DNA-based prediction of external ear morphology in the Chinese population: an exploratory study
Background The external human ear is a polymorphic and polygenic structure with individual uniqueness, making it a valuable target in forensic DNA phenotyping (FDP) studies. Previous genome-wide association studies have identified multiple genetic loci associated with variation in ear characteristics. However, research focused on predicting ear morphology within the context of FDP remains limited. This study aimed to develop DNA-based predictive models for external ear morphology in the Chinese population. Methods Digital photographs of 675 volunteers were used to score 13 ear phenotypes, each categorized into three levels. Multinomial logistic regression (MLR) was applied for genetic association analysis. Five predictive models—MLR, support vector machines, random forest, AdaBoost, and k-nearest neighbors—were developed and evaluated using 10-fold cross-validation. Results Genetic association analysis identified several influential single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) for each ear phenotype. Among the five models, AdaBoost and MLR demonstrated superior performance, achieving area under the curve (AUC) values above 0.7 for predicting absent tragus cases (level_0). To simplify classification, binary models incorporating genetic interactions were constructed for absent tragus cases. Specifically, the AdaBoost model achieved an AUC of 0.74, while the binary logistic regression (BLR) model reached an AUC of 0.72. Conclusions These findings highlight the potential forensic application of genetic markers in predicting ear morphology within the Chinese population, contributing to the advancement of FDP research and practice.
Wang et al. (2025) DNA-based prediction of external ear morphology in the Chinese population: an exploratory study. PeerJ 13:e20169 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20169
Impact of rainfall on root water uptake in two characteristic species of coal mining subsidence areas in Northwest China
Clarifying how plants utilize water in coal mining subsidence zones is essential for grasping plant-soil dynamics and guiding ecological rehabilitation. However, current knowledge on species-specific variations in water uptake and their adaptive responses to such subsidence remains limited. This research leveraged isotopic fingerprinting (δ2H, δ18O) alongside soil water content and root distribution to explore the root water uptake sources of two predominant species (Stipa bungeana Trin. and Artemisia desertorum Spreng.) in coal mining zones and their reactions to land subsidence triggered by coal extraction. The results indicated negligible differences in soil water content and soil water isotopic composition between subsidence and non-subsidence zones, irrespective of rainfall. Before rainfall, the water sources of the two species were unaffected by subsidence; however, after rainfall, discernible changes occurred. Plants in the subsidence area absorbed more water from the top 0–10 cm soil layer, indicating a more pronounced response to rainwater infiltration. Notably, A. desertorum, in contrast to S. bungeana, tapped into deeper soil water during arid conditions and swiftly switched to shallow soil water sources following rainfall, highlighting its adaptable water usage strategy and greater ecological resilience. The findings of this study cast new light on plant-water relationships in coal mining subsidence regions, providing essential guidance for ecological restoration and management efforts.
He et al. (2025) Impact of rainfall on root water uptake in two characteristic species of coal mining subsidence areas in Northwest China. PeerJ 13:e20158 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20158
The 6-item specific object anthropomorphism scale: a new questionnaire for children and adults
The attribution of human characteristics, emotions, or behaviors to nonhuman entities or objects is known as anthropomorphism. Research on anthropomorphism has been limited by abstract measures that may be difficult for both children and adults to understand. To address this issue, we developed and tested the reliability and validity of the Specific Object Anthropomorphism Scale (SOAS) across three studies involving child and adult participants. The SOAS consists of six items that ask respondents to rate the extent to which a specific object possesses anthropomorphic qualities using simple, concrete statements. Study 1 found that the measure fit a one-factor solution in adults (aged 17–72, M = 32.3). In Study 2, we confirmed the unidimensional structure in adults (aged 18–73, M = 32.2) and demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability, convergent validity, and divergent validity. Study 3 confirmed the unidimensional structure in children (aged 5–12, M = 8.3) and showed that the items were highly understandable. Taken together, these findings indicate that the SOAS is a promising measure of anthropomorphic tendencies that may be easier for both children and adults to complete, potentially leading to a better understanding of the nature of anthropomorphism.
