Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Loosening the Strings Attached: Cash Transfer Programmes in Development Cooperation

Universal basic income and cash transfer programmes in general have been a hotly debated topic in development economics during the last years. Although the debate naturally has mostly revolved around government-owned schemes, private NGOs in the development aid sector might find its insights helpful to incorporate in their decision-making processes about cost-efficient support programmes. On that account, this paper aims at providing an overview about the topic of cash-based interventions in development aid by reviewing the large literature. I outline experiences and findings of studies heretofore, analyse the cost-efficiency of such interventions and their relative performance with respect to traditional aid, and explain best practices from the field for implementation. Lastly, I discuss possible scenarios in which cash transfers may excel, not least also in the wake of disasters and crises such as the recent pandemic.
Influence of Dietaryprotein and Energy Levels on Performance, Meat: Bone Ratio, and Meat Chemical Composition of SenSi-1 Agrinak Chickens

Hidayat C, Iskandar S. 2019. The influence of dietary protein and energy levels on the performance, meat bone ratio and meat chemical composition of SenSi-1 Agrinak Chicken. JITV 24(1): 1-8. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.14334/jitv.v24i1. 1913 Sensi-1 Agrinak is a strain of the improved native chickens for meat production in Indonesia. The objective of this study was to investigate influence of different dietary energy and protein levels on performance, meat bone ratio, and meat chemical composition of Sensi-1 Agrinak chicken, reared until 10 weeks of age. Two hundred and sixteen of unsexed day old chickens (DOC) of Sensi-1 Agrinak were subjected to six experimental rations differed in dietary crude protein (CP) content,. Namely: 21;19; and 17 % and dietary metabolizable energy (ME) (2800 and 3000 kcal/kg). Each treatment combination was replicated four times and fed from day old to 10 weeks old. In each treatment combination there were nine unsexed-DOCs. The parameters observed were performance (i.e. live weight, feed intake, viability, FCR), economic index (European Production Efficiency Factor/EPEF), meat bone ratio, and meat chemical composition. Result showed that increased of dietary CP level increased live weight and EPEF (P<0.05). Sensi-1 Agrinak chicken had the best FCR (2.59), when fed diet containing 21% CP and 3000 kcal/kg. Increased dietary CP level increased the meat-bone ratio of breast, thighs, and drumsticks. Meanwhile, increased levels of dietary CP and ME did not affect (P>0.05) meat chemical composition. It is concluded that optimal dietary levels of crude protein and energy for unsexed Sensi-1 Agrinak chicken up to 10 weeks of age were 21% CP and 3000 kcal/kg.
Demonstration of the Structural Resiliency of Damaged Sentryglas Laminated Heat Strengthened Glass Fins in Full Scale Testing

A unique structural design was made for the glass facade of the Co-Creation Center building in Delft. The roof is completely carried by the glass fins. The fins are laterally stabilized by being included in the triple glazed facade. To certify the safety of the design full scale tests on the fins were done at Delft University of Technology. Due to a transportation accident the fins were damaged at one end. This allowed an additional study into the effect of this pre-test damage on the residual compressive stressed induced by the tempering. It was found that the residual stresses were not significantly affected by the damage. During the compression tests no cracks developed at the damaged ends. A load of 200 kN, more than double the maximum design load did not produce failure in the prototypes. After intentionally seriously damaging all plies of the fins, the fins could still carry the 200 kN load for 30 min without buckling or other failures being noted. Measurement of the residual stress in the outer plies of the fins after damage showed that sufficient residual stress was present in the larger fragments of the prototype to provide enough stability in combination with the Sentryglass laminating foil.
Antidiarrhoeal activity of bisnordihydrotoxiferine isolated from the root bark of Strychnos trinervis (Vell.) Mart. (Loganiaceae)

