title: PeerJ description: Articles published in PeerJ link: https://peerj.com/articles/index.rss3?journal=peerj&page=13 creator: info@peerj.com PeerJ errorsTo: info@peerj.com PeerJ language: en title: Design and simulation-based evaluation of a novel tracheostomy high-flow therapy device interface: a preclinical study link: https://peerj.com/articles/20445 last-modified: 2025-12-16 description: BackgroundHigh-flow tracheal oxygen (HFTO) does not generate significant positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), which may limit its clinical applicability. We designed a novel high-flow tracheal interface (nHFTI) and compared the PEEP and other respiratory parameters it generated with those of the traditional high-flow tracheal interface (tHFTI) across a range of flow rates.MethodsWe conducted a randomized crossover bench study. A size 8 cuffed tracheostomy tube was connected to the high-flow therapy (HFT) device using two different interfaces. A high-fidelity lung simulator was used to model normal lung mechanics. Gas flow rates were set from 10 to 80 L/min at a gradient of 10 L/min, and the sequence was randomized. At each flow setting, the following parameters were recorded: PEEP, peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), peak expiratory pressure (PEP), end-inspiratory transpulmonary pressure (Ptp-EI), end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure (Ptp-EE), end-inspiratory cardiac pressure (PEIC) and end-expiratory cardiac pressure (PEEC), functional residual capacity (FRC), tidal volume (Vt) and fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2).ResultsAs the HFT flow rate increased, PEEP increased significantly with both the tHFTI and nHFTI (P < 0.001). Compared with the tHFTI, the nHFTI generated significantly higher PEEP across most flow rates (e.g., 3.4 vs. 1.0 cmH2O at 40 L/min; 7.3 vs. 3.1 cmH2O at 60 L/min, nHFTI vs. tHFTI, mean values). The nHFTI also generated higher PIP, PEP, Ptp-EI, Ptp-EE, PEIC, and PEEC, and resulted in a greater increase in FRC (P < 0.010). Compared with the tHFTI, the nHFTI maintained a relatively constant FiO2 and slightly reduced Vt at the same flow rate level.ConclusionsThe nHFTI generated a modest level of PEEP, increased FRC and slightly reduced Vt at flow rates of 40–60 L/min. This physiological profile suggests potential for maintaining lung expansion and improving cardiac function in heart failure. Further in vivo studies are needed to evaluate the clinical impact of nHFTI-mediated PEEP augmentation and determine whether it can lead to improved clinical outcomes, particularly in patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation during the weaning process. creator: Anna Hou creator: Song Mi creator: Fengwei Jiao creator: Liming Zhang creator: Zhaohui Tong uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20445 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Hou et al. title: Multiomics analysis reveals flavonoid accumulation and biosynthesis across different cultivation years and localities of Gongronemopsis tenacissima (Dai-Bai-Jie) link: https://peerj.com/articles/20439 last-modified: 2025-12-16 description: BackgroundThe dried root of Gongronemopsis tenacissima (Roxb.) S. Reuss, Liede & Meve, traditionally known as Dai-Bai-Jie, is a medicinal plant used by the Dai ethnic group, primarily for detoxification. Due to extensive use, wild resources have become increasingly scarce, prompting domestication efforts in China. However, the accumulation patterns of secondary metabolites—particularly flavonoids, the main detoxifying components—and their biosynthetic mechanisms remain unclear.MethodsThis study investigated differences in flavonoid accumulation and transcriptional regulation in Dai-Bai-Jie cultivated for one, two, and three years at high altitudes, and three years at low altitudes. Transcriptome and widely targeted metabolome analyses were conducted. A total of 1,495 metabolites were identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), with 943 showing differential accumulation across the four groups. All flavonoids were classified into six clusters using k-means clustering. Flavonoid levels were generally higher in plants cultivated for two and three years, with total metabolite content also more abundant in these groups. Two-year cultivation was recommended as the optimal harvesting strategy.ResultsA regulatory relationship was observed between genes such as phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, CYP73A, 4-coumarate: coenzyme A ligase, and flavonol synthase, and the flavonoid components in Dai-Bai-Jie. No significant differences were found in Shannon, Chao1, or abundance coverage estimator (ACE) indices