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In the face of the cruise industry's rapid global expansion and its significant interplay with national tourism, economic growth, and environmental conservation, a notable gap exists in comprehensively evaluating its eco-efficiency. This study aims to fill this gap by implementing a novel analytical framework, merging the undesirable slack-based measure (SBM) model with fraction regression model (FRM) analysis. This approach is designed to dissect the complex relationship between economic development, environmental impact, and resource consumption in the context of cruise tourism. The study applies this integrated methodology to data from 11 countries, spanning from 2010 to 2018. The findings reveal marked differences in eco-efficiency across nations, with Australia and Japan standing out for their exemplary practices in natural ecology management and balanced cruise ship development. On the other hand, nations like Italy and Singapore, while supportive of the cruise industry, exhibit areas for improvement in market expansion and leveraging regional advantages. The research also brings to light the dual challenge for developing countries, such as China and Brazil, in balancing economic gains from cruise tourism with environmental concerns. A significant revelation of this study is the substantial influence of a nation's per capita GDP and the rigor of environmental regulations on eco-efficiency in cruise tourism. This highlights the critical role of economic stability and policy frameworks in steering the industry towards sustainability. Interestingly, factors like foreign trade, industrial structure, and R&D investments appear to have a less pronounced impact on eco-efficiency. Moreover, the study presents a structured approach to enhance sustainability in the cruise industry, categorizing countries by eco-efficiency and returns to scale. This categorization leads to tailored recommendations for each group, focusing on the unique challenges and strengths of different nations, thus promoting effective, targeted strategies for sustainable development. Overall, the study provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating and enhancing sustainability practices in this rapidly growing industry. It also outlines potential areas for future research, considering the limitations of the current approach, thereby paving the way for further exploration into the sustainable evolution of cruise tourism.

Abstract The high cost of feed and nitrogen pollution caused by high-protein diets have become major challenges restricting sustainable development in China's animal husbandry sector. Properly reducing protein levels and improving protein utilization in feed are effective approaches to solving this problem. To determine the optimal dose of methionine hydroxyl analogue chelated zinc (MHA-Zn) in broiler diets with a 1.5% reduction in crude protein (CP), a total of 216 1-day-old broilers were randomly assigned into 4 groups (each group consisted of 3 replications with 18 broilers per replicate), and growth and development indexes were assessed after 42 days. The broilers in control group were fed a basic diet, whereas those in the three test groups were fed diets with a 1.5% reduction in CP. The results showed no significant difference in the edible parts of broilers between low-protein (LP) diet group (90 mg/kg MHA-Zn) and normal diet group (p > 0.05), and adding 90 mg/kg MHA-Zn to LP diet significantly improved ileum morphology and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrient (p

IntroductionIn light of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an increased need for potential travelers to gather information about their trips to mitigate perceived risks. This study aims to understand the relationship between the intensity of media use (both new and traditional), epidemic risk perception, and tourism protection behavior intention among potential tourists.MethodsA total of 491 valid questionnaires were collected in Shanghai, China. Factor analysis, path analysis, and effect analysis were conducted using SPSS and AMOS to examine the impact of different media types on epidemic risk perception and tourism protection behavior.ResultsThe findings indicate a positive association between new media use intensity and epidemic risk perception, as well as an intention to adopt safety-conscious tourism behaviors. In contrast, traditional media usage is inversely associated with risk perception but has no significant influence on protective behavior. The results also highlight the role of demographic factors, such as age, education level, occupation, and income, in modulating the relationship between media usage and risk perception.DiscussionThe contrasting effects of new and traditional media suggest the need for a tailored approach in epidemic communication strategies. Public health officials should leverage new media to enhance risk perception and safety-oriented behaviors, while recognizing the role of traditional media in managing lower risk perceptions and assuaging panic. The study emphasizes the importance of personalized messaging based on demographic disparities in media usage and perception. The mediating role of risk perception in shaping protective behaviors offers insights for promoting adherence to safety protocols.ConclusionThis study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of media influences during health crises, emphasizing the responsibility of media platforms in transmitting accurate information. The findings call for a nuanced approach to epidemic communication, considering the strengths and weaknesses of different media types. Segmented and personalized messaging strategies can cater to demographic variations in media usage and perception. Enhancing risk perception through tailored messaging can promote protective behaviors and effectively manage public sentiment during health crises.

