PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Endophytic fungi and their secondary metabolites in Qin medicine plants: a comprehensive review of diversity, function, and application
items: A highly diverse Pennsylvanian tetrapod ichnoassemblage from the Semily Formation (Krkonoše Piedmont Basin, Czechia)
items: Abundance in secret: a review of the genus Leptobrachium (Anura, Megophryidae) in India, with descriptions of two new species
items: Fungal-specific IgG responses in allergic conjunctivitis: comparison with IgE and immunological implications
items: Effect of acute exercise on the dynamics of testosterone levels: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
items: Characterizing core muscle morphometry in postpartum women with pelvic girdle pain and asymptomatic subjects: a comparative cross-sectional study
items: Non-targeted metabolomic profiling of Cremastra appendiculata providing insights for phytochemical analyses
items: Analysis of clinical parameters of different types of α-thalassemia children in Hainan region, China
items: Species diversity patterns in Tagetes minuta-invaded plant communities along an elevational gradient in Southeastern Xizang
items: Spatial and temporal patterns of vegetation carbon sources/sinks and driving factors in southeastern Xizang from 2000 to 2020

Endophytic fungi and their secondary metabolites in Qin medicine plants: a comprehensive review of diversity, function, and application
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Qin medicine represents the premier local traditional Chinese medicinal herbs in Shaanxi province (China) and its neighboring areas. Endophytic fungi, an essential element of the internal ecosystem of medicinal plants, have attracted considerable attention for their roles in enhancing plant resistance to pests and diseases, increasing the concentration of bioactive compounds, and stimulating plant growth and development. This paper presents the first comprehensive review of endophytic fungi in Qin medicinal plants, summarizing their diversity, effects on plant growth and medicinal quality, as well as novelty and bioactivity of their secondary metabolites. It also highlights their potential applications in promoting plant growth. Furthermore, this study explores the current opportunities and challenges in the research of endophytic fungi within Qin medicinal plants, with the objective of offering a unique perspective for the advancement and development of Qin medicinal plants.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Bo-Yang Chen
creator: Tong Li
creator: Wen-Pu Shi
creator: Juan-Juan Yang
creator: Yang Bai
creator: Qi-Meng Xue
creator: Chen-Li Jiao
creator: Pei-Feng Wei
creator: Liang-Liang Chen
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Bioengineering
subject: Pharmacology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20487
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2026 Chen et al.
abstract: Qin medicine represents the premier local traditional Chinese medicinal herbs in Shaanxi province (China) and its neighboring areas. Endophytic fungi, an essential element of the internal ecosystem of medicinal plants, have attracted considerable attention for their roles in enhancing plant resistance to pests and diseases, increasing the concentration of bioactive compounds, and stimulating plant growth and development. This paper presents the first comprehensive review of endophytic fungi in Qin medicinal plants, summarizing their diversity, effects on plant growth and medicinal quality, as well as novelty and bioactivity of their secondary metabolites. It also highlights their potential applications in promoting plant growth. Furthermore, this study explores the current opportunities and challenges in the research of endophytic fungi within Qin medicinal plants, with the objective of offering a unique perspective for the advancement and development of Qin medicinal plants.
bibliographic citation: Chen et al. (2026) Endophytic fungi and their secondary metabolites in Qin medicine plants: a comprehensive review of diversity, function, and application. PeerJ 14:e20487 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20487
date submitted: 2025-08-07
date accepted: 2025-11-06
issued: 2026-01-09
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Bo-Yang
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Tong
author list: Agent
  family name: Shi
  given name: Wen-Pu
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Juan-Juan
author list: Agent
  family name: Bai
  given name: Yang
author list: Agent
  family name: Xue
  given name: Qi-Meng
author list: Agent
  family name: Jiao
  given name: Chen-Li
author list: Agent
  family name: Wei
  given name: Pei-Feng
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Liang-Liang
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20487
volume: 14
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2026-01-09
copyright: ©2026 Chen et al.
attribution name: Chen et al.

A highly diverse Pennsylvanian tetrapod ichnoassemblage from the Semily Formation (Krkonoše Piedmont Basin, Czechia)
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The Krkonoše Piedmont Basin (KPB) is one of the Late Paleozoic continental basins in Bohemia, Czechia, comprising a sedimentary sequence from the Late Pennsylvanian to the early Cisuralian. The Pennsylvanian in the KPB consists of alluvial-fluvial to lacustrine deposits with a relatively rich fossil record, comprising mainly ray-finned fishes, freshwater sharks, and invertebrates. Although no skeletal remains of terrestrial vertebrates have been discovered in the Late Pennsylvanian deposits of the KPB, recent studies of tetrapod footprints provide the first direct evidence of pre-Permian terrestrial tetrapod diversity within this basin. A diverse ichnofossil assemblage is represented by six ichnogenera, Amphisauropus, Batrachichnus, Dimetropus, Dromopus, Ichniotherium and Limnopus, including five known ichnospecies, Amphisauropus kablikae, Batrachichnus salamandroides, Dromopus lacertoides, Ichniotherium cottae, and Limnopus heterodactylus, and two unknown ichnospecies, Dimetropus isp. and Limnopus isp. This tetrapod ichnoassemblage is among the most diverse in the Pennsylvanian. Moreover, the Amphisauropus tracks from the KPB represent the first undisputed occurrence of this ichnotaxon in the Gzhelian. Furthermore, the Ichniotherium cottae tracks described here complement the still rare Pennsylvanian occurrences of this ichnospecies in the European part of Pangaea. The ichnofauna studied herein is associated with alluvial-plain to lacustrine nearshore deposits, highlighting the ecological importance of the lacustrine environment and its adjacent areas for the presence of terrestrial vertebrates and the preservation of their footprints.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Gabriela Calábková
creator: Jakub Březina
creator: Roland Nádaskay
subject: Biogeography
subject: Ecology
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Paleontology
subject: Taxonomy
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20437
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2026 Calábková et al.