David et al. (2025) The 6-item specific object anthropomorphism scale: a new questionnaire for children and adults. PeerJ 13:e20153 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20153
Interaction and mechanisms of depression and cardiovascular disease: a mini-review
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the world’s leading cause of death and frequently comorbid with depression. Numerous clinical studies reveal a bidirectional interaction between CVD and depression, mutually exacerbating the pathological progression of both conditions. This comorbidity has emerged as a significant global health challenge, yet targeted therapeutic drugs and strategies remain underdeveloped. This article summarizes the relationship between depression and various CVD types, including coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. We further analyze the underlying mechanisms through autonomic nervous system dysfunction, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation, inflammatory responses, endothelial dysfunction, and platelet activation pathways. By integrating these insights, this review aims to provide references for the development of novel therapeutics for CVD combined with depression.
Huang et al. (2025) Interaction and mechanisms of depression and cardiovascular disease: a mini-review. PeerJ 13:e20148 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20148
Development and external validation of a multivariate model for predicting pneumonia in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis: a retrospective study
Background Patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) who develop pneumonia experience substantially elevated risks of hospitalization and mortality, while also incurring significantly heightened healthcare-related financial burdens. Our goal is to establish a forecasting model to assess the individual risk of pneumonia in patients undergoing MHD. Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis was carried out between January 2018 and November 2024, involving 405 MHD patients from two medical centers. The variables underwent adjustment through multivariate Cox regression analysis, and the forecasting model was created and verified. Results The median follow-up time of the external validation set was 35 months (interquartile range: 20–43), and the median follow-up time of the modeling set was 22 months (12–24). The event happened in 101 (34.83%) out of 290 patients in the modeling set and 45 (39.13%) out of 115 patients in the external validation set. The model predictors included history of diabetes and coronary heart disease; serous effusion; white blood cell; albumin-globulin ratio; left ventricular mass index, and age. The C-index was 0.753 (0.684, 0.822) for the external validation set and 0.772 (95% CI [0.724–0.821]) for the modeling set. The model showed excellent calibration ability throughout the risk spectrum, and decision curve analysis showed that it could maximize the prognosis of patients. Conclusion The created predictive model provided a precise, individualized evaluation of pneumonia risk in patients with MHD. It can be used to identify individuals at high risk of pulmonary infection in patients undergoing MHD and guide their treatment and prognosis follow-up.
Yang et al. (2025) Development and external validation of a multivariate model for predicting pneumonia in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis: a retrospective study. PeerJ 13:e20070 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20070
Exploring phytochemicals as potential pharmacological inhibitors for NS1 protein of Kyasanur forest disease virus using virtual screening, molecular docking, and molecular simulation approach
Background Kyasanur forest disease virus (KFDV) remains a significant public health challenge due to the limitations of existing vaccines, creating a critical need for effective antiviral treatments. KFDV is a tick-borne virus responsible for 400–500 new cases annually, with a mortality rate of 3–5%. The nonstructural protein 1 (NS1), which plays crucial roles in host cell interactions, immune evasion, and viral replication, represents a promising target for antiviral drug development. Objective This study aims to identify potential antiviral compounds that inhibit the activity of KFDV NS1 protein using a computational pharmacological drug design approach. The objectives include determining the 3D structure of the NS1 protein through homology modeling, conducting virtual screening of phytochemicals to identify potential inhibitors, and performing molecular dynamics simulations to assess the stability and binding free energies of the selected compounds. Methods The 3D structure of KFDV NS1 protein was predicted using homology modeling and validated using Ramachandran plot analysis. Virtual screening of phytochemicals from the Indian Medicinal Plants, Phytochemistry And Therapeutics (IMPPAT) database was performed to identify potential NS1 inhibitors. The top 15 compounds with the highest binding affinities were selected and subjected to absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) analysis. Molecular dynamics simulations were conducted in duplicates for 200 ns to evaluate the stability of the ligand-NS1 complexes, and an additional independent simulation with randomized initial velocities was performed to ensure statistical robustness. Binding free energies were calculated using the molecular mechanics-generalized born surface area (MM-GBSA) method to determine the binding strength of each compound. Results The 3D structure of the KFDV NS1 protein was determined using I-Tasser-MTD, Robetta, and Swiss Model servers, and a minimized model of I-Tasser, achieving an ERRAT score of 94.37, was selected. Virtual screening of 11,530 phytochemicals from the IMPPAT database identified the top 115 compounds after three screening phases. Out of the 15 screened compounds, L2, L3, and L5 demonstrated notable binding affinities of −9.34, −9.12, and −9.08 kcal/mol, respectively, compared to the FDA-approved antiviral dasabuvir, which had a binding affinity of −8.0 kcal/mol. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of compounds L2 (IMPHY010294), L3 (IMPHY001281), L5 (IMPHY011162), and dasabuvir, with free-energy binding values of −62.97 ± 4.0, −77.22 ± 4.71, −62.07 ± 2.88, and −87.68 ± 4.31 kcal/mol, respectively. Conclusion The computational analysis suggests that compounds L2 and L3 have strong binding affinities comparable to dasabuvir, indicating their potential as pharmacological inhibitors of the KFDV NS1 protein. Further validation through in vitro assays would complement these in silico findings.
