Zmpste24 deficiency contributes to intervertebral disc degeneration by undermining the stability of the nuclear membrane of nucleus pulposus cells
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is often accompanied by the senescence of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and narrowed intervertebral disc space. Zinc metalloproteinase STE24 (Zmpste24), a common anti-aging gene, has been studied in several diseases but remains understudied in IVDD. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between IVDD and alterations in Zmpste24 expression. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that reduced Zmpste24 expression in patients with IVDD. In vitro experiments using rat NP cells revealed that Zmpste24 inhibition induced nuclear instability and cellular senescence. In addition, the phenotype and immunohistochemical staining of Zmpste24 knockout (KO) mice confirmed that Zmpste24 plays a protective role against IVDD. Collectively, these findings suggest that reduced Zmpste24 expression in NP cells may contribute to IVDD pathogenesis.
Han et al. (2026) Zmpste24 deficiency contributes to intervertebral disc degeneration by undermining the stability of the nuclear membrane of nucleus pulposus cells. PeerJ 14:e20534 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20534
Comparative genomics and phylogenetic analysis of seven Ficus species based on chloroplast genomes
Background The genus Ficus (Moraceae) is a large and ecologically important group, known for its intricate fig-wasp pollination mutualism and role as a keystone resource in tropical ecosystems. Despite its significance, the phylogenetic relationships within Ficus remain partially unresolved, necessitating more comprehensive genomic data. Chloroplast (cp) genomes are valuable resources for plant phylogenetic and comparative genomic studies. Here, we sequenced, assembled, and comparatively analyzed the complete chloroplast genomes of seven Ficus species, including Ficus esquiroliana, Ficus pandurata, Ficus formosana, Ficus erecta, Ficus carica, Ficus hirta, and Ficus stenophylla. Results The complete cp genomes were successfully assembled, ranging in size from 160,340 bp to 160,669 bp, and exhibited a typical quadripartite structure with highly conserved gene content and arrangement. Critically, while some of these species have previously published plastomes, our assemblies consistently encoded 130 genes, contrasting with reported gene counts (e.g., 129 for F. formosana (NC_059898), 119 for F. carica (KY635880), 131 for F. erecta (MT093220)) in earlier studies. Numerous repeat sequences and simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified, predominantly in non-coding regions, which serve as valuable resources for developing novel genetic markers. Analysis of codon usage revealed a strong bias towards A/T endings, a common feature in plant cp genomes. While inverted repeat (IR) boundary regions were largely conserved, minor variations, including partial gene duplications (rps19, rpl2), were observed. Comparative genome alignment and nucleotide diversity analysis showed high sequence conservation, with most variations concentrated in single-copy and non-coding regions. We identified three hypervariable regions (ccsA, ccsA - ndhD, and rpoB - trnC-GCA) with elevated nucleotide diversity (Pi > 0.012, ccsA up to 0.0141), suggesting their utility as candidate DNA barcodes for Ficus. Phylogenetic analysis using 79 protein-coding genes from 26 species robustly supported the monophyly of Ficus and resolved the seven newly sequenced species into two well-supported clades, consistent with previous classifications. Conclusions Our study provides new, consistently assembled and rigorously annotated chloroplast genome data for Ficus, including clarified data for previously studied species with notable gene content discrepancies. These data identify candidate molecular markers with potential applications for systematics and population genetics, and offer robust insights into relationships among sampled taxa. These data will facilitate future studies of Ficus evolution and conservation when complemented by broader taxon sampling and nuclear/mitochondrial data.
