PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Feeding ecology and trophic interactions of the narrow-barred Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson) in the Central Taiwan Strait
items: Does reef crest zone selection influence Acropora palmata (Lamarck, 1816) fragment survival and growth?
items: Status and trends of giant clam populations demonstrate the effectiveness of village-based protection in American Sāmoa
items: Fast and robust estimate of bacterial genus novelty using the percentage of conserved proteins with unique matches (POCPu)
items: Comparison of quadriceps and hamstring muscle size and strength between young athletes following knee surgery and healthy controls
items: Prevalence of poor sleep quality and its associated factors in patients with concurrent type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension
items: Impact of preoperative underweight status on perioperative morbidity and mortality after liver resection for liver tumors: a meta-analysis
items: The CD8+/Foxp3+ ratio, but not the number of OX40+ TILs, is an independent predictor of tumor recurrence in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: a retrospective study
items: Assessment of serum diagnostic biomarkers for periprosthetic joint infection in hip and knee arthroplasty: a retrospective study
items: Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and earthworms on plant-soil systems of urban turf grasses

Feeding ecology and trophic interactions of the narrow-barred Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson) in the Central Taiwan Strait
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Understanding the foraging ecology of marine predators is essential for ecosystem-based fisheries management. This study examined the diet of the narrow-barred Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson) in the Central Taiwan Strait using stomach content and stable isotope analyses integrated with an isotopic mixing model. A total of 1,733 specimens were collected between January 2017 and March 2022. Stomach content analysis revealed that 79.8% had empty stomachs, while the remainder mainly contained semi-digested fish remains. Among identifiable prey, composition varied by size and season. Sardinella lemuru, Decapterus spp., and Trichiurus spp. dominated the diet of smaller individuals, while larger fish primarily consumed Decapterus spp. and Mene maculata. Sardinella lemuru and Trichiurus spp. were more abundant in summer and autumn–winter, respectively. In the meanwhile, Decapterus spp. remained important year-round. Isotopic analysis further revealed that Sardinella lemuru, Etrumeus micropus, Decapterus macarellus and Penaeidae (Metapenaeopsis barbata) were dominant prey in smaller size classes, while Encrasicholina punctifer, D. macarellus, Evynnis cardinalis, Trichiurus spp. and Uroteuthis spp. were prevalent in intermediate and larger individuals. The estimated trophic position (3.8–4.3; mean = 4.0) confirms that S. commerson functions as a top predator with opportunistic feeding behavior. These findings improve understanding of regional trophic dynamics and support sustainable fisheries management in the Central Taiwan Strait.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Li Chi Cheng
creator: Jia Shin He
creator: Chi Chang Lai
creator: Yen Hung Lee
creator: Jinn Shing Weng
creator: Hsing Han Huang
creator: Yi Shu Wu
subject: Aquaculture, Fisheries and Fish Science
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Ecology
subject: Marine Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20350
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Cheng et al.
abstract: Understanding the foraging ecology of marine predators is essential for ecosystem-based fisheries management. This study examined the diet of the narrow-barred Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson) in the Central Taiwan Strait using stomach content and stable isotope analyses integrated with an isotopic mixing model. A total of 1,733 specimens were collected between January 2017 and March 2022. Stomach content analysis revealed that 79.8% had empty stomachs, while the remainder mainly contained semi-digested fish remains. Among identifiable prey, composition varied by size and season. Sardinella lemuru, Decapterus spp., and Trichiurus spp. dominated the diet of smaller individuals, while larger fish primarily consumed Decapterus spp. and Mene maculata. Sardinella lemuru and Trichiurus spp. were more abundant in summer and autumn–winter, respectively. In the meanwhile, Decapterus spp. remained important year-round. Isotopic analysis further revealed that Sardinella lemuru, Etrumeus micropus, Decapterus macarellus and Penaeidae (Metapenaeopsis barbata) were dominant prey in smaller size classes, while Encrasicholina punctifer, D. macarellus, Evynnis cardinalis, Trichiurus spp. and Uroteuthis spp. were prevalent in intermediate and larger individuals. The estimated trophic position (3.8–4.3; mean = 4.0) confirms that S. commerson functions as a top predator with opportunistic feeding behavior. These findings improve understanding of regional trophic dynamics and support sustainable fisheries management in the Central Taiwan Strait.
bibliographic citation: Cheng et al. (2025) Feeding ecology and trophic interactions of the narrow-barred Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson) in the Central Taiwan Strait. PeerJ 13:e20350 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20350
date submitted: 2025-05-07
date accepted: 2025-10-15
issued: 2025-11-14
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Cheng
  given name: Li Chi
author list: Agent
  family name: He
  given name: Jia Shin
author list: Agent
  family name: Lai
  given name: Chi Chang
author list: Agent
  family name: Lee
  given name: Yen Hung
author list: Agent
  family name: Weng
  given name: Jinn Shing
author list: Agent
  family name: Huang
  given name: Hsing Han
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Yi Shu
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20350
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-11-14
copyright: © 2025 Cheng et al.
attribution name: Cheng et al.

Does reef crest zone selection influence Acropora palmata (Lamarck, 1816) fragment survival and growth?
