PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Kinematic effects of the circle with and without rider in walking horses
items: Solid state fermentation of Moringa oleifera leaf meal by mixed strains for the protein enrichment and the improvement of nutritional value
items: Processing moving visual scenes during upright stance in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment
items: Phylogenetic relationships and taxonomic position of genus Hyperacrius (Rodentia: Arvicolinae) from Kashmir based on evidences from analysis of mitochondrial genome and study of skull morphology
items: Temporal trend of cardiorespiratory endurance in urban Catalan high school students over a 20 year period
items: Indomethacin augments lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of inflammatory molecules in the mouse brain
items: Behavioural patterns of free roaming wild boar in a spatiotemporal context
items: Tropical peatlands and their conservation are important in the context of COVID-19 and potential future (zoonotic) disease pandemics
items: Use and effectiveness of dapagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a multicenter retrospective study in Taiwan
items: Anti-Streptococcus mutans and anti-biofilm activities of dextranase and its encapsulation in alginate beads for application in toothpaste

Kinematic effects of the circle with and without rider in walking horses
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Biomechanical studies of walk, especially walk on the circle, are scarce, while circles or curved tracks are frequently used during equestrian activities. To study horse–rider–circle interactions on the circle, the first steps would be to investigate how the unridden, freely walking horse is influenced by circular movement, and then add a rider. The aim was to study horse vertical trunk movements, and sagittal cannon angles (protraction–retraction) during walk in straight-line and on the circle without rider, and on the circle with a rider using minimal influence. Methods Ten horses were ridden by five riders, summing to 14 trials. Each trial included straight walk unridden (on concrete), and walk on 10 m diameter circles (left and right on soft surface) first lunged (unridden) and then ridden with minimal rider influence. Inertial measurement units (100 Hz) were positioned on the withers, third sacral vertebra (S3) and laterally on metacarpal and metatarsal bones (using self-adhesive bandage). Selected data were split in steps (withers and S3 vertical translations) or strides (cannon protraction–retraction) at maximum hind limb protraction, and range of motion (ROM), minima and maxima, and their timing, were extracted. Data were analyzed using mixed models with inner/outer/straight nested within unridden/ridden as fixed effect, and controlling for stride duration. Differences between: inner vs outer steps/limbs; the same step/limb unridden vs ridden; and the same step/limb straight vs inner/outer unridden; were examined for statistical significance at p < 0.05. Results Inner limbs had smaller cannon ROM than outer limbs, for example, forelimbs when ridden (inner vs outer 62° vs 63°) and hind limbs when unridden (53° vs 56°). Forelimb cannon ROM was the largest for straight (65°). Hind limb ROM for straight walk (55°) was in-between inner (52–53°) and outer hind limbs (56–57°). Vertical ROM of S3 was larger during the inner (unridden/ridden 0.050/0.052 m)…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Agneta Egenvall
creator: Hanna Engström
creator: Anna Byström
subject: Veterinary Medicine
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.10354
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2020 Egenvall et al.
abstract: Background Biomechanical studies of walk, especially walk on the circle, are scarce, while circles or curved tracks are frequently used during equestrian activities. To study horse–rider–circle interactions on the circle, the first steps would be to investigate how the unridden, freely walking horse is influenced by circular movement, and then add a rider. The aim was to study horse vertical trunk movements, and sagittal cannon angles (protraction–retraction) during walk in straight-line and on the circle without rider, and on the circle with a rider using minimal influence. Methods Ten horses were ridden by five riders, summing to 14 trials. Each trial included straight walk unridden (on concrete), and walk on 10 m diameter circles (left and right on soft surface) first lunged (unridden) and then ridden with minimal rider influence. Inertial measurement units (100 Hz) were positioned on the withers, third sacral vertebra (S3) and laterally on metacarpal and metatarsal bones (using self-adhesive bandage). Selected data were split in steps (withers and S3 vertical translations) or strides (cannon protraction–retraction) at maximum hind limb protraction, and range of motion (ROM), minima and maxima, and their timing, were extracted. Data were analyzed using mixed models with inner/outer/straight nested within unridden/ridden as fixed effect, and controlling for stride duration. Differences between: inner vs outer steps/limbs; the same step/limb unridden vs ridden; and the same step/limb straight vs inner/outer unridden; were examined for statistical significance at p < 0.05. Results Inner limbs had smaller cannon ROM than outer limbs, for example, forelimbs when ridden (inner vs outer 62° vs 63°) and hind limbs when unridden (53° vs 56°). Forelimb cannon ROM was the largest for straight (65°). Hind limb ROM for straight walk (55°) was in-between inner (52–53°) and outer hind limbs (56–57°). Vertical ROM of S3 was larger during the inner (unridden/ridden 0.050/0.052 m)…
bibliographic citation: Egenvall et al. (2020) Kinematic effects of the circle with and without rider in walking horses. PeerJ 8:e10354 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.10354
date submitted: 2020-07-13
date accepted: 2020-10-22
issued: 2020-11-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Egenvall
  given name: Agneta
author list: Agent
  family name: Engström
  given name: Hanna
author list: Agent
  family name: Byström
  given name: Anna
doi: 10.7717/peerj.10354
volume: 8
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2020-11-18
copyright: © 2020 Egenvall et al.
attribution name: Egenvall et al.