abstract: The Krkonoše Piedmont Basin (KPB) is one of the Late Paleozoic continental basins in Bohemia, Czechia, comprising a sedimentary sequence from the Late Pennsylvanian to the early Cisuralian. The Pennsylvanian in the KPB consists of alluvial-fluvial to lacustrine deposits with a relatively rich fossil record, comprising mainly ray-finned fishes, freshwater sharks, and invertebrates. Although no skeletal remains of terrestrial vertebrates have been discovered in the Late Pennsylvanian deposits of the KPB, recent studies of tetrapod footprints provide the first direct evidence of pre-Permian terrestrial tetrapod diversity within this basin. A diverse ichnofossil assemblage is represented by six ichnogenera, Amphisauropus, Batrachichnus, Dimetropus, Dromopus, Ichniotherium and Limnopus, including five known ichnospecies, Amphisauropus kablikae, Batrachichnus salamandroides, Dromopus lacertoides, Ichniotherium cottae, and Limnopus heterodactylus, and two unknown ichnospecies, Dimetropus isp. and Limnopus isp. This tetrapod ichnoassemblage is among the most diverse in the Pennsylvanian. Moreover, the Amphisauropus tracks from the KPB represent the first undisputed occurrence of this ichnotaxon in the Gzhelian. Furthermore, the Ichniotherium cottae tracks described here complement the still rare Pennsylvanian occurrences of this ichnospecies in the European part of Pangaea. The ichnofauna studied herein is associated with alluvial-plain to lacustrine nearshore deposits, highlighting the ecological importance of the lacustrine environment and its adjacent areas for the presence of terrestrial vertebrates and the preservation of their footprints.
bibliographic citation: Calábková et al. (2026) A highly diverse Pennsylvanian tetrapod ichnoassemblage from the Semily Formation (Krkonoše Piedmont Basin, Czechia). PeerJ 14:e20437 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20437
date submitted: 2025-07-25
date accepted: 2025-10-30
issued: 2026-01-09
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Calábková
  given name: Gabriela
author list: Agent
  family name: Březina
  given name: Jakub
author list: Agent
  family name: Nádaskay
  given name: Roland
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20437
volume: 14
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2026-01-09
copyright: ©2026 Calábková et al.
attribution name: Calábková et al.

Abundance in secret: a review of the genus Leptobrachium (Anura, Megophryidae) in India, with descriptions of two new species
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Of the 39 currently recognized species in the Slender Armed Frog genus Leptobrachium, four are reported from India, Leptobrachium aryatium, L. bompu, L. smithi, and L. sylheticum. Based on new collections, we review these reported species by integrating molecular, morphological, and behavioral data. Our comparative analyses of external and internal morphology as well as molecular data and acoustic properties reveal two new species-level lineages from the Lower Dibang Valley and Shi Yomi districts of Arunachal Pradesh, India, which we describe here as new species. Phylogenetically, Leptobrachium mechuka sp. nov. and Leptobrachium somani sp. nov. are members of the L. bompu species group, but they are distinct from L. bompu sensu stricto by DNA sequence divergence in the 16S mitochondrial rRNA gene of 3.6–4.2% and 4.5–4.7%, respectively. A population previously identified as L. cf. bompu from Medog County, China, is also assignable to Leptobrachium mechuka sp. nov. Each new species is distinguished from congeners by a combination of diagnostic morphological characters, including in the case of Leptobrachium somani sp. nov., a unique advertisement call comprising two distinct call types; unicolored silvery white iris; moderately large webbing between toes; and ventral coloration. Leptobrachium mechuka sp. nov. on the other hand, is distinguishable by its head length equal to width; nostril equidistant from the snout tip and the eye; internarial distance equal to the distances from nostril to eye and from nostril to snout tip; distance from the tip of inner metatarsal tubercle to the tip of first toe shorter than the length of inner metatarsal tubercle itself; and frontoparietals separated at the midline by a moderate fontanelle. Analyses of multiple new populations representing members of the L. smithi group reveal that L. smithi is absent from the Indian fauna; all previous records attributed to this species from India instead represent L. aryatium or L. sylheticum. T…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: A.N. Dikshit Akalabya Sarmah
creator: Sonali Garg
creator: Tage Tajo
creator: Radhakrishna Upadhyaya K.