Bao et al. (2026) Comparative genomics and phylogenetic analysis of seven Ficus species based on chloroplast genomes. PeerJ 14:e20531 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20531
Research progress on exercise fatigue from the perspective of fatigue biomarkers
Exercise-induced fatigue refers to the physiological processes of body functions that cannot be sustained at a specific level during exercise or the inability of the organs to maintain a predetermined level of intensity. Exercise-induced fatigue is a comprehensive physiological process, which is mainly reflected in the body’s neuromuscular system and cardiovascular system. The study of fatigue-related physiological responses related to exercise-induced fatigue provides crucial insights into the underlying mechanisms, enables the assessment of fatigue levels, and aids in the formulation of effective recovery strategies. This review summarized the latest advancements in the research of biomarkers associated with exercise-induced fatigue, exploring the mechanisms of various biomarkers, detection methods, and their applications in sports medicine. Studies have shown that energy substances, metabolites, blood bioindicators, central neurotransmitters, free radicals, urine, saliva, etc., are related to exercise-induced fatigue-related biomarkers in human body. Among them, energy-related substances were the first fatigue markers studied, and metabolites in blood or urine were gradually used as biomarkers as research was deepened and testing methods were refined. The presence of central neurotransmitters gradually increased, and researchers gradually emphasized the important role of neurotransmitters in exercise-induced fatigue. Through a comprehensive analysis of relevant literature, this paper aimed to offer guidance for future research directions and promote a more scientific approach to managing exercise-induced fatigue.
Liu et al. (2026) Research progress on exercise fatigue from the perspective of fatigue biomarkers. PeerJ 14:e20424 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20424
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of mind-body exercise on depressed and anxious individuals
Background This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of mind-body exercise in alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety. It further compares the effects of different types of mind-body exercise and examines whether intervention cycle, session length, or frequency exhibit dose-response relationships. Methods This study adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and systematically searched seven prominent databases—Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, WANFANG DATA, and the VIP database—from their inception through July 6, 2024. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the impact of mind-body exercise interventions on depression and anxiety were included in the analysis. All experimental groups engaged only in mind-body exercise, and control groups received no intervention. Meta-analysis, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and assessment of publication bias were performed using Stata 17.0 software. Evidence quality was assessed using the GRADE tool. Results A total of 15 studies that encompassed 1,351 participants were included in this review. The meta-analysis demonstrated that mind-body exercise significantly alleviated symptoms of depression (Hedges’ g = −0.86, 95% CI [−1.24 to −0.48], P < 0.001) and anxiety (Hedges’ g = −0.38, 95% CI [−0.53 to −0.23], P < 0.001). Five subgroup variables were examined in this study: exercise type, session duration (minutes), intervention period (weeks), frequency (sessions per week), and baseline depression severity. In the analysis of depression outcomes, exercise type, session duration, frequency, and baseline depression severity were identified as significant moderators. The most effective intervention characteristics for reducing depressive symptoms were: Qigong as the exercise type, sessions lasting 31–60 min, a frequency of three sessions per week, an intervention period of 9–12 weeks, and high baseline levels of depression. In contrast, none of these variables were found to be significant moderators in the analysis of anxiety outcomes. However, the most effective intervention characteristics for alleviating anxiety symptoms were tai chi as the exercise type, sessions lasting 31–60 min, a frequency of four or more sessions per week, an intervention period of 8 weeks or less, and normal baseline anxiety levels. Discussion There was robust evidence that mind-body exercise significantly reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety. Other This study adhered to PRISMA guidelines to ensure rigorous transparency and methodological accuracy. Furthermore, it was formally registered on the PROSPERO international systematic review platform (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/) under registration number CRD42024613769.
Ye et al. (2026) A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of mind-body exercise on depressed and anxious individuals. PeerJ 14:e20570 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20570
Microbial allies: shaping growth, physiology, and rhizosphere dynamics of onion (Allium cepa L.)
The present study investigates the dual impact of microbial biofertilizers on the phenotypic performance and rhizosphere microbiome composition in an onion crop. A pot experiment was conducted with seven treatments of microbial inoculants, such as Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Piriformospora indica, phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), and control treatments with and without chemical fertilizers. The growth, physiological, and biochemical traits of onion were assessed alongside rhizospheric soil microbiome profiling using 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing. Significant enhancement in plant height, leaf number, leaf area, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, and antioxidant enzyme activity with low leaf temperature was observed in plants inoculated with Azotobacter and Azospirillum. Notably, the Azotobacter treatment yielded a significant enhancement in the bulb phenol content. Rhizosphere metagenomic analysis revealed 17 dominant phyla, with Actinobacteria (25.3%), Proteobacteria (22.2%), Firmicutes (12.8%), and Chloroflexi (11.02%) comprising over 70% of the total microbiome. Alpha and beta diversity metrics indicated that microbial inoculation, especially with Azospirillum and PSB, enriched the soil microbial community structure. Distinct clustering and correlations with specific microbial taxa such as Candidatus Nitrososphaera and Pseudomonas were observed in response to individual biofertilizer treatments. This study highlights the potential of biofertilizers not only in enhancing onion growth and development but also in modulating beneficial rhizosphere microbial communities. Integrating biofertilizers into onion production systems could reduce the dependency on chemical fertilizers and promote sustainable crop management.