Solid state fermentation of Moringa oleifera leaf meal by mixed strains for the protein enrichment and the improvement of nutritional value
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Moringa oleifera Lam. (MO) is a fast-growing multi-purpose deciduous tree with high biomass and nutritional value. However, the presence of antinutritional factors, poor palatability, and indigestibility of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) restrict its application to animal feed. This study aimed to obtain high-quality protein feeds via solid-state fermentation (SSF) of MOLM. The process conditions for increasing the true protein (TP) content using Aspergillus niger, Candida utilis and Bacillus subtilis co-cultures were optimized, and the chemical composition of MOLM was compared before and after fermentation. The results of this study showed that the highest TP content could be obtained through mixed-strain culture of A. niger, C. utilis and B. subtilis at a ratio of 1:1:2. The MOLM was inoculated with A. niger, followed by C. utilis and B. subtilis 24 h later. The optimized co-culture parameters were as follows: total inoculation size, 24%; temperature, 32 °C; fermentation time, 6.5 days; and initial water content, 60%. The maximum TP yield was 28.37%. Notably, in the fermented MOLM (FMOLM), the content of nutrients such as crude protein (CP), small peptides, and total amino acids (AAs) were significantly increased relative to unfermented MOLM, whereas the contents of crude fiber (CF), tannin, and phytic acid were significantly decreased. MOLM analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that SSF disrupted the surface structure of MOLM, and sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) indicated that macromolecular proteins were degraded. The in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) of FMOLM was also improved significantly. Our findings suggest that multi-strain fermentation with A. niger, C. utilis and B. subtilis improves the nutritional quality of MOLM, rendering it a viable functional feedstuff for use in livestock industries in the future.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Honghui Shi
creator: Bin Su
creator: Xiaoyang Chen
creator: Ruiqi Pian
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Food Science and Technology
subject: Microbiology
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.10358
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2020 Shi et al.
abstract: Moringa oleifera Lam. (MO) is a fast-growing multi-purpose deciduous tree with high biomass and nutritional value. However, the presence of antinutritional factors, poor palatability, and indigestibility of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) restrict its application to animal feed. This study aimed to obtain high-quality protein feeds via solid-state fermentation (SSF) of MOLM. The process conditions for increasing the true protein (TP) content using Aspergillus niger, Candida utilis and Bacillus subtilis co-cultures were optimized, and the chemical composition of MOLM was compared before and after fermentation. The results of this study showed that the highest TP content could be obtained through mixed-strain culture of A. niger, C. utilis and B. subtilis at a ratio of 1:1:2. The MOLM was inoculated with A. niger, followed by C. utilis and B. subtilis 24 h later. The optimized co-culture parameters were as follows: total inoculation size, 24%; temperature, 32 °C; fermentation time, 6.5 days; and initial water content, 60%. The maximum TP yield was 28.37%. Notably, in the fermented MOLM (FMOLM), the content of nutrients such as crude protein (CP), small peptides, and total amino acids (AAs) were significantly increased relative to unfermented MOLM, whereas the contents of crude fiber (CF), tannin, and phytic acid were significantly decreased. MOLM analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that SSF disrupted the surface structure of MOLM, and sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) indicated that macromolecular proteins were degraded. The in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) of FMOLM was also improved significantly. Our findings suggest that multi-strain fermentation with A. niger, C. utilis and B. subtilis improves the nutritional quality of MOLM, rendering it a viable functional feedstuff for use in livestock industries in the future.
bibliographic citation: Shi et al. (2020) Solid state fermentation of Moringa oleifera leaf meal by mixed strains for the protein enrichment and the improvement of nutritional value. PeerJ 8:e10358 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.10358
date submitted: 2020-07-24
date accepted: 2020-10-23
issued: 2020-11-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Shi
  given name: Honghui
author list: Agent
  family name: Su
  given name: Bin
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Xiaoyang
author list: Agent
  family name: Pian
  given name: Ruiqi
doi: 10.7717/peerj.10358
volume: 8
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2020-11-18
copyright: ©2020 Shi et al.
attribution name: Shi et al.

Processing moving visual scenes during upright stance in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The ability to maintain balance in an upright stance gradually worsens with age and is even more difficult for patients with cognitive disorders. Cognitive impairment plays a probable role in the worsening of stability. The purpose of this study was to expose subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and healthy, age-matched controls to moving visual scenes in order to examine their postural adaptation abilities. Methods We observed postural responses to moving visual stimulation while subjects stood on a force platform. The visual disturbance was created by interposing a moving picture in four directions (forward, backward, right, and left). The pre-stimulus (a static scene for 10 s), stimulus (a dynamic visual scene for 20 seconds) and post-stimulus (a static scene for 20 seconds) periods were evaluated. We separately analyzed the total path (TP) of the center of pressure (COP) and the root mean square (RMS) of the COP displacement in all four directions. Results We found differences in the TP of the COP during the post-stimulus period for all stimulus directions except in motion towards the subject (left p = 0.006, right p = 0.004, and away from the subject p = 0.009). Significant RMS differences between groups were also observed during the post-stimulus period in all directions except when directed towards the subject (left p = 0.002, right p = 0.007, and away from the subject p = 0.014). Conclusion Exposing subjects to a moving visual scene induced greater destabilization in MCI subjects compared to healthy elderly controls. Surprisingly, the moving visual scene also induced significant aftereffects in the MCI group. Our findings indicate that the MCI group had diminished adaptation to the dynamic visual scene and recovery. These results suggest that even mild cognitive deficits can impair sensory information integration and alter the sensory re-weighing process.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Martin Kucharik
creator: Zuzana Kosutzka
creator: Jozef Pucik
creator: Michal Hajduk
creator: Marian Saling
subject: Cognitive Disorders
subject: Geriatrics
subject: Kinesiology
subject: Neurology
subject: Ophthalmology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.10363
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2020 Kucharik et al.
