Human-mediated dispersal of Geniotrigona thoracica (Apidae: Meliponini) colonies promotes high genetic diversity and reduces population structuring in managed populations
The stingless bee Geniotrigona thoracica is a key managed pollinator in Southeast Asia, valued for its honey, propolis, and colony trade. In Thailand, frequent human-mediated movement of colonies raises concerns about its effects on genetic diversity and population structure. We analysed variation in mitochondrial (COI and 16S rRNA) and nuclear (five microsatellite loci) markers from 70 colonies sampled across 17 meliponaries in seven southern provinces. Microsatellite data revealed high genetic diversity and low nuclear differentiation (K = 1; Fst = 0.0024–0.1219; all P > 0.05), with extensive gene flow (Nm = 3.60–207.83) among provinces. In contrast, mitochondrial markers indicated moderate-to-high differentiation (Fst = 0.619), consistent with mito-nuclear discordance arising from sex-biased. Managed colonies exhibited elevated heterozygosity and allelic richness, likely reflecting admixture from colony exchange, while unique haplotypes in certain provinces suggest introductions from external sources. Significant inbreeding was detected only in Yala, possibly linked to habitat loss and reduced effective population size. Our findings indicate that current meliponicultural practices maintain high genetic diversity in G. thoracica despite mitochondrial structuring, but increasing colony movement between genetically distinct populations may risk erosion of local adaptations, underscoring the need for genetic screening prior to translocation.
Duangphakdee et al. (2025) Human-mediated dispersal of Geniotrigona thoracica (Apidae: Meliponini) colonies promotes high genetic diversity and reduces population structuring in managed populations. PeerJ 13:e20460 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20460
High abundance of Early Miocene sea cows from Qatar shows repeated evolution of seagrass ecosystem engineers in Eastern Tethys
Coastal ecosystems that include seagrasses are potential carbon sinks that require strategic conservation of top trophic consumers, such as dugongs, to maintain their function. It is unclear, however, how long seagrass ecosystems have persisted in geologic time because their fossil record is poor, although the record of their associated vertebrate consumers offers useful proxies. Here we describe an area of dense Early Miocene dugongid remains from Qatar. We documented over 172 sites in <1 km2 from one stratigraphic level, including material representing a new species of fossil dugongine dugongid. This taxon is unrelated to coeval Early Miocene dugongids from India and the Eastern Tethys and it is distantly related to extant dugongs, which occupy seagrass habitats of the Persian or Arabian Gulf (hereafter ‘Gulf’) today. The monodominant assemblage in this area likely reflects a single fossil dugongid taxon and matches the ecological diversity and geospatial distribution of modern-day live-dead assemblages in the Gulf. This fossil site from Qatar shows that the Gulf has repeatedly evolved sea cow communities with different taxa over the past 20 million years and coincides with an Early Miocene marine biodiversity hotspot in Arabia, prior to its eastward shift to the Indo-Australian Archipelago where dugongs continue to thrive today.
Pyenson et al. (2025) High abundance of Early Miocene sea cows from Qatar shows repeated evolution of seagrass ecosystem engineers in Eastern Tethys. PeerJ 13:e20030 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20030
Differential effects of physical activity on cognitive and motor performance in obese young adults
The rising prevalence of obesity among young adults presents significant health challenges, particularly due to its adverse effects on cognitive function and physical mobility. This cross-sectional study examined the effects of physical activity on cognitive performance and gait speed in obese individuals aged 18 to 25 years. Seventy-six participants were categorized as either physically active or sedentary based on the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. All enrolled participants completed the study, and no data were missing. Anthropometric data, including body mass, height, waist circumference, and hip circumference, were collected using standardized procedures. Cognitive assessments included the Trail Making Test, Stroop Color and Word Test, Hand Reaction Time Test, and Logical Memory Test. Gait speed was evaluated using the 10-meter walk test. The physically active group showed significantly better results in logical memory, executive function, and all Stroop test conditions (p < 0.05). No group differences were found in reaction time, Stroop interference score, or gait speed (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that higher physical activity levels are linked to better cognitive performance, highlighting the value of promoting physical activity in young adults with obesity. The lack of observed differences in gait speed and reaction time may indicate that these functions are less sensitive to early changes or require longer periods of inactivity to decline in this population.
