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Microfluidic fabrication of rattle shaped biopolymer microcapsules via sequential phase separation in oil droplets
Influencing consumer perceptions in green tourism: criteria and strategies for effective destination branding
As the global shift towards sustainable tourism intensifies, the need for effective destination branding strategies becomes increasingly important. This study investigates and prioritizes these strategies to enhance consumer perceptions of sustainable tourism destinations, with a focus on Guilin. The research examines five key criteria, twenty sub-criteria, and nine strategic approaches essential for destination branding. The primary objective is to shape consumer perceptions and promote green tourism marketing in the region. Through the application of Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), key criteria and strategies are identified and evaluated. Results from the fuzzy AHP highlight communication and brand transparency (GM3) as the most critical criterion, stressing the necessity of transparent communication channels. Environmental sustainability (GM1) ranks as the second most important criterion, emphasizing the importance of eco-friendly practices and the preservation of Guilin’s natural environment. Stakeholder collaboration and partnerships (GM4) is identified as the third key criterion. The fuzzy TOPSIS analysis reveals the most effective strategies, with strategic collaborations and partnerships (STM9), eco-friendly infrastructure development (STM1), and energy efficiency measures (STM4) emerging as the top approaches. These strategies have significant potential to influence consumer perceptions positively towards green tourism marketing.
The impact of an amino acid-humus preparation on lawn boning value
Abstract The application of biostimulants in fertilisation has been shown to enhance plant metabolism, stimulate physiological processes, and mitigate adverse environmental and pathogenic stresses. This study, conducted at the Agricultural University of Krakow (2021–2023), evaluated the efficacy of a foliar amino acid preparation enriched with humic acids (L-Amino + ® Humus) on turf quality. Four experimental variants were established: an untreated control (Variant I) and three treated plots sprayed with the biostimulant at 1.0 (Variant II), 2.0 (Variant III), and 3.0 L ha−1 (Variant IV). Higher application rates (Variants III and IV) significantly improved aesthetic turf quality and reduced fungal disease incidence. Compared to the control, Variant IV (3.0 L ha−1) decreased snow mould (Microdochium nivale) infections by 8% and brown spot (Rhizoctonia solani) prevalence by 12%. Variant III (2.0 L ha−1) also demonstrated positive effects, with 6% and 8% reductions in snow mould and brown spot, respectively. Furthermore, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and leaf greenness index (SPAD) chlorophyll meter values increased by 6% and 8%, respectively, in Variant IV relative to the control, indicating enhanced leaf greenness and photosynthetic efficiency. Nutrient analysis revealed that Variants III and IV significantly elevated macro- and micronutrient concentrations (e.g., nitrogen, potassium, iron) in plant biomass compared to the control. In contrast, Variant II (1.0 L ha−1) showed no statistically significant improvements in nutrient content or disease resistance. These findings suggest that L-Amino + ® Humus at doses of 2.0–3.0 L ha−1 enhances turf quality, bolsters resistance to fungal pathogens, and improves nutrient assimilation. Lower doses (1.0 L ha−1), however, were ineffective under the tested conditions. The study underscores the dose-dependent efficacy of biostimulants in sustainable turf management.
Chemical nucleases are a robust alternative for RNase H cleavage of human ribosomal RNA
Besides the abundant ribosomal and transfer RNA transcripts (rRNA and tRNA, respectively), there are tens of thousands of long coding (mRNA) and non-coding transcripts (lncRNA) within each cell whose modification profiles have not yet been elucidated. One reason for this is that most mRNAs and lncRNAs are low abundant and their purification prior to direct modification analysis by mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is highly challenging. State-of-the-art mRNA purification protocols are based on poly(A) enrichment with subsequent rRNA depletion using either magnetic pulldown assays or RNase H. While these methods are well suited for RNA sequencing, where residual rRNA content can be acceptable, LC-MS analysis of mRNA requires samples with less than 1% rRNA and higher yields, making the existing methods close to unaffordable. Thus, a new principle for low-cost (pre)mRNAs and lncRNAs preparation from total RNA will be beneficial for LC-MS analysis but also sequencing approaches. Here, we show that the use of ARRR (artificial ribosomal RNA remover: conjugates of standard DNA probes and a small-molecule chemical nuclease) is suitable for rRNA cleavage. In addition, ARRR has a higher target specificity compared to E. coli RNase H using regular DNA probes and only limited off-target RNA degradation is observed with ARRR. In summary, we present a promising tool with high potential to remove overly abundant rRNA, which might be used for enrichment of lncRNAs and (pre)mRNAs for downstream sequencing and MS-based analysis.
