Teacher preparedness regarding autism spectrum disorder in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted neurodevelopmental condition marked by distinct behavioral patterns, impaired social interaction, and communication challenges. Early recognition and appropriate intervention are pivotal for improving outcomes. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the understanding, attitudes, and teaching methodologies of kindergarten and primary school teachers in the Jazan region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, regarding children with ASD. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted using a multistage cluster random sampling technique. An interview-based questionnaire was administered to kindergarten and primary school teachers in the Jazan region. The target sample size was 800 teachers. Results Among the 870 participating teachers, 87.8% reported lacking prior training on effectively addressing the needs of children with ASD. However, 74.8% demonstrated substantial understanding of the social communication difficulties faced by autistic children, and 76.2% were aware of the attention-related challenges these children encounter. Additionally, 77.7% of participants recognized the pivotal role of open communication between teachers and families in facilitating quality educational experiences and enhancing academic outcomes for students with ASD. Conclusion The study highlights the critical need for targeted training programs to equip teachers with essential skills for supporting students with ASD. These findings underscore the importance of policy interventions to ensure adequate resources and expertise for effectively accommodating the unique needs of students with ASD in mainstream schools.
El-Setouhy et al. (2025) Teacher preparedness regarding autism spectrum disorder in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study. PeerJ 13:e20044 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20044
Odontometric analysis of permanent mandibular first and second premolars in an Indian population using cone beam computed tomography
Background Differences in tooth size across populations can significantly influence dental diagnosis, treatment planning, and forensic identification. Despite its relevance, comprehensive region-specific odontometric data—particularly for the Indian population—remain limited. This study aimed to obtain odontometric measurements of permanent mandibular first and second premolars in the Indian population using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and to compare these measurements with Wheeler’s dental morphology standards, focusing on crown length, root length, and total tooth length. Methods In this retrospective study, 300 high-quality CBCT scans were analyzed. Measurements of crown, root, and overall tooth lengths for mandibular first and second premolars were obtained using CS 3D Imaging (Version 3.9.3). A one-sample t-test was performed to compare the mean values with Wheeler’s reference standards. Results Statistically significant differences were observed in all measured dimensions (p < 0.001). For first premolars, crown, root, and total lengths were shorter by 2.3 mm, 1.1 mm, and 3.4 mm, respectively. Second premolars showed reductions of 1.9 mm, 1.2 mm, and 3.0 mm, respectively. Conclusions This odontometric analysis highlights distinct dental morphological characteristics in the Indian population. These findings offer valuable insights for applications in anthropology, evolutionary biology, forensic science, and clinical dentistry.
Hamdulay et al. (2025) Odontometric analysis of permanent mandibular first and second premolars in an Indian population using cone beam computed tomography. PeerJ 13:e20039 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20039
Integrating network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations to explore potential compounds and mechanisms of Coptis chinensis in treating streptococcal infections
Background Coptis chinensis, a prominent herb in traditional Chinese medicine, is widely utilized for its therapeutic effects against Streptococcus infections, though its precise mechanisms of action remain insufficiently understood. This study aims to clarify the potential mechanisms and active compounds of C. chinensis in the treatment of Streptococcus. Methods Active compounds of C. chinensis were identified using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) database, and their potential targets were predicted from multiple public resources. These targets were intersected with streptococcus-related genes to identify overlapping targets, which were then used to construct a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and screen for key hub genes. To investigate the pharmacological mechanisms, Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed. Molecular docking was employed to evaluate the binding affinities between active compounds and core target proteins, followed by molecular dynamics simulations and Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM-PBSA) calculations to assess binding stability and free energy. Results A total of 24 active compounds were identified, along with 180 overlapping targets related to streptococcal infection. PPI network analysis revealed ten key hub genes, including IL1β, IL6, and MMP9. Enrichment analysis suggested that C. chinensis may inhibit the TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory pathway to modulate host immunity and mediate lipid metabolism reprogramming to restrict pathogen proliferation. Several core targets were also enriched in pathways related to extracellular matrix remodeling and immune regulation, indicating potential indirect effects on host–pathogen interface interactions. Molecular docking and simulation confirmed stable binding between major active ingredients and streptococcus-associated proteins. Conclusion This study provides mechanistic insights into the multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway effects of C. chinensis against streptococcal infections. The findings offer a theoretical basis for future experimental validation and clinical translation.