The issue of nitrogen fertilizer contamination resulting from high-protein diets can be effectively solved by adopting low-protein diets. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of inorganic zinc supplementation in low-protein diets on 42-day-old broilers across a multitude of parameters. To determine the optimal dose of inorganic zinc in broiler diets with a 1.5% reduction in crude protein, 1-day-old Arbor Acres broilers (n = 270) were randomly assigned to five groups, each containing 54 broilers. Our results revealed that inorganic zinc supplementation at levels of 130 mg/kg elevated growth performance and carcass traits (p < 0.05). It also significantly increased the ratio of intestinal villi heights to crypt depths (p < 0.001), changed intestinal morphology, and significantly increased albumin content in serum (p < 0.05). Furthermore, analysis of mRNA expression showed that 130 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg of inorganic zinc improved the myogenic differentiation involved in muscle development, as well as intestinal tight junction and liver metallothionein capacity (p < 0.001). Additionally, these groups exhibited lower zinc excretion compared with other treatments (p < 0.001). In summary, our findings suggest that inorganic zinc supplementation in low-protein diets holds the potential to support muscle and intestinal development in broilers, presenting a viable nutritional strategy.

Abstract Background The study sought to compare Coronary Artery Disease Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS) classification with traditional coronary artery disease (CAD) classifications and Duke Prognostic CAD Index for predicting the risk of all-cause mortality in patients with suspected CAD. Methods 9625 consecutive suspected CAD patients were assessed by coronary CTA for CAD-RADS classification, traditional CAD classifications and Duke Prognostic CAD Index. Kaplan–Meier and multivariable Cox models were used to estimate all-cause mortality. Discriminatory ability of classifications was assessed using time dependent receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves and The Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test was employed to evaluate calibration. Results A total of 540 patients died from all causes with a median follow-up of 4.3 ± 2.1 years. Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed the cumulative events increased significantly associated with CAD-RADS, three traditional CAD classifications and Duke Prognostic CAD Index. In multivariate Cox regressions, the risk for the all-cause death increased from HR 0.861 (95% CI 0.420–1.764) for CAD-RADS 1 to HR 2.761 (95% CI 1.961–3.887) for CAD-RADS 4B&5, using CAD-RADS 0 as the reference group. The relative HRs for all-cause death increased proportionally with the grades of the three traditional CAD classifications and Duke Prognostic CAD Index. The area under the time dependent ROC curve for prediction of all-cause death was 0.7917, 0.7805, 0.7991for CAD-RADS in 1 year, 3 year, 5 year, respectively, which was non-inferior to the traditional CAD classifications and Duke Prognostic CAD Index. Conclusions The CAD-RADS classification provided important prognostic information for patients with suspected CAD with noninvasive evaluation, which was non-inferior than Duke Prognostic CAD Index and traditional stenosis-based grading schemes in prognostic value of all-cause mortality. Traditional and simplest CAD classification should be preferable, given the more number of groups and complexity of CAD-RADS and Duke prognostic index, without using more time consuming classification.

(1) Eucryptorrhynchus scrobiculatus and E. brandti (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Cryptorrhychinae) are both pests of Ailanthus altissima, found in China. During ovipositing, gravid females of the two weevils need to excavate a cavity in the oviposition substrate with their rostrum, while their oviposition sites are different. (2) In this study, to explore the boring mechanism of E. scrobiculatus and E. brandti during ovipositing, the morphologic characters of the rostra of two weevils were studied in detail by scanning electron microscopy and micro-CT. (3) Their rostra appear similar, but the rostrum surface of E. scrobiculatus is rougher than that of E. brandti; their fine structures of rostrum and sensilla distribution are similar, but the sensilla twig basiconica 3 is distributed at the apex of labial palpus in E. brandti females, while not at the apex of labial palpus in E. scrobiculatus females; their rostra are hollow and their cuticle thickness is constantly changing, but the proportion of the whole rostrum tube cuticle in E. scrobiculatus is significantly larger than that of E. brandti. The above structural differences make E. scrobiculatus more conducive to oviposition in the soil and E. brandti more conducive to oviposition in the trunk of A. altissima. (4) Overall, this study not only plays an important role in exploring the excavating mechanism during the oviposition of the two weevils, but also provides new insights into the coexistence of two weevil species on the same host A. altissima.

