Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of maternal smoking and alcohol consumption on lip morphology

Objective: To determine whether maternal smoking and/or alcohol consumption has an influence on lip morphology. Maternal smoking is a known risk factor for orofacial clefts; however, its influence on normal lip variation is unknown. Recent research regarding normal lip morphology has been contradictory. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting and participants: A total of 4747 children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) who each had 3D facial scans carried out at 15 years of age were included in the study. Methods: Each of the participants was automatically categorised regarding predetermined lip morphological traits. Questionnaires completed by their mothers identified smoking and alcohol habits during pregnancy. Logistic regression analyses were applied to determine the effect of maternal smoking and alcohol consumption on lip morphology. Results: Maternal smoking has significant effects on upper and lower lip contours, Cupid’s bow, lower lip-chin shape and lower lip tone (all P < 0.05). There was also an indication of a potential epigenetic effect of smoking pre-pregnancy on upper lip contour (P = 0.0573). Alcohol consumption is significantly associated with philtrum shape, particularly when >6 units of alcohol are consumed per week (P = 0.0149, 32 weeks). Overall results suggest a deeply grooved philtrum is more likely if alcohol is consumed. Investigating the combined effect of smoking and alcohol consumption, lower lip contour (P = 0.00923) and lower lip-chin shape (P = 0.0171) are statistically significant, with lower lip contour more likely to be narrow in the midline, and lower lip-chin shape more likely to be an angular concavity. Conclusion: Maternal smoking influences a number of lip traits, including a possible epigenetic effect on upper lip contour. Maternal alcohol consumption, particularly at a high level, influences philtrum shape. Maternal smoking and alcohol consumption have a combined effect on lower lip contour and lower lip-chin shape.
Quantification of Ion-Implanted Single-Atom Dopants in Monolayer MoS2 via HAADF STEM Using the TEMUL Toolkit

Abstract In recent years, atomic resolution imaging of two-dimensional (2D) materials using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) has become routine. Individual dopant atoms in 2D materials can be located and identified using their contrast in annular dark-field (ADF) STEM. However, in order to understand the effect of these dopant atoms on the host material, there is now the need to locate and quantify them on a larger scale. In this work, we analyze STEM images of MoS2 monolayers that have been ion-implanted with chromium at ultra-low energies. We use functions from the open-source TEMUL Toolkit to create and refine an atomic model of an experimental image based on the positions and intensities of the atomic columns in the image. We then use the refined model to determine the likely composition of each atomic site. Surface contamination stemming from the sample preparation of 2D materials can prevent accurate quantitative identification of individual atoms. We disregard atomic sites from regions of the image with hydrocarbon surface contamination to demonstrate that images acquired using contaminated samples can give significant atom statistics from their clean regions, and can be used to calculate the retention rate of the implanted ions within the host lattice. We find that some of the implanted chromium ions have been successfully integrated into the MoS2 lattice, with 4.1% of molybdenum atoms in the transition metal sublattice replaced with chromium.
Solid lipid nanoformulation of berberine attenuates Doxorubicin triggered in vitro inflammation in H9c2 rat cardiomyocytes.

AIM To evaluate berberine solid lipid nanoparticles' efficacy against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. BACKGROUND Berberine (Ber) is cardioprotective, but its oral bioavailability is low and its effect in chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity has not been studied. OBJECTIVE Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) of berberine chloride were prepared, characterized and evaluated in vitro against Doxorubicin induced cardiomyocyte injury. METHODOLOGY Berberine loaded SLNs (Ber-SLNs) were synthesized using water-in-oil microemulsion technique with tripalmitin, Tween 80 and poloxamer 407. Ber-SLNs were evaluated for preventive effect against toxicity of Doxorubicin in H9c2 cells. The culture was pre-treated (24 h) with Ber (10 µM) and Ber-SLNs (1 and 10 µM) and exposed to 1 µM of Doxorubicin (Dox) was added for 3 h. The cell viability (LDH (Lactate dehydrogenase) assay and MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide)), levels of Creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), Nitrite, MDA (Malondialdehyde), ROS (Reactive oxygen species) generation and apoptotic DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) content were assessed. RESULTS Ber-SLNs had a mean particle size of 13.12±1.188 nm, zeta potential of -1.05 ± 0.08 mV, poly-dispersity index (PDI) of 0.317 ± 0.05 and entrapment efficiency of 50 ± 4.8%. Cell viability was 81  0.17% for Ber-SLNs (10 µM) and 73.22  0.83% for Ber (10 µM) treated cells in MTT assay. Percentage cytotoxicity calculated from LDH release was 58.91  0.54% after Dox, 40.3  1.3% with Ber (10 µM) and 40.7  1.3% with Ber-SLNs (1 µM) (p<0.001). Inflammation and oxidative stress markers were lower with Ber and Ber-SLNs. Attenuation of ROS generation and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes were noted on fluorescence microscopy. CONCLUSION Ber loaded SLNs effectively prevented Doxorubicin-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in rat cardiomyocytes. The results demonstrate that microemulsion is a simple, cost-effective technique to prepare Ber-SLNs and may be considered as a drug delivery vehicle for berberine.
Improving Ag-TiO2nanocomposites’ current density by TiCl4 pretreated on FTO glass for dye-sensitised solar cells