abstract: Background The ability to maintain balance in an upright stance gradually worsens with age and is even more difficult for patients with cognitive disorders. Cognitive impairment plays a probable role in the worsening of stability. The purpose of this study was to expose subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and healthy, age-matched controls to moving visual scenes in order to examine their postural adaptation abilities. Methods We observed postural responses to moving visual stimulation while subjects stood on a force platform. The visual disturbance was created by interposing a moving picture in four directions (forward, backward, right, and left). The pre-stimulus (a static scene for 10 s), stimulus (a dynamic visual scene for 20 seconds) and post-stimulus (a static scene for 20 seconds) periods were evaluated. We separately analyzed the total path (TP) of the center of pressure (COP) and the root mean square (RMS) of the COP displacement in all four directions. Results We found differences in the TP of the COP during the post-stimulus period for all stimulus directions except in motion towards the subject (left p = 0.006, right p = 0.004, and away from the subject p = 0.009). Significant RMS differences between groups were also observed during the post-stimulus period in all directions except when directed towards the subject (left p = 0.002, right p = 0.007, and away from the subject p = 0.014). Conclusion Exposing subjects to a moving visual scene induced greater destabilization in MCI subjects compared to healthy elderly controls. Surprisingly, the moving visual scene also induced significant aftereffects in the MCI group. Our findings indicate that the MCI group had diminished adaptation to the dynamic visual scene and recovery. These results suggest that even mild cognitive deficits can impair sensory information integration and alter the sensory re-weighing process.
bibliographic citation: Kucharik et al. (2020) Processing moving visual scenes during upright stance in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment. PeerJ 8:e10363 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.10363
date submitted: 2020-02-12
date accepted: 2020-10-24
issued: 2020-11-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Kucharik
  given name: Martin
author list: Agent
  family name: Kosutzka
  given name: Zuzana
author list: Agent
  family name: Pucik
  given name: Jozef
author list: Agent
  family name: Hajduk
  given name: Michal
author list: Agent
  family name: Saling
  given name: Marian
doi: 10.7717/peerj.10363
volume: 8
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2020-11-18
copyright: ©2020 Kucharik et al.
attribution name: Kucharik et al.

Phylogenetic relationships and taxonomic position of genus Hyperacrius (Rodentia: Arvicolinae) from Kashmir based on evidences from analysis of mitochondrial genome and study of skull morphology
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: In this article, we present the nearly complete mitochondrial genome of the Subalpine Kashmir vole Hyperacrius fertilis (Arvicolinae, Cricetidae, Rodentia), assembled using data from Illumina next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the DNA from a century-old museum specimen. De novo assembly consisted of 16,341 bp and included all mitogenome protein-coding genes as well as 12S and 16S RNAs, tRNAs and D-loop. Using the alignment of protein-coding genes of 14 previously published Arvicolini tribe mitogenomes, seven Clethrionomyini mitogenomes, and also Ondatra and Dicrostonyx outgroups, we conducted phylogenetic reconstructions based on a dataset of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) under maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. Phylogenetic analyses robustly supported the phylogenetic position of this species within the tribe Arvicolini. Among the Arvicolini, Hyperacrius represents one of the early-diverged lineages. This result of phylogenetic analysis altered the conventional view on phylogenetic relatedness between Hyperacrius and Alticola and prompted the revision of morphological characters underlying the former assumption. Morphological analysis performed here confirmed molecular data and provided additional evidence for taxonomic replacement of the genus Hyperacrius from the tribe Clethrionomyini to the tribe Arvicolini.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Natalia I. Abramson
creator: Fedor N. Golenishchev
creator: Semen Yu. Bodrov
creator: Olga V. Bondareva
creator: Evgeny A. Genelt-Yanovskiy
creator: Tatyana V. Petrova
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Taxonomy
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.10364
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2020 Abramson et al.
abstract: In this article, we present the nearly complete mitochondrial genome of the Subalpine Kashmir vole Hyperacrius fertilis (Arvicolinae, Cricetidae, Rodentia), assembled using data from Illumina next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the DNA from a century-old museum specimen. De novo assembly consisted of 16,341 bp and included all mitogenome protein-coding genes as well as 12S and 16S RNAs, tRNAs and D-loop. Using the alignment of protein-coding genes of 14 previously published Arvicolini tribe mitogenomes, seven Clethrionomyini mitogenomes, and also Ondatra and Dicrostonyx outgroups, we conducted phylogenetic reconstructions based on a dataset of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) under maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. Phylogenetic analyses robustly supported the phylogenetic position of this species within the tribe Arvicolini. Among the Arvicolini, Hyperacrius represents one of the early-diverged lineages. This result of phylogenetic analysis altered the conventional view on phylogenetic relatedness between Hyperacrius and Alticola and prompted the revision of morphological characters underlying the former assumption. Morphological analysis performed here confirmed molecular data and provided additional evidence for taxonomic replacement of the genus Hyperacrius from the tribe Clethrionomyini to the tribe Arvicolini.
bibliographic citation: Abramson et al. (2020) Phylogenetic relationships and taxonomic position of genus Hyperacrius (Rodentia: Arvicolinae) from Kashmir based on evidences from analysis of mitochondrial genome and study of skull morphology. PeerJ 8:e10364 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.10364
date submitted: 2020-05-27
date accepted: 2020-10-24
issued: 2020-11-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Abramson
  given name: Natalia I.
author list: Agent
  family name: Golenishchev
  given name: Fedor N.
author list: Agent
  family name: Bodrov
  given name: Semen Yu.
author list: Agent
  family name: Bondareva
  given name: Olga V.
author list: Agent
  family name: Genelt-Yanovskiy
  given name: Evgeny A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Petrova
  given name: Tatyana V.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.10364
volume: 8
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2020-11-18
copyright: © 2020 Abramson et al.
attribution name: Abramson et al.

