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Retraction: Improvement of non-invasive tests of liver steatosis and fibrosis as indicators for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with elevated cardiovascular risk profile using the PPAR-α/γ agonist aleglitazar
Dose-finding for dobutamine during transitional circulation in the very preterm infant: The study protocol
Background Hemodynamic insufficiency occurs when tissue oxygen delivery fails to meet demand. Preterm infants are vulnerable to early circulatory failure after birth, impacting mortality and morbidity. Mean arterial pressure is not a reliable indicator of systemic blood flow. Low superior vena cava (SVC) flow, independent of fetal shunts, has been proposed as a robust biomarker of circulatory impairment in this population. Dobutamine, a selective β1 agonist with minimal effect on systemic vascular resistances, is considered the treatment of choice for this condition. However, information about its optimal dosing, efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) profile in preterm infants is limited. Methods A multicenter, low-intervention, dose-finding trial will be conducted to establish the minimum effective dose of dobutamine to treat hemodynamic insufficiency, defined as SVC flow<51 mL/kg/min, in infants ≤32(+6) weeks of gestation during transitional circulation. Baseline echocardiography will be performed within 72 hours after birth. Single commercial dobutamine solution will be prepared and administered intravenously. Participants will be allocated to a dosage regimen by the study statistician, who will adjust probabilities of success based on therapeutic responses. Allocation will be guided by the dose with posterior probability closest to target (80%). PK/PD assessment will be done at 60 minutes after start of allocated dose and at 180 min of effective dobutamine dose infusion (that achieving stable SVC flow > 55 mL/kg/min). The proportion of patients achieving and maintaining adequate hemodynamic status with dobutamine alone during the first 72 hours (efficacy), side effects, and variables explaining interindividual PK/PD variability will be explored. Discussion This study aims to define the minimum dose of dobutamine with a relevant PD effect on circulation in infants with hemodynamic insufficiency during transitional circulation. This is the first step towards future randomized clinical trials on efficacy and safety of dobutamine for the proposed indication. Trial registration EU Clinical trials register, EU CT 2023-504915-34-00, registered 18 April 2023.
Simulation and test of a V-shaped seed-guiding surface and concave pit furrow opener for seed displacement restriction: Verification on seeding uniformity and post-soil-contact seed motion limitation
In plot breeding tests, sowing uniformity directly impacts the accuracy of crop genetic improvement trials. Existing furrow openers often cause spacing fluctuations and lateral seed drift due to structural limitations. To address this, a sharp-angle roller furrow opener with independently rotatable V-shaped ball rollers was innovatively designed based on traditional sharp-angle flat-bottom openers, meeting soybean sowing agronomic requirements. The V-shaped ball rollers form V-grooves and spherical pit rows at the furrow bottom through rolling, with ridge-like structures between pits effectively limiting seed longitudinal displacement and rolling jumps upon soil contact, thus improving sowing uniformity. Performance verification was conducted via discrete element simulation and soil trench testing: An EDEM-based soybean seed-soil-opener interaction model was built, using spacing fluctuation coefficients, lateral offset dispersion, and average lateral offset as indexes to compare the new opener with sharp-angle sharp-bottom and flat-bottom openers. Three opener prototypes were 3D-printed and tested on a self-made soil trench bench. Both simulation and bench test results showed that under identical conditions, the new opener significantly reduced spacing fluctuations and lateral offsets, outperforming traditional designs in sowing uniformity and enhancing breeding trial reliability. This study constructs a sustainable agricultural furrow opener design framework through structural innovation and dual experimental validation, integrating mechanical performance optimization with resource-environmental benefits, and provides a new technological pathway for clean production concepts in agricultural equipment.
