Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Adding Fentanyl to Peribulbar Block on Muscle Traction during Squint and Buckle Surgeries in Adult Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: In squint and buckle surgeries, the intraoperative pain of muscle traction might not be completely prevented by local anesthetic (LA) drugs. Adding fentanyl to LA can avoid systemic opioids side effects. Objectives: The aim of the current work was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of adding fentanyl to peribulbar block to abolish or decrease muscle traction pain during squint or buckle operations. Patients and methods: This randomized clinical trial study included a total of 60 adult patients (18–65-year-old) of both genders booked for either squint or scleral buckle surgeries, attending at Research Institute of Ophthalmology, Giza, Egypt. Patients were allocated randomly into two groups (30 patients each); fentanyl group and control group. Intraoperative pain was the primary outcome, whereas secondary outcomes included the onset of complete akinesia and patient satisfaction. Results: The median pain score was 1 for both groups. Two patients of the fentanyl group and 5 patients of the control group required general anesthesia. The mean time to achieving complete akinesia was shorter in the fentanyl group with a significant statistical difference (134.2±35.8 vs. 156.3±34.7, p = 0.018). The patient satisfaction was more with fentanyl use but with no statistical significance. Conclusions: It could be concluded that fentanyl added to the local anesthesia mixture of peribulbar block in squint and scleral buckle surgeries shorten the time needed to achieve complete akinesia. However, it does not improve the intraoperative pain resulting from muscle traction. Also, it does not affect the need for general anesthesia or postoperative patient satisfaction.
Evaluation of Er,Cr:YSGG LASER in flapless functional crown lengthening (A randomized controlled clinical trial with microbial analysis)

Background : Several studies have described the benefits of LASER when used for crown lengthening (CL). However, there has been a lack of clinical trials comparing surgical functional crown lengthening (FCL) and LASER flapless CL. The aim of this study was to compare both methods together in terms of soft-tissue wound healing, gingival marginal stability and sub-gingival bacterial load reduction. Subjects and methods: Twenty patients with eligible teeth for FCL were recruited and randomly allocated to either; Group I: 10 posterior teeth indicated for FCL received closed flap laser assisted CL utilizing (Er, Cr:YSGG) laser or Group II: 10 posterior teeth indicated for FCL received open flap conventional surgical technique. Soft tissue healing was evaluated on the 7 th day,45 th day and after 3 months. Gingival marginal stability was evaluated immediately after surgery and after 3 months. Sub-gingival bacterial load was assessed at base-line, on the 7 th day and after 45 days. Results: Laser induced faster and significantly better soft tissue healing at 7 days but insignificantly less frequent stable gingival margin after 3 months when compared to conventional surgery. Laser induced significantly higher percentage reduction of bacterial load in the gingival sulcus than conventional surgery after 7 and 45 days. Conclusion: Closed flap laser-assisted CL using Er, Cr: YSGG laser can be used as an alternative procedure for conventional surgical FCL with better and faster healing and bacterial disinfection.
A radiomics-based model for the outcome prediction in COVID-19 positive patients through deep learning with both longitudinal chest x-ray and chest computed tomography images

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had a major impact on global health and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide. During the pandemic, imaging characteristics of chest X-ray (CXR) and chest computed tomography (CT) played an important role in the screening, diagnosis and monitoring the disease progression. Various studies suggested that quantitative image analysis methods including artificial intelligence and radiomics can greatly boost the value of imaging in the management of COVID-19. However, few studies have explored the use of longitudinal multi-modal medical images with varying visit intervals for outcome prediction in COVID-19 patients. This study aims to explore the potential of longitudinal multimodal radiomics in predicting the outcome of COVID-19 patients by integrating both CXR and CT images with variable visit intervals through deep learning. 2274 patients who underwent CXR and/or CT scans during disease progression were selected for this study. Of these, 946 patients were treated at the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS) and the remaining 1328 patients were acquired at Stony Brook University (SBU) and curated by the Medical Imaging and Data Resource Center (MIDRC). 532 radiomic features were extracted with the Cancer Imaging Phenomics Toolkit (CaPTk) from the lung regions in CXR and CT images at all visits. We employed two commonly used deep learning algorithms to analyze the longitudinal multimodal features, and evaluated the prediction results based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Our models achieved testing AUC scores of 0.816 and 0.836, respectively, for the prediction of mortality.
Effect of high-optical excitation on the ultrafast electron dynamics in stacked-monolayer graphene samples

