Untargeted metabolomic analyses of fermented unpolished black rice with melanogenesis inhibition activity
Fermentation of rice can enhance the release of bioactive ingredients and generate diverse microbial metabolites contributing to various functional properties. Previous studies have demonstrated that the mixture of selected microorganisms called “De-E11 starter,” comprised of Rhizopus oryzae, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomycopsis fibuligera and Pediococcus pentosaceus yields fermented unpolished black rice sap (FUBRS) with a melanogenesis inhibition activity. To further understand this fermentation process, we characterized FUBRS and profiled its metabolite composition in comparison to unfermented unpolished black rice (Un-FR), recognizing the substantial enzymatic activity of FUBRS microorganisms and their potential for extensive metabolite production. The results indicated that fermentation decreased the pH, increased total acid content and elevated reducing sugar content. Moreover, significant alterations in phytochemical profiles were observed in FUBRS. In terms of biological activity, fermentation significantly enhanced antioxidant and tyrosinase/melanogenesis inhibitory activities. Untargeted metabolomic analysis utilizing orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) revealed a clear differentiation in metabolite profiles between FUBRS and Un-FR. Volcano plot analysis (≥2-fold change) indicated a general increase in metabolites, including sugars, phenolic acids, organic acids, and fatty acids, after fermentation. Quantitative analysis confirmed the accumulation of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, and succinic acid, that are all known melanogenesis inhibitors. This study provides valuable insights into the characteristics and metabolite profile of FUBRS, and informing strategies for optimizing the fermentation processes to enhance the production of melanogenesis and tyrosinase inhibitory compounds, and identifying key metabolites as critical biomarkers for monitoring and controlling these processes. Together, they will facilitate the efficient and reproducible generation of high-efficacy ingredients for the cosmetic, nutraceutical, and potentially pharmaceutical industries.
Sangkaew et al. (2025) Untargeted metabolomic analyses of fermented unpolished black rice with melanogenesis inhibition activity. PeerJ 13:e19533 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19533
Unveiling phenolic content, antibacterial, and antibiofilm potential of sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) seed shell extracts against Staphylococcus aureus
Sacha inchi (SI) seeds are renowned for their high oil content, with omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids accounting for approximately 85% of the total fatty acids. However, the use of seed by-products has not received much attention in research. The objective of the current study was to assess the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of SI seed shells. The antioxidant potential, along with the total phenolic, flavonoid, and procyanidin content of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts was assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The ethanolic SI seed shell extract exerted the strongest antioxidant potential, likely due to its higher phenolic and procyanidin content. The antibacterial potency evaluation of extracts towards S. aureus (ATCC29213), S. aureus (clinical) isolate and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) demonstrated that the ethanolic extract of SI seed shell possessed significant efficacy. The mean growth inhibition zones of ethanolic extract against tested bacterial strains of S. aureus were ≥ 17.23 ± 0.42 with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 250 µg/mL. The time-kill showed the bactericidal effect of ethanolic extract on Gram-positive bacteria, which was demonstrated by the time-kill assay. After ≤ 8 hrs post-inoculation, the mean log reductions in viable bacterial cell counts ranged from 9.37 Log10 to 4.37 log10 CFU/mL for S. aureus (ATCC29213), 9.146 Log10 to 4.124 Log10 CFU/mL for S. aureus (clinical) and 9.367 Log10 to 4.221 Log10 CFU/mL. Also, the ethanol extract exhibited notable potential in reducing biofilm formation and membrane-disruptive properties. Thus, it appears that ethanolic extract of SI seed shells can be potentially used as an excellent source of antioxidants and has antibacterial qualities against certain harmful bacteria that cause infection in the upper respiratory tract and skin.
