Evaluating portable EEG: a comparison between two wireless systems (EPOC Flex and LiveAmp) and the wired BrainAmp system
Background Recent advances in equipment miniaturization have led to low-cost, portable electroencephalography (EEG) systems that facilitate data collection in real-world settings and with larger samples. Although wireless EEG systems were originally developed for non-research applications, recent studies have provided valuable information to help researchers make informed choices, particularly about participant comfort, mobility during recordings, and data validity. This study aimed to assess the impact of portability by comparing the performance of portable consumer- and research-grade systems (EPOC Saline Flex, EM; LiveAmp, LA) with fixed research-grade systems (BrainAmp, BA). Method Continuous EEG was recorded with each system in healthy adults performing five benchmark tasks in fundamental and clinical cognitive neuroscience. Mental states (alpha power variations in open/closed eyes) and unconscious perception (steady-state visual evoked potential, SSVEP) were analyzed through time/frequency methods, while active (N200 and P300 components during active listening and N170 component during face recognition) and passive cognitive processes (Mismatch negativity, MMN component during passive listening) were examined using time/amplitude analyses (event-related potential, ERPs). Our analyses compared system efficiency at native and equalized sampling rates and examined 100%, 75%, and 50% of the datasets to determine the required trial number for satisfactory signal quality. Results Despite the smaller amount of signal retained for EM, all systems recorded the expected resting state alpha power decrease and SSVEP responses, with EM showing lower spectral effects ([EM < (LA≈BA)]). ERPs for active (N170, N200, P300) and passive (MMN) processes emerged across all systems, with EM and LA showing lower amplitudes only for N170 compared to BA. Furthermore, the dataset reduction resulted in a decreased N170 at P7 only for EM ([EM < LA < BA]). EM also exhibited shorter latencies for all ERPs except for MMN. Conclusion This study provides concrete guidance for designing EEG experiments in real-world settings, with significant potential for investigating children and vulnerable populations. The efficiency of the three EEG systems is more influenced by task duration than sampling rates. A wireless EEG device, such as the EM, can effectively support both time/frequency and time/amplitude analyses in cognitive science, provided that the number of trials is sufficient and latencies are controlled.
Epinat-Duclos et al. (2026) Evaluating portable EEG: a comparison between two wireless systems (EPOC Flex and LiveAmp) and the wired BrainAmp system. PeerJ 14:e20416 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20416
Indonesian parental knowledge, attitudes, and sources of information regarding pediatric space maintainers: a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study
Background Space maintainers are an important part of pediatric dentistry to prevent malocclusion after premature loss of primary teeth. The use of space maintainers are limited in developing countries such as Indonesia. This survey study was conducted to determine Indonesian parents’ knowledge, attitudes, and informational sources related to paediatric space maintainers and factors influencing awareness and acceptance. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional survey of 400 Indonesian parents was executed. Respondents completed a questionnaire distributed to them through clinics, schools, and publicly sponsored sites in social media. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests and multivariate logistic regression were conducted to study predictors of knowledge and attitudes. Results Only 25% of parents indicated that they were aware of space maintainers. Urban parents (37.5%) were significantly more likely to be aware than rural parents (6.3%; χ2 = 48.35, p < 0.001). Urban location was an important predictor of the dependent variable of awareness, with urban parents being 8.92 times more likely to report awareness than rural parents (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 8.92, p < 0.001). At one point, awareness was related to higher comfort (p = 0.0013) and more favorable attitudes (χ2 = 10.88, p = 0.0043). Dentists were reported as the most common source of information about dental visits for parents living in urban settings (68.75%) while rural parents sourced information from community members and social media. Although awareness and attitude were correlated, for favorable perception about dental visits location was a more robust and independent predictor, (AOR for urban location = 8.27, p < 0.001). Conclusion There is a marked gap in knowledge about space maintainers, among Indonesian parents, specifically in rural areas. Targeted educational efforts and proactive dental counselling are urgently needed to improve parental awareness and promote preventive orthodontic care.