Qi et al. (2025) Integrating network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations to explore potential compounds and mechanisms of Coptis chinensis in treating streptococcal infections. PeerJ 13:e19960 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19960
Anticancer potential of ethanolic sidr leaf extracts against MCF-7 breast cancer cells: phytochemical, nutritional, and antimicrobial profile comparisons of different plant parts
Background Traditional medicine has long utilized natural plants to treat diseases and promote overall health. They have contributed significantly to the creation of modern medications. To supplement existing information, therefore, this current investigation aimed to understand the potential therapeutic properties of the sidr plant against triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) on MCF-7 breast cell line by conducting phytochemical, nutritional, and antimicrobial profile comparisons of different plant parts. Methods Phytochemical analyses involved soluble sugar composition and oxidation profile, whereas nutritional analysis involved the proximate chemical analysis. Additionally, antimicrobial analyses involved six kings of food-borne bacterial strains. Results According to the study, leaves possessed the highest amounts of protein (12.44%) and ash (8.17%), as well as the highest amounts of ascorbic acid and total chlorophyll. On the other hand, pulps exhibited the highest flavonoid concentration in their ethanolic extract and had higher sugar contents. Furthermore, at a dosage of 100 µg/mL, the ethanolic extract of leaves showed potent antimicrobial action and suppressed over 50% of MCF-7 breast cancer cell survival. Conclusions Bioactive components, antioxidant, antimicrobial and nutritional elements of sidr plant appears a promising medicinal candidate to fight breast cancer cells.
Kadi et al. (2025) Anticancer potential of ethanolic sidr leaf extracts against MCF-7 breast cancer cells: phytochemical, nutritional, and antimicrobial profile comparisons of different plant parts. PeerJ 13:e19858 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19858
Relationship between locomotive syndrome risk test and height and weight in infancy and toddlerhood: a preliminary study
Introduction The Japanese Medical Science Federation’s declaration highlighted that locomotive syndrome (LS) precedes frailty, emphasizing the importance of early intervention beginning in childhood and continuing throughout life. To date, no study has examined the relationship between LS in adults and height and weight during infancy and toddlerhood. As a preliminary investigation, this study aimed to clarify how height and weight during early life stages are related to LS among young adults. Methods In this study, 62 students enrolled at a health sciences university were administered the locomotive syndrome risk test, and their grip strength was measured. Height and weight at birth, at 1 year, and at 3 years of age were obtained from the Maternal and Child Health Handbook. All participants were born via normal delivery. The relationships between the LS risk test results, height, and weight were analyzed using correlation and multivariate analyses. Results Correlation analysis revealed significant associations between height and weight in infancy and toddlerhood and the following variables: two-step length, two-step test value, 25-question geriatric locomotive function scale score, and grip strength. Multiple regression analysis showed a significant relationship between two-step length and height at birth (p = 0.002), and between grip strength and weight at age 3 (p = 0.021). Conclusions A weak-to-moderate relationship was found between LS and height and weight in infancy and toddlerhood. These findings suggest that preventive measures for LS should not be delayed until adulthood; rather, early-life interventions beginning in infancy, toddlerhood, and childhood may be crucial.
