A systematic review of global publications on clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa): identifying the publication trends, research gaps, and future directions to strengthen its conservation
Background Despite global investment in studying, protecting, and managing carnivores, species like the clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa (Griffith, 1821), renowned for its elusive nature, remain significantly understudied. There is also insufficient knowledge of clouded leopard research trends in spatial and temporal domains. Additionally, thematic areas of research on this species are not clearly known. This gap in information may hinder the development of effective strategies to address key conservation challenges such as habitat loss, poaching, and illegal trade. Methods To bridge these gaps, we systematically reviewed 123 peer-reviewed journal articles published up to December 2022, offering critical insights into the current state of knowledge and identifying future research priorities to inform conservation planning. Results The spatial analysis of clouded leopard research reveals that Thailand (n = 28) dominates the range countries, while the USA (n = 26) dominates non-range countries in terms of research efforts. Temporally, research output has shown a significant increase since 2006, peaking in 2016 (n = 13), with a positive trend in publications (Kendall’s tau = 0.52, P < 0.001). Most studies focused on anatomy and physiology in captive populations (n = 31) and habitat use and distribution in free-ranging populations (n = 23). The studies on the impact of climate change on the clouded leopard and its habitat, alongside feeding ecology, remain scant, necessitating the future research in these areas. Our analysis also revealed that the maximum number of publications employed diagnosis and treatment (26%), followed by camera trapping (24.4%). We recommend integrating local ecological knowledge and monitoring technologies to map the clouded leopard’s corridors, connectivity, and bottleneck sites at the landscape level. A higher number of publications addressed habitat loss and illegal trade as the primary threats to clouded leopard conservation. Effective law enforcement, proper land use, land cover planning, and community engagement are crucial for conserving this species. Moreover, clouded leopard range countries are recommended to develop sustainable financial mechanisms and implement the conservation action plan across the country, which can improve conservation outcomes.
Phuyal et al. (2025) A systematic review of global publications on clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa): identifying the publication trends, research gaps, and future directions to strengthen its conservation. PeerJ 13:e20421 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20421
Phosphorus fractionation and distribution in Nitisols of the central Ethiopian highlands affects soil nutrient management strategies in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) production
Optimizing nutrient management is essential for sustaining crop productivity on fertilizer-unresponsive acidic soils, particularly through a comprehensive understanding of soil phosphorus (P) dynamics. Phosphorus availability is often limited by soil physicochemical properties, necessitating site-specific amendment strategies. This study evaluated the status of inorganic P fractions and their response to various nutrient and soil amendment treatments in acidic Nitisols from Welmera and Ejere districts in the central Ethiopian highlands, with a focus on barley (Hordeum vulgare), a crop that is sensitive to low soil pH. Field and laboratory investigations revealed that strongly acidic soils responded positively to lime application combined with optimal P fertilization, resulting in significant yield improvements. In contrast, moderately to slightly acidic soils exhibited limited response to liming but showed enhanced productivity following organic amendments such as compost. Soil management strategies including the application of inorganic phosphorus fertilizers, increased barley yield to 3479 kg ha−1. Additionally, soil amendments such as agricultural lime improved barley productivity by enhancing the availability of plant-accessible phosphorus. Sequential phosphorus fractionation revealed that iron-bound and occluded P fractions dominated the inorganic P pool, accounting for approximately 45% and 35% of total inorganic P, respectively. Higher level of aluminum-bound P was also observed in strongly acidic soils. higher water-soluble P represented only about 3% of total inorganic P, highlighting the limited readily available P fraction. These findings emphasize the critical role of detailed P fractionation analysis in informing targeted nutrient management strategies to improve P availability, thereby supporting sustainable soil fertility and crop production, particularly barley under acidic soil conditions.