Analysis of trends in cancer mortality and the years of life lost in six provinces in northwest China from 2013 to 2021
Comparative efficacy and safety of dupilumab versus newly approved biologics and JAKi in pediatric atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Background The newly approved biologics and Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) for pediatric atopic dermatitis (AD) offer additional options for clinical treatment. However, the efficacy and safety differences compared to the first approved biologic, dupilumab, remain unclear. Therefore, a network meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate these differences and identify potentially superior agents. Methods This systematic review was PROSPERO-registered (CRD42024583658). Randomized controlled trials involving pediatric patients (<18 years old) published in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library up to October 27, 2024 were searched and screened. RevMan software was utilized for quality assessment, and meta-analysis was performed using R version 4.4.1. Efficacy measures included the Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA), the Numeric Rating Scale for Itch (NRS), and the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI). The results of these measures were expressed as odds ratios (OR), while treatment rankings of different interventions were determined using the P-score. Result This study included 11 trials involving 7 agents and 2,352 pediatric patients. The results indicated that dupilumab (300 mg) showed better outcomes than placebo in IGA-0/1 (OR = 4.68, 95% CI: 2.53–8.63), NRS-4 (OR = 6.75, 95% CI: 3.85–11.86), and all EASI outcomes. Tralokinumab may be the most effective option for alleviating pruritus (P-score for NRS-4, 0.8447). Upadacitinib (30 mg) performed best in IGA-0/1 (P-score, 0.9414), EASI-90 (P-score, 0.9926), and EASI-75 (P-score, 0.9707). Dupilumab (300 mg) had a higher risk of nasopharyngitis compared to placebo (OR = 2.15, 95%CI: 1.04–4.43). Compared to both placebo and dupilumab (300 mg), adverse event rates were higher with upadacitinib (15 mg and 30 mg), and upper respiratory tract infection risk was elevated with baricitinib (2 mg and 4 mg) and tralokinumab (300 mg). Conclusion The efficacy of dupilumab for pediatric AD remains substantial, while other agents including upadacitinib, delgocitinib, and tralokinumab also present certain advantages. Future clinical trials may necessitate further evaluation of safety concerns.
Glaucocalyxin A alleviates ulcerative colitis by inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling
Revisiting CPSF30-mediated alternative polyadenylation in Arabidopsis thaliana
Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is an important contributor to the regulation of gene expression in plants. One subunit of the complex that cleaves and polyadenylates mRNAs in the nucleus, CPSF30 (for the 30 kD subunit of the mammalian Cleavage and Polyadenylation Specificity Factor), has been implicated in a wide-ranging network of regulatory events. CPSF30 plays roles in root development, flowering time, and response to biotic and abiotic stresses. CPSF30 also is a conduit that links cellular signaling and RNA modification with alternative RNA processing events and transcriptional dynamics. While much is known about CPSF30 and its roles in plants, questions remain regarding the connections between CPSF30-mediated APA and the downstream events that lead to specific phenotypic outcomes. To address these, we conducted a detailed analysis of poly(A) site usage in the CPSF30 mutant. Our results corroborate earlier reports that link CPSF30 with a distinctive cis element (AAUAAA) that is present 10-30 nts upstream of some, but not all, plant pre-mRNAs. Interestingly, our results reveal a distinctive shift in poly(A) site in mutants deficient in CPSF30, resulting in cleavage and polyadenylation at the location of motifs similar to AAUAAA. Importantly, CPSF30-associated APA had at best a small impact on mRNA functionality. These results necessitate the formulation of new hypotheses for mechanisms by which CPSF30-mediated APA influences physiological processes.
Genetic diversity analysis of Phyllanthus acidus Skeels of north-east India: Insights from multivariate analysis
Enrichment of rare CFTR variants in Finnish patients with congenital chloride diarrhea
Objective The autosomal recessive disease congenital chloride diarrhea (CLD), caused by loss-of-function mutations in the solute carrier family 26 member 3 (SLC26A3) gene, shows association with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, it is unclear whether IBD risk is associated with genetic or immune signatures. SLC26A3 interacts with several ion transporters linked to intestinal inflammation, such as cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and solute carrier family 9 member 3 (SLC9A3) causing congenital sodium diarrhea. We hypothesized that other epithelial channels affecting intestinal salt balance might modulate CLD phenotype or IBD risk. Materials and methods We analyzed 495 gene variants within 33 ion transporters among 28 patients with CLD and 44,443 population controls. Results We found three intronic variants at or near the CFTR locus (rs17132543, rs2283054 and rs76622533) showing statistically significant (P < 1.42x10-5) associations with CLD. Conclusions These data demonstrate enrichment of rare variants at the CFTR locus in chromosomes harboring the Finnish founder mutation for CLD.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction as perceived by individuals with pathological mental fatigue after an acquired brain injury
Abstract After acquired brain injury (ABI), some individuals suffer from long-term fatigue and emotional distress, which affects their work ability and daily life. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has shown promising results in quantitative studies as a complementary treatment for pathological mental fatigue (PMF) after ABI. This study aims to explore how people suffering from lasting PMF after ABI experience MBSR in relation to their PMF, with the intention of better meeting the rehabilitation needs of those affected. Seven individuals (mean age 42 years) who had suffered from long-lasting PMF after ABI took part in the study. None of them had resumed work due to their PMF, but all had recovered from neurological impairments. They were interviewed after completing an MBSR course. Thematic analysis of the participants’ perspectives suggested that the MBSR program provided them with coping techniques for living with PMF. They gained a deeper understanding of their condition becoming more self-compassionate, and the treatment provided them with a forum for meeting and sharing experiences with others with similar problems. The qualitative results strengthen the evidence for MBSR as a feasible psychoeducative complementary treatment for PMF after ABI.
