title: PeerJ description: Articles published in PeerJ link: https://peerj.com/articles/index.rss3?journal=peerj&page=34 creator: info@peerj.com PeerJ errorsTo: info@peerj.com PeerJ language: en title: Comparison of supervised versus home-based exercise programs following platelet-rich plasma injections in knee osteoarthritis: clinical outcomes from quasi-experimental study link: https://peerj.com/articles/19971 last-modified: 2025-10-14 description: BackgroundKnee osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by severe pain and decreased range of motion (ROM), mostly managed with conservative treatments. Therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) intra-articular injections have gained fame for pain relief when surgery is a last resort.ObjectivesTo compare the effectiveness of a supervised exercise program versus a home-based exercise program following PRP injections in terms of pain relief, ROM improvement, and disability reduction in knee osteoarthritis patients.MethodsA quasi-experimental design was employed, enrolling 32 patients diagnosed with knee OA cases (age range: 40–60 years; 59% female), divided into two groups: a supervised exercise group (n = 16) and an unsupervised/home-based exercise group (n = 16). Both groups received two PRP injections spaced 15 days apart. The supervised group followed a structured exercise protocol, including cold packs post-injection for pain management. The program comprises three sessions per week for one month. The unsupervised group received similar exercises to be performed independently at home. Data analysis was conducted using parametric and non-parametric statistical methods based on data distribution.ResultsBoth groups exhibited significant improvements from baseline to post-intervention in pain, ROM, and functional status (p < 0.05). The supervised exercise group demonstrated superior outcomes in pain reduction, knee flexion ROM, and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). However, no significant difference was observed between groups for knee extension ROM (p = 0.378).ConclusionBoth supervised and unsupervised exercise programs improved outcomes in knee OA patients following PRP injections; the supervised program showed greater pain relief, flexion ROM, and functional status. However, no significant difference was observed in knee extension ROM between the two groups. creator: Ghalia Safdar creator: Mubin Mustafa Kiyani creator: Salman Ahmed Saleem creator: Wajeeha Irfan Qureshi creator: Shahid Bashir creator: Turki Abualait creator: Hamid Khan creator: Abdul Ghafoor Sajjad uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19971 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Safdar et al. title: Metabolic profile alterations in juvenile rats with bladder overactivity induced by short-term high-fructose intake link: https://peerj.com/articles/20186 last-modified: 2025-10-13 description: BackgroundOveractive bladder syndrome (OAB) is a common condition that affects both adults and children, often causing significant discomfort and negatively impacting quality of life. This study aimed to preliminarily evaluate whether fructose exposure induces OAB-like symptoms in juvenile rats and to explore potential metabolic mechanisms involved.MethodsThree-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to two groups: a model group fed a 60% fructose diet for one week, and a control group fed a standard diet. Body weight, blood biochemical parameters, urination behavior, and urodynamic function were assessed. Bladder tissue was analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Molecular and metabolic changes were evaluated via Western blot and metabolomic analysis.ResultsShort-term high fructose intake led to significant metabolic and functional changes in juvenile rats. The model group showed reduced body weight and altered lipid metabolism, while glucose and insulin levels remained largely unchanged. Urodynamic assessments revealed increased non-voiding contractions, shortened intervals between contractions, and impaired bladder storage function. Open field tests indicated increased urinary frequency and open field test results. Histological analysis demonstrated disorganized bladder smooth muscle structure and elevated oxidative stress. Metabolomic profiling revealed marked alterations in energy metabolism, including enhanced glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway activation, and accumulation of ATP and lactate. Western blot analysis confirmed activation of the CaMKK2/AMPK signaling pathway in bladder tissue.ConclusionsShort-term high-fructose intake induces OAB-like symptoms in juvenile rats, accompanied by fructose toxicity, oxidative stress, calcium ion accumulation, and activation of the CaMKK2/AMPK signaling pathway. These findings highlight a potential link between fructose metabolism and bladder dysfunction, offering new insights for exploring metabolic or antioxidant-based therapeutic strategies in pediatric OAB. creator: Xu Cui creator: Zhiqiang Chen creator: Longyao Xu creator: Changwei Wu creator: Chaoming Zhou uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20186 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Cui et al. title: rtpcr: a package for statistical analysis and graphical presentation of qPCR data in R link: https://peerj.com/articles/20185 last-modified: 2025-10-13 description: BackgroundQuantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR or qPCR) is widely used in molecular biology research. Various analysis methods are employed to interpret qPCR data and measure mRNA levels of target genes under different experimental conditions.ResultsThe rtpcr package was developed for amplification efficiency calculation, statistical analysis, and graphical presentation of qPCR data in R. It uses a general calculation methodology that accommodates up to two reference genes and amplification efficiency values, including the Pfaffl method. Depending on the experimental