PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: The bee bread of honey bees is characterized by a core microbiota despite the application of miticide treatments and variation across space and time
items: Assessment of healing dynamics in dental extraction sockets among non-diabetic, prediabetic, and type 2 diabetic patients: a comparative clinical investigation
items: Hybrid contour and geometric partitioning for accurate plantar foot region segmentation
items: DHCR7: from sterol biosynthesis to oncogenic role in colorectal cancer
items: Unveiling the clinical profiles of critically ill COVID-19 patients: insights from Ezhou during the early spread
items: Selection and preliminary evaluation of superior individual plant in Camellia oleifera
items: Effectiveness of multi-component exercise in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
items: Effects of foliar applied asparagine, glycine and citric acid on cadmium uptake and yield in wheat
items: El Niño-driven phase shift to algal dominance on Isla del Caño’s coral reefs: implications for urgent restoration
items: Outcomes and safety of colonoscopy in elderly patients aged 80 years and older: a retrospective cohort study

The bee bread of honey bees is characterized by a core microbiota despite the application of miticide treatments and variation across space and time
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Bee bread is composed of a mixture of pollen and nectar used as the main source of proteins and lipids for the development of bee larvae. Despite its important role in honey bee food preservation, relatively little is known about the composition of bee bread microbiota and the potential impact of beekeeping management of hives on these microbial systems. Methods Here, we evaluated whether (1) the bee bread of honey bees is characterized by a core microbiota and (2) miticide applications (formic acid and amitraz) affect the diversity and composition of the bee bread microbiota. We collected a total of 36 samples from six sites across two distinct geographic locations and sequenced the bee bread bacterial communities before and after miticide applications. Results Our results revealed a conserved bee bread core microbiota comprised of 15 taxa belonging to the phyla Proteobacteria (11 taxa), Firmicutes (two taxa), Actinobacteriota (one taxon), and Bacteroidota (one taxon). In addition, we found weak evidence of miticide treatments impacting the diversity of the bee bread microbiota, with a general trend of a decrease in the diversity of non-core taxa following the application of organic miticides. Conclusion Taken together, our results demonstrate that the bee bread of honey bees is characterized by a core microbiota despite variations associated with geographic location, sampling period, and miticide applications.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Brooke L. Lawrence
creator: Gordon F. Custer
creator: Robyn M. Underwood
creator: Robert R. Dunn
creator: Francisco Dini-Andreote
creator: Margarita M. López-Uribe
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Ecology
subject: Entomology
subject: Microbiology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20366
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Lawrence et al.
abstract: Background Bee bread is composed of a mixture of pollen and nectar used as the main source of proteins and lipids for the development of bee larvae. Despite its important role in honey bee food preservation, relatively little is known about the composition of bee bread microbiota and the potential impact of beekeeping management of hives on these microbial systems. Methods Here, we evaluated whether (1) the bee bread of honey bees is characterized by a core microbiota and (2) miticide applications (formic acid and amitraz) affect the diversity and composition of the bee bread microbiota. We collected a total of 36 samples from six sites across two distinct geographic locations and sequenced the bee bread bacterial communities before and after miticide applications. Results Our results revealed a conserved bee bread core microbiota comprised of 15 taxa belonging to the phyla Proteobacteria (11 taxa), Firmicutes (two taxa), Actinobacteriota (one taxon), and Bacteroidota (one taxon). In addition, we found weak evidence of miticide treatments impacting the diversity of the bee bread microbiota, with a general trend of a decrease in the diversity of non-core taxa following the application of organic miticides. Conclusion Taken together, our results demonstrate that the bee bread of honey bees is characterized by a core microbiota despite variations associated with geographic location, sampling period, and miticide applications.
bibliographic citation: Lawrence et al. (2025) The bee bread of honey bees is characterized by a core microbiota despite the application of miticide treatments and variation across space and time. PeerJ 13:e20366 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20366
date submitted: 2024-11-14
date accepted: 2025-10-17
issued: 2025-11-20
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Lawrence
  given name: Brooke L.
author list: Agent
  family name: Custer
  given name: Gordon F.
author list: Agent
  family name: Underwood
  given name: Robyn M.
author list: Agent
  family name: Dunn
  given name: Robert R.
author list: Agent
  family name: Dini-Andreote
  given name: Francisco
author list: Agent
  family name: López-Uribe
  given name: Margarita M.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20366
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-11-20
copyright: © 2025 Lawrence et al.
attribution name: Lawrence et al.