Abstract— Bisnordihydrotoxiferine, a dimeric tertiary indole alkaloid obtained from the root bark of Strychnos trinervis (Vell.) Mart. (Loganiaceae), inhibited normal defaecation and castor oil, arachidonic acid, and magnesium sulphate‐induced diarrhoea on intraperitoneal administration in mice. The effect may be related to the ability of the compound to decrease normal and castor oil‐stimulated gastric emptying, small intestinal transit and water and electrolyte accumulation, and inhibition of normal colonic transit. As prostaglandins are involved in gastrointestinal functions, inhibition of their synthesis is likely to contribute to the anticathartic activity, which has never been reported before for an indole alkaloid.
Partial replacement of wheat flour with pumpkin seed flour in muffins offered to children

ABSTRACT Effects of partial replacement of wheat flour with pumpkin seed flour on quality indices of muffins for children were studied. Fatty acid (FA) composition, peroxide value (PV), anisidine value (AnV) and conjugated diene (CD) and triene (CT) contents were assayed in lipids extracted from muffins and related to storage time. Both PV and AnV values increased with the increasing content of pumpkin seed flour. Regardless the pumpkin seed flour share, the content of CD was higher than of CT in muffins. As the replacement of wheat flour with pumpkin seed flour increased, the nutritional value of muffins improved. It appears appropriate to incorporate 33% of pumpkin seed flour into muffins stored for 2 weeks without special packaging conditions. More than 71% of the children evaluated muffins containing 33% of pumpkin seed flour as ‘tasty’ and ‘very tasty’. The experimental muffin formulation resulted in a novel product suitable for children’s nutrition.
Evaluation of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing in asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 patients in outbreak on a cruise ship

Background A few studies on antibody testing have focused on asymptomatic or mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with low initial anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody responses. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody-testing performance was evaluated using blood samples from asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 patients. Methods Blood samples were collected from 143 COVID-19 patients during an outbreak on a cruise ship 3 weeks after diagnosis. Simultaneously, a second SARS-CoV-2 genetic test was performed. Samples stored before the COVID-19 pandemic were also used to evaluate the lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (LFA) and electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). Titers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies against the nucleocapsid and spike proteins were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to compare false-negative- with positive-result samples. Results Sensitivity, specificity, positive-predictive, and negative-predictive values of LFA-detected IgM antibodies were 0.231, 1.000, 1.000, and 0.613, respectively; those of LFA-detected IgG antibodies were 0.483, 0.989, 0.972, and 0.601, respectively; and those of ECLIA-detected total antibodies were 0.783, 1.000, 1.000, and 0.848, respectively. IgM-, IgG-, and total-antibody positivity rates in the patients with negative results from the second genetic testing were 22.9%, 47.6%, and 72.4%, respectively. All antibody titers, especially those of the IgG antibody against nucleocapsid protein, were significantly lower in blood samples with false-negative results than in those with positive results. Conclusions These findings suggest that anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing has lower performance in asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 patients than required in the guidelines, and situations in which it is useful are limited.
Are vaccines safe in patients with Long COVID? A prospective observational study.