We report on transient absorption experiments performed at high optical excitation fluences and used to study the ultrafast dynamics in graphene. We employed a degenerated scheme of pump and probe at 800 nm (1.55 eV). The time resolution of our measurements was limited by the pulse duration ~ 100 fs. The samples were prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) as single-layers on silica and, then staked layer-by-layer in order to make a stack of up to 5 graphene monolayers. We observed saturable absorption (SA) and fluence-dependent relaxation times. We see that the ultrafast carrier dynamics is composed by two decay mechanisms, one with response time of about 200 fs and a slower process of about 1 ps. The fast decay, due to both carrier-carrier and carrier-optical phonon scattering, becomes slower when the density of excited carrier was increased. We implemented a theoretical model and found that both the optical phonon rate emission and the optical phonon lifetime are affect by the pump fluence.
Predicting lung cancer treatment response from CT images using deep learning

Lung cancer is the deadliest type of cancer and is one of the most frequently occurring cancers. It is primarily diagnosed in later stages when treatment becomes difficult. For better treatment and higher chances of survival, the treatment response of lung cancer patients needs to be analyzed to check whether the patients are responding to the treatment or not. This analysis can be done with the help of follow‐up computed tomography (CT) imaging before and after the treatment. However, manually analyzing the baseline and post‐treatment CT scan images of so many lung cancer patients is a tedious task. This study proposes an intuitive approach based on deep learning to analyze lung cancer through CT scan images before and after the treatment. In this approach, we utilized a segmentation network to segment the lung tumor in the follow‐up CT images. The segmented tumor is then analyzed to check the treatment effect, as suggested by the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) guidelines. The segmentation network combines a vision transformer and a convolutional neural network. The segmentation network is first trained on a public dataset and then fine‐tuned on the local dataset to improve the segmentation performance. For this study, we have collected a lung cancer dataset from an Indian hospital. The dataset is divided into two parts dataset I and dataset II. Dataset I consists of 100 CT scans, which we use to fine‐tune the proposed segmentation network. Dataset II comprises 220 CT scans of 110 patients, consisting of baseline and post‐treatment scans. We use dataset II for testing. We achieved significant performance.
Detection of Organophosphorus Esters (OPEs) in Groundwater

: Organophosphate esters (OPEs), are used as ﬂame retardants and plasticizers to protect or enhance the properties of plastics, textiles, and many other materials. Sampling was carried out in groundwater from the karst aquifer Bokanjac–Poliˇcnik near the city of Zadar, Croatia. To determine their continuous presence, samples were taken once during each season for one year. In the collected samples, nine OPEs were identiﬁed: tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate-TBEP, tricresyl phosphate-TCP, triphenyl phosphate-TPPA, tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate-TCPP, tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate-TCEP, tris(1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate-TDCPP, diethyl phthalate-DEP, tri-n-butyl phosphate-TBP, and di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate-DEHA.
Asymptotic behavior of a generalized Cahn–Hilliard equation with a mass source

We consider in this article a generalized Cahn–Hilliard equation with mass source (nonlinear reaction term) which has applications in biology. We are interested in the well-posedness and the study of the asymptotic behavior of the solutions (and, more precisely, the existence of finite-dimensional attractors). We first consider the usual Dirichlet boundary conditions and then Neumann boundary conditions. The latter require additional assumptions on the mass source term to obtain the dissipativity. Indeed, otherwise, the order parameter u can blow up in finite time. We also give numerical simulations which confirm the theoretical results.
Surface-wave computations and the synthesis of theoretical seismograms at high frequencies

Multi-mode, surface-wave dispersion—eigenvalue—computations are studied in the range of frequencies from 1 to 10,000 Hz, for structures composed of a sequence of homogeneous layers. When the original version of the Thomson-Haskell technique is applied to such structures, a loss-of-precision problem is encountered with Rayleigh-wave computations. Into the range of high frequencies, we now want to know whether the Love-wave formulation and the alternate Rayleigh-wave formulations are completely free of this problem. At low, intermediate, high, and very high frequencies, our numerical testing shows no evidence whatsoever of loss-of-precision problems; not for Love waves, for Rayleigh waves when Knopoff's method is used, nor for Rayleigh waves when the deltamatrix extension of the original Thomson-Haskell formulation is employed. In these three cases, when P digits are used in the computations, the resulting phase velocities can be obtained to full. P digit accuracy. All overflow/underflow problems can be controlled by simple modifications of the usual computational methods; these modifications do not affect the accuracy of the calculated dispersion. The computation of displacement-depth and stress-depth functions—eigenfunctions—is also studied up to extremely high frequencies. Once again, the original Rayleigh-wave formulation encounters loss-of-precision difficulties in these eigenfunction evaluations. The use of Knopoff's method completely solves this aspect of the problem with precision loss. As with dispersion calculations, all overflow/underflow problems are easily controlled by means that do not affect the accuracy of the computed eigenfunctions. In addition to precision loss and overflow/underflow problems, three further details affect efficiency and accuracy when synthesizing high-frequency seismograms by multi-mode summation of dispersed surface waves. Avoid branch-line integrals and spherical Bessel functions of nonintegral order by using spherical structures combined with transformations permitting replacement of Bessel functions with circular or exponential functions. The number of higher modes treated explicitly, at each of the higher frequencies, should be limited by selective sampling combined with summation procedures approximating inclusion of all modes. As frequency increases, the structural specification must be monitored to ensure the homogeneous layers used to approximate the true structure do not become much thicker than the vertical extent of the eigenfunction lobes.
Combined PacBio Iso-Seq and Illumina RNA-Seq Analysis of the Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) Transcriptome and Cytochrome P450 Genes