Kumbhar et al. (2026) Indonesian parental knowledge, attitudes, and sources of information regarding pediatric space maintainers: a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. PeerJ 14:e20363 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20363
Delayed heart rate recovery and its variability in fitness functional training compared to endurance athletes: a cross-sectional analysis
Introduction The present study sought to expand upon prior investigations of the effect of different training modalities on post-exercise heart rate recovery (HRR) and heart rate variability (HRV). Objective To compare the HRR and HRV in physically active men with endurance and fitness functional training recreational athletes following maximal treadmill exercise testing. Method We conducted a cross-sectional study with 53 healthy men split into a control group (CG: n = 15; physically active men), endurance group (EG: n = 16; recreational triathlon athletes), and fitness functional training group (FFG: n = 15; recreational fitness functional training athletes). Short-term (5 min) HRR and HRV indexes (SD1, SD2, and HR/LF) were analyzed in 1-minute segments throughout 5 mins of recovery immediately following maximal treadmill exercise testing. Statistical analysis employed a generalized linear model test with a p-value set at 5%. Results FFG showed slower HRR than EG at all post-exercise time points (β = − 13.74 to −8.83 bpm; p < 0.01–0.02) and lower HRR than CG at the 1st minute of recovery (β = − 10.47 bpm; p = 0.03). The SD1 (cardiovagal reactivation) was lower in CG than EG at the 1 st (β = − 0.84 ms; p = 0.02); however, no differences (p > 0.05) existed among all groups throughout the recovery period. The SD2 (overall cardiac autonomic modulation) was lower in FFG than EG at 2nd (β = − 2.51 ms, p = 0.02) and 3rd (β = − 3.20 ms, p = 0.03) minutes. FFG and EG showed higher values of HR/LF index (indicative of sympathetic activity) than CG at the 1 st minute (β = 432.38 to 1,104.49; p < 0.01). FFG also showed higher HR/LF activity than CG an EG at the 2nd and 3rd minutes of recovery (β = 60.48 to 205.31, p < 0.01 to 0.05), and at the 4th minute, than EG (β = 29.33; p = 0.05). Conclusion HRR was lower in FFG compared to EG throughout recovery. There were no differences in cardiovagal reactivation between the groups from the second to the fifth minute. FFG showed low cardiac overall modulation and high sympathetic activity throughout recovery compared to other groups. These findings may reflect that the FFG displays a persistent coactivation of both autonomic branches following maximal exercise testing compared to the different training modalities.
Guimarães et al. (2026) Delayed heart rate recovery and its variability in fitness functional training compared to endurance athletes: a cross-sectional analysis. PeerJ 14:e20335 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20335
The critical relationship between vaginal microecology and Ureaplasma urealyticum: a retrospective study
Background Vaginal microecology can reveal the health of the female reproductive tract directly. Female vaginal microecology reflects the state of female reproductive tract health. This study aimed to utilize a variety of female vaginal microecological indicators to comprehensively assess the relationship between the level of vaginal microecological health and Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) infection in women. Methods A total of 408 participants were included in this study, including 144 UU-positive and 264 UU-negative individuals. Clinical information of the participants was collected, and vaginal microecological indicators (cleanliness, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), leukocyte esterase (LEU), sialidase (SNA), N-acetyl glucosidase (NAG), and β-glucuronidase (GUS)) were tested. The measurement data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (x ± s), and the comparison of data between groups was performed using a t-test; count data were expressed as the number of cases (percentage) (n[%]), and the data between groups were compared using the chi-square test. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression model analyses explored the factors modifying infection with UU. Results UU-positive patients exhibited higher rates of cleanliness positivity, H2O2 positivity, LEU positivity, SNA positivity, NAG positivity, and GUS compared to UU negative patients (P < 0.05) . The univariate logistic regression model found that cleanliness, H2O2, LEU, SNA, NAG, and GUS were risk factors for UU infection in women (Cleanliness: odds ratio [OR] = 4.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] [2.79–6.63]); H2O2: OR = 9.01, 95% CI [5.33–15.23]; LEU: OR = 1.88, 95% CI [1.22–2.91]; s SNA: OR = 5.53, 95% CI [2.73–11.19]; NAG: OR = 2.41, 95% CI [1.35–4.30]; and GUS: OR = 1.95, 95% CI [1.21–3.15]) . The multivariate logistic regression model found that the independent risk factors for UU infection in patients were cleanliness (OR = 3.00, 95% CI [1.66–5.43]) and H2O2 (OR = 7.24, 95% CI [4.19–12.51]). Conclusions Vaginal cleanliness and H2O2 abnormalities are risk factors for UU infections in women. Therefore, female UU infections can be prevented by maintaining vaginal microecology.
