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Influence of landscape structure on carbon storage in agroforestry systems with cacao and silvopastoral systems in the Colombian Amazon

In the Colombian Amazon region, agricultural and livestock activities lead to changes in land use, transforming complex and heterogeneous natural landscapes into landscapes characterized by a matrix of pastures and forest fragments with low connectivity. These agroforestry landscapes play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation and the carbon cycle. The objective of this research was to determine the influence of landscape structure and spatial configuration in cacao-based agroforestry systems (SAFc) and silvopastoral systems (SSP) on carbon storage in the Colombian Amazon. The study was conducted across eight mosaics of rural production landscapes in the Amazon region, each consisting of a 1 km² grid where vegetation covers were classified, and landscape metrics were quantified. A total of 78 plots of 0.1 ha were established in 44 cover patches within the SAFc and SSP mosaics, and dasometric variables were measured to inventory carbon deposits in aboveground biomass, root biomass, litter, and herbaceous vegetation. It was estimated that, in the Colombian Amazon, the studied SAFc and SSP systems store an average of 15.20 Mg C ha‐ 1 in their biomass. Carbon storage was positively correlated with landscape aggregation metrics and spatial configuration within the system mosaics. Mosaics with patches of symmetrical shapes and lower irregularity, exhibiting greater contiguity, showed higher biomass and carbon storage. Therefore, productive landscapes with complex and connected mosaics enhance the provision of regulatory ecosystem services through carbon storage. Restoration efforts in fragmented areas should be managed at the landscape level by expanding the area of planting patches, establishing patches with regular geometric configurations, and improving connectivity among patches of the same type.

The bovine oviductal environment and composition are negatively affected by elevated body energy reserves

To analyze the effects of high body energy reserve (BER) within the oviductal environment and its composition, Nellore cows were fed two different nutritional plans to obtain animals with moderate BER (MBER) and high BER (HBER). After obtaining the groups with different BERs, all animals were subjected to oestrus synchronization and artificial insemination, and 120 hours after ovulation induction, the cows were slaughtered, the reproductive tract was removed, and the ipsilateral oviduct to the corpus luteum was collected and dissected. Analyses were performed only for animals that had an 8-cell embryo in the isthmus. After embryo identification, we evaluated the molecular profiles of extracellular vesicles from oviductal flushing (OF-EVs) and luminal epithelial cells (OV-Cell) and performed histomorphological analysis of oviductal tissue from the ampullary and isthmic oviductal regions. The HBER group presented higher concentrations of ampullary extracellular vesicles (AMP-EVs) and larger sizers of isthmic extracellular vesicles (IST-EVs). The miRNA profile of AMP-EVs showed that the differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted to regulate pathways associated with cell growth, migration, differentiation and metabolism, with the HBER group being more susceptible to insulin modulation. The MBER animals showed greater ampullary vascularization than the HBER animals did. Additionally, the miRNA profile and differential gene expression (DEG) data obtained for ampullary (AMP-Cell) and isthmic (IST-Cell) luminal epithelial cells revealed pathways related to insulin metabolism. Thus, elevated BER may lead to oviductal insulin resistance, affecting normal functioning and, probably, embryo metabolism during early development, thus impacting gestational rates in these animals.

Recruitment and retention strategies for improving representation in clinical research: A meta-synthesis

Objective To identify innovative strategies that may increase recruitment and/or retention of groups less represented in chronic disease clinical research. Methods A systematic review was conducted. Inclusion criteria were: (a) NIH-defined racial and ethnic minority groups and clinical research; (b) evidence-based, clinical research recruitment and/or retention strategies involving the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the United States; (c) conducted in the United States; and (d) qualitative design. Data exploring the strategies were extracted and thematically analyzed. Results Twenty-seven studies were included. Studies focused on cancer (70%), recruitment (93%), and perspectives from clinicians (63%). The most referenced strategies were education (44%), communication (48%), and community-based participatory research (63%). Critical themes include empowerment, transparency, trust, and sustainability. Conclusions Strategies must prioritize the community and be implemented sustainably, where cultural humility and community-based participatory research are foundational.

