Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Achieving Sustainable Economic Development in Nigeria through Technical and Vocational Education and Training: The Missing Link

In Nigeria, over the years, emphasis has been on general education, with vocational education at the receiving end. This has resulted in large number of educated people remaining unemployed. This phenomenon has now been recognized by the policy makers and hence there is a greater thrust on vocationalisation of education. Another shortcoming is the perception of TVET as a career path for the less academically endowed being fuelled by the low academic requirement into TVET programme, rather than an effective strategy to train skilled manpower for economic development. This paper discusses the current environment in which TVET in the country operates and the effort government has taken to revitalize it as well as the lessons that can be learnt from countries that have achieved sustainable economic development through TVET. The paper argues that for TVET to be a key to sustainable economic development in the country, there is need for changes in public perception and image of TVET, rejuvenate the nation’s moribound technical training colleges, instructors in training schools to leverage on industry partners to gather industry based experience and strict monitoring of industrial trainees. The paper concludes that technical and vocational education is a necessary but not sufficient condition for sustainable economic development. What are required includes government policies that can stimulate the economy and adequate infrastructural facilities.
Rey–Osterrieth complex figure test: Comparison of traditional and qualitative scoring systems after unilateral temporal lobectomy

Abstract Objective We compared the performance on the Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCF) of patients that had undergone unilateral anterior temporal lobectomy under both Taylor’s and Loring’s scoring systems to identify the sensitivity and specificity of each item for differentiating visuospatial memory deficits. Method We administered the ROCF to evaluate the visual memory of 37 left anterior temporal lobectomy (LATL) and 38 right anterior temporal lobectomy (RATL) patients with unilateral temporal lobe epilepsy who had undergone a standard unilateral anterior temporal lobectomy between 1996 and 2010. Fisher’s exact and Qui–Quadrado tests were used to analyze the relationships between the qualitative variables. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare the quantitative variables from the right and left sides. Results RATL patients performed worse than LATL patients based on the total score for delayed recall (DR) (p = 0.012). The scoring system’s showed a specificity of 97.2% & 78.9% and sensitivity of 10.5% & 62.2% on DR, for the Taylor and Loring systems respectively. Our detailed analysis of certain items showed that some differed between the groups in terms of the presence/absence, correct reproduction, and errors of those items. Loring’ errors I, IV, and X on DR and errors IV and X on immediate recall were more frequent in the RATL group. Conclusions The use of these two scoring systems combined may help maximize sensitivity and specificity with clinical populations. Further, our analyses showed that items could be clustered better and different weights could be given to them to maximize sensitivity and specificity.
Targeting two potential sites of SARS-CoV-2 main protease through computational drug repurposing

Abstract Before the rise of SARS-CoV-2, emergence of different coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV has been reported that indicates possibility of the future novel pathogen from the coronavirus family at a pandemic level. In this context, explicit studies on identifying inhibitors focused on the coronavirus life cycle, are immensely important. The main protease is critical for the life cycle of coronaviruses. Majority of the work done on the inhibitor studies on the catalytically active dimeric SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), primarily focussed on the catalytic site of a single protomer, with a few targeting the dimeric site. In this study, we have exploited the FDA-approved drugs, for a computational drug repurposing study against the Mpro. A virtual screening approach was employed with docking and molecular dynamics (MD) methods. Out of 1576, FDA-approved compounds, our study suggests three compounds: netupitant, paliperidone and vilazodone as possible inhibitors with a potential to inhibit both sites (monomeric and dimeric) of the Mpro. These compounds were found to be stable during the MD simulations and their post simulation binding energies were also correlated for both the targeted sites, suggesting equal binding capacity. This unique efficiency of the reported compounds might support further experimental studies on developing inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 main protease. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
A simple structure wavelet transform circuit employing function link neural networks and SI filters

ABSTRACT Signal processing by means of analog circuits offers advantages from a power consumption viewpoint. Implementing wavelet transform (WT) using analog circuits is of great interest when low-power consumption becomes an important issue. In this article, a novel simple structure WT circuit in analog domain is presented by employing functional link neural network (FLNN) and switched-current (SI) filters. First, the wavelet base is approximated using FLNN algorithms for giving a filter transfer function that is suitable for simple structure WT circuit implementation. Next, the WT circuit is constructed with the wavelet filter bank, whose impulse response is the approximated wavelet and its dilations. The filter design that follows is based on a follow-the-leader feedback (FLF) structure with multiple output bilinear SI integrators and current mirrors as the main building blocks. SI filter is well suited for this application since the dilation constant across different scales of the transform can be precisely implemented and controlled by the clock frequency of the circuit with the same system architecture. Finally, to illustrate the design procedure, a seventh-order FLNN-approximated Gaussian wavelet is implemented as an example. Simulations have successfully verified that the designed simple structure WT circuit has low sensitivity, low-power consumption and litter effect to the imperfections.
Cesarean section is not associated with increased risk of celiac disease in the offspring: a meta-analysis