Assessment of healing dynamics in dental extraction sockets among non-diabetic, prediabetic, and type 2 diabetic patients: a comparative clinical investigation
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycaemia, affecting various metabolic processes and leading to multiple complications, particularly in wound healing. This study aims to evaluate the impact of diabetes on the healing of extraction sockets in non-diabetic, prediabetic, and type 2 diabetic patients in Saudi Arabia. Methodology A prospective observational study was conducted with 72 participants who were divided equally (n = 24 for each group) into three groups, viz. non-diabetic, prediabetic, and diabetic groups based on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and random blood glucose levels. Tooth extractions were performed by an experienced maxillofacial surgeon. Healing outcomes were assessed by measuring extraction socket size, post-operative pain, discharge, swelling, infection, erythema, dry socket occurrence, and analgesic consumption over one week. Initially descriptive statistics were calculated and one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test was done to compare the reduction in socket size between groups. The level of statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results Out of 275 screened participants, 104 provided informed consent, and 72 completed the study. Significant differences were found in socket size reduction, with non-diabetic patients showing a 62.5% reduction, prediabetic 56.4%, and diabetic 48.6% (p < 0.001). Diabetic patients experienced more post-operative pain (p = 0.039) and a higher incidence of complications such as swelling, infection, and discharge, although not statistically significant (p = 0.141). Conclusion Diabetes significantly affects post-operative healing in dental extractions, leading to less socket size reduction, higher pain levels, and increased complications. These findings underscore the necessity for specialized post-operative care for diabetic patients, including stringent infection control and pain management strategies. Further research with larger sample sizes and ext…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Mohammed Saad Alqarni
subject: Dentistry
subject: Diabetes and Endocrinology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20361
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Alqarni
abstract: Background Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycaemia, affecting various metabolic processes and leading to multiple complications, particularly in wound healing. This study aims to evaluate the impact of diabetes on the healing of extraction sockets in non-diabetic, prediabetic, and type 2 diabetic patients in Saudi Arabia. Methodology A prospective observational study was conducted with 72 participants who were divided equally (n = 24 for each group) into three groups, viz. non-diabetic, prediabetic, and diabetic groups based on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and random blood glucose levels. Tooth extractions were performed by an experienced maxillofacial surgeon. Healing outcomes were assessed by measuring extraction socket size, post-operative pain, discharge, swelling, infection, erythema, dry socket occurrence, and analgesic consumption over one week. Initially descriptive statistics were calculated and one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test was done to compare the reduction in socket size between groups. The level of statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results Out of 275 screened participants, 104 provided informed consent, and 72 completed the study. Significant differences were found in socket size reduction, with non-diabetic patients showing a 62.5% reduction, prediabetic 56.4%, and diabetic 48.6% (p < 0.001). Diabetic patients experienced more post-operative pain (p = 0.039) and a higher incidence of complications such as swelling, infection, and discharge, although not statistically significant (p = 0.141). Conclusion Diabetes significantly affects post-operative healing in dental extractions, leading to less socket size reduction, higher pain levels, and increased complications. These findings underscore the necessity for specialized post-operative care for diabetic patients, including stringent infection control and pain management strategies. Further research with larger sample sizes and ext…
bibliographic citation: Alqarni (2025) Assessment of healing dynamics in dental extraction sockets among non-diabetic, prediabetic, and type 2 diabetic patients: a comparative clinical investigation. PeerJ 13:e20361 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20361
date submitted: 2025-02-21
date accepted: 2025-10-17
issued: 2025-11-20
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Alqarni
  given name: Mohammed Saad
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20361
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-11-20
copyright: ©2025 Alqarni
attribution name: Alqarni

Hybrid contour and geometric partitioning for accurate plantar foot region segmentation
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Precise segmentation of plantar foot regions is crucial for analyzing foot structure and pressure distribution, aiding in the diagnosis of pathologies and enabling preventive interventions. However, conventional segmentation approaches often struggle to accurately delineate key anatomical regions and detect their boundaries, particularly in the presence of foot abnormalities. Methods We created a dataset of plantar pressure images and proposed a hybrid algorithm that integrates edge contour detection techniques with dynamic geometric partitioning to address persistent challenges in plantar region segmentation. Our method first determines the lengths of the left and right feet using precise contour detection, then partitions the plantar surface into primary anatomical regions (forefoot, midfoot, and heel) based on standardized geometric proportions. Additionally, the methodology allows for finer subdivisions (e.g., inner/outer forefoot) that adapt to the unique morphology of each foot. This algorithm accommodates five foot types, including normal, low arch, high arch, inward heel tilt, and outward heel tilt. Results A comparative evaluation of three edge detection methods revealed that the Canny algorithm, when combined with geometric partitioning, yielded superior performance. On a dataset of 200 plantar pressure footprints encompassing both normal and abnormal feet, this hybrid approach achieved Intersection over Union (IoU) and mean Average Precision (mAP) scores exceeding 0.90 across all segmented regions (forefoot, midfoot, and heel). Furthermore, the results indicate that the proposed hybrid algorithm performs comparably across both normal and abnormal foot types, with no significant differences observed. Conclusions Our synergistic integration of contour detection and geometric partitioning yields an efficient technique for segmenting plantar regions from static plantar pressure images. Validation on a diverse dataset shows that the proposed approac…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Shumei Zhang
creator: Xi Liang
creator: Minmin Wu
creator: Weiming Gu
subject: Computational Biology
subject: Data Science
subject: Biomechanics
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20352
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Zhang et al.
