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A multicenter prospective study to determine the optimal range of lymph node dissection in pancreatic cancer surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (LYMRIN-Trial): Project study by the Japan Pancreas Society and JON 2302-P
Introduction Clear evidence regarding the optimal extent of lymph node dissection during pancreatectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is lacking. The index of estimated benefit of lymph node dissection is useful for evaluating the effectiveness of dissection at each lymph node station, but a prospective study is needed for accurate assessment. The aim of the LYMRIN trial is to determine the optimal station of lymph node dissection in pancreatectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy using gemcitabine and S-1 (GS) by evaluating the rate of lymph node metastasis and the index of estimated benefit of each type of lymph node dissection. Methods This multicenter prospective interventional trial in Japan that will include a total of 545 PDAC patients (head: 200 patients, body: 165 patients, and tail 180 patients) from 42 leading institutions and hospitals in Japan. Patients diagnosed with resectable PDAC after neoadjuvant GS therapy will be considered eligible for inclusion. Eligible patients will undergo pancreatoduodenectomy or distal pancreatectomy with regional lymph node dissection. The primary endpoint is the percentage of metastases in each lymph node station. Discussion The results of this study will clarify the optimal extent of lymph node dissection, allowing for a more conservative surgical approach, thereby avoiding unnecessary invasive procedures for patients. Trial registration University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN 000051879. Registered 1 October 2023, https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000059119
Multiple climate-related stressors in the tropics and beneficial changes in northern latitudes will mostly have emerged before 2050
Consequently to global warming, multi-sectoral impacts are observed and should intensify in the future, affecting sectors of water resources, agriculture, weather extremes and health. Related projected change signs, their possible emergences from the historical variability, and how these emergences may cumulate in time and space could thus result in severe risks or benefits for local populations. Using the world’s largest cross-sectoral climate-related impact multi-model simulations database Inter-Sectoral Impacts Model Intercomparison Project (ISIMIP), here we quantify for the first time the Time of Emergence (TOE) of historical and future simulated changes in multiple climate-related indicators at a global scale. We assess how both adverse changes (i.e. stressors) and beneficial changes (i.e. benefits) could cumulate during the century. Based on ISIMIP2b (ISIMIP phase 2b) and a low mitigation future scenario (RCP6.0), we find that many land areas are characterized by a multi-model TOE earlier than 2020 for the majority of the 10 analyzed multi-sectoral indicators. This illustrates an already reached new equilibrium-state resulting from global warming for many sectors including hydrology, agriculture and weather extremes. However, the TOE varies depending on the region and the sectoral indicator, encompassing both projected stressors and beneficial changes. The largest number of cumulated emergences of cross-sectoral stressors is projected in the tropics and include detected TOE for higher heat stress extremes, and declining crop yields. Conversely, northern mid- and high- latitudes experience the greatest number of cumulated emergences of beneficial changes, primarly associated with future crop yields increase. These cumulative emergences of stressors (in the tropics) and beneficial changes (in northern latitudes) reach their peak before 2050, indicating an early impact and related emergence on multiple sectors. Nevertheless, substantial uncertainties are exhibited in this multi-model assessment of TOE, particularly in the tropics due to a cascade of uncertainties combining climate models, impacts models, aggregated cross-sectoral impacts, and TOE detection. This study brings time constrains of multiple climate-related changes. It particularly highlights the heightened and early cumulated stressors projected in tropical regions that may further exacerbate disparities and inequalities with northern latitudes. These results also confirm the tropics paradox where fewer greenhouse gas emissions correspond to more adverse impacts from global warming. Without further mitigation and adaptation strategies, vulnerable socio-economic conditions and limited resources in these areas will amplify the negative consequences arising from early and cumulative cross-sectoral emergences, both for populations and ecosystems.