Expression of Concern: Assessment of time management practice and associated factors among primary hospitals employees in north Gondar, northwest Ethiopia

High-precision deformation monitoring and intelligent early warning for wellbore based on BDS/GNSS

To address the complex deformation of wellbores influenced by surrounding coal mining operations, this study employed an improved modified least-squares ambiguity decorrelation (MLAMBDA) algorithm based on the double-difference model for high-frequency dynamic computation of Bei Dou System and Global Navigation Satellite System (BDS/GNSS) observation data. A quantitative analysis was conducted on the performance of various combinations of BDS/GNSS in wellbore deformation monitoring, and the effects of different baseline lengths on the monitoring results were evaluated. Based on the high-precision deformation monitoring sequences, an intelligent early warning model for wellbore deformation was established using the deep learning Bi-LSTM algorithm. The results indicate that the monitoring accuracy of the BDS/GNSS multi-system combination in the E, N and U directions is within 2 mm, with all three directions outperforming the results obtained from a single Global Position System (GPS) system. As the baseline length increased from 1 km to 6 km, the accuracy in the E, N, and U directions decreased by 15.8%, 16.0%, and 5.6%, respectively. Within a 6 km range, the horizontal accuracy remains better than 3 mm, while the vertical accuracy is better than 6 mm, meeting the requirements for wellbore deformation monitoring. The early warning model can flexibly adapt to the deformation conditions at different sites and the various disturbances encountered, effectively capturing the complex nonlinear time-varying characteristics of the observation time series. The prediction of future results for one month based on one year of observation sequences achieves an accuracy better than mm, providing a safeguard for safe production in mines. This research method can also be extended to use BDS/GNSS for hourly level high-precision deformation monitoring and early warning of major engineering infrastructure such as bridges, dams, and high-speed railway systems.

Prostaglandin E2 dependent migration of human brain endothelial cells is mediated through Rho-Kinase-II

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), that plays a crucial role in angiogenesis as well as in ischemic and inflammatory disorders of the brain, is associated with breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Previously, we had shown that PGE2-induced human brain endothelial cells (HBECs) migration, and works in a cooperative manner through its three receptors (EP2, EP3 & EP4). However, the detailed signaling mechanism of PGE2-induced HBECs migration remains obscure. In this present study, we investigated the signaling pathway of actin dynamics/polymerization and migration of HBECs by PGE2 in vitro. Expression of ROCK was analyzed by ELISA and RT-PCR. Actin polymerization was evaluated by NBD-phallacidin immunofluorescence staining. HBECs expressed only ROCK II. PGE2 (100 pM) induced ROCK II expression occurs in dose-and-time-dependent manner. ROCK II inhibition by Y27632 (150nM), as well as ROCK II silencing significantly attenuated PGE2-induced migration of HBECs. We further showed that pretreatment of PKA inhibitor (H-89; 0.5 μM) or adenylate cyclase inhibitor (ddA; 1μM) completely inhibited PGE2-induced ROCK II activity. Furthermore, PGE2-induced MLC phosphorylation also occurs in a time-dependent manner. However, pretreatment of ROCK II inhibitor or silencing of ROCK II significantly abrogated PGE2-induced MLC phosphorylation as well as F-actin polymerization. Our ex-vivo aortic ring angiogenesis study also showed that pretreatment of ROCK II inhibitor significantly inhibited ECs sprouting. These results suggest that PGE2-induced HBECs migration is mediated through PKA, ROCK II and MLC phosphorylation as well as F-actin polymerization, indicating that modulation of these pathways may aid in the future treatment of dysregulated angiogenesis in cerebrovascular diseases.

