Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Potential of Spirulina platensis as a feed supplement for poultry to enhance growth performance and immune modulation

Increase in drug resistance as well as ineffective immunization efforts against various pathogens (viruses, bacteria and fungi) pose a significant threat to the poultry industry. Spirulina is one of the most widely used natural ingredients which is becoming popular as a nutritional supplement in humans, animals, poultry and aquaculture. It contains protein, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, pigments, and essential amino acids. Moreover, it also has considerable quantities of unique natural antioxidants including polyphenols, carotenoids, and phycocyanin. Dietary supplementation of Spirulina can beneficially affect gut microbial population, serum biochemical parameters, and growth performance of chicken. Additionally, it contains polyphenolic contents having antibacterial effects. Spirulina extracts might inhibit bacterial motility, invasion, biofilm formation, and quorum sensing in addition to acting directly on the bacterium by weakening and making the bacterial cell walls more porous, subsequently resulting in cytoplasmic content leakage. Additionally, Spirulina has shown antiviral activities against certain common human or animal viruses and this capability can be considered to exhibit potential benefits against avian viruses also. Spirulan, a calcium-rich internal polysaccharide of Spirulina, is potentially responsible for its antiviral effect through inhibiting the entry of several viruses into the host cells, boosting the production of nitric oxide in macrophages, and stimulating the generation of cytokines. Comparatively a greater emphasis has been given to the immune modulatory effects of Spirulina as a feed additive in chicken which might boost disease resistance and improve survival and growth rates, particularly under stress conditions. This manuscript reviews biological activities and immune-stimulating properties of Spirulina and its potential use as a dietary supplement in poultry to enhance growth, gut health and disease resistance.
The association between altered intestinal microbiome, impaired systemic and ocular surface immunity, and impaired wound healing response after corneal alkaline-chemical injury in diabetic mice

Purpose We aim to investigate the effect of sustained hyperglycemia on corneal epithelial wound healing, ocular surface and systemic immune response, and microbiome indices in diabetic mice compared to controls after alkaline chemical injury of the eye. Methods Corneal alkaline injury was induced in the right eye of Ins2Akita (Akita) mice and wild-type mice. The groups were observed at baseline and subsequently days 0, 3, and 7 after injury. Corneal re-epithelialization was observed under slit lamp with fluorescein staining using a cobalt blue light filter. Enucleated cornea specimens were compared at baseline and after injury for changes in cornea thickness under hematoxylin and eosin staining. Tear cytokine and growth factor levels were measured using protein microarray assay and compared between groups and time points. Flow cytometry was conducted on peripheral blood and ocular surface samples to determine CD3+CD4+ cell count. Fecal samples were collected, and gut microbiota composition and diversity pattern were measured using shotgun sequencing. Results Akita mice had significantly delayed corneal wound healing compared to controls. This was associated with a reduction in tear levels of vascular endothelial growth factor A, angiopoietin 2, and insulin growth factor 1 on days 0, 3, and 7 after injury. Furthermore, there was a distinct lack of upregulation of peripheral blood and ocular surface CD3+CD4+ cell counts in response to injury in Akita mice compared to controls. This was associated with a reduction in intestinal microbiome diversity indices in Akita mice compared to controls after injury. Specifically, there was a lower abundance of Firmicutes bacterium M10-2 in Akita mice compared to controls after injury. Conclusion In diabetic mice, impaired cornea wound healing was associated with an inability to mount systemic and local immune response to ocular chemical injury. Baseline and post-injury differences in intestinal microbial diversity and abundance patterns between diabetic mice and controls may potentially play a role in this altered response.
Seasonal drivers of productivity and calcification in the coral Platygyra carnosa in a subtropical reef