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: In this study, we evaluated the effects of the crest zones on the survival and growth of Acropora palmata fragments in four sites differentially impacted by multiple natural and anthropogenic stressors. The crests are in the northwest (Playa Baracoa and Rincón de Guanabo) and the south-central region (El Peruano and Mariflores in Jardines de la Reina National Park) of Cuba. We established a field-based experiment with 50 fragments placed in each crest, 25 fragments in the back crest zone and 25 in the fore crest zone, parallel to the shoreline. The water flow intensity was estimated in both crest zones, using the dissolution of plaster discs as an indicator. The survival and growth of fragments were significantly influenced by site-specific and microhabitat conditions. The survival of the A. palmata fragments was high (survival probability: >0.6) in all four crests. Fragments placed in the fore crest zone (p = 0.02) exhibited higher survival than those in the back crest zone. The growth rates were slower (−1.5 to 7.3 cm year−1) than those previously recorded for wild A. palmata colonies and were negatively affected (estimate = −6.1; p = 0.004) in the fore crest zone. The dissolution of the plaster discs did not indicate a marked gradient of water flow between the crest zones, during April and June, but it was significantly higher (p = 0.03) in the fore crest zone in December at El Peruano and Mariflores crests, indicating temporal variations during the monitoring periods. The dissolution of plaster discs, as a proxy for water flow, did not have a significant effect on fragment survival between zones. However, when the dissolution was below approximately 68%, growth declined slightly; above this threshold, growth increased, possibly by higher inferred water flow. At higher levels of water flow (dissolution of the plaster discs), the positive effect of temperature on growth was attenuated (p = 0.007), suggesting that under strong water flow heat may be dissipated. The…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Amanda Ramos Romero
creator: Patricia González-Díaz
creator: Gabriela Aguilera Pérez
creator: Anastazia T. Banaszak
subject: Ecology
subject: Marine Biology
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20303
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Ramos Romero et al.
abstract: In this study, we evaluated the effects of the crest zones on the survival and growth of Acropora palmata fragments in four sites differentially impacted by multiple natural and anthropogenic stressors. The crests are in the northwest (Playa Baracoa and Rincón de Guanabo) and the south-central region (El Peruano and Mariflores in Jardines de la Reina National Park) of Cuba. We established a field-based experiment with 50 fragments placed in each crest, 25 fragments in the back crest zone and 25 in the fore crest zone, parallel to the shoreline. The water flow intensity was estimated in both crest zones, using the dissolution of plaster discs as an indicator. The survival and growth of fragments were significantly influenced by site-specific and microhabitat conditions. The survival of the A. palmata fragments was high (survival probability: >0.6) in all four crests. Fragments placed in the fore crest zone (p = 0.02) exhibited higher survival than those in the back crest zone. The growth rates were slower (−1.5 to 7.3 cm year−1) than those previously recorded for wild A. palmata colonies and were negatively affected (estimate = −6.1; p = 0.004) in the fore crest zone. The dissolution of the plaster discs did not indicate a marked gradient of water flow between the crest zones, during April and June, but it was significantly higher (p = 0.03) in the fore crest zone in December at El Peruano and Mariflores crests, indicating temporal variations during the monitoring periods. The dissolution of plaster discs, as a proxy for water flow, did not have a significant effect on fragment survival between zones. However, when the dissolution was below approximately 68%, growth declined slightly; above this threshold, growth increased, possibly by higher inferred water flow. At higher levels of water flow (dissolution of the plaster discs), the positive effect of temperature on growth was attenuated (p = 0.007), suggesting that under strong water flow heat may be dissipated. The…
bibliographic citation: Ramos Romero et al. (2025) Does reef crest zone selection influence Acropora palmata (Lamarck, 1816) fragment survival and growth?. PeerJ 13:e20303 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20303
date submitted: 2025-04-07
date accepted: 2025-10-07
issued: 2025-11-14
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Ramos Romero
  given name: Amanda
author list: Agent
  family name: González-Díaz
  given name: Patricia
author list: Agent
  family name: Aguilera Pérez
  given name: Gabriela
author list: Agent
  family name: Banaszak
  given name: Anastazia T.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20303
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-11-14
copyright: ©2025 Ramos Romero et al.
attribution name: Ramos Romero et al.

