Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Live Saccharomyces cerevisiae Yeast Administration in Periparturient Dairy Cows

Simple Summary The transition period is a crucial phase in the life of dairy cows, and the administration of live yeasts could have positive effects on health and milk yield. Live yeast activity in the rumen can increase fiber digestibility and feed intake. In this study, the impact of live yeast supplementation on milk yield and composition, feed intake, rumination time, and metabolic profiles was evaluated. The administration of live yeast resulted in a decreased rumination time paired with an increased milk yield, with a reduced level of reactive oxygen metabolites. Abstract Dairy cows face several challenges during the transition period, and the administration of live yeast might be useful to mitigate this stressful condition. In the current study, the effects of live yeast administration on milk production, feed intake, and metabolic and inflammatory conditions were evaluated. Multiparous Holstein cows were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial and received either a control diet (CTR, n = 14) or the control diet plus 4 g/d of live Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast (LSC, n = 14) from −21 to 56 days relative to calving. Dry matter intake, milk yield and composition, and rumination time were monitored daily. Blood samples were collected at −21, −7, 3, 14, 28, 42, and 56 days relative to calving to evaluate the metabolic profile. Fecal samples were collected at 56 days relative to calving to measure volatile fatty acids and feed digestibility. No differences between groups were observed in dry matter intake. Compared with CTR, rumination time was lower in LSC in after calving. Although there were no differences in milk components between groups, LSC had greater milk yield in the last three weeks of the study than CTR. No differences were observed in inflammatory markers or other plasma metabolites, except for β-hydroxybutyrate, which was higher in LSC, and reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs), which were lower in LSC. Overall, these outcomes suggest that live yeast supplementation had some positive effects on milk yield and oxidative status.
Recent Advances in Self-Powered Electronic Skin Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Human skin, the body’s largest organ, plays a crucial role in perceiving mechanical stimulation and facilitating interaction with the external environment. Leveraging the unique attributes of human skin, electronic skin technology aimed at replicating and surpassing the capabilities of natural skin holds significant promise across various domains, including medical care, motion tracking, and intelligent robotics. In recent research, triboelectric nanogenerators have emerged as a compelling solution for addressing the energy challenge in electronic skins. Triboelectric nanogenerators harness the combination of the triboelectric effect and electrostatic induction to efficiently convert mechanical energy into electrical power, serving as self-powered sensors for electronic skins, which possess the advantages of self-powered operation, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility with a wide range of materials. This review provides an introduction to the working principles and the four operational modes of triboelectric nanogenerators, highlighting the functional features of electronic skins, such as stretchability, self-healing, and degradability. The primary focus is on the current applications of self-powered electronic skins based on triboelectric nanogenerators in medical care, motion tracking, and machine tactile recognition. This review concludes by discussing the anticipated challenges in the future development of self-powered electronic skins based on triboelectric nanogenerators. This review holds practical significance for advancing the practical use of self-powered electronic skins based on triboelectric nanogenerators and offers valuable guidance for individuals interested in pursuing scientific and healthy endeavors.
Distribution Features of Natural Wetland in the Sanjiang Plain from 1954 to 2005

Since 1950s,because of economic development and national demand for grain,the Sanjiang Plain experienced some times' reclamation,the farmlands increase rapidly,and the Plain has become the national important commodity grain base.Meanwhile,the area of wetlands in Sanjiang Plain decreases rapidly.Reverse succession and degradation of wetland ecosystem lead to deterioration of ecological environment in the Sanjiang Plain and have caused serious threat to sustainable development of the Sanjiang Plain.Wetland protection possesses great significance for sustainable development of national economy and society.To understand spatial distribution features of natural wetlands is very important for wetland protection.Based on ArcGIS 9.1 software,the data of natural wetlands was extracted from remote sensing images of the Sanjiang Plain in 1954,1976,1986,1995,2000 and 2005,then overlaid them with natural environmental factors including water system,landform and terrain.The relationship between different periods' spatial distributions of natural wetlands in the Sanjiang Plain and their natural environment factors revealed the natural wetland spatial distribution features.First,natural wetland area in the Sanjiang Plain has been decreasing from 353×104 hm2 in 1954 to 81×104 hm2 in 2005.Natural wetland rate reduced from 32.42% to 7.45% over the past 52 years.For the average in 6 periods,there are 78.5% natural wetlands distributed in floodplain.Of them,the 57.2% is in low floodplain and 21.3% in high floodplain.The ratio between the area in low floodplain and total area of natural wetlands in the Sanjiang Plain increased from 42.5% in 1954 to 64.7% in 2005.At elevations ranged from 30 m to 80 m,the ratio between the area and total area of natural wetlands in the Sanjiang Plain is 85.8%. Of them,the 62.4% is at elevations ranged from 30 m to 60 m and the 23.4% distributed at elevations ranged from 60 m to 80 m.Most of natural wetlands distributed in the slopes from zero degree to one degree.Aspect does not play significant effect on natural wetland distribution in the Sanjiang Plain.The natural wetlands in the Sanjiang Plain distributed mainly on the river buffer within 0 to 3 km from river.The ratio between the area on river buffer within 0 to 1 km from river and total area of natural wetlands in the Sanjiang Plain increased from 15.01% in 1954 to 45.94% in 2005.In 6 periods,the ratio between the area on lake buffers and total area of natural wetlands in the Sanjiang Plain is less than 6% and changes little.
Drinking Water in Rural Saskatchewan: Public Perception of Water Quality and Health Risks, and Direct and Indirect Effects of Drinking Water Quality on Chronic Disease

ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . iv DEDICATION . v TABLE OF CONTENTS . vi LIST OF TABLES . xii LIST OF FIGURES . xx LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS . xxiii CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION: DRINKING WATER IN RURAL SASKATCHEWAN, PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF WATER QUALITY AND HEALTH RISKS, AND DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS OF DRINKING WATER QUALITY ON CHRONIC DISEASE. 1 1.1 Drinking Water in Saskatchewan: Guidelines and Regulation . 2 1.2 Overview of Drinking Water Sources in Rural and Remote Areas of Saskatchewan . 4 1.3 Vulnerability of rural populations to water-related health . 5 1.4 Perceptions of Risk and Quality and Impacts on Consumption . 7 1.5 Associations between arsenic in drinking water and chronic disease . 10 1.5. 1. Associations between arsenic and type 2 diabetes mellitus . 10 1.5. 2 Associations between arsenic and cardiovascular disease . 13 1.5. 3 Effect modifiers on associations between arsenic and chronic disease . 16 1.6 Indirect effects of Poor Quality Drinking Water on Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease 17 1.7. Assessing effects of mixtures of contaminants in drinking water . 18 1.8 Objectives of research . 18 1.8. 1 Investigate factors influencing perceptions of water quality and safety among rural Saskatchewan residents . 19
Banana Peels as Potential Prebiotic and Functional Ingredient

This study aims to determine the prebiotic potential of the banana peel on the growth of probiotic Lactobacillus spp. in vitro and to utilize the peel as a functional ingredient in preparing biscuits. Peels of dessert banana (pisang berangan) and plantain (pisang nangka) were oven-dried and homogenized, and the total sugar content was determined. Subsequently, different cultivation media were made by substituting the carbon source with Banana Peel Powder (BPP), Plantain Peel Powder (PPP), glucose, and inulin. These media were later fermented with probiotic Lactobacillus spp. , extracted from a probiotic drink. The growth performance was accessed following 24 hours of incubation. BPP and PPP were incorporated into the preparation of biscuits as functional ingredients. A portion of wheat flour was substituted with 10%, 20%, and 30% of BPP and PPP, respectively, during the preparation of the biscuits. These biscuits were then analyzed for proximate composition, physical properties, and estimated Glycaemic Index (eGI). The supplementation of BPP and PPP in the media improved the probiotic bacteria's growth rate and generation time as the media had a significantly higher amount of Lactobacillus spp. compared to others. Both BPP- and PPP-supplemented media had significantly low pH, indicating intense metabolic activity of the bacteria utilizing the peels. Results also showed significant differences in the total dietary fiber and protein content of BBP- and PPP-incorporated biscuits. The addition of BPP and PPP did not significantly affect the physical properties of the biscuit, and such incorporation resulted in lower eGI when compared to the control. BPP and PPP possess potential prebiotic properties and can be utilized as functional ingredients. Further study is warranted to explore other prebiotic properties of banana peels and to investigate consumers' acceptance of banana peel-incorporated foods.
Achieving Cardiovascular Risk Management Goals and Patient Quality of Life

(1) Background: Eliminating or reducing the severity of modifiable risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and undertaking health-promoting behaviors is the basis for prevention. (2) Methods: This study included 200 subjects without a history of CVD, aged 18 to 80 years, who had been diagnosed with hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, or diabetes 6 to 24 months before study enrolment. (3) Results: The median 10-year CV risk assessed by the SCORE2 and SCORE2-OP algorithms was 3.0 (IQR 1.5–7.0). An increase in mean cardiovascular risk in the range from low and moderate to very high was associated with a decrease in quality of life both in individual subscales and the overall score. The median number of controlled risk factors was 4.0 (IQR 3.0–5.0). As the mean number of controlled risk factors increased, the quality of life improved in both of HeartQoL questionnaire subscales (emotional p = 0.0018; physical p = 0.0004) and the overall score (global p = 0.0001). The median number of reported health-promoting behaviors undertaken within 3 years before study enrolment was 3.0 (IQR 2.0–4.0). The highest quality of life in each of the studied dimensions was found in people who reported undertaking three health-promoting behaviors. (4) Conclusions: Controlling CVD risk factors and undertaking health-promoting behaviors has a positive impact on the quality of life of patients without a history of atherosclerotic CVD.
Hybrid Molecules of Azithromycin with Chloramphenicol and Metronidazole: Synthesis and Study of Antibacterial Properties

