Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Photodynamic Therapy with an AlPcS4Cl Gold Nanoparticle Conjugate Decreases Lung Cancer’s Metastatic Potential

Cancer metastasis and the risk of secondary tumours are the leading causes of cancer related death, and despite advances in cancer treatment, lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. A crucial characteristic of metastases is cell invasion potential, which is mainly determined by cell motility. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), known for its minimally invasive cancer treatment approach, has been extensively researched in vitro and is currently being developed clinically. Due to their physicochemical and optical properties, gold nanoparticles have been shown to increase the effectivity of PDT by increasing the loading potential of the photosensitizer (PS) inside cancer cells, to be biocompatible and nontoxic, to provide enhanced permeability and retention, and to induce lung cancer cell death. However, effects of gold nano phototherapy on lung cancer metastasis are yet to be investigated. The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the inhibitory effects of PS-gold nano bioconjugates on lung cancer metastasis by analysing cell proliferation, migration, cell cycle analysis, and extracellular matrix cell invasion. The findings indicate that nano-mediated PDT treatment of lung cancer prevents lung cancer migration and invasion, induces cell cycle arrest, and reduces lung cancer proliferation abilities, elaborating on the efficacy of the nano-mediated PDT treatment of lung cancer.
Toward System Performance Standards for Infrastructure Systems Impacted by Natural Hazards

Even though many disciplines familiar to the audience may have adopted a systems approach to the development of standards, the same is not currently widespread for natural hazards standards for infrastructure systems and components. Beginning with the formation of American Lifelines Alliance (ALA), this paper emphasizes the evolution of attempts to promote a systemic approach to performance standards for components in infrastructure systems. Covered are selected projects performed through ALA. In addition, projects for the Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering/Federal Highway Administration (MCEER/FHWA), the California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS), the Port of Los Angeles, the Port of Oakland, San Francisco International Airport, and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) indicate the importance of a systemic approach to the development of standards for components in infrastructure systems. At the same time, reasons are provided as to why the notion of system performance standards have not yet been more widely extended to natural hazards generally.
In vitro retention overall pull-off force of telescopic crowns made from two different materials at three taper angles

Objective: The objective of the study is to measure the in vitro retention overall pull-off force of telescopic crowns made from two different materials and with different taper angles. Materials and methods: The telescopic crowns were digitally fabricated from two materials, Polyether-ether ketone (PEEK) disc and graphene-nano reinforced acrylic disc (GN) at three taper angles (0 ̊, 1 ̊ & 2 ̊). Retention force for each specimen was measured 20 times in a pull offTest, the machine was set to a crosshead speed 50 mm/min applying tension mode of force up to crown dislodgement. Twenty cycles of insertion and removal were performed for each sample and then the retention force was computed and recorded using computer software. Statistical analysis was carried out using Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to explore the effect of different materials and degree of taper on the retention load. Independent sample t-test was conducted to explore the difference between materials. Results: The retention force of 2 ° taper showed a statistically significant lower value than 0° and 1° tapers. The specimens of the PEEK groups showed significantly higher initial retentive force values than (GN) groups. Conclusions: Telescopic crowns fabricated from PEEK milled material showed better retention force than the GN milled material. Increasing the degree of taper angle of the telescopic crown above 1° could jeopardize the resultant retention. However, long-term clinical studies are still recommended.
Fungal Infection Testing in Pediatric Intensive Care Units—A Single Center Experience