creator: James Hanken
creator: S.D. Biju
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Taxonomy
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20397
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2026 Sarmah et al.
abstract: Of the 39 currently recognized species in the Slender Armed Frog genus Leptobrachium, four are reported from India, Leptobrachium aryatium, L. bompu, L. smithi, and L. sylheticum. Based on new collections, we review these reported species by integrating molecular, morphological, and behavioral data. Our comparative analyses of external and internal morphology as well as molecular data and acoustic properties reveal two new species-level lineages from the Lower Dibang Valley and Shi Yomi districts of Arunachal Pradesh, India, which we describe here as new species. Phylogenetically, Leptobrachium mechuka sp. nov. and Leptobrachium somani sp. nov. are members of the L. bompu species group, but they are distinct from L. bompu sensu stricto by DNA sequence divergence in the 16S mitochondrial rRNA gene of 3.6–4.2% and 4.5–4.7%, respectively. A population previously identified as L. cf. bompu from Medog County, China, is also assignable to Leptobrachium mechuka sp. nov. Each new species is distinguished from congeners by a combination of diagnostic morphological characters, including in the case of Leptobrachium somani sp. nov., a unique advertisement call comprising two distinct call types; unicolored silvery white iris; moderately large webbing between toes; and ventral coloration. Leptobrachium mechuka sp. nov. on the other hand, is distinguishable by its head length equal to width; nostril equidistant from the snout tip and the eye; internarial distance equal to the distances from nostril to eye and from nostril to snout tip; distance from the tip of inner metatarsal tubercle to the tip of first toe shorter than the length of inner metatarsal tubercle itself; and frontoparietals separated at the midline by a moderate fontanelle. Analyses of multiple new populations representing members of the L. smithi group reveal that L. smithi is absent from the Indian fauna; all previous records attributed to this species from India instead represent L. aryatium or L. sylheticum. T…
bibliographic citation: Sarmah et al. (2026) Abundance in secret: a review of the genus Leptobrachium (Anura, Megophryidae) in India, with descriptions of two new species. PeerJ 14:e20397 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20397
date submitted: 2025-08-14
date accepted: 2025-10-24
issued: 2026-01-09
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
author list: Agent
  family name: Sarmah
  given name: A.N. Dikshit Akalabya
author list: Agent
  family name: Garg
  given name: Sonali
author list: Agent
  family name: Tajo
  given name: Tage
author list: Agent
  family name: Upadhyaya K.
  given name: Radhakrishna
author list: Agent
  family name: Hanken
  given name: James
author list: Agent
  family name: Biju
  given name: S.D.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20397
volume: 14
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2026-01-09
copyright: ©2026 Sarmah et al.
attribution name: Sarmah et al.

Fungal-specific IgG responses in allergic conjunctivitis: comparison with IgE and immunological implications
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is the most abundant antibody class in the bloodstream and is characterized by a long half-life compared to other immunoglobulins. While IgG plays a key role in host defense against infections, it is also known to be elevated in chronic inflammatory conditions. This study aimed to evaluate serum levels of fungus-specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) and IgG antibodies in patients with allergic conjunctivitis and to investigate their associations with disease severity and sensitization status. Methods A total of 40 patients with allergic conjunctivitis and 20 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum levels of specific IgE and IgG antibodies against four common fungi—Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium—were measured. These values were compared with skin prick test (SPT) results and clinical severity scores for allergic conjunctivitis (0–30 scale). Results Patients with allergic conjunctivitis exhibited significantly higher positivity rates and serum titers of both IgE and IgG against all four fungal antigens compared to controls (p < 0.05). Notably, IgG titers were significantly higher than IgE titers across all fungal antigens (p < 0.05). IgG levels demonstrated stronger correlations with SPT positivity (correlation coefficients r = 0.95–0.97 vs. r = 0.60–0.89 for IgE) and allergic conjunctivitis severity scores (r = 0.35–0.60 vs. r = 0.23–0.43 for IgE, p < 0.001). Conclusions Serum fungus-specific IgG antibodies may serve as useful biomarkers reflecting the severity of allergic conjunctivitis. Given that mucosal barrier dysfunction has been implicated in allergic inflammation, the findings suggest that hypersensitivity reactions to fungal elements due to impaired barrier function may contribute to disease pathogenesis.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Tatsuya Mimura
subject: Allergy and Clinical Immunology
subject: Immunology
subject: Ophthalmology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20625
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2026 Mimura
abstract: Background Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is the most abundant antibody class in the bloodstream and is characterized by a long half-life compared to other immunoglobulins. While IgG plays a key role in host defense against infections, it is also known to be elevated in chronic inflammatory conditions. This study aimed to evaluate serum levels of fungus-specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) and IgG antibodies in patients with allergic conjunctivitis and to investigate their associations with disease severity and sensitization status. Methods A total of 40 patients with allergic conjunctivitis and 20 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum levels of specific IgE and IgG antibodies against four common fungi—Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium—were measured. These values were compared with skin prick test (SPT) results and clinical severity scores for allergic conjunctivitis (0–30 scale). Results Patients with allergic conjunctivitis exhibited significantly higher positivity rates and serum titers of both IgE and IgG against all four fungal antigens compared to controls (p < 0.05). Notably, IgG titers were significantly higher than IgE titers across all fungal antigens (p < 0.05). IgG levels demonstrated stronger correlations with SPT positivity (correlation coefficients r = 0.95–0.97 vs. r = 0.60–0.89 for IgE) and allergic conjunctivitis severity scores (r = 0.35–0.60 vs. r = 0.23–0.43 for IgE, p < 0.001). Conclusions Serum fungus-specific IgG antibodies may serve as useful biomarkers reflecting the severity of allergic conjunctivitis. Given that mucosal barrier dysfunction has been implicated in allergic inflammation, the findings suggest that hypersensitivity reactions to fungal elements due to impaired barrier function may contribute to disease pathogenesis.
