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Publisher Correction: Succession of phytoplankton functional groups in a subtropical lake associated with rainfall patterns

Associations between sleep and the gut microbiome in adults with colorectal cancer and their caregivers

Abstract Adults with cancer and their caregivers have elevated levels of sleep disturbances. In this cross-sectional exploratory study, we examined associations between subjective sleep indices and gut microbiome features among patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and their sleep-partner caregivers. Forty participants (20 patient-caregiver dyads) completed sleep diaries, stool sampling, and dietary intake questionnaires individually. Patients and caregivers had comparable demographics, dietary and sleep indices. However, patients had significantly different beta diversity (p = .005) and alpha diversity (Inverse Simpson: p = .029) as well as 7 more and 6 less differentially abundant taxa compared with their caregivers. Furthermore, only patients categorized with high sleep efficiency (SE) (≥ 85%) also had higher gut microbial diversity (Inv Simpson: p = .019 and Shannon Index: p = .035). Additionally, some oral and gut microbes were differentially abundant in patients between patients with high or low SE scores. Overall, this study highlights a link between sleep health and gut microbiome characteristics in patients with CRC. Further research is warranted to replicate the current findings with a larger sample, which will allow for the identification of pathways linking sleep to gut microbiome and the development of proper psychobehavioral sleep interventions for adults with cancer and their caregivers to ultimately improve their overall well-being.

Correction: Antihypertensive effect of sinapine extracted from rapeseed meal in 2K1C hypertensive rats

Comprehensive analysis of disruption mitigation methods using gas and pellet-like injections in ITER-like Tokamaks

Abstract Inert-gas shielding could be an effective mechanism for protection of plasma facing surfaces (PFS) against plasma particles impact and photon radiation heat loads during transient events in fusion devices. Neutral gas injection is one promising way to mitigate erosion of tokamak components and contamination. The objective of this work is to study and optimize mitigation methods using neutral gas and pellet-like injections to decrease the heat load to the divertor surfaces and to prevent vaporization of the various internal surfaces due to transient events in ITER-like devices. The integrated self-consistent models implemented in the HEIGHTS package was used for detailed analysis of the potential secondary plasma generation from the injected inert gas, its radiative characteristics, and shielding effectiveness. We varied the density, size, and location of an argon gas cloud to minimize the disruption energy deposited into the divertor components. We also investigated innovative ways for minor changes in ITER-like internal design to mitigate disruptions. We found the optimum parameters to fully protect ITER tokamak surfaces from erosion and vaporization during plasma instabilities. This preliminary analysis showed that using Ar gas injection methods could lead to enhancement in components lifetime in ITER-like and future DEMO devices with minor design changes.

Lightweight deep learning model for crime pattern recognition based on transformer with simulated annealing sparsity and CNN

Reduction of the uncertainty of flood projection under a future climate by focusing on similarities among multiple SSP-RCP scenarios

Abstract Climate projections contain the uncertainty due to the internal variability of the climate system, including its chaotic nature. While the uncertainty due to the internal variability can be theoretically mitigated by executing large ensemble simulations with perturbed initial conditions, only a limited number of large-ensemble experiments are available in CMIP6 future scenario dataset. Here we propose a method that increases the effective ensemble sampling size in evaluations of future projection by integrating multiple SSP-RCPs for a period corresponding to a specific increase in temperature from the preindustrial level (i.e., X°C warming). The success of the method was assessed by investigating whether the uncertainty due to small number of ensemble members could be reasonably reduced. First, we confirmed that the spatial distributions of the future flood magnitude change were similar under a 2 °C warming in all SSP-RCP scenarios. Additionally, the uncertainty due to the different SSP-RCPs (5–10%) was smaller than the differences between different warming levels such as between 2 and 3 °C (around 20–50%), suggesting differences among SSP-RCPs as to future flood discharge change are relatively small. These results suggested that integrating SSP-RCPs to increase the effective ensemble size was a reasonable approach, reducing unbiased variance among GCMs in about 70% of land grid points comparing to the result using SSP5-RCP8.5 alone.