Correction: Integrating genomics and transcriptomics reveals candidate genes affecting loin muscle area in Huaxi cattle
Effect of autologous amniotic membrane and fluid on wound healing and complications of cesarean section: Study protocol of a factorial randomized controlled trial
Background Cesarean section rates have risen globally. While a cesarean section offers benefits, it is associated with complications like infection, fluid collection, and wound dehiscence. The psychological impact of cesarean section scars can also affect women’s quality of life. Amniotic membrane and fluid have shown promise in enhancing wound healing due to their rich content of growth factors and nonimmunogenic properties. This study aims to assess the effects of autologous amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid on wound healing, surgical site infection, pain, and complications following cesarean section. Materials and methods This controlled, randomized, double-blind (participants and the physician assessing outcomes are blinded), 2 × 2 factorial trial with a sample size of 228 is being conducted at Arash Women’s Hospital, Tehran, Iran. It involves four groups: amniotic membrane dressing, amniotic fluid spray, a combination of both, and one group receiving standard of care, assessing the effects of autologous amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid on cesarean section wound healing, infection, pain, and complications. Primary outcome (wound healing) would be measured by the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale. Secondary outcomes are surgical site infection, pain via the Visual Analog Scale, surgical wound dehiscence, seroma, hematoma, and bleeding. Results will be analyzed using two-way ANOVA and logistic regression. Discussion This research protocol is the first to examine autologous amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid effects on cesarean section scar healing and complications. If effective, amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid could enhance CS scar aesthetics and reduce complications without extra cost. Trial registration This trial was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (Registration number: IRCT20220408054454N1 , Registration date: 2024-07-15 ).
Evidence for loss of contractile phenotype of the mouse aortic vascular smooth muscle (MOVAS) cell line with increasing number of passages in vitro
Aim Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are characterized by a considerable plasticity. Their phenotypic switch (from contractile to synthetic) plays a crucial role in the atherosclerotic process, explaining that numerous studies focus on this phenotypic transition. Thus, it is essential to use VSMCs that have been finely phenotyped for experimental purposes. The use of MOVAS cell line is suitable because, unlike primary cells, it is believed that these cells retain their phenotype and avoid cell senescence in culture. This study aimed to assess the phenotype of MOVAS cells over culture passages to ensure that they retained a contractile phenotype, before using them for further investigations. Methods The phenotype of MOVAS cells at different culture passages (P3, P5 and P8) was analysed morphologically and by studying the expression of genes that indicate a contractile ( Acta2, Myocd and Cnn1 ) and synthetic ( Klf4 and Lgals3 ) VSMC phenotype by RT-qPCR. Cell stiffness was analysed by atomic force microscopy and cell adhesion and migration. Results Our results showed that MOVAS cells rapidly changed morphologically and that the gene expression of contractile markers was significantly reduced in favor of markers specific to the synthetic phenotype. These changes were associated with a reduction in cell stiffness and a significant increase in adhesion and migration properties. Conclusion MOVAS cells undergo a transition from contractile to synthetic phenotype with increasing number of passages in vitro , which means that these cells should be used with caution, at a low number of passages, while being regularly characterized.
Determinants of farmers’ decision-making behavior for black soil protection in Northeast China—A case of Jilin Province*
Northeast black soil area is one of the world’s four major pieces of black soil area, which has a pivotal position in ensuring national food security. But in recent years it degraded, it is urgent to protect it. Farmers are the main body directly involved in black soil protection, and farmers’ response, that is, perceived status, directly reflects their recognition, acceptance and active cooperation with black soil protection, which is an important factor affecting their willingness to protect black soil. Therefore, based on the survey data of 486 farmers in black soil area of Jilin Province, this study studied farmers’ intention choice and behavior response based on the theory of planned behavior.The empirical results showed that the farmers’ black soil protection behavior followed the logic of Farmer’s Cognition-Behavioral Intention-Behavioral and farmers’ protection behavior response is determined by their behavior intention, behavior attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control. Specifically, in the Perceived Behavioral Control→Behavioral Intention→Behavior path, there were both significant direct and indirect effects between variables, while in the Attitude toward Behavior→Behavioral Intention→Behavior path there were only significant indirect effects. There are significant correlations among farmers’ behavioral attitudes, subjective norms, and perceptual behavioral control. In order to protect the black soil successfully, the farmers’ willingness and income should be paid enough attention to and the central and local governments should publicize and train rural carders, farmers and other stakeholders.
