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
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.
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
Knowledge, perceptions, and practices of dental professionals and students regarding obturation in endodontic procedures: a nationwide cross-sectional survey
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 for unsuccessful obturations, highlighting the need for improved obturation outcomes. Bioceramic sealer use and comprehension varied greatly (11.1% utilized it). Conclusions In conclusion, this study emphasizes the need of better knowledge and application of obturation trends in endodontics. Key findings include a desire for better materials, an understanding of the importance of obturation, and an openness to new ideas. The difficulties in getting optimal results underline the need of standardized education.
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
Proteomic profiling of the human amniotic stem cell-highly abundant secreted proteins
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.
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
A new origin of the ‘modern’ lungfish dentition revealed by taxonomic overlap between Devonian and Carboniferous dipnoans
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.
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
Probiotic potential of bacteria associated with the mangrove epiphytic algae Bostrychia calliptera and Rhizoclonium riparium
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.
© 2025 Martinez-Delgado and Benitez-Campo
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
©2025 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
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 review underscores the need for further research to translate these findings into clinical practice.
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
Sign language use in healthcare: professionals’ insight
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”.
Qadhi (2025) Sign language use in healthcare: professionals’ insight. PeerJ 13:e19446 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19446
Children with abnormal body weight dealing with the load of school backpack—is there a need to modify WHO recommendations? A cross sectional study
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 overweight and obesity.
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
PLA2G16 expression predicts prognosis and gemcitabine sensitivity in patients with pancreatic cancer
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.
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
Revision and validation of the Chinese version of the interpersonal reactivity index for couples for expectant couples
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, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.993, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.987, normal fit index (NFI) = 0.972, goodness of fit index (GFI) = 0.958, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.041, standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = 0.038). In the sample of partners, the confirmatory factor analysis results also demonstrated satisfactory fit indices for the bi-factor model ( $\chi^2$χ2 /df = 1.588, CFI = 0.989, TLI = 0.976, NFI = 0.971, GFI = 0.961, RMSEA = 0.054, SRMR = 0.039). The scale successfully passed the equivalence test, with indices fitting well. Conclusion The findings suggest that the Chinese version of the IRIC exhibits strong reliability and validity, rendering it an effective instrument for evaluating the level of empathy between pregnant women and their partners. The translated scale also facilitates the early detection of couple empathy, providing a scientific foundation for the development of early personalized intervention strategies. Overall, this scale possesses clinical relevance and practical importance in enhancing marital satisfaction. However, future research should encompass a larger and more diverse population.
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