Coral reefs in the Mahafaly Seascape (SW Madagascar) as potential climate refugia following the 2024 mass bleaching event
The southwesternmost coast of Madagascar, including the Mahafaly seascape, is home to some of the country’s most ecologically and culturally important coral reefs, which remain largely understudied. These ecosystems are facing growing pressure from a panel of disturbances, with climate-induced events such as marine heatwaves being among of the causes of coral bleaching. The decline of these reefs can directly threaten the livelihoods of the local communities, who depend heavily on the resources they provide. In this context, understanding how different disturbances impact coral reef condition and recovery is critical for developing effective management strategies and conservation for this vulnerable region. This study investigates coral bleaching dynamics in the Mahafaly seascape during and after the fourth mass coral bleaching event in 2024. Six reef locations within locally managed marine areas were surveyed, comprising a total of 11 stations, with 20 one-square-meter quadrats randomly deployed at each station during each sampling period. Average hard coral densities of 18.3 and 19.3 colonies m−2 were recorded during and after the event, respectively. Bleaching prevalence peaked during the event, affecting 38.8% of coral colonies, with a marked decrease to 6.0% afterward. However, coral mortality remained relatively low across the entire seascape, with a slight post-bleaching increase in dead colonies (+3.5%). Northern sites experienced the highest thermal stress, with Beheloke and Besambay reefs being the most susceptible to bleaching, whereas Ambola exhibited remarkable resilience. In the south, Ambohibola showed low vulnerability, Lembehitake moderate susceptibility, and Itampolo the highest bleaching prevalence despite lower thermal stress. Taxa-specific patterns were also evident, with thermally sensitive branching genera being most affected, contrasting with the relative tolerance of massive and encrusting corals. The heterogeneous coral bleaching patterns observed across the seascape emphasize the importance of site- and taxa-specific monitoring to prioritize management actions where reef resilience is highest or degradation most severe. Despite bleaching severity, the results suggest that coral assemblages in the seascape have a strong capacity to recover following the event. The Mahafaly seascape reefs could serve as vital refugia in the face of climate change, underscoring the need for ongoing conservation efforts.
Randrianarivo et al. (2025) Coral reefs in the Mahafaly Seascape (SW Madagascar) as potential climate refugia following the 2024 mass bleaching event. PeerJ 13:e20319 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20319
Feasibility of a pulsed multiphase contrast media injection protocol in head and neck computed tomography angiography: a systematic retrospective study
Background This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and value of a pulsed multiphase contrast media injection protocol in head and neck computed tomographic angiography (CTA). Information and Methodology A total of 522 patients who underwent head and neck CTA at the Second Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University between March 1, 2022, and March 31, 2024, were reviewed. After excluding 174 patients, 348 were included in the analysis. All scans were performed using a GE Revolution computed tomography (CT) scanner (256-row detector). In the conventional group (n = 179), patients received 60 mL of contrast agent followed by 40 mL of saline. In the pulse group (n = 169), patients received an initial 35 mL of contrast agent, followed by alternating injections of five mL contrast agent and five mL saline across four additional stages, and concluded with 40 mL of saline. Images were post-processed using a GE workstation with curved planar reformation (CPR), maximum intensity projection (MIP), and volume rendering (VR). CT values, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were measured for target arteries and veins. Subjective image quality was assessed using a five-point scale. Results There were no significant differences in CT values, CNR, or SNR between the conventional and pulse groups. However, the pulse group showed significantly lower CT values in the subclavian vein (SCV) and superior vena cava (SVC) compared to the conventional group (P < 0.001). Both groups achieved image quality scores of three or higher, but a statistically significant difference in subjective image quality was observed (P < 0.001). Inter-rater agreement was moderate in the conventional group (Kappa = 0.573) and substantial in the pulse group (Kappa = 0.684). Radiation dose analysis revealed a significant reduction in the pulse group (P < 0.001), with mean dose-length product (DLP) and effective dose (ED) reduced by 67.58 mGy cm and 0.16 mSv, respectively. Conclusion The pulsed multiphase contrast agent injection protocol improves image quality by reducing venous contrast residue while simultaneously lowering radiation exposure and contrast agent usage.