Al-Hamoud et al. (2025) Unveiling phenolic content, antibacterial, and antibiofilm potential of sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) seed shell extracts against Staphylococcus aureus. PeerJ 13:e19524 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19524
Metal artifact reduction combined with deep learning image reconstruction algorithm for CT image quality optimization: a phantom study
Background Aiming to evaluate the effects of the smart metal artifact reduction (MAR) algorithm and combinations of various scanning parameters, including radiation dose levels, tube voltage, and reconstruction algorithms, on metal artifact reduction and overall image quality, to identify the optimal protocol for clinical application. Methods A phantom with a pacemaker was examined using standard dose (effective dose (ED): 3 mSv) and low dose (ED: 0.5 mSv), with three scan voltages (70, 100, and 120 kVp) selected for each dose. Raw data were reconstructed using 50% adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-V (ASIR-V), ASIR-V with MAR, high-strength deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR-H), and DLIR-H with MAR. Quantitative analyses (artifact index (AI), noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of artifact-impaired pulmonary nodules (PNs), and noise power spectrum (NPS) of artifact-free regions) and qualitative evaluation were performed. Results Quantitatively, the deep learning image recognition (DLIR) algorithm or high tube voltages exhibited lower noise compared to the ASIR-V or low tube voltages (p < 0.001). AI of images with MAR or high tube voltages was significantly lower than that of images without MAR or low tube voltages (p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed in AI between low-dose images with 120 kVp DLIR-H MAR and standard-dose images with 70 kVp ASIR-V MAR (p = 0.143). Only the 70 kVp 3 mSv protocol demonstrated statistically significant differences in SNR for artifact-impaired PNs (p = 0.041). The fpeak and favg values were similar across various scenarios, indicating that the MAR algorithm did not alter the image texture in artifact-free regions. The qualitative results of the extent of metal artifacts, the confidence in diagnosing artifact-impaired PNs, and the overall image quality were generally consistent with the quantitative results. Conclusion The MAR algorithm combined with DLIR-H can reduce metal artifacts and enhance the overall image quality, particularly at high kVp tube voltages.
Zou et al. (2025) Metal artifact reduction combined with deep learning image reconstruction algorithm for CT image quality optimization: a phantom study. PeerJ 13:e19516 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19516
Knowledge attitude, and practice of patients with knee osteoarthritis towards perioperative functional exercise after total knee arthroplasty: a cross-sectional study
Background To investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) towards perioperative functional exercise after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods The cross-sectional survey enrolled knee OA patients in two tertiary public hospitals at Shandong Province between September 2023 and January 2024. Demographic characteristics, KAP scores, and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) scores were gathered via a self-made questionnaires. Results A total of 583 valid questionnaires were collected, 65.01% were females and 48.89% over 65. The average scores of knowledge, attitude, practice and TSK were 11.17 ± 4.31 (possible range: 0–16), 21.78 ± 2.57 (possible range: 6–30), 35.44 ± 5.80 (possible range: 9–45), and 39.21 ± 10.75 (possible range: 17–68), respectively. Spearman correlation analysis showed positive correlation between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.3406, p < 0.001), attitude and practice (r = 0.3464, p < 0.001), attitude and practice (r = 0.6390, p < 0.001), negative correlation between TSK and knowledge (r = −0.3663, p < 0.001), attitude (r = −0.2937, p < 0.001), and practice (r = −0.3970, p < 0.001), respectively. Path analysis found that attitude, underlying diseases, occupation, total knee arthroplasty had direct effects on practice. Knowledge, age, education level, residence, diagnosis time, marital status had indirect effects on practice. Total knee arthroplasty had direct and indirect effects on practice (all p < 0.05). Conclusions While most patients held a positive attitude and practice, concerns and misconceptions regarding perioperative exercises emerged as urgent issues. It is imperative to implement targeted interventions to enhance adherence by addressing factors influencing KAP.
