PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: The effect of the Buteyko breathing technique on asthma control and quality of life in children with asthma aged 7–12 years: a randomized controlled study
items: Knowledge, perceptions, and practices of dental professionals and students regarding obturation in endodontic procedures: a nationwide cross-sectional survey
items: Proteomic profiling of the human amniotic stem cell-highly abundant secreted proteins
items: A new origin of the ‘modern’ lungfish dentition revealed by taxonomic overlap between Devonian and Carboniferous dipnoans
items: Probiotic potential of bacteria associated with the mangrove epiphytic algae Bostrychia calliptera and Rhizoclonium riparium
items: Potential role of photobiomodulation as a prevention and treatment strategy for radiation induced fibrosis: a review of effectiveness and mechanisms
items: Sign language use in healthcare: professionals’ insight
items: Children with abnormal body weight dealing with the load of school backpack—is there a need to modify WHO recommendations? A cross sectional study
items: PLA2G16 expression predicts prognosis and gemcitabine sensitivity in patients with pancreatic cancer
items: Revision and validation of the Chinese version of the interpersonal reactivity index for couples for expectant couples

The effect of the Buteyko breathing technique on asthma control and quality of life in children with asthma aged 7–12 years: a randomized controlled study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Purpose This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Buteyko breathing technique in improving asthma control and quality of life in children aged 7–12 years. Given the increasing demand for alternative asthma treatments, this study aims to address the gap in evidence regarding the Buteyko breathing technique, thereby advancing clinical management of pediatric asthma. Method This study employed a randomized controlled design to evaluate the effectiveness of the Buteyko breathing technique in children with asthma. The study cohort consisted of 65 pediatric patients with asthma, who were receiving treatment at the Paediatric Allergy and Immunology Polyclinic. Thirty-three participants were assigned to the experimental group in which Buteyko breathing technique was applied in addition to standard asthma treatment and 32 participants were assigned to the control group in which standard asthma treatment was applied. The primary endpoints of this study were the patients’ asthma control level and quality of life scores. Results Patients in the experimental group showed a statistically significant improvement in asthma control and quality of life with the Buteyko breathing technique (p < 0.05). A large effect size was observed for asthma control (d = 3.54) and quality of life (d = 12.08). The post-test asthma control scores of the experimental group were statistically significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.05; d = 3.65). Conclusion Children often have difficulty in asthma management due to difficulties in inhaler use. In this study, the Buteyko breathing technique was found to be effective in improving asthma control and quality of life in paediatric patients.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Hakan Çelik
creator: Emel Yuruk
subject: Clinical Trials
subject: Global Health
subject: Pediatrics
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
subject: Respiratory Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.19467
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Çelik and Yuruk
abstract: Purpose This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Buteyko breathing technique in improving asthma control and quality of life in children aged 7–12 years. Given the increasing demand for alternative asthma treatments, this study aims to address the gap in evidence regarding the Buteyko breathing technique, thereby advancing clinical management of pediatric asthma. Method This study employed a randomized controlled design to evaluate the effectiveness of the Buteyko breathing technique in children with asthma. The study cohort consisted of 65 pediatric patients with asthma, who were receiving treatment at the Paediatric Allergy and Immunology Polyclinic. Thirty-three participants were assigned to the experimental group in which Buteyko breathing technique was applied in addition to standard asthma treatment and 32 participants were assigned to the control group in which standard asthma treatment was applied. The primary endpoints of this study were the patients’ asthma control level and quality of life scores. Results Patients in the experimental group showed a statistically significant improvement in asthma control and quality of life with the Buteyko breathing technique (p < 0.05). A large effect size was observed for asthma control (d = 3.54) and quality of life (d = 12.08). The post-test asthma control scores of the experimental group were statistically significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.05; d = 3.65). Conclusion Children often have difficulty in asthma management due to difficulties in inhaler use. In this study, the Buteyko breathing technique was found to be effective in improving asthma control and quality of life in paediatric patients.
