Basis of single-seed formation in chestnut: cytomorphological observations reveal ovule developmental patterns of Castanea henryi
Background Many plants, including those commonly found in the Fagaceae family, produce more flowers and ovules than mature fruits and seeds. In Castanea henryi, an ovary contains 16–24 ovules, but only one develops into a seed. The other ovules abort or otherwise fail to fully develop, but the reason for this is unknown. Such a strict reproductive screening mechanism is rare in plants. Methods In this study, controlled pollination scheme were adopted, and conventional paraffin embedding and semi-thin sectioning techniques, followed by microscopy, were used for cytological studies of ovule development in C. henryi. Results Pollination affected not only the process of ovule development, but also the proportion of ovules that formed mature embryo sacs. Approximately 53.53% of the ovules in the pollinated treatment developed normally, while only 16.55% of the ovules in the unpollinated treatment developed into mature embryo sacs with a seven-cell, eight-nucleated structure. Failure to form mature embryo sacs and the abnormal divisions of the zygote, respectively, were the reasons for the pre- and post-fertilization ovule failures. Our findings not only provide basic information on the reproductive biology and also information on seed production of C. henryi.
Qiu et al. (2025) Basis of single-seed formation in chestnut: cytomorphological observations reveal ovule developmental patterns of Castanea henryi. PeerJ 13:e18711 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18711
Effect of low-dose radiation pre-irradiation on postoperative local chest wall recurrence of breast cancer—A retrospective study
Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of low-dose radiotherapy (LDR) for postoperative local chest wall recurrence of breast cancer. Methods The records of 52 patients with postoperative local chest wall recurrent breast cancer treated at our cancer center from January 2019 to December 2022. The t-test was used to compare the means of the LDR group and non LDR group. Categorical data were compared using the chi-square test. The Kaplan-Meier method were used to determine the factors associated the survival. Results Compared to patients who did not undergo LDR, patients in the LDR group showed a higher incidence of grade I side effects in their skin and soft tissue systems (p = 0.002), a significant reduction in grade II side effects (p < 0.05), and no grade III side effects. Compared with the non LDR group, the complete response rates were 42.3% vs. 38.5%, p = 0.777, the partial response rates were 53.8% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.781, and the objective relief rates were 96.2% vs. 88.5%, p = 0.833, respectively. The 3-year overall survival rate, local recurrence free survival rate, distant metastasis-free survival rate and disease-specific survival rate comparison between LDR group and non LDR group was 54.8% vs. 55.8%, p = 0.845 and 54.2% vs. 52.9%, p = 0.751, 67.9% vs. 51.9%, p = 0.097 and 39.2% vs. 49.6%, p = 0.993, respectively. Conclusion Compared with traditional radiotherapy, LDR pre-irradiation has better tolerance and efficacy in patients with local chest wall recurrence of breast cancer after operation.
Zeng et al. (2025) Effect of low-dose radiation pre-irradiation on postoperative local chest wall recurrence of breast cancer—A retrospective study. PeerJ 13:e18717 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18717
Visualizing and quantifying biomineral preservation in fossil vertebrate dental remains
In this study, we attempt to illustrate fossil vertebrate dental tissue geochemistry and, by inference, its extent of diagenetic alteration, using quantitative, semi-quantitative and optical tools to evaluate bioapatite preservation. We present visual comparisons of elemental compositions in fish and plesiosaur dental remains ranging in age from Silurian to Cretaceous, based on a combination of micro-scale optical cathodoluminescence (CL) observations (optical images and scanning electron microscope) with in-situ minor, trace and rare earth element (REE) compositions (EDS, maps and REE profiles), as a tool for assessing diagenetic processes and biomineral preservation during fossilization of vertebrate dental apatite. Tissue-selective REE values have been obtained using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), indicating areas of potential REE enrichment, combined with cathodoluminescence (CL) analysis. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping was also used to identify major elemental components and identify areas of contamination or diagenetic replacement. We conclude that the relative abilities of different dental tissues to resist alteration and proximity to the exposure surface largely determine the REE composition and, accordingly, the inferred quality of preserved bioapatite.