Scleractinian corals are increasingly subjected to local stressors combined with global changes. In subtropical areas, corals exhibit metabolic plasticity and resilience in response to variability and extremes in local temperature, salinity, and light; however, the physiological mechanisms by which corals acclimate or adapt to these changing conditions remain disputed. We assessed the physiological status of the coral Platygyra carnosa during a two-year in situ monitoring survey. To obtain metabolic rates (respiration and photosynthesis), photochemical efficiency (Fv / Fm), and biocalcification measurements, non-invasive techniques such as underwater respirometry, Pulse Amplitude Modulated (PAM) fluorometry, total alkalinity measurements, and digital photography were used. Our findings show clear seasonality in water quality parameters, which affected coral health. Elevated temperatures during the summer were below the maximum monthly mean < 31°C) but reduced the energetic productivity of corals (-44% relative to winter). Fluctuations in salinity (25–38 ppt) and pH (7.65–8.44) were linked to rainfall and reduced calcification rates. The conditions during the spring were favorable for coral metabolism and calcification (+20% relative to summer). Overall, our research demonstrates that the metabolic plasticity of P. carnosa in response to shifts in seawater quality allows this species to survive ongoing environmental change. Our in situ observations provide fundamental insights into coral response mechanisms under changing environmental conditions and contribute to projections of coral health under future scenarios of global change.
A Planar Inductively Coupled Bow-Tie Slot Antenna for WLAN Application

A CPW-fed inductively coupled bow-tie slot antenna is introduced. The bandwidth reduction for an inductively coupled straight-dipole slot is overcome by utilizing a bow-tie slot. Antennas operating at 2.45 and 5.5 GHz are proposed that have 10 dB return loss bandwidths of 12% and 17%, respectively. Prototype antenna elements and a two-element series-fed array were fabricated and tested to validate performance.
Evaluation of immunotherapy efficacy in gynecologic cancer

Various immunotherapies have demonstrated remarkable success over the past few decades, and have been approved for the treatment of different cancer types. However, patient responses to immunotherapy are variable, and approximately 50% of cases are refractory to these agents. Tumor biomarker-based stratification of cases may therefore help identify subpopulations that are sensitive/resistant to immunotherapy; it may also improve prediction of response in various cancers including gynecologic cancer. These biomarkers include the tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, mismatch repair deficiency, T cell-inflamed gene expression profile, programmed cell death protein 1 ligand 1, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and numerous other genomic alterations. Future directions in the treatment of gynecologic cancer include the utilization of these biomarkers to select ideal candidates. This review focused on recent advances in the predictive ability of molecular biomarkers in patients with gynecologic cancer who undergo immunotherapy. The most recent developments in combined immunotherapy and targeted therapy strategies and novel immune interventions against gynecologic cancers have also been discussed.
Primary ChAdOx1 vaccination does not reactivate pre-existing, cross-reactive immunity

Currently available COVID-19 vaccines include inactivated virus, live attenuated virus, mRNA-based, viral vectored and adjuvanted protein-subunit-based vaccines. All of them contain the spike glycoprotein as the main immunogen and result in reduced disease severity upon SARS-CoV-2 infection. While we and others have shown that mRNA-based vaccination reactivates pre-existing, cross-reactive immunity, the effect of vector vaccines in this regard is unknown. Here, we studied cellular and humoral responses in heterologous adenovirus-vector-based ChAdOx1 nCOV-19 (AZ; Vaxzeria, AstraZeneca) and mRNA-based BNT162b2 (BNT; Comirnaty, BioNTech/Pfizer) vaccination and compared it to a homologous BNT vaccination regimen. AZ primary vaccination did not lead to measurable reactivation of cross-reactive cellular and humoral immunity compared to BNT primary vaccination. Moreover, humoral immunity induced by primary vaccination with AZ displayed differences in linear spike peptide epitope coverage and a lack of anti-S2 IgG antibodies. Contrary to primary AZ vaccination, secondary vaccination with BNT reactivated pre-existing, cross-reactive immunity, comparable to homologous primary and secondary mRNA vaccination. While induced anti-S1 IgG antibody titers were higher after heterologous vaccination, induced CD4+ T cell responses were highest in homologous vaccinated. However, the overall TCR repertoire breadth was comparable between heterologous AZ-BNT-vaccinated and homologous BNT-BNT-vaccinated individuals, matching TCR repertoire breadths after SARS-CoV-2 infection, too. The reasons why AZ and BNT primary vaccination elicits different immune response patterns to essentially the same antigen, and the associated benefits and risks, need further investigation to inform vaccine and vaccination schedule development.
Gender- and age-specific associations of childhood maltreatment with peripheral serum inflammatory cytokines in middle school students

