Asian Countries Research Articles

Lifestyle interventions for dementia risk reduction: A review on the role of physical activity and diet in Western and Asian Countries.

Dementia, is a critical global public health challenge with no effective pharmacological treatments. Recent research highlights the significant role of lifestyle interventions, particularly physical activity and dietary habits, in mitigating cognitive decline among the elderly and preventing the progression to dementia in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). This comprehensive review explores the impact of physical exercise and dietary approaches on cognitive health, comparing strategies adopted in Western and Asian countries. Physical activity, including aerobic, resistance, balance training, and dual-task exercises, has been shown to enhance neurogenesis, improve cerebral blood flow, and delay cognitive decline. In Western countries, structured regimens such as the Mediterranean (MedDiet) and MIND diets are prominent, while Asian countries often integrate traditional mind-body practices like Tai Chi and culturally relevant diets rich in antioxidants and polyphenols. Although both regions recognize the importance of lifestyle changes in reducing dementia risk, their approaches differ significantly, shaped by cultural norms and dietary preferences. This review underscores the need for culturally tailored public health strategies to promote cognitive health globally, highlighting the importance of individualized approaches in MCI and dementia prevention.

Landscape of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) using comprehensive circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) next-generation sequencing (NGS) in India: Expanding beyond RAS and RAF.

49 Background: Traditional testing in mCRC primarily focuses on RAS and RAF mutations. However, a broader range of emerging biomarkers, collectively termed the "Pressing panel" (PP), identifies patients with RAS/RAF wild-type (wt) tumors who may particularly benefit from anti-EGFR therapy. Comprehensive liquid biopsies provide a non-invasive method for identifying traditional and emerging biomarkers. Limited genomic data, including the prevalence of PP alterations (alts), is available for mCRC patients in India tested by ctDNA NGS. Methods: We reviewed the results of Guardant360 (Guardant Health, Inc.) ordered for patients with mCRC as part of routine clinical practice in India through July 2024. NGS analyzed plasma samples at a CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited central laboratory. Guardant360 analyzes ctDNA for mutations (mts), insertions and deletions, amplifications (amps), and fusions in up to 83 genes, including PP genes, i.e., KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, ERBB2, PIK3CA, PTEN, AKT1, ALK, ROS1, NTRK, RET, and MSI status. The Indian cohort's prevalence of PP mts was compared to that from other countries in Asia and Middle East (AME). Timing of testing relative to line of therapy was unknown. Results: Among 145 samples from India, ctDNA was detected in 92% (n=134). Median age was 59 years, with women comprising 40%. The median turnaround time from blood collection to result was 7 days. The mean mts count per sample was 5, and the median variant allele frequency was 1.5%. Frequent mts were in APC (53%), KRAS (56%), and SMAD4 (13%), while amps of EGFR (16%) and FGFR1 (9%) were common. Clinically relevant fusions were observed in 3% of patients. KRAS, NRAS, and/or BRAF V600E alterations were found in 63% of both India and AME samples. PP alts were identified in 24% and 27% of Indian and AME patients, respectively. Most frequent PP alts included PIK3CA (15%), PTEN (3%), and MET amp (2%). The prevalence of most of the PP alts was similar between the Indian and AME cohorts (Table), with minor differences observed in PIK3CA (15% vs 18%) and MSI-High (3% vs 1%). In patients with RAS/RAF wild-type lacking EGFR-amp, 9.5% (India) and 18% (AME) harbored at least one PP alt. Conclusions: This study highlights the role of liquid CGP for characterizing the mutational landscape and identifying PP mts for patients from India with advanced CRC. Pressing panel alterations. PP Alteration INDIA % (n=134) AME % (n=720) ERBB2 Amp 1% 2% MET Amp 2% 3% ALK Fusion 0% 0% ROS1 Fusion 0% 0% NTRK1 Fusion 1% 0% RET Fusion 0% 1% ERBB2 Mut 1% 2% PIK3CA Mut 15% 18% PTEN Mut 3% 3% AKT1 Mut 0% 1% MSI-High 3% 1%

CLARITY-Gastric 01: A randomized phase 3 study of AZD0901, a Claudin18.2 (CLDN18.2)-targeted antibody-drug conjugate, in second- or later-line (2L+) advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer (GC/GEJC).

