Use of Postbiotic as Growth Promoter in Poultry Industry: A Review of Current Knowledge and Future Prospects.

Health-promoting preparations of inanimate microorganisms or their components are postbiotics. Since probiotics are sensitive to heat and oxygen, postbiotics are stable during industrial processing and storage. Postbiotics boost poultry growth, feed efficiency, intestinal pathogen reduction, and health, making them acceptable drivers of sustainable poultry production. It contains many important biological properties, such as immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory responses. Postbiotics revealed promising antioxidant effects due to higher concentrations of uronic acid and due to some enzyme's production of antioxidants, e.g., superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidases and peroxidases. Postbiotics improve intestinal villi, increase lactic acid production, and reduce Enterobacteriaceae and fecal pH, all of which lead to a better immune reaction and health of the gut, as well as better growth performance. P13K/AKT as a potential target pathway for postbiotics-improved intestinal barrier functions. Similarly, postbiotics reduce yolk and plasma cholesterol levels in layers and improve egg quality. It was revealed that favorable outcomes were obtained with various inclusion levels at 1 kg and 0.5 kg. According to several studies, postbiotic compounds significantly increased poultry performance. This review article presents the most recent research investigating the beneficial results of postbiotics in poultry.

Evaluating Disparities in Places of Death in the United States Among Patients With Intellectual Disabilities: A 22-Year Analysis Using the CDC-WONDER Database.

Background In the United States, intellectual disabilities are related to higher death rates. Given the relationship between intellectual disabilities and places of death, it is important to evaluate trends and disparities in places of death to direct physician and patient education and improve the chances of patients who will receive end-of-life care to be suitable with their preferences and values. In this study, the data from the CDC Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) database was used to examine mortality trends in places of death of patients with intellectual disabilities in the United States between 1999 and 2020. Methodology The data were collected with the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision codes F70-F79 (intellectual disability) from the CDC WONDER website on July 20, 2023, to evaluate disparities in places of death. R programming software was used to conduct statistical analysis for predicting death trends in hospice or home care for age groups, genders, census regions, and races. Results In total, 9,432 patients with intellectual disabilities died between 1999 and 2020. The highest number of deaths was in the age group of 55-64 years (2,281) and the lowest was in the age group of 1-4 years (55). The data showed that mortality rates among various demographic groups varied significantly. The age group of 25-34 years was more likely to die in a home/hospice setting (odds ratio (OR) = 2.137, confidence interval (CI) = 1.452, 3.145, p < 0.001), considering 85+ years as the reference age. The age group of 1-4 years had the lowest risk of death at home or hospice (OR = 0.147, CI = 0.108, 0.2, p = 0.001). Conclusions The deaths from intellectual disabilities from 1999 to 2020 were higher in medical facilities than those in home or hospice care. The mortality was higher for older adults, whites, and males in the Midwest and the South regions, as well as in medical faculties compared to other categories.

Tunning the Zeolitic Imidazole Framework (ZIF8) through the Wet Chemical Route for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction.

Utilizing zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) poses a significant challenge that demands a facile synthesis method to produce uniform and nanometer-scale materials with high surface areas while achieving high yields. Herein, we demonstrate a facile and cost-effective strategy to systematically produce ZIF8 nanocrystals. Typically, ZIF8 nanocrystal synthesis involves a wet chemical route. As the reaction time decreased (150, 120, and 90 min), the size of the ZIF8 crystals decreased with uniform morphology, and productivity reached as high as 89%. The composition of the product was confirmed through XRD, FE-SEM, TEM, EDS, and Raman spectroscopy. The ZIF8 synthesized with different reaction time was finally employed for catalyzing the electrochemical hydrogen evaluation reaction (HER). The optimized ZIF8-3 obtained at 90 min of reaction time exhibited a superior catalytic action on the HER in alkaline medium, along with a remarkably long-term stability for 24 h compared with the other ZIF8 nanocrystals obtained at different reaction times. Specifically, the optimized ZIF8-3 sample revealed an HER overpotential of 172 mV and a Tafel slope of 104.15 mV·dec-1. This finding, thus, demonstrates ZIF8 as a promising electrocatalyst for the production of high-value-added green and sustainable hydrogen energy.

