Role of polyethylene glycol to alleviate lead stress in Raphanus sativus
The continuous contamination of heavy metals (HMs) in our ecosystem due to industrialization, urbanization and other anthropogenic activities has become a serious environmental constraint to successful crop production. Lead (Pb) toxicity causes ionic, oxidative and osmotic injuries which induce various morphological, physiological, metabolic and molecular abnormalities in plants. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is widely used to elucidate drought stress induction and alleviation mechanisms in treated plants. Some recent studies have unveiled the potential of PEG in regulating plant growth and developmental procedures including seed germination, root and shoot growth and alleviating the detrimental impacts of abiotic stresses in plants. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess the effects of seed priming with various concentrations (10%, 20%, 30% and 40%) of PEG on the growth and development of radish plants growing under Pb stress (75 mg/kg soil). Lead toxicity reduced root growth (32.89%), shoot growth (32.81%), total chlorophyll (56.25%) and protein content (58.66%) in treated plants. Similarly, plants showed reduced biomass production of root (35.48%) and shoot (31.25%) under Pb stress, while 30% PEG seed priming enhanced biomass production of root (28.57%) and shoot (35.29%) under Pb contaminated regimes. On the other hand, seedlings obtained from 30% PEG priming demonstrated a notable augmentation in the concentrations of photosynthetic pigments, antioxidative activity and biomass accumulation of the plants. PEG-treated plants showed modulations in the enzymatic activities of peroxidase (PO), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). These changes collectively played a role in mitigating the adverse effects of Pb on plant physiology. Our data revealed that PEG interceded stress extenuation encompasses numerous regulatory mechanisms including scavenging of ROS through antioxidant and non-antioxidants, improved photosynthetic activity and appropriate nutrition. Hence, it becomes necessary to elucidate the beneficial role of PEG in developing approaches for improving plant growth and stress tolerance.
Environmental Contamination and Remediation
Sajid et al. (2025) Role of polyethylene glycol to alleviate lead stress in Raphanus sativus. PeerJ 13:e18147 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18147
A morpho-histological analysis of the exoskeleton of Clathrozoella medeae (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) reveals insights into the taxonomy of Clathrozoellidae and Hydroidolina
The taxonomic complexity of the families Clathrozoidae and Clathrozoellidae, rooted in early 20th-century hydroid descriptions, highlights the need for comprehensive and detailed morphological analyses. This study aimed to elucidate the histology of the polypoid stage of Clathrozoella medeae Peña Cantero, Vervoort & Watson, 2003, with a particular emphasis on its exoskeletal structure. Specimens from the National Museum of Natural History were examined histologically using different staining techniques. The results revealed a three-layered mesoglea, diverse gland cells, and an exoskeleton comprising chitin and structural proteins, with notable differences from other anthoathecate hydroids. These results have significant implications for the taxonomy and evolutionary relationships of Clathrozoellidae and Hydroidolina, as they highlight the importance of detailed histological data in understanding the unique exoskeletal architecture of C. medeae, termed “exoskeleton tube”, which distinguishes it from other hydroids, and provide critical insights into the homology and phylogenetic position of Clathrozoellidae.
Mendoza-Becerril et al. (2025) A morpho-histological analysis of the exoskeleton of Clathrozoella medeae (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) reveals insights into the taxonomy of Clathrozoellidae and Hydroidolina. PeerJ 13:e18407 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18407
The feasibility of virtual reality therapy for upper extremity mobilization during and after intensive care unit admission
Introduction Early mobilization reduces long-term muscle weakness after intensive care unit (ICU) admission, but barriers (e.g., anxiety, lack of motivation) may complicate patients’ adherence to exercise. Virtual reality (VR) presents immersive stimuli, which may increase motivation and adherence. This study aimed to examine the feasibility of VR-therapy using a VR-headset during ICU- and subsequent general ward admission. Furthermore, physical parameters before and after training were explored. Materials & Methods Ten adult ICU-patients with a median age of 71 [63–79], 70% of male registered birth sex, mechanically ventilated for ≥48 h, and willing to participate, were included. VR-therapy was offered three times a week for 20 minutes in addition to standard care. To train upper extremity functionality, patients were instructed to complete puzzles with increasing level of difficulty. Feasibility was based on patient satisfaction, session efficiency, and adherence levels during the training. Fatigue was measured after each session using the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale. Patients’ hand-grip strength and Morton Mobility Index (MMI) were evaluated at the start of VR-therapy and after four weeks of training or at hospital discharge. Results On average, patients followed three VR-therapy sessions of 20 min per week with 13 min of actual training time, over the course of 1 to 3 weeks depending on their length of stay. Session efficiency ranged from 25% to 93%. In total, patients adhered to 60% of the VR-therapy sessions. MMI scores increased significantly from the start (26 [24–44]) to the end of the VR-therapy training period (57 [41–85], p = 0.005), indicating improved balance and mobility. Conclusion VR-therapy for upper extremity rehabilitation in ICU-patients is feasible during stay in the ICU and general ward.