Clinical efficacy and Safety of Baloxavir Marboxil compared with Oseltamivir against influenza virus in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective Comparing the clinical efficacy and safety of baloxavir marboxil and oseltamivir against influenza viruses in children, to provide theoretical references for clinical practice. Methods A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Epistemonikos, CNKI, Wipu.com, Wan Fang Database, and China Biomedical Literature Database for articles published up to December 25th, 2024, was conducted. After literature screening, data extraction, and quality evaluation, descriptive analysis was performed. Results Eight papers were included, comprising three randomized controlled studies and Five cohort studies, involving 3141 patients (1745 in the baloxavir marboxil group and 1396 in the oseltamivir group). Meta-analysis revealed no significant differences in time to remission of influenza symptoms and duration of fever between the two groups. However, baloxavir marboxil demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in influenza virus titer and RNA load. Additionally, the incidence of adverse events was significantly lower with baloxavir marboxil (p = 0.03). Conclusions Baloxavir marboxil appears more effective than oseltamivir in reducing viral load and is associated with fewer adverse events in children with influenza, while both drugs yield comparable effects in relieving symptoms. Given the limited number of included studies and absence of subgroup analyses, further well-designed trials are needed to corroborate these findings. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42024565338

Trends in Myocardial Infarction risk by HIV status in two U.S. healthcare systems

People with HIV have a higher risk of myocardial infarction (MI) compared with people without HIV. Real world evidence on whether the increased burden of MI in people with HIV is sustained over time is essential for understanding cardiovascular disease (CVD) patterns, optimizing management, and identifying unmet needs. To help fill this gap, we completed a cohort study of people with HIV and propensity matched people without HIV in two distinct US-based integrated healthcare systems (Kaiser Permanente Northern California and Mass General Brigham). Electronic health records were assessed for association of HIV status on MI risk in two calendar eras defined by baseline year: 2005–2009 and 2010–2017, with maximum 5-year follow-up, through 2020. Cox proportional hazards models were used to obtain adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for HIV status on MI risk overall and by cohort. Adjusted models controlled for demographics and traditional CVD risk factors. We included 9,401 people with HIV (78 with MI) and 29,418 people without HIV (204 with MI). In adjusted models, the HR for MI in people with HIV was 1.10 (95% CI, 0.76, 1.60) for years 2005–2009 and 1.66 (95% CI, 1.15, 2.39) for years 2010–2017 compared with people without HIV, with a corresponding P-interaction between HIV status and calendar era of 0.12. Differences were largely due to decreases in MI risk for people without HIV. The magnitude of HRs by calendar era was consistent across models stratified by cohort. Results showed an increased MI risk persisted among people with HIV in recent years relative to people without HIV, even as CVD rates are decreasing in the general population. In light of known HIV-specific CVD risk factors, continued surveillance for MIs is merited.

Adapting COVID-19 research infrastructure to capture influenza and RSV alongside SARS-CoV-2 in UK healthcare workers winter 2022/23: Evaluation of the SIREN Winter Pressures pilot study

Background In winter 2022, SIREN, a prospective healthcare worker cohort study monitoring SARS-CoV-2, ran a pilot sub-study introducing multiplex PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV to investigate winter pressures. Three pathways were trialled: (A) on-site (at hospital) swabbing for PCR testing, using the local laboratory for testing, (B) on-site swabbing using a UKHSA-commissioned laboratory for testing, and (C) postal swabbing using a UKHSA-commissioned laboratory for testing. Here, we compare pathways in relation to recruitment, testing coverage, participant acceptability, and UKHSA SIREN research team feedback. Methods A mixed methods evaluation using metrics of quality assurance and study fidelity (participant recruitment and retention; multiplex PCR testing timing and coverage), an adapted NIHR ‘participant in research’ feedback questionnaire, and thematic analysis of a UKHSA SIREN research team workshop. Results With 7,774 participants recruited, target recruitment (N = 7,500) was achieved. Thirty-nine sites took part in the sub-study (4,289 participants). Thirty-three used pathway A (3,713 participants), and six used pathway B (576 participants). 3,485 participants were enrolled into pathway C (27.8% of invitees). The median number of tests per participant was similar across pathways (6; 4; 5). However, sites using local laboratories showed a wide variation in the date they switched to multiplex testing (28 th November 2022–16 th March 2023). Consequently, influenza and RSV testing coverage was higher for pathways using UKHSA-commissioned laboratories (100.0% vs 45.6% at local laboratories). 1,204/7,774 (15.5%) participants completed the feedback survey. All pathways were acceptable to participants; 98.9% of postal and 97.5% of site-based participants ‘would consider taking part again’. Conclusion Transitioning SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing to include influenza and RSV was challenging to achieve rapidly across multiple sites. The postal testing pathway proved more agile, and UKHSA-commissioned laboratory testing provided more comprehensive data collection than local laboratory testing. This sub-study indicates that postal protocols are effective, adaptable at pace, and acceptable to participants.

