Screen time exposure and academic performance, anxiety, and behavioral problems among school children
Background The growth of the digital landscape has surely outpaced research on the effects of screen media on the health, learning, and development of children. The potential risk-to-benefit ratio of screen media exposure for education and entertainment purposes warrants further exploration. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the relationships between screen time and academic performance, anxiety, and outdoor playing among school children in India. Methods A total of 537 parents responded to this online survey and reported approximately 537 Indian school children (mean age 10.9 years) from five schools. Data was collected using an e-questionnaire which consisted of a socio-demographic domain, recreational activities, self-reported physical measures, academic performance, information related to children’s screen time, the Spence Children Anxiety Scale (SCAS), and the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (parent version) instruments. We employed multivariate linear regression models to estimate the association between children’s screen time and the predictor variables with 0.05 alpha as level of significance. Results The mean screen time was 3.06 ± 1.22 h/day, the average duration of outdoor play per week was 11.23 ± 4.1 h, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 18.2 ± 3.2. Screen time (h) in a typical week was positively correlated with BMI, the SCAS anxiety score, and behavioral problems and negatively correlated with academic performance. School children’s screen time was a predictor of their BMI, behavioral symptoms, and academic performance according to the linear regression analysis. Conclusion Our findings pointed out that screen time was associated with increased BMI, behavioral problems and poor academic performance. These insights shall be used for development of targeted tailored interventions and strategies to reduce childhood obesity related to screen time. Further research is necessary to rule out the influence of other intricate factors, such as sleep, parental practices, family connectedness, and supervision of parents. The careful use of digital media must serve as a positive force in children’s educational and developmental trajectories.
Sidiq et al. (2025) Screen time exposure and academic performance, anxiety, and behavioral problems among school children. PeerJ 13:e19409 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19409
Host specificity of gastrointestinal parasites in free-ranging sloths from Costa Rica
The diversity and host specificity of gastrointestinal parasites infecting free-ranging sloths is poorly known. We compared gastrointestinal parasites of two sloth species from Costa Rica—three-fingered sloths (Bradypus variegatus) and two-fingered sloths (Choloepus hoffmanni)—for the first time in both a primary forest and an urban habitat. We asked whether host-parasite interactions were predominantly structured by host identity, the habitats in which hosts occurred, or both. Coproparasitology revealed protozoa and nematode eggs from both host species, but cestode eggs were recorded only in C. hoffmanni. We found eight parasitic morphotypes in 38 samples, which matches the total number of these parasites described in sloths over the past 100 years. We found no significant difference in overall parasite richness between sloth species or habitats, but the parasite richness of C. hoffmanni was 2-fold greater in the primary forest vs. urban habitat. As no parasite sharing was observed between sloth species, we found strong and significant differences in parasite composition between host species regardless of habitat. In B. variegatus, we observed eggs of four nematode taxa (Spirocercidae, Subuluroidea, Spirurida, Ascaridida) and cysts of Eimeriidae (Apicomplexa). By contrast, in C. hoffmanni, we observed cestodes (Anoplocephalidae), a different nematode from the family Spirocercidae, and also different cysts of Eimeriidae (Apicomplexa). Many rare taxa were recorded only in samples from the primary forest, and these did not match any sloth parasites that had been previously described in the literature, suggesting that at least some could be undescribed species. Together, these results highlight the paucity of comparative parasitology involving tropical wildlife, the importance of characterizing host-parasite transmission networks, and the potential relevance of intermediate hosts that may be relevant to sloth health.