Background The impact of childhood maltreatment on multiple inflammatory cytokines among middle school students remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to examine the associations of different types of childhood maltreatment with peripheral serum inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-10, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α) in middle school students, and to explore the differences in these associations between boys and girls and between late (≥15 and<20 years) and early (≥11 and <15 years) adolescence. Methods A total of 1122 students were recruited from a boarding middle school. Each participant was asked to respond to a detailed questionnaire on childhood maltreatment, from whom one blood sample was drawn via venous blood. Results In the overall sample there was no association between childhood maltreatment and peripheral serum inflammatory cytokines; (2) emotional abuse was significantly correlated with IL-1β only in girls (B = -0.16; 95% CI, -0.28~-0.03; p = 0.06); (3) in late adolescence, emotional abuse, emotional neglect, and childhood maltreatment had marked link with IL-8 (B = 0.39; 95%CI, 0.16~0.63; p = 0.01; B =0.20; 95% CI, 0.04~0.37; p = 0.08; B = 0.50; 95% CI, 0.18~0.82; p = 0.01, respectively). Conclusion These findings also strengthened an inference regarding the effects of childhood maltreatment on inflammation of students in late adolescence.
Technology supports me: Perceptions of the benefits of digital technology in adolescents

Background Technology plays a significant role in the lives of adolescents. Our knowledge is predominantly based on research exploring the risks associated with it, but adolescents also feel that technology supports their lives. This has received less consideration. Therefore, we aim to examine how adolescents perceive the benefits of digital technology. Methods We used qualitative data collected as part of the international Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children study. We conducted online, semi-structured interviews with 15 Slovak adolescents who came from three different types of secondary schools based on their graduation systems (mean age: 15.33; 20% boys). The data were analyzed using consensual qualitative research and thematic analysis. Results We identified five main themes based on the comments of adolescents: 1. I know (source of information, formal and non-formal education); 2. I can (smart device, helpful tool); 3. I am connected/included (social interactions); 4. I have my comfortable place (leisure time, creating my alternative world); and 5. I work on my future (self-development). Conclusion Adolescents perceived digital technology as mostly supportive and a helpful tool in their lives. The potential benefits of digital technology should be better reflected in public perception and policy, as the societal debate is mostly dominated by perceived disadvantages and risks.
Monoparametric high-resolution diffusion weighted MRI as a possible first step in an MRI-directed diagnostic pathway for men with suspicion of prostate cancer

Purpose To explore if a high-resolution diffusion weighted MRI sequence (DWI-only) could be used as a first step in an MRI-directed diagnostic pathway. Methods Prospective single center study that between December 2017 and August 2018 included 129 consecutive patients with suspicion of prostate cancer into a PI-RADS-based MRI-directed diagnostic pathway. All patients had multiparametric MRI (mpMRI). Based on only the transversal high-resolution DWI images two consultant radiologists prospectively categorized the findings as positive, equivocal, or negative for clinically significant cancer. The radiologists then interpreted the mpMRI and assigned a PI-RADS score. A third independent reader retrospectively categorized the DWI-only exams without access to the mpMRI. The interpretations of DWI-only were compared to the PI-RADS classification from mpMRI and the histopathology from the biopsies. Non-biopsied patients were followed in a safety net monitoring for 56 months. Results Based on DWI-only, 29 (22.5%) of the exams were categorized as negative, 38 (29.5%) as equivocal and 62 (48.1%) as positive. Of the 56 patients with PI-RADS 4-5 at mpMRI, 55 were also categorized as positive at DWI-only. All patients diagnosed with clinically significant cancer were identified using DWI-only. 56 months of safety net monitoring did not reveal any clinically significant cancers among patients with exams categorized as negative or equivocal. There was high inter-reader agreement on positive findings, but less agreement on negative and equivocal findings. Conclusions In this concept study, the monoparametric DWI-only identified all patients with clinically significant cancer in a mpMRI-directed diagnostic pathway.
Magnetoresistive DNA chips based on ac field focusing of magnetic labels

