PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Coral reefs in the Mahafaly Seascape (SW Madagascar) as potential climate refugia following the 2024 mass bleaching event
items: Feasibility of a pulsed multiphase contrast media injection protocol in head and neck computed tomography angiography: a systematic retrospective study
items: Microgreens: nutritional properties, health benefits, production techniques, and food safety risks
items: Elemental pollution and risk assessment of soils and Gundelia tournefortii in a multi-sector industrial zone with a history of agricultural use
items: Bioinformatics-based identification of RAS disequilibrium involved in post-hemorrhagic shock mesenteric lymph return-mediated acute kidney injury in mice
items: Interaction of soil pH, organic matter, exchangeable acidity, and cation exchange capacity in a managed tea farm
items: Positive rates of total and specific immunoglobulin E in 7,824 adult patients with suspected allergic diseases in Liaoning Province, China: a retrospective study
items: Leaf-branch-root trait relationships in Quercus rehderiana across rocky and non-rocky desertification habitats in China
items: Patients with lower BMI are more likely to experience shoulder pain after single port laparoscopic myomectomy
items: Effects of virtual reality intervention dosage on gait performance in Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Coral reefs in the Mahafaly Seascape (SW Madagascar) as potential climate refugia following the 2024 mass bleaching event
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: 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 o…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Mahery Randrianarivo
creator: Solotahiana Rakotomanga
creator: Fanja Razafindramasy
creator: Danny Kornelio Ravelojaona
creator: Tahiry Ranaivoson
creator: Domoina Rakotomalala
creator: Rémi Ratsimbazafy
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Ecology
subject: Marine Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20319
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Randrianarivo et al.
abstract: 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 o…
bibliographic citation: 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
date submitted: 2025-03-18
date accepted: 2025-10-09
issued: 2025-11-25
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Randrianarivo
  given name: Mahery
author list: Agent
  family name: Rakotomanga
  given name: Solotahiana
author list: Agent
  family name: Razafindramasy
  given name: Fanja
author list: Agent
  family name: Ravelojaona
  given name: Danny Kornelio
author list: Agent
  family name: Ranaivoson
  given name: Tahiry
author list: Agent
  family name: Rakotomalala
  given name: Domoina
author list: Agent
  family name: Ratsimbazafy
  given name: Rémi
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20319
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-11-25
copyright: ©2025 Randrianarivo et al.
attribution name: Randrianarivo et al.

Feasibility of a pulsed multiphase contrast media injection protocol in head and neck computed tomography angiography: a systematic retrospective study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: 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 pul…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Xinghao Yang
creator: Zheng Li
creator: Junyao Cai
creator: Lei Wu
creator: Jingyue Zhang
creator: Yihong Wu
creator: Hua Yao
creator: Shengkun Yuan
creator: Yantong Tao
creator: Kunrong Yu
creator: Shufeng Zhu
creator: Yuan Fang
creator: Dongxu Wang
subject: Radiology and Medical Imaging
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20216
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Yang et al.
abstract: 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 pul…
bibliographic citation: 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
date submitted: 2025-05-01
date accepted: 2025-09-19
issued: 2025-11-25
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Xinghao
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Zheng
author list: Agent
  family name: Cai
  given name: Junyao
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Lei
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Jingyue
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Yihong
author list: Agent
  family name: Yao
  given name: Hua
author list: Agent
  family name: Yuan
  given name: Shengkun
author list: Agent
  family name: Tao
  given name: Yantong
author list: Agent
  family name: Yu
  given name: Kunrong
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhu
  given name: Shufeng
author list: Agent
  family name: Fang
  given name: Yuan
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Dongxu
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20216
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-11-25
copyright: ©2025 Yang et al.
attribution name: Yang et al.

Microgreens: nutritional properties, health benefits, production techniques, and food safety risks
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: “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.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Seyda Kaya
creator: Hülya Yardımcı
subject: Food Science and Technology
subject: Global Health
subject: Nutrition
subject: Public Health
subject: Obesity
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17938
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Kaya and Yardımcı
abstract: “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.
bibliographic citation: 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
date submitted: 2023-08-25
date accepted: 2025-10-27
issued: 2025-11-25
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Kaya
  given name: Seyda
author list: Agent
  family name: Yardımcı
  given name: Hülya
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17938
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-11-25
copyright: ©2025 Kaya and Yardımcı
attribution name: Kaya and Yardımcı

Elemental pollution and risk assessment of soils and Gundelia tournefortii in a multi-sector industrial zone with a history of agricultural use
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: 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 sample…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Ayşenur Özuysal
creator: Fariborz Fadaeivash
creator: Görkem Akıncı
subject: Plant Science
subject: Soil Science
subject: Public Health
subject: Environmental Contamination and Remediation
subject: Environmental Impacts
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20374
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Özuysal et al.
abstract: 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 sample…
bibliographic citation: 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
date submitted: 2024-12-20
date accepted: 2025-10-20
issued: 2025-11-24
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Özuysal
  given name: Ayşenur
author list: Agent
  family name: Fadaeivash
  given name: Fariborz
author list: Agent
  family name: Akıncı
  given name: Görkem
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20374
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-11-24
copyright: ©2025 Özuysal et al.
attribution name: Özuysal et al.

