Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Early Onset Obesity and Risk of Metabolic Syndrome Among Chilean Adolescents

Introduction Obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) indicators have increased globally among the pediatric population. MetS indicators in the young elevate their risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders later in life. This study examined early onset obesity as a risk factor for MetS risk in adolescence. Methods A cohort of Chilean participants (N = 673) followed from infancy was assessed at age 5 years and in adolescence (mean age, 16.8 y). Adiposity was measured at both time points; blood pressure and fasting blood samples were assessed in adolescence only. Early onset obesity was defined as a World Health Organization z score of 2 standard deviations (SDs) or more for body mass index (BMI) at age 5 years. We used linear regression to examine the association between early onset obesity and adolescent MetS risk z score, adjusting for covariates. Results Eighteen percent of participants had early onset obesity, and 50% of these remained obese in adolescence. Mean MetS risk z score in adolescence was significantly higher among those with early onset obesity than among those without (1.0; SD, 0.8 vs 0.2; SD, 0.8 [P < .001]). In the multivariable model, early onset obesity independently contributed to a higher MetS risk score in adolescence (β = 0.27, P < .001), controlling for obesity status at adolescence and sex, and explained 39% of the variance in MetS risk. Conclusion Early onset obesity as young as age 5 years relates to higher MetS risk.
Epidemiology and Genetic Epidemiology of the Liver Function Test Proteins

Background The liver function test (LFT) is among the most commonly used clinical investigations to assess hepatic function, severity of liver diseases and the effect of therapies, as well as to detect drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Aims To determine the relative contribution of genetic and environmental factors as well as test and quantify the effects of sex, age, BMI and alcohol consumption to variation in liver function test proteins - including alanine amino transaminase (ALT), Albumin, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), total bilirubin, total protein, total globulin, aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphotase (ALP) - using the classical twin model. Methods Blood samples were collected from a total of 5380 twin pairs from the TwinsUK registry. We measured the expression levels of major proteins associated with the LFT, calculated BMI from measured weight and height and questionnaires were completed for alcohol consumption by the twins. The relative contribution of genetic and environmental factors to variation in the LFT proteins was assessed and quantified using a variance components model fitting approach. Results Our results show that (1) variation in all the LFTs has a significant heritable basis (h2 ranging from 20% to 77%); (2) other than GGT, the LFTs are all affected to some extent by common environmental factors (c2 ranging from 24% to 54%); and (3) a small but significant proportion of the variation in the LFTs was due to confounding effects of age, sex, BMI, and alcohol use. Conclusions Variation in the LFT proteins is under significant genetic and common environmental control although sex, alcohol use, age and BMI also contribute significantly to inter-individual variation in the LFT proteins. Understanding the underlying genetic contribution of liver function tests may help the interpretation of their results and explain wide variation among individuals.
Application of Diode Laser in the Treatment of Dentine Hypersensitivity

Introduction: Dentine hypersensitivity is characterized by acute, sharp pain arising from the exposed dentine, most commonly in response to thermal, tactile, or chemical stimuli, and which cannot be linked to any other pathological changes in the tooth or the environment. Therapy uses various impregnating agents in the form of solutions or gels and, in more recent times, laser. Aim: The aim of this research was to examine the effects of treatment of hypersensitive dental cervix with diode laser. Materials and Methods: The study included 18 patients with 82 sensitive teeth. The degree of dentine hypersensitivity was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS), and the treatment was carried out by application of low-power diode laser over the span of three visits, which depended on the initial sensitivity. Results: There is a significant difference in VAS values measured at the onset of treatment (baseline) and immediately after the first laser treatment (t=9.275; p=0.000), after 7 days, after the second laser treatment (14 days) (t=7.085, p=0.000), as well as after 14 days and the third laser treatment (t=5.517, p=0.000), which confirms the effectiveness of this therapeutic procedure. The results showed a reduction of hypersensitivity in response to tactile stimulus with a probe after the third treatment, even with teeth whose value on the VAS was very high at the beginning of treatment (baseline). Conclusion: Within the scope of the conducted study, laser therapy has provided extremely safe and effective results in the treatment of cervical dentine hypersensitivity.
Dynamic behavior of nano-voids in magnesium under hydrostatic tensile stress

