Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Corneal Cross-Linking in Pediatric Patients: Evaluating Treated and Untreated Eyes—5-Year Follow-Up Results

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term results of corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) for treatment of pediatric keratoconus and the long-term outcomes of the fellow untreated keratoconic eye in patients younger than 18 years old. Methods: A retrospective case analysis was performed on 88 eyes of 44 patients aged 18 years or younger, with keratoconus, who underwent CXL in at least 1 eye. Follow-up measurements, for the treated and untreated eye pair, taken up to 5 years after treatment, were compared with baseline values. Parameters included uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA), best spectacle-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA), manifest refraction, pachymetry, and corneal topography and tomography. Results: Mean age of patients was 15.6 ± 2.1 years. For the treated eyes, during all years of follow-up, UCDVA improved significantly (from 0.83 ± 0.30 to 0.72 ± 0.28 logMAR; P = 0.01). Improvement in BCDVA was not statistically significant (from 0.28 ± 0.19 to 0.23 ± 0.15 logMAR; P = 0.06). The manifest cylinder showed a significant reduction (from 5.8 ± 3.6 to 4.3 ± 2.5 diopters; P = 0.006). There was no significant change in maximum keratometry. Average keratometry and corneal thickness reduced significantly (P = 0.009 and P = 0.002, respectively). Five patients had very mild corneal haze after CXL. For the fellow untreated eyes—during 5 years of follow-up, UCDVA showed a slight decrease that was not statistically significant. BCDVA, average keratometry, and maximum keratometry remained stable. Conclusions: Our long-term follow-up study suggests that CXL is a safe procedure in the pediatric age, and there is no urgency in treating pediatric patients with keratoconus without proof of progression.
Urinary Peptides As a Novel Source of T Cell Allergen Epitopes

Mouse allergy in both laboratory workers and in inner-city children is associated with allergic rhinitis and asthma, posing a serious public health concern. Urine is a major source of mouse allergens, as mice spray urine onto their surroundings, where the proteins dry up and become airborne on dust particles. Here, we tested whether oligopeptides that are abundant in mouse urine may contribute to mouse allergic T cell response. Over 1,300 distinct oligopeptides were detected by mass spectrometry analysis of the low molecular weight filtrate fraction of mouse urine (LoMo). Posttranslationally modified peptides were common, accounting for almost half of total peptides. A pool consisting of 225 unique oligopeptides of 13 residues or more in size identified within was tested for its capacity to elicit T cell reactivity in mouse allergic donors. Following 14-day in vitro stimulation of PBMCs, we detected responses in about 95% of donors tested, directed against 116 distinct peptides, predominantly associated with Th2 cytokines (IL-5). Peptides from non-urine related proteins such as epidermal growth factor, collagen, and Beta-globin accounted for the highest response (15.9, 9.1, and 8.1% of the total response, respectively). Peptides derived from major urinary proteins (MUPs), kidney androgen-regulated protein (KAP), and uromodulin were the main T cell targets from kidney or urine related sources. Further ex vivo analysis of enrichment of 4-1BB expressing cells demonstrated that LoMo pool-specific T cell reactivity can be detected directly ex vivo in mouse allergic but not in non-allergic donors. Further cytometric analysis of responding cells revealed a bone fide memory T cell phenotype and confirmed their Th2 polarization. Overall, these data suggest that mouse urine-derived oligopeptides are a novel target for mouse allergy-associated T cell responses, which may contribute to immunopathological mechanisms in mouse allergy.
Oral hygiene aspects in a study of children and young adults with the congenital and childhood forms of myotonic dystrophy type 1