Correspondence Muhammad Quisar Lokman, Solar Energy Research Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan, 43600, Malaysia. Email: muhammadquisar@gmail.com Abstract Titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) pretreatment on the fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) is one of the alternative techniques to enhance short-circuit current density (Jsc) and efficiency of dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSC) by improving the inter-particle bonding between FTO grain and nanoporous titanium dioxide (TiO2). The present study investigbrkates the effect of TiCl4 pretreatment on the surface of FTO glass to enhance the Jsc and efficiency of silver-titanium dioxide (Ag-TiO2) nanocomposites. The pretreatment process was prepared by immersing FTO glass into TiCl4 solution at 70 C for 30 min, and then sintered at 500C for 30 min. Morphological and elemental characteristics were done to observe the structure and composition of pretreatment on the FTO glass. The results showed that the Ag-TiO2 with TiCl4 pretreatment achieved high efficiency of 7.27% with Jsc of 18.95 mA/cm2. The proposed method shows that the pretreatment can improve the efficiency by improving the inter-particle bonding between nanoporous TiO2 and FTO grain, which can enhance the electron transfer. Also, the presence of Ag in the nanocomposites as a solar concentrator can increase the light absorption by TiO2 nanoparticles and also increase the DSSC efficiency.
Model-based Framework for the Adaptive Development of Engineering Systems

During the adaptive development of an engineering system, the development system senses changes in its environment and reacts to the dynamic market characteristics and creeping stakeholder needs. Thus, it evolves towards maximal stakeholder value. The behaviour of the adaptive development system is modelled in this thesis as a workstate-driven iterative process where collaborative decisions are made on the design and adaptation of technical and economical product aspects at various hierarchy levels of the project. The implementation of adaptiveness in development systems is supported by a novel process modelling method that models and simulates decision-making in adaptive development, and always selects the best activity for the project from a flexible process space. Decision-making on process adaptation in the simulation algorithm is based on the actual project state described by the project budget and effort spent, and the product performance achieved until the actual point in the project. The second systems engineering method in this thesis is a decision-making framework for the control of adaptive SD projects. Both systems engineering methods were validated in industrial environment at TetraPak Carton Ambient in Modena, Italy. The pilot projects showed that the methods are not only applicable in the industry, but they contribute to significant increases in process effectiveness and efficiency.
Systems seed biology to understand and manipulate rice grain quality and nutrition

Abstract Rice is one of the most essential crops since it meets the calorific needs of 3 billion people around the world. Rice seed development initiates upon fertilization, leading to the establishment of two distinct filial tissues, the endosperm and embryo, which accumulate distinct seed storage products, such as starch, storage proteins, and lipids. A range of systems biology tools deployed in dissecting the spatiotemporal dynamics of transcriptome data, methylation, and small RNA based regulation operative during seed development, influencing the accumulation of storage products was reviewed. Studies of other model systems are also considered due to the limited information on the rice transcriptome. This review highlights key genes identified through a holistic view of systems biology targeted to modify biochemical composition and influence rice grain quality and nutritional value with the target of improving rice as a functional food.
Durability of Immune Responses After Boosting in Ad26.COV2.S-Primed Healthcare Workers

Abstract The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants raised questions regarding the durability of immune responses after homologous or heterologous boosters after Ad26.COV2. S-priming. We found that SARS-CoV-2–specific binding antibodies, neutralizing antibodies, and T cells are detectable 5 months after boosting, although waning of antibodies and limited cross-reactivity with Omicron BA.1 was observed.
The impact of coronary artery bypass grafting added to aortic valve replacement on long-term outcomes in octogenarian patients: a reconstructed time-to-event meta-analysis