Yang et al. (2025) Feasibility of a pulsed multiphase contrast media injection protocol in head and neck computed tomography angiography: a systematic retrospective study. PeerJ 13:e20216 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20216
Microgreens: nutritional properties, health benefits, production techniques, and food safety risks
“Microgreens” is a hypothetical name given to a new class of edible plants that have become popular in recent years. Microgreens are plants that are larger than sprouts and smaller than baby greens, with an average height of 2–8 cm. They have some advantages, such as the microgreens are better than mature greens in terms of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phenolic compounds and the dense and digestible nutrient profile they contain. Microgreens appeal to vegan and vegetarian individuals and simple cultivation in a home environment. Industrial cultivation techniques are being developed under different environmental conditions to ensure that microgreens have a superior nutritional profile. Also, the current health benefits of microgreens are noteworthy. On the other hand, they may pose some food safety risks, especially due to cross-contamination which has created the need to establish suitable decontamination methods for microgreens. Microgreens have become a great topic of interest in the last 10 years, and studies in areas such as nutritional properties and health benefits, production techniques and food safety risks are increasing in the existing literature. This creates the need to bring together existing knowledge about microgreens. Therefore, the aim of this study is to conduct a very detailed literature review about microgreens.
Kaya et al. (2025) Microgreens: nutritional properties, health benefits, production techniques, and food safety risks. PeerJ 13:e17938 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17938
Elemental pollution and risk assessment of soils and Gundelia tournefortii in a multi-sector industrial zone with a history of agricultural use
The study provides new insights into elemental enrichments in soil and Gundelia tournefortii (GT) parts in a complex land use region where intensive agricultural activities were carried out in the past and 343 industrial facilities from various sectors have been operating for the last 32 years. The levels of crustal elements (aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), potassium (K), sodium (Na), titanium (T)), heavy metals (cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn)), sulfer (S) and phosphorus (P) were determined in the sample matrices, their possible sources and the health risks associated with their human consumption were investigated. Significant enrichments in Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn were observed in the soils, with the exceptionally high Pb enrichment (EF: 81.34) being noteworthy. The soil pollution index values (PI:2.06–6.82) confirm significant anthropogenic contamination. Bioconcentration factors (BCF) for Cu, K, Na, Mg, P and S were found to be >1 in all roots and stems, Zn showed high accumulation in all roots and most stems, while Cd, Cr, Pb and Mn accumulated in a more limited number of samples. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the elements found in the geochemical composition of the region and those representing agricultural chemicals used throughout the long agricultural history overlap and form clusters that cannot be fully separated, while the analysis of the datasets from GT parts yielded similar results. However, the effects of industrial emissions and solid fuel use were clearly evident in the GT root and stem samples. High Nemerow Compound Pollution Index values (NCPIs) indicated contamination in plant parts. Estimated daily intake (EDI) values for Cu and Mn exceeded the tolerable upper intake level (TUIL) for children in many root and stem samples, while EDI values for Cr, Fe, and Zn also exceeded the limit value in several samples. Risk assessments for non-carcinogenic effects showed that numerous samples surpassed the safety limit for children as a result of elevated levels of Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, Fe and Mn. Estimates for carcinogenic risk (CR) suggested that Cd and Cr in the majority of samples, along with Ni in some samples, could pose a lifetime cancer risk for children. The results reveal that geogenic influences, as well as pressures from past agricultural production and current industrial and fossil fuel-related pressures, are evident on the region’s soils and GT crops. The accumulation of toxic elements in edible plant parts poses a risk to food security, necessitating detailed risk assessments. The findings provide a scientific basis for land-use planning and agricultural management, emphasizing the importance of effective emissions monitoring, agricultural production in areas away from polluting sources, and implementing stricter land-use policies for protecting the environment and public health.