bibliographic citation: Çelik et al. (2025) The effect of the Buteyko breathing technique on asthma control and quality of life in children with asthma aged 7–12 years: a randomized controlled study. PeerJ 13:e19467 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19467
date submitted: 2024-12-19
date accepted: 2025-04-23
issued: 2025-06-03
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Çelik
  given name: Hakan
author list: Agent
  family name: Yuruk
  given name: Emel
doi: 10.7717/peerj.19467
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-06-03
copyright: ©2025 Çelik and Yuruk
attribution name: Çelik and Yuruk

Knowledge, perceptions, and practices of dental professionals and students regarding obturation in endodontic procedures: a nationwide cross-sectional survey
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The purpose of this study is to analyze dental professionals’ and students’ current understanding, attitudes, and usage of obturation trends in endodontic management. Methods A national cross-sectional survey of 422 dental professionals and students was carried out using a structured questionnaire The questionnaire included 34 multiple-choice questions concerning demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices relevant to endodontic obturation. A combination of convenience and snowball sampling was used to recruit participants. The study applied descriptive statistics and the chi-square test of proportion with a significance threshold of p < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval for analysis to assess the participants’ comprehension, attitudes, and use of obturation procedures. Results The study comprised 422 participants, the majority of whom were females (68.0%) with an average age of 24.55 ± 3.31 years. Final-year students, interns, postgraduate students, dentistry faculty, and private practitioners were among those who took part. The majority of respondents (91.2%) correctly identified the goal of root canal obturation and identified Gutta Percha and Sealer as the standard obturation material (98.8%). Obturation has a significance in root canal treatment results, according to 81.0% of respondents. 64.5% were willing to explore new obturation methods, and 72.0% said they would use newer obturation materials or equipment if it was advantageous. In routine, lateral compaction was the primary obturation technique (73.2%), with just 4.0% using a rubber dam on a regular basis. Only a small percentage (11.1%) were happy with the present efficiency and predictability of obturation procedures, whereas 58.8% noted occasional difficulties in attaining proper root canal obturation. Documentation methods were subpar, with 43.6% regularly noting obturation techniques and materials in patients’ records. A sizable proportion (58.5%) underwent retreatment operations fo…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Kalyani Garde
creator: Ajinkya M. Pawar
creator: Anuj Bhardwaj
creator: Jatin Atram
creator: Suraj Arora
creator: Dian Agustin Wahjuningrum
creator: Maria Febritania Wahyuni Huri
creator: Dennys Kurnia
subject: Dentistry
subject: Evidence Based Medicine
subject: Surgery and Surgical Specialties
subject: Science and Medical Education
subject: Statistics
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.19455
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Garde et al.
abstract: Background The purpose of this study is to analyze dental professionals’ and students’ current understanding, attitudes, and usage of obturation trends in endodontic management. Methods A national cross-sectional survey of 422 dental professionals and students was carried out using a structured questionnaire The questionnaire included 34 multiple-choice questions concerning demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices relevant to endodontic obturation. A combination of convenience and snowball sampling was used to recruit participants. The study applied descriptive statistics and the chi-square test of proportion with a significance threshold of p < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval for analysis to assess the participants’ comprehension, attitudes, and use of obturation procedures. Results The study comprised 422 participants, the majority of whom were females (68.0%) with an average age of 24.55 ± 3.31 years. Final-year students, interns, postgraduate students, dentistry faculty, and private practitioners were among those who took part. The majority of respondents (91.2%) correctly identified the goal of root canal obturation and identified Gutta Percha and Sealer as the standard obturation material (98.8%). Obturation has a significance in root canal treatment results, according to 81.0% of respondents. 64.5% were willing to explore new obturation methods, and 72.0% said they would use newer obturation materials or equipment if it was advantageous. In routine, lateral compaction was the primary obturation technique (73.2%), with just 4.0% using a rubber dam on a regular basis. Only a small percentage (11.1%) were happy with the present efficiency and predictability of obturation procedures, whereas 58.8% noted occasional difficulties in attaining proper root canal obturation. Documentation methods were subpar, with 43.6% regularly noting obturation techniques and materials in patients’ records. A sizable proportion (58.5%) underwent retreatment operations fo…
bibliographic citation: Garde et al. (2025) Knowledge, perceptions, and practices of dental professionals and students regarding obturation in endodontic procedures: a nationwide cross-sectional survey. PeerJ 13:e19455 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19455
date submitted: 2024-11-27
date accepted: 2025-04-21
issued: 2025-06-03
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Garde
  given name: Kalyani
author list: Agent
  family name: Pawar
  given name: Ajinkya M.
author list: Agent
  family name: Bhardwaj
  given name: Anuj
author list: Agent
  family name: Atram
  given name: Jatin
author list: Agent
  family name: Arora
  given name: Suraj
author list: Agent
  family name: Wahjuningrum
  given name: Dian Agustin
author list: Agent
  family name: Huri
  given name: Maria Febritania Wahyuni
author list: Agent
  family name: Kurnia
  given name: Dennys
doi: 10.7717/peerj.19455
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-06-03
copyright: ©2025 Garde et al.
attribution name: Garde et al.

Proteomic profiling of the human amniotic stem cell-highly abundant secreted proteins
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Amnion-derived stem cells exhibit several significant advantages, including low immunogenicity, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and angiogenic properties, which have garnered considerable attention as a potential source for cell therapy. Numerous studies have demonstrated that proteins secreted by amniotic stem cells play a crucial role in facilitating regenerative processes and reflect the therapeutic benefits across various diseases. Secreted protein products from stem cells offer solutions to challenges in cell therapy, such as improving efficacy during in situ or intravenous administration. These products also hold significant clinical and commercial potential. Nonetheless, the establishment of stringent quality control standards for secreted proteins from both amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) and amniotic epithelial cells (AECs) continues to pose a significant challenge. In this study, the expression profiles of secreted proteins from AMSCs and AECs were comprehensively analyzed utilizing mass spectrometry-based proteomics. The 71 highly abundant proteins and their potential biological functions were further investigated. Moreover, we identified and confirmed 17 hub proteins. Notably, ANXA2 was observed to enhance the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophages. These findings may inform quality control measures for secreted protein products derived from amniotic stem cells and provide valuable insights for future research on the functional aspects of the secreted proteome in amniotic stem cells.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Dan He
creator: Yuqiang Cheng
creator: Hongkai Lv
creator: Anqi Geng
creator: Jie Zheng
creator: Lin Dang
creator: Pengfei Li
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Immunology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.19449
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 He et al.
