Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Visual and Refractive Outcome of Epi-LASIK for Myopia in Thin Corneas: a 12-Month Follow-Up

Purpose. A nonrandomized, retrospective, cohort, single-center study was designed to examine the visual and refractive outcome of epi–laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopia (with and without astigmatism) in patients with thin corneas (less than 500 µm), and to compare these results with those of a group of patients with normal corneal thickness. Methods. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCVA), spherical and cylindrical residual refractive error, mean keratometry readings (Km), and pupil diameter were measured postoperatively at 24 hours, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 12 months in a group of 28 eyes with thin corneas (group 1) and a second age- and gender-matched group of 28 eyes with normal corneal thickness (group 2). In addition, the efficacy index was calculated at every postoperative examination. Results. Postoperative central corneal thickness was 464.14±50.40 µm in group 1 and 421.89±26.63 µm in group 2 (p<0.001). No statistically significant difference was found in UCVA, efficacy index, and spherical and cylindrical residual error between both groups, with an evolution towards stability over time in all cases. Statistically significant between-group differences in Km at all follow-up examinations were explained by between-group differences in ablation depth and attempted spherical correction. Conclusions. A 12-month follow-up revealed epi-LASIK for myopia (with and without astigmatism) to be a safe and predictable surface ablation procedure, with good visual and refractive outcome in patients with thin corneas, as compared with a group of patients with normal corneal thickness.
Factors Influencing Fast-Food Consumption Among Adolescents in Tehran: A Qualitative Study

Background: The consumption of different types of fast food is increasingly growing in all parts of the world, both in developed and developing countries. Because of the changes and transitions in the lifestyle and dietary habits of people, an increasing number of people from different age groups, particularly adolescents and young adults, are inclined toward consuming fast food. Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the factors influencing fast-food consumption among adolescents in Tehran, Iran. Patients and Methods: The present qualitative study was conducted in 2012 - 2013 in Tehran, the capital of Iran. To achieve the objective of this study, 42 adolescents were enrolled in this study through a purposive sampling method, and the required data was collected via individual semi-structured in-depth interviews. Data collection and analysis were carried out simultaneously, and the collected data was analyzed via a thematic content analysis and using MAXQDA 10 software. Results: In this study after coding the transcribed interviews, the findings were categorized into three main themes as follows: personal views, social factors, and family factors. Each theme included several categories and subcategories, and the coded sentences and phrases were placed under each category and subcategory. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the number of factors promoting fast-food consumption appeared to be more than the inhibiting factors and that the diverse factors at the individual and social level influenced fast-food consumption among adolescents.
Levofloxacin and trovafloxacin: the next generation of fluoroquinolones?

The pharmacology, spectrum of activity, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and adverse effects of levofloxacin, recently approved by FDA, and trovafloxacin, currently undergoing clinical trials, are reviewed. Compared with quinolones in current use, levofloxacin is more potent against gram-negative bacteria and exhibits better antipseudomonal activity as well as greater oral bioavailability. Trovafloxacin is more potent than existing quinolones against gram-positive bacteria. Both agents exert their antibacterial effects by inhibiting bacterial DNA synthesis. Compared with other quinolones, levofloxacin and trovafloxacin both demonstrate superior activity against the Bacteroides fragilis group, Chlamydia spp. , Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Mycobacterium spp. The half-life (t1/2) of levofloxacin is nearly eight hours. Levofloxacin can therefore be administered once daily for mild to moderate infections and twice daily for more serious infections. The recommended daily dose is 500 mg. Trovafloxacin has a t1/2 of 12 hours, which allows for single daily doses, and is extensively metabolized. Levofloxacin has demonstrated clinical efficacy in the treatment of community-acquired respiratory-tract infections, genitourinary infections, skin and skin-structure infections, acute bacterial sinusitis, and infections of the head and neck. Trovafloxacin may have a role in treating skin and skin-structure or soft-tissue infections respiratory-tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and meningitis. Both agents are well tolerated, with central-nervous-system and gastrointestinal adverse effects reported most frequently. Concomitant administration of antacids or compounds containing meal cations decreases absorption of these quinolones. Levofloxacin and trovafloxacin have favorable antimicrobial and pharmacokinetic profiles, offering the advantages of once-daily doses as well as superior potency and spectrum of activity compared with currently available quinolones.
Dairy products, calcium, and prostate cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies.