Gedam et al. (2026) Microbial allies: shaping growth, physiology, and rhizosphere dynamics of onion (Allium cepa L.). PeerJ 14:e20566 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20566
An improved tortuosity measurement method combining curvature-based, breadth-first search and Euclidean distance for retinal image analysis
Retinal vascular tortuosity is a clinically relevant biomarker linked to systemic and ocular diseases; however, its quantitative assessment particularly the distinction between arteries and veins remains underexplored in both healthy and pathological conditions. This study investigates tortuosity behavior using three publicly available retinal fundus image datasets: Digital Retinal Images for Vessel Extraction (DRIVE), High-Resolution Fundus (HRF), and Labelled Eye fundus Segmentation-Artery Vein (LES-AV). A standardized analytical pipeline combining curvature-based metrics, breadth-first search (BFS) and Euclidean distance was applied following vessel segmentation, artery-vein separation, skeletonization, and optic disc-based tracing. BFS algorithm was utilized for vessel path tracing, chosen for its robustness and suitability in navigating complex vascular structures with high reproducibility. Five comparative analyses were performed: artery vs. vein tortuosity; healthy vs. diseased eyes (glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy); and cross-dataset comparisons under both healthy and pathological conditions. Across all datasets, veins consistently exhibited higher tortuosity than arteries in healthy eyes, confirmed by large effect sizes (Cohen’s d), despite weak correlation between the two vessel types. Diabetic retinopathy cases showed an amplified artery-vein separation, suggesting disease-induced vascular changes. Glaucomatous eyes exhibited mixed patterns, with HRF artery-vein differences maintained and LES-AV showing diminished separation, partly due to non-normal data distribution. A key finding highlights the significant influence of imaging characteristics especially field of view (FOV) on tortuosity measurement. Datasets with a wider field of view, such as DRIVE and HRF (45° FOV, optical disc (OD) positioned nasally), captured more peripheral, tortuous vessels and reported higher tortuosity values. In contrast, the LES-AV dataset with a narrower 30° FOV and centered optic disc, resulted in lower tortuosity measurements and weaker artery-vein differentiation. These anatomical and technical differences emphasize the need to handle FOV and orientation settings when designing or comparing tortuosity-based diagnostic studies. In conclusion, retinal vascular tortuosity appears to be a vessel-specific feature which is robust and capable of capturing both pathological and variations in dataset. The findings support its integration into automated diagnostic frameworks and highlight the importance of standardizing imaging parameters particularly FOV and anatomical orientation in future retinal biomarker research.