Girma et al. (2025) Phosphorus fractionation and distribution in Nitisols of the central Ethiopian highlands affects soil nutrient management strategies in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) production. PeerJ 13:e20410 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20410
Core muscle endurance and psychosocial factors affecting functional mobility in chronic low back pain: cross-sectional results
Background The functional limitations associated with chronic low back pain (CLBP) are substantial and are highly correlated with core muscle endurance and psychosocial factors. Core muscle endurance is known to affect physical performance, whereas pain catastrophizing and fear avoidance beliefs can contribute to disability. A comprehensive understanding of the interrelated impact of these factors is critical for developing effective rehabilitative strategies. The study aimed to (1) examine the correlation between core muscle endurance and functional mobility in CLBP subjects and (2) explore the influence of psychosocial factors, pain catastrophizing, and fear-avoidance beliefs on that correlation. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 136 adults; core muscle endurance was measured by plank, side-bridge, and back extensor tests. The timed up and go (TUG) and five times sit-to-stand test (5TSTS) were utilized to evaluate functional mobility. Pain intensity was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), and disability using the Oswestry disability index (ODI). Psychosocial factors were measured using the pain catastrophizing scale (PCS) and the fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire (FABQ). Results Core muscle endurance measures were moderately correlated with functional mobility outcomes (TUG: r = −0.42 to −0.50, p < 0.05; 5TSTS: r = − 0.35 to −0.43, p < 0.05). Hierarchical regression showed muscle endurance accounted for 32% of the variance in mobility, while adding psychosocial factors increased the adjusted R2 to 0.52 (p < 0.05). High-psychosocial-risk subgroups analyzed within the study had poorer mobility (TUG: 9.45 ± 1.32 vs. 7.89 ± 1.21 s; p = 0.001). Conclusion Psychosocial factors and endurance of the core muscles in CLBP can significantly predict functional mobility. Integrating physical and psychological rehabilitation strategies might improve mobility outcomes, bolster human dignity, and enhance quality of life.
Reddy et al. (2025) Core muscle endurance and psychosocial factors affecting functional mobility in chronic low back pain: cross-sectional results. PeerJ 13:e20372 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20372
Proprioception and muscle performance unchanged by in-home step training in multiple sclerosis: secondary outcomes analysis
Background The Interactive Step Training to Reduce Falls in People with Multiple Sclerosis (iFIMS) trial was a multi-centre, parallel-designed, randomised controlled trial testing an in-home, computerised exergame playing system (smart±step) in people with multiple sclerosis (Expanded Disability Status Scale 2–6). Objective This study was nested within the iFIMS trial to assess whether the smart±step system could improve secondary outcomes of ankle proprioception and plantarflexor muscle performance. Methods Tests of ankle proprioception and plantarflexor muscle performance were performed before and after 6 months of intervention with the smart±step system (intervention group; n = 33), or 6 months of usual care (control group; n = 33). Ankle proprioception outcomes included movement detection threshold and reaction time. Plantarflexor muscle performance outcomes included maximal voluntary torque, twitch torque from electrical stimulation, voluntary activation (level of neural drive), decrease in these parameters after a 2-min sustained isometric contraction, and time-to-recovery of these parameters. Results There were no differences between the intervention and control groups for all proprioception and muscle performance outcomes (95% CI of mean differences crossed 0), and no difference in time-to-recovery after the sustained contraction (95% CI of hazard ratios crossed 1). Conclusions The smart±step system did not improve proprioception or muscle performance over a 6-month intervention, compared to usual care, in people with multiple sclerosis. However, at-home interventions are cost effective and convenient, and the smart±step system could help maintain physical activity in an engaging way in this group.
Djajadikarta et al. (2025) Proprioception and muscle performance unchanged by in-home step training in multiple sclerosis: secondary outcomes analysis. PeerJ 13:e20354 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20354
Fish community structure and diversity in the Ningxia section of the main stream of the Yellow River in China
The Ningxia section of the Yellow River represents a critical habitat for freshwater fish biodiversity, yet its ecological integrity faces increasing threats from anthropogenic activities. To comprehensively assess the fish community structure, diversity, and its relationship with environmental factors in the Ningxia section of the Yellow River, we conducted seasonal surveys of fish resources and environmental conditions at 15 selected sites from July 2022 to September 2023. Our study employed quantitative analyses to evaluate fish community characteristics, spatiotemporal distribution patterns, and their interactions with environmental variables. A total of 42 fish species, belonging to 34 genera, 11 families, and six orders, were identified, with Cyprinidae being the dominant family (57.14%). Carnivorous species were the most abundant (22 species), followed by omnivorous (16 species) and herbivorous (four species) fish. The Relative Importance Index (IRI) identified Gobio huanghensis and Carassius auratus as the dominant species in this region. Biodiversity indices revealed a mean Margalef richness index of 3.066, Pielou evenness index of 0.5911, Shannon-Wiener diversity index of 1.791, and Simpson dominance index of 0.7083. The Abundance-Biomass Comparison (ABC) curve indicated moderate disturbances to fish communities in spring and autumn, while communities remained stable in summer and winter. Spatially, six sites (Nanchangtan, Shapotou, Jinshawan, Meijiawan, Linhe, and Taole) exhibited significant disturbances, while others showed moderate or stable conditions. The results of cluster analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDs) indicated no significant differences in fish community structure among the sampling sections in the Ningxia reach of the Yellow River. Redundancy analysis (RDA) identified water temperature and ammonia nitrogen as the primary environmental factors influencing fish community structure. Our findings highlight the combined impacts of human activities and environmental changes on fish communities in the Ningxia section of the Yellow River. These results provide a scientific basis for the conservation and sustainable management of fishery resources in this ecologically sensitive region.