Introduction: Although the efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination to prevent symptomatic COVID-19 is well established, there are no published studies on the impact on symptoms in patients with Long Covid. Anecdotal reports have suggested both a potential benefit and worsening of symptoms post vaccination with the uncertainty leading to some vaccine hesitancy amongst affected individuals. Methods: Patients initially hospitalised with COVID-19 were prospectively recruited to an observational study with clinical follow-up at 3 months (June-July 2020) and 8 months (Dec 2020-Jan 2021) post-admission. Participants who received the Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) or Oxford-AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) vaccine between January to February 2021 were identified and matched 2:1 (in terms of 8-month symptoms) with participants from the same cohort who were unvaccinated. All were re-assessed at 1 month post vaccination (or matched timepoint for unvaccinated cohort). Validated quality of life (SF-36), mental wellbeing (WEMWBS) and ongoing symptoms were assessed at all timepoints. Formal statistical analysis compared the effect of vaccination on recent quality of life using baseline symptoms, age, and gender in linear regression. Results: Forty-four vaccinated participants were assessed at a median of 32 days (IQR 20-41) post vaccination with 22 matched unvaccinated participants. Most were highly symptomatic of Long Covid at 8 months (82% in both groups had at least 1 persistent symptom), with fatigue (61%), breathlessness (50%) and insomnia (38%) predominating. There was no significant worsening in quality-of-life or mental wellbeing metrics pre versus post vaccination. Nearly two-thirds (n=27) reported transient (<72hr duration) systemic effects (including fever, myalgia and headache). When compared to matched unvaccinated participants from the same cohort, those who had receive a vaccine had a small overall improvement in Long Covid symptoms, with a decrease in worsening symptoms (5.6% vaccinated vs 14.2% unvaccinated) and increase in symptom resolution (23.2% vaccinated vs 15.4% unvaccinated) (p=0.035). No difference in response was identified between Pfizer-BioNTech or Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines. Conclusions: Receipt of vaccination with either an mRNA or adenoviral vector vaccine was not associated with a worsening of Long Covid symptoms, quality of life, or mental wellbeing. Individuals with prolonged COVID-19 symptoms should receive vaccinations as suggested by national guidance.
Feasibility of Social Media Recruitment for Orofacial Cleft Genetic Research

Objective: This study assessed the feasibility of unpaid social media advertising to recruit participants affected with an orofacial cleft (OFC) for a genetic study. Design: This is a retrospective analysis of recruitment based on enrollment and participation in a genetic study. Participants completed a series of enrollment surveys, provided saliva samples, and completed postparticipation feedback surveys. Participants: Participants were eligible if they or a minor in their care were affected by an OFC, the affected participant was not adopted, and the mother of the affected individual had not taken antiseizure medication during pregnancy. Main Outcome Measures: Success of recruitment was evaluated from the number of enrolled participants and sample return rate. Results: In the first 12 months of recruitment, 313 individuals completed initial screening surveys; of these, 306 participants were eligible. A total of 263 individuals completed all online surveys and were sent DNA sample kits. One hundred sixty-two subject DNA samples were returned within 12 months of sending, for a return rate of 62%. Approximately two-thirds (66.3%) of all returned samples were sent back within the first 6 weeks after receiving DNA kits. Conclusions: Unpaid social media advertising enabled the recruitment of a large cohort of participants in a short time (12 months). The resulting study population was limited in racial and ethnic diversity, suggesting that other recruitment strategies will be needed for studies seeking specific demographic or socioeconomic groups. Nonetheless, social media recruitment was efficient and effective for recruiting participants for a genetic study in comparison to traditional clinic-based modes of recruitment.
Dicitrinol, a Citrinin Dimer, Produced by Penicillium janthinellum

A citrinin dimer, named dicitrinol (3), was isolated from extracts obtained from a rice cultivation of Penicillium janthinellum, a fungus found in fruits of Melia azedarach. Dicitrinol (3) was isolated by classical chromatographic procedures, and identified by MS, and 1D- and 2D-NMR data. A biosynthetic scheme is proposed for this new dimerization of citrinin. Dicitrinol (3) was shown to be slightly weaker than citrinin regarding bacterial inhibition.
Effect of intravesical chemotherapy on the survival of patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer undergoing transurethral resection: a retrospective cohort study among older adults