bibliographic citation: Mimura (2026) Fungal-specific IgG responses in allergic conjunctivitis: comparison with IgE and immunological implications. PeerJ 14:e20625 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20625
date submitted: 2025-07-18
date accepted: 2025-11-30
issued: 2026-01-08
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Mimura
  given name: Tatsuya
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20625
volume: 14
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2026-01-08
copyright: ©2026 Mimura
attribution name: Mimura

Effect of acute exercise on the dynamics of testosterone levels: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Purpose Although acute exercise has been demonstrated to modulate endogenous testosterone levels, existing studies have reached conflicting conclusions regarding the pattern of response of testosterone levels after exercise. The objective of this study was to examine the dynamic effects of acute exercise on testosterone levels and to analyze the differences in the role of factors such as exercise mode, intensity, sample source, and gender. Methods A comprehensive search of articles published up to March 2025 was conducted in five database systems, including PubMed and Web of Science, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. A total of 15 randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of acute exercise on testosterone levels were included, with a total sample size of 251 participants. Results (1) Testosterone levels demonstrate a greater increase following resistance training, with a delayed return to baseline levels; in contrast, testosterone levels typically recover within 1 h after aerobic exercise. (2) Moderate to high-intensity exercise stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG), leading to a transient rise in testosterone, but extended high-intensity exercise causes testosterone suppression during recovery due to cortisol antagonism for up to 72 h. The testosterone concentration during the active phase exceeds that during the recovery period. (3) A significant disparity in baseline testosterone levels exists between males and females, with males exhibiting higher levels. Additionally, males demonstrate a more pronounced response to exercise compared to females. (4) Blood tests exhibit greater sensitivity than saliva tests, although the latter is more reactive to high-intensity exercise; (5) The response is more pronounced in younger males compared to older adults, with negligible response observed in adolescents. Conclusion Variations in testosterone level modulation due to acute exercise are predominantly influenced by exercise mode, intensit…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Qianxin Tu
creator: Gen Li
creator: Songtao Wang
subject: Anatomy and Physiology
subject: Andrology
subject: Diabetes and Endocrinology
subject: Sports Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20615
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2026 Tu et al.
abstract: Purpose Although acute exercise has been demonstrated to modulate endogenous testosterone levels, existing studies have reached conflicting conclusions regarding the pattern of response of testosterone levels after exercise. The objective of this study was to examine the dynamic effects of acute exercise on testosterone levels and to analyze the differences in the role of factors such as exercise mode, intensity, sample source, and gender. Methods A comprehensive search of articles published up to March 2025 was conducted in five database systems, including PubMed and Web of Science, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. A total of 15 randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of acute exercise on testosterone levels were included, with a total sample size of 251 participants. Results (1) Testosterone levels demonstrate a greater increase following resistance training, with a delayed return to baseline levels; in contrast, testosterone levels typically recover within 1 h after aerobic exercise. (2) Moderate to high-intensity exercise stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG), leading to a transient rise in testosterone, but extended high-intensity exercise causes testosterone suppression during recovery due to cortisol antagonism for up to 72 h. The testosterone concentration during the active phase exceeds that during the recovery period. (3) A significant disparity in baseline testosterone levels exists between males and females, with males exhibiting higher levels. Additionally, males demonstrate a more pronounced response to exercise compared to females. (4) Blood tests exhibit greater sensitivity than saliva tests, although the latter is more reactive to high-intensity exercise; (5) The response is more pronounced in younger males compared to older adults, with negligible response observed in adolescents. Conclusion Variations in testosterone level modulation due to acute exercise are predominantly influenced by exercise mode, intensit…
bibliographic citation: Tu et al. (2026) Effect of acute exercise on the dynamics of testosterone levels: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. PeerJ 14:e20615 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20615
date submitted: 2025-07-30
date accepted: 2025-11-28
issued: 2026-01-08
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Tu
  given name: Qianxin
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Gen
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Songtao
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20615
volume: 14
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2026-01-08
copyright: © 2026 Tu et al.
attribution name: Tu et al.