Liu et al. (2025) Fish community structure and diversity in the Ningxia section of the main stream of the Yellow River in China. PeerJ 13:e20228 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20228
Fructose consumption and metabolic hypertension in rats: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Background Hypertension is a growing cardiovascular risk, increasingly linked to dietary changes. This meta-analysis examines the impact of dietary fructose on hypertension by evaluating the mean difference in systolic blood pressure (SBP) in rats, considering fructose intake levels (10–30% in solution; 60–75% in diet) and exposure duration (<8 weeks, 8 weeks and >8 weeks). Materials and Methods A comprehensive search across Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus and Ovid (MEDLINE, Embase, AMED) databases identified relevant reports published until December 2022. The meta-analysis, conducted using Review Manager 5.4 software, included a total of 24 studies, with quantitative data analysed through a random-effects model. Results Fructose treatment significantly raised SBP in rats by 31.05 mmHg (95% CI [24.36–37.74], P < 0.00001), with an I2 value of 100%, indicating high heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis showed SBP increases of 28.50 mmHg (95% CI [15.25–41.75]) for 10–30% w/v fructose solution and 33.80 mmHg (95% CI [28.27–39.33]) for 60–75% w/v fructose diet, reinforcing a strong link to hypertension and suggesting a dose-dependent effect. Additionally, analysis based on fructose administration duration confirmed a significant SBP increase, underscoring its impact. Conclusion Animal studies suggest that fructose intake may contribute to elevated SBP, potentially increasing the risk of hypertension. While trends were observed across various doses and exposure durations, not all findings reached statistical significance. These observations highlight the importance of further research into the long-term effects of fructose on human blood pressure and their relevance to dietary guidelines and public health policies.
VS et al. (2025) Fructose consumption and metabolic hypertension in rats: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PeerJ 13:e20097 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20097
High-fluorescent cells as a rapid screening tool for malignant effusions
Objective Elevated levels of high-fluorescent cells (HFCs) in serous effusions often suggest the presence of tumor cells. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of HFC detection in the differentiation between benign and malignant serous effusions using the Sysmex XN-10 automated hematology analyzer in body fluid mode (BF mode). Methods Serous effusion specimens, including 702 pleural effusions, 255 ascitic fluid samples and 21 pericardial effusions, were collected from 978 patients at the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University between June 2023 and June 2024. The absolute number (HFC#) and percentage (HFC%) of HFCs were detected using the Sysmex XN-10 automated hematology analyzer. Meanwhile, levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and other biomarkers in serous effusions were measured. The diagnostic performance for malignant effusions was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results The HFC#, HFC% and CEA levels in the malignant effusion group were significantly higher than those in the benign effusion group (all P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that HFC#, HFC%, CEA, and LDH were independently associated with malignant effusion. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that CEA had the best diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.817), followed by HFC% (AUC = 0.727) and HFC# (AUC = 0.703). The diagnostic performance of HFC in combination with CEA is significantly better than that of CEA alone. For malignant effusions associated with lung cancer, the diagnostic performance of CEA was better than HFC and cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA21-1), but there was no significant difference between HFC and CYFRA21-1. Conclusion HFC demonstrates high diagnostic value in identifying malignant serous effusions, especially when used in combination with CEA. As a rapid laboratory parameter based on cellular nucleic acid characteristics, HFC can serve as a useful auxiliary tool for screening malignant effusions.