Soil mineralogy and potassium forms distribution and release in some calcareous soils of the Darab Region, Iran
Understanding the distribution and release dynamics of potassium (K) in calcareous soils is essential for efficient nutrient management in arid and semi-arid regions. This study investigates K forms and their release behavior in ten agricultural soil pedons from the Darab region in southern Iran, characterized by diverse physiographic settings and soil orders (Entisols, Inceptisols, Aridisols, and Vertisols). Dominant clay minerals identified through X-ray diffraction included illite, smectite, and chlorite. The surface horizons showed greater average concentrations of soluble K (0.63%), exchangeable K (5.06%), and non-exchangeable K (6.5%), whereas structural K was most abundant in subsurface horizons (89.32%). Cumulative K release, assessed through successive CaCl₂ extractions, ranged from 267.7 to 572.4 mg/kg in surface soils and 145.2 to 433 mg/kg in subsurface layers. Release kinetics of non-exchangeable K were effectively described by the power function and pseudo-second-order models, indicating both rapid and sustained release phases. Among the studied soils, pedon 6 (Inceptisol) exhibited the highest release rate, as reflected in its b parameter suggesting enhanced K availability and faster equilibrium attainment. These findings underscore the critical influence of soil mineralogy on potassium dynamics and support the development of site-specific fertilization strategies.
Correction: Examination of unique volatile organic compound signatures in nasopharyngeal test swab viral transport media using an electronic nose
The relationships between box turtle gut microbiomes and personality
Though well understood in model animals, the microbiome-brain axis has only recently been found to be important in wildlife health. Host behavior is an important component of this axis, and variation in individual animal personalities can shape the dynamics, composition, and evolutionary trajectory of an ecosystem. Relative boldness or shyness is a commonly used personality metric across vertebrate animals, and the composition of an organism’s microbiome may be important in shaping this trait. Turtles have been poorly characterized in terms of behavior and microbiome, though they are the most threatened vertebrate group on Earth and therefore warrant more study. To address this gap, we compared the gut microbiota of bold and shy Eastern Box Turtles to investigate any correlation between microbial composition and personality type. Free-ranging Eastern Box Turtles were captured and assayed for their personality, and cloacal, skin, and oral swab samples were collected. Microbial DNA from swabs was amplified and sequenced. Female turtles had significantly higher alpha microbial diversities than male turtles and shy turtles had a significantly higher microbial diversity than bold turtles. Four significantly overabundant bacteria were found (two in bold turtles and two in shy turtles). The steroid biosynthesis pathway was significantly overrepresented in bold turtles, while the bile acid biosynthesis pathway and purine degradation to urea modules were significantly overrepresented in shy turtles. Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria are implicated in the classification of Eastern Box Turtle personality. While our conclusions should be considered in the context of limited sample sizes, our data suggest prominent metabolic pathways, modules, and bacteria that are implicated in different Eastern Box Turtle personality types, suggesting a possible microbial influence on the personality of this well-known but threatened species.
Antifungal potential of Rhinacanthus nasutus extracts against the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans
Rhinacanthus nasutus (snake jasmine) has been widely used in Thai-traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fungal infections. This study aimed to investigate the antifungal activity of R. nasutus extracts and their impact on the virulence factors of Cryptococcus neoformans , a pathogenic yeast responsible for cryptococcal infections in immunocompromised individuals. Extracts were prepared from the leaves, roots, and a combination thereof, with rhincanthin-C quantified using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Antifungal activity was assessed using a spot assay against Saccharomyces cerevisiae and C. neoformans . The root extract demonstrated the strongest antifungal effect, particularly against C. neoformans . Further investigation into virulence factors revealed a noticeable reduction in melanin production, cell and capsule sizes and alterations in cell structure, suggesting cellular abnormality. The findings of this study demonstrate the antifungal potential of R. nasutus and may warrant future exploration of its therapeutic applications for treating fungal infections.
