title: PeerJ description: Articles published in PeerJ link: https://peerj.com/articles/index.rss3?journal=peerj&page=80 creator: info@peerj.com PeerJ errorsTo: info@peerj.com PeerJ language: en title: Effects of different exercise types on vascular endothelial function in individuals with abnormal glycaemic control: a systematic review and network meta-analysis link: https://peerj.com/articles/19839 last-modified: 2025-08-08 description: BackgroundBrachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is a key marker of endothelial function, often impaired in individuals with abnormal glycemic control. While exercise has been shown to improve brachial artery FMD, the relative efficacy of different exercise modalities remains unclear. This study employed a network meta-analysis (NMA) to compare the effects of various types of exercise on FMD.MethodsA comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and EBSCO databases identified randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of exercise on brachial artery FMD up to January 2025. Two independent reviewers screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Eligible studies were assessed for bias using version 2 of the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Stata 16.0 was used for the NMA.ResultsSeventeen studies with 797 participants (prediabetes: 76; T2DM: 721) were included. Aerobic interval exercise (AIE) significantly improved FMD (MD = 2.23%, 95% CI [1.0 9%–3.37%], P < 0.05), followed by mind-body exercise (MBE) (MD = 1.97%, 95% CI [0.60%–3.33%], P < 0.05). Combined exercise (CE) (MD = 1.17%, 95% CI [0.13%–2.21%], P < 0.05) and aerobic continuous exercise (ACE) (MD = 1.20%, 95% CI [0.52%–1.87%], P < 0.05) also showed significant improvements. SUCRA values indicated that AIE (89.0) and MBE (80.1) were the most effective in improving FMD, followed by CE (51.0), ACE (50.9), and resistance exercise (RE) (20.1), all outperforming the control group (SUCRA = 9.2).ConclusionAIE was the most effective modality for improving FMD, with MBE serving as a viable alternative for individuals with lower fitness or cardiovascular concerns. CE and ACE also provided benefits, while RE was less effective. Future studies should focus on long-term outcomes and personalized exercise strategies. creator: Zongxiang Li creator: Shengyao Luo creator: Xuebing Bai creator: Lu Huang creator: Hongyan Guo creator: Song Chen creator: Dan Wang uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19839 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Li et al. title: Unveiling the mental state: validating the uBioMacpa Pro stress measurement tool among Chinese college students link: https://peerj.com/articles/19830 last-modified: 2025-08-08 description: Mental stress is a significant contributor to various health issues, including cardiovascular disease, anxiety, and depression. Scholars have developed many tools and methods to evaluate psychological stress states. uBioMacpa Pro is one of the measuring meters that evaluates accumulated stress by measuring heart rate variability (HRV). This study uses reliability and validity tests to validate uBioMacpa Pro among Chinese college students. A total of 260 students (females = 146, males = 114) with a mean age of 21 years (SD = 1.48, 1.51) were volunteers and recruited in the reliability and validity tests, respectively. The heart rate variability parameters showed satisfactory test-retest and inter-rater reliability, with the most intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values exceeding the acceptable threshold of 0.75. Validity assessment was done by exploring concurrent validity that measured the psychological stress of college students by using uBioMacpa Pro and using the validated Chinese version of the Stress Scales for College Students (C-SSCS) as a reference. The result showed a significant correlation between the uBioMacpa Pro stress index and C-SSCS questionnaire scores (r = 0.246, p < 0.001). The overall finding of our study implies that the uBioMacpa Pro has good reliability and validity, and it can be used for monitoring and assessing Chinese college students’ mental stress. creator: Mingzhu Pan creator: Xinxing Li creator: Liying Yao creator: Solomon Gbene Zaato creator: Yee Cheng Kueh creator: Garry Kuan uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19830 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Pan et al. title: A retrospective study on beta-blocker use and outcomes in hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients link: https://peerj.com/articles/19822 last-modified: 2025-08-08 description: Recent studies have linked beta-blocker (BB) use in critical care settings with improved survival outcomes, potentially due to beta-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) blockade and associated anti-inflammatory effects. Given the immune system’s role in the development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)—a major complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HCT)—we conducted a single-center retrospective review to assess the impact of BB use on acute GVHD (aGVHD) and other survival outcomes in patients undergoing their first allo-HCT. We analyzed 10 years of data (January 2010 to May 2020), including 105 patients who received a BB for more than four days before and after HCT, and 669 control patients who did not receive a BB. Patients on BBs had a lower incidence of aGVHD (55.2% vs. 65.8%, p = 0.036); however, this difference was not statistically significant in multivariate analysis (p = 0.150). When stratified by BB mechanism, outcomes varied: non-selective BBs were associated with lower post-HCT weight (p = 0.034), and vasodilating BBs showed a borderline reduction in length of stay (LOS) (p = 0.054). While our findings confirm the pharmacological safety of BBs in this population, they do not support their routine use for modifying allo-HCT outcomes. Future prospective studies with larger cohorts are needed to further explore the role of BBs in peri-HCT management and to clarify their clinical implications and therapeutic potential. creator: Matthew A. Bergens creator: John T. Bokman creator: Ernaya J. Johnson creator: Matthew L. Braun creator: Yan Li creator: Amy T. Bush creator: Lauren Hill creator: Jolien Van Opstal creator: Alessandro Racioppi creator: Rebecca Fan creator: Sejal Kaushik creator: Edwin Alyea creator: Nelson Chao creator: Taewoong Choi creator: Cristina Gasparetto creator: Mitchell Horwitz creator: Richard Lopez creator: Sendhilnathan Ramalingam creator: Keith Sullivan creator: Paul Wischmeyer creator: Anthony D. Sung uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19822 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Bergens et al. title: Molecular profiling and sex determination of Cannabis sativa germplasm collection: Exploring microsatellite markers and high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis link: https://peerj.com/articles/19770 last-modified: 2025-08-08 description: Cannabis sativa L., a versatile plant grown for its seeds, fiber, and cannabinoids, has recently received significant scientific interest due to its wide range of industrial and pharmaceutical uses and economic prospects. The objective of this study is to assess the genetic variation of cannabis by examining its morphological and molecular characteristics in 83 different genotypes preserved at the Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources in Thessaloniki. Utilizing 10 microsatellite markers, important genetic variation was observed among the samples. Population structure analysis using STRUCTURE software indicated four distinct genetic subpopulations, which were further supported by the principal coordinate analysis (PCoA). The validity of these clusters was further confirmed through unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) phylogenetic analysis. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that most of the genetic variation is present within individuals rather than among them or among populations (9% among populations, 53% within individuals). The expected heterozygosity (He or uHe) turned out to be 0.60–0.66, which supports moderate diversity. The fixation indices (Fst = 0.094, Fis = 0.417, Fit = 0.472) were statistically significant and suggested a moderate level of genetic differentiation between the two populations. Nei’s genetic distance between hemp and marijuana groups was calculated as D = 0.288, indicating a moderate level of genome-wide divergence between these two major use types. Additionally, high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis utilizing sex-linked markers successfully identified 73 female and 10 male plants, underscoring the value of early sex identification in enhancing breeding strategies. These findings contribute valuable insights into the genetic diversity and sex determination mechanisms of Cannabis sativa and support future breeding programs which aim at developing cultivars with favorable traits. creator: Anastasia Boutsika creator: Eleftheria Deligiannidou creator: Theodoros Moysiadis creator: Nikolaos Tourvas creator: Panagiotis Karnoutsos creator: Marios Karagiovanidis creator: Dimitrios Magalios creator: Christos Nanos creator: Vangelis Mitsis creator: Eleni Tsaliki creator: Eirini Sarrou creator: Apostolos Kalivas creator: Ioannis Ganopoulos uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19770 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Boutsika et al. title: Variability of bulb morpho-geometrical properties in onion (Allium cepa L.) germplasm collections, using digital imaging tools link: https://peerj.com/articles/19583 last-modified: 2025-08-08 description: BackgroundPhenotypic characterization of onion germplasm is requisite for designing breeding programs, and for meeting industrial processing, and marketing demands. Onion bulb morphology, and geometrical