PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Sensory determinants of the autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR): understanding the triggers
items: Qualitative study of healthcare providers’ current practice patterns and barriers to successful rehydration for pediatric diarrheal illnesses in Kenya
items: https://peerj.com/articles/3900
items: Mechanisms of action and in vivo antibacterial efficacy assessment of five novel hybrid peptides derived from Indolicidin and Ranalexin against Streptococcus pneumoniae
items: Integration of lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA reveals novel insights into oviposition regulation in honey bees
items: A randomized control trial feasibility evaluation of an mHealth intervention for wheelchair skill training among middle-aged and older adults
items: Relationship between hemoglobin glycation index and extent of coronary heart disease in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study
items: Clone wars: asexual reproduction dominates in the invasive range of Tubastraea spp. (Anthozoa: Scleractinia) in the South-Atlantic Ocean
items: New whaitsioids (Therapsida: Therocephalia) from the Teekloof Formation of South Africa and therocephalian diversity during the end-Guadalupian extinction
items: The Plasmodium berghei RC strain is highly diverged and harbors putatively novel drug resistance variants

Sensory determinants of the autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR): understanding the triggers
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is an atypical sensory phenomenon involving electrostatic-like tingling sensations in response to certain sensory, primarily audio-visual, stimuli. The current study used an online questionnaire, completed by 130 people who self-reported experiencing ASMR. We aimed to extend preliminary investigations into the experience, and establish key multisensory factors contributing to the successful induction of ASMR through online media. Aspects such as timing and trigger load, atmosphere, and characteristics of ASMR content, ideal spatial distance from various types of stimuli, visual characteristics, context and use of ASMR triggers, and audio preferences are explored. Lower-pitched, complex sounds were found to be especially effective triggers, as were slow-paced, detail-focused videos. Conversely, background music inhibited the sensation for many respondents. These results will help in designing media for ASMR induction.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Emma L. Barratt
creator: Charles Spence
creator: Nick J. Davis
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.3846
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2017 Barratt et al.
abstract: The autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is an atypical sensory phenomenon involving electrostatic-like tingling sensations in response to certain sensory, primarily audio-visual, stimuli. The current study used an online questionnaire, completed by 130 people who self-reported experiencing ASMR. We aimed to extend preliminary investigations into the experience, and establish key multisensory factors contributing to the successful induction of ASMR through online media. Aspects such as timing and trigger load, atmosphere, and characteristics of ASMR content, ideal spatial distance from various types of stimuli, visual characteristics, context and use of ASMR triggers, and audio preferences are explored. Lower-pitched, complex sounds were found to be especially effective triggers, as were slow-paced, detail-focused videos. Conversely, background music inhibited the sensation for many respondents. These results will help in designing media for ASMR induction.
bibliographic citation: Barratt et al. (2017) Sensory determinants of the autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR): understanding the triggers. PeerJ 5:e3846 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3846
date submitted: 2017-08-02
date accepted: 2017-09-04
issued: 2017-10-06
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Barratt
  given name: Emma L.
author list: Agent
  family name: Spence
  given name: Charles
author list: Agent
  family name: Davis
  given name: Nick J.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.3846
volume: 5
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2017-10-06
copyright: © 2017 Barratt et al.
attribution name: Barratt et al.