Environmental Contamination and Remediation
Özuysal et al. (2025) Elemental pollution and risk assessment of soils and Gundelia tournefortii in a multi-sector industrial zone with a history of agricultural use. PeerJ 13:e20374 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20374
Bioinformatics-based identification of RAS disequilibrium involved in post-hemorrhagic shock mesenteric lymph return-mediated acute kidney injury in mice
Post-hemorrhagic shock mesenteric lymph (PHSML) return plays a critical role in the development of acute kidney injury (AKI). However, the molecular mechanism underlying PHSML-mediated AKI remains unclear. In this study, bioinformatics analysis identified key common targets of hemorrhagic shock and AKI, revealing significant enrichment in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). To further investigate the role of RAS in PHSML-mediated AKI, we established mesenteric lymph duct ligation (MLDL) technology in mice and confirmed that MLDL alleviated hemorrhagic shock-induced AKI. Subsequently, male C57BL/6 mice subjected to hemorrhagic shock were treated with the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor enalapril, angiotensin (1-7) (Ang (1-7)), and angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 receptor (AT1R) inhibitor losartan. Additionally, mice with hemorrhage and MLDL were treated with Ang II, the Mas receptor (MasR) inhibitor A-779, or subjected to Ace2 knockout. Renal histomorphology, expression of ACE, ACE2, AT1R, and MasR, and levels of Ang II and Ang (1-7) were assessed 4 h after resuscitation. The results demonstrated that hemorrhagic shock upregulated ACE and AT1R, while downregulating ACE2 and MasR, accompanied by elevated Ang II and reduced Ang (1-7). These adverse effects were partially reversed by MLDL, enalapril, Ang-(1-7), or losartan. Conversely, the beneficial role of MLDL was abolished by Ace2 deficiency and the administration of Ang II and A-779. Collectively, these findings indicate that disequilibrium between the ACE-AngII-AT1R and ACE2-Ang (1-7)-MasR axes is implicated in PHSML-mediated AKI.
Jin et al. (2025) Bioinformatics-based identification of RAS disequilibrium involved in post-hemorrhagic shock mesenteric lymph return-mediated acute kidney injury in mice. PeerJ 13:e20359 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20359
Interaction of soil pH, organic matter, exchangeable acidity, and cation exchange capacity in a managed tea farm
Background The Yangai tea farm was established in 1952, with a long history of cultivating tea plants. The tea plant can activate Al3+ of the soil and affect soil physicochemical properties. Understanding soil physicochemical properties is crucial for studying soil fertility, nutrient retention, and long-term agricultural sustainability. Therefore, we investigated the distribution characteristics of soil pH, exchangeable acid, soil organic matter (SOM), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) in the surface soil and soil profile to assess their interaction in the managed tea garden. Methods We collected surface soil and soil profile samples from the managed tea garden and three land-use types (i.e., managed tea garden, unmanaged tea garden, and Pinus massoniana forest), respectively. We measure soil pH value with a laboratory pH meter. We measured the SOM, soil exchangeable acid, and CEC content, respectively, with potassium dichromate heating, potassium chloride leaching, and spectrophotometric methods. Results The average soil pH value, exchangeable Al3+ content, and exchangeable H+ content were 4.50 (ranging from 3.95 to 5.88), 6.11 (0.04 to 9.32) cmol kg−1, and 0.30 (0.03 to 0.62) cmol kg−1, respectively. The surface soil acidification is severe, and the exchangeable acids in the tea garden were mainly exchangeable Al3+. The surface soil of the Yangai tea farm had a high ability to keep and supply fertilizer due to its enriching SOM content (average 55.94g kg−1) and soil CEC (24.06 cmol(+) kg−1). Surface soil exchangeable acid and CEC contents were higher after spring tea picking than before spring tea picking in the Yangai tea farm, while their SOM content was just the opposite. Therefore, it was recommended to supplement organic fertilizers after tea-picking because the surface SOM of the Yangai tea farm would decompose and be consumed more during the spring, summer, and autumn tea-picking periods than in winter. In addition, the SOM contents and soil pH values decreased and then increased with the increasing soil depth of the soil profile in three land-use types. The soil acidification rate of the managed tea garden was faster than that of the unmanaged tea garden and Pinus massoniana forest, and the difference in the acidification rate between the unmanaged tea garden and Pinus massoniana forest was slight. Therefore, there should be attention to preventing excessive soil acidification in the later tea garden management.