Vanderhoeven et al. (2025) Host specificity of gastrointestinal parasites in free-ranging sloths from Costa Rica. PeerJ 13:e19408 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19408
Allelopathic effects and composition of aqueous extracts from different parts of Galinsoga parviflora Cav. on Medicago sativa L. and Avena sativa L
Background Galinsoga parviflora Cav. is a high-risk invasive plant that seriously threatens the development of grasslands in southern China. However, the allelopathic effects on Medicago sativa L. and Avena sativa L., which are widely cultivated forages around the world, have not been reported. Methods To explore the allelopathic mechanism of G. parviflora, the allelopathic effects of aqueous extracts from different parts of G. parviflora on M. sativa and A. sativa were investigated. The germination rate (GR), germination potential (GP), seedling height, fresh weight, and chlorophyll content of M. sativa and A. sativa seedlings were measured to elucidate the allelopathy of G. parviflora on the two forages. Based on the five indicators, synthetical allelopathic effects (SAE) of extracts was also calculated. In addition, the allelopathic components of the extracts in G. parviflora were quantitatively revealed by untargeted metabolomics detection. Furthermore, two key allelopathic substances, 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (CHDA) and trehalose, were selected to explore the inhibitory effect on two notorious weed species in China, such as gramineous Digitaria sanguinalis L. and broad-leaved Amaranthus retroflexus L. Result (1) The inhibitory effects of aqueous extracts from different parts of G. parviflora on recipient plants were different, the root was the weakest, and the whole plants was the strongest, with the values of synthetical allelopathic effects (SAE) on M. sativa at the highest concentration being −0.12 and −0.40, respectively. (2) Compared with A. sativa, M. sativa was generally more susceptible to the extracts. (3) The differences in the content of CHDA or trehalose might be a reason why extracts from different parts of G. parviflora exhibited different allelopathic effects. (4) The herbicidal activity test of key allelopathic substances found that CHDA has a strong inhibitory effect on the germination of D. sanguinalis and almost does not affect M. sativa and A. sativa. Thus, this discovery not only revealed allelopathic effects and components in different parts of G. parviflora, but provided scientific evidence for weed control based on natural plant extracts in the future.
Cheng et al. (2025) Allelopathic effects and composition of aqueous extracts from different parts of Galinsoga parviflora Cav. on Medicago sativa L. and Avena sativa L. PeerJ 13:e19378 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19378
Oral health status, oral hygiene behaviors, and caries risk assessment of individuals with special needs: a comparative study of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia
Background Individuals with disabilities often experience greater challenges in managing oral diseases, including dental caries and periodontal conditions, due to functional limitations. This study aims to: (1) assess the oral health status of disabled individuals in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, (2) evaluate their oral hygiene knowledge and behaviors, and (3) determine their caries risk using the Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) protocol. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 189 participants aged 13 years and older, including both young people and adults with hearing, visual, or intellectual disabilities from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia between September 2023 and April 2024. The participants were recruited from the Institute of Special Education, Pakistan, and the Saudi Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Saudi Arabia. Intraoral examinations and bitewing radiographs assessed oral health, including Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, Gingival Index, visible plaque, and molar alignment. A self-administered questionnaire gathered sociodemographic data and evaluated oral hygiene knowledge and behaviors. Caries risk was analyzed using the CAMBRA tool. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression. Results The mean DMFT score was 6.30 (SD = 1.83), with a statistically significant difference between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia (p = 0.007). Gingival health was fair to poor in 47% of participants, while 43.4% exhibited bleeding on probing and 34.9% had visible plaque. Class III malocclusion affected approximately 30% of participants in both countries. Tooth brushing frequency showed a significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.005). Most participants (76% in Pakistan, 62% in Saudi Arabia) were classified as high caries risk. Deep pits and fissures (69.4%) and frequent snacking (63.8%) were the main risk factors in Pakistan, while frequent snacking (71.6%) and heavy plaque (60.4%) were prevalent in Saudi Arabia. Saudi participants had a significantly higher likelihood of being in the high-risk group for caries (OR = 1.86, 95% CI [0.95–3.65], p = 0.04). Conclusion The disabled individuals in both countries face significant oral health challenges, with high caries risk and poor oral hygiene practices. Targeted preventive measures and improved dental care access are essential to addressing these disparities.