Vicia villosa Roth is an annual cover crop that is widely grown in orchards in China. Information on seed ecology is valuable as it helps famers to plant cover crops and manage other weed species in agricultural practice; however, information on V. villosa seed-germination ecology is limited. Thus, this study investigated the seed germination and seedling emergence of V. villosa under various temperatures, photoperiods, levels of salt stress, pH, levels of osmotic stress, and burial depths. The results showed that the germination values of the V. villosa seeds were greater than 93% at the constant temperature range of 5–30 °C and fluctuating temperatures of 5/15 °C–20/30 °C; in particular, the germination of the seeds peaked 20 °C and 15/25 °C, with germination values of 95% and 94.5%, respectively. Light was not necessary for the V. villosa seeds’ germination. When the pH was in the range of 5–10, the germination values of the V. villosa seeds fluctuated between 85% and 94%, and obvious inhibition of germination was observed at pH = 4, with a germination value of 15%. The Vicia villosa seeds exhibited obvious salt tolerance, and the seed-germination value was still greater than 50% when the salt concentration reached 280 mM. The seeds were relatively sensitive to osmotic stress, and the germination value was lower than 50% when the osmotic potential was −0.5 MPa. In addition, the germination value of the seeds peaked when the seeds were 1–2 cm underneath the ground; in particular, the seeds still germinated and emerged when the seeds were buried in soli at a depth of 10 cm. These results confirmed that V. villosa, as a cover crop, has considerable potential to be planted and grown in orchards in China and, furthermore, that it may contribute to early weed management in fields, supporting the establishment of V. villosa populations.

The problem of drift in the electronic nose (E-nose) is an important factor in the distortion of data. The existing active learning methods do not take into account the misalignment of the data feature distribution between different domains due to drift when selecting samples. For this, we proposed a cross-domain active learning (CDAL) method based on the Hellinger distance (HD) and maximum mean difference (MMD). In this framework, we weighted the HD with the MMD as a criterion for sample selection, which can reflect as much drift information as possible with as few labeled samples as possible. Overall, the CDAL framework has the following advantages: (1) CDAL combines active learning and domain adaptation to better assess the interdomain distribution differences and the amount of information contained in the selected samples. (2) The introduction of a Gaussian kernel function mapping aligns the data distribution between domains as closely as possible. (3) The combination of active learning and domain adaptation can significantly suppress the effects of time drift caused by sensor ageing, thus improving the detection accuracy of the electronic nose system for data collected at different times. The results showed that the proposed CDAL method has a better drift compensation effect compared with several recent methodological frameworks.

Objective: To apply a Hidden Markov Model to test Hemophilia B in a fetus by maternal plasma sequencing only employing proband and maternal haplotypes. Case Report: A family at risk for Hemophilia B was recruited in this study. We performed genetic diagnosis on the proband using our targeted capture system (containing F9 gene coding region, highly heterozygous SNPs and a 13-kb chromosome Y specific region), and revealed a causative F9 gene mutation (c.190T>C, p.Cys64Arg). Maternal plasma cell-free DNA obtained at 8 weeks of gestation was targeted-captured and sequenced using the customized system. The fetus inherited the F9 (c.190T>C, p.Cys64Arg) mutation according to the Hidden Markov Model. The mother continued the pregnancy. Conclusions: This study is the first report of a haplotype-based approach in NIPD of Hemophilia B. With further evaluation, this method might be useful for NIPD of Hemophilia B and for other X-linked single-gene disorders.

Objective(s):To investigate the effects of local mild hypothermia on the expression of Fas, FasL and MMP-3 after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats. Materials and Methods:Male Wistar rats were divided into sham-operated group (Sham), normothermia group (NT), and hypothermia group (HT). MCAO/R model was established by Longa’s method, and reperfusion was allowed after 2 hr occlusion. Mild hypothermia (33±0.5℃) for 6 hr was initiated at the start of reperfusion. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine expression Fas, FasL, and MMP-3. Results: Infarct volume was reduced in the hypothermia group (18.43±4.23%) compared with the normothermia group (24.76±5.76%) (P

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is etiologically associated with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), the most common AIDS-related malignancy. KSHV vIL-6 promotes KS development, but the exact mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we reported that KSHV vIL-6 enhanced the expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) in endothelial cells,increased the global genomic DNA methylation, and promoted cell proliferation and migration. And this effect could be blocked by the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, 5-azadeoxycytidine. We also showed that vIL-6 induced up-regulation of DNMT1 was dependent on STAT3 activation. Therefore, the present study suggests that vIL-6 plays a role in KS tumorigenesis partly by activating DNMT1 and inducing aberrant DNA methylation, and it might be a potential target for KS therapy.

