Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Treatment Outcomes and Its Associated Factors Among Adult Patients with Selected Solid Malignancies at Kenyatta National Hospital: A Hospital-Based Prospective Cohort Study

Introduction The treatment outcome of cancer is poor in the African setting due to inadequate treatment and diagnostic facilities. However, there is a paucity of data on solid cancers in Kenya. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the treatment outcomes and its determinant factors among adult patients diagnosed with selected solid malignancies at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). Materials and Methods A prospective cohort study was employed at the Oncology Department of KNH from 1st July 2020 to 31st December 2021. All new patients with a confirmed diagnosis of lymphoma, prostate cancer and breast cancer were studied. A consecutive sample of 99 breast cancer, 50 lymphomas, and 82 prostate cancer patients was included in the study. Semi-structured questionnaires consisting of socio-demographics, clinical characteristics, and quality of life were employed to collect the data. All enrolled patients were followed prospectively for 12 months. Treatment outcomes were reported as mortality, cancer-specific survival and health-related quality of life. The data were entered and analyzed using the SPSS 20.0 statistical software. Survival outcomes and its predictors were evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox regression analyses, respectively. Results The study showed that the mortality rate among breast and prostate cancer patients was 3% and 4.9%, respectively. In contrast, the mortality rate was 10% among lymphoma patients. Most of the patients had partial remission and a good overall global health-related quality of life. Older age above 60 years, co-morbidity, distant metastasis and advanced stages of disease were significant predictors of mortality. Conclusion Although the mortality was not high at 12 months, only a few patients had complete remission. For many patients, the disease was progressing, despite 12-month mortality was not high. Therefore, longer follow-up will be required to report cancer mortality accurately. In addition, most of the patients had a good overall global health-related quality of life.
PTPRD and DCC Are Novel BACE1 Substrates Differentially Expressed in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Data Mining and Bioinformatics Study

The β-site Amyloid precursor protein Cleaving Enzyme 1 (BACE1) is an extensively studied therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), owing to its role in the production of neurotoxic amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides. However, despite numerous BACE1 inhibitors entering clinical trials, none have successfully improved AD pathogenesis, despite effectively lowering Aβ concentrations. This can, in part, be attributed to an incomplete understanding of BACE1, including its physiological functions and substrate specificity. We propose that BACE1 has additional important physiological functions, mediated through substrates still to be identified. Thus, to address this, we computationally analysed a list of 533 BACE1 dependent proteins, identified from the literature, for potential BACE1 substrates, and compared them against proteins differentially expressed in AD. We identified 15 novel BACE1 substrates that were specifically altered in AD. To confirm our analysis, we validated Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type D (PTPRD) and Netrin receptor DCC (DCC) using Western blotting. These findings shed light on the BACE1 inhibitor failings and could enable the design of substrate-specific inhibitors to target alternative BACE1 substrates. Furthermore, it gives us a greater understanding of the roles of BACE1 and its dysfunction in AD.
Climate Change Affectedness and Innovation in German Firms

Eco-innovations are crucial for the mitigation of climate change effects. It is therefore important to know if the existing climate change regulations and carbon pricing are appropriate and sufficient to trigger such innovations. Besides government measures, the demand for carbon neutral products or the impacts of climate change such as extreme weather conditions leading to higher costs for the affected firms may also promote eco-innovation activities. For the first time, the new wave of the Community Innovation Survey 2020 in Germany allows an analysis of the effects of climate change policy and costs, demand for climate friendly goods and extreme weather conditions on (eco-)innovation. The results of probit and treatment effect models show that innovative firms seem to be significantly more affected by climate change measures and consequences compared to other firms. All climate change indicators are positively correlated to eco-innovations. Interestingly, other innovation activities also profit from the extent to which a firm is affected by climate change albeit the marginal effects are lower compared to eco-innovations. Demand for climate neutral products is significantly important for all eco-product-innovations.
When is it advisable to introduce analogies to foster creativity in education? (¿Cuándo es aconsejable introducir analogías para fomentar la creatividad en la educación?)