The shifting landscape of vaccine discourse: Insights from a decade of pre- to post-COVID-19 vaccine posts on social media
In this work, we study English-language vaccine discourse in social media posts, specifically posts on X (formerly Twitter), in seven years before the COVID-19 outbreak (2013 to 2019) and three years after the outbreak was first reported (2020 to 2022). Drawing on theories from social cognition and the stereotype content model in Social Psychology, we analyze how English speakers talk about vaccines on social media to understand the evolving narrative around vaccines in social media posts. To do that, we first introduce a novel dataset comprising 18.7 million curated posts on vaccine discourse from 2013 to 2022. This extensive collection—filtered down from an initial 129 million posts through rigorous preprocessing—captures both pre-COVID and COVID-19 periods, offering valuable insights into the evolution of English-speaking X users’ perceptions related to vaccines. Our analysis shows that the COVID-19 pandemic led to complex shifts in X users’ sentiment and discourse around vaccines. We observe that negative emotion word usage decreased during the pandemic, with notable rises in usage of surprise, and trust related emotion words. Furthermore, vaccine-related language tended to use more warmth-focused words associated with trustworthiness, along with positive, competence-focused words during the early days of the pandemic, with a marked rise in negative word usage towards the end of the pandemic, possibly reflecting a growing vaccine hesitancy and skepticism.
Multi-objective spatial optimization of forest fire monitoring networks: An integrated GIS-MCDM framework enhanced by improved genetic algorithms
As one of the most destructive and rapidly spreading natural hazards, forest fires pose a severe threat to the stability of ecosystems. To effectively mitigate fire risks, this study proposes a site-selection model that integrates Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM), Genetic Algorithm (GA), and Geographic Information System (GIS), with the aim of optimizing the spatial distribution of forest fire monitoring points and enhancing fire surveillance efficiency. The model is designed with three primary objectives: maximizing monitoring coverage, minimizing road network distance, and optimizing economic costs. To achieve adaptive decision-making, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is employed to dynamically allocate objective weights. Building upon this, differential evolution operators and adaptive mechanisms are incorporated to strengthen the GA’s global search capability and convergence performance. Furthermore, GIS combined with the FUCOM method is utilized for suitability analysis of potential monitoring points, effectively excluding restricted zones such as lakes and farmland to ensure the rationality of site allocation. A case study conducted in a high fire-risk region of Shanxi Province, China, demonstrates that the improved GA exhibits superior performance in terms of convergence speed, solution quality, and stability. Moreover, the model enables flexible adjustment of objective weights according to decision-makers’ preferences, thereby generating multiple optimized site-selection schemes. Compared with conventional layouts, the optimized configuration achieves an 18.6% increase in monitoring coverage, along with reductions of 50% in point-to-road distance and 10.2% in economic costs. These findings highlight the effectiveness of the proposed model in multi-objective site selection optimization and provide robust, scientific decision support for the spatial planning of forest fire monitoring networks.
Expression of Concern: A novel image encryption technique using hybrid method of discrete dynamical chaotic maps and Brownian motion
Association of the PaO2/RDW ratio with 7-day mortality and risk of early invasive mechanical ventilation in ICU patients with delirium associated with ARDS: A retrospective cohort study from the MIMIC-IV database
Background Delirium is a common complication in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. However, studies investigating the associations between easily accessible biomarkers and early mortality or the risk of early invasive mechanical ventilation in this population remain poorly defined. This study aimed to investigate the association between the ratio of arterial partial pressure of oxygen to red cell distribution width (PaO2/RDW) and short-term outcomes in ICU patients with delirium associated with ARDS. Methods Data were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV, version 3.1), a large, publicly available critical care database that contains de-identified health records of patients admitted to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Adult ARDS patients with at least one positive Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) evaluation were included. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality within seven days after delirium onset, and the secondary outcome was the initiation of invasive mechanical ventilation after ICU admission. Cox proportional hazards and cause-specific Cox regression models were applied to evaluate the associations between the PaO2/RDW ratio and clinical outcomes. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) modeling was used to explore potential nonlinear relationships, and subgroup analyses were performed to assess consistency across clinical strata. Results A total of 4,116 patients with ARDS were initially identified, and 1,665 patients with delirium were ultimately included in the final analysis. Compared with the highest PaO2/RDW tertile, patients in the lowest tertile had significantly higher risks of 7-day (adjusted HR = 2.12, 95% CI 1.46–3.09, P < 0.001) and 30-day mortality (adjusted HR = 1.72, 95% CI 1.33–2.22, P < 0.001). The lowest tertile was also associated with an increased risk of invasive mechanical ventilation (adjusted HR = 2.68, 95% CI 1.16–6.22, P = 0.021). Restricted cubic spline analysis revealed a U-shaped association between the PaO2/RDW ratio and 7-day mortality, with the lowest estimated hazard at approximately 6.7. Subgroup analyses showed consistent associations across age, sex, and comorbidity strata without significant interactions (P for interaction > 0.05). Conclusions The PaO2/RDW ratio was independently associated with 7-day mortality after delirium onset and with the early risk of invasive mechanical ventilation among ICU patients with delirium associated with ARDS. As an easily obtainable composite index, the PaO2/RDW ratio may serve as a convenient and informative biomarker for early risk assessment and clinical decision-making in critical care settings.