Tumor survival is significantly correlated with the immune response of patients. IFNG plays an important role in the tumor host response and decreased IFNG expression is often observed in lung cancer. Studies have shown that CpG island hypermethylation plays a critical role in transcriptional silencing of IFNG gene expression. However, there is limited understanding regarding the molecular mechanisms of altered methylation, and whether the tumor microenvironment has any effect on DNA methylation and IFNG production. In the current study, we demonstrate that plasma and intra-cellular IFNG levels are significantly lower in lung cancer patients. Hypermethylation of the IFNG promoter in CD4(+) T cells and plasma IFNG was negatively correlated. CD4(+) T cells from healthy individuals co-cultured with SPC-A1 cells generated lower levels of IFNG after activation, elevated expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), and exhibited hypermethylation of the IFNG promoter. In conclusion, decreased IFNG expression of CD4(+) T cells co-cultured with lung cancer cell is associated with IFNG promoter hypermethylation. Our study suggests that interaction between lung cancer cells and CD4(+) T cells induces DNMT expression and IFNG promoter hypermethylation in CD4(+) T cell, which may serve as an important mechanism of tumor-induced immunosuppression.

Monoclonal antibody (McAb) is the key tool for cancer immunodiagnosis and immunotherapy. McAb-based immunotherapy that targets tumor antigens has had great achivement. In this study, a cell clone which kept secreting high-titer IgG1-type McAb named NJ001 against human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells was obtained. The titer of purified NJ001 was 2×10(6). The antigen named SP70 of NSCLC specifically identified by NJ001 was proved to be a protein with the relative molecular mass (Mr) of 70 kDa. The results of immunohistochemical staining indicated that NJ001 could positively react to NSCLC, but weak positively or negatively react to human small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), pulmonary pseudotumor and other epithelial tumors. In soft agar assay, the colony formation efficiency in NJ001 groups decreased in a dose-dependent manner. For the concentration of 100 µg/ml, 200 µg/ml and 400 µg/ml, the inhibition ratio of colony formation was 23.4%, 62.5% and 100% respectively. Meanwhile, NJ001 caused significant reduction in tumor volume and tumor weight compared to control mice in lung cancer xenograft model. The tumor growth inhibition ratio in 200 µg, 400 µg and 800 µg NJ001 groups was 10.44%, 37.29% and 44.04%, respectively. NJ001 also led to cytomorphological changes and induced the apoptosis of human lung adenocarcinoma cell line SPC-A1 significantly. The newly developed NJ001 selectively reacted to NSCLC and exhibited anti-tumor activity both in vitro and in vivo. NJ001 is of great value concerning immunodiagnostics and immunotherapy for NSCLC and holds promise for further research regarding the mechanism underlying tumor progression of NSCLC.