ABSTRACT Reasoning by analogy is a form of inductive reasoning that in humans has been linked to fluid intelligence. It is a powerful driver of creativity as it allows us to make inferences in unknown domains by drawing parallels to domains we are familiar with, thus offering safe ground for speculation. Given that some of the most ingenious minds in human history (e.g., Leonardo da Vinci) stand out in their capacity to apply analogies to new fields of knowledge, and because actual scientific breakthroughs have been made based on analogical reasoning, it is reasonable to assume that analogies could be used as a mind-opener which helps students to foster their creativity and innovativeness. The question remains when children are mature enough for analogies to be introduced and profitably used in the classroom. We review how analogical reasoning and working memory develop throughout ontogeny in order to predict when children are sufficiently cognitively mature to benefit from using analogies as a learning tool.
A study on high incidence of mustard aphids, Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) and Myzus persicae (Sulzer) on Gobhi Sarson during warmer and drier winters at Palampur, Himachal Pradesh

Oilseeds are an important component of the agricultural economy, next to food grains, in terms of area, production and value. India is among the top few vegetable oil economies of the world and contributes about 28.3% acreage and 19.8% production of the world oilseeds. Gobhi sarson (Brassica napus), a long duration crop, is the new emerging oilseed crop in Himachal Pradesh. It has good yield potential, wide adaptability and possesses high oil content of good quality (Shekhawat et al., 2012). But, several biotic and abiotic factors pose as constraints in the production of this crop.
Lucid Dreaming Frequency and Sensory-Processing Sensitivity

Previous research identified personality and neurophysiological traits that are associated with inter-individual differences in lucid dreaming frequency. The present study investigated the question as to whether sensory processing sensitivity is related to lucid dreaming. Overall, 1,807 persons (1,008 woman, 799 men) with a mean age of 47.75 ± 14.41 years completed the German High Sensitive Person Scale, a Big Five personality inventory, and the lucid dream frequency scale. As expected, Aesthetic Sensitivity and Low Sensory Threshold (two of the three sensory processing factors) were positively related to lucid dream frequency. Moreover, extraversion and low agreeableness were also related to lucid dreaming frequency. Although the effect sizes of these relationships are relatively small, this research can shed light on the mechanism underlying the inter-individual differences in lucid dream frequency.
Environmental and Economic Assessment of Repairable Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Polymers in Circular Economy Perspective

The explosive growth of the global market for Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) and the lack of a closing loop strategy of composite waste have raised environmental concerns. Circular economy studies, including Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC), have investigated composite recycling and new bio-based materials to substitute both carbon fibers and matrices. However, few studies have addressed composite repair. Studies focused on bio-based composites coupled with recycling and repairing are also lacking. Within this framework, the paper aims at presenting opportunities and challenges of the new thermosetting composite developed at the laboratory including the criteria of repairing, recycling, and use of bio-based materials in industrial applications through an ex ante LCA coupled with LCC. Implementing the three criteria mentioned above would reduce the environmental impact from 50% to 86% compared to the baseline scenario with the highest benefits obtained by implementing the only repairing. LCC results indicate that manufacturing and repairing parts built from bio-based CFRP is economically sustainable. However, recycling can only be economically sustainable under a specific condition. Managerial strategies are proposed to mitigate the uncertainties of the recycling business. The findings of this study can provide valuable guidance on supporting decisions for companies making strategic plans.
Effect of Seed Traits and Waterbird Species on the Dispersal Effectiveness of Wetland Plants

Simple Summary Quantifying the effects of seed traits on waterbird-mediated seed dispersal effectiveness contributes to understanding wetland plant ecology and hence can be used for improving wetland conservation and restoration, especially in the global scenario of wetland degradation and destruction. Waterbirds, especially dabbling ducks, can effectively disperse wetland plant seeds through their guts (endozoochory). Here, we experimentally quantified the effects of seed traits (length and lignin) on retention time, retrieval, and germination of surviving seeds. The results showed that the germination rate of recovered seeds was higher than the controls, suggesting that endozoochory contributes to seed germination. Local seed dispersal was more efficient, and long-distance dispersal was possible. Furthermore, smaller seeds passed through the guts faster, and there was no significant effect of disperser species on germination. We concluded that waterbird-mediated endozoochory plays an important role in wetlands. Abstract Seed dispersal is an important ecological process in wetland ecosystems and helps maintain community structure and ecosystem biodiversity. Waterbird-mediated endozoochory is an effective and feasible dispersal mechanism for wetland plants; however, the influence of vectors and seed traits on this mechanism remains unclear. To investigate the effects of vector species and seed traits (length and lignin) on retention time, retrieval and germination of gut-surviving seeds, we fed Baikal teals (Anas formosa) and green-winged teals (Anas crecca) eight common plant seeds (Polygonum aviculare, Rumex dentatus, Polygonum orientale, Vallisneria natans, Ranunculus polii, Polygonum hydropiper, Carex cinerascen and Euphrasia pectinata) in the Shengjin Lake wetland (a Ramsar site). We collected fecal samples at intervals of 2–6 h for 36 h, and found that the percentage of recovered seeds differed significantly among teal and plant species (3%~30%); 94% of viable seeds were recovered within 12 h after feeding. Moreover, the germination rate of the recovered seeds (25%~56%) was higher than that of the control. The seed retention time was affected by seed lignin and disperser species; higher lignin made digestion difficult with higher retrieval. Smaller seeds passed through the guts but had no significant effect on recovered seeds. Seed length and disperser species showed no significant correlation with germination. These findings suggested endozoochory by dabbling ducks as an effective wetland seed dispersal mechanism.
Non-Mutated Nucleophosmin 1 Is Recognized by the CD8+ T Lymphocytes of an AML Patient after the Transplantation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells from an HLA-Haploidentical Donor