Tsuji et al. (2025) Relationship between locomotive syndrome risk test and height and weight in infancy and toddlerhood: a preliminary study. PeerJ 13:e20114 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20114
Geographic distributions and patterns of co-occurrence among black-bellied and shovel-nosed salamanders (Desmognathus spp.) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The southern Appalachian Mountains are a global hotspot for salamander diversity. Recent taxonomic revisions driven by a growing understanding of cryptic diversity and advancements in genomic technology have increased the number of described species in the area significantly, raising questions about biogeography and community structure. Recently described species in the Desmognathus quadramaculatus-marmoratus complex are morphologically cryptic but diagnosable by mitochondrial DNA. The complex includes multiple species within each of two distinct ecomorphs, the highly aquatic ‘shovel-nosed’ (SN) ecomorph and the semi-aquatic ‘black-bellied’ (BB) ecomorph. Here, we use mitochondrial DNA and Bayesian phylogenetic analysis to clarify distributions and patterns of co-occurrence of recently described species in the Great Smoky Mountains. We present new data showing more extensive co-occurrence of two cryptic species of the black-bellied ecomorph than previously recognized. Our results are also consistent with earlier work indicating shared variation between ecomorphs within one clade. In addition, we identified a divergent mitochondrial lineage of the shovel-nosed ecomorph related to D. aureatus, a species not previously known to inhabit the Great Smoky Mountains. These results reveal a more complex and diverse assemblage of ecomorphs than previously recognized in this hotspot of salamander diversity.
Shaw et al. (2025) Geographic distributions and patterns of co-occurrence among black-bellied and shovel-nosed salamanders (Desmognathus spp.) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. PeerJ 13:e20110 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20110
Establishment and verification of a nomogram model based on the inflammatory indicators of patients with cervical cancer for predicting the risk of their lymph node metastasis
Based on inflammatory indicators, this study aimed to predict the risk of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) and establish a predictive nomogram model. Methods This retrospective study analyzed the clinical data of 194 patients with stage IA2-IIA2 who underwent surgery at Hebei General Hospital (between January 2017 and August 2023). Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of LNM or not. Clinical data of the participants were gathered and analyzed to compare the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors influencing LNM in patients with CSCC. R software was used to construct a nomogram model to predict LNM in patients with CSCC, and its accuracy was verified. Results Squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) level, D-dimer level, platelet (PLT) count, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) index were significantly higher in patients with LNM than in those without LNM (P < 0.05). There was a significant association between lymph vascular space invasion (LVSI) in patients with CSCC and their LNM (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that SCC-Ag, PLR, and LVSI in patients with CSCC were independent risk factors for LNM (P < 0.05). A predictive nomogram model was constructed, and the prediction probability was consistent with the actual observed value (Hosmer–Lemeshow P = 0.313). Analyses using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve revealed that the combination of the SCC-Ag, PLR, and LVSI values of patients with CSCC significantly improved the diagnostic efficiency of their LNM (AUC = 0.792, P < 0.001). Conclusion Establishing a nomogram model based on preoperative inflammatory indicators of patients with CSCC can accurately predict the risk of LNM, providing evidence for implementing a clinical diagnosis and treatment scheme.
Song et al. (2025) Establishment and verification of a nomogram model based on the inflammatory indicators of patients with cervical cancer for predicting the risk of their lymph node metastasis. PeerJ 13:e20069 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20069
Selection of suitable wheat genotypes under thermal stress and complex genotype-environment interaction using stability analyses and selection indices
Thermal stress is a consequence of climate change that threatens food security, causes plant tissue damage, and harms crop production, particularly during the pollination and fertilization period and in grain-filling stages negatively impacting the number of grains, grain size, and quality. Genotype-environment interaction (GEN: ENV) complicates the selection of optimal wheat genotypes due to the complex genetic basis of yield under varying conditions. Diversified approaches were put forth in response to the pressing demand for simultaneous enhancements in high-yield performance combined with stability. This study investigates the selection of ideal wheat genotypes under thermal stress and complex GEN: ENV using stability analyses and selection indices to assess genotype performance and stability. Twenty wheat genotypes were evaluated across optimal conditions (OC) and thermal stress conditions (TSC) over three growing seasons with six ENVs. Results demonstrated significant GEN: ENV, revealing genetic variations in thermal tolerance. The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI2) biplot indicated a combined variance of 99.00%, and eleven genotypes showed stable grain yield (GY) with six ENVs, three (G05, G09, and G17) were more stable. The G04, G05, G06, G09, and G18 genotypes were chosen for GY as perfect (stable and high-performance) genotypes by weighted average of absolute scores biplot (WAASB) and were also identified as the best genotypes group by WAASB-GY, with the exception of G18. Ten selection indices showed significant positive associations under GYoc and GYtsc, so they can be leveraged to detect the genotype’s high yield of GYtsc indirectly. The heritability, accuracy, and rgen: env values for most indices were high, indicating a major role of the genotypic effect in their inheritance, with the exception of the stress-non-stress production index (SNPI) index. Out of the five that were examined by WAASB, G04, G05, G06, and G09 were the top-ranking genotypes by the multi-trait genotype ideotype distance index, either before or after removing variables. This suggests that they could be examined for validation stability measures. The findings of this study offer valuable insights for ENVs variety selection, facilitating the identification of improved cultivars and supporting the development of thermal stress-resilient breeding programs.