Mycoses are diseases caused by fungi that involve different parts of the body and can generate dangerous treatment complications. This study aims to analyze fungal infection epidemiology in intensive care units (Pediatric and Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Units—PCICU) and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in one large pediatric center in the period 2015–2020 compared with 2005. The year 2005 was randomly selected as a historical time reference to notice possible changes. In 2005 and 2015–2020, 23,334 mycological tests were performed in intensive care units. A total of 4628 tests (19.8%) were performed in the intensive care units. Microbiological diagnostics involved mycological and serological testing. Of the 458 children hospitalized in the NICU, positive results in the mycological tests in the studied years were found in 21–27% of the children and out of 1056 PCICU patients, positive results were noticed in 18–29%. In both departments, the main detected pathogen was Candida albicans which is comparable with data published in other centers. Our experience indicates that blood cultures as well as the detection of antifungal antibodies do not add important information to mycological diagnostics. For the years of observation, only a few positive results were detected, even in patients with invasive fungal diseases. To our knowledge, this is one of a few similar studies over recent years and it provides contemporary reports of mycoses in pediatric ICU patients.
Trpc6 gain-of-function disease mutation enhances phosphatidylserine exposure in murine platelets

Platelets enhance coagulation by exposing phosphatidylserine (PS) on their cell surface in response to strong agonist activation. Transient receptor potential channels, including TRPC6, have been implicated in the calcium influx central to this process. Here, we characterize the effect of a Trpc6 gain-of-function (GOF) disease-associated, and a dominant negative (DN), mutation on murine platelet activation. Platelets from mice harboring Trpc6E896K/E896K (GOF) and Trpc6DN/DN mutations were subject to in vitro analysis. Trpc6E896K/E896K and Trpc6DN/DN mutant platelets show enhanced and absent calcium influx, respectively, upon addition of the TRPC3/6 agonist GSK1702934A (GSK). GSK was sufficient to induce integrin αIIbβ3 activation, P-selection and PS exposure, talin cleavage, and MLC2 phosphorylation in Trpc6E896K/E896K, but not in wild-type, platelets. Thrombin-induced calcium influx and PS exposure were enhanced, and clot retraction delayed, by GOF TRPC6, while no differences were noted between wild-type and Trpc6DN/DN platelets. In contrast, Erk activation upon GSK treatment was absent in Trpc6DN/DN, and enhanced in Trpc6E896K/E896K, platelets, compared to wild-type. The positive allosteric modulator, TRPC6-PAM-C20, and fluoxetine maintained their ability to enhance and inhibit, respectively, GSK-mediated calcium influx in Trpc6E896K/E896K platelets. The data demonstrate that gain-of-function mutant TRPC6 channel can enhance platelet activation, including PS exposure, while confirming that TRPC6 is not necessary for this process. Furthermore, they suggest that Trpc6 GOF disease mutants do not simply increase wild-type TRPC6 responses, but can affect pathways not usually modulated by TRPC6 channel activity, displaying a true gain-of-function phenotype.
Deep Learning Based Detection of Missing Tooth Regions for Dental Implant Planning in Panoramic Radiographic Images

Dental implantation is a surgical procedure in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Detecting missing tooth regions is essential for planning dental implant placement. This study proposes an automated method that detects regions of missing teeth in panoramic radiographic images. Tooth instance segmentation is required to accurately detect a missing tooth region in panoramic radiographic images containing obstacles, such as dental appliances or restoration. Therefore, we constructed a dataset that contains 455 panoramic radiographic images and annotations for tooth instance segmentation and missing tooth region detection. First, the segmentation model segments teeth into the panoramic radiographic image and generates teeth masks. Second, a detection model uses the teeth masks as input to predict regions of missing teeth. Finally, the detection model identifies the position and number of missing teeth in the panoramic radiographic image. We achieved 92.14% mean Average Precision (mAP) for tooth instance segmentation and 59.09% mAP for missing tooth regions detection. As a result, this method assists diagnosis by clinicians to detect missing teeth regions for implant placement.
THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION IN PALEMBANG ON 1900-1930