Li et al. (2025) Knowledge attitude, and practice of patients with knee osteoarthritis towards perioperative functional exercise after total knee arthroplasty: a cross-sectional study. PeerJ 13:e19511 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19511
Associations between maternal glycemic level and lipid profile and adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a retrospective study from China
Purpose To investigate the associations between maternal glucose and lipid metabolism and adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods A retrospective cohort of pregnant women with T2DM who delivered at Peking University First Hospital was included. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify risk factors. ROC curves were applied to determine optimal cut-off points for predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes. Results A total of 398 pairs of pregnant women and newborns from 2019 to 2023 were included. The key complications included large-for-gestational-age (LGA, 21.6%), preeclampsia (PE, 14.3%), preterm birth (14.3%) and birth defects (11.6%). The achievement rates for both glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and lipid levels in early pregnancy were approximately 50%. HbA1c in the third trimester was significantly associated with increased birth weight (for LGA, aOR = 3.819, 95% CI [1.534–9.509]). Elevated triglyceride (TG) in early pregnancy were critical risk factors for LGA, PE, and preterm birth (aOR = 2.627, 2.478, 2.233; all p < 0.05). The optimal cut-off point for third-trimester HbA1c predicting LGA was ≤5.95%. The optimal cut-off points for first-trimester TG predicting LGA, PE, and preterm birth were separately ≤1.51, ≤1.67, and ≤1.46 mmol/L. Conclusions In Chinese pregnant women with T2DM, elevated plasma glucose and lipid levels at different pregnancy stages were independently linked to adverse outcomes, especially third-trimester HbA1c and first-trimester TG. TG level in early pregnancy lower than currently recommended may be beneficial to improve adverse outcomes.
Xue et al. (2025) Associations between maternal glycemic level and lipid profile and adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a retrospective study from China. PeerJ 13:e19502 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19502
Effects of judo-specific intermittent training on lower-limb impulse and specific performance in judokas
Intermittent training (IT) has been shown to enhance athletic performance by improving aerobic and anaerobic capacities, neuromuscular efficiency, and recovery key factors for judokas given the intermittent nature of judo combat. This study investigated the effects of a six-week judo-specific intermittent training program on body composition (body mass (BM); percent body fat (PBF); skeletal muscle mass (SMM)), grip strength, lower-limb impulse (countermovement jump, (CMJ)) (relative force peak (RFP)), relative force peak (RFP), reactive strength index-modified (RSImod), jump height (JH), time to takeoff (TTT)), and specialized performance (special judo fitness test, (SJFT)) (SJFT series A, SJFT series B, SJFT series C, SJFT total number of throws, SJFT post-exercise heart rate, SJFT one-minute post-exercise heart rate), with two primary objectives: (1) incorporating uchikomi + ippon seoi-nage (Tori group) as part of the training intervention and (2) examining the impact of serving as sparring partners through mae-ukemi (Uke group) on performance outcomes. Thirty male judo athletes (all black belt) were randomly assigned to the Tori (169.90 ± 6.17 cm in stature, 76.67 ± 18.2 kg in mass, 20.64 ± 3.07 years of age and 13.10 ± 2.88 years of experience), Uke (72.36 ± 6.32 cm in stature, 77.28 ± 19.4 kg in mass, 21.73 ± 6.15 years of age and 11.90 ± 1.79 years of experience), and control group (CON) (167.18 ± 4.16 cm in stature, 76.77 ± 13.7 kg in mass, 21.55 ± 5.30 years of age, and 12.00 ± 2.40 years of experience) (n = 10 per group). The intermittent training sessions were held twice weekly (Tuesday and Thursday) at 2:00 PM, with a 24-hour recovery between sessions. Participants were paired by body weight (≤10% difference). Training included two blocks of six 20-second sets, with 20-second passive rest intervals, totaling 8 minutes per session. The results showed a significant time effect (p < 0.01) in the special judo fitness index, along with a time × group interaction (F = 5.44; p = 0.01; η2 = 0.28). Post hoc comparisons revealed that the Tori group’s improvement was significantly greater than that of the other two groups (Tori: p < 0.01; Uke: p = 0.58; CON: p = 0.78). For CMJ parameters (RFP, JH, RSImod), although a significant time effect was observed, no interaction effects were found for any parameter. In terms of body composition and grip strength, neither a time effect nor an interaction effect was present. Additionally, the Uke group, while serving as sparring partners, had no negative impact on any variables examined in this study. Judo-specific intermittent training can significantly enhance SJFT, making it an effective training method. While CMJ parameters showed a time effect, intermittent training alone may not fully improve lower-limb impulse. Additionally, during sport-specific intermittent training, serving as a sparring partner does not negatively impact performance, allowing safe integration into training programs.