de Vries et al. (2025) The feasibility of virtual reality therapy for upper extremity mobilization during and after intensive care unit admission. PeerJ 13:e18461 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18461
Identification of crucial extracellular genes as potential biomarkers in newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes via integrated bioinformatics analysis
Purpose In this study, we aimed to study the role of extracellular proteins as biomarkers associated with newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes (NT1D) diagnosis and prognosis. Patients and Methods We retrieved and analyzed the GSE55098 microarray dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Using R software, we screened out the extracellular protein-differentially expressed genes (EP-DEGs) through several protein-related databases. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were applied to describe the role and function of these EP-DEGs. We used the STRING database to construct the interaction of proteins, Cytoscape software to visualize the protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, and its plugin CytoHubba to identify the crucial genes between PPI networks. Finally, we used the comparative toxicogenomics database (CTD) to evaluate the connection between NT1D with the potential crucial genes and we validated our conclusions with another dataset (GSE33440) and some clinical samples. Results We identified 422 DEGs and 122 EP-DEGs from a dataset that includes (12) NT1D patients compared with (10) healthy people. Protein digestion and absorption, toll-like receptor signaling, and T cell receptor signaling were the most meaningful pathways defined by KEGG enrichment analyses. We recognized nine important extracellular genes: GZMB, CCL4, TNF, MMP9, CCL5, IFNG, CXCL1, GNLY, and LCN2. CTD analyses showed that LCN2, IFNG, and TNF had higher levels in NT1D and hypoglycemia; while TNF, IFNG and MMP9 increased in hyperglycemia. Further verification showed that LCN2, MMP9, TNF and IFNG were elevated in NT1D patients. Conclusion The nine identified key extracellular genes, particularly LCN2, IFNG, TNF, and MMP9, may be potential diagnostic biomarkers for NT1D. Our findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms and novel therapeutic targets of NT1D.
Gao et al. (2025) Identification of crucial extracellular genes as potential biomarkers in newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes via integrated bioinformatics analysis. PeerJ 13:e18660 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18660
Efficacy of root canal treatment for autotransplanted third molars: a 6-Year cohort study of 167 teeth in southern China
Background Autogenous tooth transplantation offers significant advantages and promising success rates for replacing non-retainable teeth. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic factors, especially the impact of root canal treatment (RCT), of autotransplanted teeth in an up-to-6-year follow-up cohort of 167 teeth in Southern China. Methods We enrolled adult patients from the Southern Medical University-Shenzhen Stomatology Hospital between 2017 and 2023. Patients underwent autogenous tooth transplantation to replace non-retainable molars with upper or lower third molars with Moorrees tooth development stage ≥5. All surgical procedures were performed by an experienced surgeon. The included patients were followed up for 6~72 (median 28.5) months. Success, failure, and survival rate and prognostic factors were evaluated using univariable Kaplan-Meier, multivariable generalized linear regression, and multivariable COX regression analyses. Results The overall success rate is 97.6% with four unsuccessful cases. Herein, two of them were removed, leading to an overall survival rate of 98.8%. A total of 159 cases (95%) received RCT in 3 months. Univariable log-rank analysis showed that RCT (RR 0.109, 95%CI 0.010 to 1.202, P = 0.028) and site relationship between donor and receipt sites (RR 3.359, 95% CI [1.210–9.329], P = 0.020) were two significant prognostic factors of autotransplanted teeth. Multivariable generalized linear regression revealed that RCT is the only significant factor protecting the success rate of autotransplanted teeth (HR 0.003, 95% CI [0.000–0.249], P = 0.010). However, in the Cox regression model, the effects of RCT (HR 0.009, 95% CI [0.000–2.514], P = 0.101) did not reach statistical significance. Other factors did not demonstrate a significant impact in this cohort. These results supported that autogenous tooth transplantation is a viable alternative to conventional implant treatment with strict indications. Our findings underscore the importance of RCT in transplanted teeth with closed or semi-closed apices. Multi-center observational studies with larger sample size and extended follow-up duration may be needed to validate the conclusion.