Towards the 20th century, Palembang was present as a big city and its economic growth was rapid. Palembang was one of the important areas for the Dutch colonial government's cash income in the Sumatra Island region. Rapid economic growth has driven changes in the socio-economic conditions of the people throughout the Palembang area, both in the city and in the hinterland. This article discusses the socio-economic transformation of Palembang between 1900-1930. The main focus is to examine what drives the socio-economic transformation process in Palembang, how this transformation occurs, and what impact it has. This study aims to explain the process and impact of the socio-economic transformation that occurred in Palembang during 1900-1930. The method used is history with four stages, such as heuristics, source utilization, interpretation, and historiography. The results of this study indicate that the socio-economic transformation in Palembang has triggered significant changes in various fields. This transformation pushed Palembang into a profit area for the colonial government. Socio-economic changes and developments in Palembang triggered a process of modernization in the city and hinterland. The impact of this transformation is an increase in population, changes in lifestyle, and the growth of new social groups. There are several researchers who wrote about Palembang in the colonial era such as Abdullah (1984), Zed (2003), Santun (2010), Utama (2017), and Abubakar (2020). However, this article specifically discusses the socio-economic transformation in Palembang. In conclusion, this transformation brought many positive impacts on the socio-economic development of the people in Palembang.KEYWORDS: Transformation, Socio-Economic, Palembang
THE INTERRELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN GRAIN WEIGHT AND OTHER EAR CHARACTERS IN MAIZE

Two field experiments were carried out at the Experimental Farm of Agronomy Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt during the two seasons of 2010 and 2011 to evaluate the performance of six maize hybrids (comprising three hybrids from each of single crosses and three-way crosses). The experimental design used was a randomized complete block design with six replications. Four statistical procedures were applied to estimate the relative importance of some grain weight components. The used methods of analysis were simple correlation, multiple linear regression, stepwise multiple linear regression and path analysis. Highly significant and positive association was obtained among all the studied ear traits and grain weight. The results of multiple linear regression model indicated that the ear traits accounted for 79.2% (expressed as R 2 ) of the total variation of grain weight. All ear traits except ear diameter were significantly contributed towards ear grain weight. Considering the model of stepwise multiple linear regression, 75.5% (expressed as R 2 ) of the total variability of ear grain weight were explained by the traits: number of rows/ear, number of kernels / row and 100 kernels weight. The same three traits were also responsible for 80.06% and 78.33% of grain weight using full path analysis model and stepwise path analysis model, respectively. Based on the previous results, it could be concluded that the highest ear grain weight of maize would be obtained by selecting breeding materials that have large numbers of rows/ear and kernels /row and heavy weight of 100 kernels.
Carboxamide Derivatives Are Potential Therapeutic AHR Ligands for Restoring IL-4 Mediated Repression of Epidermal Differentiation Proteins

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common T-helper 2 (Th2) lymphocyte-mediated chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by disturbed epidermal differentiation (e.g., filaggrin (FLG) expression) and diminished skin barrier function. Therapeutics targeting the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), such as coal tar and tapinarof, are effective in AD, yet new receptor ligands with improved potency or bioavailability are in demand to expand the AHR-targeting therapeutic arsenal. We found that carboxamide derivatives from laquinimod, tasquinimod, and roquinimex can activate AHR signaling at low nanomolar concentrations. Tasquinimod derivative (IMA-06504) and its prodrug (IMA-07101) provided full agonist activity and were most effective to induce FLG and other epidermal differentiation proteins, and counteracted IL-4 mediated repression of terminal differentiation. Partial agonist activity by other derivatives was less efficacious. The previously reported beneficial safety profile of these novel small molecules, and the herein reported therapeutic potential of specific carboxamide derivatives, provides a solid rationale for further preclinical assertation.
Polarization Independent Optical Coherence Tomography

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a well established imaging modality for high-resolution three-dimensional imaging in clinical settings. While imaging, care must be taken to minimize the imaging artifacts related to the polarization differences between the sample and the reference signals. Current OCT systems adopt complicated mechanisms, such as the use of multiple detectors, polarization-maintaining fibers, polarization controllers to achieve polarization artifacts free sample images. Often the polarization controllers need readjustment which is not suitable for clinical settings. In this work, we demonstrate a simple approach that can minimize the polarization-related artifacts in the OCT systems. Polarization artifact-free images are acquired using two orthogonally polarized reference signals where the orthogonal polarization is achieved using a Faraday mirror. In the current approach, only a single detector is required which makes the current approach compatible with swept-source or camera-based OCT systems. Furthermore, no polarization controllers are used in the system which increases the system stability while minimizing the artifacts related to the sample birefringence, polarization change due to the sample scattering, and polarization change due to the optical fiber movements present in the system.
GROWTH OF THREE TIMBER TREES AS AFFECTED BY AMOUNTS OF WASTEWATER APPLICATION AND IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