Simple Summary Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is an invasive pest that is extremely difficult to control. It exhibits varying levels of resistance to many insecticides. The use of compound insecticides has emerged as a new choice due to their ability to enhance insecticidal activity and delay the increased rate of resistance. The combined sequencing technology of PacBio Iso-Seq and Illumina RNA-seq is very beneficial to perform the in-depth exploration of its life activities. In this study, we obtained full-length transcriptome and comparative transcriptome data for T. absoluta by using the combined sequencing technology, and 21 P450 genes related to abamectin and chlorantraniliprole complex metabolism were excavated and the phylogenetic tree was constructed. Eight upregulated P450 genes were verified by qRT-PCR. It is speculated that these genes are closely related to the response of T. absoluta to abamectin and chlorantraniliprole complex. Abstract Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is a devastating invasive pest worldwide. The abamectin and chlorantraniliprole complex have become an alternative option for chemical control because they can enhance insecticidal activity and delay increased drug resistance. Notably, pests are inevitably resistant to various types of insecticides, and compound insecticides are no exception. To identify potential genes involved in the detoxification of abamectin and chlorantraniliprole complex in T. absoluta, PacBio SMRT-seq transcriptome sequencing and Illumina RNA-seq analysis of abamectin and chlorantraniliprole complex-treated T. absoluta were performed. We obtained 80,492 non-redundant transcripts, 62,762 (77.97%) transcripts that were successfully annotated, and 15,524 differentially expressed transcripts (DETs). GO annotation results showed that most of these DETs were involved in the biological processes of life-sustaining activities, such as cellular, metabolic, and single-organism processes. The KEGG pathway enrichment results showed that the pathways related to glutathione metabolism, fatty acid and amino acid synthesis, and metabolism were related to the response to abamectin and chlorantraniliprole complex in T. absoluta. Among these, 21 P450s were differentially expressed (11 upregulated and 10 downregulated). The qRT-PCR results for the eight upregulated P450 genes after abamectin and chlorantraniliprole complex treatment were consistent with the RNA-Seq data. Our findings provide new full-length transcriptional data and information for further studies on detoxification-related genes in T. absoluta.
An Overview on Fecal Profiles of Amino Acids and Related Amino-Derived Compounds in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Tunisia

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental pathology characterized by the impairment of social interaction, difficulties in communication, and repetitive behaviors. Alterations in the metabolism of amino acids have been reported. We performed a chromatographic analysis of fecal amino acids, ammonium, biogenic amines, and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in Tunisian autistic children from 4 to 10 years, and results were compared with their siblings (SIB) and children from the general population (GP). ASD presented significantly higher levels of fecal amino acids than SIB and GP; differences being more pronounced in younger (4–7 years) than in older (8–10 years) individuals whereas no changes were found for the remaining compounds. Lower levels of histidine were the only difference related with severe symptoms of autism (CARS scale). A linear discriminant analysis (LDA) based on fecal amino acid profiles clearly separated ASD, SIB, and GP at 4 to 7 years but not at more advanced age (8–10 years), evidencing more pronounced alterations in younger children. The relationship of fecal amino acids with autism needs deeper research integrating blood analytical parameters, brain metabolism, and intestinal microbiota. Fecal amino acids could be targeted for designing personalized diets to prevent or minimize cognitive impairments associated with ASD.
A note on permissible delay in payments for (Q, R) inventory systems with ordering cost reduction

In this note, we explore the (Q, R) inventory policy as well as the investment strategy for ordering cost reduction under conditions of permissible delay in payments. The relationship between ordering cost and its investment is formulated by the widely utilized logarithmic function. We first consider a case where the lead-time demand is normally distributed, and develop an algorithm to find the optimal solution. Then, the Laplace distribution is employed to model the lead-time demand, for this case, we derive the closed-form solution and perform the sensitivity analysis. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the results of proposed models.
Valid and Reproducible Quantitative Assessment of Cardiac Volumes by Echocardiography in Patients with Valvular Heart Diseases—Possible or Wishful Thinking?