Background: The average age of diagnosis for bladder cancer is 73 and about 75 percent of all bladder cancers are non-muscle invasive at initial diagnosis. It is recommended that non-muscle invasive bladder cancers (NMIBC) should be treated with transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT) followed by chemotherapy. However, there is no large-scale study from real-world databases to show the effectiveness of chemotherapy on the survival of older adults with NMIBC that have undergone TURBT. This study aimed to investigate the effects of chemotherapy on survival among older NMIBC patients with TURBT. Methods: Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (2010-2015), we performed analyses of cancer-specific mortality and overall mortality comparing chemotherapy versus no chemotherapy after TURBT. Coarsened exact matching was performed to balance the baseline patient characteristics. Cox proportional hazards and Kaplan-Meir analyses were used to evaluate survival outcomes. Results: A total of 3,222 matched patients with 1,611 in each arm (chemotherapy and no chemotherapy) were included in our study. After adjusting for covariates, multivariable Cox regression analyses show chemotherapy was associated with lower cancer-specific mortality (HR 0.63; 95% CI 0.42-0.94; p value 0.024). However, chemotherapy did not have any effect on overall mortality (HR 0.84; 95% CI 0.65-1.07; p value 0.159). The Kaplan-Meier curves show the protective effects of chemotherapy on cancer specific survival (p=0.032), but not on overall survival (p=0.34). Conclusion: Chemotherapy improved cancer specific survival among older patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer undergoing TURBT surgery, but it had no effect on overall survival. There is a need for more granular level real-world data on chemotherapy regimens and dosage to effectively investigate the effects of chemotherapy on survival of older patients with NMIBC that have undergone TURBT.
Constitutional thinness and anorexia nervosa differ on a genomic level

Constitutional thinness and anorexia nervosa are both characterised by persistent, extremely low weight with body mass indices (BMI) below 18.5 kg/m2. Individuals with anorexia nervosa concurrently show distorted perceptions of their own body and engage in weight-loss behaviours, whereas individuals with constitutional thinness typically wish to gain weight. Both are heritable, share genomics with BMI, but have not been shown to be genetically correlated with each other. We aim to differentiate between constitutional thinness and anorexia nervosa on a genomic level. First, we estimated genetic correlations between constitutional thinness and eleven psychiatric disorders and compared them with anorexia nervosa using publicly available data. Second, we identified individuals with constitutional thinness in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) by latent class growth analysis of measured BMI from 10 to 24 years (n = 8,505) and assigned polygenic scores for eleven psychiatric disorders and a range of anthropometric traits to evaluate associations. In contrast to anorexia nervosa, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (rgAN = 0.02 vs. rgCT = -0.24) and alcohol dependence (rgAN = 0.07 vs. rgCT = -0.44) showed a statistically significant negative genetic correlation with constitutional thinness. A higher polygenic score for posttraumatic stress disorder was associated with an increased risk of constitutional thinness in the ALSPAC cohort (OR = 1.27; Q = 0.03) whereas posttraumatic stress disorder shows no genetic correlation with anorexia nervosa (rg = -0.02). Overall, results suggest that constitutional thinness is different from anorexia nervosa on the genomic level.
Immunodominant B cell epitope in SARS-CoV-2 RBD comprises a B.1.351 and P.1 mutation hotspot: implications for viral spread and antibody escape

Recent SARS-CoV-2 variants pose important concerns due to their higher transmissibility (1) and escape (2) from previous infections or vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies (nAb). The receptor binding domain (RBD) of the Spike protein is a major nAb target (3), but data on its B cell epitopes are still lacking. Using a peptide microarray, we identified an immunodominant epitope (S415-429) recognized by 68% of sera from 71 convalescent Brazilians infected with the ancestral variant. In contrast with previous studies, we have identified a linear IgG and IgA antibody binding epitope within the RBD. IgG and IgA antibody levels for this epitope positively correlated with nAb titers, suggesting a potential target of antibody neutralizing activity. Interestingly, this immunodominant RBD region harbors the mutation hotspot site K417 present in P.1 (K417T) and B.1. 351 (K417N) variants. In silico simulation analyses indicate impaired RBD binding to nAb in both variants and that glycosylation in the B.1. 351 417N could further hinder antibody binding as compared to the K417T mutation in P.1. This is in line with published data showing that nAb from either convalescents or anti-CoV-2 vaccinees are less effective towards B.1. 351 than for P.1. Our data support the occurrence of immune pressure and selection involving this immunodominant epitope that may have critically contributed to the recent COVID-19 marked rise in Brazil and South Africa, and pinpoint a potential additional immune escape mechanism for SARS-CoV-2.
Evaluation of Measles Surveillance System amidst Covid 19 pandemic in Asutifi North District, Ahafo Region, Ghana.