Correction for Rufin et al., To enhance sustainable development goal research, open up commercial satellite image archives
The influences of urbanization on breeding behavior of American bullfrog (Aquarana catesbeiana) in South Korea
Urbanized areas often exhibit high levels of anthropogenic noise, which can mask or interfere with animal communication signals, especially those that use sound to communicate, making it challenging for individuals to detect and interpret acoustic cues. While calling is crucial for anuran breeding and communication, the coping mechanisms of city dwelling and cosmopolitan species in urbanized environments remain understudied. Given that invasive species have higher environmental adaptability than native species (because of habitat specificity and environmental sensitivity), we studied the calling patterns of the invasive American bullfrog (Aquarana catesbeiana) in different levels of urbanized areas in South Korea. In our study, we found an early onset of calling activities in urbanized A. catesbeiana populations, which suggests a change induced by factors related to urbanization on breeding phenology. Additionally, urban populations show more intense diurnal calling activities but shorter breeding periods than non-urban populations. The results indicate water temperature and urban noise as the leading factors influencing calling activities in A. catesbeiana. Urbanization induced changes in breeding and calling activities might have facilitated A. catesbeiana to invade and establish populations outside their natural ecological niches. Thus, this study sheds light on the effect of urbanization on frog breeding activities and how an invasive species copes with modified environments in new areas.
A model of mobile robots in networks with resolvability properties
A model for mobility of robots keeping the property of uniquely recognizing the vertices of a given network is considered in this work. This is made in order to detect failures or intruders, by means of dynamic vectors of distances to the set of mobile robots. We consider the smallest set of robots that can be placed in a set of nodes of a network that forms a resolving set, which is a structure of a graph such that it uniquely recognizes all the vertices of the graph by using distances. We are then focused on allowing such robots to move from one vertex to another adjacent one, through the edges of the whole graph. At each performed movement we require that the new set of covered nodes forms a resolving set. This process allows the robots to recognize all the vertices of the graph, independently on the position in which they are located. In this sense, the notion of mobile metric dimension is introduced in this article, and the study of its primary combinatorial properties is initiated. We relate this parameter with the classical metric dimension and the resolving number of graphs and compute its value for several graph classes.
Characterization of mangrove mudflat sediment contamination by fecal bacteria and trace metals: A multivariate assessment in equatorial marine protected areas in Gabon, Western Central Africa
Among the most productive ecosystems worldwide, mangroves contribute to global carbon sequestration and play a pivotal role for many species, including supporting the sustainable provision of intertropical fisheries resources. Despite the many essential ecosystem services they provide, mangrove ecosystems are facing increasing anthropogenic pressure, primarily because they develop in littoral areas where human activities are rapidly expanding, causing deforestation, urban extension and pollution. Mangroves cover over 1,700 km² of Gabon’s coastline, stretching within protected zones or located alongside populated areas, raising concerns about the potential impact of pollution. This study assessed pollution levels in mangrove surface sediments from 24 stations in the capital city of Libreville and the two adjacent Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), Akanda and Pongara, where human impact has not been fully characterized. From 2021 to 2023, we measured chlorophyll a, fecal indicator bacteria (FIB: Escherichia coli and fecal streptococci) and six trace metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn). Our results show that while Pongara National Park remains relatively pristine, human influence has resulted in significant contamination of sediments by FIB and trace metals, with Cu, Pb and Zn being associated with boat traffic and fuel spills. Chlorophyll a at the surface of sediments, indicative of microphytobenthic biomass, reflect the eutrophication from urban discharge. Spatial differences in contamination patterns are significant between Libreville and Akanda, and between Akanda and Pongara parks (p < 0.05), but not significant between Libreville and Pongara National Park (p > 0.05), suggesting a possible rapid dispersion of urban pollution. Despite localized pollution, contamination levels remained generally low, suggesting that patterns are influenced more by the specific characteristics of each area than by MPA status. This study provides a first assessment of pollution pressure on mangrove tidal flats within protected areas in Gabon, emphasizing that the success of MPAs could be enhanced through contamination monitoring to achieve long-term conservation goals.