abstract: Background Precise segmentation of plantar foot regions is crucial for analyzing foot structure and pressure distribution, aiding in the diagnosis of pathologies and enabling preventive interventions. However, conventional segmentation approaches often struggle to accurately delineate key anatomical regions and detect their boundaries, particularly in the presence of foot abnormalities. Methods We created a dataset of plantar pressure images and proposed a hybrid algorithm that integrates edge contour detection techniques with dynamic geometric partitioning to address persistent challenges in plantar region segmentation. Our method first determines the lengths of the left and right feet using precise contour detection, then partitions the plantar surface into primary anatomical regions (forefoot, midfoot, and heel) based on standardized geometric proportions. Additionally, the methodology allows for finer subdivisions (e.g., inner/outer forefoot) that adapt to the unique morphology of each foot. This algorithm accommodates five foot types, including normal, low arch, high arch, inward heel tilt, and outward heel tilt. Results A comparative evaluation of three edge detection methods revealed that the Canny algorithm, when combined with geometric partitioning, yielded superior performance. On a dataset of 200 plantar pressure footprints encompassing both normal and abnormal feet, this hybrid approach achieved Intersection over Union (IoU) and mean Average Precision (mAP) scores exceeding 0.90 across all segmented regions (forefoot, midfoot, and heel). Furthermore, the results indicate that the proposed hybrid algorithm performs comparably across both normal and abnormal foot types, with no significant differences observed. Conclusions Our synergistic integration of contour detection and geometric partitioning yields an efficient technique for segmenting plantar regions from static plantar pressure images. Validation on a diverse dataset shows that the proposed approac…
bibliographic citation: Zhang et al. (2025) Hybrid contour and geometric partitioning for accurate plantar foot region segmentation. PeerJ 13:e20352 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20352
date submitted: 2025-02-19
date accepted: 2025-10-16
issued: 2025-11-20
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Shumei
author list: Agent
  family name: Liang
  given name: Xi
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Minmin
author list: Agent
  family name: Gu
  given name: Weiming
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20352
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-11-20
copyright: ©2025 Zhang et al.
attribution name: Zhang et al.

DHCR7: from sterol biosynthesis to oncogenic role in colorectal cancer
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Objective 7-Dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7) is an enzyme that plays a crucial regulatory role in sterol biosynthesis and has been implicated in tumorigenesis and progression. This study aims to elucidate the biological function of DHCR7 in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods By integrating multi-omics data (including public genomic databases and mass spectrometry data from clinical samples) and establishing in vivo and in vitro experimental systems (encompassing animal models and CRC cell lines with gene overexpression and knockdown), we systematically investigated the functional role of DHCR7 in CRC. A multimodal research strategy combining bioinformatics analysis with molecular biology experiments (Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR), western blotting, immunohistochemistry, etc.), proteomics analysis (liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry), and cellular functional assays (proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion) was employed. Results Elevated levels of sterols were observed in CRC tumor tissues, and high cholesterol levels were found to promote the malignant phenotype of tumor cells. Mass spectrometry revealed that DHCR7 was significantly upregulated in CRC tissues and correlated with poor clinical prognosis. DHCR7 could modulate the cholesterol levels in CRC cells; overexpression of this gene enhanced cell proliferation, inhibited apoptosis, and promoted invasion and migration. Conversely, inhibition of DHCR7 expression abrogated these pro-tumorigenic effects, which was consistent with the inactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and confirmed by pathway reactivation experiments. DHCR7 deficiency significantly reduced tumorigenicity in vivo. Conclusion DHCR7 regulates the progression of CRC both in vitro and in vivo through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling axis and affects the cholesterol levels in CRC.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Chuan Zhou
creator: Jia Wang
creator: Han He
creator: Chao Wang
creator: YunFeng Zhang
creator: Wenbo Zhang
creator: Bin Wei
creator: Mingxu Da
creator: Minghui Pang
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Oncology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20323
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Zhou et al.
abstract: Objective 7-Dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7) is an enzyme that plays a crucial regulatory role in sterol biosynthesis and has been implicated in tumorigenesis and progression. This study aims to elucidate the biological function of DHCR7 in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods By integrating multi-omics data (including public genomic databases and mass spectrometry data from clinical samples) and establishing in vivo and in vitro experimental systems (encompassing animal models and CRC cell lines with gene overexpression and knockdown), we systematically investigated the functional role of DHCR7 in CRC. A multimodal research strategy combining bioinformatics analysis with molecular biology experiments (Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR), western blotting, immunohistochemistry, etc.), proteomics analysis (liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry), and cellular functional assays (proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion) was employed. Results Elevated levels of sterols were observed in CRC tumor tissues, and high cholesterol levels were found to promote the malignant phenotype of tumor cells. Mass spectrometry revealed that DHCR7 was significantly upregulated in CRC tissues and correlated with poor clinical prognosis. DHCR7 could modulate the cholesterol levels in CRC cells; overexpression of this gene enhanced cell proliferation, inhibited apoptosis, and promoted invasion and migration. Conversely, inhibition of DHCR7 expression abrogated these pro-tumorigenic effects, which was consistent with the inactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and confirmed by pathway reactivation experiments. DHCR7 deficiency significantly reduced tumorigenicity in vivo. Conclusion DHCR7 regulates the progression of CRC both in vitro and in vivo through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling axis and affects the cholesterol levels in CRC.