We investigate the mechanisms responsible for nano-void growth in single crystal magnesium under dynamic hydrostatic tensile stress. A key conclusion derived from our study is that there is no secondary strain hardening near the nano-void. This behavior, which is in remarkable contrast to face-centered cubic and body-centered cubic materials, greatly limits the peak stress and explains the relatively lower spall strength of magnesium. The lack of secondary strain hardening is due to the fact that pyramidal dislocations do not interact with basal or prismatic dislocations. Our analysis also shows that for loads applied at moderate strain rates (ϵ⋅⩽106 s−1) the peak stress, dislocation velocity and temperature distribution converge asymptotically. However at very high strain rates (ϵ⋅⩾108 s−1), there is a sharp transition in these quantities.
Reduction of atmospheric fine particle level by restricting the idling vehicles around a sensitive area

ABSTRACT Atmospheric particles are a major problem that could lead to harmful effects on human health, especially in densely populated urban areas. Chiayi is a typical city with very high population and traffic density, as well as being located at the downwind side of several pollution sources. Multiple contributors for PM2.5 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≥2.5 μm) and ultrafine particles cause complicated air quality problems. This study focused on the inhibition of local emission sources by restricting the idling vehicles around a school area and evaluating the changes in surrounding atmospheric PM conditions. Two stationary sites were monitored, including a background site on the upwind side of the school and a campus site inside the school, to monitor the exposure level, before and after the idling prohibition. In the base condition, the PM2.5 mass concentrations were found to increase 15% from the background, whereas the nitrate (NO3−) content had a significant increase at the campus site. The anthropogenic metal contents in PM2.5 were higher at the campus site than the background site. Mobile emissions were found to be the most likely contributor to the school hot spot area by chemical mass balance modeling (CMB8.2). On the other hand, the PM2.5 in the school campus fell to only 2% after idling vehicle control, when the mobile source contribution reduced from 42.8% to 36.7%. The mobile monitoring also showed significant reductions in atmospheric PM2.5, PM0.1, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and black carbon (BC) levels by 16.5%, 33.3%, 48.0%, and 11.5%, respectively. Consequently, the restriction of local idling emission was proven to significantly reduce PM and harmful pollutants in the hot spots around the school environment. Implications: The emission of idling vehicles strongly affects the levels of particles and relative pollutants in near-ground air around a school area. The PM2.5 mass concentration at a campus site increased from the background site by 15%, whereas NO3− and anthropogenic metals also significantly increased. Meanwhile, the PM2.5 contribution from mobile source in the campus increased 6.6% from the upwind site. An idling prohibition took place and showed impressive results. Reductions of PM2.5, ionic component, and non-natural metal contents were found after the idling prohibition. The mobile monitoring also pointed out a significant improvement with the spatial analysis of PM2.5, PM0.1, PAH, and black carbon concentrations. These findings are very useful to effectively improve the local air quality of a densely city during the rush hour.
Humping mechanisms present in high speed welding

As welding speeds continually increase owing to automation and newer processes, a common defect that occurs is humping. Humping is the periodic occurrence of beadlike protuberances. The objective of the present investigation is to review current and previous researches that were made on humping, including both experimental and theoretical studies. It is found that humping can be classified into two distinct categories of formation: gouging region morphology and beaded cylinder morphology. Various theories that explain the two types of humping formation are examined. Experimental data compiled from many sources are presented to verify the models and explain the fundamental mechanisms of humping morphology. Humping prevention measures that can be applied directly to industrial fabrication are also included. The direct benefit is increased travel speeds that reduce production costs.
Overview of the taxonomy and of the major secondary metabolites and their biological activities related to human health of the Laurencia complex (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) from Brazil

In Brazil, the Laurencia complex is represented by twenty taxa: Laurencia s.s. with twelve species, Palisada with four species (including Chondrophycus furcatus now that the proposal of its transference to Palisada is in process), and Osmundea and Yuzurua with two species each. The majority of the Brazilian species of the Laurencia complex have been phylogenetically analyzed by 54 rbcL sequences, including five other Rhodomelacean species as outgroups. The analysis showed that the Laurencia complex is monophyletic with high posterior probability value. The complex was separated into five clades, corresponding to the genera: Chondrophycus, Laurencia, Osmundea, Palisada, and Yuzurua. A bibliographical survey of the terpenoids produced by Brazilian species showed that only six species of Laurencia and five of Palisada (including C. furcatcus) have been submitted to chemical analysis with 48 terpenoids (47 sesquiterpenes and one triterpene) isolated. No diterpenes were found. Of the total, 23 sesquiterpenes belong to the bisabolane class and eighteen to the chamigrene type, whose biochemical precursor is bisabolane, two are derived from lauranes and four are triquinols. Despite the considerable number of known terpenes and their ecological and pharmacological importance, few experimental biological studies have been performed. In this review, only bioactivities related to human health were considered.
Towards Integrating Primary Care with Cancer Care: A Regional Study of Current Gaps and Opportunities in Canada