properties, which are the physical and spatial dimensions and shape characteristics influence consumer and market demand, as well as suitability for processing and mechanizing post-harvest handling. Many previous studies employed manual tools such as Vernier calipers for measurement of onion bulb parameters, which is time-consuming. The emergence and application of phenomics tools such as digital cameras are more convenient for rapid phenotypic characterization.AimThis study aimed to investigate the phenotypic variability of 29 onion accessions based on ten qualitative and twelve quantitative bulb characteristics.MethodologyFreshly harvested onion bulbs (n = 10/accession) were obtained from the Allium Vegetable Research Institute (AVRI), at Muan-Gun, Republic of Korea. A digital camera was used to capture images of the bulbs. The images were saved in JPEG file format, and uploaded into ImageJ software for measurement of linear dimensions, including polar diameter, equatorial diameter, transverse diameter or thickness. To ensure accurate measurement, images were first calibrated, using the straight line tool and the “Set scale” function in the software. Results of the linear dimensions were then used for estimating other geometrical properties, such as aspect ratio, sphericity, and geometric and arithmetic mean diameters.ResultsOur findings revealed a broad range of phenotypic variation within the germplasm. Polar and equatorial diameters ranged from 4.731 to 11.998 cm, and from 4.54 to 10.196 cm, with mean values of 9.213 and 7.472 cm, respectively. Also, geometric and arithmetic mean diameters ranged from 4.224 to 10.484 cm, and from 4.257 to 10.569 cm, with corresponding mean of 7.901 and 7.980 cm, respectively. Principal component analysis grouped the accessions into three distinct clusters, with cluster three composing the highest number of accessions. Strong significant positive associations were observed among several traits. For instance, polar diameter correlated strongly with polar diameter and transverse diameter (r > 0.97), geometric and arithmetic mean diameters (r > 0.98), surface area (r > 0.96), frontal surface area (r > 0.94), cross sectional area (r > 0.96), equatorial diameter (r > 0.83), and thickness of neck (r > 0.84). High to moderate broad sense heritability and genetic gain were estimated for several traits.ConclusionOverall, the significant variability within the onion germplasm provides a potential for breeding new cultivars to meet consumer and industrial requirements. The results also provide information vital for future genomic and metabolite studies. creator: Seong-Hoon Kim creator: Kanivalan Iwar creator: JiWon Han creator: Inchan Choi creator: Jaesu Lee creator: Kingsley Ochar uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19583 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0 rights: ©2025 Kim et al. title: Silver-spoon effect in agricultural crop consumers: crop consumption enhances skeletal growth in sika deer link: https://peerj.com/articles/19836 last-modified: 2025-08-07 description: Owing to agricultural expansion worldwide, agricultural crops can have major effects on the life history traits of wildlife. However, the functional role of crop consumption on the life history traits of long-lived mammals is seldom evaluated quantitatively. Body size is an important life history trait because it is directly related to fitness. In this study, we investigated the functional role of long-term crop consumption on skeletal growth of sika deer (Cervus nippon). Crop consumption accelerated skeletal growth of not only the consumer but also the next generation, and its effect differed by sex. In females, the degree of crop consumption produced maximum differences of about 1.4 years in the ages at which 98% asymptotic size was attained. Furthermore, there was a maximum difference of 1.5 times in the skeletal growth rate. On the other hand, crop consumption did not always affect skeletal growth in males. The degree of crop consumption by mothers generated a maximum difference of about 15% in the hind-foot length of their fetus. This study revealed that long-term crop consumption makes a difference in skeletal growth of deer at an individual level, even within the same population. Crop consumption by the mother has “a silver-spoon effect” on the next generation from the fetus stage. creator: Ayaka Hata creator: Midori Saeki creator: Chinatsu Kozakai creator: Rumiko Nakashita creator: Keita Fukasawa creator: Yasuhiro Nakajima creator: Ryodai Murata creator: Yuki Harada creator: Mayura B. Takada uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19836 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Hata et al. title: Exposure to Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis metabolites altered ghost shrimp behavior and reduced mortality link: https://peerj.com/articles/19815 last-modified: 2025-08-07 description: Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, or