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Correction: Validation of xMAP SARS-CoV-2 Multi-Antigen IgG assay in Nigeria

Numerical investigation on the tunneling efficiency of TBM considering the argillization effect based on the energy evolution

Exploring the statistical fragility of creativity studies using the alternate uses task: A systematic review protocol

Introduction The Alternate Uses Task (AUT), where participants generate multiple novel uses for everyday objects, is one of the most widely used measures of creative potential. While many creativity studies report statistically significant effects on AUT outcomes, the robustness of these findings has not been systematically evaluated. Given concerns about over-reliance on p-values and the risk of fragile results, this systematic review aims to assess the statistical fragility of AUT-based findings using the continuous fragility index (CFI). Methods This protocol has been registered in Open Science Framework (DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/KFQGU). Eligible studies will include two-arm experimental designs (randomized or non-randomized) that report statistically significant between-group differences on AUT outcomes. We plan to conduct a comprehensive search of databases, including Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, and ERIC, up to July 21, 2025. Two reviewers will independently screen studies and perform data extraction. The primary outcome will be the median CFI across included studies, calculated using a simulation-based method developed for continuous outcomes. As a secondary objective, we plan to conduct a multivariable linear regression and subgroup analyses to explore study-level predictors of fragility. Dissemination We will disseminate results through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presentations at academic conferences. The findings aim to raise awareness of statistical fragility in creativity research and encourage stronger reporting and methodological practices for studies using the AUT.

Integrating molecular biomarkers and ectoparasitic infestation to assess water quality

Abstract Fish and their ectoparasites serve as model organisms for evaluating aquatic ecosystem health and can thus function as bioindicators of environmental pollution. This study, therefore, investigates the gene expression of biomarkers of effect in Clarias gariepinus inhabiting a polluted drain called the Kitchener Drain and the Nile River (a reference habitat). Ectoparasites and metacercariae of digenean endoparasites on the collected fish were examined to further clarify the impact of pollution. Compared with the Nile River, the Kitchener Drain contained significantly elevated concentrations of heavy metals, bicarbonates, sulfates, and minerals. Interestingly, the prevalence, mean intensity, and abundance of ectoparasitic monogeneans from C. gariepinus collected from the Nile River were higher compared with those from the Kitchener Drain, whereas the drain had higher levels of metacercaria of the digenean endoparasite Centrocestus formosanus. Fish from the Kitchener Drain had significantly elevated hepatic expressions of genes related to metal toxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation, heat shock response, and xenobiotic metabolism. The results indicate that C. gariepinus exposed to metals and other pollutants triggers an adaptive response involving multiple stress-response pathways. The findings also highlight the impact of pollution on parasitic infestation in this fish population. The study supports the utilization of molecular biomarkers and ectoparasitic infestation as early warning signals for water pollution.

Prevalence of double heterozygotes of HbE and α-thal 1 (SEA) type in pregnancies and their partners that received antenatal care at Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital and reevaluated the cut-offs for differentiation

Background In Thailand, double heterozygotes of HbE and α-thal 1 (SEA) type is common. If pregnant women carrying this genotype conceive with partners who also carry the same genotype or who are carriers of α-thalassemia 1 (SEA) type, there is 25% chance of a fetus having Hb Bart’s hydrops fetalis. This research aims to determine the prevalence of double SEA/E, compare the hematological parameters and HbE levels between pure HbE heterozygote and double SEA/E and reevaluate the cut-offs used to screen individuals with these genotypes. Methods In a retrospective study, 397 samples from individuals (partners who visited the Antenatal Care Clinic, Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital, Chiangrai Province, from 2017–2021) with HbE (hemoglobin typing EA) were collected. The samples were then classified as HbE with or without α-thalassemia 1 (SEA) type and RBC, Hb, Hct, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW and HbE level were compared between pure HbE heterozygote and double SEA/E via Student’s t-test, with a p-value of 0.05. Cut-offs were reevaluated in samples that avoided interfering with iron-deficiency anemia via the parameters of sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy. Results The study revealed that the prevalence of double heterozygotes of HbE and α-thal 1 (SEA) type was 12.6%. HbE level, MCV, MCH and MCHC in double heterozygotes of HbE and α-thal 1 (SEA) type were significantly lower, whereas RBC and RDW were greater (p < 0.001). Reevaluation for cut-offs revealed that, in the group with Hb < 10.0 g/dL, combined cut-offs (MCH + HbE level) and (MCV + MCH + HbE level) for the group with Hb = 10.0–11.9 g/dL were most effective, while a single cut-off (HbE level) was most effective for the group with Hb ≥ 12.0 g/dL. Conclusions Double SEA/E were also common among pregnant women and their partners who visited Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital, Chiangrai, Thailand. Using appropriate cut-offs for hematological parameters and HbE levels allows pure HbE heterozygote to be distinguished from double SEA/E.