WSNs data acquisition by combining expected network coverage and clustered compressed sensing
To tackle the challenges of extensive data transmission and high redundancy in wireless sensor networks (WSNs), this study proposes a novel data collection scheme based on expected network coverage and clustered compressive sensing (CS). First, the K-medoids clustering algorithm organizes nodes within the WSN coverage area into clusters. Combined with an optimized network coverage algorithm, a node scheduling strategy is introduced to focus on critical observation areas while minimizing overall energy consumption. Next, by analyzing the relationship between network clustering and node deployment, a weakly correlated observation matrix is designed to mitigate the impact of packet loss on data collection. Finally, the sparrow search algorithm is employed to enhance the accuracy of CS data reconstruction at the cluster head. Simulation results demonstrate that, compared to existing data collection schemes, the proposed approach significantly reduces WSN transmission overhead, ensures accurate recovery of raw data, decreases data reconstruction error, and extends network lifetime.
Publisher Correction: Geometric morphometrics approach for classifying children’s nutritional status on out of sample data
MDCFVit-YOLO: A model for nighttime infrared small target vehicle and pedestrian detection
An MDCFVit-YOLO model based on the YOLOv8 algorithm is proposed to address issues in nighttime infrared object detection such as low visibility, high interference, and low precision in detecting small objects. The backbone network uses the lightweight Repvit model, improving detection performance and reducing model weight through transfer learning. The proposed MPA module integrates multi-scale contextual information, capturing complex dependencies between spatial and channel dimensions, thereby enhancing the representation capability of the neural network. The CSM module dynamically adjusts the weights of feature maps, enhancing the model of sensitivity to small targets. The dynamic automated detection head DAIH improves the accuracy of infrared target detection by dynamically adjusting regression feature maps. Additionally, three innovative loss functions—focalerDIoU, focalerGIOU and focalerShapeIoU are proposed to reduce losses during the training process. Experimental results show that the detection accuracy of 78% for small infrared nighttime targets, with a recall rate of 58.6%, an mAP value of 67%. and a parameter count of 20.9M for the MDCFVit-YOLO model. Compared to the baseline model YOLOv8, the mAP increased by 6.4%, with accuracy and recall rates improved by 4.5% and 5.7%, respectively. This research provides new ideas and methods for infrared target detection, enhancing the detection accuracy and real-time performance.
Correction: Accuracy of the qPCR method in intradermal scraping samples from individuals with suspected leprosy in a Brazilian macroregion
Determinants of incomplete immunization and factors for missed opportunities in urban Dhaka: A cross-sectional study
Most vaccinations in the immunization schedule need two or more doses to elicit a protective immune response. Therefore, completion of all doses is crucial for achieving the best possible immunity. The objective of this study was to investigate the factors influencing missed opportunities of polio vaccination in children between the ages of 1–3 years in urban Dhaka. In 2018, according to the immunization card records or histories from parents/guardians, we sorted1–3-year-old children from areas of Dhaka South City Corporation who were not fully immunized. Immunization records were obtained from the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) card or maternal recall. Reasons for non-vaccination were documented. A total of 501 children were tracked down to determine the causes of their incomplete polio doses. Determinants of incomplete immunization and factors for missed opportunities were assessed by using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression model. The households with a child who had not received all the recommended vaccines had a considerably lower monthly income (18,000 BDT; p < 0.001). In both the complete and partial vaccination groups, the average family size was five people, and the average child age was 28 months. Education level of the household head after adjustment (AOR), the odds of the event occurring decrease by 25% with primary education (95% CI: 0.66, 0.85), p-value: < 0.001). Occupation of the household head for rickshaw/van/cart puller, AOR, the odds increase even more, with the event being 3.15 times more likely for this occupation (95% CI: 1.95, 5.08) and statistical significance (p-value < 0.05). Again, for daily wager AOR, 2.16 times higher for daily wagers (95% CI: 1.35, 3.45) and statistical significance (p-value: 0.001). This study identifies sociodemographic factors that influence incomplete childhood immunization in this urban area of Dhaka. In order to improve the coverage, the identified factors need to be mitigated and policymakers should focus on enhancing community engagement, combating misinformation and increasing the accessibility of vaccination services.