Sa-nguanmoo et al. (2025) Differential effects of physical activity on cognitive and motor performance in obese young adults. PeerJ 13:e20481 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20481
Effects of core stability exercises on balance among Chinese children and youth with intellectual disabilities
Background Children and youth with intellectual disabilities (IDs) are at risk of falls due to balance problems. Objective This study was conducted to assess the effects of six weeks of core stability exercises on balance in this population. Methods Thirty-five participants with IDs from a special school were selected. Static and dynamic balance were assessed by the one-legged stance test (OLS) and lower quarter Y balance test (YBT-LQ), respectively. Results Core stability exercises significantly improved static balance with eyes opened (EO) on firm (FI) ground (t = −5.269, P < 0.001) and dynamic balance in all three directions (left leg: anterior: t = −3.197, P = 0.005; posteromedial: t = − 4.608, P < 0.001; posterolateral: t = −4.706, P < 0.001; right leg: anterior: t = −3.324, P = 0.004; posteromedial: t = −5.614, P < 0.001; posterolateral: t = −5.905, P < 0.001). Conclusions Six weeks of core stability exercises significantly improved the static balance of children and youth with IDs under EO and FI conditions, as well as all three directions of dynamic balance. Future studies with multiple measurement points are warranted to examine the long-term effectiveness of this training on balance in this population.
Qi et al. (2025) Effects of core stability exercises on balance among Chinese children and youth with intellectual disabilities. PeerJ 13:e20454 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20454
Single-cell RNA-seq reveals breast cancer heterogeneity and identifies TCP1 as a therapeutic target in breast cancer
Breast cancer is composed of diverse cell populations, and this intratumoral heterogeneity profoundly affects clinical behavior. Here, we leveraged single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of 68 breast cancer specimens to dissect tumor heterogeneity at high resolution. Unsupervised clustering identified all major cell types of the tumor microenvironment (TME)—including malignant epithelial cells, fibroblasts, T cells, macrophages, endothelial cells, and others—with striking variability in their proportions across molecular subtypes. For example, a BRCA1-mutant triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) sample showed dense immune infiltration, whereas an estrogen receptor (ER)-positive tumor was mostly epithelial, consistent with known subtype differences in immunogenicity. We applied inference of copy number variations (inferCNV) to distinguish malignant epithelial cells, identifying ~90,000 tumor cells with significant copy-number aberrations enriched for cancer hallmark pathways. Re-clustering of these malignant cells revealed five discrete subpopulations. Notably, a KRT17-positive subcluster displayed the highest stemness score and a distinctive ETS-family transcription factor (ERG) regulon, suggesting a stem-like phenotype. Using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort, we found that genes upregulated in this KRT17+ subpopulation, particularly NFKBIA, PDLIM4, and TCP1 stratified patient survival. An 8-gene risk signature derived from the KRT17 program segregated patients into high- and low-risk groups with markedly different outcomes. High-risk tumors were characterized by an immunosuppressive TME enriched in M2-like macrophages, whereas low-risk tumors more often harbored lymphocyte-predominant infiltrates. Focusing on TCP1, a chaperonin subunit upregulated in high-risk tumors, we demonstrate that TCP1 knockdown in breast cancer cell lines substantially impairs cell migration (~50% reduction in wound closure) and invasion (P < 0.01). These findings reveal functionally distinct malignant cell states within breast cancer and identify TCP1 as a promising therapeutic target to disrupt aggressive, stem-like tumor cell programs, ultimately guiding more personalized treatment strategies.