Correction: ADAPT-3D:accelerated deep adaptable processing of tissue for 3-dimensional fluorescence tissue imaging for research and clinical settings

Correction: Myocardial scar and left ventricular ejection fraction classification for electrocardiography image using multi-task deep learning

Correction: Molecular and genomic insights into multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa causing burn wound infections in Bangladesh

Author Correction: Anisotropic bounding surface plasticity model for soils

Multimodal data driven deep learning based seismic impedance inversion optimization

Seismic impedance inversion is a geophysical technique that transforms seismic data into quantitative subsurface properties, primarily acoustic impedance. This process enables the identification of rock boundaries, hydrocarbon reservoirs, and lithological variations, thus supporting informed drilling decisions and reducing exploration risks. However, conventional inversion methods face limitations such as noise sensitivity, low resolution, and reduced effectiveness in geologically complex areas, often resulting in oversimplified subsurface models. This study addresses these challenges by employing deep learning approaches, specifically LeNet, AlexNet, and conventional CNN architectures, to improve seismic resolution and synthetic seismogram generation. The methodology involves preprocessing seismic and well-log data, calculating acoustic impedance and reflection coefficients, and applying Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) for feature extraction. The models are trained using synthetic seismograms and validated against real seismic data. Among the models evaluated, AlexNet demonstrates superior performance in seismic data reconstruction, achieving the lowest MSE (0.0031), RMSE (0.0557), and MAE (0.052), along with the highest R2 score (0.993). The proposed technique demonstrates superior predictive accuracy, refined subsurface characterization, and reduced geological risk, thereby establishing a robust benchmark for advanced geophysical data analysis.

Three-year outcomes of cystotomy for cystoid macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion

This retrospective observational study evaluated the three-year clinical outcomes of cystotomy for managing refractory cystoid macular edema (CME) secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO). A total of 23 eyes from 23 patients (10 males, 13 females) with CME secondary to RVO (RVO-ME) who underwent cystotomy at Kobe University Hospital between September 2014 and July 2021 were reviewed, with a minimum follow-up of 3 years. Clinical parameters such as age, sex, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), number of treatments (anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections, sub-Tenon triamcinolone acetonide injections, microaneurysm photocoagulation, and pars plana vitrectomy), number of outpatient visits, presence of fibrinogen clot removal, and recurrence were retrospectively analyzed. The mean age was 72.3 ± 10.3 years. Mean BCVA improved from 0.33 ± 0.24 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution preoperatively to 0.21 ± 0.22 at 3 years (p < 0.001). CRT significantly decreased from 504.7 ± 118.2 μm to 295.2 ± 87.4 μm (p < 0.001). The average annual number of total treatments decreased from 3.7 ± 1.8 to 1.1 ± 3.1 (p < 0.001), and outpatient visits decreased from 11.8 ± 4.0 to 4.4 ± 3.2 (p < 0.001). Fibrinogen clot removal was performed in nine eyes. Recurrence was observed in eight eyes. Cystotomy appeared to be a promising surgical option for managing refractory RVO-ME.

Volume kinetics of crystalloid and colloid solutions administered to healthy anesthetized cats