Phytochemical and antimicrobial properties of Morus nigra and Morus alba grown in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates

Correction: Risk perceptions and behaviors concerning rural tourism and economic-political drivers of COVID-19 policy in 2020

Aloesin activates Nrf2 signaling to attenuate obesity-associated oxidative stress and hepatic steatosis in high-fat diet-fed rats

In-silico identification of host-key-genes associated with dengue-virus-infections highlighting their pathogenetic mechanisms and therapeutic agents

Dengue fever (DF), a potentially fatal mosquito-transmitted viral disease caused by dengue virus (DENV) infections (DENVI), stands as the predominant arthropod-borne viral illness worldwide, presenting a significant global health challenge. DENV-mediated proteins/proteases interact with host proteins to develop the infection. Despite the severity of DENVI, the infection-causing host key-genes (hKGs), their pathogenetic processes, and inhibitors/activators are not yet rigorously investigated. This study aimed to disclose DENVI-causing hKGs, highlighting their pathogenetic mechanisms and therapeutic agents. At first, 115 host differentially expressed genes (hDEGs) between DENVI and control samples were identified by employing the LIMMA statistical approach. Through protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, the top nine hDEGs (CDK1, BIRC5, TYMS, KIF20A, CCNB2, CDC20, AURKB, TK1, and PTEN) were detected as the infection-causing hGBs or host key-genes (hKGs). Among these hKGs, six genes (CDK1, BIRC5, TYMS, KIF20A, CCNB2, and TK1) have been emphasized as the DENVI-causing genes by the literature review. Functional enrichment analysis showed how hKGs orchestrate viral infection processes by disrupting cell cycles and immune responses. CDK1 and AURKB divert mitotic machinery to support viral replication, while PTEN and BIRC5 inhibit MAVS-MDA5 pathways to suppress interferon responses. In the nucleus, CDK1 and TYMS manipulate host transcription to favor viral processes. Key pathways identified through KEGG analysis include cell cycle and p53 signaling, explaining DENV-induced thrombocytopenia and dysregulated apoptosis. The regulatory network analysis identified five transcription factors (FOXC1, GATA2, RELA, TP53, PPARG) as the transcriptomic regulators of hKGs. The regulators FOXC1 and RELA influence EMT and inflammatory responses, and PPARG’s involvement in lipid metabolism correlates with Dengue Shock Syndrome severity, while miR-103a-3p enhances viral replication by targeting the OTUD4/p38 MAPK pathway. Finally, hKGs-guided three drug candidates (ENTRECTINIB, IMATINIB, and QL47) were selected by molecular docking analysis. These findings provide valuable insights that could significantly impact dengue fever diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Correlation between allergy and cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Sources of successful participant engagement in a public health research study: A focus on a Latino community