Abstract Objective Epidemiologic findings are inconsistent concerning the association between cesarean section (C-section) and celiac disease in offspring. Methods We performed a systematic literature search of PubMed and Embase databases until July 2021. A meta-analysis was performed for each outcome in which a summary odds ratio (OR) was calculated while taking heterogeneity into account. Results A total of 11 observational were identified for the literature review. We found that C-section was not associated with an increase in the risk of CD (OR = 1.03, 95% CI, 0.95–1.12; p = .501). In subgroup analyses, the association remained insignificant for both infants born after elective C-section (OR 1.05; 0.95–1.16; p = .329) and emergency C-section (OR 1.06; 1–1.13; p = .051). Conclusions Our results indicate that C-section is not associated with CD in offspring.
Longitudinal association between visual disability and cognitive function among middle-aged and older adults in China

Background/aims To determine the associations between visual disability and cognitive decline in Chinese middle-aged and older adults. Methods A total of 6748 subjects were enrolled into this longitudinal, population-based, nationally representative study from two waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Lagged dependent variable regression was used to model the independent associations between self-reported visual disability and cognitive function including memory and mental status. Results The mean age of the 6748 individuals was 56.33 years, and 3350 (49.6%) were women. The prevalence of visual disability was 3.8%, which increased with age (p<0.001). Both memory and mental status score worsened over time (all p<0.001). After controlling for covariates, lagged dependent variable regression models showed that visual disability at baseline was significantly associated with memory decline after 7 years (β=−0.252, p=0.046). After stratifying by age groups, this association was only significant in the 55–64 age group (β=−0.372, p=0.033). In addition, both memory and mental status in 2011 predicted memory decline over 7 years (p=0.024 and p=0.045, respectively). Conclusions Our results suggest that visual disability may be a risk factor of memory decline, but not mental status among middle-aged and elderly adults in China. Future studies are needed to further corroborate the association between visual disability and cognitive decline and to determine whether interventions to preserve good visual function can prevent cognitive decline.
Extracellular vesicles mediate the communication between multiple myeloma and bone marrow microenvironment in a NOTCH dependent way

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematologic neoplasm, whose poor prognosis is deeply affected by the propensity of tumor cells to localize in the bone marrow (BM) and induce the protumorigenic activity of normal BM cells, leading to events associated with tumor progression, including tumor angiogenesis, osteoclastogenesis, and the spread of osteolytic bone lesions. The interplay between MM cells and the BM niche does not only rely on direct cell-cell interaction, but a crucial role is also played by MM-derived extracellular vesicles (MM-EV). Here, we demonstrated that the oncogenic NOTCH receptors are part of MM-EV cargo and play a key role in EV protumorigenic ability. We used in vitro and in vivo models to investigate the role of EV-derived NOTCH2 in stimulating the protumorigenic behavior of endothelial cells and osteoclast progenitors. Importantly, MM-EV can transfer NOTCH2 between distant cells and increase NOTCH signaling in target cells. MM-EV stimulation increases endothelial cell angiogenic ability and osteoclast differentiation in a NOTCH2-dependent way. Indeed, interfering with NOTCH2 expression in MM cells may decrease the amount of NOTCH2 also in MM-EV and affect their angiogenic and osteoclastogenic potential. Finally, we demonstrated that the pharmacologic blockade of NOTCH activation by γ-secretase inhibitors may hamper the biological effect of EV derived by MM cell lines and by the BM of MM patients. These results provide the first evidence that targeting the NOTCH pathway may be a valid therapeutic strategy to hamper the protumorigenic role of EV in MM as well as other tumors.
Association of quarterly prevalence of e‐cigarette use with ever regular smoking among young adults in England: a time–series analysis between 2007 and 2018