Ding et al. (2025) High-fluorescent cells as a rapid screening tool for malignant effusions. PeerJ 13:e20528 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20528
The clinical significance of gut microbiota of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with functional abdominal bloating and distension
Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease with high morbidity and mortality. Functional abdominal bloating/distension (FABD), a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent sensations of abdominal fullness and/or visible abdominal distension without identifiable organic causes. FABD mainly impairs gastrointestinal functions—particularly intestinal transit and gas handling—rather than pulmonary function. This study characterized fecal microbiota in COPD patients with FABD to identify precision medicine biomarkers. Methods Fecal samples from 20 COPD & FABD, 20 COPD, and 10 healthy controls (HC) were analyzed via metagenomic analysis. Gut microbiota diversity/composition were compared, and immune parameters (serum IgG, CD4+/CD8+ T cells) were assessed. Results COPD/COPD & FABD patients showed significantly higher fecal microbiota α-diversity (COPD vs. HC: Chao1, P = 0.12; ACE, P = 0.14; Shannon, P = 0.0016; Simpson, P = 0.0013; COPD & FABD vs. HC: Chao1, P = 0.031; ACE, P = 0.031; Shannon, P = 0.00032; Simpson, P = 0.0005) vs. HC. β-Diversity analyses (PCA/PCoA) revealed distinct clustering between patients and HC (PCA, P = 0.014; PCoA, P = 0.013), but no separation between COPD and COPD & FABD (P > 0.05). Linear discriminant analysis (LEfSe) identified 50 discriminative biomarkers: 41 enriched in HC (Bacteroides uniformis), five in COPD & FABD (Bacilli, Enterococcus faecium), and four in COPD (Streptococcus parasanguinis). Notably, Enterococcus faecium was highly abundant in patients (22.04–26.92%) but absent in HC, suggesting a potential association with the COPD-FABD condition. Random forest models showed moderate diagnostic accuracy for all microbes (AUC = 0.632) and strong performance for fungal biomarkers (Clostridium fessum, Clostridioides difficile; AUC = 0.856). Conclusion Gut microbiota signatures, particularly Enterococcus faecium and fungal taxa, may serve as non-invasive biomarkers for COPD progression and FABD diagnosis, warranting clinical validation.
Lu et al. (2025) The clinical significance of gut microbiota of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with functional abdominal bloating and distension. PeerJ 13:e20526 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20526
Simpler predictive models provide higher accuracy for ovarian cancer detection
Ovarian cancer remains a danger to women’s health, and accurate screening tests would likely increase survival. Two established protein biomarkers, CA125 and HE4, have been shown to work well in isolation, but achieve even higher accuracy when combined using logistic regression (LR). This LR-based combination of protein concentrations achieves high accuracy when distinguishing healthy samples from cancer samples (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.99). The dataset we use was obtained from a previous publication that described DELFI-Pro, an LR model combining features derived from cell-free DNA (cfDNA) with the two proteins’ concentrations. We show that many of DELFI-Pro’s cfDNA features are affected by confounding technical variation within training data, which impacts the previously reported results. A minority of the training data’s cancer samples (42 of 94) have chromosomal copy number values that are markedly different from the other samples used to evaluate the DELFI-Pro screening model. After removing those 42 samples from the training data, we find that DELFI-Pro does not outperform CA125 or CA125+HE4 protein-only screening classifiers even in cross validation, including a two-protein model published alongside the DELFI-Pro model. We conclude that DELFI-Pro does not adequately justify the inclusion of its cfDNA features. Our results are in line with the principle that simpler machine learning models will tend to exhibit better generalizability on new data.
Wood et al. (2025) Simpler predictive models provide higher accuracy for ovarian cancer detection. PeerJ 13:e20525 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20525
Perception of King Khalid University students regarding the benefits, barriers, self-efficacy, knowledge, and practices related to healthy eating: a cross-sectional study
Background Maintaining healthy eating habits is crucial for promoting better nutritional status, especially among university students who face challenges. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the perceptions of King Khalid University students regarding the benefits and barriers to healthy eating, their self-efficacy, nutritional knowledge, and dietary practices. Methods This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design. A total of 385 students participated by completing a pretested, self-administered questionnaire consisting of 87 items. Results Findings revealed a high perception of the benefits of healthy eating (Mean = 4.23, SD = 0.83). However, participants reported significant perceived barriers (Mean = 3.12, SD = 1.19), particularly the high cost of healthy foods (Mean = 3.89, SD = 1.15). Self-efficacy in adopting healthy eating was moderate (Mean = 3.25, SD = 1.21). Knowledge of the health benefits of fruits and vegetables was high, whereas awareness of whole grains and flaxseeds was limited. Regression analysis indicated that perceived barriers (B = –0.181, p < 0.001), self-efficacy (B = 0.078, p = 0.003), and knowledge of food healthiness (B = 0.125, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of healthy food practices. Conclusion Although students had positive perceptions, barriers and knowledge gaps persisted. Interventions should focus on reducing barriers, enhancing self-efficacy, and improving nutrition literacy to promote healthier behaviors among university students.
Alhazmi et al. (2025) Perception of King Khalid University students regarding the benefits, barriers, self-efficacy, knowledge, and practices related to healthy eating: a cross-sectional study. PeerJ 13:e20523 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20523