Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bayesian modelling of train door reliability

This article discusses the results of a study in Bayesian reliability analysis concerning train door failures in a European underground system over a period of nine years. It examines failure data from forty underground trains, which were delivered to an European transportation company between November 1989 and March 1991. All of the trains were put in service from 20 March 1990 to 20 July 1992. Failure monitoring ended on 31 December 1998. The goal of the study was to find models able to assess the failure history and to predict the number of failures in future time intervals in order to help the company determine the reliability level of the train doors before warranty expiration. The article describes the development and application of a novel bivariate Poisson process as a natural way to extend the usual Poisson models for analysing the occurrence of failures in repairable systems.
Application of in situ Solid-Phase Microextraction on Mediterranean Sponges for Untargeted Exometabolome Screening and Environmental Monitoring

In marine ecosystems, sponges are ubiquitous sessile organisms that contain a wide range of specialized metabolites. These metabolites point to a diverse range of biochemical pathways. Some of these compounds are biomarkers that indicate the presence of bacteria that form symbiotic relationships with a host sponge (microsymbionts). Sponges hold considerable promise as bioindicators for seawater quality monitoring, as they are exposed to, and accumulate, significant levels of anthropogenic contamination in coastal areas. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) is a low-invasive and non-exhaustive technique that combines sampling and extraction into a single step and offers the added benefit of biocompatible extraction phases. We used different types of SPME devices to extract exometabolites from sponges (genus: Sarcotragus) in situ. Following extraction, the samples were analyzed via GC- and LC-MS in order to verify the presence of compounds associated with quorum sensing, as well as to examine the metabolism of organic pollutants, such as monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (MAHs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pesticides, and other bioactive compounds in an untargeted format. As the results demonstrate, when the extracted metabolites are compared with the background controls, SPME offers a non-exhaustive approach that can be used in the field to discover novel metabolites deriving from complex holobionts such as marine sponges.
Isolation and Characterization of Specific Phages to Prepare a Cocktail Preventing Vibrio sp. Va-F3 Infections in Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Vibrio is one of the most detrimental agents of shrimp premature death syndrome. Phage therapy for prevention and treatment of Vibrio infections has attracted increasing attentions due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial variants. Here, we describe a workflow of preparing a phage cocktail against Vibrio infections for practical applications. Twenty Vibrio strains were isolated from the gut of diseased shrimp and aquaculture wastewater, and five of them were identified as pathogens causing shrimp vibriosis. Twenty-two lytic phages were then isolated using the above five pathogens as hosts, and five of them showed broad host ranges and high lytic capability against the Vibrio strains. Whole genomic sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the five phages indicated that they are novel and belong to the Siphoviridae family. The phage cocktail consisting of these five phages showed higher efficiency in inhibiting the growth of pathogenic Vibrio sp. Va-F3 than any single phage in vitro. We then evaluated the performance of the phage cocktail in protecting shrimp against Vibrio sp. Va-F3 infections in situ. The results showed that shrimp survival rates could reach 91.4 and 91.6% in 7 days, for the cocktail-treated and the antibiotic-treated groups, respectively. By contrast, the shrimp survival rate of the group without any treatment was only 20.0%. Overall, this study describes a general workflow of how to prepare a phage cocktail and apply it in controlling bacterial infections in the shrimp aquaculture. Knowledge gained from this study will not only help fight against the shrimp vibriosis in practical but also facilitate the design of phage cocktails with a satisfying performance in controlling other animal diseases in aquaculture.
Effect of educational programs on knowledge and self-management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background Patient education has a vital role in caring for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and a corner stone of self-management in chronic illnesses. Aim of the study This study aimed to evaluate the effect of educational programs on the knowledge and self-management of patients with COPD. Methods This study was carried out on 40 COPD patients at outpatient follow-up Medical Clinics at Tanta University Hospital. The researchers interviewed them using an interview schedule to assess the sociodemographic characteristics, patients’ medical history, physical examination, and knowledge regarding COPD and an observational checklist to assess self-care practice of the patient. Results The results have shown significant differences in relation to decrease in the signs of cough, sputum, and shortness of breath immediately and after 2 months of implementing the self-care management program, but there were no significant differences in relation to other signs of the disease. The majority of patients (95%) had poor knowledge, and all of them had unsatisfied practice regarding self-management skills for COPD before implementation. Immediately postimplementation of the educational program, the study showed highly statistically significant improvement in total score of knowledge, where the majority of them had a fair knowledge and good practice regarding COPD; these scores decreased in post-test 2. Conclusion This study concluded that the education of patients regarding knowledge for COPD and healthcare practice is very effective in improving their self-management skills, but they need reinforcement follow-up. Therefore, this study recommended that the healthcare personnel should provide health education for COPD patients on self-care to their improve knowledge which helps prevent complications and maintain their life.
Structural Characteristics and Functional Implications of PM2.5 Bacterial Communities During Fall in Beijing and Shanghai, China