design, rtpcr functions apply a t-test (for experiments with a two-level factor), analysis of variance (ANOVA), or analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) (for experiments with more than two levels or factors) to calculate fold change (FC) or relative expression (RE) of a target gene. The functions also provide standard errors and confidence intervals for the means and support statistical mean comparisons. To facilitate usage, the package includes example datasets. It also offers ggplot-based visualizations with customizable arguments, allowing users to tailor the graphical output.ConclusionsIn summary, the rtpcr package is a useful and user-friendly tool for analyzing real-time PCR data from experiments involving up to three different factors. Built on a general methodology, it provides robust calculations and comprehensive graphical outputs, making it a valuable resource for researchers working with qPCR data. creator: Ghader Mirzaghaderi uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20185 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Mirzaghaderi title: Extraction, identification and component analysis of exosome-like nanovesicles in Anoectochilus roxburghii (Wall.) Lindl. link: https://peerj.com/articles/20182 last-modified: 2025-10-13 description: ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the presence of exosome-like nanovesicles in Anoectochilus roxburghii (Wall.) Lindl. (A. roxburghii) and the related active ingredients.MethodsA. roxburghii-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (ARENVs) were extracted by the differential ultracentrifugation and characterized by transmission electron microscopy and nano-flow cytometry. The components in ARENVs derived from soil-cultured and hydroponic A. roxburghii were identified and quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.ResultsNanovesicles with typical exosome characteristics were successfully isolated from A. roxburghii. After analysis and identification, ARENVs were rich in multiple flavonoid components such as isoquercitrin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, narcissoside, quercetin and rutin. The quantity of flavonoid compounds was higher in ARENVs derived from soil-cultured A. roxburghii than in those from hydroponic A. roxburghii.ConclusionA. roxburghii contains exosome-like nanovesicles, which are rich in active flavonoid ingredients. These active ingredients are more abundant in ARENVs derived from soil-cultured A. roxburghii than hydroponic counterparts. The findings may provide an innovative theoretical basis for further exploration of the medicinal value of A. roxburghii. creator: Xuanzhe Zhou creator: Xinglin Ruan creator: Xue Mi uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20182 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Zhou et al. title: Association of sociodemographic factors, lifestyle behaviors, anthropometric measures, and cardiometabolic health markers with blood pressure in adolescents: a cross-sectional analysis link: https://peerj.com/articles/20151 last-modified: 2025-10-13 description: IntroductionEvidence suggests that hypertension in adulthood may have its origins in childhood and adolescence. In this context, previous studies have demonstrated an association between lifestyle behaviors and nutritional status, both of which are linked to elevated blood pressure.ObjectiveTo examine the association between sociodemographic factors, subjective perception of health, lifestyle behaviors, anthropometric measurements, and cardiometabolic health markers with blood pressure in a sample of Brazilian adolescents.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 273 adolescents (56% girls), aged 14–20 years, from Rio Branco, Acre, Amazon Region of Brazil. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires and direct measurements, including anthropometric indices, cardiometabolic biomarkers, and blood pressure. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests and binary logistic regression models. Linear regression, adjusted by all variables, including dimension (sub-category) and age, was used to verify if the independent variables were associated with elevated blood pressure among adolescents.ResultsSignificant associations were observed between elevated blood pressure and the male sex (OR = 2.56; 95% CI [1.11–5.86], p = 0.026) and rural residency (OR = 3.65; 95% CI [1.44–9.21], p = 0.006). Aerobic activity presented a significant association with elevated blood pressure (OR = 8.04; 95% CI [1.04–61.65], p = 0.045). Waist circumference increased the likelihood of elevated blood pressure (OR = 5.43; 95% CI [1.34–21.94], p = 0.018). Cardiometabolic markers, such as fasting glucose, demonstrated a significant association with elevated blood pressure (OR = 2.43; 95% CI [1.00–5.90], p = 0.048). No significant associations were found for muscle-strengthening activity, screen time, sleep duration, or food intake.ConclusionOur findings emphasize the crucial role of sociodemographic factors, especially the male sex and rural residency, in predicting elevated blood pressure among adolescents. Adolescents who perform the recommended amount of aerobic activity and who present acceptable fasting glucose values during adolescence are less likely to present high blood pressure. Waist circumference together with other anthropometric measurements might be a useful indicator for screening elevated blood pressure risk. These findings highlight the necessity for early detection, targeted interventions, and personalized strategies to reduce the hypertension risk and improve cardiometabolic health in the young population. creator: Fábio Nascimento-da-Silva creator: João Rafael Valentim-Silva creator: César Arruda Meschiari creator: Ildercílio Mota de Souza Lima creator: Dartagnan Pinto Guedes creator: Juliano Casonatto uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20151 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Nascimento-da-Silva et al. title: Modulation of carbon-to-nitrogen ratio shapes the microbial ecology in a methanol-fed recirculating marine denitrifying reactor link: https://peerj.com/articles/20129 last-modified: 2025-10-13 description: BackgroundNitrate (NO3−) can accumulate in closed-circuit ecosystems to a toxic level. Adding heterotrophic denitrification process to the water treatment is a strategy to reduce this level. This type of process usually requires the addition of a carbon source. Carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C/N) is a key parameter known to influence both the function and the activity of microbial communities in bioprocesses. Few studies have examined the influence of C/N on denitrification systems operated under methylotrophic and marine conditions. Here we assessed the influence of C/N (methanol and NO3−) on the performance of a laboratory-scale, recirculating denitrifying reactor operated under marine conditions. We monitored the evolution of the bacterial community in the biofilm to assess its stability during the operating conditions. Finally, the relative gene expression profiles of Methylophaga nitratireducenticrescens strain GP59, the main denitrifier in the denitrifying biofilm, were determined during the operating conditions and compared with those of GP59 planktonic pure cultures.MethodologyA 500-mL methanol-fed recirculating denitrification reactor operated under marine conditions and colonized by a naturally occurring multispecies denitrifying biofilm was subjected to eight different C/N. We monitored several physico-chemical parameters (denitrifying activities, methanol consumption, CO2 production) throughout the operating conditions. The evolution of the bacterial community in the biofilm during these conditions was determined by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Metatranscriptomes were derived from the biofilm to determine (1) the relative gene expression profiles of strain GP59, and (2) the functional diversity of the active microorganisms in the biofilm.ResultsChanges in C/N did not correlate with the denitrification dynamics (NO3− and NO2− reduction rates, NO2− and N2O dynamics), but did correlate with the methanol consumption rates, and the CO2 production rates. Throughout the operating conditions, nitrite and N2O appeared transiently, and ammonium was not observed. The bacterial community in the reactor increased in diversity with biofilm aging, especially among heterotrophic bacteria, at the expense of methylotrophic bacteria. The relative expression profiles of strain GP59 in the biofilm are distinct from those of planktonic pure cultures of strain GP59, and that the expression of several riboswitches and xoxF would be involved in these differences.ConclusionsWhen the biofilm community is well established in the reactor, it can withstand changes in C/N with limited impact on the denitrification performance. The increase in the proportion of heterotrophs would allow the reactor to be more flexible regarding carbon sources. This knowledge can be useful for improving the efficiency of denitrification system treating close circuit systems such as marine recirculating aquaculture wastewater or seawater aquarium. creator: Livie Lestin creator: Richard Villemur uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20129 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Lestin and Villemur title: Exploring influences on radiation protection compliance: a directed acyclic graph-based cross-sectional study in a non-teaching hospital in western China link: https://peerj.com/articles/20083 last-modified: 2025-10-13 description: BackgroundOccupational radiation exposure poses significant health risks to medical personnel. However, the causal pathways linking protective knowledge, attitudes, and behavior (KAB) remain underexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to apply directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) to clarify the mechanistic relationships among these factors.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of 335 radiation workers from a non-teaching level III general hospital in western China used validated scales to measure KAB. DAGs were constructed based on theoretical frameworks and previous evidence, complemented by correlation analyses, multivariate linear regression, and structural equation modeling.ResultsRadiation protection knowledge exerted the strongest direct effect on protective behavior (β = 0.55 5, p < 0.001). Attitude mediated 18.3% of the total effect (β = 0. 024, 95% confidence interval [0.0 03–0. 045]). Age was a significant negative predictor of compliance (β = −0. 390, p < 0.001), while training improved both knowledge (β = 0. 394, p < 0.001) and behavior (β = 0.1 47, p < 0.001). Educational level was significantly correlated with knowledge acquisition (β = 0.101, p = 0.029) but did not directly influence behavior. Participants demonstrated positive attitudes (mean = 21.35/25) and behaviors (mean = 28.99/35). However, critical knowledge gaps persisted in radiation culture (28% correct) and emergency protocols (25% correct).ConclusionsThis study applied DAGs to clarify causal mechanisms in radiation protection, highlighting knowledge acquisition as a key driver of safe practices. Age-specific interventions and standardized training programs are recommended to address knowledge deficits and mitigate age-related behavioral decline. These findings provide a methodological foundation for optimizing occupational health strategies, with implications for policy design and future longitudinal validation. creator: Lulu Cao creator: Jinwen Wu creator: Li Jiang creator: Yi Tao creator: Huaping Huang creator: XiaoJing Xue uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20083 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Cao et al. title: Dynamics of the hindgut microbiota of the Japanese honey bees (Apis cerana japonica) throughout the overwintering period link: https://peerj.com/articles/20050 last-modified: 