A new defoliating threat to eucalyptus plantations: biology and foliar consumption of Physocleora dukinfeldia (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)
The defoliator Physocleora dukinfeldia Schaus 1897 (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) was recently reported attacking Eucalyptus urograndis (Myrtaceae) plantations in Brazil, raising concerns about its potential impact on commercial forestry. In this context, early characterization of pest biology plays a critical role in understanding host-use patterns and forecasting potential impacts on forest ecosystems. This study aimed to characterize the biology and foliar consumption of P. dukinfeldia on E. urograndis and its native host, Schinus terebinthifolia (Anacardiaceae), by recording molting, mortality, pupation, and emergence of imago, measuring larval head capsule width, pupal weight, and size, and calculating stage duration and viability under controlled conditions. The insect completed its life cycle on both host plants, with significantly longer development time and reduced pupal viability observed on E. urograndis. Although larval survival was low on both host species, nearly one-third of the individuals successfully reached adulthood. No significant differences in leaf consumption were detected between the two eucalyptus species evaluated in this study. These findings indicate that P. dukinfeldia has the biological capacity to adapt to eucalyptus and should be closely monitored in forest production areas. This is the first report to detail the life cycle and feeding behavior of this species on eucalyptus, providing critical baseline information for future pest management strategies.
Silva et al. (2026) A new defoliating threat to eucalyptus plantations: biology and foliar consumption of Physocleora dukinfeldia (Lepidoptera: Geometridae). PeerJ 14:e20589 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20589
Human landscape disturbance and wildlife gut microbiota: global knowledge gaps
Wildlife gut microbiota (GM) comprises a dynamic microbial community that plays a key role in host adaptation, ecological interactions and health. Human landscape disturbances (e.g., habitat loss and fragmentation) may alter the diversity and composition of wildlife GM. Therefore, it is important to understand whether these changes are driven by habitat loss, fragmentation per se, or a combination of fragmentation and additional disturbances (e.g., human activities, interaction with domestic animals). We reviewed recent literature (2013–2023) concerning the effects of human landscape disturbance on wildlife GM alpha diversity, focusing on studies employing quantitative or qualitative landscape metrics. Of 119 reviewed studies, 62.2% (n = 74) used some type of landscape metrics, 58% (n = 69) incorporated landscape disturbance as a variable in their analyses, and 49.5% (n = 59) reported significant differences in at least one alpha diversity index. Among studies on free-ranging wildlife that found significant differences in any alpha diversity index (n = 52), 69.2% (n = 36) employed landscape metrics, and 55.8% (n = 29) explicitly described the type of disturbance associated with changes in GM alpha diversity index, with higher values in less disturbed landscapes compared to more disturbed landscapes (binomial sign test; p = 0.04). With respect to host species exhibiting significant variations in their GM alpha diversity index due to human landscape disturbance, there is an overrepresentation of species classified as “Least Concern” and an underrepresentation of species from certain regions, particularly South America. Despite growing research interest in this field, the available studies remain insufficiently extensive to establish clear overall patterns and trends, both globally and across different taxonomic groups. This review identifies methodological and geographical biases and emphasizes the need for more comprehensive studies in this field, considering host species ecology and quantitative landscape metrics as a substantial contribution for predicting ecosystem-level responses and informing effective conservation efforts.
Paleo-López et al. (2026) Human landscape disturbance and wildlife gut microbiota: global knowledge gaps. PeerJ 14:e20545 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20545
Dental caries risk assessment using caries management by risk assessment (CAMBRA) tool in Yanbu city, Saudi Arabia—a cross sectional study
Introduction Dental caries affects billions of people globally with complications leading to a reduced quality of life. Investigating dental caries risk factors is of the utmost importance to prevent future carious lesions. To date, most oral health research focused on measuring the prevalence of the disease at the expense of investigating the caries risk. This study aims to establish a baseline record on the level of dental caries risk in Yanbu city and to explore the factors associated with an increased risk in permanent dentition. Methods Contact information was obtained from all Ministry of Health facilities across Yanbu city. Participants aged ≥18 years with permanent dentition were included via simple random sampling. Clinical examinations were conducted to collect potential risk and protective factors using CAMBRA tool. In addition, other factors including demographic characteristics, dental attendance, smoking history, dental anxiety, and the presence of comorbidities, were collected. Descriptive, chi2 test, and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to determine major potential risk factors and the level of caries risk. Results A total of 141 participants were included in the study. The most prevalent risk factor was the presence of heavy plaque (51.1%), 97.2% of the participants presented with cavitated teeth. Factors such as the use of fluoridated toothpaste once/twice daily and a chlorhexidine gluconate mouth rinse were associated with a decreased risk of caries (p-value < 0.05). Conversely, frequent snacking, medications-induced hyposalivation, the presence of heavy plaque, deep pits and fissures, exposed tooth roots, white spot lesions, new non-cavitated lesions in enamel and existing restorations were associated with an increased risk for dental caries (p-value < 0.05). Conclusion This study represents a foundational assessment of caries risk via the CAMBRA protocol among an underreported population in Saudi Arabia. This work addresses a critical gap and highlights important key factors that can be utilized in managing dental caries clinically and in the implementation of larger-scale caries preventive programs in the region.