Amir Hamzah et al. (2026) An improved tortuosity measurement method combining curvature-based, breadth-first search and Euclidean distance for retinal image analysis. PeerJ 14:e20561 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20561
Comparative anatomy of the thoracic muscles of bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea)
Bees exhibit a remarkable anatomical diversity, with phenotypic traits that reflect broad evolutionary patterns and specific adaptations. Understanding these patterns requires examining key anatomical features, such as thoracic musculature, which drives morpho-functional variation and underscores their extensive phenotypic diversity. The thorax (or ‘mesosoma,’ as it can be referred to in the context of bees and other apocritan Hymenoptera) serves as a power core, housing muscles responsible for leg, wing, and also head and metasomal articulation movements. Despite the role of the thoracic musculature in the flight mechanics of bees, detailed studies are limited to accounts of individual species or small subsets of muscles, with truly comparative analyses being scarce, leaving gaps in understanding muscular variation and phylogenetic significance. To address this, we conducted detailed dissections of 13 species, representing six bee families (Andrenidae, Apidae, Colletidae, Halictidae, Megachilidae, and Melittidae) and three additional apoid wasp taxa (Bembicidae, Crabronidae, Philanthidae), selected to capture a broad range of morphological and phylogenetic diversity. Our results revealed high conservation in mesosomal musculature, with only 16 of 58 muscle groups showing significant variation, primarily in origin points, suggesting a balance between functional constraints and evolutionary flexibility in muscle attachment. Phylogenetically relevant changes were investigated by coding 17 morphological characters, revealing potential synapomorphies for bees or certain lineages. These include the dorsomedial origin of Idlm1 (M. prophragma-occipitalis) in Meliponini, as evident in species such as Melipona quadrifasciata and Tetragonisca fiebrigi, suggesting a shared derived trait for this tribe. Additionally, the extended origin of IIIscm2 is observed in Andrenidae, Colletidae, and Halictidae, indicating closer evolutionary relationships among these families. Bee-specific modifications, including the non-separation of IItpm7b and IItpm7c by the mesepisternal ridge, distinguished bees from most apoid wasps, interpreted here as a potential synapomorphy for bees. Additional variations, such as the ventral origin of Ivlm3 in select lineages and the branched morphology of IIpcm4, suggest independent evolutionary shifts potentially linked to biomechanical demands. These findings underscore the evolutionary stability and phylogenetic value of bee mesosomal musculature, revealing a conserved framework punctuated by lineage-specific adaptations that may correlate with ecological traits.
Meira et al. (2026) Comparative anatomy of the thoracic muscles of bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea). PeerJ 14:e20532 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20532
Platelet-lymphocyte ratio and its dynamic changes predict mortality in septic acute kidney injury patients: a retrospective multi-center study using U.S. database and Chinese hospital data
Background The platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), a readily available marker that integrates systemic inflammatory burden and immune competence, has emerged as a cost-effective prognostic biomarker in critical care medicine. Elevated PLR has been linked to adverse outcomes across a spectrum of critical illnesses, yet its utility in predicting prognosis among patients with septic acute kidney injury (AKI) remains undefined. Moreover, little is known about how in-hospital trajectories of PLR influence survival outcomes. Method This retrospective study employed data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV and West China Hospital of Sichuan University. The primary endpoints were 28-day and 90-day all-cause mortality. The association between baseline PLR/changes in PLR (ΔPLR) and 28-day and 90-day mortality was investigated by survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards models. ΔPLR was calculated as PLR at discharge minus PLR at admission. Patients were stratified based on optimal PLR cut-off values determined from the training cohort, and results were validated internally and externally. Predefined subgroup analyses probed for effect modification across key clinical populations, and mediation analysis was conducted to quantify intermediate variables linking PLR/ΔPLR dynamics to patient outcomes. Result A total of 1,478 patients were included in the baseline-PLR cohort and 982 in the ΔPLR cohort. In the training set, an elevated baseline PLR (≥335.44) was associated with significantly higher 28-day mortality (26.56% vs. 18.66%, P = 0.009) and 90-day mortality (46.48% vs. 35.61%, P = 0.003). These findings were confirmed in both the internal validation cohort and an external cohort, and remained robust after adjustment for demographic, clinical and laboratory confounders. Conversely, lower ΔPLR also predicted the 28-day (14.81% vs. 6.94%, P = 0.007; HR = 2.261, P = 0.005) and 90-day mortality (24.07% vs. 15.41%, P = 0.029; HR = 1.702, P = 0.017), as well as prolonged hospital stay (28.64 vs. 21.64 days, P = 0.004). The associations between PLR or ΔPLR and mortality remained robust after adjusting for confounding factors. Subgroup analyses indicated that the prognostic value of PLR was particularly pronounced in non-urinary tract infection patients, and a low baseline PLR conferred a significant survival benefit in male patients. Mediation analysis revealed that changes in white blood cell count (ΔWBC) mediated 27.99% of the association between ΔPLR and 28-day mortality. Conclusion Both baseline PLR and its dynamic change during hospitalization may serve as significant predictors of mortality in septic AKI. PLR-based indices could aid in risk stratification and early identification of high-risk patients.
