PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Retrospective study on the clinical outcomes and characteristics of acute myeloid leukemia: different outcomes in the same risk group
items: Paw-spective shift: how our mood alters the way we read dog emotions
items: Biomarkers of mitochondrial permeability transition-driven necrosis in the regulation of ulcerative colitis
items: The Nextflow nf-core/metatdenovo pipeline for reproducible annotation of metatranscriptomes, and more
items: Association between bone marrow adipose tissue, abdominal adipose tissue distribution, and volumetric bone mineral density in the Chinese adult population: a retrospective cohort study
items: Exploring the impact of visual stimuli on taste expectations and the role of pull-tab position in food packaging
items: Metabolites of traffic-related volatile organic compounds in age-related macular degeneration
items: Virtual reality technology for upper and lower limb motor function, daily function, and balance in stroke patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
items: Metabolite profiling from the fermentation of marine-derived extracts by Lactobacillus acidophilus LB
items: Athletic participation and its impact on self-concept, body image, and physical fitness in Saudi female adolescents: a cross-sectional comparison between athletes and non-athletes

Retrospective study on the clinical outcomes and characteristics of acute myeloid leukemia: different outcomes in the same risk group
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a prognostically heterogeneous malignancy despite advances in molecular risk stratification. While the 2022 European Leukemia Network (ELN) guidelines refine risk classification, their accuracy in predicting survival outcomes across genetic requires validation. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 154 newly diagnosed AML patients at Daping Hospital, integrating next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based genetic profiling, 2022 ELN risk classification, and clinical outcomes. Results The most frequent mutations were FLT3 (26.6%), DNMT3A (21.4%), NPM1 (18.2%), CEBPA (17.5%), and TET2 (15.6%). Median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 22.9 months and 14.1 months, respectively. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), female sex, age < 60 years, and normal karyotype emerged as favorable prognostic factors. No significant differences were observed between allogeneic (allo-HSCT) and autologous HSCT (ASCT). Idarubicin, cytarabine, etoposide (IA ± E) chemotherapy yielded superior survival, while azacitidine+venetoclax (AZA+VEN) regimens underperformed. Conversely, TP53 and KIT mutations correlated with inferior survival, while NPM1, CEBPA mutations predicted longer survival. Notably, significant survival heterogeneity existed within 2022 ELN risk groups, particularly among patients with FLT3, CEBPA, or TET2 mutations. Conclusions The ELN risk classification demonstrate limitations in prognostication, particularly for patients with FLT3, CEBPA, or TET2 mutations. Our findings highlight the necessity for refined risk models incorporating additional molecular markers (KIT) and mutation interactions to enhance personalized prognostication. Gene coexistence is also a factor that needs to be considered when determining patient prognosis. Trial registration The study was registered on the Chinese clinical trial registry (ChiCTR) platform (No. ChiCTR2500096484).
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Fanqiao Meng
creator: Maoyuan Xiang
creator: Huan Xie
creator: Yu Liu
creator: Yan Qi
creator: Dongfeng Zeng
subject: Genetics
subject: Hematology
subject: Oncology
subject: Translational Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20436
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Meng et al.
abstract: Background Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a prognostically heterogeneous malignancy despite advances in molecular risk stratification. While the 2022 European Leukemia Network (ELN) guidelines refine risk classification, their accuracy in predicting survival outcomes across genetic requires validation. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 154 newly diagnosed AML patients at Daping Hospital, integrating next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based genetic profiling, 2022 ELN risk classification, and clinical outcomes. Results The most frequent mutations were FLT3 (26.6%), DNMT3A (21.4%), NPM1 (18.2%), CEBPA (17.5%), and TET2 (15.6%). Median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 22.9 months and 14.1 months, respectively. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), female sex, age < 60 years, and normal karyotype emerged as favorable prognostic factors. No significant differences were observed between allogeneic (allo-HSCT) and autologous HSCT (ASCT). Idarubicin, cytarabine, etoposide (IA ± E) chemotherapy yielded superior survival, while azacitidine+venetoclax (AZA+VEN) regimens underperformed. Conversely, TP53 and KIT mutations correlated with inferior survival, while NPM1, CEBPA mutations predicted longer survival. Notably, significant survival heterogeneity existed within 2022 ELN risk groups, particularly among patients with FLT3, CEBPA, or TET2 mutations. Conclusions The ELN risk classification demonstrate limitations in prognostication, particularly for patients with FLT3, CEBPA, or TET2 mutations. Our findings highlight the necessity for refined risk models incorporating additional molecular markers (KIT) and mutation interactions to enhance personalized prognostication. Gene coexistence is also a factor that needs to be considered when determining patient prognosis. Trial registration The study was registered on the Chinese clinical trial registry (ChiCTR) platform (No. ChiCTR2500096484).
bibliographic citation: Meng et al. (2025) Retrospective study on the clinical outcomes and characteristics of acute myeloid leukemia: different outcomes in the same risk group. PeerJ 13:e20436 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20436
date submitted: 2025-04-28
date accepted: 2025-10-30
issued: 2025-12-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Meng
  given name: Fanqiao
author list: Agent
  family name: Xiang
  given name: Maoyuan
author list: Agent
  family name: Xie
  given name: Huan
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Yu
author list: Agent
  family name: Qi
  given name: Yan
author list: Agent
  family name: Zeng
  given name: Dongfeng
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20436
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-12-05
copyright: ©2025 Meng et al.
attribution name: Meng et al.