Abstract Aims To assess how changes in the prevalence of e‐cigarette use among young adults have been associated with changes in the uptake of smoking in England between 2007 and 2018. Design Time–series analysis of population trends with autoregressive integrated moving average with exogeneous input (ARIMAX models). Setting England. Participants Data were aggregated quarterly on young adults aged 16–24 years (n = 37 105) taking part in the Smoking Toolkit Study. Measures In the primary analysis, prevalence of e‐cigarette use was used to predict prevalence of ever regular smoking among those aged 16–24. Sensitivity analyses stratified the sample into those aged 16–17 and 18–24. Bayes’ factors and robustness regions were calculated for non‐significant findings [effect size beta coefficient (B) = 3.1]. Findings There was evidence for no association between the prevalence of e‐cigarette use and ever regular smoking among those aged 16–24 [B = –0.015, 95% confidence interval (CI) = –0.046 to 0.016; P = 0.341; Bayes factor (BF) = 0.002]. Evidence for no association was also found in the stratified analysis among those aged 16–17 (B = 0.070, 95% CI –0.014 to 0.155, P = 0.102; BF = 0.015) and 18–24 (B = –0.021, 95% CI –0.053 to 0.011; P = 0.205; BF = 0.003). These findings were able to rule out percentage point increases or decreases in ever regular smoking prevalence greater than 0.31% or less than −0.03% for 16–17‐year‐olds and 0.01 or −0.08% for 18–24‐year‐olds for every 1%‐point increase in e‐cigarette prevalence. Conclusion Prevalence of e‐cigarette use among the youth population in England does not appear to be associated with substantial increases or decreases in the prevalence of smoking uptake. Small associations cannot be ruled out.
Evaluating the feasibility of muck from slurry shield tunnels as a growth medium for landscaping

ABSTRACT Muck from slurry shield tunnels (MSST) is a complex mixture. Directly transporting this muck to dumping grounds not only increases the costs but also raises environmental concerns due to its unusual properties. In this study, a formula has been studied that can turn the MSST into an environment friendly soil. The treatment process can realize the harmless disposal and effective utilization of MSST. In the laboratory study, three different types of growing media (MSST, MSST with 1% fly ash, and local garden soil) were used to grow ryegrass in a series of pot experiments, and the seed germination, chlorophyll content, root characteristics, root activity and physical and chemical properties of the growing media were examined. The results showed that MSST and MSSTF (MSST with added fly ash) can be used as a soil matrix for ryegrass because they exhibited a technical performance comparable to that of local garden soil (LGS), and the physicochemical parameters of the soil matrix were enhanced compared with the standard values of CJT 340–2011. Although the additive (fly ash) and different types of substrates can affect plant growth and the properties of harvested soils, the level of variation decreases with the stage of growth. As waste recycling is the primary objective of this work, MSSTF is the ideal substrate to use. The treatment process is easy to handle, and represents a sustainable option and an environmentally friendly, beneficial use of MSST.Implications: Muck discharged from slurry shield tunnel construction has put great pressure on the environment and construction cost because of a large number shield tunnels emerging in cities. Directly transporting the discharged muck waste to dumping site not only increases the machinery and labor costs but also raises environmental concerns. Therefore, we explore the way of recycling the discharged muck from slurry shield tunnel as a growth medium for landscaping which was proved to be feasible by a series of pot experimental study. Recycling the discharged muck from shield tunnel as the growth medium for landscaping instead of using purchased raw materials not only can dramatically reduce project costs but also can obviously minimizing the consequent environment pollution. Such technology can contribute to sustainable developments and cleaner construction of infrastructures.
LINC00244 suppresses cell growth and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma by downregulating programmed cell death ligand 1

ABSTRACT The role of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in suppressing antitumor immune responses has been widely reported, and recent studies showed that PD-L1 also plays an important role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), determination of tumor cell phenotypes, metastasis, and drug resistance. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in a variety of epigenetic regulatory processes. The tumorigenesis and development of most cancers cannot be studied separately from their regulation by lncRNAs. To explore the epigenetic regulation of PD-L1, we identified an lncRNA, LINC00244, which reduced PD-L1 expression and predicted good clinical outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). LINC00244 inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of HCC by downregulating PD-L1 expression. In addition, low LINC00244 expression activated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathways and facilitated the rapid growth and metastasis of HCC cells. Thus, LINC00244 is a potential therapeutic target for HCC. Graphical abstract
Fermentation strategies to improve propionic acid production with propionibacterium ssp.: a review