Effectiveness of a school-based physical activity intervention on overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in Pakistan
Background Childhood obesity poses a significant public health challenge, yet effective school-based physical activity (PA) interventions remain scarce, especially in Pakistan. There is a lack of data assessing the impact of such interventions on obesity and related health outcomes in Pakistani school children. Methods This study aimed to design and implement a school-based intervention targeting multiple levels of the socio-ecological model to increase physical activity and reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Pakistani youth. Conducted from October 2022 to January 2023 in Lahore, Pakistan, the 12-week, non-randomized controlled trial involved 1,200 students from eight schools, with four schools (n = 570) in the intervention group and four (n = 630) in the control group. Primary outcomes included changes in body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and the prevalence of overweight/obesity, measured through anthropometric assessments. Secondary outcomes involved alterations in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity duration. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, general linear mixed models, and repeated measures ANOVA were used for analysis. Results The intervention showed significant improvements across various socio-ecological levels. Intrapersonal factors saw a reduction in fast food consumption from 11.9% to 7.9% (F(1,1198) = 90.39, p < 0.001; η² = 0.074) and an increase in physical activity frequency from 11.9% to 39.6% (F(1,1198) = 465.25, p < 0.001; η² = 0.028). Screen time decreased from 27.0% to 7.4% (F(1,1198) = 219.83, p = 0.015; η² = 0.15), and normal sleep duration increased from 44.6% to 71.8% (F(1,1198) = 242.73, p < 0.001; η² = 0.16). At the interpersonal level, parental involvement in encouraging sports and providing financial support for sports activities significantly increased. School-level factors also showed positive changes, including improved sports facilities and equipment access. Community-level factors revealed increased opportunities for physical activity and a more supportive community environment. The intervention group’s BMI change (−0.06 ± 0.07 kg·m²) significantly differed from the control group’s (0.19 ± 0.09 kg·m²). Conclusions This study demonstrates the effectiveness of a multi-level intervention in boosting physical activity and addressing obesity among Pakistani school-aged children, supporting the implementation of similar school-based interventions.
Mesenchymal stem cells modulate breast cancer progression through their secretome by downregulating ten-eleven translocation 1
Optimizing depression detection in clinical doctor-patient interviews using a multi-instance learning framework
Abstract In recent years, the number of people suffering from depression has gradually increased, and early detection is of great significance for the well-being of the public. However, the current methods for detecting depression are relatively limited, typically relying on the self-rating depression scale (SDS) and interviews. These methods are influenced by subjective or environmental factors. To improve the objectivity and efficiency of diagnosis, deep learning techniques have been applied to the field of automatic depression detection (ADD), providing a more accurate and objective approach. During interviews, transcribed interview data is one of the most commonly used modalities in ADD. However, previous studies have only utilized response texts or selected question–answer pairs, resulting in information redundancy and loss. This paper is the first to apply the multiple instance learning (MIL) framework to the field of textual interview data, aiming to overcome issues of inadequate text representation and ineffective information extraction in long texts. In the MIL framework, each instance undergoes an independent feature extraction process, ensuring that the local features of each instance are fully captured. This not only enhances the overall text representation capability but also alleviates the issue of sample imbalance in the dataset. Additionally, this paper improves upon previous aggregation strategies by introducing two hyper-parameters to accommodate the uncertainties in the field of text sentiment. An ensemble model of MT5 and RoBERTa (referred to as multi-MTRB) was constructed to extract features from each instance and output confidence scores indicating the presence of depressive information in the instances. Due to the unique design of the MIL framework, the proposed method is highly interpretable and is able to identify specific sentences that identify people from depressed patients, while introducing LIME techniques to provide more in-depth interpretation of negative instance sentences. This provides a promising approach for depression detection in the context of text interview data patterns. We evaluated the proposed method on DAIC-WOZ and E-DAIC datasets with excellent results. The F1 score is 0.88 on the DAIC-WOZ dataset and 0.86 on the E-DAIC dataset.