Han et al. (2025) Efficacy of root canal treatment for autotransplanted third molars: a 6-Year cohort study of 167 teeth in southern China. PeerJ 13:e18824 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18824
Genetic analysis of Pinna rudis L 1758 (Mollusca, Bivalvia, Pinnidae) in the Northwest Cabo Verde Islands (Central-East Atlantic)
The rough pen shell Pinna rudis Linnaeus, 1758 (family Pinnidae) is a mollusc with an Atlantic–Mediterranean distribution, typically inhabiting coarse sandy substrates. Habitat degradation is considered the primary cause of population decline, leading to the designation ‘Vulnerable’ in certain regions. In this study, we conducted a genetic analysis of populations of P. rudis from Cabo Verde and compared them with populations from the Mediterranean and Macaronesia. We based our analysis on two mitochondrial DNA markers, cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and 16S rRNA, and one nuclear marker, 28S rRNA. The results showed a strong genetic structuring among Macaronesia populations, with each island tending to have unique or exclusive haplotypes, though some sharing occurred between islands. We found significant genetic divergence between the population from Cabo Verde and the other sampled population, suggesting that P. rudis is not monotypic, but may include several cryptic species. Bayesian and maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analysis, including all Pinnidae species, indicated that P. rudis from Gorée Island (Senegal) and Baía das Gatas (São Vicente Island) might be undergoing speciation. The high genetic structure found for P. rudis could be influenced by hydrodynamic barriers, local currents and hydrographic isolation, in association with the short larval duration (planktotrophic) reported for this species. Altogether, our findings highlight significant genetic divergence in P. rudis populations, possibly supporting speciation events in the Cabo Verde archipelago among widely distributed taxonomic groups.
Lopes et al. (2025) Genetic analysis of Pinna rudis L 1758 (Mollusca, Bivalvia, Pinnidae) in the Northwest Cabo Verde Islands (Central-East Atlantic). PeerJ 13:e18328 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18328
Niche-related processes explain phylogenetic structure of acoustic bird communities in Mexico
Acoustic communities are acoustically active species aggregations within a habitat, where vocal interactions between species can interfere their communication. The acoustic adaptation hypothesis (AAH) explains how the habitat favors the transmission of acoustic signals. To understand how bird acoustic communities are structured, we tested the effect of habitat structure on the phylogenetic structure, and on the phylogenetic and vocal diversity of acoustic communities in a semi-arid zone of Mexico. From autonomous recordings in three types of vegetation (crop fields, tetecheras, and mesquiteras), which differ in terms of complexity and canopy openness, we evaluated sound attenuation, and estimated metrics of phylogenetic structure and diversity as well as acoustic diversity with the use of two indices. Mesquiteras showed greater vegetation density, more attenuation, more vocal diversity, as well as a phylogenetic structure that tended towards overdispersion, in contrast to crop fields that showed less vegetation density, less attenuation, less vocal diversity and more phylogenetic relatedness, while tetecheras showed intermediate patterns. Phylogenetic structure was explained by vegetation density and excess attenuation. The higher vocal diversity, phylogenetic structure tended towards overdispersion. These results suggest a role for environmental filters in the crop fields, where more closely related species with similar vocal characteristics coexist (supporting AAH), and probably competitive exclusion in the mesquiteras, where more distantly related species coexist, promoting vocal diversity. This study offers information about the influence of habitat on the acoustic community structure, which could inform our understanding of the distribution of species from acoustic perspective.
Morán-Titla et al. (2025) Niche-related processes explain phylogenetic structure of acoustic bird communities in Mexico. PeerJ 13:e18412 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18412
The impact of a disaster medicine clinical training program on medical students’ disaster literacy
Background This study was conducted to assess how students’ disaster literacy was affected by the Disaster Medicine Clinical Training Program at the Izmir Democracy University Faculty of Medicine (IDUFM) during the academic year 2022–2023. Methods Using an experimental method involving experimental and control groups, measurements were made at different times. The sample consisted of 5th-year students at IDUFM for the experimental group, while the control group was composed of 3rd- and 4th-year students from different buildings with limited interaction with the experimental group. The clinical training program was organized to improve the clinical practice skills of students in the field of disaster medicine and provide theoretical information. Throughout their internship, the students were provided with a program including information on types of disasters, preparation, response, relief, emergency surgical procedures, hospital disaster plans, national and international organizations and institutions working in disasters, and other relevant topics. The Disaster Literacy Scale (DLS) was used to collect data. This scale is a self-report scale that was developed to evaluate knowledge levels about disasters. In this study, the scale was applied as a pretest and a posttest, and the obtained data were analyzed using independent samples and paired-sample t-tests. Result The DLS scores of the experimental group showed significant improvement after the training program compared to their pretest scores (Total Scale: p < 0.001, Damage Mitigation: p = 0.002, Preparation: p < 0.001, Response: p < 0.001, and Relief: p = 0.004). When comparing the posttest results of the experimental group with the control group, the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher scores in Total Scale (p = 0.01), Damage Mitigation (p = 0.02), Response (p = 0.03), and Relief (p < 0.001). However, no significant differences were observed between the experimental group’s pretest (T1) scores and the control group’s posttest (T3) scores (p > 0.05p > 0.05p > 0.05), indicating that the knowledge levels of the experimental and control groups were homogeneous prior to the training intervention. These findings confirm the effectiveness of the Disaster Medicine Training Program in improving disaster literacy and response skills among medical students. Conclusion This study, which aimed to determine the effects of the Disaster Medicine Clinical Training Program on the disaster literacy of medical students, revealed that the program increased the literacy levels of the students and contributed to their responsible decision-making. It is thought that such education programs can make significant contributions to the effective management of healthcare services in disaster situations.