BACKGROUND Dairy product and calcium intakes have been associated with increased prostate cancer risk, but whether specific dairy products or calcium sources are associated with risk is unclear. OBJECTIVE In the Continuous Update Project, we conducted a meta-analysis of prospective studies on intakes of dairy products and calcium and prostate cancer risk. DESIGN PubMed and several other databases were searched up to April 2013. Summary RRs were estimated by using a random-effects model. RESULTS Thirty-two studies were included. Intakes of total dairy products [summary RR: 1.07 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.12; n = 15) per 400 g/d], total milk [summary RR: 1.03 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.07; n = 14) per 200 g/d], low-fat milk [summary RR: 1.06 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.11; n = 6) per 200 g/d], cheese [summary RR: 1.09 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.18; n = 11) per 50 g/d], and dietary calcium [summary RR: 1.05 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.09; n = 15) per 400 mg/d] were associated with increased total prostate cancer risk. Total calcium and dairy calcium intakes, but not nondairy calcium or supplemental calcium intakes, were also positively associated with total prostate cancer risk. Supplemental calcium was associated with increased risk of fatal prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS High intakes of dairy products, milk, low-fat milk, cheese, and total, dietary, and dairy calcium, but not supplemental or nondairy calcium, may increase total prostate cancer risk. The diverging results for types of dairy products and sources of calcium suggest that other components of dairy rather than fat and calcium may increase prostate cancer risk. Any additional studies should report detailed results for subtypes of prostate cancer.
Commensalism in an agroecosystem: hydraulic redistribution by deep-rooted legumes improves survival of a droughted shallow-rooted legume companion.

We investigated commensalism of water use among annual shallow-rooted and perennial deep-rooted pasture legumes by examining the effect of hydraulic lift by Cullen pallidum (N.T.Burb.) J.W. Grimes and Medicago sativa on growth, survival and nutrient uptake of Trifolium subterraneum L. A vertically split-root design allowed separate control of soil water in top and bottom soil. Thirty-five days after watering ceased in the top tube, but soil remained at field capacity in the bottom tube, an increase in shallow soil water content by hydraulic lift was 5.6 and 5.9 g kg(-1) soil overnight for C. pallidum and M. sativa, respectively. Trifolium subterraneum in this treatment maintained higher leaf water potentials (with M. sativa) or exhibited a slower decline (with C. pallidum) than without companion perennial plants; and shoot biomass of T. subterraneum was 56% (with C. pallidum) and 67% (with M. sativa) of that when both top and bottom tubes were at field capacity. Uptake of rubidium (a potassium analog) and phosphorus by T. subterraneum was not facilitated by hydraulic lift. Interestingly, phosphorus content was threefold greater, and shoot biomass 1.5-3.3-fold greater when T. subterraneum was interplanted with C. pallidum compared with M. sativa, although dry weight of C. pallidum was much greater than that of M. sativa. This study showed that interplanting with deep-rooted perennial legumes has benefited the survival of T. subterraneum.
A previously unrecognized sixth genotype of GB virus C revealed by analysis of 5′‐untranslated region sequences