Liu et al. (2026) The critical relationship between vaginal microecology and Ureaplasma urealyticum: a retrospective study. PeerJ 14:e19783 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19783
AI-driven de novo design of BRAF inhibitors with enhanced binding affinity and optimized drug-likeness
Background Traditional drug discovery methods, such as high-throughput screening (HTS), are often inefficient and costly, especially in complex areas like oncology. The BRAF V600E mutation is a validated therapeutic target in cancers such as melanoma, thyroid carcinoma, and colorectal cancer. However, existing BRAF inhibitors face challenges like acquired resistance and off-target toxicity. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool for designing novel inhibitors more efficiently. Methods This study employed REINVENT 4, an advanced machine learning (ML) framework using recurrent neural networks and transformer architectures, for targeted generation and property optimization of BRAF V600E inhibitors, integrating reinforcement learning (RL) for drug-likeness optimization and transfer learning (TL) for mutation-specific design. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations were used to evaluate binding affinity and stability. Results The AI-driven approach generated 41,721 novel BRAF V600E inhibitor candidates with enhanced drug-likeness (mean Quantitative Estimate of Drug-likeness (QED) score: 0.61 ± 0.17 vs. the training set 0.40 ± 0.13) and predicted inhibitory activity (83.8% with predicted pIC50 > 6). The generated compounds showed a 32% reduction in mean molecular weight (326.8 ± 45.6 g/mol vs. 480.8 ± 84.2 g/mol in the training set) while maintaining inhibitory potency. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that 99.7% of generated compounds satisfied Lipinski’s Rule of Five criteria, suggesting favorable absorption and distribution profiles. Molecular docking analysis of selected compounds revealed strong binding affinities, with an average free energy of −8.03 ± 1.12 kcal/mol and top-performing compounds reaching −11.5 kcal/mol. Molecular dynamics simulations conducted over 200 ns confirmed complex stability, demonstrating protein backbone RMSD values of 0.35–0.55 nm and ligand RMSD values of 0.086–0.161 nm. Structural novelty assessment using Tanimoto similarity coefficients showed values below 0.45 when compared with FDA-approved BRAF inhibitors (including Sorafenib and Vemurafenib). Discussion This work highlights a reproducible, integrated AI-driven workflow demonstration for targeted inhibitor generation. The generated inhibitors exhibit favorable drug-like properties and inhibitory activity, offering a scalable solution for designing safer cancer therapies. Experimental validation is needed to address potential discrepancies between computational predictions and biological behavior.