This prospective experimental study evaluated the disposition of a crystalloid and a colloid solution in 10 healthy cats under general anesthesia. Each cat was randomly assigned to receive either 20 mL/kg of a balanced isotonic crystalloid solution (PLA) or 5 mL/kg of 6% tetrastarch 130/0.4 solution (T-HES), administered over 15 minutes, in a 2-period, 2-treatment crossover design. Blood samples were collected, and urine output was measured during a 3-hour experimental period. Plasma dilution was calculated using serial hemoglobin concentrations and red blood cell count. Volume kinetics (distribution and elimination) of each fluid were determined using non-linear mixed effects pharmacokinetic modeling software. Data from a previous study with a similar methodology in healthy conscious cats were included in the population kinetic analysis, revealing anesthesia as a significant covariate for k21 (peripheral-to-central intercompartmental rate constant) for PLA and k10 (dilution-dependent first-order elimination rate constant) for T-HES. Cumulative urine output under general anesthesia was approximately 3.5 times lower for PLA and 2.5 times lower for T-HES compared to conscious cats. Overall, our data suggest that the elimination of PLA and T-HES is markedly reduced, and a bolus of PLA produces a short period of plasma expansion with the potential to cause significant peripheral fluid accumulation in cats during general anesthesia.

Caregiver mind-mindedness training as an early intervention for social anxiety in children: A protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Background This paper describes a randomised controlled trial (RCT) protocol aimed at investigating the efficacy of caregivers’ Mind-Mindedness training as an early intervention for preschoolers with social anxiety. Mind-mindedness, a caregiver’s ability to recognise and respond to a child as an individual with their own thoughts, feelings, and intentions, is associated with secure attachment and socioemotional skills. While previous studies indicate brief Mind-Mindedness training may increase caregiver mentalisation in high-risk groups, there is a lack of rigorous evidence assessing its impact specifically on child social anxiety symptoms. Building on the well-established link between caregivers’ Mind-Mindedness and positive socioemotional outcomes in children, this study aims to bridge the existing research gap by directly testing the impact of Mind-Mindedness training on social anxiety. Methods This randomised controlled trial aims to recruit 100 caregivers of preschool-aged 4–7-year-old children with social anxiety from the UK and Iran. The caregivers will be randomly assigned to either a mind-mindedness training group (n = 50) or a peer support (control) group(n = 50). The mind-mindedness training will involve three online sessions, each of one hour duration, focused on teaching strategies for using mind-minded comments with their children, across three consecutive weeks. The peer support (control) group will have access to a private online peer-support platform for sharing experiences. Measures of mind-mindedness, child social anxiety, attachment, and theory of mind will be assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up using established assessment tools. Discussion The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a mind-mindedness parental intervention for social anxiety in children and to uncover the potential mediating roles of attachment and theory of mind in the relationship between mind-mindedness and child anxiety. The cross-cultural design, involving participants from the UK and Iran, will offer valuable information on the cultural aspect of the intervention. The training group is hypothesised to lead to increased mind-mindedness and reduced child social anxiety versus a peer support (control) group. This research can establish evidence for mind-mindedness training as an early intervention approach for childhood social anxiety, with implications for global mental health strategies targeting early caregiver-child relationships. Trial registration Prospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT06657014; registered on 23rd October 2024) and on the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) Version 1 (ID: 80088; approved on 2nd November 2024). These registrations promote transparency and ensure compliance with international standards for reporting clinical trials.

Impact of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide on health-related quality of life and economic outcomes in HIV care: Substudy of the BIC-NOW clinical trial

Background The BICNOW clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness, safety, satisfaction, adherence to treatment, and retention in the system of a rapid initiation strategy with bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) in naïve HIV-infected individuals. It also assessed the burden of this infection on individuals and healthcare systems using various instruments, participant questionnaires, and pharmacoeconomic evaluations of this antiretroviral therapy (ART). This substudy focused on changes in the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of participants and on the economic impact of this rapid initiation strategy. Methods and Findings Patients were recruited for this phase IV, multicenter, open, single-branch clinical trial with 48-week follow-up between November 2020 and July 2022. HRQoL data were gathered using EQ-5D-3L and dichotomized HIV-SI questionnaires. In the cost-utility pharmacoeconomic analysis, data in the literature were used for comparators. The 208 participants had a mean age of 34 (27–44) years, 87·5% were male, 42·9% had completed higher education, and 67·1% were employed. The mean EQ-5D questionnaire score was significantly increased at 48 weeks versus baseline (0·940 ± 0·117 vs. 0·959 ± 0·083, p = 0·012), and the utility value in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) was 0·877 ± 0·093. There was a significant improvement in the “usual activities” dimension (10·8 vs 4·1% p = 0·036). The Moses extreme reaction test showed a significant difference in all dimensions between participants in AIDS versus non-AIDS stage (p < 0·001). HIV-SI results revealed a significantly smaller percentage of participants with bothersome symptoms at 48 weeks (75·4 vs. 62·2%, p = 0·035). The pharmacoeconomic study indicated a value of €6,550·21/QALY gained with this ART. Conclusions BIC/FTC/TAF is an appropriate rapid initiation strategy in naïve PLHIV that improves their quality of life. It is pharmacoeconomically feasible and offers superior long-term health outcomes in comparison to other approaches. (NCT06177574).