Paw-spective shift: how our mood alters the way we read dog emotions
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: This study explored the influence of people’s mood on their perception of dog emotions in order to expand our understanding of how mood biases may shape emotional interpretation. Across two experiments, participants were primed into positive, neutral, or negative moods using validated visual stimuli before they evaluated video clips of dogs displaying positive, neutral, or negative emotional states. Participants were asked to rate valence and arousal of the dogs in the videos. Experiment 1 utilized visual primes unrelated to animals, while Experiment 2 employed dog-specific primes. Although mood priming significantly influenced participants’ self-reported emotions in Experiment 1, it did not affect their interpretation of the dogs’ emotional states. Dog-specific primes influenced participants’ interpretation of dog emotions in Experiment 2; however, the effect was a contrasting one, in that participants in the positively induced group rated dogs as sadder and those in the negative group rated dogs as happier. These findings challenge previous assumptions about mood-congruence effects in cross-species emotional perception, suggesting a more complex interplay of factors than anticipated. The study underscores the need for further research to disentangle the mechanisms governing how humans perceive and respond to animals’ emotional cues, with implications for improving animal welfare and human-animal interactions.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Holly G. Molinaro
creator: Clive D.L. Wynne
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Veterinary Medicine
subject: Zoology
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20411
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Molinaro and Wynne
abstract: This study explored the influence of people’s mood on their perception of dog emotions in order to expand our understanding of how mood biases may shape emotional interpretation. Across two experiments, participants were primed into positive, neutral, or negative moods using validated visual stimuli before they evaluated video clips of dogs displaying positive, neutral, or negative emotional states. Participants were asked to rate valence and arousal of the dogs in the videos. Experiment 1 utilized visual primes unrelated to animals, while Experiment 2 employed dog-specific primes. Although mood priming significantly influenced participants’ self-reported emotions in Experiment 1, it did not affect their interpretation of the dogs’ emotional states. Dog-specific primes influenced participants’ interpretation of dog emotions in Experiment 2; however, the effect was a contrasting one, in that participants in the positively induced group rated dogs as sadder and those in the negative group rated dogs as happier. These findings challenge previous assumptions about mood-congruence effects in cross-species emotional perception, suggesting a more complex interplay of factors than anticipated. The study underscores the need for further research to disentangle the mechanisms governing how humans perceive and respond to animals’ emotional cues, with implications for improving animal welfare and human-animal interactions.
bibliographic citation: Molinaro et al. (2025) Paw-spective shift: how our mood alters the way we read dog emotions. PeerJ 13:e20411 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20411
date submitted: 2025-03-19
date accepted: 2025-10-28
issued: 2025-12-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Molinaro
  given name: Holly G.
author list: Agent
  family name: Wynne
  given name: Clive D.L.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20411
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-12-05
copyright: ©2025 Molinaro and Wynne
attribution name: Molinaro and Wynne

Biomarkers of mitochondrial permeability transition-driven necrosis in the regulation of ulcerative colitis
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a gastrointestinal condition characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation and damage to the mucosal barrier, with regulated cell death (RCD) playing a pivotal role in its pathogenesis. Among the various forms of RCD, mitochondrial permeability transition-driven necrosis (MPTDN) has not been thoroughly investigated in relation to UC in the current literature. Objective The objective of this study was to identify genes associated with MPTDN that are relevant to UC and to explore their potential implications in the disease process. Methods Data were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differential expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were utilized to identify differentially expressed MPTD-related genes (MPTDEGs). Machine learning techniques, including Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO), Support Vector Machine-Recursive Feature Elimination (SVM-RFE), and Random Forest (RF), were employed to isolate key hub genes. The diagnostic potential of these genes was evaluated through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and their expression was validated using an external dataset. Additionally, immunoinfiltration analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between differentially expressed immune cells and the identified diagnostic genes. The correlation between gene expression and response to anti-TNF therapy was also assessed. Finally, the differential expression of these genes was confirmed in a mouse model of UC induced by 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Results A total of six MPTDEGs were identified. The genes CASP1 and CASP4, which were identified through machine learning algorithms, exhibited strong diagnostic performance, with area under the curve (AUC) values exceeding 0.7, indicating the effectiveness of the model. Immunoinfiltration analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between the expression of CASP1 and…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Manqin Sun
creator: Fengjun Ni
creator: Yong Yao
creator: Huayuan Yang
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Gastroenterology and Hepatology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20345
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Sun et al.