Status and trends of giant clam populations demonstrate the effectiveness of village-based protection in American Sāmoa
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Giant clams (subfamily Tridacninae) serve diverse ecological functions in coral reef ecosystems but have experienced severe populatiaon declines across much of their native ranges. Continued overharvesting, habitat degradation, and climate change impacts reinforce the need for updated population assessments and have prompted consideration for endangered species status. Here, we report a territory-wide evaluation of giant clam populations in American Sāmoa, integrating historical data (1994/95, 2002, and 2018) with new surveys conducted from 2022 to 2024 to assess the population status of these ecologically important bivalves. Using belt transects (50 m × 2 m at 10 m depth), we examined clam densities, size-class distributions, species composition, and population trends across six islands—Tutuila, Aunuʻu, Ofu, Olosega, Taʻū, and Muliāva. This study added 264 transects to the historical dataset and showed population densities of giant clams varied among islands but have remained relatively consistent over time. Using univariate and factorial ANOVAs of giant clam abundance and size data, we assessed spatial and temporal variation across American Sāmoa, and our analyses tested for effects of island, year, protection status, and their interactions. The lowest recent clam densities (83.5 individuals per hectare in 2022) were observed on the main island of Tutuila, where 98% of residents live. Mean clam density on Tutuila has increased from 14.1/ha in 1994/95, but the island has considerable variation amongst locations. Remote islands, such as Taʻū and Muliāva, showed higher densities, up to 812 and 1,166/ha, respectively. Most (96.7%) of giant clams found on transects were identified as Tridacna maxima, with infrequent occurrences of the cryptic species T. squamosa and T. noae, primarily within specific, village-managed protected areas. On Tutuila, surveys sites included a variety of jurisdictions and levels of management, with village protected areas and remote sites sup…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Paolo Marra-Biggs
creator: Eric K. Brown
creator: Domingo Galgo Ochavillo
creator: Alison L. Green
creator: Alice Lawrence
creator: Carlos Tramonte
creator: Valentine Vaeoso
creator: Ian Moffitt
creator: Kersten Schnurle
creator: Nury Molina
creator: Robert J. Toonen
subject: Aquaculture, Fisheries and Fish Science
subject: Marine Biology
subject: Zoology
subject: Science Policy
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20290
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Marra-Biggs et al.
abstract: Giant clams (subfamily Tridacninae) serve diverse ecological functions in coral reef ecosystems but have experienced severe populatiaon declines across much of their native ranges. Continued overharvesting, habitat degradation, and climate change impacts reinforce the need for updated population assessments and have prompted consideration for endangered species status. Here, we report a territory-wide evaluation of giant clam populations in American Sāmoa, integrating historical data (1994/95, 2002, and 2018) with new surveys conducted from 2022 to 2024 to assess the population status of these ecologically important bivalves. Using belt transects (50 m × 2 m at 10 m depth), we examined clam densities, size-class distributions, species composition, and population trends across six islands—Tutuila, Aunuʻu, Ofu, Olosega, Taʻū, and Muliāva. This study added 264 transects to the historical dataset and showed population densities of giant clams varied among islands but have remained relatively consistent over time. Using univariate and factorial ANOVAs of giant clam abundance and size data, we assessed spatial and temporal variation across American Sāmoa, and our analyses tested for effects of island, year, protection status, and their interactions. The lowest recent clam densities (83.5 individuals per hectare in 2022) were observed on the main island of Tutuila, where 98% of residents live. Mean clam density on Tutuila has increased from 14.1/ha in 1994/95, but the island has considerable variation amongst locations. Remote islands, such as Taʻū and Muliāva, showed higher densities, up to 812 and 1,166/ha, respectively. Most (96.7%) of giant clams found on transects were identified as Tridacna maxima, with infrequent occurrences of the cryptic species T. squamosa and T. noae, primarily within specific, village-managed protected areas. On Tutuila, surveys sites included a variety of jurisdictions and levels of management, with village protected areas and remote sites sup…
bibliographic citation: Marra-Biggs et al. (2025) Status and trends of giant clam populations demonstrate the effectiveness of village-based protection in American Sāmoa. PeerJ 13:e20290 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20290
date submitted: 2025-05-19
date accepted: 2025-10-03
issued: 2025-11-14
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Marra-Biggs
  given name: Paolo
author list: Agent
  family name: Brown
  given name: Eric K.
author list: Agent
  family name: Ochavillo
  given name: Domingo Galgo
author list: Agent
  family name: Green
  given name: Alison L.
author list: Agent
  family name: Lawrence
  given name: Alice
author list: Agent
  family name: Tramonte
  given name: Carlos
author list: Agent
  family name: Vaeoso
  given name: Valentine
author list: Agent
  family name: Moffitt
  given name: Ian
author list: Agent
  family name: Schnurle
  given name: Kersten
author list: Agent
  family name: Molina
  given name: Nury
author list: Agent
  family name: Toonen
  given name: Robert J.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20290
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-11-14
copyright: ©2025 Marra-Biggs et al.
attribution name: Marra-Biggs et al.

Fast and robust estimate of bacterial genus novelty using the percentage of conserved proteins with unique matches (POCPu)
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Accurate taxonomic assignment of bacterial genomes is essential for identifying novel taxa and for stable classification to enable robust comparison between studies. Bacterial genus delineation relies on multiple lines of evidence, including phylogenetic trees and metrics like the percentage of conserved proteins (POCP). POCP is widely used, but requires benchmarking in terms of both, computation and accuracy. We used 2,358,466 pairwise comparisons of proteomes derived from 4,767 genomes across 35 families to systematically assess POCP calculation and percentage of conserved proteins with unique matches (POCPu) which considers unique matches only. Both methods are 20x faster than the reference BLASTP when using the very-sensitive setting of DIAMOND. However, POCPu differentiates better within-genus from between-genera values, which improves bacterial genus assignment. This work facilitates comparative analysis of an increasingly larger number of genomes, providing a reliable metric to support genus delineation. The findings suggest that specific POCPu thresholds deviating from the reference 50% value are needed for certain families.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Charlie Pauvert
creator: Thomas C.A. Hitch
creator: Thomas Clavel
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Genomics
subject: Microbiology
subject: Taxonomy
subject: Data Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20259
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Pauvert et al.
