Positive Effect Research Articles

Performance evaluation and characterization of pre-analytical effects by sample types and storage conditions on tumor marker measurement by the point-of-care test platform IchromaTM II

Tumor markers should be measured regularly and accurately to prevent, diagnose, and monitor cancers efficiently. We aimed to characterize the pre-analytical factors effecting on the analytical performance of point-of-care test (POCT) platform IchromaTM II (Boditech Med Inc., Gangwon-do, Korea) for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and prostate specific antigen (PSA) and evaluate their consequences in clinical practice. Based on comprehensive evaluation for the analytical performance of IchromaTM II including precision, linearity, and method comparison performed according to CLSI guidelines, pre-analytical factors of sample types and conditions were extensively analyzed. A total of five sample types [serum, plasma (PL) and whole blood (WB) from EDTA tube, PL and WB from sodium heparin tube] from 40 patients were used for comparing among specimen types. Additionally, stability was assessed up to 21 h at room temperature, refrigerated for 8 days, and frozen for 16 weeks by using 4 levels of pooled patient samples which were measured in triplicate. Precision, linearity and correlation with central laboratory analyzers observed in all three tumor markers were within acceptable criteria. However, variable degrees of percent deviations were observed according to sample type and storage conditions. Only EDTA PL samples presented clinically acceptable percentage biases for all three tumor markers when stored at room temperature or refrigerated condition. Positive bias of CEA and PSA in storage duration until 16 weeks were observed when stored in frozen condition. While IchromaTM II showed an adequate analytical performance as a POCT platform with simple operating procedures for the measurement of tumor markers, clinical laboratories should be aware of stability issues when different types of blood specimens are practically utilized.

Reliable Operation in High-Mobility Indium Oxide Thin Film Transistors.

Transparent oxide semiconductors (TOSs) based thin-film transistors (TFTs) that exhibit higher field effect mobility (µFE) are highly required toward the realization of next-generation displays. Among numerous types of TOS-TFTs, In2O3-based TFTs are the front-running candidate because they exhibit the highest µFE ≈100cm2V-1s-1. However, the device operation of In2O3 TFTs is unreliable; a large voltage shift occurs especially when negative gate bias is applied due to adsorption/desorption of gas molecules. Although passivation of the TFTs is used to overcome such instability, previously proposed passivation materials do not improve the reliability. Here, it is shown that the In2O3 TFTs passivated with Y2O3 and Er2O3 films are highly reliable and do not show threshold voltage shifts when applying gate bias. Positive and negative gate bias is applied to the In2O3 TFTs passivated with various insulating oxides and found that only the In2O3 TFTs passivated with Y2O3 and Er2O3 films do not exhibit threshold voltage shifts. It is observed that only the Y2O3 grew heteroepitaxially on the In2O3 crystal. This is the origin of the high reliability of the In2O3 TFTs passivated with Y2O3 and Er2O3 films. This finding accelerates the development of next-generation displays using high-mobility In2O3 TFTs.

Social Cognition, Executive Functioning, Mood, and Disability in Cervical Dystonia.

Individuals with idiopathic adult-onset isolated cervical dystonia (CD) may have cognitive difficulties and increased mood challenges. Social cognition and executive functioning may be particularly affected. To explore social cognition and executive functioning performance in individuals with CD, using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), as previous research has used traditional, nondigital neuropsychological assessments. We sought to investigate the relationships between social cognition, executive functioning, mood, and disability in individuals with CD. We recruited 37 individuals with CD, including 26 women with an age range of 33 to 69 years (M = 56.64, SD = 8.31) from a dystonia clinic in a hospital neurology department. The individuals completed selected tasks from the CANTAB measuring social cognition and executive functioning. We compared the individuals' performance with CANTAB normative data. Depression, anxiety, disease severity, and disability were measured. The individuals with CD had significantly lower scores than the CANTAB normative data in both social cognition and executive functioning tasks, with the largest differences evident in problem-solving, attention, and positive emotion bias tasks. Poorer emotion recognition was associated with increased difficulties in problem-solving tasks. The individuals demonstrated a bias toward identifying happiness in facial affect, which was related to a poorer recognition of emotions. Cognitive performance was not related to CD severity or disability or to current mood symptoms. Difficulties with both social cognition and executive functioning were identified in the individuals with CD, and are likely important targets for clinical interventions.