The primary aim was to study the interaction between oral hygiene, oral care, saliva production, and oral motor function in individuals with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). A secondary aim was to study how oral hygiene, oral care, and saliva flow rate are affected by gender, age, and subgroup of DM1 in this study population. The study comprised 52 individuals, seven to 29 years of age, divided into two subgroups of DM1, the congenital (N = 24) and childhood‐onset forms (N = 28). A combined dental and oral motor examination was performed and the participants or caregivers answered a questionnaire with questions about general health and disabilities, medication, dental care, and oral health. Sixteen individuals with a plaque‐, gingivitis‐, or calculus‐index score of 5–6 were considered to have poor oral hygiene. There were no significant differences between subgroups (age, gender, or form of DM1) in terms of the occurrence of calculus, gingivitis, plaque, or saliva flow rate. The mean value of the unstimulated whole saliva flow rate was 0.7(±0.44) mL/min. An open mouth at rest and oral motor dysfunction were frequent findings. The majority of Swedish children and young adults with the congenital or childhood form of DM1 have fair or poor oral hygiene, with a high occurrence of plaque and gingivitis. As a group, individuals with DM1 and poor oral hygiene have a higher frequency of caries and they report less satisfaction with their oral care at home and the quality of dental care received compared with those with good oral hygiene.
Fetoprotective activity of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP, ABCG2): expression and function throughout pregnancy

The medical treatment of pregnant women, as well as their fetuses, has become a common clinical practice in developed countries. Therefore, detailed knowledge of maternofetal pharmacokinetics, including the role of drug-efflux transporters in the fetoplacental unit, is crucial to optimize drug choice and dosage schemes and to avoid or exploit possible drug-drug interactions on placental transporters in order to assure appropriate drug levels in the mother and/or fetus. Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP, ABCG2) is the most recent member of ATP-binding cassette drug-efflux transporters that has been associated with resistance in cancer chemotherapy. Importantly, ABCG2 has also been localized in various normal tissues, affecting the pharmacokinetics of several xenobiotics as well as a number of physiological substances. Extensive expression of ABCG2 in tissue barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier, intestine, testis, or placenta, suggests that ABCG2 plays an important role in the protection of sensitive tissues against toxins. In the placenta, ABCG2 has been experimentally evidenced to actively pump its substrates in the fetal-to-maternal direction and to play an important role in transplacental pharmacokinetics, fetal protection, and detoxication. Further, ABCG2 expression in embryonic and fetal membranes over the course of pregnancy helps ensure proper function of the fetoplacental unit. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding expression and function of ABCG2 in the fetoplacental unit during the development of the fetus and overview the aspects of transplacental pharmacokinetics, ABCG2 regulation, and clinical significance of the transporter for pharmacotherapy in pregnancy.
Genetic polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinase-1 is associated with the risk of cancer metastasis : an update meta-analysis

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase-1 is the most expressed interstitial collagenase among Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which play a central role in the degradation of basement membranes and the extracellular matrix. Accumulating evidences have elucidated that the genetic polymorphisms of Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) were associated with cancer invasion and metastasis with inconsistent results. To derive a more precise and reliable evaluation of the relationship between MMP-1(-1607)1G/2G polymorphism and cancer metastasis, we carried out this comprehensive meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science was conducted for relevant studies. A total of twenty-three eligible studies were included in this metaanalysis. The odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) calculated by Stata software were used to assess the associations between MMP-1(-1607)1G/2G polymorphism and cancer metastasis. We used Q test, I2 value, and funnel plot to examine heterogeneity and publication bias, respectively. Results: Twenty-three studies containing 3208 cancer cases (1546 metastasis-positive cases and 1662 metastasis-negative cases) were pooled together in this meta-analysis. The results showed that MMP-1(-1607)1G/2G polymorphism was significantly associated with the increased risk of cancer metastasis (dominant model: 2G2G + 1G2G vs. 1G1G, OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.01-1.62, P = 0.040; recessive model: 2G2G vs. 1G2G + 1G1G, OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.02-1.76, P = 0.040; allele model: 2G vs. 1G, OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.11-1.45, P < 0.001). Stratified analysis based on ethnicity revealed that MMP-1(-1607)1G/2G polymorphism significantly increased the risk of cancer metastasis in Europeans. Besides, no obvious publication bias was observed in the analysis. Conclusions: In summary, our results of this meta-analysis indicated that MMP-1(-1607)1G/2G polymorphism was significantly associated with cancer progress overall and 2G allele at the MMP-1 promoter region could be seen as a risk factor of cancer invasion and metastasis.
THE EFFECT OF INCORPORATION OF POLYETHYLENE AND GLASS FIBER ON THE MICROLEAKAGE OF SILORANE-BASED AND METHACRYLATE-BASED COMPOSITES IN CLASS II RESTORATIONS: AN IN VITRO STUDY