Song et al. (2025) Interaction of soil pH, organic matter, exchangeable acidity, and cation exchange capacity in a managed tea farm. PeerJ 13:e20341 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20341
Positive rates of total and specific immunoglobulin E in 7,824 adult patients with suspected allergic diseases in Liaoning Province, China: a retrospective study
Background The escalating prevalence of allergic diseases poses a significant global health challenge. However, estimates of allergic disease prevalence in Liaoning Province, China, remain lacking. This study aimed to investigate total immunoglobulin E (tIgE) and specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) levels in 7,824 patients with suspected allergic diseases and to identify factors associated with allergic conditions. Methods A total of 7,824 participants (3,180 males and 4,644 females) with a mean age of 53.63 years were included. tIgE and sIgE levels were measured using standard laboratory methods. The normal reference range for tIgE was stratified by age group, and sIgE results were categorized as positive or negative based on predefined thresholds. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0. Results The overall tIgE positivity rate was 39.26%, with males showing a significantly higher rate (46.67%) than females (34.19%) (χ2 = 123.118, p < 0.001). The highest tIgE positivity was observed in the 18–44 age group (44.11%) and during the summer season (43.95%). No significant differences were found in sIgE positivity rates for inhaled and food allergens between sexes or seasons. Conclusions Male sex, younger and older age groups, and the summer season were identified as significant predictors of allergic diseases based on tIgE levels. These findings underscore the importance of sex and seasonal variations in allergic disease prevalence and highlight the need for targeted prevention and management strategies.
Sun et al. (2025) Positive rates of total and specific immunoglobulin E in 7,824 adult patients with suspected allergic diseases in Liaoning Province, China: a retrospective study. PeerJ 13:e20394 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20394
Leaf-branch-root trait relationships in Quercus rehderiana across rocky and non-rocky desertification habitats in China
Background Plant leaves, branches, and roots synergistically govern survival, growth, and reproduction. However, while interspecific and community-level studies have advanced our understanding of organ coordination, intraspecific trait covariation remains poorly understood due to limited evidence. Methodology This study investigated 28 functional traits across leaves, branches, and roots of Quercus rehderiana, a dominant species in rocky and non-rocky desertification forests, to evaluate intraspecific organ relationships. The traits, covering morphological, anatomical, and physiological aspects, reflect resource acquisition and utilization strategies. Standardized protocols were followed, with three replicates per individual for reliability. Results Our results revealed no significant correlations among leaf, branch, and root traits in either forest type. Principal component analysis (PCA) of leaf traits indicated that the first axis was positively associated with water storage and utilization strategies, showing positive correlations with leaf thickness (LT), palisade mesophyll thickness (PT), and spongy mesophyll thickness (ST). The second axis exhibited a positive relationship with leaf nitrogen concentration (LNC) and leaf phosphorus concentration (LPC). For branch traits, the first axis reflected water transport efficiency, demonstrating positive associations with theoretical hydraulic conductivity (Kt) and vessel density (VD). The second axis was positively correlated with branch N concentration (BNC) and branch phosphorus concentration (BPC). In root traits, the first axis aligned with root defense traits (positive correlation) but was inversely related to resource acquisition efficiency. The second axis showed a positive correlation with root N concentration (RNC) and root phosphorus concentration (RPC). Conclusions Organ-specific trait decoupling in Quercus rehderiana reveals independent above- and belowground adaptations to water and nutrient limitations, challenging whole-plant economic spectrum assumptions. While consistent in rocky desertification forests, they differ from other ecosystems, highlighting context-dependence. Future research should expand across environmental gradients to disentangle trait relationships. This work highlights multidimensional approaches in functional ecology for understanding plant adaptation.