Wu et al. (2025) Single-cell RNA-seq reveals breast cancer heterogeneity and identifies TCP1 as a therapeutic target in breast cancer. PeerJ 13:e20451 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20451
Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward perioperative neurocognitive disorders among healthcare workers in Shandong, China: a cross-sectional study
Background Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) refer to neurocognitive abnormalities detected during the perioperative period, currently including postoperative delirium, delayed neurocognitive recovery, postoperative neurocognitive disorder, and both mild and major cognitive impairments. It is a prevalent complication among surgical patients, particularly in older populations. Moreover, PND can have a profound effect on the quality of life for these patients. PND has been previously reported to occur with a prevalence of 10–54% during the first few weeks following surgery, and when persistent at the time of discharge or in the longer term, PND may increase mortality. Therefore, it is of considerable importance for healthcare professionals to accurately identify the occurrence of PND and implement appropriate management measures. This research aims to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of healthcare workers concerning perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) in Shandong Province, China. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited healthcare workers from twelve hospitals in Shandong Province, China, utilizing self-administered questionnaires distributed between February and May 2025. There are 12 items in the knowledge dimension, and the total score range for this dimension is 0 to 12 points. There are a total of seven items in the attitude dimension, and the total score range for this dimension is 7 to 35 points. There are a total of nine items in the practice dimension, and the total score range for this dimension is from 9 to 45 points. Results The analysis included a total of 309 valid questionnaires, which represents an impressive 87.78% response rate. Among them, a total of 193 doctors (62.5%) and 116 nurses (37.5%) participated in the survey, respectively. The PND knowledge score was 9.14 (SD = 2.85, range = 0–12). The PND attitudes score was 30.89 (SD = 3.81, range = 7–35). The PND practices score was 36.16 (SD = 7.77, range = 9–45). Furthermore, Path analysis indicated that participants’ knowledge of PND among healthcare workers had a direct and positive effect on their attitudes (β = 0.545, P < 0.001) and practices towards PND (β = 0.230, P = 0.002). And attitudes towards PND also had a direct and positive effect on practices (β = 0.238, P = 0.001). In addition, the knowledge exerted an indirect effect on practice through attitudes (β = 0.581, P = 0.003). Conclusions Healthcare practitioners have sufficient knowledge, and they demonstrate positive attitudes and adopt proactive approaches regarding PND. The understanding and perspectives of healthcare workers are closely linked to their actions towards PND. Educational training is pivotal in shaping their knowledge, attitude, and practice.
Zhang et al. (2025) Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward perioperative neurocognitive disorders among healthcare workers in Shandong, China: a cross-sectional study. PeerJ 13:e20450 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20450
Application of an interpretable machine learning model based on optimal feature selection for predicting triple-vessel coronary disease: a multicenter retrospective study
Objective This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the remnant cholesterol-inflammatory index (RCII) in assessing the risk of triple-vessel disease (TVD), and to construct a comparative framework of predictive models using six machine learning algorithms based on RCII and other clinical features for identifying high-risk individuals. Methods In this retrospective multicenter study, we enrolled 2,911 patients who underwent coronary angiography between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, at two tertiary hospitals. Clinical and laboratory data were collected. Feature selection was performed using both Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression and multivariate logistic regression. Six machine learning (ML) algorithms were trained for risk prediction, with multilayer perceptron (MLP) selected as the optimal model for the final feature set. Model performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), positive predictive value (PPV), and F1 score. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis was applied to interpret feature contributions and interactions. Results A total of 16 features were selected by LASSO regression, while multivariate logistic regression identified six independent predictors. Four overlapping features—gender, age, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and RCII—were used for ML model development. Among the six models, the MLP demonstrated the best overall performance on the test set. SHAP analysis revealed that RCII, age, AST, and gender were the top contributors to model prediction, with RCII showing notable interaction effects with other variables, highlighting its both independent and synergistic role in TVD risk stratification. Conclusion RCII, as a composite biomarker integrating lipid metabolism and chronic inflammation, demonstrates strong predictive utility in identifying individuals at high risk for triple-vessel coronary disease.
Hou et al. (2025) Application of an interpretable machine learning model based on optimal feature selection for predicting triple-vessel coronary disease: a multicenter retrospective study. PeerJ 13:e20423 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20423
Sex ratios in flux: seasonal dynamics and methodological insights in Rumex species
Dioecy–separate male and female individuals–occurs in less than 10% of angiosperms. Studying dioecy and plant sex chromosomes is key to understanding sex determination, genetic diversity, and ecological interactions, with implications for crop breeding, conservation, and pollination management. Many dioecious plant species deviate from the 1:1 sex ratio expected under Fisher’s principle, displaying male- or female-biased populations. The genus Rumex (Polygonaceae) is a valuable model for investigating sex-ratio variation and sex chromosome evolution. The dioecious species Rumex acetosa and R. thyrsiflorus possess heteromorphic sex chromosomes and typically exhibit female-biased sex ratios in natural populations. However, the environmental and developmental drivers of these biases remain largely unresolved. Previous studies on Rumex have often relied on single or infrequent population surveys, potentially overlooking the seasonal dynamics of sex ratios, especially given phenological differences between sexes. Female plants remain morphologically recognizable for longer periods due to seed set, which can bias sex-ratio estimates when sampling is limited to specific reproductive stages or time points. To address these limitations, we systematically investigated the temporal dynamics of observable sex ratios in R. acetosa and R. thyrsiflorus throughout an entire growing season using regular monitoring. Our results demonstrate that observable sex ratios in these populations are dynamic, with significant seasonal fluctuations driven by differences in developmental timing and the duration of morphological recognizability between sexes. As a result, the period during which field-observed sex ratios accurately reflect the true population structure is both limited and highly dependent on the timing of observations. Notably, the earlier flowering of male plants in R. acetosa can lead to male-biased sex ratios in early-season surveys, while the prolonged recognizability of fruiting females may bias estimates toward females later in the season.