abstract: Background Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a gastrointestinal condition characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation and damage to the mucosal barrier, with regulated cell death (RCD) playing a pivotal role in its pathogenesis. Among the various forms of RCD, mitochondrial permeability transition-driven necrosis (MPTDN) has not been thoroughly investigated in relation to UC in the current literature. Objective The objective of this study was to identify genes associated with MPTDN that are relevant to UC and to explore their potential implications in the disease process. Methods Data were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differential expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were utilized to identify differentially expressed MPTD-related genes (MPTDEGs). Machine learning techniques, including Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO), Support Vector Machine-Recursive Feature Elimination (SVM-RFE), and Random Forest (RF), were employed to isolate key hub genes. The diagnostic potential of these genes was evaluated through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and their expression was validated using an external dataset. Additionally, immunoinfiltration analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between differentially expressed immune cells and the identified diagnostic genes. The correlation between gene expression and response to anti-TNF therapy was also assessed. Finally, the differential expression of these genes was confirmed in a mouse model of UC induced by 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Results A total of six MPTDEGs were identified. The genes CASP1 and CASP4, which were identified through machine learning algorithms, exhibited strong diagnostic performance, with area under the curve (AUC) values exceeding 0.7, indicating the effectiveness of the model. Immunoinfiltration analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between the expression of CASP1 and…
bibliographic citation: Sun et al. (2025) Biomarkers of mitochondrial permeability transition-driven necrosis in the regulation of ulcerative colitis. PeerJ 13:e20345 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20345
date submitted: 2024-12-06
date accepted: 2025-10-15
issued: 2025-12-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
author list: Agent
  family name: Sun
  given name: Manqin
author list: Agent
  family name: Ni
  given name: Fengjun
author list: Agent
  family name: Yao
  given name: Yong
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Huayuan
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20345
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-12-05
copyright: © 2025 Sun et al.
attribution name: Sun et al.

The Nextflow nf-core/metatdenovo pipeline for reproducible annotation of metatranscriptomes, and more
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Metatranscriptomics–the sequencing of community RNA–has become a popular tool in microbial ecology, proving useful for both in situ surveys and experiments. However, annotating raw sequence data remains challenging for many research groups with limited computational experience. Standardized and reproducible analyses are important to enhance transparency, comparability across studies, and long-term reproducibility. To simplify metatranscriptome processing for biologists, and to promote reproducible analyses, we introduce nf-core/metatdenovo, a Nextflow-based workflow. Nextflow pipelines run on different computing platforms, from standalone systems to high-performance computing clusters and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, Azure) and use container technology such as Docker or Singularity to reproducibly provision software. Biologists can access the pipeline using either the command line or the Seqera platform, which provides a web browser-based interface to Nextflow pipelines. Collaborating with nf-core ensures high-quality, documented, reproducible workflows. Our nf-core/metatdenovo pipeline adheres to these established standards, enabling FAIR metatranscriptome de novo assembly, quantification, and annotation.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Danilo Di Leo
creator: Emelie Nilsson
creator: Arianna Krinos
creator: Jarone Pinhassi
creator: Daniel Lundin
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Computational Biology
subject: Ecology
subject: Microbiology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20328
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Di Leo et al.
abstract: Metatranscriptomics–the sequencing of community RNA–has become a popular tool in microbial ecology, proving useful for both in situ surveys and experiments. However, annotating raw sequence data remains challenging for many research groups with limited computational experience. Standardized and reproducible analyses are important to enhance transparency, comparability across studies, and long-term reproducibility. To simplify metatranscriptome processing for biologists, and to promote reproducible analyses, we introduce nf-core/metatdenovo, a Nextflow-based workflow. Nextflow pipelines run on different computing platforms, from standalone systems to high-performance computing clusters and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, Azure) and use container technology such as Docker or Singularity to reproducibly provision software. Biologists can access the pipeline using either the command line or the Seqera platform, which provides a web browser-based interface to Nextflow pipelines. Collaborating with nf-core ensures high-quality, documented, reproducible workflows. Our nf-core/metatdenovo pipeline adheres to these established standards, enabling FAIR metatranscriptome de novo assembly, quantification, and annotation.
bibliographic citation: Di Leo et al. (2025) The Nextflow nf-core/metatdenovo pipeline for reproducible annotation of metatranscriptomes, and more. PeerJ 13:e20328 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20328
date submitted: 2025-04-30
date accepted: 2025-10-13
issued: 2025-12-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Di Leo
  given name: Danilo
author list: Agent
  family name: Nilsson
  given name: Emelie
author list: Agent
  family name: Krinos
  given name: Arianna
author list: Agent
  family name: Pinhassi
  given name: Jarone
author list: Agent
  family name: Lundin
  given name: Daniel
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20328
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-12-05
copyright: ©2025 Di Leo et al.
attribution name: Di Leo et al.