Bioinformatics-based identification of RAS disequilibrium involved in post-hemorrhagic shock mesenteric lymph return-mediated acute kidney injury in mice
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: 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.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Yujie Jin
creator: Jing Wang
creator: Shaoxuan Wang
creator: Yuting Li
creator: Kun Su
creator: Niuniu Feng
creator: Huibo Du
creator: Limin Zhang
creator: Xiuhong Yang
creator: Chun-Yu Niu
creator: Zi-Gang Zhao
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Nephrology
subject: Urology
subject: Histology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20359
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Jin et al.
abstract: 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.
bibliographic citation: 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
date submitted: 2025-03-12
date accepted: 2025-10-16
issued: 2025-11-24
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
author list: Agent
  family name: Jin
  given name: Yujie
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Jing
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Shaoxuan
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Yuting
author list: Agent
  family name: Su
  given name: Kun
author list: Agent
  family name: Feng
  given name: Niuniu
author list: Agent
  family name: Du
  given name: Huibo
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Limin
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Xiuhong
author list: Agent
  family name: Niu
  given name: Chun-Yu
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhao
  given name: Zi-Gang
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20359
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-11-24
copyright: ©2025 Jin et al.
attribution name: Jin et al.

Interaction of soil pH, organic matter, exchangeable acidity, and cation exchange capacity in a managed tea farm
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: 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 dec…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Haijie Song
creator: Jing Shi
creator: Rou Wang
creator: Tao Jin
creator: Yishu Peng
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20341
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Song et al.
abstract: 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 dec…
bibliographic citation: 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
date submitted: 2024-12-20
date accepted: 2025-10-14
issued: 2025-11-24
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Song
  given name: Haijie
author list: Agent
  family name: Shi
  given name: Jing
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Rou
author list: Agent
  family name: Jin
  given name: Tao
author list: Agent
  family name: Peng
  given name: Yishu
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20341
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-11-24
copyright: ©2025 Song et al.
attribution name: Song et al.

Positive rates of total and specific immunoglobulin E in 7,824 adult patients with suspected allergic diseases in Liaoning Province, China: a retrospective study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: 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.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Zan Sun
creator: Long Shao
creator: Peng Cao
creator: Hanqi Zhang
creator: Meng Chen
creator: Jingfang Wang
creator: Lin Zhou
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Allergy and Clinical Immunology
subject: Immunology
subject: Public Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20394
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Sun et al.
abstract: 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.
bibliographic citation: 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
date submitted: 2025-04-18
date accepted: 2025-10-24
issued: 2025-11-21
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Sun
  given name: Zan
author list: Agent
  family name: Shao
  given name: Long
author list: Agent
  family name: Cao
  given name: Peng
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Hanqi
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Meng
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Jingfang
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Lin
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20394
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-11-21
copyright: ©2025 Sun et al.
attribution name: Sun et al.

Leaf-branch-root trait relationships in Quercus rehderiana across rocky and non-rocky desertification habitats in China
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: 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, …
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Xiaolong Bai
creator: Shun Zou
creator: Tu Feng
creator: Dongpeng Lv
creator: Bin He
creator: Wangjun Li
subject: Ecology
subject: Plant Science
subject: Forestry
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20367
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Bai et al.
abstract: 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, …
bibliographic citation: 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
date submitted: 2025-04-05
date accepted: 2025-10-18
issued: 2025-11-21
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Bai
  given name: Xiaolong
author list: Agent
  family name: Zou
  given name: Shun
author list: Agent
  family name: Feng
  given name: Tu
author list: Agent
  family name: Lv
  given name: Dongpeng
author list: Agent
  family name: He
  given name: Bin
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Wangjun
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20367
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-11-21
copyright: ©2025 Bai et al.
attribution name: Bai et al.

Patients with lower BMI are more likely to experience shoulder pain after single port laparoscopic myomectomy
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: 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.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Xiubin Chen
creator: Min Guo
creator: Zheng Pei
subject: Anesthesiology and Pain Management
subject: Gynecology and Obstetrics
subject: Women’s Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20362
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Chen et al.
abstract: 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.
bibliographic citation: 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
date submitted: 2025-05-08
date accepted: 2025-10-17
issued: 2025-11-21
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Xiubin
author list: Agent
  family name: Guo
  given name: Min
author list: Agent
  family name: Pei
  given name: Zheng
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20362
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-11-21
copyright: ©2025 Chen et al.
attribution name: Chen et al.

Effects of virtual reality intervention dosage on gait performance in Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: 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 durati…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Shanan Yu
creator: Yu Zhu
creator: Yanfei Yang
subject: Evidence Based Medicine
subject: Geriatrics
subject: Global Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20320
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Yu et al.
abstract: 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 durati…
bibliographic citation: 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
date submitted: 2025-04-28
date accepted: 2025-10-10
issued: 2025-11-21
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Yu
  given name: Shanan
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhu
  given name: Yu
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Yanfei
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20320
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-11-21
copyright: ©2025 Yu et al.
attribution name: Yu et al.

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