GB virus C (GBV‐C) is a positive‐strand RNA virus that infects a large proportion of the world's human population. It has been classified tentatively as a member of the Flaviviridae family and has been shown to exist as a group of five closely related genotypes. Recently, we reported the first full‐length genome sequence of a genotype 5 isolate from South Africa [Muerhoff et al. ( 2005 ): J Gen Virol 86: 1729–1735]. As part of the analysis of that sequence, a phylogenetic tree was elucidated from the 5′‐untranslated region (UTR) that showed excellent congruence to the tree produced by analysis of complete open reading frame sequences. When 5′‐UTR analysis was broadened subsequently to include additional isolates from around the globe, a heretofore unrecognized GBV‐C genotype was discovered in Indonesia. When first reported in 2000 [Handajani et al. ( 2000 ): J Clin Microbiol 38:662–668], these isolates were described as constituting a novel fifth genotype. However, comparison to isolates from the then‐known fourth and fifth genotypes (from Myanmar/Vietnam and South Africa, respectively) was not performed. A dataset of 121 GBV‐C 5′‐UTR sequences was complied and included representatives of the fourth and fifth genotypes as well as the “novel” Indonesian sequences and demonstrated, with strong support via bootstrap analysis, the existence of a sixth GBV‐C genotype among infected individuals in Indonesia. The discovery of this sixth genotype emphasizes the diverse nature of GBV‐C isolates and may have important implications for the interpretation of studies involving GBV‐C/HIV co‐infected individuals. J. Med. Virol. 78:105–111, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, inc.
Siglec-8 and Siglec-9 binding specificities and endogenous airway ligand distributions and properties

Siglecs are transmembrane sialoglycan binding proteins, most of which are expressed on leukocyte subsets and have inhibitory motifs that translate cell surface ligation into immune suppression. In humans, Siglec-8 on eosinophils, mast cells and basophils and Siglec-9 on neutrophils, monocytes and some T-cells, mediate immune cell death, inhibition of immune mediator release and/or enhancement of anti-inflammatory mediator release. Endogenous sialoglycan ligands in tissues, mostly uncharacterized, engage siglecs on leukocytes to inhibit inflammation. Glycan array analyses demonstrated that Siglec-8, Siglec-9 and their mouse counterparts Siglec-F and Siglec-E (respectively) have distinct glycan binding specificities, with Siglec-8 more structurally restricted. Since siglecs are involved in lung inflammation, we studied Siglec-8 and Siglec-9 ligands in human lungs and airways. Siglec-8 ligands are in tracheal submucosal glands and cartilage but not airway epithelium or connective tissues, whereas Siglec-9 ligands are broadly distributed. Mouse airways do not have Siglec-8 ligands, whereas Siglec-9 ligands are on airways of both species. Extraction of human airways and lung followed by electrophoretic resolution and siglec blotting revealed Siglec-8 ligands in extracts of human trachea and cultured tracheal gland cells, but not parenchyma or cultured airway epithelial cells whereas Siglec-9 ligands were extracted from all airway and lung tissues and cells tested. Siglec-8 and Siglec-9 ligands in airways appear to be high molecular weight O-linked sialoglycoproteins. These data reveal differential glycan specificities of Siglec-8, Siglec-9 and their mouse counterparts Siglec-F and Siglec-E, and the tissue distributions and molecular characteristics of Siglec-8 and Siglec-9 sialoglycan ligands on human airways and lungs.
Study of the posterior spiracles of Drosophila as a model to understand the genetic and cellular mechanisms controlling morphogenesis.

We have studied the posterior spiracles of Drosophila as a model to link patterning genes and morphogenesis. A genetic cascade of transcription factors downstream of the Hox gene Abdominal-B subdivides the primordia of the posterior spiracles into two cell populations that develop using two different morphogenetic mechanisms. The inner cells that give rise to the spiracular chamber invaginate by elongating into "bottle-shaped" cells. The surrounding cells give rise to a protruding stigmatophore by changing their relative positions in a process similar to convergent extension. The genetic cascades regulating spiracular chamber, stigmatophore, and trachea morphogenesis are different but coordinated to form a functional tracheal system. In the posterior spiracle, this coordination involves the control of the initiation of cell invagination that starts in the cells closer to the trachea primordium and spreads posteriorly. As a result, the opening of the tracheal system shifts back from the spiracular branch of the trachea into the posterior spiracle cells. We analyze the contribution of the ems gene to this coordination. In ems mutants, invagination of the spiracle cells adjacent to the trachea does not occur, but more posterior cells of the spiracle invaginate normally. This results in a spiracle without a lumen and with the tracheal opening located outside it.
The use of orlistat in the treatment of obesity, dyslipidaemia and Type 2 diabetes