abstract: Amnion-derived stem cells exhibit several significant advantages, including low immunogenicity, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and angiogenic properties, which have garnered considerable attention as a potential source for cell therapy. Numerous studies have demonstrated that proteins secreted by amniotic stem cells play a crucial role in facilitating regenerative processes and reflect the therapeutic benefits across various diseases. Secreted protein products from stem cells offer solutions to challenges in cell therapy, such as improving efficacy during in situ or intravenous administration. These products also hold significant clinical and commercial potential. Nonetheless, the establishment of stringent quality control standards for secreted proteins from both amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) and amniotic epithelial cells (AECs) continues to pose a significant challenge. In this study, the expression profiles of secreted proteins from AMSCs and AECs were comprehensively analyzed utilizing mass spectrometry-based proteomics. The 71 highly abundant proteins and their potential biological functions were further investigated. Moreover, we identified and confirmed 17 hub proteins. Notably, ANXA2 was observed to enhance the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophages. These findings may inform quality control measures for secreted protein products derived from amniotic stem cells and provide valuable insights for future research on the functional aspects of the secreted proteome in amniotic stem cells.
bibliographic citation: He et al. (2025) Proteomic profiling of the human amniotic stem cell-highly abundant secreted proteins. PeerJ 13:e19449 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19449
date submitted: 2024-11-20
date accepted: 2025-04-21
issued: 2025-06-03
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: He
  given name: Dan
author list: Agent
  family name: Cheng
  given name: Yuqiang
author list: Agent
  family name: Lv
  given name: Hongkai
author list: Agent
  family name: Geng
  given name: Anqi
author list: Agent
  family name: Zheng
  given name: Jie
author list: Agent
  family name: Dang
  given name: Lin
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Pengfei
doi: 10.7717/peerj.19449
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-06-03
copyright: ©2025 He et al.
attribution name: He et al.

A new origin of the ‘modern’ lungfish dentition revealed by taxonomic overlap between Devonian and Carboniferous dipnoans
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Lungfishes (Dipnoi, Sarcopterygii) initially radiated in the Early Devonian, and reached the apogee of their diversity during this period, especially with regard to their dentitions. Following the end-Devonian extinction, most of this diversity was lost and remained low throughout the Carboniferous and the rest of the Palaeozoic, mainly represented by the incredibly successful ‘Sagenodus-like’ dental morphology with sharp rows of fused teeth. Nevertheless, the exact scenario of lungfish evolution across the Devonian-Carboniferous boundary remains ambiguous. Recent work on new dipnoan assemblages from the Famennian (Upper Devonian) and Tournaisian (Lower Carboniferous) has challenged our understanding of lungfish evolution across this boundary. These studies suggest that the end-Devonian extinction did not impact lungfishes as strongly as other sarcopterygians, and that many Carboniferous lineages have origins that stretch much further back in time. However, concrete fossil evidence supporting these new hypotheses remained exceedingly rare. Here, we describe a highly derived lungfish tooth plate from the Famennian of the Tafilalt region in Morocco. This specimen’s morphology is akin to that of the Carboniferous genus Sagenodus, often dubbed as the earliest ‘modern’ lungfish. Although the material is not sufficient for a precise taxonomic identification or placement with phylogenetic analyses, it shows that a Carboniferous lineage—the Sagenodontidae—extends deep roots into the Devonian. This specimen supports recently developed ideas about lungfish evolution blurring across the Devonian-Carboniferous boundary and pushes back the origin of the ‘modern’ lungfish dental morphotype by some 20 million years from the Visean to the Famennian.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Amin El Fassi El Fehri
creator: Alice M. Clement
creator: Jorge Mondéjar Fernández
creator: Merle Greif
creator: Christian Klug
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Paleontology
subject: Taxonomy
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.19389
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 El Fassi El Fehri et al.
abstract: Lungfishes (Dipnoi, Sarcopterygii) initially radiated in the Early Devonian, and reached the apogee of their diversity during this period, especially with regard to their dentitions. Following the end-Devonian extinction, most of this diversity was lost and remained low throughout the Carboniferous and the rest of the Palaeozoic, mainly represented by the incredibly successful ‘Sagenodus-like’ dental morphology with sharp rows of fused teeth. Nevertheless, the exact scenario of lungfish evolution across the Devonian-Carboniferous boundary remains ambiguous. Recent work on new dipnoan assemblages from the Famennian (Upper Devonian) and Tournaisian (Lower Carboniferous) has challenged our understanding of lungfish evolution across this boundary. These studies suggest that the end-Devonian extinction did not impact lungfishes as strongly as other sarcopterygians, and that many Carboniferous lineages have origins that stretch much further back in time. However, concrete fossil evidence supporting these new hypotheses remained exceedingly rare. Here, we describe a highly derived lungfish tooth plate from the Famennian of the Tafilalt region in Morocco. This specimen’s morphology is akin to that of the Carboniferous genus Sagenodus, often dubbed as the earliest ‘modern’ lungfish. Although the material is not sufficient for a precise taxonomic identification or placement with phylogenetic analyses, it shows that a Carboniferous lineage—the Sagenodontidae—extends deep roots into the Devonian. This specimen supports recently developed ideas about lungfish evolution blurring across the Devonian-Carboniferous boundary and pushes back the origin of the ‘modern’ lungfish dental morphotype by some 20 million years from the Visean to the Famennian.