Ghazy et al. (2025) Selection of suitable wheat genotypes under thermal stress and complex genotype-environment interaction using stability analyses and selection indices. PeerJ 13:e20061 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20061
Association of circulating branched-chain amino acids with risk of pre-diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Objective Recent investigations have looked at the systemic concentrations of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), which they consider prospective indicators for health conditions and the likelihood of chronic diseases. To elucidate the equivocal link between systemic BCAA concentrations and prediabetes, our study undertook a meta-analytical investigation. Materials and Methods Electronic databases were comprehensively searched in April 2024, and the study quality evaluation relied on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The I2 statistic was used for heterogeneity assessment, and data analysis relied on Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 12.0. Standard mean difference (SMD) was used as the effect size to account for varying units of measurement across the included studies. Sensitivity assessment was instituted to evaluate result tenacity, and subgroup examinations were concomitantly carried out, with funnel plots, Egger’s regression analysis, and Begg’s rank-correlation methodology deployed to discern publication bias. PROSPERO registration (CRD42024572760) validates this review’s protocol compliance. Results Meta-analysis was conducted on 15 studies that involved 3,849 participants. Most individuals were over 40 years old. The prediabetes (PreDM) group exhibited significantly elevated levels of valine (Val) (SMD = 0.29; 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.14–0.45]; P = 0.0002), leucine (Leu) (SMD = 0.34; 95% CI [0.18–0.49]; P < 0.0001), and isoleucine (Ile) (SMD = 0.24; 95% CI [0.15–0.32]; P < 0.00001) compared to controls. Affirming the soundness of the results, sensitivity analysis indicated the lack of significant publication bias. Conclusions This meta-analysis supports the hypothesis that circulating BCAA levels increase in PreDM, suggesting that measuring BCAA levels could be investigated as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of PreDM and a target for its treatment.
Wang et al. (2025) Association of circulating branched-chain amino acids with risk of pre-diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PeerJ 13:e20054 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20054
Identification of immunological and prognostic value of SHROOM2 in pan-cancer and experimental verification of its role in promoting malignant phenotypes in breast cancer
Objective This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Shroom Family Member 2 (SHROOM2) expression and immune features, survival outcomes, and tumor mutational burden (TMB) across various cancer types, as well as its impact on the aggressive behavior of breast cancer (BC). Methods RNA sequencing and clinical survival data were retrieved from the TCGA-BRCA and TCGA-PANCANCER datasets within The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Survival analyses were performed to assess the association between SHROOM2 expression and clinical outcomes across different cancer types. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was applied to identify potential mechanisms associated with differentially expressed genes in BC. Spearman correlation and Wilcoxon tests were used to evaluate the relationships between SHROOM2 levels and immune characteristics, TMB, or drug sensitivity. Additionally, the effects of SHROOM2 on BC cells were assessed through reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, transwell assay, and wound healing assay. Results SHROOM2 was overexpressed in a range of cancers, and its upregulation was associated with poor clinical outcomes. It was significantly correlated with immunomodulators, immune checkpoints, and immune cell infiltration in pan-cancer. Moreover, it showed an association with TMB and drug sensitivity in BC. Increased SHROOM2 expression enhanced the proliferative, migratory, and invasive capabilities of BC cells in vitro. Conclusion High SHROOM2 expression is linked to poor prognosis in BC, supporting its potential as both an immunological and predictive biomarker.
Wang et al. (2025) Identification of immunological and prognostic value of SHROOM2 in pan-cancer and experimental verification of its role in promoting malignant phenotypes in breast cancer. PeerJ 13:e20051 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20051