Characterizing core muscle morphometry in postpartum women with pelvic girdle pain and asymptomatic subjects: a comparative cross-sectional study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background This study aimed to examine the differences in core muscle morphometry and contraction changes between postpartum individuals with and without pelvic girdle pain (PGP). Understanding the observed changes in muscle thickness and contraction characteristics is crucial for tailoring effective core muscle rehabilitation strategies that promote optimal postpartum recovery. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 150 postpartum women with PGP and 50 asymptomatic individuals as matched controls. Real-time musculoskeletal ultrasound was used to measure core muscle morphometry and assess changes in muscle thickness and percentage change during various tasks. Results Compared with asymptomatic women, individuals with PGP exhibited substantially reduced diaphragm excursion and thinner muscle thickness of the transverse abdominal muscle (TrA) during active straight leg raise (ASLR) tests with abdominal muscle contractions (P < 0.05). The TrA respiratory contraction rate and preferential activation ratio during abdominal breathing were also lower in the PGP group (PGP = 0.46 (0.13 to 1.41); asymptomatic women = 0.98 (0.05 to 2.05), P = 0.01). In addition, postpartum women with PGP showed increased activation of the internal oblique muscle during ASLR tests with abdominal muscle contractions compared to controls (PGP: 47%; asymptomatic women: 45%, P < 0.05). Furthermore, the bilateral lumbar multifidus muscle was smaller and thinner on the right side in the PGP group than the asymptomatic group (P < 0.001). Conclusion Postpartum women with PGP exhibited thinner muscle thickness on core muscle morphometry and less muscle change during abdominal breathing and the ASLR test.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Ziling Lin
creator: Bo Chen
creator: Ruoling Chen
creator: Xueling Chen
creator: Yanjun Hou
creator: Yanping Liu
creator: Lili Lin
creator: Zhiwei Lin
creator: Xiangbin Wang
creator: Cheng Zeng
subject: Gynecology and Obstetrics
subject: Orthopedics
subject: Women’s Health
subject: Rehabilitation
subject: Sports Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20601
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2026 Lin et al.
abstract: Background This study aimed to examine the differences in core muscle morphometry and contraction changes between postpartum individuals with and without pelvic girdle pain (PGP). Understanding the observed changes in muscle thickness and contraction characteristics is crucial for tailoring effective core muscle rehabilitation strategies that promote optimal postpartum recovery. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 150 postpartum women with PGP and 50 asymptomatic individuals as matched controls. Real-time musculoskeletal ultrasound was used to measure core muscle morphometry and assess changes in muscle thickness and percentage change during various tasks. Results Compared with asymptomatic women, individuals with PGP exhibited substantially reduced diaphragm excursion and thinner muscle thickness of the transverse abdominal muscle (TrA) during active straight leg raise (ASLR) tests with abdominal muscle contractions (P < 0.05). The TrA respiratory contraction rate and preferential activation ratio during abdominal breathing were also lower in the PGP group (PGP = 0.46 (0.13 to 1.41); asymptomatic women = 0.98 (0.05 to 2.05), P = 0.01). In addition, postpartum women with PGP showed increased activation of the internal oblique muscle during ASLR tests with abdominal muscle contractions compared to controls (PGP: 47%; asymptomatic women: 45%, P < 0.05). Furthermore, the bilateral lumbar multifidus muscle was smaller and thinner on the right side in the PGP group than the asymptomatic group (P < 0.001). Conclusion Postpartum women with PGP exhibited thinner muscle thickness on core muscle morphometry and less muscle change during abdominal breathing and the ASLR test.
bibliographic citation: Lin et al. (2026) Characterizing core muscle morphometry in postpartum women with pelvic girdle pain and asymptomatic subjects: a comparative cross-sectional study. PeerJ 14:e20601 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20601
date submitted: 2025-05-06
date accepted: 2025-11-26
issued: 2026-01-08
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Lin
  given name: Ziling
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Bo
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Ruoling
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Xueling
author list: Agent
  family name: Hou
  given name: Yanjun
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Yanping
author list: Agent
  family name: Lin
  given name: Lili
author list: Agent
  family name: Lin
  given name: Zhiwei
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Xiangbin
author list: Agent
  family name: Zeng
  given name: Cheng
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20601
volume: 14
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2026-01-08
copyright: ©2026 Lin et al.
attribution name: Lin et al.

Non-targeted metabolomic profiling of Cremastra appendiculata providing insights for phytochemical analyses
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Cremastra appendiculata (D. Don) Makino, known as “Shan Cigu” in China, is a valuable medicinal plant historically employed for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its comprehensive metabolome remains underexplored, hindering the establishment of standardized quality control. Methods In this study, a non-targeted metabolomics approach based on the Thermo Fisher Orbitrap Exploris 120 LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) platform was employed to systematically profile the metabolites of C. appendiculata. Results A total of 174 compounds were annotated through a dual-validation workflow integrating Compound Discoverer 3.3 and manual tandem mass spectrometry spectral verification. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis prioritized 30 candidate quality markers, of which, six were further validated through network pharmacology-based bioactivity screening. Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed distinct metabolic patterns across the different tissues (roots, pseudobulbs, and leaves), establishing a tissue-specific chemical atlas. The integration of chemometric, network pharmacological, and chemotaxonomic analyses resulted in a robust, molecularly guided quality control framework, providing novel insights for phytochemical research and medical applications of C. appendiculata.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Rui Guan
creator: Yuxin Shan
creator: Hamizah Shahirah Hamezah
creator: Somnuk Bunsupa
creator: Hong To Quyen Duong
creator: Yadong Zhou
creator: Rongchun Han
creator: Xiaohui Tong
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Plant Science
subject: Metabolic Sciences
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20592
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2026 Guan et al.