Article History Received 12 January 2015 Accepted 12 April 2015 Statement of Problem: Microleakage is one of the most important problems in composite restorations. One way to reduce the microleakage is decreasing the total amount of resin by insertion of fibers in composite restorations. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the microleakage of Silorane and methacrylate-based composites (a nanohybrid) in Class II restorations with gingival margins on the root surface, with or without placing glass and polyethylene fiber. Materials and Methods : 60 extracted sound third mandibular molars were disinfected. Class II slot cavities were provided on both proximal sides of each tooth. Based on application of composites and fibers, the teeth were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=20). group1: Z350; group2: Z350 + polyethylene fiber; group3: Z350 + glass fiber; group4: P90; group5: P90 + polyethylene fiber; and group6: P90 + glass fiber. The specimens were thermocycled, immersed in 2% basic fuchsine dye solution, and then sectioned to assess dye penetration under stereomicroscope (40X). Results were statically analyzed by Kruskal-Walli s and Mann-Witney tests at a significance level of p<0.05. Results: There was a significant decrease in microleakage in Silorane composite when compared to nanohybrid composite (p<0.001). There was not any significant difference among groups with or without fiber inserts. Conclusions: The use of Silorane composite reduces the microleakage in comparison with nanohybrid composite and fiber insertion had no effect on the microleakage in class II silorane and nanohybrid composite restorations with gingival margins below the CEJ.
Changes in Sedentary Behaviours and Associations with Physical Activity through Retirement: A 6-Year Longitudinal Study

Changes in sedentary behaviours and physical activity according to retirement status need to be better defined. Retirement is a critical life period that may influence a number of health behaviours. We assessed past-year sedentary behaviours (television, computer and reading time during leisure, occupational and domestic sitting time, in h/week) and physical activity (leisure, occupational and domestic, in h/week) over 6 years (2000–2001 and 2007) using the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire in 2,841 participants (mean age: 57.3±5.0 y) of the SU.VI. MAX (Supplementation with Antioxidants and Minerals) cohort. Analyses were performed according to retirement status. Subjects retired in 2001 and 2007 (40%) were those who spent most time in sedentary behaviour and in physical activity during and outside leisure (p<0.001). Leisure-time sedentary behaviours increased in all subjects during follow-up (p<0.001), but subjects who retired between 2001 and 2007 (31%) were those who reported the greatest changes (+8.4±0.42 h/week for a combined indicator of leisure-time sedentary behaviour). They also had the greatest increase in time spent in leisure-time physical activity (+2.5±0.2 h/week). In subjects not retired 2001 and 2007 (29%), changes in time spent watching television were found positively associated with an increase in occupational physical activity (p = 0.04) and negatively associated with changes in leisure-time physical activity (p = 0.02). No consistent association between changes in sedentary behaviours and changes in physical activity was observed in subjects retired in 2001 and 2007. Public health interventions should target retiring age populations not only to encourage physical activity but also to limit sedentary behaviours.
Burnout and Impaired Cognitive Performance: Review of Evidence, Underlying Processes and Future Directions