Summary The long-term results in studies comparing octogenarian patients who received either isolated surgical aortic valve replacement (i-SAVR) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in addition to SAVR are still debated. We performed a reconstructed time-to-event data meta-analysis of studies comparing i-SAVR and CABG+SAVR to evaluate the impact of CABG and to analyse the time-varying effects on long-term outcome. We performed a systematic review of the literature from January 2000 through November 2021, including studies comparing i-SAVR and CABG+SAVR, which reported at least 3-year follow-up and that plotted Kaplan–Meier curves of overall survival. The primary endpoint was overall long-term survival; secondary endpoints were in-hospital/30-day mortality and postoperative outcomes. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) and odds ratio) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for primary and secondary endpoints, respectively. Random-effect model was used in all analyses. Sixteen retrospective studies were included (5382 patients, i-SAVR = 2568 and CABG+SAVR = 2814). I-SAVR showed a lower incidence of in-hospital mortality compared to CABG+SAVR (odds ratio = 0.73; 95% CI= 0.60–0.89; P = 0.002). Landmark analyses showed a significantly higher all-cause mortality within 1 year from surgery in CABG+SAVR (HR = 1.17; 95% CI = 1.01–1.36; P = 0.03); after 1 year, no significant difference was observed (HR = 0.95; 95% CI = 0.87–1.04; P = 0.35). Landmark analysis was confirmed by time-varying trend of HR. Late survival of octogenarians did not differ significantly between the 2 interventions. Interestingly, CABG added to SAVR was associated with both higher in-hospital and within 1-year mortality after surgery, whereas this difference was statistically non-significant at long-term follow-up.
Functional significance of novel variants of the MEF2C gene promoter in congenital ventricular septal defects

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common congenital heart disease. Although the coding region of MEF2C is highly relevant to cardiac malformations, the role of MEF2C gene promoter variants in VSD patients has not been genetically investigated. We investigated the role of MEF2C gene promoter variants in 400 Han Chinese subjects (200 patients with isolated and sporadic VSD and 200 healthy controls). The promoter region of the MEF2C gene was sequenced that identified 10 variants. Expression vectors encompassing the variants and the firefly luciferase reporter gene plasmid (pGL3‐basic) were constructed and subsequently transfected into HEK‐293 cells. The luciferase activities were measured by Dual‐luciferase reporter assay system. MEF2C gene promoter transcriptional activity was significantly reduced in 4 of the 10 variants in HEK‐293 cells (P < 0.05). In addition, the JASPAR database was used to perform bioinformatics analysis, which showed that these variants disrupt the putative binding sites of transcription factors and affected the expression of MEF2C protein. This study for the first time identified the variants in the promoter of the MEF2C gene in Han Chinese population and revealed the role of these variants in the formation of VSD.
Nordic adolescents responding to demanding survey scales in boring contexts: Examining straightlining.

INTRODUCTION Straightlining, or identical responses across all items within a multi-item scale, is often taken as an indication that responses to all items in a questionnaire are of poor quality. The purpose of this study was to examine straightlining on two scales: The Sense of Unity Scale (SUS) and the short version of the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SWEMWBS). METHODS Data stem from the 2017-2018 data collections in four Nordic countries of the Health Behaviour in School-children study (HBSC) (15-year-old students only; 50.9% girls; n = 5928). Data were weighted to adjust for oversampling of Swedish-speaking Finnish students and to equalize sample size across countries. The main analyses were done with general linear modeling with adjustments for cluster effects (school classes). RESULTS The proportion with straightlining on SUS was 22.8%, varying from 5.8% among Swedish girls to 46.4% among Finnish boys. The proportion with straightlining on SWEMWBS was 18.4%, varying from 5.2% among Norwegian girls to 46.0% among Finnish boys. Straightlining on one of the scales correlated with straightlining on the other one. Straightlining tended to inflate Cronbach's α values and reduce number of factors in factor analyses. Associations between the two scales and external variables tended to be lower among straightlining students. Associations between external variables (other than SUS/SWEMWBS) are on average slightly weaker among straightliners. Straightlining students obtained more favorable scores on several resource-related variables. CONCLUSION Although some problems have been identified, straightlining does not serve well as a general indicator of poor data quality.
The effects of different small-sided games configurations on heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and running demands in professional soccer players