Cowen et al. (2025) Visualizing and quantifying biomineral preservation in fossil vertebrate dental remains. PeerJ 13:e18763 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18763
Analysis of the correlation between the serum triglyceride glucose index and the risk of death in patients on maintenance hemodialysis: a retrospective cohort study
Background Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have increased insulin resistance (IR). The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index is a marker of IR and is associated with the prognosis of patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the TyG index and the risk of death in patients on MHD. Methods In a retrospective cohort analysis of 368 patients with MHD over an 11-year period from July 1, 2012, to June 30, 2023, the TyG index and other baseline characteristics were measured at the beginning of MHD treatment. A regression model was used to evaluate the correlation between the TyG index and all-cause mortality or cardiovascular mortality in patients on MHD. Results The TyG index was associated with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in MHD patients (P = 0.002 & P = 0.015). After adjusting for various confounding factors, the TyG index remained an independent predictor of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in MHD patients (P < 0.001 & P = 0.044). Compared with MHD patients with low TyG index levels, the risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in MHD patients with high TyG index levels increased by 1.790 and 1.735 times, respectively (P = 0.006 & P = 0.022). The predictive time-AUC values of the TyG index for all-cause and cardiovascular death in MHD patients were between 0.698 to 0.819. Conclusion The baseline TyG index may be an independent predictor of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in MHD patients.
Chi et al. (2025) Analysis of the correlation between the serum triglyceride glucose index and the risk of death in patients on maintenance hemodialysis: a retrospective cohort study. PeerJ 13:e18781 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18781
Effect of salt stress on different tiller positions in rice and the regulatory effect of prohexadione calcium
Soil salinization has resulted in a significant decrease in crop yields, particularly affecting the production of crops like rice (Oryza sativa L.). Prohexadione calcium (Pro-Ca) can enhance crop resilience against failure by managing plant height. However, its impact on various tiller positions during the tillering phase of rice under salt stress remains unknown. This study explores the distinct effects of salt stress on the physiological traits of the main stem and different tiller segments of rice plants, along with the role of Pro-Ca in mitigating salt stress. The findings revealed that under salt stress conditions, the number of tillers and leaves on the main stem decreased significantly in rice. Moreover, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2 in the leaves and stems of each tiller position notably increased. The percentage of tillers experiencing reduction or elevation was higher than that of the main stem compared to the respective control. Application of Pro-Ca through foliar spraying under NaCl stress effectively alleviated the impact of salt stress on the tiller growth of rice during the tillering phase. It also boosted the activities of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) in the leaves and stems of the tillers. Furthermore, it successfully mitigated the damage inflicted by salt stress on the cell membrane of rice tillers during the tillering phase. The regulatory effect of calcium on cyclic acid was particularly pronounced in alleviating the impact on the tillers under salt stress conditions.
Zhang et al. (2024) Effect of salt stress on different tiller positions in rice and the regulatory effect of prohexadione calcium. PeerJ 12:e18357 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18357
Traumatic dental injuries in permanent teeth among Arab children: prevalence, and associated risk factors—a systematic review and meta-analysis
Introduction There is no clear literature present till date assessing the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries and associated factors in children living in Arab countries. The purpose of this study was to systematically assess the prevalence, trends, and potential risk factors of traumatic dental injury (TDI) in permanent teeth among children and adolescents in Arab countries. Methods This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The researchers conducted a comprehensive literature search in various databases, including PubMed, Cochrane library of systematic reviews, Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), Google Scholar, and gray literature sources such as MDS dissertations and manuscripts. To analyze the collected data, the researchers used a random effects model for conducting meta-analyses. Pooled estimates of prevalence and odds ratios were derived, along with 95% confidence intervals (CI), to provide a measure of statistical precision and variability in the findings. For the studies that were considered, trend analysis was done. The risk of bias assessment of included studies was done using Newcastle–Ottawa tool for cross-sectional studies. Results A total of 545 articles were identified, of which 23 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Quality assessment of included studies showed that twenty studies were of high quality and three studies showed low quality. The frequency of dental trauma in Arab children was 26% (95% CI [10–43]). Children with overjet of more than 3.5 mm were shown to be 1.78 times more likely to have dental injury than children with normal overjet (pooled odds ratio 1.78; 95% CI [1.17–2.70]). Males had a 2.06 times odds of TDI compared to females. Children with insufficient lip coverage had an odds ratio of 2.57, indicating a higher likelihood of oral injuries compared to those with appropriate lip coverage. Conclusion Significant correlations were obtained between the prevalence of dental trauma and other variables such as male gender, increased overjet, inadequate lip coverage, etc. Future population-based analytical research should concentrate on documenting the incidence and/or prevalence of TDI among marginalized communities in order to better understand the primary causes of TDI.