Temporal trend of cardiorespiratory endurance in urban Catalan high school students over a 20 year period
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Physical fitness is considered an important indicator of health in adolescents. However, in recent years several studies in the scientific literature have shown a considerable lower trend and an alarming worsening of the current adolescents’ physical condition when comparing with previous decades, especially in urban populations. The aim of the current study was to analyse the temporal trend in cardiorespiratory endurance (CRE) in urban Catalan adolescents over a 20-year period (1999–2019). Methods A cross-sectional analysis study considering the 20-m Shuttle Run test (SRT) results obtained in the last 20 years was carried out. 1,701 adolescents between 15 and 16 years old (914 boys and 787 girls) were divided into four groups, corresponding to consecutive periods of five years (Group 1: 1999–2004; Group 2: 2005–2009; Group 3: 2010–2014 and Group 4: 2015–2019). ANOVA was used to test the period effect on CRE and post hoc Bonferroni analysis was performed to test pairwise differences between groups (p < 0.05). Results Results showed a significantly lower performance in CRE in both sexes. The percentual negative difference was 0.67%, 9.6% and 7% for boys and 5.06%, 14.97% and 9.41% for girls, when comparing the performance in 20-m Shuttle Run test for the first period, respectively. Conclusions Results suggest that the physical fitness of Catalan urban adolescents is lower in both sexes when comparing the different analysed periods of time. Therefore, CRE adolescents should be improved in order to help to protect against cardiovascular disease and other health risks in adulthood.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jordi Arboix-Alió
creator: Bernat Buscà
creator: Enric M. Sebastiani
creator: Joan Aguilera-Castells
creator: Sergio Marcaida
creator: Luis Garcia Eroles
creator: María José Sánchez López
subject: Cardiology
subject: Kinesiology
subject: Pediatrics
subject: Public Health
subject: Respiratory Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.10365
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2020 Arboix-Alió et al.
abstract: Background Physical fitness is considered an important indicator of health in adolescents. However, in recent years several studies in the scientific literature have shown a considerable lower trend and an alarming worsening of the current adolescents’ physical condition when comparing with previous decades, especially in urban populations. The aim of the current study was to analyse the temporal trend in cardiorespiratory endurance (CRE) in urban Catalan adolescents over a 20-year period (1999–2019). Methods A cross-sectional analysis study considering the 20-m Shuttle Run test (SRT) results obtained in the last 20 years was carried out. 1,701 adolescents between 15 and 16 years old (914 boys and 787 girls) were divided into four groups, corresponding to consecutive periods of five years (Group 1: 1999–2004; Group 2: 2005–2009; Group 3: 2010–2014 and Group 4: 2015–2019). ANOVA was used to test the period effect on CRE and post hoc Bonferroni analysis was performed to test pairwise differences between groups (p < 0.05). Results Results showed a significantly lower performance in CRE in both sexes. The percentual negative difference was 0.67%, 9.6% and 7% for boys and 5.06%, 14.97% and 9.41% for girls, when comparing the performance in 20-m Shuttle Run test for the first period, respectively. Conclusions Results suggest that the physical fitness of Catalan urban adolescents is lower in both sexes when comparing the different analysed periods of time. Therefore, CRE adolescents should be improved in order to help to protect against cardiovascular disease and other health risks in adulthood.
bibliographic citation: Arboix-Alió et al. (2020) Temporal trend of cardiorespiratory endurance in urban Catalan high school students over a 20 year period. PeerJ 8:e10365 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.10365
date submitted: 2020-08-04
date accepted: 2020-10-24
issued: 2020-11-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Arboix-Alió
  given name: Jordi
author list: Agent
  family name: Buscà
  given name: Bernat
author list: Agent
  family name: Sebastiani
  given name: Enric M.
author list: Agent
  family name: Aguilera-Castells
  given name: Joan
author list: Agent
  family name: Marcaida
  given name: Sergio
author list: Agent
  family name: Garcia Eroles
  given name: Luis
author list: Agent
  family name: Sánchez López
  given name: María José
doi: 10.7717/peerj.10365
volume: 8
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2020-11-18
copyright: © 2020 Arboix-Alió et al.
attribution name: Arboix-Alió et al.