Abstract Background: Measles is a disease of public health importance earmarked for elimination by all WHO Regions. Globally, more than 140 000 people died from Measles in 2018 affecting mostly children under 5 years, despite the availability of safe and effective vaccine. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted. Disease surveillance focal persons were interviewed using semi structured questionnaire on the system operations and use of Measles case definitions. Measles case-based investigation forms from 2015 to 2020 were reviewed for its timeliness and data quality. CDC updated guidelines for surveillance system evaluation was used to assess its usefulness and attributes. Data was analyzed for frequencies and proportions and results presented in tables and graphs. Results: Measles surveillance system was timely as 100% (69/69) of the suspected cases were reported on time. Also, the level of representativeness was good as all the 14 health facilities in the District were participating in the Measles Surveillance system. Majority 73.1 (44/60) of the case-based investigation forms filled were incomplete with some columns wrongly filled. Conclusion: Despite the outbreak of Covid 19 with most districts battling with how to contain the virus, measles surveillance system was still meeting its objectives of early detection and prompt reporting but with poor data quality.
Oxygen provision to severely ill COVID-19 patients at the peak of the 2020 pandemic in a Swedish district hospital

Oxygen therapy is a low-cost and life-saving therapy for patients with COVID-19. Yet, it is a limited resource in many hospitals in low income countries and in the 2020 pandemic even hospitals in richer countries reported oxygen shortages. An accurate understanding of oxygen requirements is needed for capacity planning. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the average flow-rate of oxygen to severe COVID-19-patients to be 10 l/min. However, there is a lack of empirical hospital-based data about the oxygen provision to patients. This study aimed to estimate the oxygen provision to COVID-19 patients with severe disease in a Swedish district hospital. A retrospective, medical records-based cohort study was conducted in March to May 2020 in a Swedish district hospital. All adult patients with severe COVID-19, those who received oxygen in the ward and had no ICU-admission during their hospital stay, were included. Data were collected on the oxygen flow-rates provided to the patients throughout their stay in hospital, and summary measures of oxygen provision calculated. One-hundred and twenty six patients were included. Their median age was 70 years and 43% were female. On admission, 27% had a peripheral oxygen saturation of <=91% and 54% had a respiratory rate of >=25/min. The mean oxygen flow-rate to patients while receiving oxygen therapy was 3.0 l/min (SD 2.9) and the mean total volume of oxygen provided per patient admission was 16,000 l (SD 23,000). In conclusion, the provision of oxygen to severely ill COVID-19-patients was lower than previously estimated. Further research is required before global estimates are adjusted.
Towards adaptive deep brain stimulation: clinical and technical notes on a novel commercial device for chronic brain sensing

Objective. Technical advances in deep brain stimulation (DBS) are crucial to improve therapeutic efficacy and battery life. We report the potentialities and pitfalls of one of the first commercially available devices capable of recording brain local field potentials (LFPs) from the implanted DBS leads, chronically and during stimulation. The aim was to provide clinicians with well-grounded tips on how to maximize the capabilities of this novel device, both in everyday practice and for research purposes. Approach. We collected clinical and neurophysiological data of the first 20 patients (14 with Parkinson’s disease (PD), five with dystonia, one with chronic pain) that received the Percept™ PC in our centres. We also performed tests in a saline bath to validate the recordings quality. Main results. The Percept PC reliably recorded the LFP of the implanted site, wirelessly and in real time. We recorded the most promising clinically useful biomarkers for PD and dystonia (beta and theta oscillations) with and without stimulation. Furthermore, we provide an open-source code to facilitate export and analysis of data. Critical aspects of the system are presently related to contact selection, artefact detection, data loss, and synchronization with other devices. Significance. New technologies will soon allow closed-loop neuromodulation therapies, capable of adapting stimulation based on real-time symptom-specific and task-dependent input signals. However, technical aspects need to be considered to ensure reliable recordings. The critical use by a growing number of DBS experts will alert new users about the currently observed shortcomings and inform on how to overcome them.