abstract: Accurate taxonomic assignment of bacterial genomes is essential for identifying novel taxa and for stable classification to enable robust comparison between studies. Bacterial genus delineation relies on multiple lines of evidence, including phylogenetic trees and metrics like the percentage of conserved proteins (POCP). POCP is widely used, but requires benchmarking in terms of both, computation and accuracy. We used 2,358,466 pairwise comparisons of proteomes derived from 4,767 genomes across 35 families to systematically assess POCP calculation and percentage of conserved proteins with unique matches (POCPu) which considers unique matches only. Both methods are 20x faster than the reference BLASTP when using the very-sensitive setting of DIAMOND. However, POCPu differentiates better within-genus from between-genera values, which improves bacterial genus assignment. This work facilitates comparative analysis of an increasingly larger number of genomes, providing a reliable metric to support genus delineation. The findings suggest that specific POCPu thresholds deviating from the reference 50% value are needed for certain families.
bibliographic citation: Pauvert et al. (2025) Fast and robust estimate of bacterial genus novelty using the percentage of conserved proteins with unique matches (POCPu). PeerJ 13:e20259 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20259
date submitted: 2025-08-04
date accepted: 2025-09-29
issued: 2025-11-14
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Pauvert
  given name: Charlie
author list: Agent
  family name: Hitch
  given name: Thomas C.A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Clavel
  given name: Thomas
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20259
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-11-14
copyright: ©2025 Pauvert et al.
attribution name: Pauvert et al.

Comparison of quadriceps and hamstring muscle size and strength between young athletes following knee surgery and healthy controls
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Objectives This study compared the size and strength of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles in young athletes who had undergone previous knee surgery (POST) to sex- and age- matched, healthy controls (SAM). Methods A total of 18 (nine POST and nine SAM) participants volunteered to participate in the study’s procedures. Of the nine POST participants, six had underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, two underwent medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction and one had undergone patellar tendon repair. Maximal voluntary isometric contractions assessed absolute strength (MVICABS) of the quadriceps and hamstrings. Muscle size was quantified as muscle cross-sectional area (mCSA) from panoramic ultrasound images. Relative strength (MVICREL) was calculated as a ratio of strength to muscle size. Separate 2-way mixed-factorial analyses of variance leg (operative or non-dominant (O-ND) vs. non-operative or dominant (NO-D)) and group (POST vs. SAM) assessed statistical differences at p ≤ 0.05. Results There were no significant two-way interactions (p-range: 0.142–0.74) for any variables. Further, there were no significant main effects for the quadriceps (p-range: 0.127–0.605) nor was there a main effect for leg in any hamstrings variables (p-range: 0.126–0.367). However, the POST group had greater MVICABS and MVICREL than SAM for the hamstrings by 69.8 ± 30.7 N (p = 0.037) and 2.21 ± 1.02 N cm−2 (p = 0.045). Conclusions These findings indicate that there was no difference in quadriceps muscle strength or size between the POST and SAM groups. However, the POST group had greater hamstrings strength than SAM yet no differences in muscle size. These results suggest that the rehabilitation program may have been effective in restoring quadriceps function and enhancing hamstrings strength in young athletes following knee surgery. However, future studies should continue to elucidate the physiological effects of knee surgeries in larger, more diverse samples to attenuate …
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Christopher J. Cleary
creator: Isaiah G. Roepe
creator: Christopher D. Bernard
creator: Traci Smiley
creator: John K. Veazey
creator: Kyle A. Martin
creator: Megan Bechtold
creator: Bryan G. Vopat
creator: Ashley A. Herda
subject: Kinesiology
subject: Orthopedics
subject: Sports Injury
subject: Rehabilitation
subject: Sports Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20330
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Cleary et al.
abstract: Objectives This study compared the size and strength of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles in young athletes who had undergone previous knee surgery (POST) to sex- and age- matched, healthy controls (SAM). Methods A total of 18 (nine POST and nine SAM) participants volunteered to participate in the study’s procedures. Of the nine POST participants, six had underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, two underwent medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction and one had undergone patellar tendon repair. Maximal voluntary isometric contractions assessed absolute strength (MVICABS) of the quadriceps and hamstrings. Muscle size was quantified as muscle cross-sectional area (mCSA) from panoramic ultrasound images. Relative strength (MVICREL) was calculated as a ratio of strength to muscle size. Separate 2-way mixed-factorial analyses of variance leg (operative or non-dominant (O-ND) vs. non-operative or dominant (NO-D)) and group (POST vs. SAM) assessed statistical differences at p ≤ 0.05. Results There were no significant two-way interactions (p-range: 0.142–0.74) for any variables. Further, there were no significant main effects for the quadriceps (p-range: 0.127–0.605) nor was there a main effect for leg in any hamstrings variables (p-range: 0.126–0.367). However, the POST group had greater MVICABS and MVICREL than SAM for the hamstrings by 69.8 ± 30.7 N (p = 0.037) and 2.21 ± 1.02 N cm−2 (p = 0.045). Conclusions These findings indicate that there was no difference in quadriceps muscle strength or size between the POST and SAM groups. However, the POST group had greater hamstrings strength than SAM yet no differences in muscle size. These results suggest that the rehabilitation program may have been effective in restoring quadriceps function and enhancing hamstrings strength in young athletes following knee surgery. However, future studies should continue to elucidate the physiological effects of knee surgeries in larger, more diverse samples to attenuate …
bibliographic citation: Cleary et al. (2025) Comparison of quadriceps and hamstring muscle size and strength between young athletes following knee surgery and healthy controls. PeerJ 13:e20330 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20330
date submitted: 2025-04-17
date accepted: 2025-10-13
issued: 2025-11-13
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Cleary
  given name: Christopher J.