Author Correction: Transcription factor FoxO1 regulates myoepithelial cell diversity and growth
The influence of 4-week eccentric Nordic hamstring exercise training on postural balance and muscle strength: A randomized controlled trial
This study aimed to determine the impact of a 4-week Nordic Hamstrings Exercise (NHE) eccentric training program on postural balance in static and dynamic conditions, focusing on the dominant leg. This study involved thirty-two recreationally active individuals, randomly divided into two groups: Nordic Exercise training (NHE Group; n = 16) and the matched-control group (CON Group; n = 16). The NHE Group performed Nordic hamstring exercise training for 4 weeks, during which the volunteer exercised 3 times a week for 3 sets, each set consisting of 3 repetitions of NHE. Postural balance was assessed using three tests: static balance on a stable platform with eyes closed, dynamic balance on an unstable platform for both legs and dynamic balance on an unstable platform for the dominant leg. Three indices were measured using the Biodex Stability System: Anterior-Posterior Stability Index (APSI), Medio-Lateral Stability Index (MLSI), and Overall Stability Index 1 (OSI). The NHE group significantly improved balance on a stable platform with eyes closed compared to baseline (p ≤ 0.001) and on unstable platforms compared to both baseline and the control group (p ≤ 0.001). Both groups improved knee strength, but the NHE group showed significantly greater improvements (p ≤ 0.001 for NHE, p ≤ 0.04 for control). Strong positive correlations (r = 0.5 to 0.7) were found between stability measures, suggesting shared underlying mechanisms influencing balance (p < 0.01). A 4-week NHE training protocol effectively improves postural balance and performance in athletes. Measuring postural control is valuable for assessing neuromuscular function and injury prevention in athletic populations. This study suggests that eccentric NHE exercises may improve athlete balance, reduce hamstring injury risk, and decrease the need for rehabilitation by activating posterior thigh muscles.
Correction: Specific visual expertise reduces susceptibility to visual illusions
Detection and prevalence of antimicrobial resistance genes in multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species isolated from raw buffalo milk in subclinical mastitis
Subclinical mastitis (SCM) poses a significant threat to the global dairy industry, particularly in Bangladesh, where it remains a major constraint in buffalo dairy farming. The rising prevalence of antimicrobial resistant pathogens complicates disease management, resulting reduced milk yield, increased veterinary expenses, compromised animal welfare and potential risk to public health. This study investigated the prevalence and resistance profiles of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species in raw buffalo milk from SCM cases in Bangladesh. A total of 1,540 quarter milk samples from 385 buffaloes were analyzed, revealing SCM prevalence rates of 67.9% (1046/1540; 95% CI: 65.6–70.3) at the quarter level and 80.8% (311/385; 95% CI: 76.5–84.6) at the animal level. Notable regional variations were observed, with Gowainghat showing the highest prevalence (88.1%; 141/160). This study did not identify any biologically plausible risk factors for the occurrence of SCM in buffalo. The Modified Whiteside Test and California Mastitis Test confirmed SCM, with culture and biochemical tests identifying 789 (51.2%) Staphylococcus spp. and 424 (27.5%) Streptococcus spp. isolates. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis indicated that 72.7% (456/627) of Staphylococcus isolates were Staphylococcus aureus, while the predominant Streptococcus species included Streptococcus uberis (32.3%) and Streptococcus dysgalactiae (14.9%). Resistance gene detection revealed a high prevalence of antimicrobial resistant genes (ARGs), particularly aac-3(iv) and tetA, across different buffalo quarters and habitats. Antibiogram profiling demonstrated high susceptibility to tetracycline (80.9; 83.1) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (87.4; 81.9), while significant resistance was noted against ampicillin (88.8; 87.1) and nalidixic acid (68.1; 62.1). MDR was observed in 76.4% (479/627) of Staphylococcus spp. and 67.3% (167/248) of Streptococcus spp. isolates, with 10.37% (65/627) and 10.48% (26/248) classified as possible XDR, respectively. These findings explored high antimicrobial resistance level among Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species in subclinical mastitis, highlighting the need for improved management practices and surveillance to mitigate public health risks posed by contaminated milk.