Background and Objectives: Better integration between cancer care systems and primary care physicians (PCPs) is a goal of most healthcare systems, but little direction exists on how this can be achieved. This study systematically examined the extent of integration between PCPs and a regional cancer program (RCP) to identify opportunities for improvement. Method: Cross-sectional survey of all practising PCPs in the region of interest using a study-specific instrument based on a three-tier conceptualization of integration. Results: Among the 473 PCPs who responded (63% response rate), perceived role clarity and the desire for greater involvement in patient care varied across the care trajectory. Specific gaps were identified in PCPs' understanding of the referral process and patient follow-up after treatment. Conclusion: Our novel survey of PCPs explicated the strategies that could improve their integration in cancer care, including mechanisms to support PCPs in the initial diagnosis of their patients and standardized post-treatment transition plans outlining care roles and responsibilities.
All‐pass sections with rich cascadability and IC realization suitability

In this paper, two new circuit configurations for realizing voltage‐mode (VM) all‐pass sections (APSs) are presented. The proposed circuits employ only two differential voltage current conveyors (DVCCs) and are cascadable with other VM circuits due to their high‐input and low‐output impedances. The first configuration uses a grounded resistor and a grounded capacitor without requiring matching constraints, whereas the second employs two grounded resistors and a grounded capacitor with a single matching condition. While the first configuration can realize only one all‐pass response, the second can provide inverting and non‐inverting all‐pass responses with selection of appropriate input port. Adding two grounded resistors to the proposed filters, variable gain APSs can also be obtained. As applications, two quadrature oscillators, each of which using one of the proposed all‐pass circuits, one grounded resistor and one grounded capacitor are presented. SPICE simulation results are included to verify the theory. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vena contracta area for severity grading in functional and degenerative mitral regurgitation: a transoesophageal 3D colour Doppler analysis in 500 patients

Aims Vena contracta area (VCA3D), derived by 3D colour Doppler echocardiography, has already been validated against cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, but the number of clinical studies to define cut-off values for grading of mitral regurgitation (MR) is limited. Aim of the study was to assess VCA3D in a large population of patients with functional (FMR) and degenerative MR (DMR). Methods and results Transoesophageal echocardiography was performed in 500 patients with MR. The following 2D parameters were assessed for grading of MR: vena contracta width, effective regurgitant orifice area (EROAPISA), and regurgitation volume (RVPISA). VCA3D and the corresponding regurgitation volume (RVVCA) were quantified using 3D colour Doppler loop and CW Doppler tracing of the regurgitant jet. In 104 patients a 3D dataset of the left ventricle (LV) and the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) was acquired. As a reference method, regurgitation volume (RV3D) was calculated as difference between LV overall and LVOT stroke volumes. For prediction of severe MR, VCA3D yielded higher values of area under the ROC curve compared to EROAPISA (overall patient group 0.98 for VCA3D vs. 0.90 for EROAPISA, P < 0.001; FMR group 0.97 for VCA3D vs. 0.92 for EROAPISA, P = 0.002). RVVCA correlated closer with RV3D compared to RVPISA (r = 0.96 for RVPISA, r = 0.79 for RVPISA). Conclusion This study delivers cut-off values for VCA3D in patients with different types of MR. VCA3D is a robust parameter for quantification of MR, showing a good correlation with the reference method using 3D datasets of LV.
Association between serum copper levels and cervical cancer risk: a meta-analysis

Whether serum copper levels were higher in patients with cervical cancer than that in controls was controversial. Hence, we conducted the present study to explore the relationship between serum copper levels and cervical cancer. We searched PubMed, WanFang, and China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI) for relevant studies before November 30, 2017. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to combine results across studies using the random-effect model. A total of 14 publications involving 747 patients with cervical cancer and 1014 controls were eligible through inclusion criteria. In comparison with controls, serum copper levels were significantly higher in patients with cervical cancer [summary SMD = 1.35; 95%CI: 0.10–2.59], with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 98.8%; P<0.001) was found. Significant association was also found among Asian populations [summary SMD = 1.39; 95%CI: 0.06–2.71]. The association was positive in subgroup analysis of population-based case–control studies (PBCC) [summary SMD = 1.64; 95%CI: 0.02–3.34], but not in hospital-based case–control studies (HBCC). Through a sensitivity analysis, we did not identify any single study to strongly influence the results of our serum copper levels and cervical cancer risk. No publication bias was found in our analysis. In conclusion, our study provided significant evidence of higher serum copper levels in patients with cervical cancer than in controls, suggesting that serum copper exposure was a risk factor on cervical cancer.
Factors Affecting Match Running Performance in Professional Australian Football.