TPS507 Background: GC/GEJC is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide (Sung H, et al. CA Cancer J Clin 2021). Prognosis is poor in GC/GEJC; median overall survival (OS) is less than 10 months in the 2L setting and less than 6 months in the 3L+ setting (Wilke H, et al. Lancet Oncol 2014; Shitara K, et al. Lancet Oncol 2018). New treatment options are needed. CLDN18.2 has emerged as a new therapeutic target in GC/GEJC. AZD0901, a potential first-in-class CLDN18.2-targeted antibody conjugated to monomethyl auristatin E via a protease cleavable linker, has demonstrated clinical activity in a Phase 1 study in advanced GC/GEJC (Xu R-H, et al, J Clin Oncol 2023). CLARITY-Gastric 01 (NCT06346392) is a randomized, open-label, sponsor-blinded, global Phase 3 study that will assess the efficacy and safety of AZD0901 versus investigator’s (INV) choice of therapy after ≥1 prior therapy for advanced GC/GEJC expressing CLDN18.2. Methods: Participants (pts) will be randomized 1:1:1 to AZD0901 dose level 1 intravenous (IV) every three weeks (Q3W; Arm 1), AZD0901 dose level 2 IV Q3W (Arm 2), or INV choice of therapy (2L: ramucirumab [ram] + paclitaxel [PTX], PTX, or docetaxel [for pts with contraindication to ram only]; 3L+: irinotecan, TAS-102 [excluding China], or apatinib [China only]; Arm 3). One AZD0901 arm (Arm 1 or Arm 2) will stop enrollment after a pre-planned dose selection decision. Randomization will continue in a 1:1 ratio to the two remaining arms (selected AZD0901 dose arm and Arm 3). Eligible pts must have histologically confirmed, unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic GC/GEJC (non-HER2+, CLDN18.2 expression). Pts must have disease progression on/after ≥1 prior regimen (including platinum-fluoropyrimidine) and have an ECOG performance status of 0 or 1. Pts previously treated with CLDN18.2-targeting therapy (other than naked monoclonal antibody) are excluded. Recruitment has begun and pts are planned to be enrolled across 16 countries in Asia, Europe, and North America. Dual primary endpoints are progression-free survival (PFS; intent-to-treat [ITT] pts) and OS (3L+ pts). The secondary endpoints include OS (ITT pts), PFS (3L+ pts), objective response rate and duration of response (ITT and 3L+ pts), and safety/tolerability. Efficacy data will be summarized and analyzed in the ITT population. All efficacy endpoints will assess the selected AZD0901 dose arm versus Arm 3. Safety and tolerability will be assessed in all pts who receive ≥1 dose of study treatment. Previously presented at European Society for Medical Oncology - Gastrointestinal Cancers Congress 2024, Final Publication Number: 495TiP, Kohei Shitara et al. Reused with permission. Clinical trial information: NCT06346392 .

Incidence, mortality, and global burden of retinoblastoma in 204 countries worldwide from 1990 to 2021: Data and systematic analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.

Retinoblastoma (Rb), the primary intraocular malignancy in children, poses significant risks, yet its overall burden remains inadequately assessed. This study aims to analyze global Rb trends using Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factors study (GBD) 2021 data. GBD 2021 data was analyzed to assess Rb incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2021. Average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) were calculated across genders, age groups (0-9 years), and geographic regions categorized by socio-demographic index (SDI) quintiles. From 1990 to 2021, the global Rb age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) increased from 0.08 (per 100,000, range: 0.05 to 0.10) to 0.09 (per 100,000, range: 0.06 to 0.13). ASIR was not significantly correlated with SDI (R = -0.095, P = 0.18), while age-standardized DALYs rate (R = -0.693, P < 0.001) and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) (R = -0.71, P < 0.001) were significantly and negatively correlated with SDI. Increases in ASIR were concentrated in Asia, Europe, and northern and southern Africa. The highest standardized DALYs and ASMR were noted in certain countries in Asia, Europe, and South Africa. Among age groups, the highest disease burdens were observed in the "0-6 days" and "2-4 years" groups. There were no significant gender differences in Rb burden globally. Despite global progress, regions with lower SDI face elevated Rb burden and mortality. Females exhibit higher burdens during infancy, necessitating further investigation. Effective Rb management in resource-limited areas requires international collaboration focused on health education, early diagnosis, and prenatal screening for high-risk families.