Khattak et al. (2025) Oral health status, oral hygiene behaviors, and caries risk assessment of individuals with special needs: a comparative study of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. PeerJ 13:e19286 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19286
Development of an immune-related gene signature applying Ridge method for improving immunotherapy responses and clinical outcomes in lung adenocarcinoma
Background Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a major cause of cancer mortality. Considering the critical role of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in effective immunotherapy, this study was designed to screen molecular markers related to tumor infiltrating cells in LUAD, aiming to improve immunotherapy response during LUAD therapy. Methods The ConsensusClusterPlus method was used for clustering immune molecular subtypes of LUAD. Immune cell infiltration and immunotherapeutic potential in each subtype was evaluated employing single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE), and Immunophenoscore (IPS). Immune-related co-expression modules were classified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) analysis. The sequencing data of immune-related genes were comprehensively analyzed by introducing a new computational framework and 10 machine learning algorithms (a total of 101 combinations) to determine the prognostic genes, which were further combined to develop an immune prognostic signature (IMMPS) using the stepCox and Ridge methods. The expression of the signature genes was validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results Samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset (TCGA-LUAD) were divided into two subtypes (immunosuppressive subgroup C1 and immune-activated subgroup C2); notably, the C2 subgroup was more likely to benefit from immunotherapy (p < 0.05). An IMMPS developed based on seven immune infiltrating cell-related genes (SEMA7A, EFHD2, CHST11, SLC24A4, MAL, JCHAIN, and SCARF1) could accurately predict the overall survival of LUAD in five LUAD cohorts, with an average C-index higher than 0.69. LUAD patients with a low IMMPS value had a higher immune cell infiltration (p < 0.05). In addition, the IMMPS exhibited better prediction performance in comparison to 154 published gene signatures, suggesting that the IMMPS was an independent prognostic risk factor for evaluating the overall survival of LUAD patients. Since BTNL9 was the most relevant immune checkpoint gene, in vitro experiment showed that the expression of the seven key genes (SEMA7A, EFHD2, CHST11, SLC24A4, MAL, JCHAIN, and SCARF1) in LUAD cell lines was consistent with that in normal lung epithelial cells after inhibiting BTNL9 expression (p < 0.05). Conclusions Our results contributed to a better understanding of immunological characteristics of LUAD. The IMMPS could serve as a promising tool for improving the clinical outcome of patients suffering from LUAD.
Chen et al. (2025) Development of an immune-related gene signature applying Ridge method for improving immunotherapy responses and clinical outcomes in lung adenocarcinoma. PeerJ 13:e19121 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19121
Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of thermo-sensitive genic male sterile (TGMS) rice lines using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and population structure analysis
Thermo-sensitive genic male sterile (TGMS) lines in rice are crucial for hybrid breeding, enhancing genetic diversity by eliminating the need for manual emasculation and restorer genes. These lines induce sterility at high temperatures and restore fertility at low temperatures, in contrast to cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) systems that require specific restorative genes. This temperature-sensitive mechanism allows for greater flexibility in pairing parent lines, increasing genetic diversity and enabling recombination of beneficial traits in hybrids. A randomized block design (RBD) with three replications was employed for the evaluation of these TGMS rice lines. This study investigates the molecular diversity and genetic variability among TGMS rice lines. Traits such as single plant yield, grains per panicle, glume angle, and pollen fertility showed significant phenotypic and genotypic variation, indicated by high coefficients of variation (PCV and GCV), heritability estimates, and genetic advance as a percentage of mean (GAM). These results highlight substantial genetic variation and selection potential. Euclidean distance matrix analysis of morphological data revealed notable genetic differences. TNAU 137S 1 and TNAU 137S 2 were the most genetically similar, while TNAU 112S and TNAU 114S showed the greatest divergence. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed distinct genetic profiles among lines such as TNAU 136S, TNAU 113S, TNAU 142S, and TNAU 126S, important for hybrid development. Molecular diversity analysis using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers identified 90 alleles and eight genetic clusters. Bayesian analysis further confirmed two major subpopulations with significant genetic divergence. These findings support the selective use of parent lines for hybrid rice breeding.