The Effect of Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) and Nursing Guide Application on Postoperative Patient Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Study

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of nursing guide application (NGA) on patient outcomes in patients followed up according to the modified early warning score (MEWS) in the postoperative period. A randomized controlled clinical trial. The sample of the study consisted of 252 patients who underwent surgical intervention under general anesthesia in a university hospital between July 29, 2022, and October 31, 2022. Results showed that the development of complications was less in the study group (SG) compared to the control group (CG) during anesthesia (P=.027), in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) (P=.017), and in the clinic (P=.001). It was found that the duration of stay in PACU in the CG was significantly shorter than in the study group (P<.001), and as the duration of stay in PACU in CG decreased, the MEWS increased (r=-0.201, P=.024). We found that there were fewer patients transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) after PACU (P=.007), the MEWS was lower, and the number of nursing interventions applied to patients was higher (P<.05). In patients followed up according to MEWS, NGA had a positive effect on preventing the development of complications and shortening the intervention time for complications, decreasing ICUadmission, decreasing MEWS and increasing the number of nursing interventions. Based on the results, it may be recommended to use MEWS+NGA in the early postoperative period as it positively affects patient outcomes.

The Therapeutic Potential and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Neuroprotective Effects of Sativex® - A Cannabis-derived Spray.

Sativex is a cannabis-based medicine that comes in the form of an oromucosal spray. It contains equal amounts of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, two compounds derived from cannabis plants. Sativex has been shown to have positive effects on symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), and sleep disorders. It also has analgesic, antiinflammatory, antitumoral, and neuroprotective properties, which make it a potential treatment option for other neurological disorders. The article reviews the results of recent preclinical and clinical studies that support the therapeutic potential of Sativex and the molecular mechanisms behind its neuroprotective benefits in various neurological disorders. The article also discusses the possible advantages and disadvantages of using Sativex as a neurotherapeutic agent, such as its safety, efficacy, availability, and legal status.

Realization of logic gates in bi-directionally coupled nonlinear oscillators.

Implementation of logic gates has been investigated in nonlinear dynamical systems from various perspectives over the years. Specifically, logic gates have been implemented in both single nonlinear systems and coupled nonlinear oscillators. The majority of the works in the literature have been done on the evolution of single oscillators into OR/AND or NOR/NAND logic gates. In the present study, we demonstrate the design of logic gates in bi-directionally coupled double-well Duffing oscillators by applying two logic inputs to the drive system alone along with a fixed bias. The nonlinear system, comprising both bi-directional components, exhibits varied logic behaviors within an optimal range of coupling strength. Both attractive and repulsive couplings yield similar and complementary logic behaviors in the first and second oscillators. These couplings play a major role in exhibiting fundamental and universal logic gates in simple nonlinear systems. Under a positive bias, both the first and second oscillators demonstrate OR logic gate for the attractive coupling, while exhibiting OR and NOR logic gates, respectively, for the repulsive coupling. Conversely, under a negative bias, both the first and second oscillators display AND logic gate for the attractive coupling, and AND and NAND logical outputs for the repulsive coupling. Furthermore, we confirm the robustness of the bi-directional oscillators against moderate noise in maintaining the desired logical outputs.

Evaluation of IMERG and MSG-CPP Precipitation Estimates over Europe Using EURADCLIM: A Gauge-Adjusted European Composite Radar Dataset

Abstract A new pan-European climatological dataset was recently released that has a much higher spatiotemporal resolution than existing pan-European interpolated rain gauge datasets. This radar dataset of hourly precipitation accumulations, European Radar Climatology (EURADCLIM) (Overeem et al.), covers most of continental Europe with a resolution of 2 km × 2 km and is adjusted employing data from potentially thousands of government rain gauges. This study aims to use this dataset to evaluate two important satellite-derived precipitation products over the period 2013–19 at a much higher spatiotemporal resolution than was previously possible at the European scale: the IMERG late run and the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) cloud physical property product from the SEVIRI instrument. The latter is only available during daytime, so the analyses are restricted to daytime conditions. A direct gridcell comparison of hourly precipitation reveals an apparently low coefficient of correlation. However, looking into slightly more detail at statistics pertaining to longer time scales or specific areas, the datasets show good correspondence. All datasets are shown to have their specific biases, which can be transient or more systematic, depending on the timing or location. The MSG precipitation seems to have an overall positive bias, and the IMERG dataset suffers from some transient overestimation of certain events.