Survivorship concerns among posttreatment cancer survivors in South Korea: A secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey.

Cancer survivors may have a variety of survivorship concerns despite their cancer treatment having ended, with some negatively affecting their health-related quality of life. An in-depth understanding of survivorship concerns is essential for the development of survivorship care programs. However, previous findings have been limited to Western countries, and evidence from Asian countries is lacking. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of survivorship concerns among posttreatment cancer survivors in South Korea, identify factors associated with survivorship concerns, and explore their relationship with health-related quality of life. Secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey. Data were collected through an online survey of five online communities of cancer survivors in South Korea. Overall, 1019 cancer survivors diagnosed with breast, colorectal, lung, stomach, and thyroid cancer (top five cancers in South Korea) who completed their cancer treatment. The survey collected data on demographic, disease- and treatment-related characteristics, survivorship concerns, and health-related quality of life. Survivorship concerns were measured using the checklist for survivorship concerns from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines for Cancer Survivorship, which includes 12 survivorship concerns (e.g. cardiac toxicity, distress, cognitive dysfunction, fatigue, lymphoedema). Health-related quality of life was assessed using the Korean version of the 30-item European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core Questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, the Chi-square test, and multiple regression. The prevalence of survivorship concerns ranged from 34.7% to 78.4%. Fatigue (78.4%), unhealthy lifestyle (74.8%), cognitive dysfunction (60.5%), insomnia (58.9%), and distress (52.9%) were the five most frequent concerns. Survivors aged in their 50s, those diagnosed with stomach cancer, those with an elapsed time of ≥2years but <5years since diagnosis, and those who had received chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy were significantly more likely to report survivorship concerns. Regression analyses revealed that all survivorship concerns were significant predictors of one or more subscales of health-related quality of life. Distress was found to be a significant predictor of all six subscales of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core Questionnaire. This study revealed that posttreatment cancer survivors in South Korea had various survivorship concerns that decreased their health-related quality of life. To improve their health-related quality of life, systematic screening of survivorship concerns and timely appropriate interventions are critical. Our findings can thus contribute to the development of targeted survivorship care programs in Asia. Not registered.

Ethnobotanical Use, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities of Clerodendrum colebrookianium (Lamiaceae)

: Clerodendrum colebrookianium (CC) is a small shrub belonging to the genus Clerondendrum and the family Lamiaceae that is widely distributed in southeast Asian countries like India and China. The plant generally grows in the wet and arid regions of the globe. It has four angled branches that bear flowers along with heart-shaped leaves. This review aims to provide vast knowledge about the pharmacological activities, ethnobotany uses, and the phytochemicals present in the plant. Additionally, it will advance our understanding of the plant's therapeutic potential in the years to come. Much available literature regarding the pharmacological properties, ethnobotany uses, and phytochemistry of C .colebrookianium was collected from a series of scientific resources including PubMed and Google Scholar. Many Asian countries have a long history of using plants from the Clerodendrum genus for various medicinal purposes. Different extracts of CC have demonstrated a wide range of pharmacological effects, including those that are antihypertensive, hepatoprotective, analgesic, antidiabetic and many more. Phytoconstituents like Steroidsdaucosterol, beta-sitosterol, colebrin-A, colebrin-B, colebrin-C, colebrin-D, colebrin-D and Glycoside- clerosterol 3 beta-O-[beta-D-glucoside], Clerosterol (24S/3) (poriferasta-5,25(26)-dien- 3-ol, sitosterol and octacosanol were reported to be present in this plant. This article offers a summary of the most recent research on the pharmacological, traditional uses and some of the phytochemicals of C. colebrookianium walp. Even though it offers a wide range of medical benefits, many of its traditional uses for health have not been well researched. The entire therapeutic potential of these plants for treating a variety of other disorders could be discovered with the aid of in- -depth research and studies on the phytoconstituents of the plant and their active principles.