Expression of Concern: Predicting young Chinese consumers’ intentions to purchase Western brands: Structural model analysis

Cloud-native simulation framework for gossip protocol: Modeling and analyzing network dynamics

This research paper explores the implementation of gossip protocols in cloud native framework through network modeling and simulation analysis. Gossip protocol is known for their decentralized and fault-tolerant nature. Simulating gossip protocols with conventional tools may face limitations in flexibility and scalability, complicating analysis, especially for larger or more diverse networks. In this paper, gossip protocols are tested within the context of cloud native computing, which leverages its scalability, flexibility, and observability. The study aims to assess the performance and feasibility of gossip protocols within cloud-native settings through a simulated environment. The paper delves into the theoretical foundation of gossip protocol, highlights the core components of cloud native computing, and explains the methodology employed in the simulation. A detailed guide has been provided on utilizing cloud-native frameworks to simulate gossip protocols across varied network environments. The simulation analysis provides insights into gossip protocols’ behavior in distributed cloud-native systems, evaluating aspects of scalability, reliability, and observability. This investigation contributes to understanding the practical implications and potential applications of gossip protocol within modern cloud-native architectures, which can also apply to conventional network infrastructure.

Households’ expenditures for solid waste management services: Influencing factors and deep insight

This study aims to evaluate the existing solid waste collection and management system available to households in Pakistan and to explore the factors affecting households’ cash payments for waste collection and disposal services. Robust least square regression is applied to household-level data from 16,155 households in the Pakistan Social Living Measurement Survey (PSLM) for 2019–2020. This method was chosen for its ability to handle outliers and provide more reliable estimates. On average, households pay PKR 214 (USD 1.01) per month for waste collection and disposal services. Households in Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa pay the highest amounts, while those in Sindh and Punjab pay less. Rural households pay more than urban households. Waste collection is primarily handled by private vans/carts, with doorstep collection being the most common method. The municipality’s role in waste collection at the doorstep is limited. Public bins and waste collection points are accessible to 83 percent of households, but their distant locations and infrequent emptying pose significant problems. These limitations highlight the need for improved municipal involvement and infrastructure. Results indicate that household income, education of the household head, age of the household head, gender of the household head, number of earners in the household, doorstep waste collection via private van/cart, availability of bins or waste collection points, distance from waste disposal facilities, bin or waste collection point clearance duration, house ownership, dwelling type, and number of rooms significantly affect households’ cash payments for waste collection services. To increase cash payments for waste collection services, waste management authorities should provide better and modern solid waste management systems. Upgrading existing systems can enhance households’ willingness to pay for these services.

Multifaceted biomedical applications of biogenic titanium dioxide nanoparticles fabricated by marine actinobacterium Streptomyces vinaceusdrappus AMG31