Nagendra Naidu et al. (2025) Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of thermo-sensitive genic male sterile (TGMS) rice lines using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and population structure analysis. PeerJ 13:e18975 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18975
Unveiling the immune and vitamin profiles of blood: the potential biomarkers for alopecia areata
Background Alopecia areata is a hair follicle disorder characterized by the development of multiple circular bald patches on the scalp, often accompanied by elevated cytokine production and immune cell infiltration around hair follicles. Our aspiration is to explore whether blood analysis can reveal additional factors that contribute to the disparities between individuals with alopecia areata and those who are healthy. Such research could potentially establish a robust foundation for the advancement of future therapeutic strategies. Methods In Fujian, China, we have collected blood samples from a cohort of 28 alopecia areata patients and a control group of 28 healthy individuals for comparative analysis. A detailed assessment of cytokines, eosinophil counts, vitamin levels, and immunoglobulin profiles within these samples was conducted. Subsequently, statistical analysis was applied to elucidate the differences between the two groups. Results While the blood analysis revealed higher average levels of IL-4, IL-10, and TNF-α in alopecia areata patients compared to healthy individuals, these differences were not statistically significant. Similarly, vitamin levels showed no significant variation between the patient and healthy groups. However, the Wilcoxon rank sum test identified a significant increase in IFN-γ and a significant decrease in immunoglobulin IgG4 levels among alopecia areata patients, pointing to a possible role in the disease’s pathogenesis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis had demonstrated that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for IFN-γ and IgG4 was 0.656 and 0.704, respectively, suggesting that IFN-γ and IgG4 had a certain discrimination effect on alopecia areata. Utilizing the Youden index to optimize specificity, we propose that IgG4 levels below 824.85 mg/L and IFN-γ levels above 0.565 pg/mL could serve as biomarkers for assessing the risk of alopecia areata. Conclusions These findings highlight the need for further exploration of the link among alopecia areata, IgG4- and IFN-γ-related mechanisms, potentially uncovering novel therapeutic targets for managing this condition.
Ke et al. (2025) Unveiling the immune and vitamin profiles of blood: the potential biomarkers for alopecia areata. PeerJ 13:e19430 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19430
Retrospective study on the correlation between CXCL13, immune infiltration, and tertiary lymphoid structures in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Background C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 13 (CXCL13) is a crucial chemokine for the recruitment of immune cells and the formation of tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) in the tumor microenvironment. However, the relationship between CXCL13 and immune infiltration in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) remains unclear. Objective We aimed to investigate the expression of CXCL13 and explore its association with immune activation and TLS in cSCC. Methods A total of 63 cSCC patients were involved in the present study. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used for pathological examination of cSCC. Bioinformatics analyses and immunohistochemical staining were employed to access the expression of CXCL13 and TLS states. Public single cell RNA-sequencing atlas of skin disorders and multiplex immunofluorescence were used to explore CXCL13-producing cells. Results Utilizing the public database and our clinical cohort, we observed robust CXCL13 expression in cSCC tissues and a significant correlation with immune activation. Higher expression levels of CXCL13 were associated with lower histopathological grades and increased TLS formation. Furthermore, we confirmed that T cells and fibroblasts were the predominant cell types of CXCL13 secretion in cSCC. Conclusions CXCL13 is up-regulated in cSCC, which shows a significant positive correlation with immune infiltration and TLS formation. Our results underscore the role of CXCL13 in shaping the cSCC microenvironment, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.