Ho et al. (2025) Effects of judo-specific intermittent training on lower-limb impulse and specific performance in judokas. PeerJ 13:e19491 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19491
Association between the expression difference of cortisol in umbilical cord blood and discordant growth in dichorionic twins: a cross-sectional survey
Background This study aimed to assess whether the expression difference of cortisol in umbilical cord blood is associated with dichorionic twin inconsistent growth. Methods This research included 108 patients with dichorionic twin pregnancy delivered at Jiaxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital between January 2021 and December 2024. Depending on whether or not they had twin inconsistent growth, participants were classified into the discordant twins (DT) group (47 pairs of discordant twins) as the experimental group and the concordant twins (CT) group (61 pairs of concordant twins) as the control group. According to the medical record, the maternal and neonatal information of the two groups were collected, and the differences in the basic conditions between the two groups of maternal and twin fetuses were analyzed. The fetal birth weight of the two groups was weighed, and the cortisol content of the umbilical cord blood was measured by chemiluminescence. Results There were no significant differences in maternal age, gestational age (GA), parity, body and mass index (BMI), mode of conception, delivery time, and fetal gender between the two groups of maternal characteristics. There were also no significant differences in the amniotic fluid depth, umbilical artery standard deviation (SD) value, umbilical cord entanglement, placental shape, and twin gender differences between the two groups of neonates. However, the smaller neonates in the DT group had a higher cortisol level in the umbilical cord blood, with a significant difference, while there was no significant difference in cortisol levels in the umbilical cord blood of the CT group of twin fetuses. Conclusions The difference in cortisol levels in the umbilical cord blood of twin fetuses may be related to the occurrence of inconsistent growth of dichorionic twins.
Huang et al. (2025) Association between the expression difference of cortisol in umbilical cord blood and discordant growth in dichorionic twins: a cross-sectional survey. PeerJ 13:e19479 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19479
Early detection of Cercospora beticola and powdery mildew diseases in sugar beet using uncrewed aerial vehicle-based remote sensing and machine learning
Background Agricultural production is crucial for nutrition, but it frequently faces challenges such as decreased yield, quality, and overall output due to the adverse effects of diseases and pests. Remote sensing technologies have emerged as valuable tools for diagnosing and monitoring these issues. They offer significant advantages over traditional methods, which are often time-consuming and limited in sampling. High-resolution images from drones and satellites provide fast and accurate solutions for detecting and diagnosing crops’ health and identifying pests and diseases affecting them. Methods The research focused on the early detection of Cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora beticola Sacc.) and powdery mildew (Erysiphe betae (Vaňha) Weltzien), which cause significant economic losses in sugar beet before visible symptoms emerge. The study was accomplished by capturing images of uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) in field conditions. To effectively evaluate different detection methods in agricultural contexts, the study targeted two key areas: (1) monitoring Cercospora in fields without pesticide application, utilizing the Metos climate station early warning system alongside UAV-based image analysis, and (2) monitoring powdery mildew, which involved visual disease detection and targeted spraying based on UAV image processing. Trial plots were established for this purpose, with six replications for each method. Results UAV-based images show that Normalized Difference Vegetation Index values in leaves decreased before disease onset. This change is an important warning sign for the emergence of the disease. Additionally, the study demonstrated that early detection of diseases is possible using K-nearest neighbors and logistic regression algorithms, exhibiting high discrimination and predictive accuracy.