bibliographic citation: El Fassi El Fehri et al. (2025) A new origin of the ‘modern’ lungfish dentition revealed by taxonomic overlap between Devonian and Carboniferous dipnoans. PeerJ 13:e19389 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19389
date submitted: 2025-01-09
date accepted: 2025-04-08
issued: 2025-06-03
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: El Fassi El Fehri
  given name: Amin
author list: Agent
  family name: Clement
  given name: Alice M.
author list: Agent
  family name: Mondéjar Fernández
  given name: Jorge
author list: Agent
  family name: Greif
  given name: Merle
author list: Agent
  family name: Klug
  given name: Christian
doi: 10.7717/peerj.19389
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-06-03
copyright: ©2025 El Fassi El Fehri et al.
attribution name: El Fassi El Fehri et al.

Probiotic potential of bacteria associated with the mangrove epiphytic algae Bostrychia calliptera and Rhizoclonium riparium
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The growth of the global population has driven the development of aquaculture as an alternative means of meeting the increasing demand for food. However, this sector faces challenges from pathogen transmission, which can impact both cultured organisms and consumers. Probiotics offer a promising solution by leveraging the antibacterial activity of certain microorganisms against pathogens. Given the limited research on the probiotic potential of microorganisms associated with marine algae, this study aimed to evaluate this potential of bacteria isolated from Bostrychia calliptera and Rhizoclonium riparium, algae from mangroves on the Pacific coast of Colombia. The antibacterial activity of the isolates was evaluated against six fish and shellfish pathogens, leading to the selection of four strains (Bacillus sp. AB08, Bacillus sp. AB17, Bacillus sp. AN35, and Pseudomonas mosselii AR37) as probiotic candidates due to their outstanding inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus. None of the selected strains formed biofilms, a favorable result from a pathogenicity perspective, while Bacillus sp. AB08 and AN35 demonstrated notable susceptibility to all tested antibiotics. Additionally, these two strains exhibited broad tolerance to temperature and pH, maintaining viable counts above 106 CFU/mL, characteristics that position them as promising candidates for use as probiotics. However, further in vitro studies are needed to better define their probiotic properties, along with in vivo evaluations in aquaculture systems to confirm their efficacy and safety.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Juliana Martinez-Delgado
creator: Neyla Benitez-Campo
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Microbiology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.19073
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Martinez-Delgado and Benitez-Campo
abstract: The growth of the global population has driven the development of aquaculture as an alternative means of meeting the increasing demand for food. However, this sector faces challenges from pathogen transmission, which can impact both cultured organisms and consumers. Probiotics offer a promising solution by leveraging the antibacterial activity of certain microorganisms against pathogens. Given the limited research on the probiotic potential of microorganisms associated with marine algae, this study aimed to evaluate this potential of bacteria isolated from Bostrychia calliptera and Rhizoclonium riparium, algae from mangroves on the Pacific coast of Colombia. The antibacterial activity of the isolates was evaluated against six fish and shellfish pathogens, leading to the selection of four strains (Bacillus sp. AB08, Bacillus sp. AB17, Bacillus sp. AN35, and Pseudomonas mosselii AR37) as probiotic candidates due to their outstanding inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus. None of the selected strains formed biofilms, a favorable result from a pathogenicity perspective, while Bacillus sp. AB08 and AN35 demonstrated notable susceptibility to all tested antibiotics. Additionally, these two strains exhibited broad tolerance to temperature and pH, maintaining viable counts above 106 CFU/mL, characteristics that position them as promising candidates for use as probiotics. However, further in vitro studies are needed to better define their probiotic properties, along with in vivo evaluations in aquaculture systems to confirm their efficacy and safety.