Liu et al. (2026) Platelet-lymphocyte ratio and its dynamic changes predict mortality in septic acute kidney injury patients: a retrospective multi-center study using U.S. database and Chinese hospital data. PeerJ 14:e20522 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20522
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy versus sham extracorporeal shockwave therapy for chronic Achilles tendinopathy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Background Chronic Achilles tendinopathy is a persistent and debilitating condition. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is widely used, but its true effectiveness and safety for chronic Achilles tendinopathy remains debated. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of ESWT and sham ESWT for chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Methods Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ESWT with sham ESWT in chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Primary outcomes included pain reduction (change in Visual Analog Scale (ΔVAS), minimal clinically important difference (MCID) 1.1/10) and functional improvement (change in Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles (ΔVISA-A), MCID 8/100; change in American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (ΔAOFAS), MCID 12/100). Secondary outcomes encompassed adverse events. Risk of bias was assessed via Risk of Bias 2 (RoB2). Meta-analysis used RevMan 5.4.1, with weighted mean differences (WMD) and odds ratios (ORs) for continuous and dichotomous outcomes, respectively. Hypothesis-generating subgroup analyses explored ESWT type, tendinopathy classification, and symptom duration. Results Eight RCTs (458 participants) were included. No significant differences were observed between ESWT and sham groups in ΔVAS or ΔVISA-A, ΔAOFAS across follow-ups all P > 0.05). Adverse events were higher with ESWT (4.5% vs. 1.2%), though non-significant (P = 0.12). Subgroup analysis found that ESWT led to significant VAS reduction in patients with symptom duration < 12 months at 1-month (WMD: −0.76, P = 0.03) and 3-month (WMD: −1.23, P = 0.001) follow-ups than Sham ESWT. Conclusions ESWT showed no clear overall benefits compared to sham ESWT for chronic Achilles tendinopathy, but exploratory analyses hint at possible short-term pain relief for patients with symptoms lasting less than 12 months. More high-quality evidence is needed.
Ni et al. (2026) Extracorporeal shockwave therapy versus sham extracorporeal shockwave therapy for chronic Achilles tendinopathy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PeerJ 14:e20506 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20506
Analysis of molecular subtypes and prognostic signature of senescence-associated secretory phenotype in pancreatic cancer
Background Pancreatic cancer (PC) exhibits an extremely poor prognosis due to its high heterogeneity. The senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), a distinct secretory profile displayed by senescent cells, has been increasingly studied. However, the role of SASP in PC prognosis and treatment remains unclear. Methods Transcriptomic sequencing data from PC patients were analyzed using consensus clustering based on SASP genes. A prognostic signature was subsequently constructed via Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression using survival-related SASP genes. Pathway enrichment analysis for distinct subgroups was performed using Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA). Comprehensive analyses of mutational landscapes and tumor immune microenvironments were conducted across risk-stratified PC samples. Results Consensus clustering based on SASP genes identified two SASP-associated clusters (SASPclusters), with cluster B demonstrating significantly worse prognosis than cluster A. Thirty-three SASP genes showed significant associations with PC prognosis, and a 7-gene SASP-based prognostic signature was established. High-risk patients exhibited significantly higher mutation rates. Distinct immune cell infiltration patterns, immune functions, checkpoint expression levels, and chemosensitivity profiles were observed between risk groups. Besides, we found that ANGPTL4 could promote PC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Conclusion Molecular subtyping and risk stratification based on SASP genes effectively predict PC prognosis and reveal heterogeneity in mutational burden, immune microenvironment, and therapeutic sensitivity. These computational findings deepen our understanding of potential role of SASP in PC and provide a theoretical foundation for personalized treatment strategies.
Kuang et al. (2026) Analysis of molecular subtypes and prognostic signature of senescence-associated secretory phenotype in pancreatic cancer. PeerJ 14:e20476 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20476