bibliographic citation: Zhou et al. (2025) DHCR7: from sterol biosynthesis to oncogenic role in colorectal cancer. PeerJ 13:e20323 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20323
date submitted: 2024-12-18
date accepted: 2025-10-10
issued: 2025-11-20
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Chuan
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Jia
author list: Agent
  family name: He
  given name: Han
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Chao
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: YunFeng
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Wenbo
author list: Agent
  family name: Wei
  given name: Bin
author list: Agent
  family name: Da
  given name: Mingxu
author list: Agent
  family name: Pang
  given name: Minghui
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20323
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-11-20
copyright: © 2025 Zhou et al.
attribution name: Zhou et al.

Unveiling the clinical profiles of critically ill COVID-19 patients: insights from Ezhou during the early spread
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) started in December 2019 in Wuhan. This article evaluated clinical characteristics, and imaging manifestations in Ezhou, an early locked-down city, 80 kilometers east of Wuhan. We analyzed data from 98 confirmed severe COVID-19 patients in Ezhou Central Hospital between February 1st and March 22nd, 2020. We compared patients’ laboratory results, imaging manifestations, and treatments between survival and death groups. Of these 98 confirmed COVID-19 patients, 24 individuals (24.6%) had chronic diseases. The main symptoms of critically ill patients were fever (86.7%), cough (83.7%), and dyspnea (59.1%). Common complications were acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS; 49%), acute kidney injury (37.7%), and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS; 32.6%). Computed tomography (CT) scans displayed ground-glass opacity at subpleural regions that were associated with interlobular septal thickening. Within 28 days, 39 (39.8%) patients died. Compared to survivors, the death group had a higher median age (69.8 vs. 61.3, p < 0.05), and were more prone to ARDS (100% vs. 15.2%) and MODS (76% vs. 3.4%). Our report showed that in the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak, there was a high mortality rate in critically ill patients. Elderly patients (>65 years) normally have an increased risk of complications and ARDS. Most non-survivors were highly dependent upon mechanical ventilation. CT scans with imaging manifestations showed abnormal conditions in the lower multiple bilateral lung lobes, which provides a useful characterization of this fatal disease by recognizing COVID-19 pneumonia and assessing its evolution for the target for intervention of the patient recovery.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Guohui Yang
creator: Zewen Liu
creator: Tabitha Abraham
creator: Linwei Li
creator: Tingyang Zhou
creator: Qing Zhang
creator: Li Zuo
subject: Immunology
subject: Infectious Diseases
subject: Pathology
subject: COVID-19
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20318
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Yang et al.
abstract: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) started in December 2019 in Wuhan. This article evaluated clinical characteristics, and imaging manifestations in Ezhou, an early locked-down city, 80 kilometers east of Wuhan. We analyzed data from 98 confirmed severe COVID-19 patients in Ezhou Central Hospital between February 1st and March 22nd, 2020. We compared patients’ laboratory results, imaging manifestations, and treatments between survival and death groups. Of these 98 confirmed COVID-19 patients, 24 individuals (24.6%) had chronic diseases. The main symptoms of critically ill patients were fever (86.7%), cough (83.7%), and dyspnea (59.1%). Common complications were acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS; 49%), acute kidney injury (37.7%), and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS; 32.6%). Computed tomography (CT) scans displayed ground-glass opacity at subpleural regions that were associated with interlobular septal thickening. Within 28 days, 39 (39.8%) patients died. Compared to survivors, the death group had a higher median age (69.8 vs. 61.3, p < 0.05), and were more prone to ARDS (100% vs. 15.2%) and MODS (76% vs. 3.4%). Our report showed that in the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak, there was a high mortality rate in critically ill patients. Elderly patients (>65 years) normally have an increased risk of complications and ARDS. Most non-survivors were highly dependent upon mechanical ventilation. CT scans with imaging manifestations showed abnormal conditions in the lower multiple bilateral lung lobes, which provides a useful characterization of this fatal disease by recognizing COVID-19 pneumonia and assessing its evolution for the target for intervention of the patient recovery.
bibliographic citation: Yang et al. (2025) Unveiling the clinical profiles of critically ill COVID-19 patients: insights from Ezhou during the early spread. PeerJ 13:e20318 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20318
date submitted: 2024-08-16
date accepted: 2025-10-09
issued: 2025-11-20
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Guohui
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Zewen
author list: Agent
  family name: Abraham
  given name: Tabitha
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Linwei
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Tingyang
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Qing
author list: Agent
  family name: Zuo
  given name: Li
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20318
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-11-20
copyright: ©2025 Yang et al.
attribution name: Yang et al.