Background Latino populations remain vastly underrepresented in clinical and translational research. This study aims to characterize the most common sources of successful participant engagement within our sample. Methods Between February 2022 and March 2023, research staff systematically recorded how participants learned about an ongoing study (which we term source of successful participant engagement) designed to co-create and implement a COVID-19 testing program in a U.S./Mexico border community. Demographic characteristics were correlated with each source of participant engagement at the univariate level using a chi-squared test and, if significant, were included in a multinomial logistic regression model to determine the association between participant characteristics and source of participant engagement. Results A total of 2836 individuals responded to questions regarding source of participant engagement; the most common responses were: Word of Mouth (32%), Clinic/Provider referral (32%), and Walk Up to the testing site (21%). Males were 35% less likely than female participants to report having heard of the study through their Clinic/Provider compared to Walk Up (p < .01). Participants <18 years of age were 2.78 times as likely compared to individuals >54 years of age to have learned about the study through Word of Mouth compared to Walk Up (p < .01). Compared to Walk Up, participants who lived outside San Ysidro were 2.36 times more likely to be recruited through their Clinic/Provider (p < .01) and 2.11 times more likely through Word of Mouth (p < .01), compared those in San Ysidro. Education and clinical symptoms were not significantly associated with engagement source. Conclusion Advancing our understanding of sources of successful participant engagement in marginalized communities is necessary to increase equitable participation in clinical and translational research.

A dual-branch pedestrian re-identification method CPHMNet based on multi-dimensional feature fusion and integrated pose estimation

Effectiveness and theory-based evaluation of a personalised digital intervention (EviBody®) for healthy and sustained lifestyle behaviours and well-being among adults: Study protocol for a real-world quasi-experimental study

Background Digital interventions offering behaviour change support are warranted to prevent and treat non-communicable diseases, and have been evaluated rigorously in controlled settings. Effectivenss, factors influencing the uptake of scaled-up interventions—such as reach, received dose, usability and acceptability— and predictors and mediators of efficiency are rarely explored in research. The study described herein aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a personally tailored digital intervention (the app EviBody®), intended to support healthy and sustained lifestyle behaviours among the adult population, on well-being and behaviour change. Further aims are to explore context and uptake factors, predictors and mediators for behaviour change over 24 months. Methods This is a real-world study, employing a quasi-experimental design and a process evaluation. EviBody® will be marketed and managed by its owner. A four-armed design will allow for comparison between three levels of intervention (basic, standard and premium) and a control group. Adults who sign up for the app will be invited to the research study including sharing app data and answering questionnaires at 0, 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Study start is Autumn 2025. Controls (n = 200 to evaluate the primary endpoint well-being at 6 months) will be recruited through advertisements on social media and asked to answer the same questionnaires at 0 and 6 months provided by email. For predicting and mediating analyses the intention is to recruit 1500 app users. Well-being (measured with the WHO-5 Well-Being Index), goal achievement, physical activity, eating habits, mental health, mediators (motivation, self-efficacy, and perceived barriers), and demographics will be self-reported. Uptake will be collected using analytics and ratings of usability and acceptability, and described by demographics. Mixed models for repeated measures and structural equation modelling will be employed for data analysis. Discussion Besides evaluating the effectivenss of a digital intervention, this study also applies a theory-based evaluation to understand which mediators are effective, for whom they are effective, and the specific conditions under which they are most beneficial. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT05973383 on 8 July 2023.

The influence of school environment and demographics on teacher wellbeing

Correction: Empirical prediction of patent pledge financing of pharmaceutical enterprises—A case study in Jiangsu China

Phenotype disruption of umbilical cord derived MSC by cyclic mechanical stretch and hyperoxia mediated by p21