Efficacy and safety of antibody-drug conjugates in triple-negative and HER-2 positive breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

Breast cancer (BC) is the 2nd most common cause of cancer-related deaths. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are monoclonal antibodies linked to cytotoxic agents and are directed towards a specific tumor protein. Therefore, they are more potent and can have relatively less toxicity. In this meta-analysis, we assessed the efficacy and safety of ADCs in breast cancer. We searched PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and clinicaltrials.gov for relevant studies and included 7 randomized clinical trials (N = 5,302) and 7 non-randomized clinical trials (N = 658). R programming language software was used to conduct this meta-analysis. In 4 RCTs on HER-2 positive BC (N = 2,825), the pooled HR of PFS and OS was 0.72 (95% CI = 0.61-0.84, I2 = 71%) and 0.73 (95% CI = 0.64-0.84, I2 = 20%), respectively in favor of ADCs versus chemotherapy. In RCT on triple negative BC (N = 468), HR of PFS and OS were 0.55 (95%CI = 0.51-0.61) and 0.59 (95% CI = 0.54-0.66), respectively, in favor of saci-gov versus chemotherapy. In RCT on HER-2 positive residual invasive BC, HR of recurrence/death was 0.61 (95% CI = 0.54-0.69) in favor of ADC versus chemotherapy. In an RCT (N = 524), the HR of PFS and OS were 0.28 (95% CI = 0.22-0.37) and 0.55 (95%CI = 0.36-0.86), respectively, in favor of trastuzumab-deruxtecan (T-der) as compared to trastuzumab-emtansine (T-DM1). Anemia, rash, diarrhea, fatigue, hypertension, thrombocytopenia, and elevated aminotransferases were the common ≥grade 3 adverse events reported in 4%, 1%, 2%, 1%, 2%, 9%, and 3% of the patients, respectively. ADCs were more effective than single and double agent chemotherapy in patients with HER-2 positive or triple negative BC. Among ADCs, T-der was more effective than T-DM1.

Fabrication of graphene-based sensor for exposure to different chemicals.

Opto-chemical sensors are the most significant type of sensors that are widely used to detect a variety of volatile organic compounds and chemicals. This research work demonstrates the fabrication and characterization of an opto-chemical sensor based on a graphene thin film. A 300 nm graphene thin film was deposited on clean glass with the help of RF magnetron sputtering. The structure, surface and quality of the graphene thin film were characterized using XRD, SEM and Raman spectroscopy. For optical characterization, the thin film was exposed to IPA, acetone and toluene (separately) for five, ten and fifteen minutes. The optical transmission was then observed via UV-NIR spectroscopy in the near-infrared range (900 to 1450 nm). The thin film of graphene has expressed a sharp response time and recovery time with high sensitivity for each chemical. However, by comparing the output of the graphene thin film in response to each chemical, it was observed that graphene thin film has a better transmission and sensing rate for exposure to toluene.

Fabrication and Characterization of a Highly Sensitive and Flexible Tactile Sensor Based on Indium Zinc Oxide (IZO) with Imprecise Data Analysis.

Tactile sensors are widely used in the electronic industry. In the following research work, we proposed a tactile sensor based on indium zinc oxide (IZO) electrodes and used neutrosophic statistics to analyze the capacitance and resistance of the tactile sensor. The tactile sensor was fabricated by depositing the IZO electrodes on a polycarbonate substrate (a thin layer). The IZO was characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy techniques. The sensor's electrical properties were characterized using an LCR meter, i.e., capacitance and resistance were measured in intervals with respect to changes in the applied force on the sensor at 1 kHz operational frequency. The sensor expressed high sensitivity with quick response and recovery times. The sensor also expressed long-term stability. For the analysis of capacitance and resistance, two statistical approaches, i.e., classical and neutrosophic approaches, were applied, and the better analysis approach for the sensor was found.

Fabrication of a graphene-based sensor to detect the humidity and the temperature of a metal body with imprecise data analysis.

Graphene is a 2D material with remarkable properties. The present study demonstrates the fabrication of a graphene-based sensor for measuring the temperature and humidity of a metal body. The graphene sensor was fabricated by depositing a thin film of graphene nanoparticles between silver electrodes (separated by ∼50 µm) on a glass substrate. The graphene thin film was characterized by XRD, Raman spectroscopy and UV-vis techniques. The capacitance and resistance for both the relative humidity (in the range of 0-100% RH) and temperature (in the range of 230-310 K) were measured using an LCR meter at 1 kHz in a controlled chamber. The graphene-based sensor expressed high sensitivity with fast response and recovery times for both humidity and temperature with long stability and low hysteresis curves. The sensor was also tested on a metal body, which expressed a good response time. Moreover, the measured data of capacitance and resistance was analyzed with classical and neutrosophic analysis as an application of modern material statistics. It was observed that neutrosophic analysis is more flexible for analyzing the capacitance and resistance of the fabricated sensor.