Abstract The biomass filtrate of marine actinobacterium, Streptomyces vinaceusdrappus AMG31, was utilized as a biocompatible and biocatalyst for titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂-NPs) synthesis. Characterization revealed well-dispersed, spherical structures with high crystallinity in the anatase phase, with sizes from 10 to 50 nm. The biosynthesized TiO₂-NPs demonstrated potent antioxidant activity with maximum DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging percentages of 94.6% and 88.2% at 1000 µg/ml, with IC₅₀ values of 11.1 and 14.36 µg/ml, respectively. TiO₂-NPs exhibited moderate wound healing activity with 66.6% wound closure compared to controls (62.6%) after 48 h. The hemocompatibility assessment revealed minimal hemolytic activity (1.9% at 1000 µg/ml) and modest anticoagulant effects in PT (14.2 s) and PTT (43 s) at 75 µg/ml. Moreover, TiO₂-NPs displayed selective cytotoxicity towards cancer cells (Caco-2 and PANC-1) with IC₅₀ values of 74.1 ± 0.7 and 71.04 ± 1.2 µg/ml, respectively, while showing lower toxicity towards normal WI38 cells (IC₅₀ 153.1 ± 1.01 µg/ml). The nanoparticles demonstrated significant antidiabetic potential through α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition (IC₅₀ 69.3 and 40.81 µg/ml, respectively). Notably, TiO₂-NPs exhibited potent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, particularly Enterococcus faecalis (37 ± 0.1 mm inhibition zone vs. 28 ± 0.1 mm for gentamicin) and Gram-negative bacteria, especially E. coli (29 ± 0.1 mm vs. 22 ± 0.2 mm for gentamicin), with low MIC/MBC values (12.5/25 µg/ml for Gram-positive and 6.25/12.5 µg/ml for E. coli). The nanoparticles demonstrated superior antifungal activity compared to fluconazole against Penicillium glabrum (45 ± 0.1 mm vs. 38 ± 0.1 mm), Aspergillus niger (37 ± 0.2 mm vs. 36 ± 0.1 mm), and Candida albicans (30 ± 0.3 mm vs. 26 ± 0.3 mm). Furthermore, TiO₂-NPs showed remarkable antibiofilm activity against bacterial (90.8–98.2% inhibition) and fungal (97.3% inhibition for C. albicans) biofilms at 75% MBC/MFC concentrations. The actinobacterial TiO₂-NPs’ biological activity profile, in conjunction with their biocompatibility, selective cytotoxicity, and minimal hemolytic activity, positions the actinobacterial TiO₂-NPs as promising candidates for various biomedical applications.

The role of anchor objects in scene function understanding

Abstract Throughout every day, we perform actions, and action information has been suggested to inform scene categorization. Here we hypothesise that actions also drive the hierarchical structure of many scenes, where anchor objects (e.g., stoves) predict the presence and position of local objects (e.g., pots) by dividing a scene in functionally distinct ‘phrases’. Specifically, we test whether the presence of anchor objects informs scene function understanding. In Experiment 1, participants matched an action word and a scene from which we either removed an action-related anchor object (REL), an action-unrelated anchor (UNREL) or a non-anchor object (RAND). Matching performance was impaired in REL compared to UNREL and RAND. Experiment 2 measured scene function activation more implicitly by priming a lexical decision task (LDT) on action words with the same stimuli (including an inconsistent condition: INCON, e.g., “cooking” in a bathroom). LDT performance was impaired after INCON and REL compared to RAND and UNREL primes. A control experiment showed that this effect was partly but not solely due to scene categorization. The results imply that understanding scene function is most closely tied to anchor objects directly relevant for actions whereas contextual scene information is not always sufficient to give rise to this understanding.

Orthostatic-dependent cardiopulmonary responses among trained females during intensity matched resistance exercises in a pilot randomized crossover study