Orlistat (tetrahydrolipstatin) is an inhibitor of gastrointestinal lipases, especially pancreatic lipase. It is used as an adjunct to diet and exercise in order to achieve weight loss in obese individuals (body mass index > 30 kg/m2) or in overweight individuals (body mass index > 27 kg/m2) with other risk factors for atherosclerotic vascular disease, such as hypertension, dyslipidaemia or diabetes. Short- and long-term studies of up to 4 years duration have shown the drug to have significant benefits in weight loss, as well as in the reduction in lipids, glucose and haemoglobin A1c, and in time to onset of Type 2 diabetes compared with diet alone or placebo groups. The incremental amount of weight loss that orlistat produces is modest, but sufficient to result in improvement in obesity comorbidities such as elevated blood pressure, dyslipidaemia and hyperglycaemia compared with diet and exercise alone. Orlistat should only be prescribed for individuals who are motivated to adhere to lifestyle modifications, especially dietary fat restriction.
Coworker support as a double-edged sword: a moderated mediation model of job crafting, work engagement, and job performance

Abstract This research aims to test the mediating effect of work engagement on the relationship between job crafting and job performance, as well as the moderating effects of two forms of coworker support on the job crafting–work engagement relationship. We collected survey-based data from two South Korean samples. Study 1 was conducted on 175 flight attendants. The results of Study 1 were then replicated in Study 2 wherein 181 hotel employees reported their own job crafting and work engagement, and their supervisors rated their job performance one month later. In both studies, work engagement fully mediated the relationship between job crafting and job performance. The positive association between job crafting and work engagement was more pronounced when coworker emotional support was high than when it was low. In contrast, the positive link between job crafting and work engagement was stronger when coworker instrumental support was low than when it was high. Coworker emotional and instrumental support further moderated the indirect effect of job crafting on job performance through work engagement.
Food security and climate change from a systems perspective: community case studies from Honduras

Food security is described as a condition in which all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life (World Food Summit, 1996). Climate variability and climate change can affect all aspects of food security, but past impact assessments have focused primarily on agricultural production. Efficient responses require an understanding of the full spectrum of potential climate impacts on food utilization, access and availability, as well as on the underlying natural, built and governance systems. In this paper, we apply a broader systems approach to evaluating food systems resilience in the context of climate change (Bizikova, Tyler, Moench, Keller, & Echeverria, 2015) to 10 communities in Honduras. The results indicate that resilience building depends on a sound understanding of how communities access food and how climate impacts can cascade through different parts of the food system. Key support systems, such as natural resources, storage, transportation and energy have to be strengthened, and local governance has to be preserved and improved. These considerations should be integrated into the development and implementation of relevant policies and measures at different levels of decision-making.
The effect of feedback, assigned goal levels and compensation schemes on task performance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the joint effects of performance feedback, assigned goal levels and types of compensation schemes (i.e. fixed-pay, piece-rate and goal attainment bonus) on subordinates’ task performance. Design/methodology/approach A laboratory experiment was employed to collect data. The subjects consisted of a total of 133 Australian business executives. The study used ANCOVA for data analyses, controlling subject’s practice trial scores as covariate. Findings The results provide strong support for a three-way interaction between performance feedback, assigned goal levels and types of compensation schemes on subordinates’ task performance. Specifically, the results reveal that the reliance of a piece-rate compensation scheme resulted in higher task performance when compared to fixed-pay and goal attainment bonus compensation schemes in the presence of performance feedback and assigned difficult goal levels situations. In addition, the results reveal that a goal attainment bonus compensation scheme leads to higher task performance when compared to a fixed-pay compensation scheme in the presence of performance feedback and assigned difficult goal levels situations. Originality/value These findings have important implications for compensation schemes design in firms that aim to achieve higher employees’ performance and organizational effectiveness.
Global reaction to the recent outbreaks of Zika virus: Insights from a Big Data analysis

