculum. No treatment-control differences were found for gains on word recognition, spelling, fluency, or comprehension. Pretest-to-posttest gains for word recognition and spelling were small to moderate but not significantly better than the control classes. Adult learners who were born and educated outside of the United States made larger gains on 7 of the 11 reading measures than learners who were born and educated within the United States. However, participation in the treatment curriculum was more beneficial for learners who were born and educated in the United States in developing their word recognition skills.
Optimizing the Interventional Cardiology Facility: Services Integration in Routine Workflow

Summary Objectives: Integration of administrative and clinical data, imaging, and expert services, although challenging, is a key requirement in contemporary interventional cardiology facilities (ICF). We propose a workflow-oriented hybrid system to support the ICF and investigate its feasibility and effectiveness in a referral medical center. Methods: We have developed a Java-powered hybrid system (NetCARDIO), able to support over web synchronous and asynchronous data management, realtime multimedia data telemonitoring and continuous telementoring. Data regarding procedural rates, treatment planning and radiation exposure were collected over a two-year period of routine NetCARDIO implementation (July 2002 to June 2004) and compared with data from an immediately preceding period of equal duration (January 2000 to December 2001). Results: During the NetCARDIO period, 163 ±11 coronary procedures per month were performed vs. 77 ±15 during the control period (p <0.001). Percutaneous coronary intervention was delivered ‘ad hoc’ in 88% of eligible patients vs. 45% (p <0.001). Mean fluoroscopy time per coronary lesion treated decreased from 594 ± 82sto 540 ±94s (p < 0.001). Annual radiation exposure of expert interventionistswas decreased by 22%. Electronic storage significantly reduced archiving costs. Conclusions: Real-time multimodal services sharing combined with powerful database capabilities is feasible through a web-based structure, significantly enhancing performance and cost-effectiveness of ICF. Further research is needed to promote integration of additional data sources and services.
Needle catheter jejunostomy at esophagectomy for cancer

Important physiological changes occur after major abdominal surgery. Cellular and morphological changes follow a period of malnutrition. Enteral feeding is an important strategy for maintaining gut integrity and function. Controversies remain on the use of feeding jejunostomy after major abdominal surgery and its use had not gained widespread acceptance. The records of 262 consecutive patients who underwent esophagectomy for cancer were reviewed retrospectively to assess whether the placement of a needle catheter jejunostomy (NCJ) at the time of surgery is a safe and useful procedure. All the patients had a 9 Fr. NCJ place in a standardized fashion at the time of the esophagectomy. The technique of placement, the utilisation, and the complications of the NCJ were examined. The enteral nutrition was started in the first post‐operative day. Sixty‐three percent of our patients required enteral nutrition for 10 or more days. In 19%, this requirement was prolonged for more then 20 days, upto 68 days. The complications related to NCJ were four (1.5%). The use of the NCJ as described is safe, with an extremely low rate of complications. It may provide adequate nutritional support for a prolonged period of time at low costs. Its routine use in patients undergoing esophagectomy is recommended. J. Surg. Oncol. 2005;91:276–279. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gender benders at the beach: Endocrine disruption in marine and estuarine organisms

Several consensus definitions of the term endocrine disruptor have appeared recently, but all definitions include the important, though frequently implicit, stipulation that the animal is not distressed or in obvious discomfort. Instead, a superficially healthy animal is experiencing alterations in hormone synthesis, transport, receptor interaction, metabolism, excretion, or feedback regulation. In addition, hormone disruption may occur during sex differentiation, and its effects may not be manifested until after sexual maturation. Many cases of chemically induced reproductive impairment have been reported for both freshwater and marine species. However, reproductive impairment may not necessarily result from hormone disruption and should be considered suggestive, but not conclusive, evidence of endocrine disruption. A suite of in vivo and in vitro assays will more adequately assess whether a compound is truly endocrine disrupting. This review will cover basic endocrinology of marine and estuarine invertebrates and vertebrates, methods for detecting endocrine disruption, and examples of endocrine disruption in various species.