Association between bone marrow adipose tissue, abdominal adipose tissue distribution, and volumetric bone mineral density in the Chinese adult population: a retrospective cohort study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Increasing studies have suggested that bone closely interacts with bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) and abdominal adipose tissue. However, this relationship remains debated. This study aimed to explore the association among BMAT, abdominal adipose tissue, and lumbar volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD). Methods A total of 306 Chinese adult living liver transplant donors were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. vBMD and abdominal adipose tissue in terms of total adipose tissue (TAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), were derived using quantitative computed tomography (QCT). Chemical shift encoded magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine was performed, and proton density fat fraction (PDFF) maps were calculated. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression were used to assess the associations among BMAT, abdominal adipose tissue distribution, and vBMD. Results The mean age of the participants was 38.1 ± 9.5 years (range: 19–66 years). The vBMD was significantly negatively associated with age (r = −0.508, p < 0.001), VAT (r = −0.235, p < 0.001), TAT (r = −0.127, p = 0.03), and BMAT measured by PDFF (r = −0.642, p < 0.001). After adjusting for age, gender, and BMI, multiple linear regression analysis showed BMAT (β = −0.523, p < 0.001), SAT (β = 0.116, p = 0.045) and VAT (β = −0.108, p = 0.037) to be independent factors influencing vBMD. Conclusion Our results indicated a negative association between BMAT and BMD. The association between abdominal adipose tissue distribution and BMD was dual; there was a positive association between SAT and BMD and a negative association between VAT and BMD. These findings suggest that the distribution of abdominal adipose tissue, particularly visceral adipose tissue accumulation, should be prioritized over total body weight in considerations of bone health.
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creator: Wei Zhu
creator: Wen-Min Guan
creator: Bo-Xin Chen
creator: Yi-Da Lu
creator: Jia Li
creator: Xiao-Qing Yuan
creator: Wei-Hua Li
creator: Feng-Xia Yu
creator: Jing-Yi Liu
creator: Hong-Xia Yin
creator: Lin Wei
creator: Zhen-Chang Wang
creator: Zhi-Jun Zhu
creator: Peng Zhang
subject: Diabetes and Endocrinology
subject: Orthopedics
subject: Radiology and Medical Imaging
subject: Metabolic Sciences
subject: Obesity
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20446
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Zhu et al.
abstract: Background Increasing studies have suggested that bone closely interacts with bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) and abdominal adipose tissue. However, this relationship remains debated. This study aimed to explore the association among BMAT, abdominal adipose tissue, and lumbar volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD). Methods A total of 306 Chinese adult living liver transplant donors were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. vBMD and abdominal adipose tissue in terms of total adipose tissue (TAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), were derived using quantitative computed tomography (QCT). Chemical shift encoded magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine was performed, and proton density fat fraction (PDFF) maps were calculated. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression were used to assess the associations among BMAT, abdominal adipose tissue distribution, and vBMD. Results The mean age of the participants was 38.1 ± 9.5 years (range: 19–66 years). The vBMD was significantly negatively associated with age (r = −0.508, p < 0.001), VAT (r = −0.235, p < 0.001), TAT (r = −0.127, p = 0.03), and BMAT measured by PDFF (r = −0.642, p < 0.001). After adjusting for age, gender, and BMI, multiple linear regression analysis showed BMAT (β = −0.523, p < 0.001), SAT (β = 0.116, p = 0.045) and VAT (β = −0.108, p = 0.037) to be independent factors influencing vBMD. Conclusion Our results indicated a negative association between BMAT and BMD. The association between abdominal adipose tissue distribution and BMD was dual; there was a positive association between SAT and BMD and a negative association between VAT and BMD. These findings suggest that the distribution of abdominal adipose tissue, particularly visceral adipose tissue accumulation, should be prioritized over total body weight in considerations of bone health.
bibliographic citation: Zhu et al. (2025) Association between bone marrow adipose tissue, abdominal adipose tissue distribution, and volumetric bone mineral density in the Chinese adult population: a retrospective cohort study. PeerJ 13:e20446 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20446
date submitted: 2025-05-16
date accepted: 2025-10-31
issued: 2025-12-04
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhu
  given name: Wei
author list: Agent
  family name: Guan
  given name: Wen-Min
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Bo-Xin
author list: Agent
  family name: Lu
  given name: Yi-Da
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Jia
author list: Agent
  family name: Yuan
  given name: Xiao-Qing
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Wei-Hua
author list: Agent
  family name: Yu
  given name: Feng-Xia
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Jing-Yi
author list: Agent
  family name: Yin
  given name: Hong-Xia
author list: Agent
  family name: Wei
  given name: Lin
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Zhen-Chang
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhu
  given name: Zhi-Jun
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Peng
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20446
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-12-04
copyright: ©2025 Zhu et al.
attribution name: Zhu et al.