Objective The recent spreading of Zika virus represents an emerging global health threat. As such, it is attracting public interest worldwide, generating a great amount of related Internet searches and social media interactions. The aim of this research was to understand Zika-related digital behavior throughout the epidemic spreading and to assess its consistence with real-world epidemiological data, using a behavioral informatics and analytics approach. Methods In this study, the global web-interest and reaction to the recently occurred outbreaks of the Zika Virus were analyzed in terms of tweets and Google Trends (GT), Google News, YouTube, and Wikipedia search queries. These data streams were mined from 1st January 2004 to 31st October 2016, with a focus on the period November 2015—October 2016. This analysis was complemented with the use of epidemiological data. Spearman’s correlation was performed to correlate all Zika-related data. Moreover, a multivariate regression was performed using Zika-related search queries as a dependent variable, and epidemiological data, number of inhabitants in 2015 and Human Development Index as predictor variables. Results Overall 3,864,395 tweets, 284,903 accesses to Wikipedia pages dedicated to the Zika virus were analyzed during the study period. All web-data sources showed that the main spike of researches and interactions occurred in February 2016 with a second peak in August 2016. All novel data streams-related activities increased markedly during the epidemic period with respect to pre-epidemic period when no web activity was detected. Correlations between data from all these web platforms resulted very high and statistically significant. The countries in which web searches were particularly concentrated are mainly from Central and South Americas. The majority of queries concerned the symptoms of the Zika virus, its vector of transmission, and its possible effect to babies, including microcephaly. No statistically significant correlation was found between novel data streams and global real-world epidemiological data. At country level, a correlation between the digital interest towards the Zika virus and Zika incidence rate or microcephaly cases has been detected. Conclusions An increasing public interest and reaction to the current Zika virus outbreak was documented by all web-data sources and a similar pattern of web reactions has been detected. The public opinion seems to be particularly worried by the alert of teratogenicity of the Zika virus. Stakeholders and health authorities could usefully exploited these internet tools for collecting the concerns of public opinion and reply to them, disseminating key information.
Expression and maintenance of ComD–ComE, the two‐component signal‐transduction system that controls competence of Streptococcus pneumoniae

A secreted competence‐stimulating peptide (CSP), encoded by comC, constitutes, together with the two‐component system ComD‐ComE, the master switch for competence induction in Streptococcus pneumoniae. Interaction between CSP and its membrane‐bound histidine‐kinase receptor, ComD, is believed to lead to autophosphorylation of ComD, which then transphosphorylates the ComE response regulator to activate transcription of a limited set of genes, including the comCDE operon. This generates a positive feedback loop, amplifying the signal and co‐ordinating competence throughout the population. On the other hand, the promoter(s) and proteins important for basal comCDE expression have not been defined. We now report that CSP‐induced and basal comCDE transcription both initiate from the same promoter, PE; that basal expression necessitates the presence of both ComD and a phosphate‐accepting form of ComE, but not CSP; and that overexpression of ComER120S triggers ComD‐dependent transformation in the absence of CSP. These observations suggest that self‐activation of ComD is required for basal comCDE expression. We also establish that transcriptional readthrough occurs across the tRNAArg5 terminator and contributes significantly to comCDE expression. Finally, we demonstrate by various means, including single‐cell competence analysis with GFP, that readthrough is crucial to avoid the stochastic production of CSP non‐responsive cells lacking ComD or ComE.