Discriminative stimulus properties of two training doses of gabapentin in rats: Substitution by pregabalin, diazepam, and pentobarbital.

Gabapentin is used for the treatment of many conditions, including seizures, pain, and anxiety. Increasing reports of nonprescribed use suggest that gabapentin may elicit positive subjective effects. The present study was conducted to examine the subjective effects of gabapentin using rats trained to discriminate either a 30.0 mg/kg or 300.0 mg/kg dose of gabapentin versus vehicle on a two-choice drug discrimination task. Both doses of gabapentin were established as discriminative stimuli, and the 300.0 mg/kg dose was more readily established compared to the 30.0 mg/kg dose. Full substitution (> 80% gabapentin-lever responding) occurred by the training drug and by the gabapentinoid compound pregabalin. Partial substitution (> 20% gabapentin-lever responding) was shown by the opioid compounds morphine and fentanyl, and dose combinations of the opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone with the gabapentin training doses reduced the percentage of gabapentin-lever responding to below 80%. Partial substitution for both training doses of gabapentin occurred with the cannabinoid Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol. The barbiturate compound pentobarbital and the benzodiazepine compound diazepam were only tested for substitution for the 300.0 mg/kg dose of gabapentin and these compounds produced full substitution. These findings demonstrate that gabapentin establishes a robust discriminative cue and exhibits stimulus effects closely similar to pregabalin, pentobarbital, and diazepam. Since pregabalin, pentobarbital, and diazepam carry a risk of problematic use and are classified as controlled substances, further evaluations of gabapentin's risks in this regard are warranted. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Effect of surface functionalization on the quantum capacitance of M2CF2 (M = Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo) as supercapacitor electrodes

The surface charge storage capacity, atomic structures, and quantum capacitance of M2CF2 (M=Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo) are investigated using density functional theory (DFT). The influence of different surface functionalization methods on the capacitance performance of M2CF2 is also examined, including the introduction of vacancy defects (C-, F-, M-vacancy) and nonmetal doping (N, O, and S). The findings show that both defects and doping reduce the quantum capacitance of V2CF2, Cr2CF2, and Mo2CF2, but they have a negligible impact on the capacitance behavior of Ti2CF2, Zr2CF2 and Nb2CF2. Furthermore, the pristine Cr2CF2 system exhibits relatively high quantum capacitance and surface charge storage capacity under both positive and negative bias. However, the presence of vacancies and dopants significantly decreases its capacitance. Among the structures studied, pristine and nonmetal-doped V2CF2 demonstrate the highest quantum capacitance values (1302.02–1517.56 μF/cm2), suggesting its potential as an effective positive electrode material. Overall, the findings of this study are expected to boost the development of high-capacitance electrodes in the future.

Evaluation of Urolithin A Efficacy in Heart Failure Patients with Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Randomized, Double-blind, Crossover, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial.

Mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired mitophagy are integral to myocyte loss and the progression of heart failure. Urolithin A (UA), a microbiota-produced metabolite of ellagitannins and ellagic acid, is a known stimulator of mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis that has shown cardioprotective effects in experimental models. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 2×2 crossover trial was conducted on 10 patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The trial design involved two 4- week intervention periods of UA (500 mg BID) and placebo, separated by a 2-week washout phase. The patients underwent two-dimensional echocardiogram examination as well as blood sampling at the beginning and end of each period. All patients completed the study. The results failed to reveal any significant effect of UA supplementation on echocardiographic measures (LVEF, LVEDD, LVESV, and TAPSE). Plasma concentrations of pro-BNP, glucose, and CRP (p >0.05) were also not altered. Serum HDL-C levels were increased with UA compared with placebo (+6.46 ± 2.33 mg/dL, p =0.026), whereas other lipid indices (LDL-C, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and VLDL-C) remained unchanged (p >0.05). The results of the present study do not support any positive effect of UA supplementation in improving echocardiographic and biochemical indices of HFrEF. Further studies with higher doses of UA and longer supplementation duration are encouraged to be conducted.