Exploring the impact of visual stimuli on taste expectations and the role of pull-tab position in food packaging
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Preference for an image is often associated with the perceived ease of use of the depicted object. Aim This study investigated the impact of visual stimuli on taste expectations, focusing on the presentation of food in images. Specifically, it explored how the presence of a pull-tab—perceived by participants as a tool that makes the product easy to use or open—influences these expectations. Methods A sample of 42 right-handed university students (30 women, 12 men; mean age = 20.4 years) evaluated perceived taste expectations of food presented under different conditions using a 9-point Likert scale. The conditions included images of canned food (“Can condition”) with varying pull-tab positions (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°, and Down), as well as images of actual food (“Pineapple condition”). Each participant was shown 12 images per trial in a randomized order and rated their taste expectations immediately after viewing each image. Statistical analyses were conducted using linear mixed models and ANOVA using the Kenward-Roger method. Results Taste expectations were significantly lower in the Can condition compared with the Pineapple condition (mean difference = 3.14, SE = 0.23, p < 0.001). Within the Can condition, pull-tab positions had a significant effect on taste expectation ratings (F = 116.94, p < 0.001). The 0° position (pull-tab facing the viewer) received the highest rating (M = 4.87, SD = 1.86), while the 180° position (pull-tab facing away) received the lowest (M = 3.95, SD = 1.73). Conclusion These findings underscore the complex relationship between visual presentation and taste expectations, providing valuable insights for optimizing product presentation in marketing strategies.
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format: text/html
creator: Kenichi Shibuya
creator: Mana Miyamoto
subject: Nutrition
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20417
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Shibuya and Miyamoto
abstract: Background Preference for an image is often associated with the perceived ease of use of the depicted object. Aim This study investigated the impact of visual stimuli on taste expectations, focusing on the presentation of food in images. Specifically, it explored how the presence of a pull-tab—perceived by participants as a tool that makes the product easy to use or open—influences these expectations. Methods A sample of 42 right-handed university students (30 women, 12 men; mean age = 20.4 years) evaluated perceived taste expectations of food presented under different conditions using a 9-point Likert scale. The conditions included images of canned food (“Can condition”) with varying pull-tab positions (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°, and Down), as well as images of actual food (“Pineapple condition”). Each participant was shown 12 images per trial in a randomized order and rated their taste expectations immediately after viewing each image. Statistical analyses were conducted using linear mixed models and ANOVA using the Kenward-Roger method. Results Taste expectations were significantly lower in the Can condition compared with the Pineapple condition (mean difference = 3.14, SE = 0.23, p < 0.001). Within the Can condition, pull-tab positions had a significant effect on taste expectation ratings (F = 116.94, p < 0.001). The 0° position (pull-tab facing the viewer) received the highest rating (M = 4.87, SD = 1.86), while the 180° position (pull-tab facing away) received the lowest (M = 3.95, SD = 1.73). Conclusion These findings underscore the complex relationship between visual presentation and taste expectations, providing valuable insights for optimizing product presentation in marketing strategies.
bibliographic citation: Shibuya et al. (2025) Exploring the impact of visual stimuli on taste expectations and the role of pull-tab position in food packaging. PeerJ 13:e20417 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20417
date submitted: 2025-04-25
date accepted: 2025-10-28
issued: 2025-12-04
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Shibuya
  given name: Kenichi
author list: Agent
  family name: Miyamoto
  given name: Mana
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20417
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-12-04
copyright: ©2025 Shibuya and Miyamoto
attribution name: Shibuya and Miyamoto

Metabolites of traffic-related volatile organic compounds in age-related macular degeneration
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), commonly emitted from vehicle exhaust and industrial activities, are prevalent air pollutants in urban environments. These compounds have been reported to cause various health effects through mechanisms such as oxidative stress and neurotoxicity. Recently, air pollution has attracted attention as a potential risk factor for age-related macular degeneration (AMD); however, the association between VOC exposure and AMD remains unclear. Objective This study aimed to assess VOC exposure levels among urban-dwelling AMD patients by quantifying urinary metabolites and investigating the association between VOCs and AMD. Methods This cross-sectional study included 40 untreated AMD patients (AMD group), 10 cataract patients (Cataract group), and 10 healthy controls (Healthy group). Representative urinary metabolites of VOCs—2-methylhippuric acid, 3-methylhippuric acid, mandelic acid, phenylglyoxylic acid, and trans,trans-muconic acid—were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), with concentrations corrected for urinary creatinine. Group comparisons were performed based on creatinine-adjusted metabolite levels. Results The AMD group exhibited elevated urinary VOC metabolite levels compared to both control groups. The ratios of mean concentrations in the AMD group versus the Healthy and Cataract groups, respectively, were: 2-methylhippuric acid (201% and 181%), 3-methylhippuric acid (190% and 139%), mandelic acid (304% and 198%), phenylglyoxylic acid (118% and 90%), and trans,trans-muconic acid (214% and 92%). Among these, 2-methylhippuric acid and mandelic acid were significantly higher in the AMD group than in both controls (p < 0.001 and p = 0.042; p < 0.001, respectively). Trans,trans-muconic acid also showed a significant increase compared to the Healthy group (p < 0.001). Correlation analysis within the AMD group revealed moderate but significant associations for 2-methylhippuric acid (r = 0.29, p = 0.011),…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Tatsuya Mimura
creator: Hidetaka Noma
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Ophthalmology
subject: Atmospheric Chemistry
subject: Environmental Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20405
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Mimura et al.