A study was made on the sensitivity of a magnetoresistive DNA-chip platform being developed for cystic fibrosis diagnostics. The chip, comprised of an array of 2.5×80μm2 U-shaped spin-valve sensors integrated within current line structures for magnetic label manipulation, enabled the detection at 30Hz of 250nm magnetic nanoparticles from 100pM down to the pM range (or a target DNA concentration of 500pM). It was observed that the sensor response increased linearly with label concentration. Noise spectra obtained for these sensors showed a thermal noise of 10−17V2∕Hz with a 1∕f knee at 50kHz at a 1mA sense current, showing that lower detection limits are possible.
The Relationship between Sleep Quality and Anxiety in Pregnant Women

Background : Women who experience anxiety during pregnancy may have various symptoms of insomnia and decreased sleep quality. Objective : The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between sleep quality and anxiety during pregnancy was analyzed and affecting factors. Methodology : This was a descriptive study. The study was conducted in the obstetrics clinic of a university hospital in Turkey between the dates of January 2020 and March 2020. 364 pregnant women matching the sample criteria at the time of the study were included in the study. The sample of the study consisted of literate primipara and multipara women who were at and over 12 weeks of pregnancy and the age of 18. The data were collected by Personal Information Form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Results : A negative, weak and statistically significant relationship was found between the state and trait anxiety scores and the PSQI score (p<.001). It was determined that as the age increased (p=.009), the risk of poor sleep quality increased in the participants who stated that they had sleep problems during pregnancy (p = <.001) and in those who had high trait anxiety scale scores (p = <.001) Conclusions : Poor sleep quality is a common problem for pregnant women. Anxiety, increased age, and reporting sleep problems in pregnancy were determined as factors determining sleep quality. These findings support the need for research to be conducted on sleep quality in the perinatal period by healthcare professionals to support pregnant women and infants better. Therefore, we recommend nurses pay more attention to sleep problems especially for pregnant women with anxiety disorders and advanced maternal ages, and to provide sleep consultancy.
The discovery of six pre-main-sequence spectroscopic binaries

Six premain-sequence (PMS) spectroscopic binaries were discovered in the naked T Tauri population of the Taurus-Auriga, Scorpius-Ophiuchus, and Corona Australis star-forming regions. The results imply that the short-period binary frequency of naked T Tauri stars (NTTSs) is indistinguishable from that found among population I solar-mass stars. For a short-period binary frequency of about 10 percent, the action of short-period binary components in disrupting accretion disks cannot be the dominant mechanism converting classical T Tauri stars into NTTSs. It is found that by an age of 10 to the 6th yr, short-period binary systems exist, and that among the PMS binaries discovered to date, all binaries with periods of less than 3.9 days have circular orbits and those with longer periods have eccentric orbits. 43 refs.
Fully Integrated Solid-State LiDAR Transmitter on a Multi-Layer Silicon-Nitride-on-Silicon Photonic Platform