The analysis of left ventricular function is predominantly based on left ventricular volume assessment. Especially in valvular heart diseases, the quantitative assessment of total and effective stroke volumes as well as regurgitant volumes is necessary for a quantitative approach to determine regurgitant volumes and regurgitant fraction. In the literature, there is an ongoing discussion about differences between cardiac volumes estimated by echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance tomography. This viewpoint focuses on the feasibility to assess comparable cardiac volumes with both modalities. The former underestimation of cardiac volumes determined by 2D and 3D echocardiography is presumably explained by methodological and technical limitations. Thus, this viewpoint aims to stimulate an urgent and critical rethinking of the echocardiographic assessment of patients with valvular heart diseases, especially valvular regurgitations, because the actual integrative approach might be too error prone to be continued in this form. It should be replaced or supplemented by a definitive quantitative approach. Valid quantitative assessment by echocardiography is feasible once echocardiography and data analysis are performed with methodological and technical considerations in mind. Unfortunately, implementation of this approach cannot generally be considered for real-world conditions.
A Digital-Analogical Intervention Program Following a Play-Based Approach for Preschoolers: The Effects on Executive Functions and ADHD Symptoms in a Pilot Study

Today, the effective use of technological tools is a fundamental aspect of learning. Nevertheless, in Italy’s education system the integration of digital technologies in a pedagogically meaningful way is still not very widespread, especially in non-compulsory levels, such as preschool. Integration of digital technologies as early as preschool could be useful to support child development, especially for fostering executive functions (EFs). These play an important role in the daily life of all children, whether or not they have special education needs (SEN), such as coping with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. This paper reports a pilot study in which a play-based intervention is adopted that combines interaction with both educational apps and analogical materials. The main aim of the study is to investigate whether application of this intervention promotes the development of EFs and a decrease in ADHD symptoms (inattention and impulsivity/hyperactivity), as perceived by teachers and parents. The results show significant improvements in various EFs components and, in the experimental group, ADHD symptoms seem to decrease, especially in those children considered at risk by their teachers and parents. This suggests that the digital-analogical intervention can be implemented in preschool as an innovative way to improve cognitive abilities and as an early strategy for children with ADHD symptoms.
Heat transfer enhancement in a tube with a twisted tape inserted for various length ratios

ABSTRACT Energy efficiency is a major concern in pipe systems, particularly in applications where heat transfer is significant. Twisted tape insertion is used to enhance heat transfer in pipes. In this numerical study, twisted tapes with various length ratios (LR) (30–100%) were inserted into a tube filled with water. The tube surface was subjected to a uniform heat flux. The Nusselt number (Nu) and friction factor (f) variations were investigated for several Reynolds number values (Re) (2500–10,000) under hydrodynamically developed and thermally developing flow conditions between laminar and turbulent flows in the transition and low-turbulent regime. The results are validated with the available theoretical results and experiments. The maximum Nu enhancement is observed at an LR of 90% based on a factor of 1.55; an LR of 70% demonstrated a similar factor of ~1.5 and a friction factor 3.7 times more than that of plain tubes. This ratio provides the best results for the enhancement factor, which is 1.2 times higher at the maximum level. Consequently, an LR of 70% is considered to be sufficient to obtain an optimum combination of maximum heat transfer and minimum friction combination, and this combination is preferred over completely filling the tube with twisted tape.
The Mathematics of Sentence Structure

The aim of this paper is to obtain an effective rule (or algorithm) for distinguishing sentences from nonsentences, which works not only for the formal languages of interest to the mathematical logician, but also for natural languages such as English, or at least for fragments of such languages. An attempt to formulate such an algorithm is implicit in the work of Ajdukiewicz (1935). His method, later elaborated by Bar-Hillel (1953), depends on a kind of arithmetization of the so-called parts of speech, here called syntactic types.
Application of Quantitative Computed Tomographic Perfusion in the Prognostic Assessment of Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Coexistent Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis

The comorbidity of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) has been suggested to increase the risk of postoperative ischemic stroke. Logistic regression models were established to explore the association between computed tomography perfusion (CTP) parameters and 3-month neurological outcomes and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). Prognostic-related perfusion parameters were added to the existing prognostic prediction models to evaluate model performance improvement. Tmax > 4.0 s volume > 0 mL was significantly associated with 3-month unfavorable neurological outcomes after adjusting for potential confounders (OR 3.90, 95% CI 1.11–13.73), whereas the stenosis degree of ICAS was not. Although the cross-validated area under the curve (AUC) was similar after the addition of the Tmax > 4.0 s volume > 0 mL (SAHIT: p = 0.591; TAPS: p = 0.379), the continuous net reclassification index (cNRI) and integrated discrimination index (IDI) showed that the perfusion parameters significantly improved the performance of the two models (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Patients with coexistent aSAH and ICAS, Tmax > 4.0 s volume > 0 mL is an independent factor of 3-month neurological outcomes. A quantitative assessment of cerebral perfusion may help accurately screen patients with poor outcomes due to the coexistence of aSAH and ICAS.