abstract: Background Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), commonly emitted from vehicle exhaust and industrial activities, are prevalent air pollutants in urban environments. These compounds have been reported to cause various health effects through mechanisms such as oxidative stress and neurotoxicity. Recently, air pollution has attracted attention as a potential risk factor for age-related macular degeneration (AMD); however, the association between VOC exposure and AMD remains unclear. Objective This study aimed to assess VOC exposure levels among urban-dwelling AMD patients by quantifying urinary metabolites and investigating the association between VOCs and AMD. Methods This cross-sectional study included 40 untreated AMD patients (AMD group), 10 cataract patients (Cataract group), and 10 healthy controls (Healthy group). Representative urinary metabolites of VOCs—2-methylhippuric acid, 3-methylhippuric acid, mandelic acid, phenylglyoxylic acid, and trans,trans-muconic acid—were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), with concentrations corrected for urinary creatinine. Group comparisons were performed based on creatinine-adjusted metabolite levels. Results The AMD group exhibited elevated urinary VOC metabolite levels compared to both control groups. The ratios of mean concentrations in the AMD group versus the Healthy and Cataract groups, respectively, were: 2-methylhippuric acid (201% and 181%), 3-methylhippuric acid (190% and 139%), mandelic acid (304% and 198%), phenylglyoxylic acid (118% and 90%), and trans,trans-muconic acid (214% and 92%). Among these, 2-methylhippuric acid and mandelic acid were significantly higher in the AMD group than in both controls (p < 0.001 and p = 0.042; p < 0.001, respectively). Trans,trans-muconic acid also showed a significant increase compared to the Healthy group (p < 0.001). Correlation analysis within the AMD group revealed moderate but significant associations for 2-methylhippuric acid (r = 0.29, p = 0.011),…
bibliographic citation: Mimura et al. (2025) Metabolites of traffic-related volatile organic compounds in age-related macular degeneration. PeerJ 13:e20405 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20405
date submitted: 2025-07-30
date accepted: 2025-10-27
issued: 2025-12-03
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Mimura
  given name: Tatsuya
author list: Agent
  family name: Noma
  given name: Hidetaka
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20405
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-12-03
copyright: ©2025 Mimura et al.
attribution name: Mimura et al.

Virtual reality technology for upper and lower limb motor function, daily function, and balance in stroke patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Stroke is a common neurological disorder that often results in motor dysfunction, significantly impairing patients’ quality of life and increasing the economic burden on healthcare systems. Virtual reality (VR) technology has emerged as an innovative approach in stroke rehabilitation. This meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively evaluate the effects of VR-based interventions on motor function, daily function, and balance in stroke patients. Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases from inception to October 2025 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating VR technology in stroke rehabilitation. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. Data synthesis involved pooling effect sizes, conducting subgroup analyses, and assessing publication bias using Stata 17. Results A total of 27 RCTs involving 877 stroke patients were included in the meta-analysis. VR technology demonstrated statistically significant improvements across multiple functional domains: lower limb motor function (Cohen’s d = 0.41, 95% CI [0.25–0.57], P < 0.001), upper limb motor function (Cohen’s d = 0.25, 95% CI [0.03–0.48], P = 0.03), daily function (Cohen’s d = 0.24, 95% CI [0.07–0.42], P = 0.01), and balance (Cohen’s d = 0.31, 95% CI [0.09–0.52], P < 0.001). The effects ranged from small to moderate across domains, with lower limb function showing the most substantial improvement. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings, and subgroup analyses revealed that factors such as training cycle influenced treatment effects. Conclusion VR technology demonstrates significant potential as an effective complementary intervention for improving motor function, daily function, and balance in stroke patients. The small to moderate effect sizes across domains support its integration into conventional rehabilitation protocols. Future research …
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Weixiao Zhang
creator: Shanshan Lyu
creator: Shuwen Zhang
subject: Public Health
subject: Rehabilitation
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20402
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Zhang et al.
abstract: Background Stroke is a common neurological disorder that often results in motor dysfunction, significantly impairing patients’ quality of life and increasing the economic burden on healthcare systems. Virtual reality (VR) technology has emerged as an innovative approach in stroke rehabilitation. This meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively evaluate the effects of VR-based interventions on motor function, daily function, and balance in stroke patients. Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases from inception to October 2025 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating VR technology in stroke rehabilitation. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. Data synthesis involved pooling effect sizes, conducting subgroup analyses, and assessing publication bias using Stata 17. Results A total of 27 RCTs involving 877 stroke patients were included in the meta-analysis. VR technology demonstrated statistically significant improvements across multiple functional domains: lower limb motor function (Cohen’s d = 0.41, 95% CI [0.25–0.57], P < 0.001), upper limb motor function (Cohen’s d = 0.25, 95% CI [0.03–0.48], P = 0.03), daily function (Cohen’s d = 0.24, 95% CI [0.07–0.42], P = 0.01), and balance (Cohen’s d = 0.31, 95% CI [0.09–0.52], P < 0.001). The effects ranged from small to moderate across domains, with lower limb function showing the most substantial improvement. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings, and subgroup analyses revealed that factors such as training cycle influenced treatment effects. Conclusion VR technology demonstrates significant potential as an effective complementary intervention for improving motor function, daily function, and balance in stroke patients. The small to moderate effect sizes across domains support its integration into conventional rehabilitation protocols. Future research …
bibliographic citation: Zhang et al. (2025) Virtual reality technology for upper and lower limb motor function, daily function, and balance in stroke patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PeerJ 13:e20402 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20402
date submitted: 2025-01-27
date accepted: 2025-10-27
issued: 2025-12-03
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Weixiao
author list: Agent
  family name: Lyu
  given name: Shanshan
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Shuwen
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20402
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-12-03
copyright: ©2025 Zhang et al.