Selection and preliminary evaluation of superior individual plant in Camellia oleifera
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Camellia oleifera exhibits significant economic and ecological value as a woody oil crop. However, widespread low-yield stands persist due to suboptimal agricultural management and historical neglect of scientific cultivation practices. This study conducted a systematic characterization of 25 elite C. oleifera germplasms with high fruit set but phenotypic variability in fruit morphology and yield components. Multi-dimensional assessments were performed at late-stage fruit development, focusing on architecture traits (height, canopy area), fruit morphological parameters (size, weight, pericarp thickness), and key economic indices including yield potential and oil content. Multivariate analysis revealed H2 as the top-performing genotype, demonstrating superior performance across all evaluated traits. Genotypes H16, H5 and H6 ranked second tier but require optimized agronomic practices to maximize yield potential. Hierarchical cluster analysis based on 17 quantitative traits classified the elite trees into five distinct phenotypic groups. These findings provide a scientific framework for genotype selection in low-yield forest restoration programs. The identified superior trees offer potential for regional production enhancement, while the established trait correlation inform targeted breeding strategies.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Wenpei Song
creator: Siqi Huang
creator: Fang Li
creator: Panfeng Tu
creator: Yongquan Li
creator: Bipei Zhang
creator: Yi Wang
creator: Jinghan Dou
creator: Caiqin Li
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20283
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Song et al.
abstract: Camellia oleifera exhibits significant economic and ecological value as a woody oil crop. However, widespread low-yield stands persist due to suboptimal agricultural management and historical neglect of scientific cultivation practices. This study conducted a systematic characterization of 25 elite C. oleifera germplasms with high fruit set but phenotypic variability in fruit morphology and yield components. Multi-dimensional assessments were performed at late-stage fruit development, focusing on architecture traits (height, canopy area), fruit morphological parameters (size, weight, pericarp thickness), and key economic indices including yield potential and oil content. Multivariate analysis revealed H2 as the top-performing genotype, demonstrating superior performance across all evaluated traits. Genotypes H16, H5 and H6 ranked second tier but require optimized agronomic practices to maximize yield potential. Hierarchical cluster analysis based on 17 quantitative traits classified the elite trees into five distinct phenotypic groups. These findings provide a scientific framework for genotype selection in low-yield forest restoration programs. The identified superior trees offer potential for regional production enhancement, while the established trait correlation inform targeted breeding strategies.
bibliographic citation: Song et al. (2025) Selection and preliminary evaluation of superior individual plant in Camellia oleifera. PeerJ 13:e20283 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20283
date submitted: 2025-04-26
date accepted: 2025-10-01
issued: 2025-11-20
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Song
  given name: Wenpei
author list: Agent
  family name: Huang
  given name: Siqi
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Fang
author list: Agent
  family name: Tu
  given name: Panfeng
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Yongquan
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Bipei
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Yi
author list: Agent
  family name: Dou
  given name: Jinghan
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Caiqin
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20283
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-11-20
copyright: ©2025 Song et al.
attribution name: Song et al.

Effectiveness of multi-component exercise in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Objective This meta-analysis aimed to explore the effects of multi-component exercise interventions on glycemic and lipid metabolism, physical fitness, and cognitive function in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods From inception to December 28, 2024, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Elsevier databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating multi-component exercise interventions for T2DM. A total of 37 articles, comprising 3,201 participants, were included. Primary and secondary outcome measures were categorized, summarized, and analyzed using RevMan 5.4 software. Results Compared to control groups, multi-component exercise interventions produced statistically significant improvements across all measured outcomes in individuals with T2DM: (1) Glycemic control: HbA1c (standard mean difference (SMD) = −0.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) [−0.76 to −0.28]); fasting blood glucose (SMD = −0.53, 95% CI [−0.93 to −0.12]). (2) Lipid metabolism: high density lipoprotein (HDL) (SMD = 0.32, 95% CI [0.21–0.44]); low density lipoprotein (LDL) (SMD = −0.21, 95% CI [−0.33 to −0.09]); triglycerides (SMD = −0.18, 95% CI [−0.30 to −0.06]). (3) Physical fitness: upper limb strength (SMD = 0.67, 95% CI [0.51–0.83]); lower limb strength (SMD = 0.56, 95% CI [0.10–1.02]); peak oxygen consumption (SMD = 0.62, 95% CI [0.31–0.93]); body mass index (BMI) (SMD = −0.38, 95% CI [−0.67 to −0.09]). (4) Cognitive function: overall cognitive performance (SMD = 0.34, 95% CI [0.18–0.50]). (5) Quality of life: vitality (SMD = 0.37, 95% CI [0.09–0.64]); physical functioning (SMD = 0.48, 95% CI [0.20–0.75]); mental health (SMD = 0.35, 95% CI [0.07–0.63]); general health (SMD = 0.34, 95% CI [0.06–0.61]). Quality assessment indicated that the included studies were of high overall quality. Egger’s regression analysis did not reveal significant publication bias. Conclusions Multi-component exercise interventions significantly improved glyce…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Zhiyuan Sun
creator: Haiqing Zeng
creator: Hualei Liu
creator: Mengqi Hu
creator: Xuewen Tian
creator: Dewei Mao
creator: Rui Zhang
subject: Diabetes and Endocrinology
subject: Evidence Based Medicine
subject: Sports Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20146
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Sun et al.