Impact of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on the Gut Microbiota and Microbiota Associated Functions in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Evidence on Animal Models.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a global health problem in which gut microbiota dysbiosis plays a pivotal pathogenic role. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapy has shown promising application prospects for its powerful immune regulation and tissue repair ability. Recent experimental data suggest that MSCs also regulate the composition of gut microbiota. The current review analyzed, for the first time, the research data linking MSCs and gut microbiota modulation in IBD models aiming at assessing the role of gut microbiota in MSCs repair of IBD. A comprehensive and structured literature search was performed up to January 2023 on the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. The quality and risk of bias assessment followed the PRISMA guidelines and SYRCLE's tool. A total of nine pre-clinical studies on animal models were included. Although the dose and route of MSCs applied were quite heterogeneous, results showed that MSCs displayed protective effects on intestinal inflammation, including mice general assessment, immunoregulation, and intestinal barrier integrity. Meanwhile, studies showed positive effects on the composition of gut flora with MSCs administration, which had been characterized by restoration of Firmicutes/ Bacteroides balance and reduction of Proteobacteria. The beneficial bacteria Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus were also distinctly enriched, and the pathogenic bacteria Escherichia-Shigella was conversely decreased. The alpha and beta diversity were also regulated to resemble those of healthy mice. Microbial metabolic functions, such as biosynthesis of secondary bile acid and sphingolipid metabolism, and some biological behaviors related to cell regeneration were also up-regulated, while cancer function and poorly characterized cellular function were down-regulated. Current data support the remodeling effect on gut microbiota with MSC administration, which provides a potential therapeutic mechanism for MSCs in the treatment of IBD. Additional studies in humans and animal models are warranted to further confirm the role of gut microflora in MSCs repairing IBD.

GREEN PRODUCT PLACEMENT IN TV SERIES: AN EVALUATION ON CONSUMER ATTITUDE AND PURCHASE INTENTION

Purpose: The main purpose of this study is to measure the effect of green product placement strategy on consumer attitude and consumer purchase intention. In addition, the study examined whether attitudes towards green product placement and intention to purchase green products vary according to demographic variables. Material and Method: This study was conducted in Istanbul, Turkey and the main population of the research consists of consumers who are 18 years old and over and watch television series. The sample size was determined to be 402 participants since it would not be possible to reach all participants in the universe in generalizing the analysis result. The data obtained was analyzed with PLS and SPSS programs. In order to test hypotheses; frequency analysis, validity analysis, reliability analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were performed. Findings: As a result of the research, it was concluded that the reality and response to advertising dimensions had a statistically positive effect on the intention to purchase green products. In addition, it was concluded that the consumer attitude variable towards green product placement and the intention to purchase green products differ according to gender. Result: In order to develop a positive attitude towards green products and increase the purchasing tendency towards such products, it would be appropriate for practitioners to focus on realism in product placement strategies, avoid creating a perception of commercial advertising, and increase environmental awareness. Generalization of the subject study would be possible in future studies if comparisons of green product placements in different communication channels are taken in consideration

Enhancing the Stability and Mobility of TFTs via Indium-Tungsten Oxide and Zinc Oxide Engineered Heterojunction Channels Annealed in Oxygen Ambient.

This study demonstrates a significant enhancement in the performance of thin-film transistors (TFTs) in terms of stability and mobility by combining indium-tungsten oxide (IWO) and zinc oxide (ZnO). IWO/ZnO heterojunction structures were fabricated with different channel thickness ratios and annealing environments. The IWO (5 nm)/ZnO (45 nm) TFT, annealed in O2 ambient, exhibited a high mobility of 26.28 cm2/V·s and a maximum drain current of 1.54 μA at a drain voltage of 10 V, outperforming the single-channel ZnO TFT, with values of 3.8 cm2/V·s and 28.08 nA. This mobility enhancement is attributed to the formation of potential wells at the IWO/ZnO junction, resulting in charge accumulation and improved percolation conduction. The engineered heterojunction channel demonstrated superior stability under positive and negative gate bias stresses compared to the single ZnO channel. The analysis of O 1s spectra showed OI, OII, and OIII peaks, confirming the theoretical mechanism. A bias temperature stress test revealed superior charge-trapping time characteristics at temperatures of 25, 55, and 85 °C compared with the single ZnO channel. The proposed IWO/ZnO heterojunction channel overcomes the limitations of the single ZnO channel and presents an attractive approach for developing TFT-based devices having excellent stability and enhanced mobility.