Air pollution characterized by fine particulate matter (PM2.5) frequently has occurred in China, and has posed threats to human health. The physiochemical characteristics of airborne PM2.5 have been extensively studied, but its bacterial structures and functions have not yet been well studied. Herein, we focused on the structural characteristics and functional implications of airborne bacteria under different pollution levels in Beijing and Shanghai. The α- and β-diversities showed no obvious difference in two cities (p > 0.05). The dominant phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria with total abundance of over 92% were found in all PM2.5 samples. The results of weighted unifrac non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) suggested that air pollution was no obviously correlated with bacterial community but dispersed disorderly. Furthermore, canonical correlation analysis (CCA) and permutation test indicated that NH4+, SO42-, and wind speed were the key factors that associated with airborne bacterial community structure. Chemical components of particulate matter played more important role in structuring bacterial community than meteorological conditions based on the result of partial CCA. In addition, the annotation of metabolic pathway suggested that the predominant genus Pseudomonas was obviously correlated with disease infections. Several dominant species might contribute to organic degradation, nitrogen cycles, and ice-nuclei activities in environments. Overall, this work enhanced our understanding of functions of airborne bacteria and highlighted their potential role in atmospheric chemical progresses.
Superpixel-Based Conditional Random Fields (SuperCRF): Incorporating Global and Local Context for Enhanced Deep Learning in Melanoma Histopathology

Computational pathology-based cell classification algorithms are revolutionizing the study of the tumor microenvironment and can provide novel predictive/prognosis biomarkers crucial for the delivery of precision oncology. Current algorithms used on hematoxylin and eosin slides are based on individual cell nuclei morphology with limited local context features. Here, we propose a novel multi-resolution hierarchical framework (SuperCRF) inspired by the way pathologists perceive regional tissue architecture to improve cell classification and demonstrate its clinical applications. We develop SuperCRF by training a state-of-art deep learning spatially constrained- convolution neural network (SC-CNN) to detect and classify cells from 105 high-resolution (20×) H&E-stained slides of The Cancer Genome Atlas melanoma dataset and subsequently, a conditional random field (CRF) by combining cellular neighborhood with tumor regional classification from lower resolution images (5, 1.25×) given by a superpixel-based machine learning framework. SuperCRF led to an 11.85% overall improvement in the accuracy of the state-of-art deep learning SC-CNN cell classifier. Consistent with a stroma-mediated immune suppressive microenvironment, SuperCRF demonstrated that (i) a high ratio of lymphocytes to all lymphocytes within the stromal compartment (p = 0.026) and (ii) a high ratio of stromal cells to all cells (p < 0.0001 compared to p = 0.039 for SC-CNN only) are associated with poor survival in patients with melanoma. SuperCRF improves cell classification by introducing global and local context-based information and can be implemented in combination with any single-cell classifier. SuperCRF provides valuable tools to study the tumor microenvironment and identify predictors of survival and response to therapy.
Effect of educational sessions about dengue fever on nurse’s knowledge and attitude at Zagazig Fever Hospital