Bd, is a waterborne, pathogenic chytrid fungus implicated in the decline and extinction of hundreds of amphibian species worldwide. Bd can infect multiple taxa, causing disease in susceptible species associated with epidermal degradation, lethargy, weight loss, gill damage, and disruption of osmoregulation and cardiac dysfunction, ultimately leading to mortality in many instances. Bd produces water soluble chemicals (Bd metabolites) that, while implicated in infection and Bd-related pathology, have also been shown to have prophylactic effects for amphibians. This study examined the impact of Bd metabolite exposure on critical non-target freshwater invertebrates to better understand how Bd metabolites might impact non-target species if used as a prophylaxis in the field. We examined the effects of Bd metabolites on the freshwater species, Palaemonetes paludosus, or ghost shrimp, focusing specifically on the effects on behavior, cardiac function, and mortality. Shrimp were randomly split into two treatment groups and on day 4, they were dosed with 1 ml of either an artificial spring water (ASW) control or Bd metabolite treatment. We found that ghost shrimp exposed to Bd metabolites experienced decreased heart rate, reduced threat response behaviors, and reduced mortality, when compared to those exposed to an ASW control. Our findings suggest that exposure to the Bd metabolites may actually provide some benefits to ghost shrimp as it decreased mortality compared to controls. While more research is needed to understand if there are indirect impacts of the metabolites associated with the behavioral and cardiac changes, this research highlights that exposure to Bd metabolites does not appear to be detrimental to these critical, keystone freshwater invertebrates. This is particularly important given that Bd metabolites may be used prophylactically in the field, which may lead to non-target organism exposure. creator: Ellisa Carla Parker-Athill creator: Liam C. Muldro creator: Aiza J. Malinias creator: Taegan A. McMahon uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19815 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2025 Parker-Athill et al. title: Insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the function of lysyl oxidase like 1 in cancers link: https://peerj.com/articles/19628 last-modified: 2025-08-07 description: Cancer is one of the primary causes of human mortality and a significant barrier to increasing human life expectancy. The effective screening, early diagnosis, and treatment of cancer have long been clinical challenges, and thus new biomarkers or molecular targets must be identified to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. Lysyl oxidase like 1 (LOXL1), a secreted copper-dependent amine oxidase, is commonly expressed in a variety of cell types. LOXL1 can maintain the steady state of elastin, engage in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling. LOXL1 has diverse biological functions, and its dysregulation is the basis of many clinical diseases. The abnormal expression or activation of LOXL1 can disrupt the cellular microenvironment, contributing to the development of various diseases, such as atherosclerosis, tissue damage, fibrosis, and cancer. Recent research has revealed that LOXL1 is often overexpressed in a majority of cancers, where it plays a role in regulating tumor growth and metastasis. However, some studies have also suggested that LOXL1 may have a tumor-suppressive function. Research has indicated that the LOXL1 protein is reduced in human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and bladder cancer (BLCA), where it acts to suppress tumor growth. Conversely, it is upregulated in human salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), pleural mesothelioma (PM), brain glioma, prostate cancer (PRAD), gastric cancer (GC), breast cancer (BC), thyroid carcinoma (THCA), pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD), and osteosarcoma (OS). The expression of LOXL1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a topic of debate, as it may either be upregulated or downregulated. These findings imply that LOXL1 may have a dual role in cancer, either inhibiting or facilitating carcinogenesis. This article provides a comprehensive review of the structure and function of LOXL1, along with its associations with cancer. Additionally, it explores the role of LOXL1 in tumor microenvironment remodeling, tumorigenesis, metastasis, and the molecular mechanisms that underpin these processes. creator: Xinmeng Wang creator: Xiaoyi Wang creator: Yihan Li creator: Dan Zhao creator: Jintao He creator: Lin Wang creator: Zhengliang Li creator: Wei Xiong uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19628 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Wang et al. title: Compatibility of endoscopic examination using i-scan technology with histopathology results in laryngeal carcinoma: prospective observational study link: https://peerj.com/articles/19552 last-modified: 2025-08-07 description: IntroductionLaryngeal carcinoma is a type of cancer that occurs in the laryngeal tissue with a high mortality rate. Fiber optic laryngoscopy examination with i-scan is a non-invasive technology used to visualize changes in the structure of the mucosa and blood vessels, aiding in better identification of malignancies. Despite its promising potential, the routine use of i-scan technology in examinations is not yet established in Indonesia, especially West Java.ObjectiveTo compare endoscopic findings using i-scan with histopathological results in patients with laryngeal carcinoma.MethodsThis study is an analytical prospective observational research with a cross-sectional design, followed by a concordance test analysis using accuracy tests and the kappa index. The data collected include information from all laryngeal tumor patients at the ORLHNS outpatient clinic at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital from July to December 2023.ResultsThis prospective observational study evaluated i-scan endoscopy’s diagnostic accuracy versus histopathology in 29 laryngeal carcinoma patients, demonstrating 96% sensitivity (95% CI [80.4–99.3%]) and 100% specificity (95% CI [39.8–100%]) with substantial histopathological agreement (κ = 0.86, 95% CI [0.61–1.00]). The technology outperformed white light endoscopy (κ = 0.608) in detecting malignancies, correctly identifying vascular patterns in 24/25 malignant cases (eight poorly differentiated, six moderately differentiated, five well-differentiated squamous cell carcinomas) and all four benign lesions. One false-negative involved a well-differentiated carcinoma, potentially due to obscuring edema or tumor positioning. These findings underscore i-scan’s utility for precise malignancy detection and biopsy guidance in laryngeal carcinoma evaluation.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate concordance between i-scan endoscopic examination and histopathological results in laryngeal carcinoma evaluation. While this study provides preliminary evidence supporting the potential utility of i-scan technology for early lesion identification and biopsy targeting, further validation through larger-scale multicenter studies is warranted to confirm its clinical applicability. creator: Gracia Cintia Massie creator: Agung Dinasti Permana creator: Shinta Fitri Boesoirie creator: Lina Lasminingrum creator: Melati Sudiro creator: Yussy Afriani Dewi uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19552 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Massie et al. title: Acute effects of lower trapezius activation exercises on shoulder muscle activation during overhead functional tasks in symptomatic and asymptomatic adults link: https://peerj.com/articles/19861 last-modified: 2025-08-06 description: IntroductionShoulder musculoskeletal disorders are associated with atypical kinematics and muscle activity. Exercises to activate weakened muscles may reduce pain and disability. The objectives of this study were to test the effectiveness of exercises for activating the lower trapezius and to compare changes in shoulder muscle activity during functional tasks before and after the exercises in symptomatic and asymptomatic groups.MethodsEighteen adults, nine with subacromial pain syndrome and nine asymptomatic controls, participated in this study. A within-session repeated measures case-control design was employed. Participants performed overhead functional tasks before and after completing lower trapezius activation exercises. Electromyography (EMG) data of scapular muscles were captured during the tasks and exercises. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) compared muscle activations during the exercises. Paired t-test statistical parametric mapping assessed changes in muscle activity after the exercises.ResultsLower trapezius activation was highest during the Trapezius Muscle Exercise for both groups. Post-exercise, a transient increase in lower trapezius activation was observed in the pain group during the Comb Hair task (p = 0.0012, d = 1.55) and the no pain group in the Overhead Reach task (p < 0.001, d = 1.38) , but this effect did not persist in either group.DiscussionThe exercise protocol successfully increased lower trapezius activation immediately post-exercise, but the effects were short-lived. The findings suggest that while lower trapezius activation exercises can temporarily alter muscle activation, their efficacy for acute prevention or rehabilitation is limited. Further research is needed to explore the effects of longitudinal training programs on functional task performance. creator: Sophia Abiara creator: Vivian Heinrichs creator: Annaka Chorneyko creator: Angelica E. Lang uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19861 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0 rights: © 2025 Abiara et al.