attribution name: Zhang et al.

Metabolite profiling from the fermentation of marine-derived extracts by Lactobacillus acidophilus LB
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Lactobacillus acidophilus LB is a probiotic strain with the ability to produce valuable bioactive metabolites through fermentation. Sustainable biomass sources such as Spirulina platensis, Ulva reticulata, and Caulerpa lentillifera, which can also be obtained from agricultural or aquacultural by-products, offer a promising alternative for microbial cultivation, but their effects on the metabolic profile of L. acidophilus LB are still unclear. Methods The study utilized L. acidophilus LB (GenBank accession OK398226) cultivated in media containing Spirulina platensis, Ulva reticulata, and Caulerpa lentillifera extracts. High-resolution mass spectrometry (liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry-quadrupole-time-of-flight, LC-HRMS QTOF) was employed for compound profiling. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Pearson correlation were used to analyze metabolic variations across different culture conditions. The Kruskal-Wallis test assessed statistical differences in metabolite concentrations. Results Methyl lucidenate Q and 6-Gingerol were the most abundant bioactive compounds detected across samples. PCA revealed that L. acidophilus LB in media supplemented with different preparations of Spirulina platensis, Ulva reticulata, and Caulerpa lentillifera was associated with distinct differences in metabolite profiles, leading to clustering patterns. K-means clustering identified three metabolomic groups, with the pellet obtained from L. acidophilus LB cultured in medium supplemented with U. reticulata seaweed showing a unique chemical profile. Pearson correlation analysis suggested possible biochemical interactions among metabolites, with Auraptenol and Daturametelin B exhibiting a strong positive correlation (r = 0.99). The absence of Methyl lucidenate Q in this sample indicates potential enzymatic degradation or metabolic inhibition. Conclusion This study highlights the impact of L. acidophilus LB on metabolite diversity in substrate-driven fer…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Ha Phuong Hoang
creator: Thi Minh Nguyen
creator: Tuyet Thi Anh Le
creator: Huong Giang Bui
creator: Ngoc Anh Ho
creator: Thu Ngo Thi Hoai
creator: Nhat Huy Chu
subject: Bioengineering
subject: Food Science and Technology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20399
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Hoang et al.
abstract: Background Lactobacillus acidophilus LB is a probiotic strain with the ability to produce valuable bioactive metabolites through fermentation. Sustainable biomass sources such as Spirulina platensis, Ulva reticulata, and Caulerpa lentillifera, which can also be obtained from agricultural or aquacultural by-products, offer a promising alternative for microbial cultivation, but their effects on the metabolic profile of L. acidophilus LB are still unclear. Methods The study utilized L. acidophilus LB (GenBank accession OK398226) cultivated in media containing Spirulina platensis, Ulva reticulata, and Caulerpa lentillifera extracts. High-resolution mass spectrometry (liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry-quadrupole-time-of-flight, LC-HRMS QTOF) was employed for compound profiling. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Pearson correlation were used to analyze metabolic variations across different culture conditions. The Kruskal-Wallis test assessed statistical differences in metabolite concentrations. Results Methyl lucidenate Q and 6-Gingerol were the most abundant bioactive compounds detected across samples. PCA revealed that L. acidophilus LB in media supplemented with different preparations of Spirulina platensis, Ulva reticulata, and Caulerpa lentillifera was associated with distinct differences in metabolite profiles, leading to clustering patterns. K-means clustering identified three metabolomic groups, with the pellet obtained from L. acidophilus LB cultured in medium supplemented with U. reticulata seaweed showing a unique chemical profile. Pearson correlation analysis suggested possible biochemical interactions among metabolites, with Auraptenol and Daturametelin B exhibiting a strong positive correlation (r = 0.99). The absence of Methyl lucidenate Q in this sample indicates potential enzymatic degradation or metabolic inhibition. Conclusion This study highlights the impact of L. acidophilus LB on metabolite diversity in substrate-driven fer…
bibliographic citation: Hoang et al. (2025) Metabolite profiling from the fermentation of marine-derived extracts by Lactobacillus acidophilus LB. PeerJ 13:e20399 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20399
date submitted: 2025-03-17
date accepted: 2025-10-27
issued: 2025-12-03
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Hoang
  given name: Ha Phuong
author list: Agent
  family name: Nguyen
  given name: Thi Minh
author list: Agent
  family name: Le
  given name: Tuyet Thi Anh
author list: Agent
  family name: Bui
  given name: Huong Giang
author list: Agent
  family name: Ho
  given name: Ngoc Anh
author list: Agent
  family name: Ngo Thi Hoai
  given name: Thu
author list: Agent
  family name: Chu
  given name: Nhat Huy
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20399
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-12-03
copyright: ©2025 Hoang et al.
attribution name: Hoang et al.