Background Dengue fever (DF) is emerging as a serious global health problem. Nurses serve as the frontline health care workers who assist in the diagnosis and treatment of dengue and other febrile illnesses. Aim The aim of this article is to assess the effect of educational sessions about DF on nurse’s knowledge and attitude at Zagazig Fever Hospital. Patients and methods A quasi-experimental design was used in carrying out the study during the period from November 2017 to January 2018. The study was conducted in Zagazig Fever Hospital, Sharkia Governorate. The sample included 71 nurses (39 diploma nurses and 32 bachelor nurses), working at the outpatient and the emergency clinic according to the inclusion criteria. Two tools were used. Tool 1 was a questionnaire that consisted of two parts: part A was used to collect data relating to demographic characteristics of the nurses, whereas part B involved nurse’s knowledge about DF using a self-administered questionnaire. Tool 2 was a self-administered questionnaire that was designed to assess nurses’ attitude toward DF. Results The comparison of pretest and post-test scores of nurses’ knowledge and attitudes revealed highly statistically significant improvement (P<0.001), which justified the research hypotheses of educational sessions’ implementation. The total score of their knowledge increased from 9.9% in pre-implementation session to 87.3% 1 month after the implementation, and the total score of their attitudes increased from 60.6% before the sessions, to 91.5% 1 month after the sessions. Conclusion The post-test score was higher than the pretest score for both knowledge and attitudes of nurses regarding DF. Recommendations Primary prevention of infectious diseases like DF should be given priority, and education about it should be provided in fever hospitals, through in-service health educational training session to be provided to all nurses in the fever hospitals, especially the newly appointed ones before they start their work.
Sports-Related Pediatric Facial Trauma: Analysis of Facial Fracture Pattern and Concomitant Injuries

Abstract Objective Sports-related injuries, such as facial fractures, are potentially debilitating and may lead to long-term functional and aesthetic deficits in a pediatric patient. In this study, we analyze sports-related facial fractures in the urban pediatric population in an effort to characterize patterns of injury and improve management strategies and outcomes. Methods Retrospective chart review was performed for all facial fractures resulting from sports injuries in the pediatric population at a level-1 trauma center (University Hospital, Newark, NJ). Results Seventeen pediatric patients were identified as having sustained a fracture of the facial skeleton due to sports injury. Mean age was 13.9 years old. A total of 29 fractures were identified. Most common fracture sites included the orbit (n = 12), mandible (n = 5), nasal bone (n = 5), and zygomaticomaxillary complex (n = 3). The most common concomitant injuries included skull fracture (n = 3), intracranial hemorrhage (n = 4), and traumatic brain injury (n = 4). One patient was intubated upon arrival to the emergency department. Hospital admission was required in 13 patients, 4 of which were admitted to an intensive care setting. Nine patients required operative intervention. Mean length of hospital stay was 2.4 days. No patients were expired. Conclusions Sports-related facial fractures are potentially debilitating injuries in the pediatric population. Analysis of fracture pattern and concomitant injuries is imperative to develop effective management strategies and prevention techniques.
Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema syndrome: clinical, functional, and radiological assessment

Background The coexistence of pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema is increasingly recognized. Objective To assess the clinical, physiological and radiological characteristics of patients with combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) and compare it with patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) alone. Patients and methods One hundred-twenty patients were enrolled and divided into three groups; 40 had COPD based on poorly reversible airflow obstruction in spirometry; 40 had ILD based on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT); and 40 had CPFE based on the presence of emphysematous changes in the upper lung zones and pulmonary fibrosis in lower zones in HRCT. Modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale, arterial blood gas analysis, spirometry, diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), polythesmography, HRCT chest, and echocardiography were done. Results More than 57% of patients with CPFE were men and the majority of them were smokers. There was no significant difference in dyspnea grade between CPFE group and other groups (P>0.05). The rate of exacerbation per year was significantly higher in the CPFE group (4.2±1.02) compared with either COPD group (3.33±1.56) or ILD group (3.15±1.05). CPFE patients had both emphysematous and fibrotic changes on radiological examination. Lung volumes were preserved but DLCO% was significantly lower and the mean pulmonary artery systolic pressure was significantly higher in the CPFE group compared with COPD and ILD. Conclusion CPFE is a distinct syndrome that has characteristic radiological findings and lung function profile with a significant reduction of DLCO and a significant increase in pulmonary artery systolic pressure.
Resilience, burden, and quality of life in Egyptian family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia

Background Caring for mentally ill patients affects the family caregivers’ physical and mental health, which leads to enormous burdens. Consequently, family caregivers need resilience to help relieve these burdens and regain their quality of life. Objective The present study was designed to assess the levels of resilience, burden, and quality of life among family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and their relationships. Settings The study was conducted at the psychiatric outpatient clinic of Mental Health Hospital in Tanta City (which is affiliated to General Secretariat of Mental Health) and psychiatric outpatient clinic affiliated to Tanta University. Design A descriptive correlational design was used in the study. Patients and methods A convenient sample of family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia (N=109) was recruited. Tools Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Burden of Care Inventory, and the WHO Quality of Life Scale were used. Results The present study indicated a significant positive correlation between resilience level and quality of life. On the contrary, caregiving burdens were negatively correlated with both resilience and quality of life. Moreover, family caregivers have moderate level of resilience, and approximately two-thirds of them have poor overall quality of life and experiencing moderate to severe burden. Conclusion The present study concluded that decreasing family caregivers’ burden and enhancing their quality of life are imperative. This can be done by emphasizing the significant role of resilience. Recommendations A rehabilitation program and ongoing family interventions should be established for family caregivers to enhance their resilience and consequently to decrease their burdens and improve their quality of life.
Impact of core stability education on postural control in children with spastic cerebral palsy