Author Correction: Using deep convolutional networks combined with signal processing techniques for accurate prediction of surface quality
Climate change and its impact on wheat distribution in semi-arid ecosystems: A case study from the Sultanate of Oman
Climate change, characterised by long-term shifts in temperature, precipitation, and extreme weather events, poses significant challenges to agricultural sustainability. This study aims to mitigate the impact of climate change on wheat production in Oman by identifying optimal cultivation areas for four temporal periods. Utilising the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model, the study assessed the suitability of wheat cultivation across four periods: 1970–2020 (reference period), 2021–2040, 2041–2060 and 2061–2080. The model considered environmental variables, such as temperature and precipitation, to predict wheat distribution for the present and future climate scenarios. The MaxEnt model demonstrated robust predictive performance, with area under curve (AUC) scores consistently above 0.8 across all periods. The model achieved an AUC of 0.82 for the reference period (1970–2020) and accurately identified the regions suitable for wheat cultivation. The AUC for the immediate future (2021–2040) decreased marginally to 0.81, reflecting potential shifts in environmental conditions that might influence wheat distribution, and returned to 0.82 for the 2041–2060 period, indicating the model’s resilience in predicting wheat suitability despite the projected climate change impacts. Notably, the AUC increased to 0.83 for the 2061–2080 period, suggesting that wheat distribution patterns might become more distinct under future climate scenarios or that the environmental variables driving the model gain greater significance as climate change intensifies. These results highlight the effectiveness of the MaxEnt model in identifying suitable wheat cultivation areas in varying climate conditions. The results provide critical insights into Oman’s long-term agricultural planning and sustainable practices. Given the historical wheat cultivation in different regions of Oman, it is crucial to identify optimal areas for future production under climate change to ensure food security and support strategic decision-making. This study emphasises the importance of integrating predictive modelling into agricultural planning and calls for further research to refine strategies for climate-resilient wheat production.
Correction: Network pharmacology combined with experimental verification for exploring the potential mechanism of phellodendrine against depression
Efficacy of tenapanor in managing hyperphosphatemia and constipation in hemodialysis patients: A randomized controlled trial
Introduction Tenapanor is a minimally absorbed, small-molecule inhibitor of sodium/hydrogen exchanger 3 and thus suppresses sodium absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. It is approved by the FDA for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in dialysis patients. This randomized controlled trial evaluated its efficacy in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia and constipation in hemodialysis patients. Methods Ninety hemodialysis patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either tenapanor or standard care. Randomization was performed using a computer-generated sequence stratified by baseline serum phosphorus levels. The tenapanor group began treatment with a dosage of 10 mg/day, which was adjusted based on serum phosphorus levels. Primary outcomes were changes in serum phosphorus levels in the tenapanor and control groups and changes in stool consistency, assessed weekly using the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) in the tenapanor group. Secondary outcomes included laxative use and phosphate binder prescription patterns. Serum phosphorus levels, serum calcium, albumin, and related biochemical parameters were monitored every two weeks. Data were analyzed using intention-to-treat principles. This study was not blinded. Results Of the 90 randomized participants, 69 completed the 23-week study. Tenapanor significantly improved stool consistency and resolved constipation (BSFS types 1–2) by week 5. A transient increase in loose stools (BSFS types 6–7) occurred early, with 10 participants discontinuing due to diarrhea. Laxative use decreased significantly in the tenapanor group, from 58.2% at baseline to 35.6% at week 23 (p < 0.01). Serum phosphorus levels were decreased in both groups, with comparable control. Lanthanum carbonate prescriptions decreased significantly in the tenapanor group and were largely replaced by low-dose tenapanor. Conclusion Tenapanor improves stool consistency, reduces laxative use, and provides effective phosphorus control in hemodialysis patients and represents a promising alternative to conventional phosphate binders.