Achappa et al. (2025) Exploring phytochemicals as potential pharmacological inhibitors for NS1 protein of Kyasanur forest disease virus using virtual screening, molecular docking, and molecular simulation approach. PeerJ 13:e19954 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19954
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals high diversity of setae on the hind tibiae and basitarsi of Peruvian Stingless Bees (Apidae: Meliponini)
Stingless bees belong to the group of corbiculate bees, all characterized by the presence of a corbicula, a specialized structure of the hind tibia used for pollen collection. This group exhibits significant variation in foraging behavior, from flower-visiting foragers to kleptoparasites and obligate necrophagous. So far, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies have been mainly focused on the hind leg setae of Apis spp. and Bombus spp. Here, we performed a comparative morphological analysis of the setae and the pollen handling structures in the hind tibiae and basitarsi of seven stingless bee species: the floral pollen collector bees Melipona cf. eburnea, Partamona testacea, Scaura cf. latitarsis, Trigonisca cf. atomaria, Trigona dallatorreana, the robber bee Lestrimelitta sp. and the obligate necrophagous Trigona cf. hypogea, collected in Peruvian forests in 2020. The setae were classified into simple and branched types, subdivided into five and seven subtypes, respectively. In addition, we described three types of penicillum, five types of rastellum, three types of pollen brush, two types of setae covering the auricular area, and show the setae forming the sericeous area of Trigona spp. Finally, seven types of keirotrichia are described. We highlight that certain types of setae show a high degree of conservation across species, while others are unique and potentially indicative of adaptive specialization. Among species that have abandoned pollen foraging on flowers, we observed a simplification in the number of setal types and the absence of pollen handling structures in Lestrimelitta sp., whereas T. cf. hypogea exhibits the highest diversity of setae and retains most of these structures. Finally, based on these two species, we reflect on the link between reduced corbicula and functional corbicula. The study highlights the importance of further exploring the mechanical and sensory roles of setae and expanding this research in Meliponini. Such investigations can improve our understanding of their adaptive functions and provide valuable insights into the functional ecology, taxonomy and phylogenetic studies of these tropical pollinators.