2025-10-13 description: Honey bees play crucial roles as pollinators in natural, agricultural, and ecological systems. The role of gut microbiota in the overwinter survival of honey bees is gaining attention. Compared with Western honey bees (Apis mellifera), Eastern honey bees (Apis cerana) are more tolerant to low-temperature stress. This study compared the hindgut microbiota of the Japanese honey bees (Apis cerana japonica), a subspecies of A. cerana, during the overwintering period (December) with that before overwintering (October) and after overwintering (March) to estimate beneficial hindgut bacteria contributing to survival during the overwintering period. Overall, the hindgut microbiota of A. c. japonica was occupied by Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria at the phylum level and Apibacter, Bifidobacterium, Bombilactobacillus, Gilliamella, Lactobacillus, and Snodgrassella at the genus level. The hindgut microbiota composition of A. c. japonica was similar to that of A. cerana in other regions, suggesting that phylogeny influenced the composition. Many sequences assigned to these six core genera showed <98.7% similarity to type strains, indicating potential novel bacterial species. The relative abundance of Bifidobacterium, Bombilactobacillus, and Lactobacillus was higher during overwintering than in other periods. Our findings highlight changes in the core bacteria of the hindgut microbiota of A. c. japonica during overwintering and also suggest the presence of novel candidate bacterial species. The roles of the bacteria that were increased during the overwintering period require further elucidation. creator: Akihiko Suzuki creator: Shumpei Hisamoto creator: Yoshiko Sakamoto uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20050 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2025 Suzuki et al. title: Identifying knowledge gaps in hypersaline systems supporting the global electrical transition: invertebrate community structure in salars from the lithium triangle link: https://peerj.com/articles/20042 last-modified: 2025-10-13 description: Following decades of mining impacts, South America’s hypersaline wetlands (salars) face increasing threats from lithium extraction to support global decarbonisation. Although globally important, salars are understudied and information needed to understand environmental impacts is lacking. Modern ecological studies on salars have focused on microbial community composition and function but other taxa are less studied, including resident and migratory reptiles and birds and their aquatic invertebrate prey. Given the scale and immediate nature of the threats associated with lithium exploitation, we must deepen our understanding of salar biology, but this is impeded by logistic/financial restrictions given the heightened costs of sampling in these often remote, extreme environments. Given the pressing demand for information, we collated/analysed information from the literature. We generated lists of invertebrate taxa present in 63 hypersaline environments from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru, and examined relationships between invertebrate community structure and physicochemical factors. We recorded 46 different taxa, with the Centropagidae being the most frequently recorded taxon across systems. Multivariate analyses of community structure showed significant clustering among sites. Variation in community structure was best explained by maximum salinity (18%). Geographical location or ecosystem size had no obvious effect on community structure. We provide a useful broad view of aquatic invertebrate diversity in the hypersaline salars but highlight the general lack of information regarding the ecology of these ecosystems. creator: Gonzalo Salazar creator: Pablo Aguilar creator: Chris Harrod uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20042 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Salazar et al. title: Evidence of positive selection and a novel phylogeny among five subspecies of song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) in Alaska link: https://peerj.com/articles/19986 last-modified: 2025-10-13 description: Local adaptation occurs when populations evolve traits in response to local environmental challenges. Isolated island populations often experience different selection pressures than their mainland counterparts, which enables the study of how phenotypes and genotypes respond to differing selection regimes. We studied a group of five phenotypically differentiated subspecies of song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) in Alaska that demonstrate striking body size, color, and migratory behavioral differences to examine the effects of local adaptation on phenotypes and genotypes. We examined the phenotypic attributes of these populations and used whole-genome data to determine relationships and test candidate loci for evidence of selection. Phenotypic measurements of museum specimens (n = 227) quantified the dramatic size differences among these populations, with westernmost M. m. maxima being ~1.6 times larger than easternmost M. m. rufina. Using ultraconserved elements (UCEs) and McDonald-Kreitman tests, we showed that seven candidate genes associated with bill size, circadian rhythm regulation, plumage color, and salt tolerance exhibited signs of putative positive selection. Phylogenetic analysis of UCEs identified M. m. maxima as sister to the other Alaska M. melodia subspecies. This suggests M. m. maxima colonized earliest, perhaps before the last glacial maximum, and that Alaska was later recolonized by ancestors of the remaining four subspecies. creator: Caitlyn C. Oliver Brown creator: Keiler A. Collier creator: David J. X. Tan creator: Kendall Mills creator: Fern Spaulding creator: Travis C. Glenn creator: Christin Pruett creator: Kevin Winker uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19986 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2025 Oliver Brown et al.