Can we enhance trust in the circular economy through referral marketing control?

Referral marketing can be considered a promising tool to support the transition toward a circular economy, thanks to its capacity to raise consumer awareness, foster loyalty and encourage participation in sustainable practices. However, to strengthen public trust in new circular business models, it becomes essential to manage such campaigns carefully. In this paper, we apply the Z-control method to regulate the dynamics of a referral marketing model with self-information, through control actions capable of influencing a campaign’s persistence and preventing its risk of collapse. Our focus is on two types of direct interventions: increasing the engagement of broadcasters and reducing consumer inertia. The analysis highlights how these marketing strategies must be applied over time in order for circular products, practices and behaviors to gain stable traction among the population. Reducing inertia, in particular, emerges as the more difficult challenge, suggesting that companies may need to adopt stronger marketing efforts while being mindful of how and when such efforts are applied. In this context, a non-monotonic application of marketing interventions over time appears especially important to avoid overwhelming consumers early on and to better address the psychological resistance often linked to inertia.

Effects of soil particle size on rainfall-induced erosion of near-horizontal layered slopes

The problem of soil erosion is prominent in the arid region of northwest China, and the Kapo in Wensu County, Xinjiang is highly susceptible to erosion and damage disasters due to the formation of chalky high steep slopes affected by rivers. In order to provide theoretical support for slope prevention and control, this paper investigates the erosion damage characteristics of three different grain size compositions of nearly horizontal laminated soil slopes under rainfall by using rainfall simulation equipment in an indoor model box test. The results show that rainfall, slope soil properties and cracks are the main causes of erosion damage on slopes. As rainfall increases, the slope shows regressive damage from the foot of the slope to the top of the slope. Soil slopes with coarse-grained sand have less erosion damage due to good permeability of the sand layer; slopes with fine soil particles have weak erosion resistance and severe gully erosion. The dominant seepage channels formed by cracks play a significant role in the erosion damage of slopes.

Effects of repeated hemolymph sampling from adductor muscles of relaxed Pacific oysters (Magallana gigas)

Hemolymph is vital for bivalves, contributing to their innate immune system, nutrient transport, waste elimination, and hormone regulation. Yet, traditional sampling methods are often invasive or fatal to the organisms. In this study, we evaluated the effects of repeated, non-lethal hemolymph sampling on adult Pacific oysters (Magallana gigas). Five- year-old oysters were relaxed with magnesium sulphate, and hemolymph was extracted from half of the individuals, while the other half with relaxation served as controls. Sampling took place during gonad maturation in two groups: one laboratory conditioned (approximately three months in indoor tanks with controlled environment), and one naturally conditioned (approximately seven months at the bay in Yaquina Bay, Oregon, USA). Total mortalities ranged from 10% in the laboratory groups (after four samplings) and 22% (after seven samplings) in the natural groups; most of the mortalities took place after the last sampling. Sex ratio was similar between the sampled (66%) and control groups (63%) in the laboratory setting. In the natural setting, the final sex ratio was male biased in the group that was repeatedly sampled for hemolymph (58%) compared to the non-sampled controls (28%). Our findings highlight that repeated hemolymph sampling can be performed with minimal mortality, allowing non-lethal monitoring of hemolymph physiology over time.