Başer et al. (2025) The impact of a disaster medicine clinical training program on medical students’ disaster literacy. PeerJ 13:e18800 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18800
Clinical characteristics of pathogens in children with community-acquired pneumonia were analyzed via targeted next-generation sequencing detection
Background The primary purpose of this study was to detect the pathogen species using targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) to investigate the characteristics of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)-related pathogens in children in Xiantao city, Hubei province, China. Methods A total of 1,527 children with CAP were prospectively recruited from our hospital between May 2022 and February 2023. Information on age and sex was collected from the medical records. Pathogen detection was performed using standard detection methods and tNGS. Results The positive coincidence rate of standard detection methods and tNGS were 61.95% (946/1,527) and 97.05% (1,482/1,527), respectively. Among the 1,482 children with CAP, the numbers of bacteria, virus, chlamydia, and mycoplasma infection were 1,188, 975, 321, and 1, respectively. Co-existing species showed high prevalence in CAP, and the prevalence of children infected with only one pathogen was 20.31%. The numbers of children infected with two and three pathogens were the highest, accounting for 29.22% and 25.17%, respectively. Among the 44 pathogens detected using tNGS, 17 species of bacteria, 25 species of viruses, one species of chlamydia, and one species of mycoplasma were documented. Among all infectious pathogens, the top five were Haemophilus influenzae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Streptococcus pneumoniae, human herpes virus type 5 (HHV-5), and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. The results showed that pathogenic infections in children with CAP were related to age but not to gender. Conclusion The infection pathogens in children with CAP were complex and the incidence of co-existence was observed to be high. The pathogens involved in CAP were closely related to the age of the child. In addition, tNGS was shown to better identify pathogens than the standard detection method, which is crucial for improving the accuracy of early CAP diagnosis and initiating appropriate treatment in a timely manner, ultimately enhancing treatment outcomes.
Zhao et al. (2025) Clinical characteristics of pathogens in children with community-acquired pneumonia were analyzed via targeted next-generation sequencing detection. PeerJ 13:e18810 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18810
The potential of serum elabela levels as a marker of diabetic retinopathy: results from a pilot cross-sectional study
Background The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between elabela (ELA), a recently identified peptide also known as Toddler and Apela, and diabetic retinopathy (DR). ELA, produced in various tissues, acts as a natural ligand for the apelin receptor (APJ). Upon reviewing the existing literature, only one study was found investigating ELA, one of the APJ ligands, in the pathogenesis of DR. Methods In our study the patient group comprising individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), categorized into three subgroups based on detailed fundus examination: those without DR (non-DR) (n = 20), non-proliferative DR (NPDR) (n = 20), and proliferative DR (PDR) (n = 20). A control group (n = 20) consisted of individuals without DM. Blood samples were collected during outpatient clinic admission to measure serum ELA levels, which were determined using a commercial ELISA kit. Results The age, sex, and body mass index of the between groups were similar (p = 0.905, 0.985 and 0.241, respectively). The HbA1c levels of the between DM subgroups were similar (p = 0.199). Serum ELA levels were 217.19 ± 97.54 pg/mL in the non-DR group, 221.76 ± 93.12 pg/mL in the NPDR group, 302.35 ± 146.17 pg/mL in the PDR group and 216.49 ± 58.85 pg/mL in the control group. While ELA levels were higher in DM patients compared to the control group, this elevation did not reach statistical significance. Further analysis dividing DM patients into subgroups (non-DR, NPDR, and PDR) revealed higher ELA levels in the PDR group compared to the other subgroups, but this increase was not statistically significant. Conclusion Despite the absence of a significant difference in our study, the identification of elevated ELA levels in the PDR group offers valuable insights for future investigations exploring the association between DR and ELA.
Seyithanoğlu et al. (2025) The potential of serum elabela levels as a marker of diabetic retinopathy: results from a pilot cross-sectional study. PeerJ 13:e18841 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18841