Bai et al. (2025) Leaf-branch-root trait relationships in Quercus rehderiana across rocky and non-rocky desertification habitats in China. PeerJ 13:e20367 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20367
Patients with lower BMI are more likely to experience shoulder pain after single port laparoscopic myomectomy
Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of shoulder pain after single port transumbilical laparoscopic myomectomy and analyze patient and operative specific factors associated with post-laparoscopy shoulder pain (PLSP). This information can inform preoperative risk assessment and intervention. Method This is a prospective cohort study. Two hundred and twenty patients undergoing elected single-port laparoscopic myomectomy under general anaesthesia were divided into two groups according to whether they had shoulder pain after surgery. Patient demographic data and duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss volume, intraoperative carbon dioxide (CO2) usage volume, the usage of an abdominal drainage tube or not, the usage of patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) or not were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. Data were compared using Student’s t-test or chi-square test. Risk factors were analyzed using logistic regression. Results The incidence of shoulder pain was 43.18%. The body mass index (BMI) of the shoulder pain group was significantly lower than that of the non-shoulder pain group (OR = 0.629, p < 0.05). Patients with BMI < 21.64 are more likely to experience postoperative shoulder pain. The use rate of abdominal drainage tubes was higher in the non-shoulder pain group (OR = 0.509, p < 0.05). Conclusion PLSP is more likely to occur in patients with lower BMI (<21.64), and placing an abdominal drainage tube can reduce the occurrence of shoulder pain.
Chen et al. (2025) Patients with lower BMI are more likely to experience shoulder pain after single port laparoscopic myomectomy. PeerJ 13:e20362 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20362
Effects of virtual reality intervention dosage on gait performance in Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Objective Gait impairment is a prevalent and disabling feature of Parkinson’s disease (PD) that is often insufficiently improved by conventional rehabilitation approaches. Virtual reality (VR)-based training has emerged as a novel therapeutic strategy; however, the overall efficacy of VR interventions on gait outcomes in PD remains inconclusive. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to (1) quantify the effects of VR-based rehabilitation on gait performance in individuals with PD, and (2) investigate whether treatment outcomes are moderated by intervention dosage parameters-such as training frequency, session duration, and total intervention period-as well as patient-related factors like disease duration and age. Methods Seven databases (Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Wanfang Data, VIP, and CNKI) were searched from inception to December 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating VR training for gait in PD were independently screened by two reviewers. Study quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Meta-analyses were conducted with RevMan 5.4.1, and publication bias was examined using Stata 17.0. Effect sizes were calculated using standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. The certainty of evidence was graded using the GRADE approach. Results A total of 13 RCTs, involving 541 patients with Parkinson’s disease, met the inclusion criteria. VR-based interventions demonstrated significant effects in improving composite gait function (SMD = 0.56; 95% CI [0.36–0.77]; P < 0.00001), indicating a moderate and clinically meaningful benefit. Gait function was evaluated using a range of clinical scales and spatiotemporal parameters, encompassing multiple dimensions such as dynamic stability, walking efficiency, and functional mobility. Subgroup analyses revealed greater improvements among patients with disease duration ≤8 years (SMD = 0.65), shorter intervention periods (≤4 weeks, SMD = 0.86), and shorter session durations (≤30 minutes, SMD = 0.83). The intervention effects were generally consistent across different age groups (SMD = 0.48–0.74). The average PEDro score was 6.77, indicating moderate to high methodological quality, although allocation concealment and blinding were frequently absent. No significant publication bias was detected, and the overall certainty of evidence was rated as high. Conclusion VR-based training yields statistically robust and clinically relevant improvements in gait among individuals with PD. These benefits are moderated by disease stage and intervention parameters, supporting the integration of VR into personalized, early-phase rehabilitation strategies.
Yu et al. (2025) Effects of virtual reality intervention dosage on gait performance in Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PeerJ 13:e20320 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20320