abstract: Objective This meta-analysis aimed to explore the effects of multi-component exercise interventions on glycemic and lipid metabolism, physical fitness, and cognitive function in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods From inception to December 28, 2024, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Elsevier databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating multi-component exercise interventions for T2DM. A total of 37 articles, comprising 3,201 participants, were included. Primary and secondary outcome measures were categorized, summarized, and analyzed using RevMan 5.4 software. Results Compared to control groups, multi-component exercise interventions produced statistically significant improvements across all measured outcomes in individuals with T2DM: (1) Glycemic control: HbA1c (standard mean difference (SMD) = −0.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) [−0.76 to −0.28]); fasting blood glucose (SMD = −0.53, 95% CI [−0.93 to −0.12]). (2) Lipid metabolism: high density lipoprotein (HDL) (SMD = 0.32, 95% CI [0.21–0.44]); low density lipoprotein (LDL) (SMD = −0.21, 95% CI [−0.33 to −0.09]); triglycerides (SMD = −0.18, 95% CI [−0.30 to −0.06]). (3) Physical fitness: upper limb strength (SMD = 0.67, 95% CI [0.51–0.83]); lower limb strength (SMD = 0.56, 95% CI [0.10–1.02]); peak oxygen consumption (SMD = 0.62, 95% CI [0.31–0.93]); body mass index (BMI) (SMD = −0.38, 95% CI [−0.67 to −0.09]). (4) Cognitive function: overall cognitive performance (SMD = 0.34, 95% CI [0.18–0.50]). (5) Quality of life: vitality (SMD = 0.37, 95% CI [0.09–0.64]); physical functioning (SMD = 0.48, 95% CI [0.20–0.75]); mental health (SMD = 0.35, 95% CI [0.07–0.63]); general health (SMD = 0.34, 95% CI [0.06–0.61]). Quality assessment indicated that the included studies were of high overall quality. Egger’s regression analysis did not reveal significant publication bias. Conclusions Multi-component exercise interventions significantly improved glyce…
bibliographic citation: Sun et al. (2025) Effectiveness of multi-component exercise in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PeerJ 13:e20146 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20146
date submitted: 2025-05-02
date accepted: 2025-09-05
issued: 2025-11-20
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Sun
  given name: Zhiyuan
author list: Agent
  family name: Zeng
  given name: Haiqing
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Hualei
author list: Agent
  family name: Hu
  given name: Mengqi
author list: Agent
  family name: Tian
  given name: Xuewen
author list: Agent
  family name: Mao
  given name: Dewei
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Rui
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20146
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-11-20
copyright: © 2025 Sun et al.
attribution name: Sun et al.

Effects of foliar applied asparagine, glycine and citric acid on cadmium uptake and yield in wheat
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Cadmium (Cd) contamination is an important heavy metal that threatens agricultural production and food safety. This study investigates the potential of foliar applications of asparagine (Asn), glycine (Gly) and citric acid (CA) to reduce Cd uptake and improve the nutrient balance of wheat (Triticum durum L.). A pot experiment was conducted under controlled conditions with three different Cd concentrations (0, 3 and 12 mg Cd kg−1 soil). The mixture containing 0.5 mMg Gly, Asn, and CA was applied to the leaves a total of five times at 5-day intervals during the tillering, stem elongation, heading and flowering periods of wheat, starting 39 days after planting. The analysis showed that the application of Asn reduced the Cd concentration in the grains by 14.82%, 31.08% and 16.66%, respectively, while the application of Gly resulted in a reduction of 37.78%, 16.41% and 12.79% and the application of CA resulted in a reduction of 34.78%, 36.25% and −1.60% compared to the control (C0) group. In addition, grain yield increased in response to the amino acid applications, with Asn improving yield by 6.10%, 9.95% and 5.90%; glycine by 3.86%, 7.59% and 9.34%; CA by −2.64%, 6.16% and 3.44%, respectively. These amino acid treatments alleviated the growth limitations caused by Cd stress by increasing the grain yield of wheat. However, the effect of CA on Cd detoxification was lower compared to the amino acids. The results show that Asn and Gly not only reduce Cd accumulation in wheat but also improve nutrient balance and increase yield. Consequently, foliar application of these amino acids is a promising strategy to improve plant safety in Cd-contaminated agricultural soils.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Özlem Ete Aydemir
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Plant Science
subject: Soil Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20102
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Ete Aydemir
abstract: Cadmium (Cd) contamination is an important heavy metal that threatens agricultural production and food safety. This study investigates the potential of foliar applications of asparagine (Asn), glycine (Gly) and citric acid (CA) to reduce Cd uptake and improve the nutrient balance of wheat (Triticum durum L.). A pot experiment was conducted under controlled conditions with three different Cd concentrations (0, 3 and 12 mg Cd kg−1 soil). The mixture containing 0.5 mMg Gly, Asn, and CA was applied to the leaves a total of five times at 5-day intervals during the tillering, stem elongation, heading and flowering periods of wheat, starting 39 days after planting. The analysis showed that the application of Asn reduced the Cd concentration in the grains by 14.82%, 31.08% and 16.66%, respectively, while the application of Gly resulted in a reduction of 37.78%, 16.41% and 12.79% and the application of CA resulted in a reduction of 34.78%, 36.25% and −1.60% compared to the control (C0) group. In addition, grain yield increased in response to the amino acid applications, with Asn improving yield by 6.10%, 9.95% and 5.90%; glycine by 3.86%, 7.59% and 9.34%; CA by −2.64%, 6.16% and 3.44%, respectively. These amino acid treatments alleviated the growth limitations caused by Cd stress by increasing the grain yield of wheat. However, the effect of CA on Cd detoxification was lower compared to the amino acids. The results show that Asn and Gly not only reduce Cd accumulation in wheat but also improve nutrient balance and increase yield. Consequently, foliar application of these amino acids is a promising strategy to improve plant safety in Cd-contaminated agricultural soils.