The sustained rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) causes a strong need to develop new antibacterial agents. One of the methods for addressing the problem of antibiotic resistance is through the design of hybrid antibiotics. In this work, we proposed a synthetic route for the conjugation of an azithromycin derivative with chloramphenicol and metronidazole hemisuccinates and synthesized two series of new hybrid molecules 4a–g and 5a–g. While a conjugation did not result in tangible synergy for wild-type bacterial strains, new compounds were able to overcome AMR associated with the inducible expression of the ermC gene on a model E. coli strain resistant to macrolide antibiotics. The newly developed hybrids demonstrated a tendency to induce premature ribosome stalling, which might be crucial since they will not induce a macrolide-resistant phenotype in a number of pathogenic bacterial strains. In summary, the designed structures are considered as a promising direction for the further development of hybrid molecules that can effectively circumvent AMR mechanisms to macrolide antibiotics.
NILE CROCODILE NESTING ECOLOGY UNDER VARYING HUMAN DISTURBANCE INTENSITIES ALONG LOWER RIVER TANA, KENYA

The Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus, Laurenti, 1768) supports important ecological and socio-economic functions; however, its survival in most of its ranges in Africa continues to be threatened by anthropogenic activities. Here, we compared selected attributes of Nile crocodile nests (abundance, clutch size, distance from water, and presence or absence of eggs, tending and predation) across three human disturbance regimes (low, intermediate and high), indexed by coverage of cropland and settlement, along lower River Tana, Kenya. We conducted a crocodile nest survey in January 2019 and overlaid the resultant data on the most recent land cover map of a 1-km wide strip on both sides of the river, segmented into the different disturbance regimes using remote sensing and geographical information system techniques. The low, intermediate and high disturbance regimes comprised combined cropland and settlement coverage of 2%, 9% and 15%, respectively, and covered 28%, 27% and 47% of the surveyed river segment. We counted a total of 99 nests, with 45, 34 and 20 nests located in low, intermediate and high disturbance regimes, respectively. Nests were 56% less frequent than expected under high disturbance, whereas they were 69% more frequent than expected under low disturbance and showed expected frequency under intermediate disturbance. In addition, nests were 56% and 41% less frequent under high disturbance compared to low and intermediate disturbance, respectively. However, nest abundance was statistically similar between the latter two regimes. No significant differences were observed in other assessed attributes across disturbance regimes. Our study underscores the importance of minimizing land conversion in such human-dominated landscapes for enhanced sustainable utilization and conservation of crocodiles.
Gut Microbiome and Stroke: a Bidirectional Mendelian Randomisation Study in East Asian and European Populations.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Observational studies have implicated the involvement of gut microbiome in stroke development. Conversely, stroke may disrupt the gut microbiome balance, potentially causing systemic infections exacerbated brain infarction. However, the causal relationship remains controversial or unknown. To investigate bidirectional causality and potential ethnic differences, we conducted a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomisation (MR) study in both East Asian (EAS) and European (EU) populations. METHODS Leveraging the hitherto largest genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data from the MiBioGen Consortium (n=18 340, EU) and BGI (n=2524, EAS) for the gut microbiome, stroke GWAS data from the GIGASTROKE Consortium(264 655 EAS and 1 308 460 EU), we conducted bidirectional MR and sensitivity analyses separately for the EAS and EU population. RESULTS We identified nominally significant associations between 85 gut microbiomes taxa in EAS and 64 gut microbiomes taxa in EU with stroke or its subtypes. Following multiple testing, we observed that genetically determined 1 SD increase in the relative abundance of species Bacteroides pectinophilus decreased the risk of cardioembolic stroke onset by 28% (OR 0.72 (95% CI 0.62 to 0.84); p=4.22e-5), and that genetically determined 1 SD increase in class Negativicutes resulted in a 0.76% risk increase in small vessel stroke in EAS. No significant causal association was identified in the EU population and the reverse MR analysis. CONCLUSION Our study revealed subtype-specific and population-specific causal associations between gut microbiome and stroke risk among EAS and EU populations. The identified causality holds promise for developing a new stroke prevention strategy, warrants further mechanistic validation and necessitates clinical trial studies.
Effect of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized by Pulsed Laser Ablation in Liquid on the Hematological, Hepatic, and Renal Functions of Albino Rats

Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) have unique properties as antibacterial effects against locally isolated clinical Escherichia coli. In this study, the evaluated the antibacterial activity of AgNPs, which were synthesized by laser ablation, against locally isolated clinical Escherichia coli on nutrient agar media in vitro. Then assessed the toxicity of the bactericidal dose in albino rats in vivo with hematological, liver, and kidney functions as vital parameters. AgNPs were synthesized by pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL). AgNPs’ shape and nano size were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), UV-vis spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). UV peak absorption was observed at 434 nm, which produced an average particle diameter of 28.09 nm. The SEM and AFM topography images of the synthesized nanoparticles showed that they had a spherical shape. Also studied was the toxicity of the synthesized AgNPs in vivo. Four groups of albino rats were used. The liver and kidneys were found to be the main organs that accumulate AgNP. In this study, we examined the influence of intraperitoneally injected AgNPs on blood parameters (complete blood picture) and liver and kidney functions of albino rats. Blood ALP and serum test (GOT and GPT), serum urea and serum creatinine were analyzed at 15, 30, and 60 days after injection of 200 mg/kg of PLAL-synthesized AgNP. The results did not indicate statistically significant differences between the control and treatment groups in blood picture and enzyme levels tested that indicate proper liver function. Additionally, no differences in kidney functions were found during varying time intervals in the blood of rats. Thus, PLAL-synthesized AgNPs could inhibit Escherichia coli bacterial growth.
Reply to Berry, C. Factors Related to Bacillus thuringiensis and Gut Physiology. Comment on “Rajan, V. An Alkaline Foregut Protects Herbivores from Latex in Forage, but Increases Their Susceptibility to Bt Endotoxin. Life 2023, 13, 2195”

The comment titled “Factors related to Bacillus thuringiensis and gut physiology” disputes some of the inferences in the paper “An Alkaline Foregut Protects Herbivores from Latex in Forage, but Increases Their Susceptibility to Bt Endotoxin” published in this journal. The key points in the dissent are the following: 1. Bt is generally safe to non-target species. 2. Transgenic Bt crops provide additional ecological benefits due to reductions in conventional pesticide use. 3. Susceptibility to Bt does not indicate alkalinity, nor vice versa. My response is summarized as follows: 1. Bt can form non-specific pores at concentrations of 100 ng/mL in culture, and so is potentially unsafe for animals with gut environments in which Bt persists at or above this level. 2. Initial reductions in insecticide applications have not been sustained and are even increasing in areas planted with transgenic Bt cotton. 3. Acidic guts degrade Bt more efficiently, but I concede that gut alkalinity does not imply susceptibility to Bt due to many factors including resistance in target species, toxin heterogeneity and variable modes of action. However, the susceptibility of foregut-fermenting herbivores with alkaline guts to Bt intoxication cannot be invalidated without further study.
The Role of Mayors in Achieving Brunei Darussalam’s Wawasan The Role of Mayors in Achieving Brunei Darussalam’s Wawasan 2035, Lessons from China 2035, Lessons from China

Brunei Darussalam's national vision, WAWASAN 2035, sets forth ambitious goals for the nation's development, emphasizing a centralized governance paradigm. However, the potential of decentralized governance, as exemplified by China's mayor-led districts, offers a compelling model for achieving national aspirations. This research explores the feasibility and potential benefits of introducing mayors in Brunei's districts, drawing insights from China's successful decentralized governance structure. By fostering inter-district competition and allowing for localized policy tailoring, Brunei can enhance its adaptability and responsiveness to local nuances. Drawing from China's experiences, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of how Brunei might optimize its governance structure to more effectively realize the goals enshrined in WAWASAN 2035
Platelets and Thrombotic Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterised by thrombosis and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL): lupus anticoagulant and/or IgG/IgM anti-β2-glycoprotein I and anticardiolipin antibodies. APS carries significant morbidity for a relatively young patient population from recurrent thrombosis in any vascular bed (arterial, venous, or microvascular), often despite current standard of care, which is anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists (VKA). Platelets have established roles in thrombosis at any site, and platelet hyperreactivity is clearly demonstrated in the pathophysiology of APS. Together with excess thrombin generation, platelet activation and aggregation are the common end result of all the pathophysiological pathways leading to thrombosis in APS. However, antiplatelet therapies play little role in APS, reserved as a possible option of low dose aspirin in addition to VKA in arterial or refractory thrombosis. This review outlines the current evidence and mechanisms for excessive platelet activation in APS, how it plays a central role in APS-related thrombosis, what evidence for antiplatelets is available in clinical outcomes studies, and potential future avenues to define how to target platelet hyperreactivity better with minimal impact on haemostasis.