bibliographic citation: Martinez-Delgado et al. (2025) Probiotic potential of bacteria associated with the mangrove epiphytic algae Bostrychia calliptera and Rhizoclonium riparium. PeerJ 13:e19073 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19073
date submitted: 2024-11-07
date accepted: 2025-02-10
issued: 2025-06-03
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Martinez-Delgado
  given name: Juliana
author list: Agent
  family name: Benitez-Campo
  given name: Neyla
doi: 10.7717/peerj.19073
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-06-03
copyright: ©2025 Martinez-Delgado and Benitez-Campo
attribution name: Martinez-Delgado and Benitez-Campo

Potential role of photobiomodulation as a prevention and treatment strategy for radiation induced fibrosis: a review of effectiveness and mechanisms
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Radiation induced fibrosis (RIF) is a chronic progressive disabling side effect of radiation therapy in cancer survivors with limited therapeutic options. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is being propagated as a non-invasive therapeutic option but has limited evidence. This scoping review aims to summarize the effects and mechanisms of PBMT in the prevention and treatment of RIF. Methods A systematic search was conducted across five databases (PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, ProQuest, LILACS), and three other platforms (Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Academia.edu). Retrieved studies underwent independent title, abstract, full text screening and data extraction. Quality analysis was performed for human studies to assess methodological rigor. Results The review identified three studies that specifically focused on RIF. Since induction of RIF is not common for in vitro and in vivo studies, the screening was expanded to include studies targeting fibroblast cells or fibrosis of any origin. The revised strategy led to inclusion of 26 studies (nine in vitro, 13 in vivo, and four clinical studies). Of these, 20 studies focused on the prevention of fibrosis, while six addressed its treatment. Preclinical studies demonstrated the beneficial effects of PBMT at different phases of fibrosis at cellular level. Clinical studies demonstrated functional improvements. Mechanisms include modulation of inflammatory pathways, fibroblast to myofibroblast conversion, collagen production, reduction of oxidative stress, and regulation of extracellular matrix remodeling. Conclusion PBMT demonstrates potential as a non-invasive, safe therapeutic option for RIF, supported by extensive preclinical evidence. However, high-quality clinical trials are necessary to validate its clinical efficacy. Implication PBMT offers a promising intervention for managing RIF, with potential to enhance body image, self-confidence, functional abilities, and overall quality of life for cancer survivors. This rev…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Rachita Gururaj
creator: Betty Thomas
creator: Manur Gururajachar Janaki
creator: Vinay Martin D’sa Prabhu
creator: Rakesh Nagaraju
creator: Stephen Rajan Samuel
creator: Sundar Kumar Veluswamy
subject: Evidence Based Medicine
subject: Oncology
subject: Rehabilitation
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.19494
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Gururaj et al.
abstract: Background Radiation induced fibrosis (RIF) is a chronic progressive disabling side effect of radiation therapy in cancer survivors with limited therapeutic options. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is being propagated as a non-invasive therapeutic option but has limited evidence. This scoping review aims to summarize the effects and mechanisms of PBMT in the prevention and treatment of RIF. Methods A systematic search was conducted across five databases (PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, ProQuest, LILACS), and three other platforms (Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Academia.edu). Retrieved studies underwent independent title, abstract, full text screening and data extraction. Quality analysis was performed for human studies to assess methodological rigor. Results The review identified three studies that specifically focused on RIF. Since induction of RIF is not common for in vitro and in vivo studies, the screening was expanded to include studies targeting fibroblast cells or fibrosis of any origin. The revised strategy led to inclusion of 26 studies (nine in vitro, 13 in vivo, and four clinical studies). Of these, 20 studies focused on the prevention of fibrosis, while six addressed its treatment. Preclinical studies demonstrated the beneficial effects of PBMT at different phases of fibrosis at cellular level. Clinical studies demonstrated functional improvements. Mechanisms include modulation of inflammatory pathways, fibroblast to myofibroblast conversion, collagen production, reduction of oxidative stress, and regulation of extracellular matrix remodeling. Conclusion PBMT demonstrates potential as a non-invasive, safe therapeutic option for RIF, supported by extensive preclinical evidence. However, high-quality clinical trials are necessary to validate its clinical efficacy. Implication PBMT offers a promising intervention for managing RIF, with potential to enhance body image, self-confidence, functional abilities, and overall quality of life for cancer survivors. This rev…
bibliographic citation: Gururaj et al. (2025) Potential role of photobiomodulation as a prevention and treatment strategy for radiation induced fibrosis: a review of effectiveness and mechanisms. PeerJ 13:e19494 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19494
date submitted: 2025-01-20
date accepted: 2025-04-28
issued: 2025-06-02
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Gururaj
  given name: Rachita
author list: Agent
  family name: Thomas
  given name: Betty
author list: Agent
  family name: Janaki
  given name: Manur Gururajachar
author list: Agent
  family name: Prabhu
  given name: Vinay Martin D’sa
author list: Agent
  family name: Nagaraju
  given name: Rakesh
author list: Agent
  family name: Samuel
  given name: Stephen Rajan
author list: Agent
  family name: Veluswamy
  given name: Sundar Kumar
doi: 10.7717/peerj.19494
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-06-02
copyright: ©2025 Gururaj et al.
attribution name: Gururaj et al.