of rhizosphere microorganisms across different cultivation years and locations.ConclusionsThis study elucidates the mechanisms of flavonoid accumulation and supports the scientific rationale for optimal harvesting years of Dai-Bai-Jie. The findings provide a valuable foundation for guiding large-scale cultivation and reducing reliance on wild resources. creator: Mengqi Wang creator: Yunxia Gu creator: Liming Shan creator: Chunyu Li creator: Ertai Yuan creator: Ge Li creator: Xiaoli Liu uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20439 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Wang et al. title: Experimental assessment of the effects of sustainable landscaping practices on beetles in a new residential land development link: https://peerj.com/articles/20415 last-modified: 2025-12-16 description: As cities sprawl globally, the need for sustainable landscaping practices becomes more critical for addressing issues like water conservation, soil health, and local biodiversity. Beetles are valuable environmental indicators of insect habitat quality and are ecologically important. Here we experimentally assessed the response of ground-active beetle communities to sustainable landscaping practices (i.e., drought-tolerant native plants, reduced irrigation, and compost-amended soils) in an ongoing suburban development in Central Florida, one of the fastest growing regions in the USA. We assessed beetle activity density, diversity, and ecological functionality during the wet and dry seasons using pitfall traps, a well-tested technique for sampling ground arthropods. We hypothesized that the reduced compaction and better moisture retention of compost-amended soil would create better conditions for soil-dwelling beetles that use soil for egg deposition and larval development. We also hypothesized that plant growth-form traits would affect the spatial distribution of beetles within the experimental plots. Finally, we hypothesized that irrigation treatments would not affect beetle communities which are adapted to the region’s seasonal rainfall patterns. Results showed that beetle species richness positively correlated with percent cover of native ground cover forbs, and that beetle activity density tended to decline with increasing pine straw mulch coverage. Warmer soils enhanced both richness and activity density, while both of these metrics exhibited a hump-shaped pattern relative to soil moisture, peaking at intermediate levels. Trait-environment relationships revealed that beetle traits, including diet, body size, and larval substrate use, varied with microclimatic conditions. Trait diversity rose with species richness but plateaued due to trait saturation, while uneven trait distribution suggested filtering and niche separation driven by short-term climatic conditions. This work highlights the importance of research aimed at identifying landscaping approaches that both support insect biodiversity and meet environmental sustainability objectives in urbanizing landscapes. creator: Alessandra Pandolfi creator: Patrick J. Bohlen creator: Basil V. Iannone III creator: Brooke L. Moffis creator: Paul E. Skelley creator: David G. Jenkins uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20415 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Pandolfi et al. title: Diabetes and respiratory diseases as comorbid conditions in COVID-19 patients from Kazakhstan: a retrospective pilot study link: https://peerj.com/articles/20413 last-modified: 2025-12-16 description: BackgroundDiabetes and respiratory diseases are prevalent in Central Asia, and their prevention represents an opportunity to increase life expectancy in the region, especially in Kazakhstan. This study aims to analyze trends in the prevalence of diabetes and respiratory diseases as comorbidities in patients with recent COVID-19 infections, based on the information obtained from several clinics in Almaty, Kazakhstan.MethodsThis study was conducted as a cross-sectional analysis using de-identified electronic medical records from a multidisciplinary hospital in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Adults hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 during 2021–2022 were included (N = 292; mean age 55 years, range 18–91). Continuous variables were summarized with means and standard deviations, and categorical variables with counts and percentages. Data extraction and statistical analyses were performed in September–December 2023.ResultsThe mortality rate was higher among patients with pneumonia (16.8%) compared to chronic bronchitis (10.6%). We identified a high level of comorbidity with diabetes (35.3% in the 45–59 age group) and chronic respiratory disease (37.9% in the same group).DiscussionThe mortality and comorbidity rates for hospitalized patients with recent COVID-19 infections in Almaty were high in comparison to other middle-income countries. These findings underscore the need for targeted early prevention strategies and public health interventions to address the rising burden of chronic diseases in Kazakhstan, particularly among middle-aged adults. creator: Karlygash Tazhibayeva creator: Zinat Abdrakhmanova creator: Ariel Shensa creator: Aizhan Raushanova creator: Assel Sadykova creator: Natalya Glushkova creator: Saltanat Mamyrbekova creator: Zhanar Zhagiparova creator: Arailym Beisbekova creator: Faina Linkov uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20413 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Tazhibayeva et al. title: Effects of different rehydration temperatures on rehydration and nutritional quality of dried daylily link: https://peerj.com/articles/20408 last-modified: 2025-12-16 description: Daylily is a unique cash crop in China which uses the unopened flower buds as food organs. Fresh daylily easily deteriorates and dried daylily is the main supply form in the market at present. The main goal of this work is to determine dried daylily water rehydration properties and sugar, lignin, cellulose, carotenoid, flavonoid and polyphenol retention properties under different temperatures and time periods. In this study, daylily was soaked at room temperature (25 °C), 50 °C and 70 °C for different durations. The results showed that after rehydration, the brightness index of daylily increased, while the redness and yellowness value decreased. The higher the water temperature, the faster the water absorption expansion rate and the higher the rehydration rate of the dried daylily, but the higher water temperature can cause the destruction of the microstructure of the daylily. The soluble sugars of dried daylily were easily lost in the rehydration process, the contents of lignin, cellulose and carotenoid were relatively stable. The contents of polyphenols and flavonoids decreased significantly with the increase of rehydration time. The rehydration of dried daylily can be carried out at room temperature, and it is recommended that the rehydration time take 0.5 h. creator: Pei-Zhuo Liu creator: Ya-Hui Wang creator: De-Bao Xu creator: Jing-Wen Li creator: Jie-Xia Liu creator: Li-Xiang Wang creator: Ai-Sheng Xiong uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20408 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Liu et al. title: Acclimation and degradation characteristic of the microbial system in corn straw link: https://peerj.com/articles/20386 last-modified: 2025-12-16 description: BackgroundLignocellulose represents a significant biological resource in corn straw, yet its efficient degradation presents challenges.PurposeThis study aimed to enhance the degradation rate of lignocellulose to expand the utility of corn straw.MethodsA microbial system capable of degrading corn straw was acclimatized at an initial temperature of 30 °C using a static temperature limiting cultivation method.ResultsDuring the biodegradation process via fermentation, the concentration of organic acids peaked on the third day before gradually declining. Concurrently, the concentration of soluble sugars reached a maximum of 8.9 µg mL−1 on the third day, while the total sugar content swiftly reduced from 4 mg mL−1 to 1.6 mg mL−1 within the initial three days and subsequently stabilized. The glycoside hydrolases (GHs) and glycosyl transferases (GTs) emerged as two pivotal enzyme groups, comprising 4,837 and 1,882 genes, respectively. Notably, the hemicellulase and cellulase family genes within the GHs played a crucial role in breaking down hemicellulose and cellulose. A variety of lignocellulose-degrading enzymes were identified among the GHs. Under optimal conditions, the microbial system demonstrated a high efficiency in degrading corn straw, achieving degradation rates of 56.83% for lignin, 39.45% for cellulose, and 32.86% for hemicelluloses.ConclusionThe microbial system domesticated by the restrictive culture method has a good ability to degrade lignocellulose of corn straw, which can further promote the process of corn straw feed. creator: Jiang Yu creator: Chun Wang creator: Yuena Qi creator: Jie Lian creator: Zhenhua Yu creator: Guoquan Fan creator: Jianming Sun creator: Xitao Liu creator: Xiaofei Liu uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20386 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Yu et al. title: Accuracy of high-frequency musculoskeletal ultrasound in hand trauma: a retrospective surgical field-based validation study at a single center link: https://peerj.com/articles/20514 last-modified: 2025-12-15 description: BackgroundThis study aims to assess the diagnostic accuracy of high-frequency musculoskeletal ultrasound in hand trauma patients, with a specific focus on tendon injury, avulsion fracture, and nerve damage, compared to surgical observations.MethodsA retrospective study was carried out on 47 hand trauma patients who received high-frequency ultrasound examinations followed by surgical intervention from January 2022 to December 2024. Ultrasound assessment with the echoes, continuity, and alterations of tendons, nerves, and bone cortex, and the surgical findings were compared with the ultrasound features. The diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound was evaluated according to surgical outcomes.ResultsHigh-frequency ultrasound exhibited excellent diagnostic accuracy for tendon ruptures, achieving 92.86% for flexor tendons and 100% for extensor tendons, as well as 100% for avulsion fractures. Nonetheless, the accuracy was lower for tendon tears and nerve injuries, with 33.33% and 40%, respectively. Adding passive motion during ultrasound examination can enhance the accuracy of diagnosing tendon injury.ConclusionHigh-frequency ultrasound provided a dependable imaging technique for the diagnosis of tendon rupture and avulsion fracture in hand trauma. It may enhance clinical assessment and guide treatment selection for hand trauma patients. creator: Jiajia Wang creator: Lan Gao creator: Mingdi Fang creator: Fan Jiang creator: Mei Peng uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20514 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Wang et al. title: Evaluation of awareness, attitudes, and practices towards disaster preparedness among Saudi healthcare professionals: implications for enhancing emergency response and training link: https://peerj.com/articles/20464 last-modified: 2025-12-15 description: Background and AimDisaster management and preparedness by healthcare professionals (HCPs) are integral to safeguarding public health. The present study assessed the awareness, attitude, and practice of disaster preparedness among HCPs of the central Saudi Arabia region. Furthermore, the present study determined the predictors associated with these three domains.MethodsThe present study was conducted among 390 HCPs from central Saudi Arabia using a cross-sectional design. The authors used a standard and validated data collection tool to gather the required information. We conducted the Spearman correlation analysis to identify the correlation among these three domains. Finally, the authors applied a multivariate analysis to identify the factors associated with the low levels of awareness, attitude, and practice.ResultsAmong the HCPs studied, we observed a sizable proportion had low knowledge (36.2%), attitude (45.9%), and practice (49.2%) towards disaster preparedness. The present study showed a significant positive correlation between awareness and attitude (rho = 0.649) and awareness and practice (rho = 0.565). Nursing professionals had significantly higher awareness (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.187, p = 0.007), attitude (AOR = 4.564, p = 0.001), and practice (AOR = 3.235, p = 0.007) scores. Furthermore, married healthcare professionals had significantly higher practice scores (AOR = 4.102, p = 0.020).ConclusionThere is a need to plan, design, and develop targeted educational programs to improve the awareness, attitude, and practice of the HCPs in disaster preparedness. Targeted interventions are essential to enhance HCPs’ preparedness for diverse disaster scenarios. creator: Ashokkumar Thirunavukkarasu creator: Aseel Awad Alsaidan creator: Sayer T. Aldhafeeri creator: Doaa Mazen Abdel-Salam creator: Nasser T. Aldhafeeri creator: Muzun Ali Alanazi creator: Randa Mansour Almughamisi creator: Diyam Khalid Alkawkbei creator: Wijdan Al-Zahrany uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20464 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Thirunavukkarasu et al. title: Development and characterization of SSR markers in Phoebe zhennan link: https://peerj.com/articles/20434 last-modified: 2025-12-15 description: Phoebe zhennan S. K. Lee & F. N. Wei is a valuable endemic species in China, widely recognized for its high-quality timber and ornamental value. It has been classified as an endangered species under national protection, with its primary distribution areas including Guizhou, Sichuan, and Hunan. Investigating the genetic diversity (GD) of this species plays a crucial role in developing effective strategies for its conservation and sustainable utilization. Nevertheless, the progress in molecular marker development has been