Simple Summary Our study describes an AML patient whose leukemia cells carried the NPM1c+ mutation, and who was the recipient of allogeneic HSCT from a haploidentical donor. The patient raised a robust allorestricted CD8+ T cell response directed against the NPM1wt protein. Favourably, the response against NPM1wt was not accompanied by side effects such as GvHD. Moreover, the induction of a high NPM1wt specific response coincided with the decrease in NPM1c+ transcripts detected, implying a beneficial graft versus leukemia effect. On the basis of these results, we suppose that TCRs from allorestricted NPM1wt-specific T cells are worth studying in other recipients of grafts from haploidentical donors as a possible tool for TCR gene therapy. Abstract Nucleophosmin (NPM1, B23) is a multifunctional phosphoprotein expressed in all tissues. The protein is mainly localized in nucleoli. In hematological malignancies, NPM1 belongs to commonly altered genes. Its mutation, always heterozygous, leads to the re-localization of the NPM1 protein from the nucleolus to the cytoplasm (NPM1c+). NPM1c+ is found in 30% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Our study showed that an AML patient, whose leukemia cells carried the NPM1c+ mutation and who was the recipient of allogeneic HSCT from a haploidentical donor, raised a robust allorestricted CD8+ T cell response directed against the NPM1wt protein. Favourably, the response against NPM1wt was not accompanied by side effects such as GvHD. Moreover, the induction of a high NPM1wt-specific response coincided with the decrease in NPM1c+ transcripts detected, implying a beneficial graft versus leukemia effect. On the basis of these results, we suppose that TCRs from allorestricted NPM1wt-specific T cells are worth studying in other recipients of grafts from haploidentical donors as a possible tool for TCR gene therapy.
Adaptation to the Spanish university context and psychometric properties of the MSLQ: Contributions to the measurement and analysis of gender differences of self-regulated learning

A challenge in advancing research into self-regulated learning in general, and gender differences in particular, is related to the measurement of various components and self-regulatory processes of it. Therefore, this study aims to adapt into Spanish and analyzes 1) the internal structure, reliability, and gender invariance of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) and 2) the differences between males and females in the MSLQ dimensions and subdimensions. Participants consisted of 428 university students (73.7% women). Results showed that this adaptation is shorter than the original and has better metric properties than other versions. Also, invariance analysis showed that for men and women, the instrument possesses a common structure and loads (metric invariance) that guarantees valid score comparisons by gender. Moderate to high differences were found in women’s favor in the value given to homework, different learning strategies, and anxiety before examinations. This study responds to the need for a culturally adapted, valid, and reliable instrument in Spain and delves into gender differences in self-regulated learning, a key building block to successfully develop academic training at the present times. Una dificultad para el avance en la investigación del aprendizaje autorregulado en general, y las diferencias de género en particular, está relacionada con la medida de los diferentes componentes y procesos autorregulatorios. Por ello, el presente estudio tiene como objetivo adaptar y analizar 1) la estructura interna, fiabilidad e invarianza en función del género del Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) en español y 2) las diferencias entre hombres y mujeres en las dimensiones y subdimensiones del MSLQ. Han participado 428 estudiantes universitarios (73,7% mujeres). Los resultados han evidenciado que esta adaptación es más breve que la versión original y presenta mejores propiedades métricas que otras versiones. La herramienta posee una estructura y pesos factoriales comunes (invariancia métrica) para varones y mujeres que garantiza la validez de las comparaciones por género. Se han hallado diferencias de moderadas a altas a favor de las mujeres en el valor concedido a la tarea, distintas estrategias de aprendizaje y ansiedad ante los exámenes. Este estudio da respuesta a la necesidad de contar en España con un instrumento adaptado culturalmente a nuestro contexto, válido y fiable y ahonda en las diferencias de género en el aprendizaje autorregulado, constructo clave para desarrollar con éxito la formación académica en la actualidad.
Machine-Learning-Based Clinical Biomarker Using Cell-Free DNA for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