Lu et al. (2026) AI-driven de novo design of BRAF inhibitors with enhanced binding affinity and optimized drug-likeness. PeerJ 14:e20541 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20541
Quality improvement interventions to prevent late-onset sepsis in premature infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Background Late-onset sepsis (LOS) is a life-threatening complication in preterm infants, with reported incidence rates of 1%–30% that vary by clinical and geographical factors. Quality improvement (QI) bundles integrating infection control, nutrition, and device management show promise in reducing LOS, but evidence remains fragmented due to heterogeneous definitions and mixed study populations. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis of QI studies was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science (inception to March 19th, 2025). Studies were included if they reported pre-post QI outcomes for LOS in preterm infants (gestational age < 37 weeks), with effect sizes synthesized as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was evaluated using I2, with random-effects models for I2 ≥ 50%. Subgroup analyses explored LOS definition impacts (time windows: ≥48 h, ≥72 h, other) and meta-regression tested covariates (study year, sample size, quality). Results Of 9,705 identified studies, 29 (21 for meta-analysis, n = 29,120 infants) met criteria. QI bundles significantly reduced LOS in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (pooled OR = 0.47, 95% CI [0.38–0.58], I2 = 88.7%) and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants (OR = 0.49, 95% CI [0.29–0.83], I2 = 80.6%). Core components included multidisciplinary teams (25/29), hand hygiene (21/29), and central line management (22/29). Subgroup analysis showed varying effects by LOS definition: OR = 0.35 (95% CI [0.19–0.64]) for ≥ 48 h, OR = 0.50 (95% CI [0.39–0.64]) for ≥ 72 h, and OR = 0.71 (95% CI [0.61–0.82]) for ill-defined thresholds. Meta-regression identified no significant modifiers (all p > 0.0), but publication bias was detected in VLBW analyses (Egger’s test, p < 0.0). Conclusion QI bundles significantly reduce LOS in preterm infants, including VLBW and ELBW subgroups, through core components like multidisciplinary teams, hand hygiene, and central line management. Given outcome variations by diagnostic criteria, standardizing LOS definitions is crucial. These bundles should be integrated into routine care globally. Future efforts should prioritize standardized reporting, antibiotic stewardship, and equitable implementation, especially in low-resource settings, by building on existing evidence and broader healthcare principles.
Zhang et al. (2026) Quality improvement interventions to prevent late-onset sepsis in premature infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PeerJ 14:e20530 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20530
The impact of wearable resistance training on strength, speed, and agility: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Objective To conduct a systematic assessment of the impact of wearable resistance training (WRT) on muscular strength, speed, and agility, while examining the influence of critical training parameters as moderating factors. Methods A systematic review was undertaken to identify eligible studies. Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO databases from inception to October 31st, 2025. This study employed the Cochrane Collaboration tool built into Review Manager 5.4 for literature quality assessment, and utilized Stata version 18.0 for meta-analysis, including pooled effect size calculation, subgroup analysis, and publication bias assessment. Results The Meta-analysis encompassed 19 studies with a total of 233 participants. It is revealed that WRT produced significant improvements in jumping power (standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.60; 95% CI [−1.07 to −0.14]; p = 0.01), and agility performance (SMD = −0.44, 95% CI [−0.58 to −0.30], p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses demonstrated that the most pronounced jumping power enhancements occurred with training frequencies of three sessions per week (SMD = −0.47, 95% CI [−0.92 to −0.02], p = 0.038). Additionally, external loading protocols utilizing 8–19% of body weight yielded superior improvements (SMD = −0.17, 95% CI [−0.37 to 0.03], p = 0.032). Finally, subgroup analyses revealed no significant moderating effects for wearable device placement, participant age, or study population characteristics (p > 0.05). Conclusion WRT effectively enhances jumping power and agility. Although it contributes to some improvement in speed and maximal strength, the effect is not statistically significant. Further high-quality studies are needed in the future to validate these findings.
Li et al. (2026) The impact of wearable resistance training on strength, speed, and agility: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PeerJ 14:e20519 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20519
Research progress on glycolytic reprogramming in ophthalmic diseases
The retina is one of the most energy-demanding tissues in the human body. Retinal energy metabolism is primarily dominated by aerobic glycolysis, with more than 80% of the glucose consumed being converted to lactic acid. As a highly energy-consuming tissue, the metabolic characteristics of the retina, especially aerobic glycolysis, are essential for maintaining retinal cell function during normal physiological processes. However, in disease states, this metabolic balance is disrupted, leading to a range of pathological changes. There is currently growing evidence that metabolic reprogramming is a pathological cause of diseases such as retinal degeneration, uveal melanoma, and glaucoma. This article reviews the mechanisms involved in metabolic reprogramming in ocular diseases and describes relevant therapeutic targets. Despite the many advances, the regulatory mechanisms of metabolic reprogramming in ophthalmic diseases still need to be thoroughly investigated, and new therapeutic strategies are expected to be developed based on this in the future.