Spatial and Geographic Information Science
Tuğrul et al. (2025) Early detection of Cercospora beticola and powdery mildew diseases in sugar beet using uncrewed aerial vehicle-based remote sensing and machine learning. PeerJ 13:e19530 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19530
Assessment of the fecundity of deep-sea corals in southeastern Brazil
Deep-sea corals have been facing several anthropogenic threats worldwide, making it increasingly important that studies better understand their reproductive biology and associated cycles. This study described the fecundity of the main habitat-building scleractinian species in three sedimentary basins of southeastern Brazil in two pre-determined periods over 2 years. These basins are responsible for the most significant oil and gas production on the Brazilian coast. The relation between the number of gametes and the size of the individuals’ polyps determines their fecundity. Madrepora oculata, Solenosmilia variabilis, Desmophyllum pertusum (formerly Lophelia pertusa), and Enallopsammia rostrata samples were obtained in 2016 and 2017 and histologically prepared to estimate the reproductive effort of these species. Each oocyte development stage was classified and counted to evaluate the reproduction strategies of each species. A single D. pertusum polyp (collected in May 2017) showed over 241 thousand oocytes and a 167.9 oocytes/mm3 fecundity, typical of periodic reproduction. S. variabilis had the highest average fecundity (53.6 ± 10.7 oocytes/mm3) of the species with a continuous gametogenic cycle. M. oculata showed 23.5 ± 7.03 oocytes/mm3, whereas E. rostrata had the lowest fecundity (3.1 ± 0.7 oocytes/mm3). Fecundity is inversely proportional to oocyte size, and E. rostrata showed the largest oocytes (900 μm), a result aligned with previous studies. Considering the entire sample, the Espírito Santo Basin was the most productive due to its highest average fecundity (followed by the Santos and the Campos Basins) and greatest number of female samples. Notably, 2017 showed the highest average fecundity. The reproductive strategies of organisms play an important role in the ability of species to respond to selective pressures since gamete production (especially oocytes) is energetically expensive and strongly sensitive to environmental conditions. Thus, this study contributes to refining the available data about the life history and resilience strategies of deep-water corals, providing scientific information to manage and conserve these deep-sea ecosystems.
Bastos et al. (2025) Assessment of the fecundity of deep-sea corals in southeastern Brazil. PeerJ 13:e19525 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19525
Optimizing muscle mass and function in advanced lung cancer patients: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial protocol using High Eicosapentaenoic acid and PROtein (HEPRO) to modulate epigenetics, reduce toxicity and improve gut microbiota
Background Lung cancer is strongly associated with malnutrition and detrimental changes in muscle mass (MM), which can lead to reduced quality of life and reduced tolerance to and efficacy of antineoplastic treatment. The loss of MM and myosteatosis (fat infiltration into muscle) have been linked to inflammation in cancer, and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) found in fish oil are known to modulate inflammatory response, lean mass, microbiota, and epigenetic mechanisms. Methods High Eicosapentaenoic acid and PROtein (HEPRO) is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 50 patients over 20 years of age diagnosed with stage III or IV non-small cell lung cancer with an ECOG performance status of 0–2 who are eligible for systemic treatment will be included and randomized 1:1 into two treatment arms: four fish oil capsules containing 2,100 mg EPA and 924 mg DHA per day versus four placebo capsules containing 2,250 mg oleic acid per day for 4 months. All patients will be instructed to consume 1.5 g protein per kg body weight per day and receive protein supplementation if necessary. MM, myosteatosis, muscle function, handgrip strength, dietary assessment, toxicity, response to treatment, and survival will be assessed. Translational research includes membrane phospholipid composition, gut microbiota, inflammation, and miRNA. MicroRNA will be analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, phospholipids, by gas chromatography, and microbiota, by 16S ribosomal RNA genetic sequencing. Statistical analysis will be conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics V.26 and a multiple regression model will be proposed. Associations with p < 0.05 will be considered significant. Conclusions The HEPRO study aims to evaluate a viable dietary intervention strategy to improve MM and function in patients with lung cancer.
Borchardt et al. (2025) Optimizing muscle mass and function in advanced lung cancer patients: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial protocol using High Eicosapentaenoic acid and PROtein (HEPRO) to modulate epigenetics, reduce toxicity and improve gut microbiota. PeerJ 13:e19506 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19506