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the question whether job performance of burnout employees is impaired. Reduced job competence is one of the main features in most definitions of burnout and several studies suggest that the performance of burnout employees is indeed poorer compared to that of healthy employees. One of the factors contributing to reduced job competence may be an impaired cognitive functioning. Many employees suffering from burnout report memory problems and difficulties with concentration. This paper reviews the evidence for impaired cognitive performance in burnout and addresses whether the results provide support for the various psychopathological processes that could underlie these cognitive impairments. A number of studies, but not all, showed that the performance of people suffering from burnout on neuropsychological tests is indeed inferior to that of healthy controls. Although it is not yet clear which psychopathological processes underlie these cognitive impairments, our findings suggest that impaired cognitive performance in burnout may stem from a structural condition which cannot be easily reversed. Finally we propose future directions for research on cognitive performance in burnout and conclude that further research is needed to investigate whether different subgroups of burnout patients can be distinguished and whether the subgroups offer a different prognosis toward recovery of burnout symptoms and cognitive impairments.
Exploring Tourist Experiences of Virtual Reality in a Rural Destination: A Place Attachment Theory Perspective

In tourism, virtual reality (VR) experience gained a lot of interest recently. It is argued that positive tourist experience might enhance place attachment (PA) which can be described as the emotional bond between people and places. However, PA studies neglects virtual environments and thus studies in a VR context are scarce. Therefore the present study, explores to what extend VR increases tourist experience and affects tourist’s PA at rural destination of Lake District National Park (LDNP). For this purpose semi-structured interviews were conducted in July 2017. Data were analyzed using thematic analyses and first finding shows that VR enhances tourist experience and shows a positive influence on PA. Two main themes were identified; enhanced spatial cognition and positive feelings. The theoretical contribution is to expand PA theory considering virtual environments. Managerial implications include using VR as a marketing tool for increasing tourist experience at the destination.
Epidemiology of AL amyloidosis: a real-world study using US claims data.

Amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis is a rare disease caused by extracellular deposition of misfolded immunoglobulin light chains. This study aimed to provide an up-to-date estimate of prevalence and incidence of AL amyloidosis in the United States. Using claims databases from years 2007 to 2015, adults ≥18 years old with AL amyloidosis were included if they had (1) at least 1 inpatient or 2 outpatient claims consistent with AL amyloidosis and (2) received 1 AL-specific treatment. Prevalence was calculated as the number of AL patients divided by the number of enrollees on June 30th of each calendar year. Incidence was calculated as the number of patients with AL who were disease-free and enrolled with a health plan for 1 year prior, divided by the number of enrollees with enrollment from July 1st of the previous year to June 30th of each calendar year. The prevalence of AL amyloidosis increased significantly between 2007 and 2015, from 15.5 cases per million in 2007 to 40.5 in 2015, an annual percentage change (APC) of 12% (P < .001). The incidence ranged from 9.7 to 14.0 cases per million person-years (APC, 3%; P = .114) with no statistically significant increase. There was an increase in AL amyloidosis prevalence over a 9-year period coupled with stable incidence rates. Although there is no diagnosis code specific to AL amyloidosis and no validated method for identifying this condition using claims data, extrapolating from our data, there are at least 12 000 adults in the United States living with AL amyloidosis, and the number seems likely to rise.
Adversity quotient and achievement motivation of college students in poverty

Objective:To explore the relationship between adversity quotient and achievement motivation in college students in poverty.Methods:By using convenience sampling,201 college students in poverty who were subsidized by Guangdong Chaoshan Overseas Friendship Association and 196 ordinary college students were selected.They were assessed with the Adversity Quotient Inventory(AQI) and Achievement Motivation Inventory(AMI). Results:Compared to the ordinary college students,the college students in poverty gained higher total scores and subscores of control,endurance,and attribution of AQI,and higher scores of motivation to succeed and achievement motivation of AMI,while lower scores of motivation to avoid failure of AMI(Ps0.01). The achievement motivation scores of AMI were higher in males college students in poverty than the females,while the scores of motivation to avoid failure was lower(P0.05). There was no difference between males and females in scores of AQI(P0.05). The AQI total score was positively correlated with the scores of motivation to succeed and achievement motivation(r=0.19-0.34,Ps0.01),while negatively correlated with the score of motivation to avoid failure(r=-0.37,P0.01). Conclusion: College students in poverty have good adversity quotient and achievement motivation,which are closely correlated each other.
Influence of Body Position on Concentric Peak Torque of Hip Abductor and Adductor Muscles