PURPOSE To examine the influence of a range of individual player characteristics and match-related factors on activity profiles during professional Australian football matches. METHODS Global positioning system (GPS) profiles were collected from 34 professional Australian football players from the same club over 15 competition matches. GPS data were classified into relative total and high-speed running (HSR; >20 km/h) distances. Individual player aerobic fitness was determined from a 2-km time trial conducted during the preseason. Each match was classified according to match location, season phase, recovery length, opposition strength, and match outcome. The total number of stoppages during the match was obtained from a commercial statistics provider. A linear mixed model was constructed to examine the influence of player characteristics and match-related factors on both relative total and HSR outputs. RESULTS Player aerobic fitness had a large effect on relative total and HSR distances. Away matches and matches lost produced only small reductions in relative HSR distances, while the number of rotations also had a small positive effect. Matches won, more player rotations, and playing against strong opposition all resulted in small to moderate increases in relative total distance, while early season phase, increased number of stoppages, and away matches resulted in small to moderate reductions in relative total distance. CONCLUSIONS There is a likely interplay of factors that influence running performance during Australian football matches. The results highlight the need to consider a variety of contextual factors when interpreting physical output from matches.
Sentiment Computing for the News Event Based on the Social Media Big Data

The explosive increasing of the social media data on the Web has created and promoted the development of the social media big data mining area welcomed by researchers from both academia and industry. The sentiment computing of news event is a significant component of the social media big data. It has also attracted a lot of researches, which could support many real-world applications, such as public opinion monitoring for governments and news recommendation for Websites. However, existing sentiment computing methods are mainly based on the standard emotion thesaurus or supervised methods, which are not scalable to the social media big data. Therefore, we propose an innovative method to do the sentiment computing for news events. More specially, based on the social media data (i.e., words and emoticons) of a news event, a word emotion association network (WEAN) is built to jointly express its semantic and emotion, which lays the foundation for the news event sentiment computation. Based on WEAN, a word emotion computation algorithm is proposed to obtain the initial words emotion, which are further refined through the standard emotion thesaurus. With the words emotion in hand, we can compute every sentence’s sentiment. Experimental results on real-world data sets demonstrate the excellent performance of the proposed method on the emotion computing for news events.
Modern Subsurface Bacteria in Pristine 2.7 Ga-Old Fossil Stromatolite Drillcore Samples from the Fortescue Group, Western Australia

Background Several abiotic processes leading to the formation of life-like signatures or later contamination with actual biogenic traces can blur the interpretation of the earliest fossil record. In recent years, a large body of evidence showing the occurrence of diverse and active microbial communities in the terrestrial subsurface has accumulated. Considering the time elapsed since Archaean sedimentation, the contribution of subsurface microbial communities postdating the rock formation to the fossil biomarker pool and other biogenic remains in Archaean rocks may be far from negligible. Methodology/Principal Findings In order to evaluate the degree of potential contamination of Archean rocks by modern microorganisms, we looked for the presence of living indigenous bacteria in fresh diamond drillcores through 2,724 Myr-old stromatolites (Tumbiana Formation, Fortescue Group, Western Australia) using molecular methods based on the amplification of small subunit ribosomal RNA genes (SSU rDNAs). We analyzed drillcore samples from 4.3 m and 66.2 m depth, showing signs of meteoritic alteration, and also from deeper “fresh” samples showing no apparent evidence for late stage alteration (68 m, 78.8 m, and 99.3 m). We also analyzed control samples from drilling and sawing fluids and a series of laboratory controls to establish a list of potential contaminants introduced during sample manipulation and PCR experiments. We identified in this way the presence of indigenous bacteria belonging to Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Alpha-, Beta-, and Gammaproteobacteria in aseptically-sawed inner parts of drillcores down to at least 78.8 m depth. Conclusions/Significance The presence of modern bacterial communities in subsurface fossil stromatolite layers opens the possibility that a continuous microbial colonization had existed in the past and contributed to the accumulation of biogenic traces over geological timescales. This finding casts shadow on bulk analyses of early life remains and makes claims for morphological, chemical, isotopic, and biomarker traces syngenetic with the rock unreliable in the absence of detailed contextual analyses at microscale.