Survival feature and trend of female breast cancer: A comprehensive review of survival analysis from cancer registration data.

To better understand global patterns, chronological changes, and international comparisons of female breast cancer survival, we reviewed published data from population-based cancer registries worldwide. Using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, SEER, and SinoMed, a comprehensive literature search was conducted for female breast cancer survival from the population-based cancer registries through 31 December 2023. Observed, relative, and net survival rates and their corresponding age-standardized survival rates since the 1990s were collected and further stratified by prognostic factors. The prognosis of female breast cancer patients was favorable, with 5-year relative survival rates above 80% in most regions. The trend in breast cancer survival showed annual increases in most countries but was accompanied by geographical disparities. The highest age-standardized 5-year relative survival rate was identified in the USA (2010-2014) at 90.2%, while the lowest was in India (2010-2014) at 66.1%. Overall, North America and Oceania had the best survival, and, for Europe, survival was worst in Eastern Europe. The survival in some Asian countries was disturbing. Younger age groups had a better prognosis than those aged 75 years and over. The lowest survival rates were observed in patients with distant metastatic and triple-negative breast cancer. Worldwide, there has been a steady improvement in female breast cancer survival. However, the survival gap between developed and developing countries has remained wide over the past 30 years. Differences in age, stage at diagnosis, and molecular subtype may explain some of the disparities, providing evidence for targeted management strategies.

Rural transformation and the future of China's "granary": A perspective on livelihood trajectories

Recent research demonstrates that the core features of agricultural and rural transformation in grain-dependent areas of the newly industrializing countries in East and Southeast Asia do not fully align with classical theories and paradigms. However, there is a lack of a theoretical model that illustrates the general patterns of rural evolution and transformation in these areas during structural transformation and outlines their future trajectories. Through case studies of a well-known grain base in China, this paper explores this issue using an analytical framework consisting of the trajectory of agricultural transformation associated with rural residents' livelihood changes and the trajectory of rural community restructuring induced by these livelihood changes. The results show that, since structural transformation, the grain-dependent countryside of China has roughly undergone an evolution from a stage of relative isolation and self-sufficiency, marked by agricultural involution, to a stage of accelerating factor flows between cities and the countryside, marked by part-time livelihoods, and finally to the current stage of accumulating "potential energies" for rural restructuring, marked by population aging. Meanwhile, challenges to the further transformation of the countryside are rooted in the socioeconomic characteristics of the middle-income period, which underscores the significance of overcoming the middle-income trap. Finally, we propose theoretical patterns for the future trajectories of China's grain-dependent countryside through the scenario analysis based on overcoming the middle-income trap and discuss the implications for rural revitalization in these areas.

Optimising water storage for climate resilience: Geospatial targeting for small tanks rejuvenation in Sri Lanka.

In Sri Lanka, climate change and recurrent droughts pose significant threats to agricultural communities. Village water storage tanks have been used in countries in South Asia since the third millennium BC. According to the National Tanks Survey, Sri Lanka has some 23,000 small tanks of 80ha or less; however, 21 percent are currently non-functional due to decades of neglect. This study designs a National Prioritisation Index for the rejuvenation of small tanks, employing a geospatial approach. Our research disaggregates district-level statistics at a 1km resolution to map the demand from agricultural-dependent populations. We then construct several prioritisation indices that evaluate tanks from supply, demand, and utility for groundwater rejuvenation perspectives. Our findings highlight priority areas for tank rejuvenation concentrated in Kurunegala and Anuradhapura districts. The indices developed in this study provide a framework for targeting investments effectively, thereby optimising resource allocation for drought mitigation efforts. The approach can support enhancement of water security and resilience in vulnerable agricultural communities across Sri Lanka and in other parts of South Asia which are reliant on such infrastructure for water storage.