Indomethacin augments lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of inflammatory molecules in the mouse brain
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Indomethacin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to relieve pain and fever including during infections. However, some studies suggest that NSAIDs protect against neuroinflammation, while some find no effects or worsening of neuroinflammation. We evaluated the effect of indomethacin alone on in combination with minocycline, a drug that inhibits neuroinflammation, on the expression of transcripts of neuroinflammatory molecules-induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the brain of mice. Inoculation of male BALB/c mice with LPS induced the expression of the microglia marker ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule protein, mRNA expression of the genes for cytokines interleukin-1beta (Il1b) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (Tnf) and inducible nitric oxide synthase gene (Nos2), but not Il10, in the brain. Treatment with indomethacin had no significant effect on the cytokines or Nos2 mRNA expression in naïve animals. However, pretreatment with indomethacin increased LPS-induced Nos2 mRNA and inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) protein expression, but had no significant effect on LPS-induced mRNA expression of the cytokines. Minocycline reduced LPS-induced Il1b and Tnf, but not Nos2, mRNA expression. Treatment with indomethacin plus minocycline had no effect on LPS-induced Il1b, Tnf and Nos2 mRNA expression. In conclusion these results show that indomethacin significantly augments LPS-induced Nos2 mRNA and iNOS protein expression in the brain. In the presence of indomethacin, minocycline could not inhibit LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. Thus, indomethacin could exacerbate neuroinflammation by increasing the expression of iNOS and also block the anti-inflammatory effects of minocycline.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Mona Yasin Mohamed
creator: Willias Masocha
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Neuroscience
subject: Immunology
subject: Pharmacology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.10391
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2020 Mohamed and Masocha
abstract: Indomethacin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to relieve pain and fever including during infections. However, some studies suggest that NSAIDs protect against neuroinflammation, while some find no effects or worsening of neuroinflammation. We evaluated the effect of indomethacin alone on in combination with minocycline, a drug that inhibits neuroinflammation, on the expression of transcripts of neuroinflammatory molecules-induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the brain of mice. Inoculation of male BALB/c mice with LPS induced the expression of the microglia marker ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule protein, mRNA expression of the genes for cytokines interleukin-1beta (Il1b) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (Tnf) and inducible nitric oxide synthase gene (Nos2), but not Il10, in the brain. Treatment with indomethacin had no significant effect on the cytokines or Nos2 mRNA expression in naïve animals. However, pretreatment with indomethacin increased LPS-induced Nos2 mRNA and inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) protein expression, but had no significant effect on LPS-induced mRNA expression of the cytokines. Minocycline reduced LPS-induced Il1b and Tnf, but not Nos2, mRNA expression. Treatment with indomethacin plus minocycline had no effect on LPS-induced Il1b, Tnf and Nos2 mRNA expression. In conclusion these results show that indomethacin significantly augments LPS-induced Nos2 mRNA and iNOS protein expression in the brain. In the presence of indomethacin, minocycline could not inhibit LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. Thus, indomethacin could exacerbate neuroinflammation by increasing the expression of iNOS and also block the anti-inflammatory effects of minocycline.
bibliographic citation: Mohamed et al. (2020) Indomethacin augments lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of inflammatory molecules in the mouse brain. PeerJ 8:e10391 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.10391
date submitted: 2020-07-09
date accepted: 2020-10-27
issued: 2020-11-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Mohamed
  given name: Mona Yasin
author list: Agent
  family name: Masocha
  given name: Willias
doi: 10.7717/peerj.10391
volume: 8
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2020-11-18
copyright: © 2020 Mohamed and Masocha
attribution name: Mohamed and Masocha

Behavioural patterns of free roaming wild boar in a spatiotemporal context
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Although the almost worldwide distributed wild boar Sus scrofa is a well-studied species, little is known about the behaviour of autochthonous, free living wild boar in a spatiotemporal context which can help to better understand wild boar in conflict terms with humans and to find solutions. The use of camera traps is a favourable and non-invasive method to study them. To observe natural behaviour, 60 camera traps were placed for three months in a state forest of 17.8 km2 in the region of the Luneburg Heath in northern Germany. In this area wild boar, roe deer, red deer, wolves and humans are common. The cameras recorded 20 s length video clips when animals passed the detection zone and could be triggered again immediately afterwards. In total 38 distinct behavioural elements were observed, which were assigned to one of seven behavioural categories. The occurrence of the behavioural categories per day was evaluated to compare their frequencies and see which are more essential than others. Generalised Additive Models were used to analyse the occurrence of each behaviour in relation to habitat and activity time. The results show that essential behavioural categories like foraging behaviour, locomotion and vigilance behaviour occurred more frequently than behaviour that “just” served for the well-being of wild boar. These three behavioural categories could be observed together mostly in the night in broad-leaved forests with a herb layer of 50–100%, comfort behaviour occurred mostly at the ponds in coniferous forest. It is also observable that the behavioural categories foraging and comfort behaviour alternated several times during the night which offers the hypothesis that foraging is mostly followed by comfort behaviour. These findings pave the way towards implementing effective control strategies in the wild and animal welfare in captivity.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Dana Erdtmann
creator: Oliver Keuling
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Ecology
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.10409
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2020 Erdtmann and Keuling
abstract: Although the almost worldwide distributed wild boar Sus scrofa is a well-studied species, little is known about the behaviour of autochthonous, free living wild boar in a spatiotemporal context which can help to better understand wild boar in conflict terms with humans and to find solutions. The use of camera traps is a favourable and non-invasive method to study them. To observe natural behaviour, 60 camera traps were placed for three months in a state forest of 17.8 km2 in the region of the Luneburg Heath in northern Germany. In this area wild boar, roe deer, red deer, wolves and humans are common. The cameras recorded 20 s length video clips when animals passed the detection zone and could be triggered again immediately afterwards. In total 38 distinct behavioural elements were observed, which were assigned to one of seven behavioural categories. The occurrence of the behavioural categories per day was evaluated to compare their frequencies and see which are more essential than others. Generalised Additive Models were used to analyse the occurrence of each behaviour in relation to habitat and activity time. The results show that essential behavioural categories like foraging behaviour, locomotion and vigilance behaviour occurred more frequently than behaviour that “just” served for the well-being of wild boar. These three behavioural categories could be observed together mostly in the night in broad-leaved forests with a herb layer of 50–100%, comfort behaviour occurred mostly at the ponds in coniferous forest. It is also observable that the behavioural categories foraging and comfort behaviour alternated several times during the night which offers the hypothesis that foraging is mostly followed by comfort behaviour. These findings pave the way towards implementing effective control strategies in the wild and animal welfare in captivity.