Albishi et al. (2026) Dental caries risk assessment using caries management by risk assessment (CAMBRA) tool in Yanbu city, Saudi Arabia—a cross sectional study. PeerJ 14:e20540 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20540
Multifractal analysis of vegetation regulation on ecohydrological processes in a small watershed
Background Runoff from small catchments facilitate water movement and a hydrologic balance across an area. In the watershed hydrological cycle, precipitation serves as the primary source of runoff, while runoff represents a delayed response to precipitation. Vegetation plays a crucial regulatory role in the relationship between precipitation and runoff through multiple ecohydrological mechanisms, including interception, infiltration regulation, and evapotranspiration. In different small watersheds, the dominant coupling mechanisms between precipitation and runoff exhibit clear temporal-scale dependence due to the variability of meteorological conditions and vegetation dynamics. Moreover, these interactions are strongly influenced by topographic features, vegetation cover, and soil composition, resulting in considerable uncertainty in the interrelationships among precipitation, runoff, and vegetation. Methods We investigated the nonlinear relationship between precipitation and runoff at various time scales, drawing on long-term observational data (2017–2022) from the Quxi River catchment in China. We used the ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) and multifractal detrended cross-correlation analysis (MF-DCCA) to explore scale-dependent dynamics. The multifractal parameter was applied to reveal how water retention in the Quxi River small watershed varies across scales. To explore seasonal vegetation effects, we further conducted sliding window and Pearson correlation analyses. Results EEMD, detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA), and MF-DCCA analyses were applied to runoff, precipitation, and vegetation cover data in the Quxi River watershed, China. EEMD revealed that high-frequency modes of precipitation and runoff, with a ∼2-week cycle, explained significant data variance. DFA showed precipitation as a random process, while runoff exhibited long-term persistence. MF-DCCA confirmed multifractal characteristics in precipitation-runoff coupling, with the multifractal parameter quantifying hydrological responses. Correlation coefficients between the multifractal parameter and fractional vegetation cover (FVC) were −0.07 (spring), 0.54 (summer), 0.34 (autumn), and 0.42 (winter), indicating vegetation’s moderating effect, especially in summer. Although both spring and summer have substantial precipitation exceeding 1,100 mm, the effects of vegetation dynamics on the watershed’s water retention capacity differ significantly between the two seasons. This is attributed to the vegetation type characteristics of the small watershed. This novel approach, integrating remote sensing and multifractal analysis, quantified vegetation’s regulation of watershed hydrology, offering a robust method to assess water retention capacity. It supports ecological restoration, forest management, and sustainable development in small watersheds, adaptable to regions with large hydraulic projects, enhancing ecosystem stability and biodiversity.
Shi et al. (2026) Multifractal analysis of vegetation regulation on ecohydrological processes in a small watershed. PeerJ 14:e20496 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20496
MRS2 and mitochondrial gene networks in endometrial cancer: mechanisms, biomarkers, and therapeutic implications
Magnesium ions and their transport proteins are increasingly recognized for their critical roles in tumor progression. However, their specific mechanisms in endometrial cancer (EC) remain poorly understood. This study investigated the role of Mitochondrial RNA Splicing 2 protein (MRS2), a key mitochondrial magnesium transporter, and its associated genes, in regulating mitochondrial function and the invasive and metastatic capabilities of EC cells. Using a combination of experimental approaches including lactate detection, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, CCK8 assays, and Transwell migration assays, along with bioinformatics analysis, we investigated the relationship between lactate levels and MRS2 expression in endometrial cancer cells (KLE). Our findings suggest that elevated lactate levels are associated with increased MRS2 expression in mitochondria. This correlation was further linked to enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and altered expression of mitochondrial-related genes. Notably, MRS2 knockdown resulted in reduced proliferation of KLE cells, supporting a potential functional role of MRS2 in endometrial cancer progression. These findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying EC progression and highlight MRS2 as a potential therapeutic target.