constrained by the scarcity of reported reference genomes for P. zhennan. In this study, the genomic gap of the endangered and precious tree species P. zhennan was filled. The simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers of the P. zhennan genome were analyzed using magnetic bead enrichment technology. A total of 794,128 SSR loci were identified. From a random selection of 108 primer pairs, 20 primer pairs with high polymorphism and excellent stability were screened and subsequently utilized to assess the GD of 24 Phoebe populations comprising 174 individuals primarily from Guizhou Province. The results demonstrated that the SSR loci were predominantly dinucleotide repeats (accounting for 54.31%), among which the AG/CT motif exhibited the highest frequency. The polymorphism information content (PIC) of the 20 SSR primer pairs ranged from 0.777 to 0.903, with an average value of 0.859, reflecting their substantial polymorphism. The Shannon information index of the Guizhou P. zhennan population ranged from 1.196 to 1.928, with an average value of 1.518. The Nei’s genetic diversity index (H) varied between 0.661 and 0.832, averaging 0.743. The SN population exhibited relatively high genetic diversity, whereas the MT population demonstrated relatively low genetic diversity. Further investigation revealed that the populations in Gulin, Sichuan; Zigong, Sichuan; Tongnan, Chongqing; and Baijia, Hunan possessed high and stable genetic diversity values. Genetic differentiation analysis indicated that the genetic variation within the Guizhou P. zhennan population primarily stemmed from intra-population variation. Additionally, frequent gene flow was observed among populations, with alleles being widely distributed across populations. Based on the phylogenetic tree, the species Phoebe bournei, Phoebe sheareri, and Phoebe chekiangensis, as well as the populations of P. zhennan from different regions, were clearly differentiated. The SSR molecular markers developed in this study confirmed at the molecular level that these species represent distinct evolutionary lineages. These findings provide valuable SSR molecular markers and a robust scientific foundation for breeding programs, species identification, and genetic diversity studies of germplasm resources within the genus Phoebe. creator: Qing Liang creator: Yuhuan Jia creator: Ruxia Shi creator: Dan Zhao creator: Mei Luo uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20434 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Liang et al. title: Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of a Resistance Training Skill Battery for use in Chinese-speaking adolescents link: https://peerj.com/articles/20387 last-modified: 2025-12-15 description: PurposeAlthough the Resistance Training Skills Battery (RTSB) is a well-established instrument for assessing resistance training (RT) skill competency in Western populations, its applicability to Chinese adolescents remains unvalidated. This study aimed to translate, cross-culturally adapted, and validated the RTSB for Mandarin-speaking Chinese adolescents.MethodsEmploying established guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation, our study involved translating the RTSB into Chinese (RTSB-C), followed by back-translation, adaptation, and validation. The study quantified test-retest reliability, intra- and inter-rater reliability, and construct validity. Adolescents aged 12–16 years (n = 64) underwent two RTSB-C assessments, two weeks apart. Muscular fitness was evaluated using muscle fitness tests (handgrip strength, timed push-up, and countermovement jumps) to establish criterion validity.ResultsThe RTSB-C demonstrated fair to excellent test-retest reliability across the two timepoints, the intra-class coefficient (ICC) for the RTSB-C was notably high at 0.94 (95% CI [0.90–0.95]); The intra-rater reliability was 0.94 (p < 0.001), and inter-rater reliability was 0.41–0.93 (p < 0.05). Construct validity was confirmed through linear regression analysis, with the model accounting for 46.8% of the variance in muscle fitness scores (MFS), and with gender (r = 0.47, p < 0.001) and RTSB-C scores (r = 0.45, p < 0.001) emerging as significant predictors.ConclusionsWe successfully translated and cross-culturally adapted the RTSB from English to Chinese, affirming its reliability and validity in assessing the RT skills of Chinese-speaking adolescents. The RTSB-C is recommended for accurate evaluation of RT competence in this demographic. creator: Xiaolu Zha creator: David Lubans creator: Jordan Smith creator: Ran Wang uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20387 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Zha et al.