Background Postural control includes controlling the body’s position in space to achieve stability and orientation. Core stability education is applied to teach children to improve balance and postural control. Objective The objective of this study was to detect the impact of core stability education on postural control in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Patients and methods Thirty spastic CP children (6–8 years) received intervention in the outpatient clinic of Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University. Intervention The participants were randomly divided into a control group and a study group; the control group received selective therapeutic exercises, while the study group received the same selective program in addition to core stability exercises three times/week for 60 min for 12 weeks. Main outcome measures Dynamic balance was assessed by Biodex Balance System before and after treatment (12 weeks). Results There was a significant improvement of all stability indices (anteroposterior, mediolateral, and overall) in each group. There was more improvement in the study group when comparing post-treatment values of both groups (P<0.05). Conclusion According to the results of the current study, core stability program is highly recommended to be included in the treatment program of spastic CP children to improve balance.
Dendritic Cells Generated From Mops condylurus, a Likely Filovirus Reservoir Host, Are Susceptible to and Activated by Zaire Ebolavirus Infection

Ebola virus infection of human dendritic cells (DCs) induces atypical adaptive immune responses and thereby exacerbates Ebola virus disease (EVD). Human DCs, infected with Ebola virus aberrantly express low levels of the DC activation markers CD80, CD86, and MHC class II. The T cell responses ensuing are commonly anergic rather than protective against EVD. We hypothesize that DCs derived from potential reservoir hosts such as bats, which do not develop disease signs in response to Ebola virus infection, would exhibit features associated with activation. In this study, we have examined Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV) infection of DCs derived from the Angolan free-tailed bat species, Mops condylurus. This species was previously identified as permissive to EBOV infection in vivo, in the absence of disease signs. M. condylurus has also been recently implicated as the reservoir host for Bombali ebolavirus, a virus species that is closely related to EBOV. Due to the absence of pre-existing M. condylurus species-specific reagents, we characterized its de novo assembled transcriptome and defined its phylogenetic similarity to other mammals, which enabled the identification of cross-reactive reagents for M. condylurus bone marrow-derived DC (bat-BMDC) differentiation and immune cell phenotyping. Our results reveal that bat-BMDCs are susceptible to EBOV infection as determined by detection of EBOV specific viral RNA (vRNA). vRNA increased significantly 72 h after EBOV-infection and was detected in both cells and in culture supernatants. Bat-BMDC infection was further confirmed by the observation of GFP expression in DC cultures infected with a recombinant GFP-EBOV. Bat-BMDCs upregulated CD80 and chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3) transcripts in response to EBOV infection, which positively correlated with the expression levels of EBOV vRNA. In contrast to the aberrant responses to EBOV infection that are typical for human-DC, our findings from bat-BMDCs provide evidence for an immunological basis of asymptomatic EBOV infection outcomes.
Safety and Efficacy of Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines Alone or in Combination With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Cancer Treatment

Therapeutic cancer vaccines have proven to seldom induce dramatic clinical response when used alone, and therefore, they are being studied in combination with additional treatment modalities to achieve optimal treatment activities. Growing preclinical data show that combining vaccines and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can prime intensified immunogenicity and modulate immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Herein, we focus on the safety and efficacy of approved and promising cancer vaccines alone or combined with ICIs in the treatment of several malignancies. Generally, the majority of clinical trials support the concept of synergy that combination therapy of vaccines and ICIs holds maximized potential to improve clinical outcomes. Importantly, the combination has acceptable safety and minimal additional toxicity compared with single-agent vaccines or ICIs. Additionally, the potential strategies of combining personalized tumor vaccines with ICIs will become priority option and future direction of vaccine development and application and the urgent need to develop effective biomarkers to screen appropriate patient populations and predict response to combination therapy.