Five-year-old Gmelina arborea, Khaya senegalensis and Tectona grandis seedlings were investigated at Sarabium Plantation, located in North Eastern Egypt, allocated for wastewater disposal. The study monitored the growth, above ground biomass, water use efficiency, nutrients and heavy metals content of these species throughout three seasons (2016, 2017 and 2018). The study was laid out on a randomized complete block design in split plot layout with three replications. There were 12 treatments including three irrigation treatments (A1) approximately 130 %; (A2) 100 %; and (A3) 70 % of evapotranspiration. These amounts of water was applied as main plot and four types of micro irrigation systems: bubblers (Bub.), on line dripper (Drip.), built-in dripper (G.R.) and sub-surface drip irrigation (SSD), as sub-plot factor. The results showed that using bubblers system together with the application of 10.3 l tree -1 day -1 of wastewater could be recommended in Sarabium area where water is not a limiting factor to provide the highest growth parameters and biomass production of Gmelina arborea, Khaya senegalensis and Tectona grandis tree species. Also, values of water use efficiency indicated that 0.76, 1.01, 1.33 and 2.4 m 3 of water were needed to produce one kilogram of dry matter yield using Bub. , Drip. , G.R. , and SSD in Gmelina arborea; 0.59, 0.74, 0.97, and 2.0m 3 in Khaya senegalensis and 0.24, 0.40, 0.57, and 0.76 m 3 in Tectona grandis, respectively. This means that water savings were achieved with the Bub. system in comparing with Drip. , G.R. and SSD were 0.25, 57, and 1.64 m 3 in Gmelina arborea; 0.15, 0.38, 1.41 m 3 in Khaya senegalensis and 0.16, 0.33 and 0.52 m 3 in Tectona grandis, respectively. The results of the present study could contribute in the Egyptian sustainable development strategy 2030, as it achieves the target of “managing the natural resources" through forestation the desert land and reuse the wastewater to produce woody biomass.
Ergonomics 4.0: Human‐Centered Procedure for Ergonomic Design Using Virtual Reality Prototyping

When designing large‐scale products, like airplanes, involving the opinions from end‐users, like passengers, in conceptualization is difficult. Including user evaluation at the early stage is of foremost importance to develop products or services that reach user satisfaction. Comfort‐related assessments are particularly difficult to implement with digital models that are merely displayed on a desktop of a computer. Digital Human Modelling (DHM) benefited postural comfort analysis in the last three decades, while comfort evaluations are still largely subjective and rely on consulting with end‐users.
TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTANCE MODEL AS A MEDIATOR EXPLAINING FACTORS AFFECTING ONLINE EDUCATION

Purpose – This study aims to provide educators with information concerning factors impacting the student’s willingness to use online learning. This is explained by the mediator technology acceptance model (TAM). The study investigates the external factors and the mediating effect of the perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness on the intention to use online learning. Design/methodology/approach Results are obtained from surveying 202 university students, 80 of which are undergraduates, while 122 are postgraduates. Public and private universities are represented in the sample, as 53% of the sample are private university students, while 47% are public students. 62.4% are students outside Cairo, whereas 37.6% are from residential areas outside Cairo. Smart PLS 3 has been used to test the hypothesis, directly and indirectly involving testing mediation. Findings - There is no direct relation between the instructor’s online self-efficacy, student online self-effi - cacy, and the student willingness to use online education. Nevertheless, there is a significant direct relation - ship between organizational support and student intention to use online education. Originality/value – This research adds to the knowledge accumulation of online learning studies, it discusses online learning in the context of Egypt’s higher education during COVID 19 crises. As, the Egyptian case provides an enriched applied case of a developing country that could face the negative repurctions of COVID 19 on the students in the higher education system. Data represent the educational form and level that might affect student behavioral intention to learn on - line.
A novel quasi-Yagi antenna with broad-band and broad-angle characteristics