NDM-5-plasmid diversity in multiple international high-risk Escherichia coli clones associated with canine and feline extraintestinal infections.

NDM-5-producing Escherichia coli are the predominant carbapenemase producers of medical and public health importance. The global spread of blaNDM-5-containing plasmids in high-risk E. coli clones has been primarily documented in humans and increasingly reported in animals and the environment. Here, we used whole-genome sequence analysis to describe the genetic diversity of 16 high-risk NDM-5-producing E. coli strains, with a variety of NDM-5 plasmids, isolated from dogs and cats with extraintestinal infections in Thailand between 2017 and 2021. The strains belonged to sequence type (ST) 410 (n = 8), ST354 (n = 3), ST648 (n = 2), ST361 (n = 1), ST617 (n = 1), and ST641 (n = 1). The ST641 strain carried blaNDM-5 on an IncX3 plasmid, while blaNDM-5 was localized on single-replicon or multi-replicon IncF plasmids in other STs. Non-conjugative F1:A1:B49 NDM-5 plasmids were limited to ST410 strains. They contained blaNDM-5 associated with the IS26-bounded complex class 1 integron (Int1) with dfrA17-aadA5-qacEΔ1-sul1 cassette array that shared similarities to nearly identical structures with the plasmids of ST410 strains from humans in Thailand and Myanmar. Conjugative IncFII (F2:A-:B-) NDM-5 plasmids containing Int1 with dfrA12-aadA2-qacEΔ1-sul1 cassette array were present in ST354 and ST648, and heterogeneous plasmid STs of conjugative multi-replicon IncF NDM-5 plasmids were found in ST361, ST410, ST617, and ST648. The blaNDM-5 elements mobilized by IS26 were shared among various IncF plasmids in high-risk E. coli clones but were conserved within the endemic E. coli ST410, representing the predominant lineage in Southeast Asian countries. Dogs and cats can develop infections with NDM-5-producing E. coli, posing the risk of further disseminating carbapenemase in veterinary settings and the community. This emphasizes the need to implement infection control and antimicrobial resistance surveillance programs in veterinary settings.

Effect of Excess Mortality on Longevity During the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Asia.

Throughout the twentieth century and beyond, a global trend of declining mortality rates and an increase in life expectancies was noted until the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A reduction in life expectancies was observed in most countries, including South Asia, during 2020 and 2021 due to the excess mortality caused by the pandemic. This study aims to examine the change in life expectancy in selected South Asian countries and the relative change in age- and sex-specific mortality rates over time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to that, we further examined the effect of a pandemic on a short-term forecast of life expectancy. Estimated age- and sex-specific mortality rates of seven South Asian countries were utilised from the 2022 revision of the World Population Prospects (WPP 2022). Changes in life expectancies are estimated using standard life table estimation techniques. To estimate the relative change in age- and sex-specific mortality levels and change in mortality forecasts as a result of the pandemic, we applied the Lee-Carter method. The application of the Lee-Carter model revealed age- and sex-specific variations in mortality improvements, reflecting heightened mortality rates within the region. This decline in mortality improvement is highly observed for both sexes in Pakistan, followed by India and Bangladesh. Populations exhibiting slower rates of improvement throughout their lifespan demonstrated minimal alterations attributable to the pandemic's impact. Comparative life expectancy forecasts indicate a slower rise in post-pandemic life expectancy at birth and in remaining life expectancies at older ages among most of these populations. These findings highlight the pandemic's profound impact on mortality dynamics, emphasising the need for targeted interventions to mitigate its long-term effects on population health and longevity.

A meta-core outcome set for stillbirth prevention and bereavement care following stillbirth in LMIC

Study objectiveStillbirth is burdensome in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), especially in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Currently, there are two core outcome sets (COS) for stillbirth (prevention and bereavement...