Huang et al. (2026) MRS2 and mitochondrial gene networks in endometrial cancer: mechanisms, biomarkers, and therapeutic implications. PeerJ 14:e20409 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20409
Individual and population variation in isotopic niche between two sympatric cormorant species
Coexistence among sympatric, functionally similar species often hinges on niche differentiation, especially as resource competition intensifies during the breeding season. Individual specialisation (IS) can promote coexistence by narrowing individual niches or increasing divergence among individuals. In colonial seabirds, aggregation at limited breeding sites and central-place foraging amplify both intra- and interspecific competition. Here, we assess seasonal shifts in individual and population isotopic niche widths in two sympatric cormorant species to elucidate the mechanisms underlying their coexistence. We analysed isotopic composition (δ13C and δ15N) in multiple-tissues to produce repeated measures within 111 individuals of red-legged cormorant (Poikilocarbo gaimardi) and imperial shag (Leucocarbo atriceps) captured on the Pirén Islet (Los Lagos, Chile) during breeding and non-breeding seasons. Multivariate generalised linear mixed models estimated isotopic niche components: total niche width (TNW), within-individual component (WIC), and between-individual component (BIC). We estimated IS (i.e., the extent to which individuals exploit a narrower subset of the population niche) as BIC/TNW. L. atriceps exhibited 2.2-fold greater TNW than P. gaimardi during non-breeding and 2-fold greater during breeding. IS differed markedly between species: L. atriceps showed a higher IS during non-breeding (0.541 vs 0.213 in P. gaimardi), but decreased by 79.3% during breeding, whereas P. gaimardi increased IS by 52.1%. Niche width overlap was asymmetric and seasonally variable: P. gaimardi exhibited high overlap with L. atriceps (95.7% non-breeding, 89.6% breeding), whilst L. atriceps showed lower overlap (48.3% non-breeding, 43.7% breeding). Competition indices increased substantially during breeding in both species (305% in L. atriceps, 221% in P. gaimardi). Results suggest that coexistence relies on multiple mechanisms, including subtle population niche differentiation, contrasting IS between species, and divergent resource-use strategies. The high niche width overlap and narrower niche of P. gaimardi suggest greater competitive vulnerability for this Near Threatened species. Conservation of foraging habitat heterogeneity and prey availability is crucial for maintaining ecological opportunities that sustain these coexistence mechanisms.
Piriz et al. (2026) Individual and population variation in isotopic niche between two sympatric cormorant species. PeerJ 14:e20384 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20384
The Appalbees menu: a multiyear, multilocus metagenetic assessment of pollen foraging by Appalachian Bombus affinis workers
Background Detailed studies of foraging behavior are needed for scientific management of the endangered rusty-patched bumblebee (Bombus affinis) in the disjunct and ecologically differentiated habitats it presently occupies. Current knowledge gaps hinder recovery planning but are challenging to redress through direct observation of rare interactions in the field. Methods We used genetic metabarcoding to characterize the taxonomic composition of pollen collected by B. affinis workers in the Appalachian mountains of Virginia and West Virginia from 2021–2023. We developed a custom sequence database of the regional flora and compared results for two independent genetic loci, internal transcribed spacer 1 and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS1 and ITS2). Results While ITS2 consistently detected more plant diversity, results from the two loci were broadly concordant with a few notable exceptions. The plant genera Hydrangea, Actaea, Rhododendron, Tilia, and (unexpectedly) Laportea were prominent in midsummer samples, with Rubus a consistent contributor in late spring and early summer. Pea flowers (family Fabaceae) were relatively infrequent but the genera Securigera and Trifolium were detected before the Hydrangea bloom and again in late summer afterwards. The diversity of forage plants was highest in late summer, driven primarily by various genera of Asteraceae. Comparing the current data with previous work indicates regional differentiation in forage plants between Appalachia and the upper Midwest, but also allows ‘consensus’ forage sources that are supported by multiple lines of evidence and shared between regions to be tabulated. These results should help managers focus survey efforts for this endangered species and plan habitat enhancements.