bibliographic citation: Erdtmann et al. (2020) Behavioural patterns of free roaming wild boar in a spatiotemporal context. PeerJ 8:e10409 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.10409
date submitted: 2020-06-02
date accepted: 2020-11-02
issued: 2020-11-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Erdtmann
  given name: Dana
author list: Agent
  family name: Keuling
  given name: Oliver
doi: 10.7717/peerj.10409
volume: 8
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2020-11-18
copyright: ©2020 Erdtmann and Keuling
attribution name: Erdtmann and Keuling

Tropical peatlands and their conservation are important in the context of COVID-19 and potential future (zoonotic) disease pandemics
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused global disruption, with the emergence of this and other pandemics having been linked to habitat encroachment and/or wildlife exploitation. High impacts of COVID-19 are apparent in some countries with large tropical peatland areas, some of which are relatively poorly resourced to tackle disease pandemics. Despite this, no previous investigation has considered tropical peatlands in the context of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs). Here, we review: (i) the potential for future EIDs arising from tropical peatlands; (ii) potential threats to tropical peatland conservation and local communities from COVID-19; and (iii) potential steps to help mitigate these risks. We find that high biodiversity in tropical peat-swamp forests, including presence of many potential vertebrate and invertebrate vectors, combined, in places, with high levels of habitat disruption and wildlife harvesting represent suitable conditions for potential zoonotic EID (re-)emergence. Although impossible to predict precisely, we identify numerous potential threats to tropical peatland conservation and local communities from the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes impacts on public health, with the potential for haze pollution from peatland fires to increase COVID-19 susceptibility a noted concern; and on local economies, livelihoods and food security, where impacts will likely be greater in remote communities with limited/no medical facilities that depend heavily on external trade. Research, training, education, conservation and restoration activities are also being affected, particularly those involving physical groupings and international travel, some of which may result in increased habitat encroachment, wildlife harvesting or fire, and may therefore precipitate longer-term negative impacts, including those relating to disease pandemics. We conclude that sustainable management of tropical peatlands and their wildlife is important for mitigating impacts of the COVID-19 p…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Mark E. Harrison
creator: Lahiru S. Wijedasa
creator: Lydia E.S. Cole
creator: Susan M. Cheyne
creator: Shofwan Al Banna Choiruzzad
creator: Liana Chua
creator: Greta C. Dargie
creator: Corneille E.N. Ewango
creator: Euridice N. Honorio Coronado
creator: Suspense A. Ifo
creator: Muhammad Ali Imron
creator: Dianna Kopansky
creator: Trilianty Lestarisa
creator: Patrick J. O’Reilly
creator: Julie Van Offelen
creator: Johannes Refisch
creator: Katherine Roucoux
creator: Jito Sugardjito
creator: Sara A. Thornton
creator: Caroline Upton
creator: Susan Page
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Conservation Biology
subject: Infectious Diseases
subject: Public Health
subject: Coupled Natural and Human Systems
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.10283
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2020 Harrison et al.
abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused global disruption, with the emergence of this and other pandemics having been linked to habitat encroachment and/or wildlife exploitation. High impacts of COVID-19 are apparent in some countries with large tropical peatland areas, some of which are relatively poorly resourced to tackle disease pandemics. Despite this, no previous investigation has considered tropical peatlands in the context of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs). Here, we review: (i) the potential for future EIDs arising from tropical peatlands; (ii) potential threats to tropical peatland conservation and local communities from COVID-19; and (iii) potential steps to help mitigate these risks. We find that high biodiversity in tropical peat-swamp forests, including presence of many potential vertebrate and invertebrate vectors, combined, in places, with high levels of habitat disruption and wildlife harvesting represent suitable conditions for potential zoonotic EID (re-)emergence. Although impossible to predict precisely, we identify numerous potential threats to tropical peatland conservation and local communities from the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes impacts on public health, with the potential for haze pollution from peatland fires to increase COVID-19 susceptibility a noted concern; and on local economies, livelihoods and food security, where impacts will likely be greater in remote communities with limited/no medical facilities that depend heavily on external trade. Research, training, education, conservation and restoration activities are also being affected, particularly those involving physical groupings and international travel, some of which may result in increased habitat encroachment, wildlife harvesting or fire, and may therefore precipitate longer-term negative impacts, including those relating to disease pandemics. We conclude that sustainable management of tropical peatlands and their wildlife is important for mitigating impacts of the COVID-19 p…
bibliographic citation: Harrison et al. (2020) Tropical peatlands and their conservation are important in the context of COVID-19 and potential future (zoonotic) disease pandemics. PeerJ 8:e10283 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.10283
date submitted: 2020-06-24
date accepted: 2020-10-09
issued: 2020-11-17
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Harrison
  given name: Mark E.
author list: Agent
  family name: Wijedasa
  given name: Lahiru S.
author list: Agent
  family name: Cole
  given name: Lydia E.S.
author list: Agent
  family name: Cheyne
  given name: Susan M.
author list: Agent
  family name: Choiruzzad
  given name: Shofwan Al Banna
author list: Agent
  family name: Chua
  given name: Liana
author list: Agent
  family name: Dargie
  given name: Greta C.
author list: Agent
  family name: Ewango
  given name: Corneille E.N.
author list: Agent
  family name: Honorio Coronado
  given name: Euridice N.