Hashim et al. (2024) Traumatic dental injuries in permanent teeth among Arab children: prevalence, and associated risk factors—a systematic review and meta-analysis. PeerJ 12:e18366 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18366
The effect of aging on the ciliary muscle and its potential relationship with presbyopia: a literature review
Background The ciliary muscle is known to play a part in presbyopia, but the mechanism has not received a comprehensive review, which this study aims to achieve. We examined relevant articles published from 1975 through 2022 that explored various properties of the muscle and related tissues in humans and rhesus monkeys. These properties include geometry, elasticity, rigidity, and composition, and were studied using a range of imaging technologies, computer models, and surgical methods. We identified a notable age-related displacement of the ciliary muscle apex that is characterized by anterior and medial shifts, and hypothesized to be primarily attributed to the accrual of connective tissue and tension exerted by the thickening lens. Other factors could also contribute to the movement, particularly the “inward bowing” of the sclera. Another noteworthy observation is that while the ciliary muscle experiences increasing constraint with advancing age due to adjacent anatomical structures, its contractile capacity remains unaltered, alongside the sustained constancy in both the concentration of muscarinic receptors and their binding affinity. Overall, more studies on human ciliary muscle are needed, as it ages differently from that of monkeys’ ciliary muscle. These studies should explore other perspectives, including those regarding changes in the physical properties of the tissue and its relationship with other connected tissues. Methodology This literature review utilized a systematic methodology to identify and analyze pertinent studies of the presbyopia and ciliary muscles. The approach encompassed a thorough examination of available literature across different academic databases, such as PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Results Many studies have identified age-related thickening in the ciliary muscle and its potential causes, including the heightened deposition of connective tissues and traction exerted by the thickening lens. Notably, these inquiries culminated in the formulation of a geometric theory positing that the morphology of the ciliary muscle and its spatial relationship with adjacent structures exert pivotal influence over the tension exerted on zonular fibers. Conclusion The decline in the accommodative response of the muscle is prevalent in advanced age, with reduced mobility likely attributable to the increased stiffness of the Bruch’s Membrane-Choroid Complex (BMCC), where the tendons of the ciliary muscle insert, as well as the thickening and stiffening of the lens. Importantly, the ciliary muscle forces do not change with age.
Zuo et al. (2024) The effect of aging on the ciliary muscle and its potential relationship with presbyopia: a literature review. PeerJ 12:e18437 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18437
Regulation of lymphoma in vitro by CLP36 through the PI3K/AKT/CREB signaling pathway
Background CLP36 is also known as PDZ and LIM Domain 1 (PDLIM1) that is a ubiquitously-expressed α-actinin-binding cytoskeletal protein involved in carcinogenesis, and our current study aims to explore its involvement in lymphoma. Methods Accordingly, the CLP36 expression pattern in lymphoma and its association with the overall survival was predicted. Then, qPCR was applied to gauge CLP36 expression in lymphoma cells and determine the knockdown efficiency. The survival, proliferation and apoptosis of CLP36-silencing lymphoma cells were tested. Cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis were assessed based on cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, colony formation assay, EdU staining, and flow cytometry, respectively. Additionally, qPCR was used to calculate the expressions of proteins associated with metastasis and apoptosis, while immunoblotting was employed to determine the phosphorylation status of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB). Results CLP36 expression was relatively higher in lymphoma, which was associated with a poor prognosis. Also, CLP36 was highly-expressed in lymphoma cells and the silencing of CLP36 contributed to the suppressed survival and proliferation as well as the enhanced apoptosis of lymphoma cells. Further, CLP36 silencing repressed the expressions of Cadherin 2 (CDH2) and Vimentin (VIM) yet promoted those of Bax and Caspase 3 in lymphoma cells, concurrent with the reduction on the phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT and CREB, all of which were confirmed to be positively correlated with CLP36. Conclusion This study, so far as we are concerned, provided evidence on the involvement of CLP36/PI3K/AKT/CREB axis in lymphoma, which may be contributive for the identification on the relevant molecular targets of lymphoma.