Chen et al. (2025) Retrospective study on the correlation between CXCL13, immune infiltration, and tertiary lymphoid structures in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. PeerJ 13:e19398 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19398
Sterile seed germination and seedling cultivation of Idesia polycarpa
Background Idesia polycarpa Maxim. is a high-quality, high-yield, edible oil tree species native to eastern Asia, where it plays important roles in ensuring national food and oil security, promoting ecological development, and facilitating rural revitalization. However, the commercial development of I. polycarpa has been hampered by the fact that it is primarily propagated by seeds, the required dormancy of which leads to low natural germination rates. Tissue culture technology offers the advantages of rapid propagation, high multiplication rates, and independence from seasonal factors, enabling the rapid production of large quantities of high-quality seedlings. The aim of this study was to establish an efficient aseptic germination system for I. polycarpa seeds. Methods This study utilized I. polycarpa seeds as the experimental material to investigate the effects of different disinfection times, basic medium variations, activated carbon (AC) concentrations, and the types and concentrations of plant growth regulators (PGRs) on aseptic germination. Subsequently, sterile seedlings were used as explants to screen for the effects of sucrose concentration and the types and concentrations of PGRs on rooting. The study also investigated how different substrate ratios and container types influenced the post-transplant survival rate of tissue-cultured I. polycarpa seedlings. Results The results showed that the optimal time was 10 min for I. polycarpa seed disinfection with 0.1% HgCl2. The most suitable medium for I. polycarpa seed germination was 1/2 MS medium supplemented with GA3 (1.0 mg·L−1) and AC (1.0 g·L−1), achieving a germination rate of 96.0%. A sucrose concentration of 10.0 g·L−1 was most beneficial for rooting. When using a single plant growth regulator, indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) had the most significant effect on I . polycarpa root induction. The optimal medium for root development was Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with IBA (0.3 mg·L−1) and α-naphthyl acetic acid (NAA) (0.5 mg·L−1), resulting in a 100% rooting rate and an average of 22.17 roots. These roots had an average length of 3.4 cm and were abundant and vigorous. Tissue-cultured seedlings were transplanted into transparent plastic cups containing a mixed substrate of organic nutrient soil (BALTIC PEAT), perlite, and vermiculite in a ratio of 2:1:1 (V/V/V). They grew vigorously, with a survival rate as high as 96.67%. The findings of this study can provide technical support for the factory breeding of I. polycarpa seedlings.
Niu et al. (2025) Sterile seed germination and seedling cultivation of Idesia polycarpa. PeerJ 13:e19395 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19395
Integrin signaling in tumor biology: mechanisms of intercellular crosstalk and emerging targeted therapies
Integrins, a family of transmembrane cell adhesion receptors, mediate intercellular and cell–extracellular matrix crosstalk via outside-in and inside-out signaling pathways. Integrins, categorized into 24 distinct combinations of α and β subunits, exhibit tissue-specific expression and perform unique or overlapping roles in physiological and pathophysiological processes. These roles encompass embryonic angiogenesis, tissue repair, and the modulation of tumor cell angiogenesis, progression, invasion, and metastasis. Notably, integrins are significant contributors to tumor development, offering valuable insights into the potential of integrin-targeted diagnostics and therapeutics. Currently, there are various preclinical and clinical trials aiming to harness integrin antagonists that are safe, efficacious, and exhibit low toxicity. Owing to the functional redundancy across integrin types and the complexity of the mechanisms of integrin-mediated multiple key processes associated with tumor biology, challenges exist that impede advancements in integrin-targeted therapy. Nevertheless, innovative strategies focused on integrin modulation represent significant breakthroughs for improving patient care and promoting comprehensive insights into the underlying mechanisms of tumor biology. This review elucidates the impact of integrins on three distinct cell types in multiple key processes associated with tumor biology and explores the emerging integrin-targeted therapeutic approaches for the treatment of tumors, which will provide ideas for optimal therapeutic approaches in the future.
Li et al. (2025) Integrin signaling in tumor biology: mechanisms of intercellular crosstalk and emerging targeted therapies. PeerJ 13:e19328 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19328