ABSTRACT We examined the effects of different small-sided games (SSG) configurations on heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and running demands in soccer players. Twelve male soccer players (U18) participated in this randomized cross-over study. Players performed three SSG in different “fixed” and “dynamic” pitch sizes (3v3 in large (SSGL) and small (SSGS) fixed area; or 3v3 in dynamic dimensions [SSGD]), with 4x4 minutes interspersed by 2 minutes of rest. HR measures (maximum [HRmax], average [HRavg], and percentage of maximum [%HRmax]), RPE, and running demands were collected across the SGG sessions. The following running activities were recorded: total distance covered (TD), distance covered (DC) at 6–12 km·h−1, ≥ 12–18 km·h−1, and >18 km·h−1, peak running speed, acceleration (ACC) and deceleration (DEC) at 1–2 m·s−2 and 2–3 m·s−2, player load, and high metabolic load distance (HMLD). SSGL displayed higher HRavg, %HRmax, and RPE values than SSGS (p < 0.05). SSGL resulted in higher TD, DC at 6–12 km·h−1, ≥ 12–18 km·h−1, > 18 km·h−1, and higher peak speed than SSGS and SSGD (p < 0.05). Moreover, SSGD presented higher TD and DC at 6–12 km·h−1 and ≥ 12–18 km·h−1 than SSGS (p < 0.05). In contrast, SSGD and SSGS showed higher number of ACC and DEC at 1–2 m·s−2 than SSGL (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the pitch size and playing area of the SSG can be manipulated to promote desired physiological and physical demands in young soccer players. Highlights We examined how fixed (small and large) or variable (dynamic) pitch sizes affected the psychophysiological and running demands of young soccer players during small-sided games. Small-sided games with larger pitch sizes and areas per player elicited greater psychophysiological and running demands than small areas. The pitch size designed in the current study does not appear to affect the number of acceleration and deceleration (> 2 m·s−2). Varying the pitch size during the small-sided games (i.e. dynamic condition) could be an interesting constraint to be considered by soccer coaches in order to enhance task variability.
Preoperative leukocytosis is an independent risk factor for morbidity and survival after resection of colorectal liver metastases

Although surgical resection of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) remains to be the only option for long term survival, traditional surgical concepts have been challenged by the introduction of the liver first approach or neoadjuvant chemotherapy in resectable CRLM and interventional therapies. The aim of this study was to identify prognostic factors for postoperative morbidity and survival and to externally evaluate the recently introduced resection severity index (RSI), in order to optimize patient selection and treatment strategies.
Verifiable Secret Sharing Scheme Based on Certain Projective Transformation

The main purpose of verifiable secret sharing scheme is to solve the honesty problem of participants. In this paper, the concept of nonzero k-submatrix and theresidual vector of system of hyperplane intersecting line equations is proposed. Based on certain projective transformations in projective space, a verifiable (t, n)-threshold secret sharing scheme is designed by using the structure of solutions of linear equations and the difficulty of solving discrete logarithm problems. The results show that this scheme can verify the correctness of the subkey provided by each participant before the reconstruction of the master key, and can effectively identify the fraudster. The fraudster can only cheat by guessing and the probability of success is only 1/p. The design of the scheme is exquisite and the calculation complexity is small. Each participant only needs to hold a subkey, which is convenient for management and use. The analysis shows that the scheme in this paper meets the security requirements and rules of secret sharing, and it is a computationally secure and effective scheme with good practical value.
SHINE: A Stepped Care Approach to the Management of Severe Obesity in Young People

Weight management is a game of chance for most children and young people (CYP) based on service availability and the level of expertise held by the service provider. Many localities are without established weight management services, and the effectiveness of the services provided is often not well known. SHINE (Self Help Independence Nutrition and Exercise) is the only documented Tier 3 community ‐ based service provider in the UK, offering a plethora of interventions tailored to each CYP. SHINE implements a Stepped Care Approach (SCA) model to treating severe obesity in CYP; as the severity of obesity increases, so does the intensity of intervention. This paper critically describes a SCA and uses this model to exemplify a range of appropriate, available interventions. A SCA can provide a holistic and integrative care pathway for CYP with severe obesity when implemented at Tier 3.
Immune Mediated of Pulmonary Intravascular Coagulopathy (PIC) in COVID-19 Penumonia

The lung pathology seen in patients with COVID-19 shows significant microvascular thrombosis and haemorrhage linked to extensive alveolar and interstitial inflammation, which shares features with macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). We have termed th e lung-restricted vascular immunopathology associated with COVID-19 as diffuse pulmonary intravascular coagulopathy (PIC), which is distinct from disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in its early stages. Raised D-dimers and cardiac enzymes — r pectfully reflecting pulmonary vascular bed thrombosis with fibrinolysis and emergent pulmonary hypertension-induced ventricular stress —in the face of normal fibrinogen and platelet levels, are key early features of severe COVID-19-related PIC. Extensive immunothrombosis over a wide pulmonary vascular territory with lack of confirmation of COVID-19 viraemia in early disease best explains the adverse impact of male sex, hypertension, obesity and diabetes on the prognosis of patients with COVID-19. The immune mechanisms that underlie diffuse alveolar and pulmonary insterstitial inflammation in COVID-19 includes a MAS-like state that triggers extensive immunothrombosis, which might unmask subclinical cardiovascular disease and is distinct from the MAS and DIC that is familiar to rheumatologists.