Marconi et al. (2025) Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals high diversity of setae on the hind tibiae and basitarsi of Peruvian Stingless Bees (Apidae: Meliponini). PeerJ 13:e19749 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19749
Retrospective study: anthropometric and metabolic characteristics of patients with metabolic syndrome–a gender-specific analysis of clinical and correlation patterns
Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a prevalent condition associated with increased cardiometabolic risk. Despite its clinical significance, the relationships between anthropometric indices and metabolic markers—particularly in a gender-specific context—remain inadequately explored. Methods This retrospective study included 104 patients diagnosed with MetS between 2016 and 2022. Anthropometric indices, including body roundness index (BRI), body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and weight-to-waist index (WWI), were analyzed for their associations with metabolic markers reflecting insulin resistance and glucose metabolism: fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FIns), and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). These markers represent key components of MetS, although other diagnostic elements such as dyslipidemia and hypertension were beyond the scope of this analysis. Gender-specific subgroup analyses were conducted for 57 female and 47 male patients. Results Significant differences in anthropometric and metabolic characteristics were observed between genders. Male patients exhibited higher BMI (40.4 [37.5, 44.2] vs. 37.2 [33.6, 40.3], p = 0.022), waist circumference (128.0 [120.2, 137.5] cm vs. 115.0 [106.0, 120.0] cm, p < 0.001), and FIns levels (22.8 [16.4, 29.5] μIU/mL vs. 17.8 [15.0, 23.4] μIU/mL, p = 0.107). Correlation analyses revealed that BMI and BRI were strongly associated with HOMA-IR and FIns in both genders, with stronger associations observed in males (e.g., BMI vs. FIns, r = 0.60, p < 0.001). WHtR was significantly correlated with metabolic markers in males but not in females. WWI showed limited correlations across both genders. Discussion This study highlights distinct gender-specific patterns in the relationships between anthropometric indices and metabolic markers in MetS patients. These findings underscore the importance of tailored strategies in managing MetS, particularly considering gender-based differences in clinical and metabolic profiles.
Li et al. (2025) Retrospective study: anthropometric and metabolic characteristics of patients with metabolic syndrome–a gender-specific analysis of clinical and correlation patterns. PeerJ 13:e20183 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20183
Barriers to care and the need for dental educational materials for the Lowe syndrome community: a survey of dentists
Background This study aimed to assess dentists’ experience in treating individuals with Lowe syndrome (LS), reasons they may be unable to provide dental care for individuals with LS, and perceptions of the need for educational materials tailored to the LS community regarding the dental setting. Methods A link to an electronic Qualtrics survey addressing these topics was emailed to the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine Alumni Network listserv. Results Data from 73 respondents were analyzed. Of the 57 who answered the question about having treated a patient with LS, three (5.3%) responded affirmatively. Among the 61 who answered why they might not be able to treat an individual with LS, the most common reasons were lack of experience treating children with special needs and not accepting medical assistance such as Medicaid/Medicare (both 31.1%). Of the 58 who responded to the item regarding the need for educational materials to support patients with LS in the dental setting, 47 (81.0%) agreed or strongly agreed. Conclusion Substantial barriers to dental care exist for individuals with LS. Educational materials about the dental setting should be developed for the LS community.
Lowenstein et al. (2025) Barriers to care and the need for dental educational materials for the Lowe syndrome community: a survey of dentists. PeerJ 13:e20174 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20174
Impact of two field preservation methods on genotyping success of feces
Non-invasive samples, such as feces, remain an important source of DNA for genetic analyses in molecular ecology and conservation genetics, especially when working with elusive or endangered species. However, as labs transition to higher throughput and genomic-based technologies, many protocols that have been used for decades are becoming obsolete. New approaches have been developed for high-quality samples, now low-quality samples require further technical advances. Fecal samples obtained for non-invasive wildlife studies are typically of very low quality and sampling methods need to be optimized to reduce work and costs per sample. Preservation methods in the field affect the workload in the lab required to obtain genetic data, as well as the final genotype quality. Liquid preservation methods, such as nucleic acid preservation (NAP) buffer and ethanol, have been used during sampling to maintain DNA quality at room temperature until samples can reach the lab. NAP buffer is a non-hazardous, non-flammable solution (easy to send through post), and avoids having to dry the feces before DNA extraction (saving time and increasing safety). Here we compare two different liquid preservation methods (NAP buffer and 96% ethanol) for microsatellite genotyping by next generation sequencing of wolf fecal samples collected in the field and shipped at ambient temperature. Samples preserved in ethanol showed a higher rate of amplification and genotyping success than in NAP buffer, especially due to a higher rate of allelic dropout in NAP. Consequently, the number of replicates required to achieve high quality genotypes was slightly higher for fecal samples preserved in NAP buffer than for those preserved in ethanol. These results are important for the planning and optimization of projects that involve microsatellite genotyping from feces using high throughput technologies.
Valencia-Montoya et al. (2025) Impact of two field preservation methods on genotyping success of feces. PeerJ 13:e20154 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20154