Athletic participation and its impact on self-concept, body image, and physical fitness in Saudi female adolescents: a cross-sectional comparison between athletes and non-athletes
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Adolescence is a critical developmental period marked by significant physical and psychosocial changes that shape adult behavior and personality. In Saudi Arabia, where female sports participation is newly encouraged, this study therefore aimed to explore how athletic participation influences body image perception, including potential discrepancies between self-perception and fitness outcomes, in a context where female participation in structured physical activity has historically been limited but is now being promoted under Vision 2030. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Riyadh province from October 2024 to February 2025, involving 439 female students aged 12–18. Participants were recruited from schools in Al Majma’ah city and were categorized as athletes (school sports participants, n = 252) or non-athletes (n = 241). Outcomes were assessed using the Physical Self-Inventory-Short (PSI-S) for self-perception, the Stunkard Scale for body image, and physical performance tests (Shuttle Run, V Sit-and-Reach, and Wall Sit Test). Results Our findings revealed that athletes reported significantly higher self-perception on the PSI-S compared to non-athletes (53.17% vs. 37.34% high self-perception; p = 0.002). After body mass index (BMI) adjustment, athletes scored higher on the Stunkard Scale (5.83 vs. 4.31; p < 0.001). Athletes demonstrated a tendency to perceive their bodies as moderately larger than their actual BMI-adjusted size, a disparity not observed in non-athletes. This self-perception coexisted with superior physical performance, suggesting that athletic training may decouple size perception from functional capability. Athletes outperformed non-athletes in cardiorespiratory fitness (Shuttle Run: 9.96 vs. 8.01; p < 0.001), flexibility (V Sit-and-Reach: 14.50 vs. 13.02; p = 0.012), and muscular endurance (Wall Sit Test: 63.17 vs. 58.30; p = 0.024). No significant differences in self-perception were observed across BMI categories, suggestin…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Asma Alonazi
creator: Deem Almutairi
creator: Taif Alyousef
creator: Afnan Alkhateeb
subject: Sports Injury
subject: Rehabilitation
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20353
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Alonazi et al.
abstract: Background Adolescence is a critical developmental period marked by significant physical and psychosocial changes that shape adult behavior and personality. In Saudi Arabia, where female sports participation is newly encouraged, this study therefore aimed to explore how athletic participation influences body image perception, including potential discrepancies between self-perception and fitness outcomes, in a context where female participation in structured physical activity has historically been limited but is now being promoted under Vision 2030. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Riyadh province from October 2024 to February 2025, involving 439 female students aged 12–18. Participants were recruited from schools in Al Majma’ah city and were categorized as athletes (school sports participants, n = 252) or non-athletes (n = 241). Outcomes were assessed using the Physical Self-Inventory-Short (PSI-S) for self-perception, the Stunkard Scale for body image, and physical performance tests (Shuttle Run, V Sit-and-Reach, and Wall Sit Test). Results Our findings revealed that athletes reported significantly higher self-perception on the PSI-S compared to non-athletes (53.17% vs. 37.34% high self-perception; p = 0.002). After body mass index (BMI) adjustment, athletes scored higher on the Stunkard Scale (5.83 vs. 4.31; p < 0.001). Athletes demonstrated a tendency to perceive their bodies as moderately larger than their actual BMI-adjusted size, a disparity not observed in non-athletes. This self-perception coexisted with superior physical performance, suggesting that athletic training may decouple size perception from functional capability. Athletes outperformed non-athletes in cardiorespiratory fitness (Shuttle Run: 9.96 vs. 8.01; p < 0.001), flexibility (V Sit-and-Reach: 14.50 vs. 13.02; p = 0.012), and muscular endurance (Wall Sit Test: 63.17 vs. 58.30; p = 0.024). No significant differences in self-perception were observed across BMI categories, suggestin…
bibliographic citation: Alonazi et al. (2025) Athletic participation and its impact on self-concept, body image, and physical fitness in Saudi female adolescents: a cross-sectional comparison between athletes and non-athletes. PeerJ 13:e20353 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20353
date submitted: 2025-05-19
date accepted: 2025-10-16
issued: 2025-12-03
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Alonazi
  given name: Asma
author list: Agent
  family name: Almutairi
  given name: Deem
author list: Agent
  family name: Alyousef
  given name: Taif
author list: Agent
  family name: Alkhateeb
  given name: Afnan
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20353
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-12-03
copyright: ©2025 Alonazi et al.
attribution name: Alonazi et al.

PeerJ
type: Periodical
uri: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359