Simple Summary Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has attracted a great deal of scientific interest as a predictive biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC result in high mortality due to the absence of blood biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis. We established cfDHCC as a new scoring system by applying a machine learning algorithm that integrates the expression profiles of cfDNA. Based on this, it was possible to accurately predict the clinico-pathological characteristics of patients with HCC as well as improve their survival. Abstract (1) Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Although various serum enzymes have been utilized for the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC, the currently available biomarkers lack the sensitivity needed to detect HCC at early stages and accurately predict treatment responses. (2) Methods: We utilized our highly sensitive cell-free DNA (cfDNA) detection system, in combination with a machine learning algorithm, to provide a platform for improved diagnosis and prognosis of HCC. (3) Results: cfDNA, specifically alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) expression in captured cfDNA, demonstrated the highest accuracy for diagnosing malignancies among the serum/plasma biomarkers used in this study, including AFP, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin. The diagnostic/prognostic capability of cfDNA was further improved by establishing a cfDNA score (cfDHCC), which integrated the total plasma cfDNA levels and cfAFP-DNA expression into a single score using machine learning algorithms. (4) Conclusion: The cfDHCC score demonstrated significantly improved accuracy in determining the pathological features of HCC and predicting patients’ survival outcomes compared to the other biomarkers. The results presented herein reveal that our cfDNA capture/analysis platform is a promising approach to effectively utilize cfDNA as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC.
Nana Ama Adadziewaa!: The Voice Behind Popular Hit Songs in Ghana?

In this paper, we unravel the personality, musical exploits, challenges and contribution of Nana Ama Adadziewaa, Ghana’s iconic female background vocalist to the music industry. Using interviews, documents and audio reviews for data collection, we reveal that Nana Ama Adadziewaa’s voice is behind a corpus of popular hit songs in Ghana. Furthermore, her voice is heard on the Ghanaian airwaves nearly every day; however, this does not bring her any economic gains due to Ghana's poor royalty collection system. We conclude by eulogising Nana Ama Adadziewaa as a model of excellence in the background vocals of Ghanaian popular music and a significant contributor to the Ghanaian music industry. Subsequently, we recommend that the Ghana Music Right Organisation (GHAMRO) and relevant stakeholders enhance the royalty collection system in Ghana so that Nana Ama Adadziewaa and her contemporaries benefit as a matter of urgency from their hard work.
Atrial septal defect and concomitant significant pulmonic stenosis in an adult patient

We report a case of an adult male with continued hypoxia and polycythemia after repair of significant pulmonic valve stenosis. A large ostium secundum atrial septal defect was found to be causing these symptoms. We discuss the workup at his initial visit and return to hospital, the diagnosis, and treatment of the pulmonic stenosis and atrial septal defect. We discuss the sudden onset of symptoms in this adult patient and the importance of further screening for a right-to-left shunt through an atrial septal defect in an adult patient with pulmonic stenosis.
Nonpharmaceutical interventions to prevent viral respiratory infection in community settings: an umbrella review

Background Respiratory viruses pose an important public health threat to most communities. Nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) such as masks, hand hygiene or physical distancing, among others, are believed to play an important role in reducing transmission of respiratory viruses. In this umbrella review, we summarise the evidence of the effectiveness of NPIs for the prevention of respiratory virus transmission in the community setting. Observations A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Medline and Cochrane reviews resulted in a total of 24 studies consisting of 11 systematic reviews and meta-analyses, 12 systematic reviews without meta-analyses and one standalone meta-analysis. The current evidence from these data suggests that hand hygiene is protective against respiratory viral infection. The use of hand hygiene and facemasks, facemasks alone and physical distancing were interventions with inconsistent evidence. Interventions such as school closures, oral hygiene or nasal saline rinses were shown to be effective in reducing the risk of influenza; however, the evidence is sparse and mostly of low and critically low quality. Conclusions Studies on the effectiveness of NPIs for the prevention of respiratory viral transmission in the community vary in study design, quality and reported effectiveness. Evidence for the use of hand hygiene or facemasks is the strongest; therefore, the most reasonable suggestion is to use hand hygiene and facemasks in the community setting. Evidence from this umbrella review point to hand hygiene and facemasks as effective nonpharmaceutical methods to prevent respiratory viral transmission in the community setting https://bit.ly/3x6rGu8
The Emerging Role of the Gut Microbiome in Cardiovascular Disease: Current Knowledge and Perspectives

The collection of normally non-pathogenic microorganisms that mainly inhabit our gut lumen shapes our health in many ways. Structural and functional perturbations in the gut microbial pool, known as “dysbiosis”, have been proven to play a vital role in the pathophysiology of several diseases, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although therapeutic regimes are available to treat this group of diseases, they have long been the main cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. While age, sex, genetics, diet, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption are major contributors (World Health Organization, 2018), they cannot explain all of the consequences of CVD. In addition to the abovementioned traditional risk factors, the constant search for novel preventative and curative tools has shed light on the involvement of gut bacteria and their metabolites in the pathogenesis of CVD. In this narrative review, we will discuss the established interconnections between the gut microbiota and CVD, as well as the plausible therapeutic perspectives.