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if peak torques generated by the hip abductor and adductor muscles are dependent on test position in healthy adults. Methods: Thirty healthy right-handed volunteers participated in this study their average age was 26.5 ± 5.6 years, their average weight was 71.94 ± 11.91 kg, and their average height was 172.42 ± 6.60 m. Isokinetic peak concentric hip abductor and adductor muscles torques (Nm) generated in side-lying and standing positions at angular velocities 30 and 90°/s were measured. Results: The concentric peak torque of abductor and adductor muscles measured from standing position were generally higher than side-lying position (p 0.05). However, at angular velocity 90°/s, the torque values of hip abductors was significantly higher than torque values of hip adductors in both positions ( p<0.05). Conclusion: Isokinetic hip abductors and adductors strength measured in standing are higher than that measured from side-lying. These findings may have implications for rehabilitation and injuries prevention of hip abductors and adductors.
Towards 90-90-90 Target: Factors Influencing Availability, Access, and Utilization of HIV Services—A Qualitative Study in 19 Ugandan Districts

Background UNAIDS has set a new target 90-90-90 by 2020. To achieve this target, current programs need to address challenges that limit access, availability, and utilization of HIV testing and treatment services. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the barriers that influence access, availability, and utilization of HIV services in rural Uganda within the setting of a large donor funded program. Methods We conducted key informant interviews with stakeholders at the district level, staff of existing HIV/AIDS projects, and health facilities in 19 districts. Data were also collected from focus group discussions comprised of clients presenting for HIV care and treatment. Data were transcribed and analyzed using content analysis. Results. Barriers identified were as follows: (1) drug shortages including antiretroviral drugs at health facilities. Some patients were afraid to start ART because of worrying about shortages; (2) distance and (3) staffing shortages; (4) stigma persistence; (5) lack of social and economic support initiatives that enhance retention in treatment. Conclusions In conclusion, our study has identified several factors that influence access, availability, and utilization of HIV services. Programs need to address drug and staff shortages, HIV stigma, and long distances to health facilities to broaden access and utilization in order to realize the UNAIDS target.
Microsurgical Anatomy of the Optic Radiation and Related Fibers in 3-Dimensional Images

BACKGROUND: The fiber dissection technique provides unique 3-dimensional anatomic knowledge of the white matter. OBJECTIVE: To examine the optic radiation anatomy and its important relationship with the temporal stem and to discuss its findings in relation to the approaches to temporal lobe lesions. METHODS: We studied 40 cerebral hemispheres of 20 brains that had been fixed in formalin solution for 40 days. After removal of the arachnoid membrane, the hemispheres were frozen, and the Klingler technique was used for dissection under magnification. Stereoscopic 3-dimensional images of the dissection were obtained for illustration. RESULTS: The optic radiations are located deep within the superior and middle temporal gyri, always above the inferior temporal sulcus. The mean distance between the cortical surface and the lateral edge of the optic radiation was 21 mm. Its fibers are divided into 3 bundles after their origin. The mean distance between the anterior tip of the temporal horn and the Meyer loop was 4.5 mm, between the temporal pole and the anterior border of the Meyer loop was 28.4 mm, and between the limen insulae and the Meyer loop was 10.7 mm. The mean distance between the lateral geniculate body and the lateral margin of the central bundle of the optic radiation was 17.4 mm. CONCLUSION: The white matter fiber dissection reveals the tridimensional intrinsic architecture of the brain, and its knowledge regarding the temporal lobe is particularly important for the neurosurgeon, mostly because of the complexity of the optic radiation and related fibers.