Enhanced Electrical Properties and Stability in IGZO TFTs via Low-Temperature Activation with MgOx Layer.

We propose the introduction of a magnesium oxide (MgOx) layer to reduce the temperature required for the activation of indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) thin films. By incorporating the MgOx layer between the IGZO channel layer and the gate insulator layer, the required activation temperature is lowered from 300 to 200 °C while enhancing the electrical performance of the IGZO thin-film transistor (TFT). Specifically, the field effect mobility is improved from 6.40 to 16.12 cm2/(V s), the on/off current ratio is enhanced from 1.62 × 109 to 7.16 × 109, and subthreshold swing is enhanced from 0.48 to 0.46 V/decade. Furthermore, IGZO TFTs with the MgOx layer exhibit enhancements in threshold voltage (VTH) shift compared to TFTs without the MgOx layer under positive bias stress (VGS = 20 V and VDS = 0.1 V for 10,000 s) and negative bias stress (VGS = -20 V and VDS = 0.1 V for 10,000 s): the VTH shifts are decreased from 2.40 to 1.72 V and from 0.56 to 0.53 V, respectively. These enhancements are verified through various analyses and are attributed to the diffusion of Mg atoms into the IGZO front channel during the low-temperature activation process, which results in the formation of Mg-doped IGZO between the MgOx and IGZO channel layers.

Can ChatGPT read who you are?

The interplay between artificial intelligence (AI) and psychology, particularly in personality assessment, represents an important emerging area of research. Accurate personality trait estimation is crucial not only for enhancing personalization in human-computer interaction but also for a wide variety of applications ranging from mental health to education. This paper analyzes the capability of a generic chatbot, ChatGPT, to effectively infer personality traits from short texts. We report the results of a comprehensive user study featuring texts written in Czech by a representative population sample of 155 participants. Their self-assessments based on the Big Five Inventory (BFI) questionnaire serve as the ground truth. We compare the personality trait estimations made by ChatGPT against those by human raters and report ChatGPT's competitive performance in inferring personality traits from text. We also uncover a ‘positivity bias’ in ChatGPT's assessments across all personality dimensions and explore the impact of prompt composition on accuracy. This work contributes to the understanding of AI capabilities in psychological assessment, highlighting both the potential and limitations of using large language models for personality inference. Our research underscores the importance of responsible AI development, considering ethical implications such as privacy, consent, autonomy, and bias in AI applications.

When the personal and the collective intersects: Memory, future thinking, and perceived agency during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Do collective crises have an impact on the characteristics of mental time travel for individuals and collectives? The COVID-19 pandemic provides a unique context to address this question due to the intersection it created between the personal and the collective domains. In two studies (N = 273), we examined the valence and perceived agency involved in memory and future thinking for personal and collective domains. The second study also included a longitudinal component with 43 participants completing both studies. In research done prior to the pandemic, a valence-based dissociation between personal and collective events was consistently observed in Western samples. We wanted to see if these patterns changed during different stages of the pandemic. In the first study, participants no longer exhibited the usual positivity bias for the personal future, while in the second study, they did not exhibit the usual negativity bias for the collective future. The second aim of the current article was to assess the agency people attribute to themselves and their nation over events and how that relates to valence. People always attributed more agency to themselves over positive events than negative events in both personal and collective domains. Perceived nation agency, however, was associated with positivity in the collective domain but with negativity in the personal domain. Longitudinal analyses confirmed these patterns. Taken together, these results indicate that a collective crisis that has immediate and profound effects on personal lives can alter the patterns observed for mental time travel, especially for the future. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Recent Recall of Iron Reagent-Investigation of Potential Reagent Contamination and Assay Improvement Strategy.