Abstract Propionic acid (PA) is a carboxylic acid applied in a variety of processes, such as food and feed preservative, and as a chemical intermediate in the production of polymers, pesticides and drugs. PA production is predominantly performed by petrochemical routes, but environmental issues are making it necessary to use sustainable processes based on renewable materials. PA production by fermentation with the Propionibacterium genus is a promising option in this scenario, due to the ability of this genus to consume a variety of renewable carbon sources with higher productivity than other native microorganisms. However, Propionibacterium fermentation processes present important challenges that must be faced to make this route competitive, such as: a high fermentation time, product inhibition and low PA final titer, which increase the cost of product recovery. This article summarizes the state of the art regarding strategies to improve PA production by fermentation with the Propionibacterium genus. Firstly, strategies associated with environmental fermentation conditions and nutrition requirements are discussed. Subsequently, advantages and disadvantages of various strategies proposed to improve process performance (high cell concentration by immobilization or recycle, co-culture fermentation, genome shuffling, evolutive and metabolic engineering, and in situ recovery) are evaluated.
Right ventricular–pulmonary artery coupling in cardiac resynchronization therapy: evolution and prognosis

Chronic pressure overload and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction can lead to RV–pulmonary artery (PA) uncoupling in patients with heart failure. The evolution and prognostic values of RV–PA coupling assessed by echocardiography in patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) have not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the evolution and prognostic value of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)/pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) ratio in CRT recipients.
Hydroxyapatite Pellets as Versatile Model Surfaces for Systematic Adhesion Studies on Enamel: A Force Spectroscopy Case Study

Research into materials for medical application draws inspiration from naturally occurring or synthesized surfaces, just like many other research directions. For medical application of materials, particular attention has to be paid to biocompatibility, osseointegration, and bacterial adhesion behavior. To understand their properties and behavior, experimental studies with natural materials such as teeth are strongly required. The results, however, may be highly case-dependent because natural surfaces have the disadvantage of being subject to wide variations, for instance in their chemical composition, structure, morphology, roughness, and porosity. A synthetic surface which mimics enamel in its performance with respect to bacterial adhesion and biocompatibility would, therefore, facilitate systematic studies much better. In this study, we discuss the possibility of using hydroxyapatite (HAp) pellets to simulate the surfaces of teeth and show the possibility and limitations of using a model surface. We performed single-cell force spectroscopy with single Staphylococcus aureus cells to measure adhesion-related parameters such as adhesion force and rupture length of cell wall proteins binding to HAp and enamel. We also examine the influence of blood plasma and saliva on the adhesion properties of S. aureus. The results of these measurements are matched to water wettability, elemental composition of the samples, and the change in the macromolecules adsorbed over time on the surface. We found that the adhesion properties of S. aureus were similar on HAp and enamel samples under all conditions: Significant decreases in adhesion strength were found equally in the presence of saliva or blood plasma on both surfaces. We therefore conclude that HAp pellets are a good alternative for natural dental material. This is especially true when slight variations in the physicochemical properties of the natural materials may affect the experimental series.
Impact of Circulating Tumor DNA–Based Detection of Molecular Residual Disease on the Conduct and Design of Clinical Trials for Solid Tumors

PURPOSE Earlier detection of cancer recurrence using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) to detect molecular residual disease (MRD) has the potential to dramatically affect cancer management. We review evidence supporting the use of ctDNA as a biomarker for detection of MRD and highlight the potential impact that ctDNA testing could have on the conduct of clinical trials. METHODS We searched the literature using MEDLINE (via PubMed) for articles from January 1, 2000, focusing on studies that assessed ctDNA as a predictor of cancer recurrence. Broadly focused searches on ctDNA and cancer were also performed to provide additional background information. www.clinialtrials. gov was searched to identify trials that incorporate ctDNA testing. RESULTS Numerous studies across different cancer types indicate that ctDNA-based MRD detection predicts recurrence with high sensitivity and specificity, and with lead times that precede standard imaging by up to 12 months. Recently, ctDNA testing has started being used to enroll MRD-positive patients at high risk of recurrence into trials, promising gains in statistical power that allow clinical utility to be demonstrated with smaller cohorts. Trials where ctDNA testing based-MRD detection is used to stratify patients into low or high-risk categories for treatment assignment are also ongoing. In addition, there is increasing evidence supporting the use of ctDNA dynamics or clearance as a surrogate end point, which could significantly reduce trial duration. CONCLUSION ctDNA-based trial enrichment across many cancers seems likely to become increasingly common for cost- and time-reduction benefits. Trial efficiency could also benefit from using ctDNA as a surrogate end point, leading to accelerated approval of new therapeutics. A clear demonstration of efficacy from trials that use ctDNA-based MRD detection to assign treatment could transform clinical practice.