abstract: Background Cremastra appendiculata (D. Don) Makino, known as “Shan Cigu” in China, is a valuable medicinal plant historically employed for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its comprehensive metabolome remains underexplored, hindering the establishment of standardized quality control. Methods In this study, a non-targeted metabolomics approach based on the Thermo Fisher Orbitrap Exploris 120 LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) platform was employed to systematically profile the metabolites of C. appendiculata. Results A total of 174 compounds were annotated through a dual-validation workflow integrating Compound Discoverer 3.3 and manual tandem mass spectrometry spectral verification. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis prioritized 30 candidate quality markers, of which, six were further validated through network pharmacology-based bioactivity screening. Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed distinct metabolic patterns across the different tissues (roots, pseudobulbs, and leaves), establishing a tissue-specific chemical atlas. The integration of chemometric, network pharmacological, and chemotaxonomic analyses resulted in a robust, molecularly guided quality control framework, providing novel insights for phytochemical research and medical applications of C. appendiculata.
bibliographic citation: Guan et al. (2026) Non-targeted metabolomic profiling of Cremastra appendiculata providing insights for phytochemical analyses. PeerJ 14:e20592 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20592
date submitted: 2025-06-27
date accepted: 2025-11-25
issued: 2026-01-08
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Guan
  given name: Rui
author list: Agent
  family name: Shan
  given name: Yuxin
author list: Agent
  family name: Hamezah
  given name: Hamizah Shahirah
author list: Agent
  family name: Bunsupa
  given name: Somnuk
author list: Agent
  family name: Duong
  given name: Hong To Quyen
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Yadong
author list: Agent
  family name: Han
  given name: Rongchun
author list: Agent
  family name: Tong
  given name: Xiaohui
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20592
volume: 14
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2026-01-08
copyright: ©2026 Guan et al.
attribution name: Guan et al.

Analysis of clinical parameters of different types of α-thalassemia children in Hainan region, China
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Thalassemia, a hereditary hemoglobinopathy characterized by impaired hemoglobin production, results in the premature destruction of erythrocytes and consequent anemia. However, the distinct hematological parameters and phenotypic expressions associated with different α-thalassemia genotypes in the pediatric population remain inadequately characterized. Therefore, this study was designed to perform a comparative analysis of clinical parameters between pediatric patients with α-thalassemia and healthy controls, to elucidate genotype-specific disease manifestations, and to inform optimized management strategies. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study enrolled 160 children with genetically confirmed α-thalassemia and 105 healthy controls in Hainan. Participants were categorized into silent carrier, mild, Hb H disease, and control groups. Comprehensive assessments included hematological parameters, biochemical profiles, coagulation function, growth Z-scores, and serum ferritin. Group comparisons were performed across genotypes and age strata (1–5, 6–11, 12–18 years) using appropriate statistical methods. Results Children diagnosed with Hb H disease exhibited the most severe hematological impairments, including growth retardation, elevated bilirubin levels, increased ferritin concentrations, and altered coagulation parameters. Among the genotypes studied, non-deletional types (--SEA/αQSα, --SEA/αCSα) demonstrated the most pronounced deficits. Growth Z-scores, encompassing weight-for-age (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), and body mass index-for-age (BAZ), were significantly reduced in the Hb H disease cohort, with deterioration observed as age increased. Notably, even silent carriers of the disease exhibited developmental delays during later childhood. Furthermore, iron overload and subclinical organ involvement were evident in older children affected by Hb H disease. Conclusions The clinical phenotype of pediatric α-thalassemia is significantly influenced …
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Ge Gao
creator: Zhengnan Sun
creator: Junhong Chen
creator: Jinyu Kang
creator: Fei Sun
creator: Qi Li
creator: Limei Fu
creator: Yi Gong
creator: Linna Ma
creator: Qiuling Jie
creator: Yanlin Ma
subject: Global Health
subject: Health Policy
subject: Hematology
subject: Medical Genetics
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20586
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2026 Gao et al.