Recently, a major manufacturer recalled several lots of iron assay reagent due to positive bias of roughly 15%-30% and the cause remains unknown. This study investigated the root cause of this positive bias and evaluated a simple practical approach to improve the assay. Performance comparison of recalled and unimpacted iron assay kits was done utilizing calibrators, quality control (QC) materials, and 42 remnant patient samples. Spectral scan and trace elements analysis of R1 and R2 reagents was performed. Copper (Cu) and thiourea (TU) spiking experiments were utilized to elucidate the cause and prevention of positive bias seen with recalled lots. Iron measurements in QC materials and patient samples using recalled reagents generated a positive bias of 17.5% and 21%, respectively. Correspondingly, the recalled R2 reagents, but not R1, showed a rise in basal absorbance along with an unanticipated presence of Cu (22.7 µg/dL) and lead (7.5 µg/L). Cu spiking to recalled and unimpacted R2 reagent intensified the reagent color besides falsely increasing its absorbance, calibration factor, and patient iron measurements. Interestingly, addition of TU (65 mmol/L) to R2 reagent from unimpacted lot prevented the short-term and prolonged Cu-induced spurious rise in calibration factor and patient iron estimations. We conclude that accidental copper contamination of R2 reagent during manufacturing could be a reason underlying the positive bias in the recalled iron reagent lots. Addition of TU in ferene-containing R2 reagent is a simple and effective means to prevent Cu-induced false elevation in iron values.

Ultrafast (≈10 GHz) mid-IR modulator based on ultrafast electrical switching of the light–matter coupling

We demonstrate a free-space amplitude modulator for mid-infrared radiation (λ ≈ 9.6 μm) that operates at room temperature up to at least 20 GHz (above the −3 dB cutoff frequency measured at 8.2 GHz). The device relies on the ultrafast transition between weak- and strong-coupling regimes induced by the variation of the applied bias voltage. Such transition induces a modulation of the device reflectivity. It is made of a semiconductor heterostructure enclosed in a judiciously designed array of metal–metal optical resonators, that—all-together—behave as an electrically tunable surface. At negative bias, it operates in the weak light–matter coupling regime. Upon application of an appropriate positive bias, the quantum wells populate with electrons, and the device transitions to the strong-coupling regime. The modulator transmission remains linear with input radio frequency power in the 0–9 dBm range. The increase in optical powers up to 25 mW exhibit a weak beginning of saturation a little bit below.

Unveiling the Interlayer Interaction in a 1H/1T TaS2 van der Waals Heterostructure.

This study delves into the intriguing properties of the 1H/1T-TaS2 van der Waals heterostructure, focusing on the transparency of the 1H layer to the charge density wave of the underlying 1T layer. Despite the sizable interlayer separation and metallic nature of the 1H layer, positive bias voltages result in a pronounced superposition of the 1T charge density wave structure on the 1H layer. The conventional explanation relying on tunneling effects proves insufficient. Through a comprehensive investigation combining low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy, scanning tunneling spectroscopy, non-contact atomic force microscopy, and first-principles calculations, we propose an alternative interpretation. The transparency effect arises from a weak yet substantial electronic coupling between the 1H and 1T layers, challenging prior understanding of the system. Our results highlight the critical role played by interlayer electronic interactions in van der Waals heterostructures to determine the final ground states of the systems.

Infl uence of biologically active additive on meat productivity of pigs

In order to improve the digestibility and assimilation of nutrients in feed by animals, biologically active additives have recently been used in practice. The purpose of the research was to study the infl uence of a biologically active additive on the meat productivity of pigs. The research was carried out at the Agrofi rma Ariant LLC in the Emanzhelinsky district one of the largest pig-breeding complexes in the Chelyabinsk region for the production of pork on an industrial basis. The data on the use of the probiotic Bifi dumbacterin in the diet of fattening pigs have been presented in the article. The probiotic feed additive was given to animals in the amount of 0.05 and 0.10 g/head/day. It was found that the absolute gain in live weight of young pigs in the control group during the experimental period was 69.60 kg, in the 1st experimental group it was 74.16 kg, which was by 4.56 kg more, and in the 2nd experimental group it was 76.56 kg, which was by 6.96 kg more. The average daily live weight gain of animals in the 1st and 2nd experimental groups was higher than in the control by 6.55 and 10.00 %, respectively. The use of a biologically active additive in addition to the main diet had a positive eff ect on the formation of meat productivity of fattened young pigs in the experimental groups. The pigs of the 1st and 2nd experimental groups exceeded the control group in slaughter weight by 5.35 and 7.81 %, respectively, in hot carcass weight by 5.13 and 7.39 %, in slaughter yield by 0.5 and 0.7 abs.%. Economic effi ciency in monetary terms was higher in the experimental groups. The use of Bifidumbacterin in feeding of young pigs made it possible to reduce the prime-cost of 1 centner of live weight gain by 294.14–423.17 rubles and increase the level of profitability of pork production by 7.26–10.74 abs.%.