Sign language use in healthcare: professionals’ insight
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background and Aim Communication using sign language (SL) between health care providers (HCPs) and deaf and/or hearing-impaired (DHI) patients was reported to be difficult and oftentimes results in a compromised delivery of quality health care to patients. This study surveyed Saudi health care providers on their perception of SL knowledge on the provision of high-quality care to DHI patients. Methods This was a cross-sectional descriptive study among HCPs in different health and primary care centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was distributed officially by the Department of Surveys of King Saud University to target HCPs via email and through WhatsApp. Results A total of 238 HCPs were included in the study, of whom 180 (75.6%) were nursing professionals and 58 were from other health specialties. Only 15 (6.3%) of HCPs claimed to have received formal training in SL. Majority of the HCPs (n = 165, 69.3%) perceived that knowledge in SL is very important for communication with DHI patients and their families, whereas 65 (27.3%) perceived SL as somewhat important. Nurses believed that the quality of health service and care to deaf and/or hearing-impaired (DHI) patients is impacted by the inability of HCPs to communicate effectively and deliver high-quality care without the knowledge. Nursing professionals believed that knowledge of SL will improve the quality of care provided to DHI patients compared to other HCPs (97.2% vs. 87.9%, p = 0.005). Conclusion In order to provide DHI patients with high-quality healthcare, nurses believe that understanding SL is essential. Few nurses received formal training and few have adequate knowledge in SL. There is a need to provide nurses and HCPs adequate training in SL to improve communication with DHI patients and enhance DHI inclusivity in their management in line with the World Health Organization’s Universal Health Coverage and “health care for all”.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Omaimah Qadhi
subject: Health Policy
subject: Nursing
subject: Public Health
subject: Healthcare Services
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.19446
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Qadhi
abstract: Background and Aim Communication using sign language (SL) between health care providers (HCPs) and deaf and/or hearing-impaired (DHI) patients was reported to be difficult and oftentimes results in a compromised delivery of quality health care to patients. This study surveyed Saudi health care providers on their perception of SL knowledge on the provision of high-quality care to DHI patients. Methods This was a cross-sectional descriptive study among HCPs in different health and primary care centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was distributed officially by the Department of Surveys of King Saud University to target HCPs via email and through WhatsApp. Results A total of 238 HCPs were included in the study, of whom 180 (75.6%) were nursing professionals and 58 were from other health specialties. Only 15 (6.3%) of HCPs claimed to have received formal training in SL. Majority of the HCPs (n = 165, 69.3%) perceived that knowledge in SL is very important for communication with DHI patients and their families, whereas 65 (27.3%) perceived SL as somewhat important. Nurses believed that the quality of health service and care to deaf and/or hearing-impaired (DHI) patients is impacted by the inability of HCPs to communicate effectively and deliver high-quality care without the knowledge. Nursing professionals believed that knowledge of SL will improve the quality of care provided to DHI patients compared to other HCPs (97.2% vs. 87.9%, p = 0.005). Conclusion In order to provide DHI patients with high-quality healthcare, nurses believe that understanding SL is essential. Few nurses received formal training and few have adequate knowledge in SL. There is a need to provide nurses and HCPs adequate training in SL to improve communication with DHI patients and enhance DHI inclusivity in their management in line with the World Health Organization’s Universal Health Coverage and “health care for all”.
bibliographic citation: Qadhi (2025) Sign language use in healthcare: professionals’ insight. PeerJ 13:e19446 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19446
date submitted: 2024-09-09
date accepted: 2025-04-18
issued: 2025-06-02
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Qadhi
  given name: Omaimah
doi: 10.7717/peerj.19446
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-06-02
copyright: ©2025 Qadhi
attribution name: Qadhi

Children with abnormal body weight dealing with the load of school backpack—is there a need to modify WHO recommendations? A cross sectional study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The purpose of the study was investigated how stabilographic parameters change under the influence of an external load, such as a school backpack, and whether there is a need to revise recommendations regarding the permissible school backpack load for children with abnormal body mass. Methods Children in younger school grades was investigated (n, 235, age: X = 7.90 ± 0.74), divided into children with underweight (n = 49), with overweight (n = 48), and with obesity (n = 33), in comparison to the control group with normal body weight (n = 105). Posturographic measurements of body weight distribution and posturometric tests with eyes open and closed were performed in trials with school backpack and without. Results The weight of school backpack for younger children ranges from 1.50 to 8.0 kg (3.74 ± 1.31). On average, this constitutes 13.66% of their body weight (SD, 5.85), but in 77 cases among all participants (32.77%), the children’s school backpacks were overloaded by an average of 5.5% (SD, 4.66). Neither the weight of the school backpack nor its percentage relative to body weight were predictors of postural stability (−0.44 ≥ β ≥ 0.41 for p > 0.05). In tests involving a school backpack, children with obesity performed significantly worse compared to the control group, particularly in the parameters sway path length (SPL), width of the ellipse (WoE), and height of the ellipse (HoE), in both open- and closed-eye conditions. Additionally, SPL was longer in the open-eye test with a school backpack in the overweight group. Children with underweight had results comparable to children with normal body weight. Conclusions Recommendations regarding the weight of school backpacks relative to a child’s body weight worsen stabilometric parameters in children with increased body weight (overweight and obesity), which affects their postural stability. It is advisable to consider different percentage load values or implement systemic solutions for children with overw…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Anna Brzęk
creator: Regina Wysocka-Bochenek
creator: Jacek Sołtys
subject: Pediatrics
subject: Obesity
subject: Biomechanics
subject: Rehabilitation
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.19353
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Brzęk et al.