Tourist destinations in China face pressure from the target that carbon emissions Per unit GDP dropping 40-45% from 2005 to 2020, as tourist activities almost happen in destinations and the carbon dioxide emissions generated by the tourism industry are mainly in destination. Carbon management is a new framework being built based on the ecosystem carbon cycle and environmental management and offers a new way to improve present management in destinations. How to introduce carbon management planning into tourist destination management to achieve low-cost carbon emission reduction targets has become a hot topic for research. While emissions are produced in travel to the destination, this study only examines in destination travel and looked destination as an integrated system to discuss future development by reconciling climate change, environmental management and tourism growth. Firstly, this article reviews past research about carbon management in China and abroad, followed by an analysis the key issues and the basis of carbon management at a tourist destination. Carbon management seeks to manage the carbon cycle system process, and the key problem to be solved is how to keep the carbon cycle in smooth operation, so that the tourism industry and the environment achieve coordinated sustainable development. Analysis of the operation, dynamic mechanism, and restraint mechanisms of carbon management in tourist destination, leads to the conclusion that the basic operating mechanism for carbon management involves carbon sinks. The forces driving change in this area are clean development and carbon trading. Stakeholder collaboration and responsibilities for carbon reduction are the main constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to determine the effect and mechanism of fuzhisan (FZS) and donepezil on the SIRT1 signaling pathway and the metabolism of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) in PC12 cells. An experimental cell model of PC12 cells with Aβ25-35-induced neurotoxicity was established and cell proliferation was determined by the MTT assay following treatment with donepezil and FZS. In addition, cell apoptosis was determined using DAPI staining and light microscopy. Furthermore, western blot analysis and ELISA were utilized to evaluate the expression levels of associated APP, Aβ40, Aβ42, sAPPα, sAPPβ, ADAM10, sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and forkhead box O (FoxO) protein. The results indicated that the cell model was successfully established and FZS protected the PC12 cells from the neurotoxic effects of Aβ25-35, in a similar effect to donepezil, in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of APP remained at the same level during the experimental period. The levels of Aβ40, Aβ42 and sAPPβ were downregulated, where as sAPPα, ADAM10, SIRT1 and FoxO expression levels were upregulated. In conclusion, FZS treatment attenuated the Aβ25-35-induced neurotoxicity in vitro. The neuroprotective mechanism of FZS was determined, including the induction of ADAM10 and SIRT1-FoxO pathway, which participated in the process of neuroprotection. The present study identified the neuroprotective function of FZS, which may protect against Aβ-induced toxicity. Therefore, FZS may be used clinically as a beneficial therapeutic drug for the development or progression of Alzheimer's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ring chromosomes are one category of structurally abnormal chromosomes that can lead to severe growth retardation and other clinical defects. Traditionally, their diagnosis and characterization has largely relied on conventional cytogenetics and fluorescence in situ hybridization, array-based comparative genomic hybridization and single nucleotide polymorphism array-based comparative genomic hybridization. However, these methods are ineffectively at characterizing the ring chromosome structure and only offer a low resolution mapping of breakpoints. Here, we applied whole-genome low-coverage paired-end next generation sequencing (NGS) to two suspected cases of ring chromosome 18 (r(18)) and characterized the ring structure including the chromosome dosage changes and the breakpoint junction. Methods: The breakpoints and chromosome copy number variations (CNVs) of r(18) were characterized by whole-genome low-coverage paired-end NGS. We confirmed the dosage change by single nucleotide polymorphisms array, and validated the junction site regions using PCR followed by Sanger sequencing. Results: We successfully and fully characterized the r(18) in two cases by NGS. We mapped the breakpoints with a high resolution and identified all CNVs in both cases. We analyzed the breakpoint regions and discovered two breakpoints located within repetitive sequence regions, and two near the repetitive sequence regions. One of the breakpoints in case 2 was located within the gene METTL4, while the other breakpoints were intergenic. Conclusions: We demonstrated that whole-genome low-coverage paired-end NGS can be used directly to map breakpoints with a high molecular resolution and detect all CNVs on r(18). This approach will provide new insights into the genotype-phenotype correlations on r(18) and the underlying mechanism of ring chromosomes formation. Our results also demonstrate that this can be a powerful approach for the diagnosis and characterization of ring chromosomes in the clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By means of industrial test and Aspex automatic inclusion analysis techonogy， the evolution law of ［T.O］， ［N］ content， microinclusions quantity， size and type of 9Ni steel in LF→RH→CC steelmaking process were systematically studied. The formation mechanism of calcium-aluminate and CaS inclusions under calcium treatment conditions was investigated by Factsage software. The results show that the content of ［T.O］ and ［N］ in 9Ni steel increases simultaneously in the process interval from LF first power supply→LF second power supply and RH soft blowing argon gas for 20 min→rolling， indicating that there is secondary oxidation in the molten steel in these two process intervals. The inclusions in 9Ni steel are mainly CaO-Al2O3-MgO and CaO-Al2O3-CaS complex inclusions， and the size is mainly between 2 μm-5 μm. When the calcium line is reduced from 200 m to 100 m， the density of 2 μm-5 μm inclusions in 9Ni steel rolled material is significantly reduced， and basically no inclusions containing CaS components are found， and the grades of DT and DS inclusions are reduced from 1.0 and 1.5 grades to 0.5 and 0.5 grades， respectively. The Aspex statistical results of the density， size and average composition of composite inclusions in 9Ni steel rolled sheets with 200 m and 100 m calcium line are in good agreement with the inclusion rating results and Factsage calculation results.