Hepatitis B virus infection and its treatment in Eastern Ethiopia.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection causes acute and chronic hepatitis, compensated and decompensated cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. The actual status of HBV infection and its treatment in certain regions of Asian and African countries, including Ethiopia, has not been well-documented thus far. Antiviral therapy for HBV infection can prevent the progression of HBV-related liver diseases and decrease the HBV-related symptoms, such as abdominal symptoms, fatigue, systemic symptoms and others. In Eastern Ethiopia, HBV-infected patients with cirrhosis were found to be positive for the HBV e antigen and to have a higher viral load than those without cirrhosis. Notably, 54.4% of patients practiced khat chewing and 18.1% consumed excessive amounts of alcohol. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate effectively suppressed HBV DNA in those infected with HBV. It is important to elucidate the actual status of HBV infection in Eastern Ethiopia to eliminate HBV infection worldwide by 2030. HBV vaccination and the educational programs for Health Science students that provide practical strategies could help to reduce HBV infection in Eastern Ethiopia.

Stroke and associated comorbidities in Southeast Asian countries

AbstractStroke, a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, is a complex cerebrovascular disease. Stroke risk factors are diverse, encompassing age, sex, and ethnicity. Comorbid conditions, including hypertension, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and atrial fibrillation, exacerbate stroke outcomes, contributing to the overall stroke burden within populations. In addition to these factors, lifestyle‐related diseases can impact individuals across all age groups, and often include as comorbidities linked to stroke. Socioeconomic conditions, healthcare access, and the quality of clinical data significantly influence the prevalence of comorbidities. Asia, the largest continent and home to 60% of the world's population, includes many developing nations undergoing diverse economic transitions. In Southeast Asian countries, stroke prevalence is high, imposing a substantial burden on healthcare systems and economies. Research disparities in stroke are often attributed to insufficient demographic data on comorbidities. Hence, the review discusses all previously published results of hospital‐based studies and data from national registries. It has been noticed that due to insufficient documentation on stroke‐related comorbidities in various developing countries of Southeast Asia, stroke management becomes difficult. Therefore, this review aims to discuss the association between various comorbidities and stroke, with special emphasis on the incidence and prevalence of stroke burden in Southeast Asian countries.

Increased prevalence of stunting in Pakistan: A comparative analysis of National Nutrition Surveys

Stunting continues to be a major public health concern worldwide and can have lifelong consequences for the affected individuals in terms of both physical and cognitive development. Among South Asian countries, Pakistan continues to experience consistently high rates of stunting, owing to a wide range of factors. National nutrition surveys and reports by various international organisations indicate that a significant reduction has not been observed in stunting rates over the last 3-4 decades and that the progress for mitigating the problem remains inadequate. The current report was planned to analyse nationally representative surveys done in 2001-02, 2011 and 2018 to ascertain the major determinants of stunting, their complex interplay, and the contribution of these determinants to the increased prevalence of stunting in Pakistan. Key Words: Stunting, Malnutrition, Pakistan, National nutritional survey.

An exploratory study of ASEAN students’ engagement dynamics with local communities in China, Japan, and South Korea

Abstract Drastic shifts in geopolitical and economic landscapes in East Asia have escalated competition among China, Japan, and South Korea for higher education market share within ASEAN countries. This surge in ASEAN tertiary student enrollments in these countries has been altering the internationalization dynamics of not only the host universities but also the surrounding societies. Extant literature needs to be updated to address this recent influx of ASEAN tertiary students, particularly their connections with local societies within East Asia. To fill in the gap, this study explores the engagement dynamics of ASEAN students with these local societies, as well as the resultant impacts. Through semi-structured interviews, this study involved 27 participants, including ASEAN students, university administrators and staff, and representatives from local governmental and non-governmental organizations across selected locales in the 3 countries. The findings identified varying degrees of engagement among ASEAN students with local societies of the three countries across economic, socio-cultural, and diplomatic-political dimensions. This cross-national variance is potentially attributable to divergent governmental strategies and university motivations for recruiting ASEAN students.