author list: Agent
  family name: Ifo
  given name: Suspense A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Imron
  given name: Muhammad Ali
author list: Agent
  family name: Kopansky
  given name: Dianna
author list: Agent
  family name: Lestarisa
  given name: Trilianty
author list: Agent
  family name: O’Reilly
  given name: Patrick J.
author list: Agent
  family name: Van Offelen
  given name: Julie
author list: Agent
  family name: Refisch
  given name: Johannes
author list: Agent
  family name: Roucoux
  given name: Katherine
author list: Agent
  family name: Sugardjito
  given name: Jito
author list: Agent
  family name: Thornton
  given name: Sara A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Upton
  given name: Caroline
author list: Agent
  family name: Page
  given name: Susan
doi: 10.7717/peerj.10283
volume: 8
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2020-11-17
copyright: © 2020 Harrison et al.
attribution name: Harrison et al.

Use and effectiveness of dapagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a multicenter retrospective study in Taiwan
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Aims/Introduction To investigate the clinical outcomes of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who initiated dapagliflozin in real-world practice in Taiwan. Materials and Methods In this multicenter retrospective study, adult patients with T2DM who initiated dapagliflozin after May 1st 2016 either as add-on or switch therapy were included. Changes in clinical and laboratory parameters were evaluated at 3 and 6 months. Baseline factors associated with dapagliflozin response in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results A total of 1,960 patients were eligible. At 6 months, significant changes were observed: HbA1c by −0.73% (95% confidence interval [CI] −0.80, −0.67), body weight was -1.61 kg (95% CI −1.79, −1.42), and systolic/diastolic blood pressure by −3.6/−1.4 mmHg. Add-on dapagliflozin showed significantly greater HbA1c reduction (−0.82%) than switched therapy (−0.66%) (p = 0.002). The proportion of patients achieving HbA1c <7% target increased from 6% at baseline to 19% at Month 6. Almost 80% of patients experienced at least 1% reduction in HbA1c, and 65% of patients showed both weight loss and reduction in HbA1c. Around 37% of patients had at least 3% weight loss. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated patients with higher baseline HbA1c and those who initiated dapagliflozin as add-on therapy were associated with a greater reduction in HbA1c. Conclusions In this real-world study with the highest patient number of Chinese population to date, the use of dapagliflozin was associated with significant improvement in glycemic control, body weight, and blood pressure in patients with T2DM. Initiating dapagliflozin as add-on therapy showed better glycemic control than as switch therapy.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jung-Fu Chen
creator: Yun-Shing Peng
creator: Chung-Sen Chen
creator: Chin-Hsiao Tseng
creator: Pei-Chi Chen
creator: Ting-I Lee
creator: Yung-Chuan Lu
creator: Yi-Sun Yang
creator: Ching-Ling Lin
creator: Yi-Jen Hung
creator: Szu-Ta Chen
creator: Chieh-Hsiang Lu
creator: Chwen-Yi Yang
creator: Ching-Chu Chen
creator: Chun-Chuan Lee
creator: Pi-Jung Hsiao
creator: Ju-Ying Jiang
creator: Shih-Te Tu
subject: Diabetes and Endocrinology
subject: Drugs and Devices
subject: Evidence Based Medicine
subject: Internal Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.9998
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2020 Chen et al.
abstract: Aims/Introduction To investigate the clinical outcomes of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who initiated dapagliflozin in real-world practice in Taiwan. Materials and Methods In this multicenter retrospective study, adult patients with T2DM who initiated dapagliflozin after May 1st 2016 either as add-on or switch therapy were included. Changes in clinical and laboratory parameters were evaluated at 3 and 6 months. Baseline factors associated with dapagliflozin response in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results A total of 1,960 patients were eligible. At 6 months, significant changes were observed: HbA1c by −0.73% (95% confidence interval [CI] −0.80, −0.67), body weight was -1.61 kg (95% CI −1.79, −1.42), and systolic/diastolic blood pressure by −3.6/−1.4 mmHg. Add-on dapagliflozin showed significantly greater HbA1c reduction (−0.82%) than switched therapy (−0.66%) (p = 0.002). The proportion of patients achieving HbA1c <7% target increased from 6% at baseline to 19% at Month 6. Almost 80% of patients experienced at least 1% reduction in HbA1c, and 65% of patients showed both weight loss and reduction in HbA1c. Around 37% of patients had at least 3% weight loss. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated patients with higher baseline HbA1c and those who initiated dapagliflozin as add-on therapy were associated with a greater reduction in HbA1c. Conclusions In this real-world study with the highest patient number of Chinese population to date, the use of dapagliflozin was associated with significant improvement in glycemic control, body weight, and blood pressure in patients with T2DM. Initiating dapagliflozin as add-on therapy showed better glycemic control than as switch therapy.
bibliographic citation: Chen et al. (2020) Use and effectiveness of dapagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a multicenter retrospective study in Taiwan. PeerJ 8:e9998 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.9998
date submitted: 2020-03-06
date accepted: 2020-08-28
issued: 2020-11-17
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Jung-Fu
author list: Agent
  family name: Peng
  given name: Yun-Shing
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Chung-Sen
author list: Agent
  family name: Tseng
  given name: Chin-Hsiao
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Pei-Chi
author list: Agent
  family name: Lee
  given name: Ting-I
author list: Agent
  family name: Lu
  given name: Yung-Chuan
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Yi-Sun
author list: Agent
  family name: Lin
  given name: Ching-Ling
author list: Agent
  family name: Hung
  given name: Yi-Jen
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Szu-Ta
author list: Agent
  family name: Lu
  given name: Chieh-Hsiang
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Chwen-Yi
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Ching-Chu
author list: Agent
  family name: Lee
  given name: Chun-Chuan
author list: Agent
  family name: Hsiao
  given name: Pi-Jung
author list: Agent
  family name: Jiang
  given name: Ju-Ying
author list: Agent
  family name: Tu
  given name: Shih-Te
doi: 10.7717/peerj.9998
volume: 8
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2020-11-17
copyright: ©2020 Chen et al.
attribution name: Chen et al.