author list: Agent
  family name: Roepe
  given name: Isaiah G.
author list: Agent
  family name: Bernard
  given name: Christopher D.
author list: Agent
  family name: Smiley
  given name: Traci
author list: Agent
  family name: Veazey
  given name: John K.
author list: Agent
  family name: Martin
  given name: Kyle A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Bechtold
  given name: Megan
author list: Agent
  family name: Vopat
  given name: Bryan G.
author list: Agent
  family name: Herda
  given name: Ashley A.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20330
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-11-13
copyright: ©2025 Cleary et al.
attribution name: Cleary et al.

Prevalence of poor sleep quality and its associated factors in patients with concurrent type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The coexistence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension can impair sleep quality, potentially leading to a wide range of adverse health outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate sleep quality and its associated factors in patients with concurrent T2DM and hypertension in Hunan, China. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited patients with concurrent T2DM and hypertension who visited the Department of Endocrinology at the First People’s Hospital of Ruanjiang City, Hunan Province, China, between July 2022 and February 2023. Trained investigators conducted face-to-face interviews to collect data on sociodemographic, lifestyle, and disease-related factors, and assessed anxiety and sleep quality using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with sleep quality. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated to evaluate the predictive ability of the model, and the Hosmer–Lemeshow test was used to assess model calibration. Subgroup analyses were conducted by sex, educational level, and number of T2DM complications to test model robustness. Results A total of 475 patients with concurrent T2DM and hypertension were included. The prevalence of poor sleep quality was 59.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) [54.9%–63.9%]). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that advanced age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.12, 95% CI [1.29–3.48]), history of stroke (aOR = 2.16, 95% CI [1.15–4.06]), and anxiety (aOR = 4.24, 95% CI [2.58–6.98]) were associated with higher odds of poor sleep quality. Regular physical activity was associated with lower odds (aOR = 0.53, 95% CI [0.34–0.84]). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.776 (95% CI [0.735–0.818]), and the Hosmer–Lemeshow test (P = 0.260) indicated good model calibration. Subgroup analyses yielded…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Ziling Feng
creator: Hongying Liu
creator: Ni Xiong
creator: Leyao Tang
creator: Wenjie Dai
creator: Fang Yang
subject: Anthropology
subject: Diabetes and Endocrinology
subject: Epidemiology
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
subject: Public Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20325
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Feng et al.
abstract: Background The coexistence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension can impair sleep quality, potentially leading to a wide range of adverse health outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate sleep quality and its associated factors in patients with concurrent T2DM and hypertension in Hunan, China. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited patients with concurrent T2DM and hypertension who visited the Department of Endocrinology at the First People’s Hospital of Ruanjiang City, Hunan Province, China, between July 2022 and February 2023. Trained investigators conducted face-to-face interviews to collect data on sociodemographic, lifestyle, and disease-related factors, and assessed anxiety and sleep quality using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with sleep quality. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated to evaluate the predictive ability of the model, and the Hosmer–Lemeshow test was used to assess model calibration. Subgroup analyses were conducted by sex, educational level, and number of T2DM complications to test model robustness. Results A total of 475 patients with concurrent T2DM and hypertension were included. The prevalence of poor sleep quality was 59.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) [54.9%–63.9%]). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that advanced age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.12, 95% CI [1.29–3.48]), history of stroke (aOR = 2.16, 95% CI [1.15–4.06]), and anxiety (aOR = 4.24, 95% CI [2.58–6.98]) were associated with higher odds of poor sleep quality. Regular physical activity was associated with lower odds (aOR = 0.53, 95% CI [0.34–0.84]). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.776 (95% CI [0.735–0.818]), and the Hosmer–Lemeshow test (P = 0.260) indicated good model calibration. Subgroup analyses yielded…
bibliographic citation: Feng et al. (2025) Prevalence of poor sleep quality and its associated factors in patients with concurrent type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. PeerJ 13:e20325 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20325
date submitted: 2025-05-16
date accepted: 2025-10-13
issued: 2025-11-13
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Feng
  given name: Ziling
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Hongying
author list: Agent
  family name: Xiong
  given name: Ni
author list: Agent
  family name: Tang
  given name: Leyao
author list: Agent
  family name: Dai
  given name: Wenjie
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Fang
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20325
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-11-13
copyright: ©2025 Feng et al.
attribution name: Feng et al.