abstract: Background The purpose of the study was investigated how stabilographic parameters change under the influence of an external load, such as a school backpack, and whether there is a need to revise recommendations regarding the permissible school backpack load for children with abnormal body mass. Methods Children in younger school grades was investigated (n, 235, age: X = 7.90 ± 0.74), divided into children with underweight (n = 49), with overweight (n = 48), and with obesity (n = 33), in comparison to the control group with normal body weight (n = 105). Posturographic measurements of body weight distribution and posturometric tests with eyes open and closed were performed in trials with school backpack and without. Results The weight of school backpack for younger children ranges from 1.50 to 8.0 kg (3.74 ± 1.31). On average, this constitutes 13.66% of their body weight (SD, 5.85), but in 77 cases among all participants (32.77%), the children’s school backpacks were overloaded by an average of 5.5% (SD, 4.66). Neither the weight of the school backpack nor its percentage relative to body weight were predictors of postural stability (−0.44 ≥ β ≥ 0.41 for p > 0.05). In tests involving a school backpack, children with obesity performed significantly worse compared to the control group, particularly in the parameters sway path length (SPL), width of the ellipse (WoE), and height of the ellipse (HoE), in both open- and closed-eye conditions. Additionally, SPL was longer in the open-eye test with a school backpack in the overweight group. Children with underweight had results comparable to children with normal body weight. Conclusions Recommendations regarding the weight of school backpacks relative to a child’s body weight worsen stabilometric parameters in children with increased body weight (overweight and obesity), which affects their postural stability. It is advisable to consider different percentage load values or implement systemic solutions for children with overw…
bibliographic citation: Brzęk et al. (2025) Children with abnormal body weight dealing with the load of school backpack—is there a need to modify WHO recommendations? A cross sectional study. PeerJ 13:e19353 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19353
date submitted: 2025-01-15
date accepted: 2025-03-31
issued: 2025-06-02
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
author list: Agent
  family name: Brzęk
  given name: Anna
author list: Agent
  family name: Wysocka-Bochenek
  given name: Regina
author list: Agent
  family name: Sołtys
  given name: Jacek
doi: 10.7717/peerj.19353
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-06-02
copyright: ©2025 Brzęk et al.
attribution name: Brzęk et al.

PLA2G16 expression predicts prognosis and gemcitabine sensitivity in patients with pancreatic cancer
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Pancreatic cancer is highly aggressive with limited treatment options. PLA2G16 has been implicated in cancer progression, but its role in prognosis and gemcitabine sensitivity in pancreatic cancer remains poorly understood. Methods Using TCGA data, the study assessed the correlation between PLA2G16 expression and patient survival. The expression of PLA2G16 in gemcitabine-resistant versus sensitive pancreatic cancer cells was also compared. siRNA-mediated knockdown of PLA2G16 was performed in drug-resistant PANC-1 cells to evaluate its impact on gemcitabine sensitivity. The relationship between PLA2G16 expression, immune infiltration, and molecular pathways in pancreatic cancer was explored using CIBERSORT and DAVID tools. Results PLA2G16 was significantly overexpressed in pancreatic cancer tissues and associated with poorer patient survival. In PANC-1 cells, increased PLA2G16 expression correlated with gemcitabine resistance, and its knockdown improved drug sensitivity. PLA2G16 expression was linked to specific immune infiltration patterns and cancer-related molecular pathways. Conclusions Elevated PLA2G16 expression is associated with poor survival and gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer, making it a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Xiaoyu Sun
creator: Haiyang Jiang
creator: Yufei Huang
creator: Jing Xia
creator: Jie Gu
creator: Xinbing Sui
creator: Xueni Sun
creator: Yucheng Zhou
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Oncology
subject: Pharmacology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.19517
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Sun et al.
abstract: Background Pancreatic cancer is highly aggressive with limited treatment options. PLA2G16 has been implicated in cancer progression, but its role in prognosis and gemcitabine sensitivity in pancreatic cancer remains poorly understood. Methods Using TCGA data, the study assessed the correlation between PLA2G16 expression and patient survival. The expression of PLA2G16 in gemcitabine-resistant versus sensitive pancreatic cancer cells was also compared. siRNA-mediated knockdown of PLA2G16 was performed in drug-resistant PANC-1 cells to evaluate its impact on gemcitabine sensitivity. The relationship between PLA2G16 expression, immune infiltration, and molecular pathways in pancreatic cancer was explored using CIBERSORT and DAVID tools. Results PLA2G16 was significantly overexpressed in pancreatic cancer tissues and associated with poorer patient survival. In PANC-1 cells, increased PLA2G16 expression correlated with gemcitabine resistance, and its knockdown improved drug sensitivity. PLA2G16 expression was linked to specific immune infiltration patterns and cancer-related molecular pathways. Conclusions Elevated PLA2G16 expression is associated with poor survival and gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer, making it a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target.
bibliographic citation: Sun et al. (2025) PLA2G16 expression predicts prognosis and gemcitabine sensitivity in patients with pancreatic cancer. PeerJ 13:e19517 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19517
date submitted: 2024-11-12
date accepted: 2025-05-02
issued: 2025-05-30
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Sun
  given name: Xiaoyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Jiang
  given name: Haiyang
author list: Agent
  family name: Huang
  given name: Yufei
author list: Agent
  family name: Xia
  given name: Jing
author list: Agent
  family name: Gu
  given name: Jie
author list: Agent
  family name: Sui
  given name: Xinbing
author list: Agent
  family name: Sun
  given name: Xueni
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Yucheng
doi: 10.7717/peerj.19517
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-05-30
copyright: © 2025 Sun et al.
attribution name: Sun et al.