Microbiota Involved in the Degradation of Tremella fuciformis Polysaccharide and Microbial Enzymatic Potential Revealed by Microbiome and Metagenome

Tremella fuciformis, as a traditional edible fungus in Asian countries, is rich in polysaccharides with a variety of bioactivities. Nevertheless, its high molecular weight and complex structure have caused limitations in its application and structural analysis. In this study, we successfully screened a Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide-degrading bacterium from the soil by enriching and screening. The mixed bacterium consisted mainly of Verrucomicrobium (55.4%) and Lysobacter (43.8%), which released extracellular enzymes that enabled the degradation of Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides. The functional annotation using microbiome and metagenome combined with bioinformatics revealed its active carbohydrate metabolism, binding, and catalysis. It exposed the enzymatic potential of the bacterium and provided a basis for the exploration of hydrolytic enzymes for hardly degradable polysaccharides in fungi.

News Media Effects on Policy Priorities: A Second-Level Agenda-Setting Analysis of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Projects in Myanmar

This study investigates the impact of the media’s secondary agenda-setting on public perception and policy priorities regarding the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects in Myanmar from to 2011–2024. Three hypotheses (Hs) were examined: H1 posits that media coverage aligns with public and policy perspectives; H2 proposes that media emphasis on specific attributes influences their prominence in public opinion and policymaking; and H3 suggests that public opinion mediates the relationship between media coverage and policy priorities, indicating an indirect media influence on policymaking. This study employed a cross-sectional research design, utilizing both quantitative content analysis and survey methodologies. The content comprises the analysis of two news outlets’ coverage (n = 144), surveys with 385 respondents (n = 385), and in-depth interviews with 30 participants (n = 30), and the findings revealed a significant positive correlation between media coverage and public opinion and policy priorities (r = 0.86, r = 0.81, respectively). SEM path analysis reveals that the media agenda indirectly shapes the policy agenda through the public agenda, with an indirect effect path coefficient of 0.718, highlighting the media’s role in policymaking processes. This is evidenced by a significant correlation between media coverage and public opinion (p &lt; 0.05), and a strong direct association between public opinion and policy priorities (p &lt; 0.05). This study extends the agenda-setting theory by empirically demonstrating the media’s indirect effect on policy formation in global infrastructure projects within a developing Southeast Asian country. Future studies should examine the evolution of media patterns across different administrations, including the current one. The results also suggest examining the broader media portrayal of governance issues and conducting extensive research on the media’s impact on public opinion.

BuffExDb: web-based tissue-specific gene expression resource for breeding and conservation programmes in Bubalus bubalis.

Amidst the global challenge of extreme poverty, the livestock sector can significantly contribute to global sustainable development goals by enhancing resilience, smallholder productivity, and market participation. The Indian livestock sector is one of the largest in the world with a total livestock population of 535.82 million, ∼10.7% of the world's livestock population. Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) holds significant importance in India and other Asian countries, notably contributing to their economies by surpassing cattle in milk production and providing various valuable products. The limited availability of genomic and transcriptomic resources for buffaloes hinders the efforts to enhance their traits for increased milk and meat production. To address this gap, this study adopted the state-of-the-art bioinformatics tools to analyse 2429 transcriptomes representing 438 BioSamples from 23 BioProjects obtained from a public domain database, representing 76 different types of tissues and cell types from all major organ systems in buffalo species (river and swamp). The outcome of this exhaustive genomic data led to the development of a relational buffalo expression database based on a three-tier architecture named as BuffExDb (http://46.202.167.198/buffex/). The user-friendliness and flexibilities in retrieval of tissue-specific genes (TSGs) and their functional annotation are the major characteristics of BuffExDb. This is the first of its kind that offers an effortlessly navigable and filterable database, enabling users to examine and visualize the expression levels of each tissue across multiple samples, simultaneously. It also provides the Tau score parameter for the identification of TSGs along with their essential roles in tissue development, maintenance, and function as observed through the enrichment test for gene ontologies. The exhaustive outcome of this work would pave the way for the biological, functional, and evolutionary studies for easy access. This prior information based on tissue-specific mechanisms can be used for future genomic research, especially in association studies in endeavour of enhanced buffalo breeding and conservation programmes. Database URL: http://46.202.167.198/buffex/.

Correction: Impacts of financial globalization on CO2 emissions in Asian countries and implications for Vietnam

Correction: Impacts of financial globalization on CO2 emissions in Asian countries and implications for Vietnam