bibliographic citation: Ete Aydemir (2025) Effects of foliar applied asparagine, glycine and citric acid on cadmium uptake and yield in wheat. PeerJ 13:e20102 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20102
date submitted: 2025-05-15
date accepted: 2025-08-27
issued: 2025-11-20
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Ete Aydemir
  given name: Özlem
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20102
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-11-20
copyright: ©2025 Ete Aydemir
attribution name: Ete Aydemir

El Niño-driven phase shift to algal dominance on Isla del Caño’s coral reefs: implications for urgent restoration
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The 2023–24 El Niño event caused extreme marine heat stress and widespread coral bleaching. Coral reefs at the Reserva Biológica Isla del Caño and the northern coast of the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica, underpin critical ecosystem services, including biodiversity conservation and marine tourism, and have previously withstood similar events with minimal coral loss. Evaluating the ecological impacts of the 2023–24 El Niño is essential to assess coral reef resilience and guide future management. Methods Coral Reef Watch sea surface temperature (SST) data (1985–2025; CoralTemp V3.1) were used to calculate long-term SST trends and degree heating weeks (DHW). Reef surveys were conducted at nine sites between 2019 and 2025, with primary benthic composition and coral health data collected in 2024–25. Benthic cover was assessed using point-intercept, line-intercept, and quadrat methods, while coral diversity, abundance, and health were measured via belt transects. Beta regression was used to assess the effect of temperature on coral cover, and multivariate analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA) and similarity percentage analysis (SIMPER), evaluated benthic community changes and bleaching patterns. An Ecological Recovery Feasibility Index (ERFI) was developed using PCA loadings and benthic indicators to rank sites by recovery potential. Results SST increased significantly over the past 40 years (∼0.23 °C/decade), with the 2023–24 El Niño recording peak SST (31.2 °C). Bleaching threshold exceedance days increased, while cool days declined. Twelve coral taxa were recorded; Pocillopora spp. and Porites lobata were present at all sites. Coral diversity varied, with Cueva and Ancla highest, and San Josecito lowest. Estimated baseline bleaching prevalence was ∼23%, highest in Pocillopora spp. (33.9%). SIMPER and PCA revealed a shift from coral to algal dominance: turf algae increased by 70.62%, dead coral declined 80.71%, and coral cover fell 40.44%. Major c…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Caroline V. Palmer
creator: Shanttal Valeria Rodríguez Esquivel
creator: Christopher M. Parker
subject: Ecology
subject: Marine Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20088
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Palmer et al.
abstract: Background The 2023–24 El Niño event caused extreme marine heat stress and widespread coral bleaching. Coral reefs at the Reserva Biológica Isla del Caño and the northern coast of the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica, underpin critical ecosystem services, including biodiversity conservation and marine tourism, and have previously withstood similar events with minimal coral loss. Evaluating the ecological impacts of the 2023–24 El Niño is essential to assess coral reef resilience and guide future management. Methods Coral Reef Watch sea surface temperature (SST) data (1985–2025; CoralTemp V3.1) were used to calculate long-term SST trends and degree heating weeks (DHW). Reef surveys were conducted at nine sites between 2019 and 2025, with primary benthic composition and coral health data collected in 2024–25. Benthic cover was assessed using point-intercept, line-intercept, and quadrat methods, while coral diversity, abundance, and health were measured via belt transects. Beta regression was used to assess the effect of temperature on coral cover, and multivariate analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA) and similarity percentage analysis (SIMPER), evaluated benthic community changes and bleaching patterns. An Ecological Recovery Feasibility Index (ERFI) was developed using PCA loadings and benthic indicators to rank sites by recovery potential. Results SST increased significantly over the past 40 years (∼0.23 °C/decade), with the 2023–24 El Niño recording peak SST (31.2 °C). Bleaching threshold exceedance days increased, while cool days declined. Twelve coral taxa were recorded; Pocillopora spp. and Porites lobata were present at all sites. Coral diversity varied, with Cueva and Ancla highest, and San Josecito lowest. Estimated baseline bleaching prevalence was ∼23%, highest in Pocillopora spp. (33.9%). SIMPER and PCA revealed a shift from coral to algal dominance: turf algae increased by 70.62%, dead coral declined 80.71%, and coral cover fell 40.44%. Major c…
bibliographic citation: Palmer et al. (2025) El Niño-driven phase shift to algal dominance on Isla del Caño’s coral reefs: implications for urgent restoration. PeerJ 13:e20088 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20088
date submitted: 2025-04-14
date accepted: 2025-08-26
issued: 2025-11-20
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Palmer
  given name: Caroline V.