abstract: Background Thalassemia, a hereditary hemoglobinopathy characterized by impaired hemoglobin production, results in the premature destruction of erythrocytes and consequent anemia. However, the distinct hematological parameters and phenotypic expressions associated with different α-thalassemia genotypes in the pediatric population remain inadequately characterized. Therefore, this study was designed to perform a comparative analysis of clinical parameters between pediatric patients with α-thalassemia and healthy controls, to elucidate genotype-specific disease manifestations, and to inform optimized management strategies. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study enrolled 160 children with genetically confirmed α-thalassemia and 105 healthy controls in Hainan. Participants were categorized into silent carrier, mild, Hb H disease, and control groups. Comprehensive assessments included hematological parameters, biochemical profiles, coagulation function, growth Z-scores, and serum ferritin. Group comparisons were performed across genotypes and age strata (1–5, 6–11, 12–18 years) using appropriate statistical methods. Results Children diagnosed with Hb H disease exhibited the most severe hematological impairments, including growth retardation, elevated bilirubin levels, increased ferritin concentrations, and altered coagulation parameters. Among the genotypes studied, non-deletional types (--SEA/αQSα, --SEA/αCSα) demonstrated the most pronounced deficits. Growth Z-scores, encompassing weight-for-age (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), and body mass index-for-age (BAZ), were significantly reduced in the Hb H disease cohort, with deterioration observed as age increased. Notably, even silent carriers of the disease exhibited developmental delays during later childhood. Furthermore, iron overload and subclinical organ involvement were evident in older children affected by Hb H disease. Conclusions The clinical phenotype of pediatric α-thalassemia is significantly influenced …
bibliographic citation: Gao et al. (2026) Analysis of clinical parameters of different types of α-thalassemia children in Hainan region, China. PeerJ 14:e20586 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20586
date submitted: 2025-02-05
date accepted: 2025-11-24
issued: 2026-01-08
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Gao
  given name: Ge
author list: Agent
  family name: Sun
  given name: Zhengnan
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Junhong
author list: Agent
  family name: Kang
  given name: Jinyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Sun
  given name: Fei
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Qi
author list: Agent
  family name: Fu
  given name: Limei
author list: Agent
  family name: Gong
  given name: Yi
author list: Agent
  family name: Ma
  given name: Linna
author list: Agent
  family name: Jie
  given name: Qiuling
author list: Agent
  family name: Ma
  given name: Yanlin
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20586
volume: 14
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2026-01-08
copyright: ©2026 Gao et al.
attribution name: Gao et al.

Species diversity patterns in Tagetes minuta-invaded plant communities along an elevational gradient in Southeastern Xizang
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Tagetes minuta, a herbaceous plant native to South America, has shown a significant trend of invasion along the section from Nyingchi to Shannan, situated along the Yarlung Zangbo River in southeastern Xizang in recent years. In this study, we conducted field surveys of T. minuta plant communities at elevations ranging from 2,925 to 3,553 m. By establishing 31 quadrats, we systematically analyzed the species composition, diversity characteristics of the invaded communities of T. minuta, and their relationships with elevation gradients and habitat types. The study results revealed that a total of 78 plant species, belonging to 28 families and 69 genera, were recorded in the T. minuta-invaded plant communities. Among them, the families Asteraceae, Poaceae, and Rosaceae were dominant, with herbaceous plants being in an absolute majority. The diversity analysis showed that the Shannon–Wiener index, Simpson index, and Pielou’s evenness index of were significantly higher in the community group mainly composed of Eragrotis pilosa and Plantago depressa (Cluster Group II) compared to the groups dominated by Poa annua plus Plantago depressa (Cluster Group I) and Poa annua and Digitaria cruciata (Cluster group III) (P < 0.05), while no significant differences were found in species richness. This suggests that the invasion of T. minuta primarily affects the evenness of species distribution rather than species richness. In addition, the species diversity indices of the T. minuta-invaded plant communities showed no significant correlation with elevation, indicating that elevation is not a major factor influencing species diversity in the invaded communities. The height of T. minuta was significantly positively correlated with elevation (P < 0.01), while its cover showed no significant correlation with elevation. Under different habitat types, the height and cover of T. minuta showed significant differences, with stronger invasion ability in habitats with greater human disturbance…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Norzin Tso
creator: Ngawang Norbu
creator: Wei Li
creator: Xin Tan
creator: Zhefei Zeng
creator: La Qiong
creator: Junwei Wang
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Conservation Biology
subject: Ecology
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20573
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2026 Tso et al.
abstract: Tagetes minuta, a herbaceous plant native to South America, has shown a significant trend of invasion along the section from Nyingchi to Shannan, situated along the Yarlung Zangbo River in southeastern Xizang in recent years. In this study, we conducted field surveys of T. minuta plant communities at elevations ranging from 2,925 to 3,553 m. By establishing 31 quadrats, we systematically analyzed the species composition, diversity characteristics of the invaded communities of T. minuta, and their relationships with elevation gradients and habitat types. The study results revealed that a total of 78 plant species, belonging to 28 families and 69 genera, were recorded in the T. minuta-invaded plant communities. Among them, the families Asteraceae, Poaceae, and Rosaceae were dominant, with herbaceous plants being in an absolute majority. The diversity analysis showed that the Shannon–Wiener index, Simpson index, and Pielou’s evenness index of were significantly higher in the community group mainly composed of Eragrotis pilosa and Plantago depressa (Cluster Group II) compared to the groups dominated by Poa annua plus Plantago depressa (Cluster Group I) and Poa annua and Digitaria cruciata (Cluster group III) (P < 0.05), while no significant differences were found in species richness. This suggests that the invasion of T. minuta primarily affects the evenness of species distribution rather than species richness. In addition, the species diversity indices of the T. minuta-invaded plant communities showed no significant correlation with elevation, indicating that elevation is not a major factor influencing species diversity in the invaded communities. The height of T. minuta was significantly positively correlated with elevation (P < 0.01), while its cover showed no significant correlation with elevation. Under different habitat types, the height and cover of T. minuta showed significant differences, with stronger invasion ability in habitats with greater human disturbance…
bibliographic citation: Tso et al. (2026) Species diversity patterns in Tagetes minuta-invaded plant communities along an elevational gradient in Southeastern Xizang. PeerJ 14:e20573 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20573
date submitted: 2025-06-25
date accepted: 2025-11-20
issued: 2026-01-08
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Tso
  given name: Norzin
author list: Agent
  family name: Norbu
  given name: Ngawang
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Wei
author list: Agent
  family name: Tan
  given name: Xin
author list: Agent
  family name: Zeng
  given name: Zhefei
author list: Agent
  family name: Qiong
  given name: La
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Junwei
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20573
volume: 14
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2026-01-08
copyright: ©2026 Tso et al.