Fabrication of flexible temperature sensors to explore indeterministic data analysis for robots as an application of Internet of Things.

The use of flexible electronic devices in different applications of Internet of Things, especially in robot technology, has gained importance to measure different physical factors such as temperature. Moreover, there is a need for a flexible and more informative approach to analyse the data. In this study, we report two flexible temperature sensors based on reduced graphene and multi-walled carbon nanotubes with high sensitivity and quick response and recovery times. The electrical properties of the sensors were studied using an LCR meter associated with a controlled chamber at 1 kHz. We used both classical and neutrosophic methods for analyzing the measured data of temperature sensors and found the more effective method by comparing their methods of analysis.

Safety and efficacy of percutaneous coronary intervention versus coronary artery bypass graft in patients with STEMI and unprotected left main stem disease: A systematic review & meta-analysis.

Introduction: Owing to its large area of supply, left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) has the highest mortality rate among coronary artery lesions, resulting in debate about its optimal revascularization technique. This meta-analysis compares percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) versus coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for the treatment of LMCAD. Method: MEDLINE, TRIP, and Cochrane Central databases were queried from their inception until 25 April 2021, to determine MACCE (major adverse cardiac and cardiovascular events), all-cause mortality, repeat revascularization, myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke rates post-revascularization for different follow-ups. 7 RCTs and 50 observational studies having 56,701 patients were included. A random-effects model was used with effect sizes calculated as odds ratios (odds ratio, OR). Results: In the short term (1 year), PCI had significantly higher repeat revascularizations (OR = 3.58, 95% CI 2.47-5.20; p < 0.00001), but lower strokes (OR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.38-0.81; p = 0.002). In the intermediate term (2-5 years), PCI had significantly higher rates of repeat revascularizations (OR = 3.47, 95% CI 2.72-4.44; p < 0.00001) and MI (OR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.17-1.64; p = 0.0002), but significantly lower strokes (OR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.42-0.70; p < 0.0001). PCI also had significantly higher repeat revascularizations (OR = 2.58, 95% CI 1.89-3.52; p < 0.00001) in the long term (≥5 years), while in the very long term (≥10 years), PCI had significantly lower all-cause mortalities (OR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.61-0.96; p = 0.02). Conclusion: PCI was safer than CABG for patients with stroke for most follow-ups, while CABG was associated with lower repeat revascularizations. However, further research is required to determine PCI's safety over CABG for reducing post-surgery MI.

Assessing Mental Health of Women Living in Karachi During the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Introduction: Women are more susceptible to mental health disorders and have been reported to experience higher levels of depression and anxiety during previous large-scale disease outbreaks. Stressful events like the COVID-19 pandemic can add extra burdens to women's already multifaceted lives. Keeping the gender implications of COVID-19 in mind can assist health care workers to offer more effective management. In our study, we aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of women in Karachi, Pakistan and investigate the possible risk factors. Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed to women on social media platforms in the month of June 2020. The questionnaire had two self-assessment scales, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scale which measures the symptoms of depression and General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale which measures anxiety. Results: Three hundred and ninety three individuals completed the questionnaire with the mean age calculated to be 27.6 ± 11.7 years. Age, education, marital status, number of children, financial issues, employment status, smoking, comorbidities and mental illnesses were significantly associated with participants' mean anxiety and depression scores. The depression scores were generally higher compared to anxiety scores in each category. As the age increased, their scores decreased, with women aged 18-30 having a significantly higher mean depression and anxiety scores compared to women who were above 50. Severe anxiety was identified in 21.9% women and severe depression was noted in 17.8% women. A frightening number of 148 (37.7%) was found of women who had self-destructive thoughts at one time or another. Out of these women, surprisingly 97 (65.5%) individuals were not previously diagnosed with any mental illnesses. Discussion: This study supports the existing literature regarding the disturbed psychological state of women close to the peak of the covid-19 pandemic. We noted increased percentage of depressive women as compared to studies conducted before the covid-19 era. This raises concern especially with our thought provoking finding of self-harm or suicidal thoughts among women. Most of our female population is also seen to be anxious. This study highlights the importance for help and support groups of mental health to effectively reach women during this period of social isolation.