Abstract The impact of orthostatic regulation during exercise, particularly resistance training, is not fully understood. This study investigates the acute cardiopulmonary responses of intensity-matched resistance exercises, targeting similar muscle groups but performed in different body positions in young trained females. Fourteen healthy females (21.6 ± 2.0 years) performed a 3-repetition Maximum test (3-RM) for the squat movement in the Smith machine (SM) and the leg press (LP). During two subsequent visits, they randomly completed two training sessions in SM and LP (two sets of ten repetitions at 50% 3-RM). Blood pressure (vascular unloading technique) and cardiopulmonary parameters (impedance cardiography, spirometry) were measured continuously. At baseline, there was a significant difference in heart rate and stroke volume between the SM and LP conditions. During training sessions, the SM condition showed higher ground reaction force (986.9 ± 93.3 vs. 811.2 ± 71.6 N; p < .01), systolic blood pressure (156 ± 15 vs. 141 ± 10 mmHg; p < .01), diastolic blood pressure (111 ± 11 vs. 96 ± 8 mmHg; p < .01), HR (123 ± 11 vs. 97 ± 7 bpm; p < .01), and oxygen uptake (901 ± 104 vs. 623 ± 65 ml/min; p < .01) compared to the LP condition. Total peripheral resistance (TPR) was similar. Significant different post-exercise changes could be detected in mean arterial pressure (-20.9 ± 9.9 vs. 3.3 ± 11.0 mmHg; p < .01) and TPR (-2.3 ± 1.7 vs. 0.7 ± 1.7 mmHg⋅ l⋅min-1; p < .01). Squats in the SM require greater cardiovascular and pulmonary effort than matched exercising in LP due to orthostatic stress and higher muscle activation. Conversely, the risk of blood pressure peaks is much lower with LP. Future analysis should focus on the effects of body position on patient responses.

Investigation and optimization of the piezoelectric nanocomposite ZnO/PVVH/P(VDF-TrFE) for energy harvesting applications

Abstract 30/70 wt.% poly (vinyl chloride-co-vinyl acetate-co-2-hydroxypropyl acrylate) (PVVH) / poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) P(VDF-TrFE) polymer blend (PB) are prepared and doped with various content of Zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnO NPs) using casting technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–Vis and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) are used for structural, optical and thermal properties investigation. XRD results revealed that the crystallinity degree of PB is enhanced from 83.8 to 92.3% upon increasing the ZnO NPs. FTIR analysis showed a shift in position of some characteristic bands, confirming the complexation between ZnO NPs and functional groups of PB. UV–Vis analysis showed that both direct and indirect energy gaps (E dg /E ig ) are reduced from (4.08/2.34) for PB to (3.65/1.99) eV for 1.25 wt% ZnO/PB nanocomposite. Thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) measurements demonstrated that the phase transition from ferroelectric to paraelectric phase occurred at 343 K for PB and increased to 350 K after embedding ZnO NPs. Thermal sampling (TS) technique is applied and thermodynamic parameters are estimated. Piezoelectric coefficient (d33) is optimized from 12.8 pC/N for PB sample to 23.7 pC/N for 1wt.% ZnO/PB nanocomposite at 6.24 × 105 Pa. Our results give a prediction for new piezoelectric material design capable for various energy harvesting applications.

Author Correction: Efficient on-chip electrochemical lysing of foodborne bacteria for longer DNA strands with high yield for molecular analysis

Evaluating a brief smartphone-based stress management intervention with heart rate biofeedback from built-in sensors in a three arm randomized controlled trial

Abstract Perceived stress is prevalent in industrial societies, negatively impacting mental health. Smartphone-based stress management interventions provide accessible alternatives to traditional methods, but their efficacy remains modest, potentially due to limited integration of smartphone sensor technology. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an 18-day smartphone-based stress management intervention, MT-StressLess with integrated heart rate (HR)-based biofeedback using built-in accelerometer sensors, compared to a waitlist control (WLC) condition. Secondary outcomes included emotion regulation skills, depressive symptoms, overall well-being, usbiality and usage data. As exploratory aims, we investigated whether the MT-StressLess version without HR-based biofeedback was also superior to the WLC condition, and whether the version with HR-based biofeedback provided additional benefits compared to the version without. In a three-arm randomized controlled trial, 166 participants were assigned to MT-StressLess with HR-based biofeedback, MT-StressLess, or the WLC condition. Linear mixed-effects models were used to analyze intervention effects over time (baseline, postintervention, and 1-month follow-up). At postintervention, MT-StressLess with HR-based biofeedback showed significantly greater reductions in perceived stress compared to the WLC condition (d = 0.41, 95% CI [0.03, 0.79]), whereas the version without biofeedback did not differ significantly (d = 0.14, 95% CI [−0.24, 0.51]). No significant differences were observed between the two active conditions (d = 0.29, 95% CI [−0.08, 0.66]). Both active conditions, however, led to significant improvements in the secondary outcomes of emotion regulation skills and well-being compared to the WLC (all ds = −0.58 to −0.27). These patterns persisted at the 1-month follow-up. Usability ratings were high, but overall adherence was moderate. The findings in the main comparison may reflect increased interoceptive awareness and self-regulation. Yet, the limited effects of the core intervention and the biofeedback component also suggest the influence of non-specific factors, such as placebo effects, outcome expectancy and user engagement, which highlights the need to better understand optimal intervention duration, motivation, reinforcement, and more individualized approaches to stress reactivity. Overall, the findings provide preliminary support for the potential of a smartphone-based intervention that includes HR-based biofeedback to reduce perceived stress compared to no intervention. As these interventions are still in their early stages, future research should explore how personalization driven by artificial intelligence and real-time physiological tracking can enhance engagement and efficacy.