Comparison of mass spectrometry and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of plasma samples in identification of patients with fracture-related infections

Objectives Fracture-related infections (FRIs) have significant impact on patient outcomes. Diagnosing FRIs is challenging due to lack of robust, minimally invasive diagnostic tests in the early stages of the disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of proteomic mass spectrometry (MS) (quantitative approach) and spectral pattern analysis based on fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of plasma samples (qualitative approach) in discriminating between FRI and controls. Materials and methods A prospective case-control study at a level 1 trauma center was conducted. Patients meeting confirmatory FRI criteria were matched with controls without infection based on age, time after surgery, and fracture region. Plasma samples were collected at the time of presentation for FRI and saved for batch analysis. Tandem mass tag liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used for proteomics, and FTIR spectroscopy of dried films was used to obtain mid-infrared spectra from samples. Mid-infrared spectra were preprocessed, and for MS data, protein abundance ratios of FRI and controls were compared. Multivariate analysis-based predictive models were developed separately for FTIR-based spectra and MS-based protein ratio data. Results Thirteen FRI and 13 controls were included in the study. The predictive models based on FTIR spectroscopy data had an average area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) of ≈0.803, CI95(0.8, 0.81), the average sensitivity was ≈ 0. 0.755, CI95(0.75, 0.76), and the specificity was ≈ 0.677, CI95(0.672, 0.682). The MS-based predictive models from protein abundance ratio results had an average AUROC of ≈0.735, CI95(0.732, 0.737), the average sensitivity was ≈ 0.74, CI95 (0.739, 0.747), and the specificity was ≈ 0.653, CI95(0.649, 0.656). Discussion and conclusions Mass spectrometry and spectral pattern recognition based on FTIR spectroscopy can both be used to develop predictive models that can discriminate between FRI and control samples. There is potential for both analytical approaches as candidate diagnostic biomarkers in FRI patients that require further validation in future studies.

Development and optimization of red spectrum splitting concentrated agrivoltaic system for energy generation and sustainable agriculture

Agricultural land is increasingly under pressure from expanding solar energy infrastructure, leading to a growing conflict between food and energy production. Conventional photovoltaic (PV) systems often reduce crop yields due to shading and suboptimal light conditions for photosynthesis. This study introduces a Red Spectrum Splitting Concentrated Agrivoltaic (RSSCA) system designed to overcome these limitations by selectively directing specific wavelengths of sunlight to serve both agricultural and energy needs. The system uses a Fresnel lens and dichroic mirror to concentrate solar radiation and split the spectrum: red light (around 630 nm), essential for rice growth, is transmitted to the crops, while the remaining wavelengths are directed to high-efficiency multi-junction solar cells. We employed optical simulations and analytical modeling to assess system performance. Results show a photoelectric conversion efficiency of 31.2% and adequate Daily Light Integral (DLI) levels for rice cultivation in high-sunlight regions such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. For instance, DLI values in Hanoi range from 14.3 to 32.2 mol/m2/day and in Ho Chi Minh City from 24.3 to 37.8 mol/m2/day, compared to 6.6–16.1 and 14.4–18.2 mol/m2/day under conventional PV systems, respectively. Electricity production with RSSCA peaks at 2790 W/m2/day in Ho Chi Minh City and 2577 W/m2/day in Hanoi, outperforming traditional PV setups by 3–5 times. Compared to conventional PV systems, the RSSCA offers improved light uniformity, better land-use efficiency, and significantly higher electricity generation. However, in regions with limited direct sunlight, such as Seoul in winter, system performance decreases. These findings suggest the RSSCA system is well-suited for tropical and subtropical areas where direct sunlight is abundant. It presents a viable solution for enhancing both food production and renewable energy generation on shared land.