Impact of preoperative underweight status on perioperative morbidity and mortality after liver resection for liver tumors: a meta-analysis
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The impact of preoperative underweight status on the outcomes of liver resections for liver tumors is debated. We aimed at conducting a meta-analysis to evaluate the associations between underweight and short-term clinical outcomes after liver resection. Methods PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus , and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to September 14, 2024 (updated on April 21, 2025) to identify eligible studies. Risk ratios (RRs) or mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Results Seven studies were included, with a total of 3,835 patients (normal weight group: 3,412 patients; underweight group: 423 patients). Findings indicated that, relative to individuals of normal weight, underweight patients have longer operation time (MD, 7.73 mins; 95% CI [2.08–13.38], P = 0.007) and higher overall postoperative morbidity (RR 1.41 95% CI [1.06–1.88], P = 0.02), mortality (RR 2.98, 95% CI [1.4 3–6.20], P = 0.003), and surgical site infection (RR 2.00, 95% CI [1.03–3.88], P = 0.04). There were no significant differences in blood loss, length of stay, liver failure, bile leak, and blood transfusion between the normal weight and underweight groups. Conclusions Preoperative underweight status is associated with higher risk of morbidity and mortality after liver resection. Prospective studies or interventional trials, such as nutritional prehabilitation or stratification by cirrhosis and resection extent, are needed to confirm whether underweight represents a truly modifiable risk factor. This review is intended for professionals within the fields of hepatobiliary surgery.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Xuan Tang
creator: Yunpeng Su
creator: Wenxi Li
creator: Li Wan
subject: Gastroenterology and Hepatology
subject: Nutrition
subject: Oncology
subject: Surgery and Surgical Specialties
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20324
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Tang et al.
abstract: Background The impact of preoperative underweight status on the outcomes of liver resections for liver tumors is debated. We aimed at conducting a meta-analysis to evaluate the associations between underweight and short-term clinical outcomes after liver resection. Methods PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus , and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to September 14, 2024 (updated on April 21, 2025) to identify eligible studies. Risk ratios (RRs) or mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Results Seven studies were included, with a total of 3,835 patients (normal weight group: 3,412 patients; underweight group: 423 patients). Findings indicated that, relative to individuals of normal weight, underweight patients have longer operation time (MD, 7.73 mins; 95% CI [2.08–13.38], P = 0.007) and higher overall postoperative morbidity (RR 1.41 95% CI [1.06–1.88], P = 0.02), mortality (RR 2.98, 95% CI [1.4 3–6.20], P = 0.003), and surgical site infection (RR 2.00, 95% CI [1.03–3.88], P = 0.04). There were no significant differences in blood loss, length of stay, liver failure, bile leak, and blood transfusion between the normal weight and underweight groups. Conclusions Preoperative underweight status is associated with higher risk of morbidity and mortality after liver resection. Prospective studies or interventional trials, such as nutritional prehabilitation or stratification by cirrhosis and resection extent, are needed to confirm whether underweight represents a truly modifiable risk factor. This review is intended for professionals within the fields of hepatobiliary surgery.
bibliographic citation: Tang et al. (2025) Impact of preoperative underweight status on perioperative morbidity and mortality after liver resection for liver tumors: a meta-analysis. PeerJ 13:e20324 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20324
date submitted: 2024-12-06
date accepted: 2025-10-10
issued: 2025-11-13
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Tang
  given name: Xuan
author list: Agent
  family name: Su
  given name: Yunpeng
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Wenxi
author list: Agent
  family name: Wan
  given name: Li
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20324
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-11-13
copyright: ©2025 Tang et al.
attribution name: Tang et al.

The CD8+/Foxp3+ ratio, but not the number of OX40+ TILs, is an independent predictor of tumor recurrence in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: a retrospective study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) frequently recurs and progresses into an aggressive and lethal entity within five years. The clinical management of recurrent tumors remains limited. Therefore, identifying individual patients who are at a high risk of recurrence is crucial for early clinical monitoring and appropriate medical intervention, which may lead to improved outcomes. OX40 is a dual modulator that stimulates effector T cells and suppresses Tregs. It appears to be an ideal molecule for predicting survival outcomes, surpassing the predictive power of single or combined T cell signatures. It has been shown to act as an independent tumor prognostic predictor in various cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer, melanoma, and colorectal cancer. However, its potential as a prognostic tool for tumor recurrence in NMIBC has yet to be investigated. The present study aimed to investigate the potential value of OX40 as a predictor of recurrence risk in patients with NMIBC. Additionally, its downstream effectors, Foxp3 and CD8, were also evaluated. Tissue samples were collected from a cohort of 110 patients diagnosed with NMIBC. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess the density of stromal OX40+, Foxp3+, and CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Following survival analysis using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test, we found that tumor recurrence was associated with a decreased density of OX40+ and CD8+ TILs, an elevated density of Foxp3+ TILs, and lower ratios of OX40+/Foxp3+ and CD8+/Foxp3+ TILs. However, after adjustment, multivariate COX regression analysis indicated that only the ratio of CD8+/Foxp3+ was an independent predictor of recurrence risk. The prediction power was assessed by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The results demonstrated that the AUC value for the CD8+/Foxp3+ ratio was better than the other predictive markers. Although the expression of OX40 in TILs was associated with tumor recurrence, ou…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Ke Han
creator: Fenghou Wang
creator: Rong Wang
creator: Qingnuan Kong
subject: Oncology
subject: Pathology
subject: Urology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20322
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Han et al.