The role of emergency departments in opioid related harms: A qualitative study among emergency healthcare providers
Objectives Opioids are commonly prescribed in the Emergency Department (ED) for acute pain management. However, their use carries significant risks, including dependence and misuse. This study aims to gain insight into the perspectives of ED physicians and physician assistants (PAs) concerning the multifaceted role of the ED in problematic opioid use. This is crucial for reducing opioid-related harms. Design A qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews. Setting and participants Interviews were conducted with twenty-five ED physicians and PAs from four hospitals in the Netherlands. A diverse group participated in the study, representing different hospital settings and levels of working experience, Outcome measures and analysis Reflexive thematic analysis was performed to develop key themes reflecting participants’ perspectives and attitudes towards the role of the ED in opioid related harms. Results Two key themes were developed from the analysis. The first theme ‘Preventing opioid-related harms from an ED perspective’ underscores the careful approach emergency physicians take when prescribing opioids. This involves restricting opioid prescriptions to specific indications, considering alternative pain management options, limiting prescription durations, and involving patients in shared decision-making. Beyond their own prescribing practices, emergency care providers also collaborate with general practitioners, navigate patient expectations, and operate within a broader societal landscape where pain is increasingly viewed as intolerable. The second theme ‘Managing problematic opioid use at the ED’ highlights the difficulties faced by emergency care providers in treating individuals who are already using or dependent on opioids. This includes recognizing, intervening, referring, and managing cases of problematic opioid use. This theme also considers the involvement of other healthcare professionals, such as pain specialists and psychiatrists, as well as the roles and responsibilities of patients. Additionally, it considers the broader societal context, particularly the extent of opioid-related harms in the Netherlands, Conclusions This study sheds light on the complexities surrounding opioid use and emergency care providers’ approach to mitigating opioid related harms while navigating patient needs and systemic challenges. EDs play a critical role in addressing opioid-related harms but face significant challenges. Strengthening provider education, integrating patient records, and enhancing partnerships with addiction services are key steps toward refining healthcare responses and policies for this ongoing public health crisis.
Neurodevelopment in children born to women exposed to pesticides during pregnancy
The global rise in pesticide use, particularly across Africa, raises concerns about maternal occupational exposure during pregnancy and its potential impact on child neurodevelopment. This study examined associations between self-reported maternal pesticide exposure during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children aged 4–6 years. A cross-sectional design was implemented, comprising 432 mother–child pairs from three horticulture-intensive regions in Tanzania. Maternal exposure was assessed through structured interviews, focusing on activities during pregnancy such as pesticide spraying, weeding, and handling contaminated clothing. Children’s neurodevelopment was evaluated using the International Development and Early Learning Assessment (IDELA), which measures motor skills, literacy, numeracy, social–emotional development, and executive function. Linear regression analyses revealed that children of mothers who reported pesticide spraying during pregnancy scored significantly lower in social–emotional (β = –6.813, 95% CI: –11.53 to –2.096, p = 0.005) and executive function (β = –9.317, 95% CI: –16.007 to –2.627, p = 0.006) domains. Overall, children achieved the highest mean scores in fine and gross motor skills (62.11 ± 19.3) and the lowest in executive function (43.97 ± 24.3). Age-related differences were also observed, with six-year-olds consistently outperforming younger children across all developmental domains. These findings suggest an association between maternal pesticide exposure during pregnancy and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring. Given that exposure data were self-reported, results should be interpreted cautiously. Nevertheless, the study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive risk assessments incorporating objective exposure measurements, particularly in horticultural settings where women of reproductive age represent a substantial proportion of the workforce.