Abstract Preclinical studies provided convincing evidence that umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSC) prevent lung injury and promote lung regeneration. We hypothesized that cyclic mechanical stretch (CMS) and hyperoxia (HOX) during mechanical ventilation account for their limited therapeutic efficacy within the clinics. UC-MSC cultures were subjected to CMS and HOX and evaluated for proliferation, cell viability and further functional properties. Reversibility of the phenotype changes was evaluated after recovery in room air following these exposures. CMS and HOX compromised cell viability and proliferation, altered phenotypic characteristics, particularly PDGFRα expression, and induced cellular senescence in UC-MSC. Effects were most pronounced for CMS plus HOX. The alterations of UC-MSC were mediated by p21 accumulation. As inhibition of p21 aggravated cell death of UC-MSC, the results indicated a cell defense mechanism to ensure survival. This assumption was underpinned by the principal reversibility of the phenotype alterations and regrowth after removal of CMS and HOX. But prolonged strongest exposures resulted in definite phenotype changes. CMS and HOX have comparable effects on UC-MSC as described for lung resident MSC. Our results explain their timely limited presence in the diseased lung after therapeutic application. Future research should therefore focus on their repetitive application.

Relationship between blood concentration of zinc and selenium and prognosis in post-acute myocardial infarction: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) is characterized by the presence of injury caused by an ischemic event, which leads to various complications, including Heart Failure (HF), the most severe functional stage of the heart, reducing both quality of life and life expectancy. Among the factors involved in this process, essential trace elements such as zinc and selenium stand out, as they are related to cardiovascular health and may help mitigate the harmful changes resulting from AMI. The objective of this protocol is to detail the development of two systematic reviews to gather scientific evidence on the relationship between zinc and selenium and the prognosis following AMI. This protocol was developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guideline and registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under the code CRD42024574424. Search strategies will be conducted using a combination of controlled and uncontrolled terms combined with Boolean operators, and the following databases will be used: MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, Scopus, Web of Science, Trip database, and World Wide Science. Cohort studies that evaluated zinc and selenium in the prognosis after AMI will be included. Two trained researchers will independently select articles, extract data, and assess the risk of bias and the quality of the evidence. A narrative synthesis will be performed, and the main findings will be presented in tables. If possible, a meta-analysis will also be conducted.

Understanding garment durability through local lenses: a participatory study with communities across the globe

Detection, transport, and retention of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in saturated sandy porous media: Influence of electrolytes and natural organic matter in flow-through systems

Understanding the transport and retention of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts through soils and into ground and surface water is essential for determining the risk this parasite poses to water resources and human health worldwide. We studied here how various naturally occurring groundwater solutions containing different types of organic compounds (fulvic and humic acids) and electrolytes (NaCl, MgCl2, CaCl2) at different concentrations can affect the transport and retention of oocysts in engineered-saturated silica sand columns subjected to continuous flow to simulate the movement of groundwater through an aquifer. Breakthrough curve results from the qPCR analysis were then compared to non-reactive tracer tests to determine parameters that govern the transport of oocysts in saturated porous media. Though breakthrough of oocysts was observed in all tested solutions, higher ionic strength and ion valency resulted in greater oocyst retention. When both organic matter and electrolyte solutions were added to the systems, the electrolyte solutions displayed a far greater influence on parasite retention when compared to the influence of the organic matter alone. Collectively, this study demonstrates the pivotal role of soil groundwater solution chemistry in both the transport and retention of this important zoonotic parasite.

Lower bounds for the Zagreb indices of trees with given total domination number and its applications in QSPR studies of alkanes

Abstract Understanding the relationship between molecular structure and physicochemical properties is a central problem in mathematical chemistry and molecular informatics. Among the many topological descriptors used for this purpose, Zagreb indices play a significant role due to their proven relevance in quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) studies. Motivated by the need for structural insight into molecules modeled as trees, this work focuses on deriving lower bounds for the first and second Zagreb indices of trees with a fixed total domination number. By analyzing the structural properties of such trees, we establish new inequalities that highlight the interplay between domination parameters and molecular descriptors. To validate their practical relevance, we apply the derived bounds in a QSPR context, specifically examining their correlation with key physicochemical properties of alkanes. The statistical analysis reveals strong predictive capability, with near-to-unity correlation coefficients between the computed bounds and experimental data. These results demonstrate the potential of domination-theoretic methods in advancing predictive modeling in chemical graph theory.