Lv et al. (2024) Regulation of lymphoma in vitro by CLP36 through the PI3K/AKT/CREB signaling pathway. PeerJ 12:e18693 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18693
Antimicrobial activity and synergistic effect of phage-encoded antimicrobial peptides with colistin and outer membrane permeabilizing agents against Acinetobacter baumannii
Background Acinetobacter baumannii poses a significant public health threat. Phage-encoded antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as promising candidates in the battle against antibiotic-resistant A. baumannii. Methods Antimicrobial peptides from the endolysin of A. baumannii bacteriophage were designed from bacteriophage vB_AbaM_PhT2 and vB_AbaAut_ChT04. The peptides’ minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the synergistic effect of peptides with outer membrane-permeabilizing agents and colistin were determined. Cytotoxicity effects using HepG2 cell lines were evaluated for 24 h with various concentrations of peptides. Biofilm eradication assay was determined using the MIC concentration of each peptide. Galleria mellonella infection assay of phage-encoded antimicrobial peptides was investigated and recorded daily for 10 days. Results The current research indicates that three peptides, specifically PE04-1, PE04-1(NH2), and PE04-2, encoded from the endolysin of vB_AbaAut_ChT04 demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 156.25 to 312.5 µg/ml. The peptides showed antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) A. baumannii, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis. We found a strong synergistic effect of three peptides with colistin and citric acid, which showed high inhibition percentages (>90%) and low fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) indexes. The peptides exhibited a high ability to inhibit biofilm formation against twenty A. baumannii strains, with PE04-2 showing the most potent inhibition (91.92%). The cytotoxicity effects of the peptides on human hepatoma cell lines showed that the concentrations at the MIC level did not affect the cell viability. The peptides improved survival rates in the G. mellonella model, exceeding 80% by day 10. Conclusions/significant finding Peptides PE04-1, PE04-1(NH2), and PE04-2 showed sequence similarity to mammalian cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides. They are cationic peptides with a positive charge, exhibiting high hydrophobic ratios and high hydropathy values. The modified PE04-2 was designed by enhancing cationic through amino acid substitutions and shows powerful antibiofilm effects due to its cationic, amphipathic, and hydrophobic properties to destroy biofilm. The peptides improved survival rates in G. mellonella infection models and showed no cytotoxicity effect on human cell lines, ensuring their safety for potential therapeutic applications. In conclusion, this study highlights the antimicrobial ability of phage-encoded peptides against multidrug-resistant A. baumannii. It can be an innovative tool, paving the way for future research to optimize their clinical application.
Rothong et al. (2024) Antimicrobial activity and synergistic effect of phage-encoded antimicrobial peptides with colistin and outer membrane permeabilizing agents against Acinetobacter baumannii. PeerJ 12:e18722 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18722
Description of two new Apseudopsis species (A. larnacensis sp. nov and A. salinus sp. nov.) (Tanaidacea: Crustacea) from the Mediterranean and a biogeographic overview of the genus
The Mediterranean Sea is recognized as one of the most threatened marine environments due to pollution, the unintentional spread of invasive species, and habitat destruction. Understanding the biodiversity patterns within this sea is crucial for effective resource management and conservation planning. During a research cruise aimed at assessing biodiversity near desalination plants in the vicinity of Larnaca, Cyprus, conducted as part of the WATER-MINING project (Horizon 2020), specimens of the tanaidacean genus Apseudopsis were collected. These were classified into two species, identified as new to science, and are described herein as Apseudopsis larnacensis sp. nov and Apseudopsis salinus sp. nov. Apseudopsis larnacensis sp. nov is distinguished from its congeners by the presence of a lateral apophysis on pleonite 5, which is longer than those on pleonites 1–4, hyposphenia on pereonites 2–6, and six ventral spines on the propodus of pereopod 1. Apseudopsis salinus sp. nov. is characterized by a rounded posterolateral margin on pereonite 6, hyposphenia on pereonites 1–6, and four ventral spines on the propodus of pereopod 1. An updated key to the Atlantic and Mediterranean Apseudopsis species is provided. This study provides an overview of the distribution, bathymetric, and habitat preference of all known Apseudopsis species. Data extracted from the literature and two popular online databases were analyzed to identify diversity patterns across seas and ecoregions. Our analysis reveals that the Mediterranean is the most diverse region for Apseudopsis, with the Levantine Sea hosting ten species and the South European Atlantic Shelf seven species. Shallow waters and muddy and sandy habitats are conducive for Apseudopsis occurrence.
Stępień et al. (2024) Description of two new Apseudopsis species (A. larnacensis sp. nov and A. salinus sp. nov.) (Tanaidacea: Crustacea) from the Mediterranean and a biogeographic overview of the genus. PeerJ 12:e18740 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18740