Development of a Clinical Framework for the Assessment of Dyskinesia and Function in the Upper Limb in Children with Cerebral Palsy.

Objective: Dyskinesia in cerebral palsy (CP) is a complex movement disorder that can significantly impact upper limb function. Despite a range of available tools, there is no consensus on best practice assessment of upper limb function in children with CP and dyskinesia. This study aimed to develop a clinical framework for the assessment of the impact of dyskinesia on upper limb function in children with CP.

A randomized control trial of high-dose micronutrient-antioxidant supplementation in healthy persons with untreated HIV infection.

Background: Although micronutrient and antioxidant supplementation are widely used by persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a therapeutic role beyond recommended daily allowances (RDA) remains unproven. An oral high-dose micronutrient and antioxidant supplement (Treatment) was compared to an RDA supplement (Control) for time to progressive immunodeficiency or initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in people living with HIV (PLWH).

Methods: This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter clinical trial.

Pathways From HIV-Related Stigma to Antiretroviral Therapy Measures in the HIV Care Cascade for Women Living With HIV in Canada.

Background: Associations between HIV-related stigma and reduced antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence are widely established, yet the mechanisms accounting for this relationship are underexplored. There has been less attention to HIV-related stigma and its associations with ART initiation and current ART use. We examined pathways from HIV-related stigma to ART initiation, current ART use, and ART adherence among women living with HIV in Canada.

Micronutrient deficiency and treatment adherence in a randomized controlled trial of micronutrient supplementation in ART-naïve persons with HIV.

Introduction: The MAINTAIN study is an on-going RCT comparing high-dose micronutrient and anti-oxidant supplementation versus recommended daily allowance (RDA) vitamins in slowing HIV immune deficiency progression in ART-naïve people with HIV infection.

Objective: We planned analysis of the first 127 participants to determine the baseline prevalence of serum micronutrient deficiencies and correlates, as well as tolerance and adherence to study interventions.

Methods: Participants receive eight capsules twice daily of 1) high-dose or 2) RDA supplements for two years and are followed-up quarterly for measures of immune deficiency progression, safety and tolerability.

The importance of motherhood in HIV-positive women of reproductive age in Ontario, Canada.

Motherhood is personally, culturally, and historically rooted. Recent publications have focused on medical issues related to pregnancy and HIV, with attention on fetal well-being. There is limited literature on the importance of motherhood for HIV-positive women.

Self-Reported Preconception Care of HIV-Positive Women of Reproductive Potential: A Retrospective Study.

Objectives: We determined the proportion and correlates of self-reported pregnancy planning discussions (that is preconception counseling) that HIV-positive women reported to their family physicians (FPs), HIV specialists, and obstetrician/gynecologists (OB/Gyns).

Methods: In a cross-sectional substudy, HIV-positive women of reproductive potential were asked whether their care providers discussed pregnancy planning. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios for the correlates of preconception counseling.

Cohort profile: the Ontario HIV Treatment Network Cohort Study (OCS).

The Ontario HIV Treatment Network Cohort Study (OCS) is an observational, open dynamic cohort of people who are receiving medical care for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in Ontario, Canada. Established in the mid-1990s, the OCS has its roots in AIDS activists' demands for research that would improve the quality of life of people living with HIV while respecting their privacy. It is a collaborative and community-driven study, including a Governance Committee made up of people with HIV and other stakeholders that evaluates analysis project proposals for community relevance and ethics.

Fertility desires and intentions of HIV-positive women of reproductive age in Ontario, Canada: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Improvements in life expectancy and quality of life for HIV-positive women coupled with reduced vertical transmission will likely lead numerous HIV-positive women to consider becoming pregnant. In order to clarify the demand, and aid with appropriate health services planning for this population, our study aims to assess the fertility desires and intentions of HIV-positive women of reproductive age living in Ontario, Canada.

Methodology/principal Findings: A cross-sectional study with recruitment stratified to match the geographic distribution of HIV-positive women of reproductive age (18-52) living in Ontario was carried out.

Acute paralysis following "a bad potato": a case of botulism.

Purpose: Intensivists often encounter patients with respiratory failure as a result of neuromuscular disease, however, acute neuro-muscular syndromes are less common. We present a case of food borne Clostridium botulism and discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic considerations.

Clinical Findings: A 35-yr-old healthy male presented with abdominal pain and blurred vision 12 hr after ingesting a "bad" potato.

Successful treatment of primary bilateral renal mucormycosis with bilateral nephrectomy.

Bilateral invasive renal mucormycosis has previously been associated with a 100% mortality rate. We report a case of bilateral invasive renal mucormycosis in a patient treated with amphotericin B and bilateral nephrectomy who survived and is currently disease-free.

Serum sickness-like reaction possibly associated with meropenem use.

Serum sickness-like reactions most commonly occur secondary to drug administration. We describe a serum sickness-like reaction that was possibly associated with meropenem therapy.