abstract: Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) frequently recurs and progresses into an aggressive and lethal entity within five years. The clinical management of recurrent tumors remains limited. Therefore, identifying individual patients who are at a high risk of recurrence is crucial for early clinical monitoring and appropriate medical intervention, which may lead to improved outcomes. OX40 is a dual modulator that stimulates effector T cells and suppresses Tregs. It appears to be an ideal molecule for predicting survival outcomes, surpassing the predictive power of single or combined T cell signatures. It has been shown to act as an independent tumor prognostic predictor in various cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer, melanoma, and colorectal cancer. However, its potential as a prognostic tool for tumor recurrence in NMIBC has yet to be investigated. The present study aimed to investigate the potential value of OX40 as a predictor of recurrence risk in patients with NMIBC. Additionally, its downstream effectors, Foxp3 and CD8, were also evaluated. Tissue samples were collected from a cohort of 110 patients diagnosed with NMIBC. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess the density of stromal OX40+, Foxp3+, and CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Following survival analysis using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test, we found that tumor recurrence was associated with a decreased density of OX40+ and CD8+ TILs, an elevated density of Foxp3+ TILs, and lower ratios of OX40+/Foxp3+ and CD8+/Foxp3+ TILs. However, after adjustment, multivariate COX regression analysis indicated that only the ratio of CD8+/Foxp3+ was an independent predictor of recurrence risk. The prediction power was assessed by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The results demonstrated that the AUC value for the CD8+/Foxp3+ ratio was better than the other predictive markers. Although the expression of OX40 in TILs was associated with tumor recurrence, ou…
bibliographic citation: Han et al. (2025) The CD8+/Foxp3+ ratio, but not the number of OX40+ TILs, is an independent predictor of tumor recurrence in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: a retrospective study. PeerJ 13:e20322 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20322
date submitted: 2025-05-28
date accepted: 2025-10-10
issued: 2025-11-13
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
author list: Agent
  family name: Han
  given name: Ke
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Fenghou
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Rong
author list: Agent
  family name: Kong
  given name: Qingnuan
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20322
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-11-13
copyright: ©2025 Han et al.
attribution name: Han et al.

Assessment of serum diagnostic biomarkers for periprosthetic joint infection in hip and knee arthroplasty: a retrospective study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total hip and knee arthroplasty is challenging to differentiate from similar afflictions. Platelet count-to-mean platelet volume (PC/MPV) ratio has been proposed, but requires validation. This study evaluated PC/MPV and other potential serological biomarkers for diagnosing PJI prior to reimplantation arthroplasty of the hip and knee. Material and Methods Medical records were retrospectively reviewed of patients who received hip and knee revision, and there were 88 PJI patients and 156 non-PJI patients met the modified 2018 criteria for inclusion. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs) were used to analyze and compare the diagnostic performances of PC/MPV, fibrinogen (FIB), C-reactive protein (CRP), platelet count (PLT), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and serum white blood cell (WBC) count. Results Compared with the control group, the patients with PJI had significantly higher PC/MPV, FIB, ESR, CRP, serum WBC, and PLT, respectively, and the areas under the ROC curve were 0.787, 0.917, 0.832, 0.934, 0.685, and 0.778; that of FIB and CRP were similar. Regarding PC/MPV, the optimal cutoff was 27.81, and the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 0.807, 0.673, 0.582, and 0.861. Conclusions The best diagnostic performance was achieved by CRP and FIB, and we recommend that these tests should be prioritized. Serum WBC, PC/MPV and PLT were insufficient to predict PJI prior to reimplantation arthroplasty of the hip and knee; however, CRP combined with FIB or PC/MPV best serves to obtain the most accurate prediction of PJI in our study.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Zhiqiang Sun
creator: Qiqi Zhang
creator: Hui Ma
creator: Xiaohe Wang
creator: Changcheng Hua
creator: Fei Yang
subject: Orthopedics
subject: Surgery and Surgical Specialties
subject: Sports Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20294
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Sun et al.
abstract: Background Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total hip and knee arthroplasty is challenging to differentiate from similar afflictions. Platelet count-to-mean platelet volume (PC/MPV) ratio has been proposed, but requires validation. This study evaluated PC/MPV and other potential serological biomarkers for diagnosing PJI prior to reimplantation arthroplasty of the hip and knee. Material and Methods Medical records were retrospectively reviewed of patients who received hip and knee revision, and there were 88 PJI patients and 156 non-PJI patients met the modified 2018 criteria for inclusion. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs) were used to analyze and compare the diagnostic performances of PC/MPV, fibrinogen (FIB), C-reactive protein (CRP), platelet count (PLT), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and serum white blood cell (WBC) count. Results Compared with the control group, the patients with PJI had significantly higher PC/MPV, FIB, ESR, CRP, serum WBC, and PLT, respectively, and the areas under the ROC curve were 0.787, 0.917, 0.832, 0.934, 0.685, and 0.778; that of FIB and CRP were similar. Regarding PC/MPV, the optimal cutoff was 27.81, and the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 0.807, 0.673, 0.582, and 0.861. Conclusions The best diagnostic performance was achieved by CRP and FIB, and we recommend that these tests should be prioritized. Serum WBC, PC/MPV and PLT were insufficient to predict PJI prior to reimplantation arthroplasty of the hip and knee; however, CRP combined with FIB or PC/MPV best serves to obtain the most accurate prediction of PJI in our study.