Revision and validation of the Chinese version of the interpersonal reactivity index for couples for expectant couples
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Objective This research seeks to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index for Couples (IRIC) to ensure it is culturally relevant to China, while also assessing its reliability and validity among a sample of pregnant women and their spouses. Methods A total of 402 couples were recruited from two hospitals in Anhui Province. The English version of the IRIC was translated into Chinese in accordance with Brislin’s principles of cross-cultural translation. The reliability of the translated scale was assessed using Cronbach’s α coefficient, split-half reliability, and test-retest reliability. The structural validity of the scale was examined through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The Perceived Partner Responsiveness Scale served as a criterion measure to evaluate its correlation with the IRIC. All data analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0 and Mplus 8.3. Results The Chinese version of the IRIC comprises two dimensions and thirteen items (seven items pertaining to empathic concern and six items related to Perspective Taking). In the sample of pregnant women, the Cronbach’s α coefficient for the Chinese version of the IRIC was 0.922, with coefficients of 0.871 for Empathic Concern and 0.909 for the Perspective Taking. The split-half reliability was 0.902 and the overall test-retest reliability of the scale was 0.996. In the sample of partners of pregnant women, the Cronbach’s α coefficient was 0.938, with coefficients of 0.895 for empathic concern and 0.925 for Perspective Taking, and a split-half reliability of 0.898, while the overall test-retest reliability of the scale was 0.997. The content validity index at the scale level was 0.967, and at the item level, it ranged from 0.857 to 1.000. In the sample of pregnant women, the confirmatory factor analysis results indicated that the fit indices for the bi-factor model were satisfactory (Chi-square/degrees of freedom ( $\chi^2$χ2 /df) = 1.331, c…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Juju Huang
creator: Tengfei Liang
creator: Jinzhi Li
creator: Qiankun Liu
creator: Jiaxue Pang
creator: Yang Xu
creator: Hui Xie
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
subject: Women’s Health
subject: Mental Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.19505
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Huang et al.
abstract: Objective This research seeks to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index for Couples (IRIC) to ensure it is culturally relevant to China, while also assessing its reliability and validity among a sample of pregnant women and their spouses. Methods A total of 402 couples were recruited from two hospitals in Anhui Province. The English version of the IRIC was translated into Chinese in accordance with Brislin’s principles of cross-cultural translation. The reliability of the translated scale was assessed using Cronbach’s α coefficient, split-half reliability, and test-retest reliability. The structural validity of the scale was examined through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The Perceived Partner Responsiveness Scale served as a criterion measure to evaluate its correlation with the IRIC. All data analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0 and Mplus 8.3. Results The Chinese version of the IRIC comprises two dimensions and thirteen items (seven items pertaining to empathic concern and six items related to Perspective Taking). In the sample of pregnant women, the Cronbach’s α coefficient for the Chinese version of the IRIC was 0.922, with coefficients of 0.871 for Empathic Concern and 0.909 for the Perspective Taking. The split-half reliability was 0.902 and the overall test-retest reliability of the scale was 0.996. In the sample of partners of pregnant women, the Cronbach’s α coefficient was 0.938, with coefficients of 0.895 for empathic concern and 0.925 for Perspective Taking, and a split-half reliability of 0.898, while the overall test-retest reliability of the scale was 0.997. The content validity index at the scale level was 0.967, and at the item level, it ranged from 0.857 to 1.000. In the sample of pregnant women, the confirmatory factor analysis results indicated that the fit indices for the bi-factor model were satisfactory (Chi-square/degrees of freedom ( $\chi^2$χ2 /df) = 1.331, c…
bibliographic citation: Huang et al. (2025) Revision and validation of the Chinese version of the interpersonal reactivity index for couples for expectant couples. PeerJ 13:e19505 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19505
date submitted: 2024-12-17
date accepted: 2025-04-30
issued: 2025-05-30
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
author list: Agent
  family name: Huang
  given name: Juju
author list: Agent
  family name: Liang
  given name: Tengfei
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Jinzhi
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Qiankun
author list: Agent
  family name: Pang
  given name: Jiaxue
author list: Agent
  family name: Xu
  given name: Yang
author list: Agent
  family name: Xie
  given name: Hui
doi: 10.7717/peerj.19505
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-05-30
copyright: © 2025 Huang et al.
attribution name: Huang et al.

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