Cornman et al. (2026) The Appalbees menu: a multiyear, multilocus metagenetic assessment of pollen foraging by Appalachian Bombus affinis workers. PeerJ 14:e20284 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20284
Association between WeChat-based remote care guidance and diabetic foot ulcer healing: a retrospective cohort study
Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of WeChat-based remote care guidance as a supplement to standard care for patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Our specific objectives were to compare healing rates, self-management behaviors, and patient satisfaction between the two groups, with a focus on identifying patient subgroups that might benefit most from this approach. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital between June 2021 and December 2022, with follow-up until December 2024. Among 131 eligible patients with diabetic foot ulcers (Wagner grades 1–4), 59 received WeChat -based guidance (intervention) while 72 received standard care (control). Primary outcomes included wound healing rate and time-to-healing. Quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) and treatment satisfaction (DTSQs) were assessed at baseline, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Analyses were adjusted for demographic characteristics, clinical parameters, and disease severity indicators. Results The intervention group showed significantly higher healing rates (88.1% vs 63.9%, P = 0.001) and faster healing time (HR = 2.27, 95% CI [1.35–3.82], P = 0.002). The effect was particularly pronounced in Wagner grade 2–3 ulcers (HR = 14.3–34.2, P < 0.001) and patients receiving interventional procedures (HR = 3.4, 95% CI [1.8–6.3], P <0.001). At 24 months, the intervention group demonstrated greater improvements in quality of life (mean difference = 7.87, P < 0.001) and treatment satisfaction (mean difference = 6.70, P < 0.001). Conclusion WeChat-based remote care guidance was associated with better diabetic foot ulcer healing outcomes, particularly for moderate-severity ulcers and patients undergoing interventional procedures. Our findings also suggest associations between this approach and improvements in quality of life and treatment satisfaction.
Chen et al. (2026) Association between WeChat-based remote care guidance and diabetic foot ulcer healing: a retrospective cohort study. PeerJ 14:e20624 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20624
Improving exercise motivation and physical fitness in college students through a long-term mindfulness-enhanced Tai Chi Chuan program: a randomized controlled trial
Background While Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) is widely recognized for its physical and mental health benefits, its mindful components are often overlooked in traditional training. Mindfulness-enhanced Tai Chi Chuan (MTCC) has been proposed to address this limitation, yet little research has explored its long-term impact on exercise motivation and physical fitness. This study extends previous findings by investigating the sustained effects of a 24-week MTCC intervention in improving physical and mental health outcomes among college students, with a focus on long-term sustainability and motivation maintenance that distinguishes it from our prior short-term research. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 80 college students assigned to either an MTCC group or a traditional TCC group. Seventy-one participants completed the allocated intervention, while nine participants dropped out for personal reasons. No serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported. The MTCC program was delivered in two stages over 24 weekly sessions. The first stage introduced participants to mindfulness-enhanced Taiyi Mirrored-heart Chuan, emphasizing foundational postures and mindfulness principles. The second stage involved traditional TCC training to consolidate the skills and motivation gained during the first stage. Outcome measures, including exercise motivation, physical fitness, mindfulness and subjective well-being, were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that participants in the MTCC group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in all measured outcomes compared to the traditional TCC group. Specifically, the 24-week intervention showed larger effect sizes in physical fitness (η2p = 0.224) compared to our prior study (η2p = 0.033–0.210), highlighting the value of long-term intervention. Conclusion These findings highlight the long-term benefits of integrating mindfulness into TCC practice, particularly in fostering intrinsic motivation for physical activity and enhancing overall well-being. The study underscores the potential of MTCC as a sustainable intervention for promoting holistic health in college students and its applicability in educational and wellness settings. Clinical review registration https://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier ChiCTR2200058449.
Qu et al. (2026) Improving exercise motivation and physical fitness in college students through a long-term mindfulness-enhanced Tai Chi Chuan program: a randomized controlled trial. PeerJ 14:e20602 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20602
Beneath the canopy, beneath the ground: how surface microhabitats shape cave communities
Ecosystem dynamics are shaped by spatial and temporal fluctuations in resource availability and species composition across the landscape. Caves exemplify this interconnectedness, as they rely on allochthonous inputs and surface climatic conditions, fostering communities composed of viable populations from both surface and subterranean habitats. Consequently, effective management and conservation of subterranean environments require the protection of adjacent surface ecosystems, a particularly urgent need in the Amazonian ferruginous hills, where mineral exploitation poses a significant threat. In this context, we investigated how vegetation cover and environmental variables influence the distribution of surface and subterranean fauna, and which factors should guide conservation strategies. We sampled six caves and ten epigean transects around each, encompassing both ombrophilous forest and canga (savanna over ferruginous crusts). Environmental structure variables were recorded for all transects. Significant differences were detected between forest and canga in terms of vegetation structure, microclimate, species richness, and community composition. Species most similar to those found in caves were associated with forest leaf litter, particularly in transects closest to cave entrances. Leaf litter depth emerged as a key factor facilitating faunal overlap between surface and subterranean habitats, likely by providing microhabitats with stable temperature and humidity. In contrast, faunal similarity in canga occurred only under specific conditions, namely, milder temperatures, deeper litter layers, and increased canopy cover. Our findings demonstrate that cave-dwelling species in Amazonian ferruginous systems also inhabit adjacent forest environments, which should be prioritized for conservation.
Oliveira et al. (2026) Beneath the canopy, beneath the ground: how surface microhabitats shape cave communities. PeerJ 14:e20593 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20593