Sea cucumber sulfated polysaccharides extract potentiates the anticancer effect of 5- fluorouracil on hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Abstract Sea cucumber represents a potential marine source of high value compounds with medicinal properties especially its anti-cancer activity. Sea cucumbers contain numerous biomolecules, including sulfated polysaccharides (Ps) which have enormous therapeutic and nutraceutical potential. This study aimed to investigate anticancer effect of Ps extracted from sea cucumbers on hepatocellular carcinoma. This study was in vitro study conducted on HepG-2 cells and normal wish cells that were divided into four groups: Group I including untreated cells, Group II including cells treated with different concentrations of 5-FU, Group III including cells treated with various concentrations of Ps extract. Group IV including cells treated with different concentrations of combined 5-FU and Ps extract. The extracted Ps were characterized using FT-IR, HPLC, and GC–MS. The anticancer effect of Ps extract was determined using cytotoxicity MTT assay, DNA fragmentation assay, wound healing assay, colony formation and soft agar assay. Also, the effect of Ps extract on VEGF, survivin, BAX and BID gene expression was determined by qRT-PCR and its effect on Bcl2 and BAK protein level was determined by western blotting technique. The results indicated that sea cucumber Ps extract either alone or in combination with 5-FU reduced HepG-2 and wish cell viability with higher selectivity index. Also, it inhibited both adherent and non-adherent colony forming ability and cell migration of HepG-2 cells. Moreover, it was significantly downregulated VEGF, survivin and Bcl2 while, it was significantly upregulated BAX, BAK and BID. In conclusion, sea cucumber Ps extract may be an effective chemotherapeutic agent against HCC.

Long term dietary Moringa oleifera leaf extract to Florida red tilapia Oreochromis sp improves performance immunity maturation and reproduction in saltwater

Abstract High salinity impairs offspring production in Florida red tilapia (FRT) Oreochromis sp. A total of 624 FRT broodstock (1:1 ratio of ♂: ♀) were divided into 16 groups, with 4 males and 4 females housed separately at two salinity levels (18 ppt and 32 ppt). Fish were fed four different levels of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOLE) supplementation (0, 5, 10, and 15 g MOLE kg−1 diet) for two months. Following the initial feeding period, males and females receiving the same MOLE level under the same salinity conditions were transferred to 24 spawning concrete tanks. The experiment consisted of eight groups, each containing 3♂ and 6♀, with triplicate setups (four groups at 18 ppt and four groups at 32 ppt). Fish were fed at 1% of their body weight for four months. The results revealed significant (p < 0.05) improvements in water quality (lower ammonium and nitrite), growth parameters, feed conversion ratio, carcass protein content, digestive enzymes, liver enzymes, cortisol level, innate immunity, antioxidants, testosterone and progesterone hormones, and reproductive function (♂ and ♀) with MOLE-fed broodstock in both salinities. MOLE at 10–15 g/kg can improve FRT performance, welfare, fertility (♀), and reproduction under high salinity conditions (32 ppt).