author list: Agent
  family name: Rodríguez Esquivel
  given name: Shanttal Valeria
author list: Agent
  family name: Parker
  given name: Christopher M.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20088
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-11-20
copyright: ©2025 Palmer et al.
attribution name: Palmer et al.

Outcomes and safety of colonoscopy in elderly patients aged 80 years and older: a retrospective cohort study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The incidence of colorectal tumors increases with age. Colonoscopy is crucial for early detection, yet performing it on patients aged 80 and older poses challenges due to their complex health conditions. Methods This retrospective study included 447 elderly patients aged 80 years and older who underwent colorectal examinations at Peking University International Hospital from November 2015 to June 2024. Data on demographics, comorbidities, smoking and drinking history, and colonoscopy indications were collected. Risk factors for non-colorectal malignant tumors, colorectal malignant tumors, and colorectal advanced-stage tumors were compared. All patients received standard bowel preparation, and procedures were conducted by experienced endoscopists. Results A total of 364 patients (81.4%) completed the procedure successfully. The main reasons for failure were inadequate intestinal preparation and intestinal stenosis. A total of 37 (8.3%) had no significant abnormalities, 315 (70.5%) were diagnosed with colorectal polyps, and 110 (24.6%) had malignant tumors. The complication rate was 0.67%. Univariate analysis showed that patients with colorectal malignant tumors were older (P = 0.000) and had a higher prevalence of alcohol consumption history (P = 0.014). For advanced tumors, patients were also older (P = 0.000). Discussion Age is a significant risk factor for colorectal malignancies and advanced tumors. Although colonoscopy in elderly patients has acceptable safety, they face challenges in bowel preparation and examination techniques. The incidence of polyps and malignant tumors in this population is high. However, the study has limitations, such as its retrospective nature and reliance on incomplete electronic medical records. Conclusion Colonoscopy is effective and safe for elderly patients aged 80 and older. It is essential for detecting colorectal malignancies and polyps. Age-related risk factors highlight the importance of this procedure in this high-…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Yiming Ding
creator: Xiangchun Lin
subject: Gastroenterology and Hepatology
subject: Geriatrics
subject: Internal Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20404
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Ding and Lin
abstract: Background The incidence of colorectal tumors increases with age. Colonoscopy is crucial for early detection, yet performing it on patients aged 80 and older poses challenges due to their complex health conditions. Methods This retrospective study included 447 elderly patients aged 80 years and older who underwent colorectal examinations at Peking University International Hospital from November 2015 to June 2024. Data on demographics, comorbidities, smoking and drinking history, and colonoscopy indications were collected. Risk factors for non-colorectal malignant tumors, colorectal malignant tumors, and colorectal advanced-stage tumors were compared. All patients received standard bowel preparation, and procedures were conducted by experienced endoscopists. Results A total of 364 patients (81.4%) completed the procedure successfully. The main reasons for failure were inadequate intestinal preparation and intestinal stenosis. A total of 37 (8.3%) had no significant abnormalities, 315 (70.5%) were diagnosed with colorectal polyps, and 110 (24.6%) had malignant tumors. The complication rate was 0.67%. Univariate analysis showed that patients with colorectal malignant tumors were older (P = 0.000) and had a higher prevalence of alcohol consumption history (P = 0.014). For advanced tumors, patients were also older (P = 0.000). Discussion Age is a significant risk factor for colorectal malignancies and advanced tumors. Although colonoscopy in elderly patients has acceptable safety, they face challenges in bowel preparation and examination techniques. The incidence of polyps and malignant tumors in this population is high. However, the study has limitations, such as its retrospective nature and reliance on incomplete electronic medical records. Conclusion Colonoscopy is effective and safe for elderly patients aged 80 and older. It is essential for detecting colorectal malignancies and polyps. Age-related risk factors highlight the importance of this procedure in this high-…
bibliographic citation: Ding et al. (2025) Outcomes and safety of colonoscopy in elderly patients aged 80 years and older: a retrospective cohort study. PeerJ 13:e20404 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20404
date submitted: 2025-02-26
date accepted: 2025-10-27
issued: 2025-11-19
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Ding
  given name: Yiming
author list: Agent
  family name: Lin
  given name: Xiangchun
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20404
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-11-19
copyright: © 2025 Ding and Lin
attribution name: Ding and Lin

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