attribution name: Tso et al.

Spatial and temporal patterns of vegetation carbon sources/sinks and driving factors in southeastern Xizang from 2000 to 2020
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Net ecosystem productivity (NEP) is a crucial measurement for understanding ecosystem function and carbon cycling. On the basis of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data, meteorological data, and topographic data, combined with the enhanced Carnegie Ames Stanford Approach (CASA) model, we analyzed the spatiotemporal trends and changes in the vegetation NEP in southeastern Xizang from 2000 to 2020. Additionally, we employed the GeoDetector model to identify the driving factors influencing the vegetation NEP. The results indicated that: (1) from 2000 to 2020, the annual vegetation NEP in southeastern Xizang exhibited a fluctuating increasing trend. The multiyear average vegetation NEP was 519.06 gC m−2 a−1, ranging from 11.23 to 1,333.40 gC m−2 a−1. The minimum and maximum values occurred in 2010 and 2015, respectively. (2) The spatial distribution pattern of the vegetation NEP revealed an overall trend of higher values in southern areas and lower values in northern areas, with higher values in eastern areas compared to western areas. The average area of the carbon source regions (NEP < 0) was approximately 70,119 km2, whereas the average area of the carbon sink regions (NEP > 0) was approximately 82,017 km2. Overall, the region exhibited a carbon sink characteristic. (3) Altitude, precipitation, and temperature were the primary drivers influencing the vegetation NEP. In regions at lower elevations and in the southern and eastern parts of the study area—where thermal and moisture conditions are relatively favorable—NEP values were generally higher. In contrast, NEP was markedly lower in the northern and high-elevation areas characterized by low temperatures and limited water availability. The interactions between any two of these factors had a greater impact on the vegetation NEP than the independent effect of any single factor did, highlighting a synergistic dual-factor enhancement effect.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jiahua Han
creator: Xiyue Meng
creator: Li Lin
creator: Jie Lu
subject: Ecosystem Science
subject: Environmental Impacts
subject: Forestry
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20572
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2026 Han et al.
abstract: Net ecosystem productivity (NEP) is a crucial measurement for understanding ecosystem function and carbon cycling. On the basis of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data, meteorological data, and topographic data, combined with the enhanced Carnegie Ames Stanford Approach (CASA) model, we analyzed the spatiotemporal trends and changes in the vegetation NEP in southeastern Xizang from 2000 to 2020. Additionally, we employed the GeoDetector model to identify the driving factors influencing the vegetation NEP. The results indicated that: (1) from 2000 to 2020, the annual vegetation NEP in southeastern Xizang exhibited a fluctuating increasing trend. The multiyear average vegetation NEP was 519.06 gC m−2 a−1, ranging from 11.23 to 1,333.40 gC m−2 a−1. The minimum and maximum values occurred in 2010 and 2015, respectively. (2) The spatial distribution pattern of the vegetation NEP revealed an overall trend of higher values in southern areas and lower values in northern areas, with higher values in eastern areas compared to western areas. The average area of the carbon source regions (NEP < 0) was approximately 70,119 km2, whereas the average area of the carbon sink regions (NEP > 0) was approximately 82,017 km2. Overall, the region exhibited a carbon sink characteristic. (3) Altitude, precipitation, and temperature were the primary drivers influencing the vegetation NEP. In regions at lower elevations and in the southern and eastern parts of the study area—where thermal and moisture conditions are relatively favorable—NEP values were generally higher. In contrast, NEP was markedly lower in the northern and high-elevation areas characterized by low temperatures and limited water availability. The interactions between any two of these factors had a greater impact on the vegetation NEP than the independent effect of any single factor did, highlighting a synergistic dual-factor enhancement effect.
bibliographic citation: Han et al. (2026) Spatial and temporal patterns of vegetation carbon sources/sinks and driving factors in southeastern Xizang from 2000 to 2020. PeerJ 14:e20572 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20572
date submitted: 2025-05-26
date accepted: 2025-11-20
issued: 2026-01-08
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Han
  given name: Jiahua
author list: Agent
  family name: Meng
  given name: Xiyue
author list: Agent
  family name: Lin
  given name: Li
author list: Agent
  family name: Lu
  given name: Jie
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20572
volume: 14
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2026-01-08
copyright: ©2026 Han et al.
attribution name: Han et al.

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