A novel quasi-Yagi antenna was proposed with broad-band and broad-angle characteristics.CST microwave studio,high frequency structure simulation software based on Finite Integration Method(FIM),were used to analyze the antenna performances.Two methods to extend beam width were simulated,and the method of adding rectangle microstrip patches as radiating element was selected at last.After being optimized with simulation software,the results of the modified quasi-Yagi show more than 120° beam width both in E-and H-plane and a relative bandwidth about 40% for Voltage Standing Wave Ratio(VSWR) of less than 2.
Safety and Complications of Diagnostic Medical Thoracoscopy: A 3-year experience of a single centre

Background: Medical thoracoscopy (MT) is one of the oldest invasive interventional techniques in the recent history of respiratory medicine. Its role in clinical practice was emphasized in the last few years, and it almost replaced the traditional closed pleural biopsy method. Aim of the Study: To evaluate the safety and the rate of possible complications during and after medical thoracoscopy performed for diagnostic purposes at a single centre in Cairo, Egypt. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective analytical study of data collected from the medical records of all patients (226 patients) that underwent diagnostic medical thoracoscopy at our center in successive three years. Results: The mean age of the study patients was 55.37 ± 13.69 years, 125 (55.3%) of them were males, while 101 (44.7%) were females and 137 patients (60.62%) had a risk of asbestos exposure. Persistent air-leak ≥7 days was the most frequent major thoracoscopic complication, detected in 10 patients (4.42%), followed by hypoxemia in 9 patients (3.98%), then post-procedure pneumonia and arrhythmia in 5 patients (2.21%) for each. The most common minor thoracoscopic complication was post-procedure pain in 74 patients (32.74%), followed by transient air-leak <7 days in 25 patients (11.61%) then post-procedure unexplained fever in 23 patients (10.17%) and subcutaneous emphysema in 19 patients (8.4%). Conclusion: Medical thoracoscopy is a simple, valuable and safe diagnostic procedure, which carries a limited possibility of complications, most of them are not serious and easy to be controlled.
Cost-Effectiveness of Endovascular Thrombectomy in Childhood Stroke: An Analysis of the Save ChildS Study

Background and Purpose The Save ChildS Study demonstrated that endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a safe treatment option for pediatric stroke patients with large vessel occlusions (LVOs) with high recanalization rates. Our aim was to determine the long-term cost, health consequences and cost-effectiveness of EVT in this patient population. Methods In this retrospective study, a decision-analytic Markov model estimated lifetime costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Early outcome parameters were based on the entire Save ChildS Study to model the EVT group. As no randomized data exist, the Save ChildS patient subgroup with unsuccessful recanalization was used to model the standard of care group. For modeling of lifetime estimates, pediatric and adult input parameters were obtained from the current literature. The analysis was conducted in a United States setting applying healthcare and societal perspectives. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. The willingness-to-pay threshold was set to $100,000 per QALY. Results The model results yielded EVT as the dominant (cost-effective as well as cost-saving) strategy for pediatric stroke patients. The incremental effectiveness for the average age of 11.3 years at first stroke in the Save ChildS Study was determined as an additional 4.02 lifetime QALYs, with lifetime cost-savings that amounted to $169,982 from a healthcare perspective and $254,110 when applying a societal perspective. Acceptability rates for EVT were 96.60% and 96.66% for the healthcare and societal perspectives. Conclusions EVT for pediatric stroke patients with LVOs resulted in added QALY and reduced lifetime costs. Based on the available data in the Save ChildS Study, EVT is very likely to be a cost-effective treatment strategy for childhood stroke.