Gong et al. (2026) Research progress on glycolytic reprogramming in ophthalmic diseases. PeerJ 14:e20478 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20478
Spatiotemporal distribution and driving factors of atmospheric pollutants in the U-Chang-Shi urban agglomeration, Northwestern China
As a critical core node of the “Belt and Road” Initiative and a representative arid-zone urban agglomeration in Northwest China, the Urumqi-Changji-Shihezi (U-Chang-Shi) region faces severe air pollution, posing significant threats to ecological security and public health. Leveraging the 2000–2022 China High-Resolution Air Quality (CHAP) dataset and multi-source meteorological data, this study systematically investigates the spatiotemporal evolution of PM2.5, PM10, and ozone (O3) alongside their driving mechanisms. Results reveal distinct seasonal patterns: PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations peak in winter due to coal combustion emissions and unfavorable static meteorological conditions, while dropping below 30 µg/m3 in summer as photochemical reactions weaken. The Mann–Kendall (MK) trend test, combined with spatial-temporal analysis methods, elucidates the complex pollution dynamics. The U-Chang-Shi industrial belt acts as a pollution hotspot, with Dabancheng District exhibiting elevated PM10 levels attributed to pollutant transport and terrain effects. O3 pollution intensifies in spring and summer, surging post-2016 across regional cities, with Shihezi showing a 16.7% annual increase. Key drivers include unfavorable static meteorology and sparse vegetation for particulate pollutants, while precipitation (P) wet deposition enhances their removal. O3 production is modulated by potential evapotranspiration (PET) and wind speed (WIND), with high temperatures (T) accelerating photochemical reactions, although counteracted by particulate matter. Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory Model (HYSPLIT) simulations indicate that Eurasian mid-latitude winter circulation and cross-border dust contribute to winter PM10 variability. Although the “coal-to-gas” project mitigated particulate pollution, its efficacy is constrained by Shihezi’s lagging industrial restructuring. This study provides critical insights for optimizing air pollution control strategies in ecologically vulnerable regions of Northwest China and arid-zone urban agglomerations under the Belt and Road Initiative, emphasizing the need for region-specific emission reduction measures and cross-border collaboration.
Spatial and Geographic Information Science
Chen et al. (2026) Spatiotemporal distribution and driving factors of atmospheric pollutants in the U-Chang-Shi urban agglomeration, Northwestern China. PeerJ 14:e20430 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20430
Multiple approaches to meso- and macroplastics and the food habitat of the green turtle, Chelonia mydas, in the Ogasawara Islands, Japan
This study integrated genetic, isotopic, and plastic analyses to investigate the diet and plastic ingestion of adult green turtles living in the waters around the Ogasawara Islands. Micro-, meso-, and macroplastics were found in the gut contents of 7 of the 10 individuals examined. A total of 92 meso- and macroplastics were found in six individuals, with an average of 9.2 ± 11.48 items/individual (range: 0–31, n = 10). The average total weight of these items was 15.28 ± 24.76 g (range: 0–70.55, n = 10), and their average percentage of the turtles’ body weight was 0.014 ± 0.021% (range: 0–0.064, n = 8). At the time of capture, the turtles’ main food was macroalgae, and the feeding grounds were estimated from the DNA analysis to be three locations where the seaweeds Ectocarpus crouaniorum, Sargassum muticum, and Lobophora sp. predominate. Stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen in muscle tissue and DNA analysis suggested that the captured individuals may have fed on drifting seaweed and gelatinous plankton on their way south from the Pacific coasts of Japan to the Ogasawara Islands, during which time it can be concluded from the green turtle’s feeding habits that they may have ingested meso- and macroplastics found among large and drifting seaweeds, mistaking them for gelatinous plankton such as jellyfish and salpas. The ingested plastics were estimated to have originated from a larger area than the turtles’ migratory range, indicating that this problem may stem from transboundary pollution.
Environmental Contamination and Remediation
Fujitani et al. (2026) Multiple approaches to meso- and macroplastics and the food habitat of the green turtle, Chelonia mydas, in the Ogasawara Islands, Japan. PeerJ 14:e20425 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20425