Anti-Streptococcus mutans and anti-biofilm activities of dextranase and its encapsulation in alginate beads for application in toothpaste
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The accumulation of plaque causes oral diseases. Dental plaque is formed on teeth surfaces by oral bacterial pathogens, particularly Streptococcus mutans, in the oral cavity. Dextranase is one of the enzymes involved in antiplaque accumulation as it can prevent dental caries by the degradation of dextran, which is a component of plaque biofilm. This led to the idea of creating toothpaste containing dextranase for preventing oral diseases. However, the dextranase enzyme must be stable in the product; therefore, encapsulation is an attractive way to increase the stability of this enzyme. Methods The activity of food-grade fungal dextranase was measured on the basis of increasing ratio of reducing sugar concentration, determined by the reaction with 3, 5-dinitrosalicylic acid reagent. The efficiency of the dextranase enzyme was investigated based on its minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) against biofilm formation by S. mutans ATCC 25175. Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to study the three factors affecting encapsulation: pH, calcium chloride concentration, and sodium alginate concentration. Encapsulation efficiency (% EE) and the activity of dextranase enzyme trapped in alginate beads were determined. Then, the encapsulated dextranase in alginate beads was added to toothpaste base, and the stability of the enzyme was examined. Finally, sensory test and safety evaluation of toothpaste containing encapsulated dextranase were done. Results The highest activity of the dextranase enzyme was 4401.71 unit/g at a pH of 6 and 37 °C. The dextranase at its MIC (4.5 unit/g) showed strong inhibition against the growth of S. mutans. This enzyme at 1/2 MIC also showed a remarkable decrease in biofilm formation by S. mutans. The most effective condition of dextranase encapsulation was at a pH of 7, 20% w/v calcium chloride and 0.85% w/v sodium alginate. Toothpaste containing encapsulated dextranase alginate beads produced under suitable condition was stable after 3 mon…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Nucharee Juntarachot
creator: Sasithorn Sirilun
creator: Duangporn Kantachote
creator: Phakkharawat Sittiprapaporn
creator: Piyachat Tongpong
creator: Sartjin Peerajan
creator: Chaiyavat Chaiyasut
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Microbiology
subject: Dentistry
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.10165
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2020 Juntarachot et al.
abstract: Background The accumulation of plaque causes oral diseases. Dental plaque is formed on teeth surfaces by oral bacterial pathogens, particularly Streptococcus mutans, in the oral cavity. Dextranase is one of the enzymes involved in antiplaque accumulation as it can prevent dental caries by the degradation of dextran, which is a component of plaque biofilm. This led to the idea of creating toothpaste containing dextranase for preventing oral diseases. However, the dextranase enzyme must be stable in the product; therefore, encapsulation is an attractive way to increase the stability of this enzyme. Methods The activity of food-grade fungal dextranase was measured on the basis of increasing ratio of reducing sugar concentration, determined by the reaction with 3, 5-dinitrosalicylic acid reagent. The efficiency of the dextranase enzyme was investigated based on its minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) against biofilm formation by S. mutans ATCC 25175. Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to study the three factors affecting encapsulation: pH, calcium chloride concentration, and sodium alginate concentration. Encapsulation efficiency (% EE) and the activity of dextranase enzyme trapped in alginate beads were determined. Then, the encapsulated dextranase in alginate beads was added to toothpaste base, and the stability of the enzyme was examined. Finally, sensory test and safety evaluation of toothpaste containing encapsulated dextranase were done. Results The highest activity of the dextranase enzyme was 4401.71 unit/g at a pH of 6 and 37 °C. The dextranase at its MIC (4.5 unit/g) showed strong inhibition against the growth of S. mutans. This enzyme at 1/2 MIC also showed a remarkable decrease in biofilm formation by S. mutans. The most effective condition of dextranase encapsulation was at a pH of 7, 20% w/v calcium chloride and 0.85% w/v sodium alginate. Toothpaste containing encapsulated dextranase alginate beads produced under suitable condition was stable after 3 mon…
bibliographic citation: Juntarachot et al. (2020) Anti-Streptococcus mutans and anti-biofilm activities of dextranase and its encapsulation in alginate beads for application in toothpaste. PeerJ 8:e10165 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.10165
date submitted: 2020-07-14
date accepted: 2020-09-22
issued: 2020-11-17
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Juntarachot
  given name: Nucharee
author list: Agent
  family name: Sirilun
  given name: Sasithorn
author list: Agent
  family name: Kantachote
  given name: Duangporn
author list: Agent
  family name: Sittiprapaporn
  given name: Phakkharawat
author list: Agent
  family name: Tongpong
  given name: Piyachat
author list: Agent
  family name: Peerajan
  given name: Sartjin
author list: Agent
  family name: Chaiyasut
  given name: Chaiyavat
doi: 10.7717/peerj.10165
volume: 8
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2020-11-17
copyright: ©2020 Juntarachot et al.
attribution name: Juntarachot et al.

PeerJ
type: Periodical
uri: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359