We report a LiDAR transmitter incorporating both a hybrid-integrated tunable external cavity laser and a high-resolution 2-D optical phased array beam-steerer. Widely tunable single-mode lasing over a span of approximately 100 nm is achieved with >42 dB side-mode-suppression-ratio, 18 mW output power, and 2.8 kHz linewidth. Two-dimensional beam steering in a field-of-view of 140° × 16° exhibits a beam divergence of 0.051° × 0.016° measured in full width at half maximum. Leveraging the low propagation loss, negligible nonlinear loss, and low thermal sensitivity of silicon nitride, and combining the high mode confinement and efficient thermal tuning of silicon, the device affirms the feasibility of high-power on-chip lasing, power bottleneck elimination, and low on-chip insertion loss. It represents the first demonstration of a fully integrated LiDAR transmitter on the multi-layer silicon-nitride-on-silicon photonic platform, revealing the potential of complementary integration in the effort toward a LiDAR transmitter of sufficient optical power budget.
Analytical Modeling of High-Frequency Winding Loss in Round-Wire Toroidal Inductors

Toroidal inductors are used in many industrial applications in which they are key components regarding cost and volume. In the inductor design process, it is paramount to accurately estimate its high-frequency winding loss. Finite-element analysis (FEA) software and analytical models can be used for this purpose. However, the former employs too much time and the latter lacks accuracy when applied to toroidal windings, leading to an overestimation that can exceed 200%. As a consequence, designers would benefit from a reliable method to calculate high-frequency loss in toroidal windings. This article proposes an analytical model that considers the 2-D characteristic of the magnetic field and the geometrical particularities of toroidal windings. Furthermore, it provides an easy-to-use method, which avoids the unaffordable computational cost of FEA software. Simulations and experimental measurements are carried out for seven toroidal power inductors, from 10 Hz up to 200 kHz. Three different well-known state-of-the-art analytical models are used for comparison purposes. The results obtained with the proposed model are in good agreement with those from FEA and the experiments. The proposed model shows a maximum deviation below 20% while the overestimation of the existing analytical methods reaches values from 93% to 226%.
Knowledge, Health Seeking Behaviour on Febrile Conditions and Management Practices among Mothers of Under-Five Children in Selected Facilities in Ibadan, Nigeria

Background: Fever is the most common symptom of childhood illnesses and parents have been said to develop what is called “fever phobia” because of fear of death of their child. Due to this, parents’ resort to various practices to manage fever which is also a function of the parents’ knowledge about fever. Objectives : This study investigated the knowledge, health seeking behaviour, and management practices of fever among mothers of under-five children. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used with a multistage technique to select 122 mothers from the Ibadan North and Akinyele Local government area of Oyo state. A self-developed instrument was used for data collection. Data were analysed and presented in frequency and percentages. Association between variables were tested using fisher’s test, p value was set at 0.05. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 30 years. Majority (75.5%) of mothers had good knowledge about fever in children. A majority (91.6 %%) stated that fever is a serious illness. More than half agreed that dehydration and discomfort (74.5%), convulsion and brain damage (83.4%) are negative outcomes of fever. Most (72.9%) of the mothers took their children to a health facility on account of fever. Majority (79%) gave drugs to manage fever in a child. Other methods used to manage fever include bathing the child (46.3%), tepid sponging the child (50.5%), prayer (43.8%), ventilation (37.7%), and a sprinkling of anointing oil (19.7%). Conclusion : Findings from the study showed that mothers have good knowledge of fever. However, there is a gap in management. In the light of this, it will be imperative for nurses and midwives to educate mothers using on the management and prevention of fever in children.
Psychological Distress and COVID-19

Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic has had a serious impact on the psychological well-being of frontline health care workers. A variety of interventions have been offered to health care workers in their workplace that has them questioning which intervention would be most beneficial. The purpose of this review is to determine what evidence-based interventions would have an impact on alleviating COVID-19-related psychological distress. Methods A search was conducted from multiple databases, including Pubmed, CINAHL, Joanna Briggs, and Cochrane, using the PRISMA framework. The search included COVID-19 as well as previous pandemics. Critical appraisal and synthesis of the 16 relevant sources of evidence were completed. Results Based on the current evidence, one cannot conclude that any specific intervention is effective for pandemic-relate distress. Conclusion The development, implementation, and scientific evaluation of evidence-based interventions to address the immediate, as well as the long-term, psychological effects of COVID-19 on the mental well-being of health care workers, are needed.