bibliographic citation: Sun et al. (2025) Assessment of serum diagnostic biomarkers for periprosthetic joint infection in hip and knee arthroplasty: a retrospective study. PeerJ 13:e20294 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20294
date submitted: 2025-03-25
date accepted: 2025-10-03
issued: 2025-11-13
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Sun
  given name: Zhiqiang
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Qiqi
author list: Agent
  family name: Ma
  given name: Hui
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Xiaohe
author list: Agent
  family name: Hua
  given name: Changcheng
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Fei
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20294
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-11-13
copyright: ©2025 Sun et al.
attribution name: Sun et al.

Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and earthworms on plant-soil systems of urban turf grasses
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and earthworms have been known to enhance plant growth and improve soil quality, but the results have shown some inconsistencies, exhibiting synergistic or independent effects under different studies. Methods In this study, we conducted a factorial experiment to investigate the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and earthworms, both individually and in combination, on plant-soil systems of urban turf grasses. Five turf grass species of different functional groups (gramineous and leguminous) were inoculated with AMF (Glomus mosseae) and earthworms (Pheretima tschiliensis Michaelsen, 1928) in a pot culture experiment, and we comprehensively assessed the eco-physiological properties of both the plant and the soil. Results Inoculation with AMF and earthworms promoted the growth of five turf grass species. Specifically, AMF had a greater impact on the height and biomass of leguminous plants (white clover and alfalfa) compared to gramineous plants (ryegrass, early meadow grass, and tall fescue), while the effects of earthworms on two functional groups were opposite to those of AMF. AMF and earthworms had different dimensions of effects on the physical and chemical properties of the soil compared to the control, with AMF showing a better improvement in soil quality than earthworms. The results indicated that effects of AMF and earthworms on urban turf grasses and soil were dependent on different species. Dual inoculation with AMF and earthworms showed positive effects exclusively on the soil properties of five turf grass species, but only positive on the growth of gramineous plants. The comprehensive evaluation indicated that dual inoculation with AMF and earthworms did not improve the plant-soil system more effectively than AMF alone. Conversely, gramineous plants inoculated with AMF showed the greatest effective improvement in the soil-plant system. Therefore, dual inoculation with AMF and earthworms did not have a more …
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Ying Hou
creator: Zongying Zhang
creator: Yue Yuan
creator: Xinyu Zhu
creator: Jinping Ding
subject: Ecology
subject: Mycology
subject: Soil Science
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20289
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Hou et al.
abstract: Background Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and earthworms have been known to enhance plant growth and improve soil quality, but the results have shown some inconsistencies, exhibiting synergistic or independent effects under different studies. Methods In this study, we conducted a factorial experiment to investigate the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and earthworms, both individually and in combination, on plant-soil systems of urban turf grasses. Five turf grass species of different functional groups (gramineous and leguminous) were inoculated with AMF (Glomus mosseae) and earthworms (Pheretima tschiliensis Michaelsen, 1928) in a pot culture experiment, and we comprehensively assessed the eco-physiological properties of both the plant and the soil. Results Inoculation with AMF and earthworms promoted the growth of five turf grass species. Specifically, AMF had a greater impact on the height and biomass of leguminous plants (white clover and alfalfa) compared to gramineous plants (ryegrass, early meadow grass, and tall fescue), while the effects of earthworms on two functional groups were opposite to those of AMF. AMF and earthworms had different dimensions of effects on the physical and chemical properties of the soil compared to the control, with AMF showing a better improvement in soil quality than earthworms. The results indicated that effects of AMF and earthworms on urban turf grasses and soil were dependent on different species. Dual inoculation with AMF and earthworms showed positive effects exclusively on the soil properties of five turf grass species, but only positive on the growth of gramineous plants. The comprehensive evaluation indicated that dual inoculation with AMF and earthworms did not improve the plant-soil system more effectively than AMF alone. Conversely, gramineous plants inoculated with AMF showed the greatest effective improvement in the soil-plant system. Therefore, dual inoculation with AMF and earthworms did not have a more …
bibliographic citation: Hou et al. (2025) Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and earthworms on plant-soil systems of urban turf grasses. PeerJ 13:e20289 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20289
date submitted: 2025-04-14
date accepted: 2025-10-03
issued: 2025-11-13
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
author list: Agent
  family name: Hou
  given name: Ying
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Zongying
author list: Agent
  family name: Yuan
  given name: Yue
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhu
  given name: Xinyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Ding
  given name: Jinping
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20289
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-11-13
copyright: ©2025 Hou et al.
attribution name: Hou et al.

PeerJ
type: Periodical
uri: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359