Pawełek et al. (2025) Sex ratios in flux: seasonal dynamics and methodological insights in Rumex species. PeerJ 13:e20391 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20391
Development and content validity of the evaluation of multidimensional functioning and risks in aging scale
Introduction Rising life expectancy has led to an increased prevalence of age-related conditions such as pain, dementia, and falls. To address these challenges, healthcare systems require efficient tools to identify which health domains are preserved or impaired in older adults. Existing frailty instruments present both conceptual and operational limitations. Therefore, there is a need to shift toward domain-specific evaluations of functioning and potential risks, aligned with established protocols such as the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment and framed within the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). This study aimed to develop the Evaluation of Multidimensional Functioning and Risks in Aging (EMFRA) scale, encompassing four assessment domains: physical function, cognitive function, emotional status, and social situation. Methods The EMFRA scale was developed by identifying potential items through a comprehensive literature review and expert input. The first preliminary version was validated by a panel of 15 experts, who assessed the scale’s clarity, coherence, and relevance using a 5-point Likert scale. Cognitive interviews were then conducted with 10 clinicians and 10 older adults to evaluate the comprehensibility and practical applicability of the second preliminary version. Results Following the literature review, 24 items were grouped into four domains (six items per domain), each supported by evidence linking them to health-related adverse outcomes. Expert evaluation showed substantial agreement on comprehension, coherence, and relevance (Aiken’s V >0.7) for all but two items—language and fear—which were excluded. Cognitive interviews led to the exclusion of one additional item (sedentarism) and further refinement of the remaining items. These changes were incorporated into the final version of EMFRA, enhancing its usability and comprehensiveness. Conclusion EMFRA provides a multidimensional framework for assessing functioning and risks in older adults, capturing physical, cognitive, emotional, and social factors. The inclusion of end-user feedback ensured the scale’s practical relevance. However, the current version of EMFRA should not yet be used in clinical practice, as further psychometric validation is required to confirm its utility.
Fierro-Marrero et al. (2025) Development and content validity of the evaluation of multidimensional functioning and risks in aging scale. PeerJ 13:e20108 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20108
Chronic cervical instability in mice and rats: a reproducible model to simulate human intervertebral disc degeneration
Background Chronic low-back pain, a leading cause of global disability, is closely linked to intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Traditional animal models have faced challenges in replicating the gradual, chronic nature of human IVDD. Objective To address these limitations, we aimed to develop a novel mouse model of cervical spine instability that more accurately mimics the progressive degeneration observed in humans. Animals This study used 48 male Sprague–Dawley rats (3 months old, weighing 230 ± 20 g) and 48 male C57BL/6 mice (12 weeks old, weighing 20 ± 2 g). Methods A bilateral cervical laminectomy combined with spinous process resection was performed while preserving the facet joints and posterior cervical muscles to induce chronic intervertebral instability. Longitudinal assessments were conducted using in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), histological staining (H&E and Safranin O-fast green), immunofluorescence and western blot analyses at 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-operation. Results MRI findings demonstrated progressive degeneration at the C4/5, C5/6, and C6/7 levels, with the most pronounced changes observed at 4 and 8 weeks post-surgery and partial recovery at 12 weeks. H&E and Safranin O staining confirmed significant cellular loss, structural disorganization, and proteoglycan depletion in the affected discs. Immunofluorescence staining revealed a progressive decrease in collagen type II and aggrecan expression over time. Conversely, collagen type I expression increased, indicating a shift toward fibrosis. Western blot analysis confirmed elevated levels of oxidative stress markers (albumin and AOPPs), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP3 and MMP13), senescence markers (p53, p21, p16), and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) at 4 and 8 weeks, with a partial decline by 12 weeks. Conclusions This innovative cervical instability model not only minimizes the risk of nerve injury and reduces animal stress compared to previous models but also offers a reproducible and ethically sound platform for investigating IVDD pathogenesis and testing potential therapeutic interventions.
Tu et al. (2025) Chronic cervical instability in mice and rats: a reproducible model to simulate human intervertebral disc degeneration. PeerJ 13:e20465 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20465