Qualitative study of healthcare providers’ current practice patterns and barriers to successful rehydration for pediatric diarrheal illnesses in Kenya
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background For children worldwide, diarrhea is the second leading cause of death. These deaths are preventable by fluid resuscitation. Nasogastric tubes (NGs) have been shown to be equivalent to intravenous fluids for rehydration and recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for use in severe dehydration. Despite this, NGs are rarely used for rehydration in Kenya. Our objective was to evaluate clinicians’ adherence to rehydration guidelines and to identify barriers to the use of NGs for resuscitating dehydrated children. Methods A case-based structured survey was administered to pediatric care providers in western Kenya to determine their choices for alternative rehydration therapies when oral rehydration and intravenous fluids fail. Providers then participated in a qualitative, semi-structured interview to identify barriers to using nasogastric tubes for rehydration. Analysis included manual, progressive coding of interview transcripts to identify emerging central themes. Results Of 44 participants, only four (9%) followed WHO guidelines that recommend quickly switching to NG for rehydration in their case responses. Participants identified that placing intravenous lines in dehydrated children is a challenge. However, when discussing NG use, many believed NGs are not effective for rehydration. Other participants’ concerns surrounded knowledge and training regarding guidelines as well as not having NGs available. Discussion Healthcare providers in western Kenya do not report using NGs for rehydration in accordance with WHO guidelines for diarrheal illness with severe dehydration. Barriers to the use of NG tubes were lack of knowledge and availability. Education and implementation of guidelines using NG tubes for rehydration may improve outcomes of children suffering from diarrheal illness with severe dehydration.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Darlene R. House
creator: Philip Cheptinga
creator: Daniel E. Rusyniak
creator: Rachel C. Vreeman
subject: Global Health
subject: Pediatrics
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.3829
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2017 House et al.
abstract: Background For children worldwide, diarrhea is the second leading cause of death. These deaths are preventable by fluid resuscitation. Nasogastric tubes (NGs) have been shown to be equivalent to intravenous fluids for rehydration and recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for use in severe dehydration. Despite this, NGs are rarely used for rehydration in Kenya. Our objective was to evaluate clinicians’ adherence to rehydration guidelines and to identify barriers to the use of NGs for resuscitating dehydrated children. Methods A case-based structured survey was administered to pediatric care providers in western Kenya to determine their choices for alternative rehydration therapies when oral rehydration and intravenous fluids fail. Providers then participated in a qualitative, semi-structured interview to identify barriers to using nasogastric tubes for rehydration. Analysis included manual, progressive coding of interview transcripts to identify emerging central themes. Results Of 44 participants, only four (9%) followed WHO guidelines that recommend quickly switching to NG for rehydration in their case responses. Participants identified that placing intravenous lines in dehydrated children is a challenge. However, when discussing NG use, many believed NGs are not effective for rehydration. Other participants’ concerns surrounded knowledge and training regarding guidelines as well as not having NGs available. Discussion Healthcare providers in western Kenya do not report using NGs for rehydration in accordance with WHO guidelines for diarrheal illness with severe dehydration. Barriers to the use of NG tubes were lack of knowledge and availability. Education and implementation of guidelines using NG tubes for rehydration may improve outcomes of children suffering from diarrheal illness with severe dehydration.
bibliographic citation: House et al. (2017) Qualitative study of healthcare providers’ current practice patterns and barriers to successful rehydration for pediatric diarrheal illnesses in Kenya. PeerJ 5:e3829 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3829
date submitted: 2017-06-14
date accepted: 2017-08-28
issued: 2017-10-06
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: House
  given name: Darlene R.
author list: Agent
  family name: Cheptinga
  given name: Philip
author list: Agent
  family name: Rusyniak
  given name: Daniel E.
author list: Agent
  family name: Vreeman
  given name: Rachel C.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.3829
volume: 5
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2017-10-06
copyright: ©2017 House et al.
attribution name: House et al.

https://peerj.com/articles/3900
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
title: Combined moderate and high intensity exercise with dietary restriction improves cardiac autonomic function associated with a reduction in central and systemic arterial stiffness in obese adults: a clinical trial
description: Objective The present study aimed to assess the effects of exercise with dietary restriction on cardiac autonomic activity, arterial stiffness, and cardiovascular biomarkers in obese individuals. Methods Seventeen obese adults completed an 8-week exercise and dietary program. Anthropometry, body composition, and multiple biochemical markers were measured. We used carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), central blood pressure, and augmentation index (AIx) to assess arterial stiffness. To determine cardiac autonomic activity, heart rate variability (HRV) was analyzed by standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN), square root of the mean squared differences of successive normal-to-normal intervals (RMSSD), total power (TF), low-frequency power in normalized units (LFnu), high-frequency power in normalized units (HFnu), and low-frequency power/high-frequency power (LF/HF). Results Following the exercise and diet intervention, obese subjects had significant reductions in body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, brachial systolic blood pressure, and resting heart rate, and they had shown improvements in blood chemistry markers such as lipid profiles, insulin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. There was a significant reduction in both cfPWV and baPWV following the intervention when compared to baseline levels. Moreover, the AIx and aortic systolic blood pressure were significantly reduced after the intervention. The diet and exercise intervention significantly increased cardiac autonomic modulation (determined by improved SDNN, RMSSD, TP LF, HF, and LF/HF), which was partly due to changes in heart rate, insulin resistance, and the inflammatory pattern. Furthermore, we observed a correlation between enhanced cardiac autonomic modulation (LF/HF) and decreased arterial stiffness, as measured by central cfPWV and systemic baPWV. Discussion An 8-week combined intervention of diet and exercise is effe…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Min Hu
creator: Shen Wang
creator: Dan Wang
creator: Qinhao Lai
creator: Xiaoying Chen
creator: Shiwei Duan
creator: Mengke Zhao
creator: Junhao Huang
subject: Developmental Biology
subject: Neuroscience
subject: Cardiology
subject: Clinical Trials
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.3900
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2017 Hu et al.
abstract: Objective The present study aimed to assess the effects of exercise with dietary restriction on cardiac autonomic activity, arterial stiffness, and cardiovascular biomarkers in obese individuals. Methods Seventeen obese adults completed an 8-week exercise and dietary program. Anthropometry, body composition, and multiple biochemical markers were measured. We used carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), central blood pressure, and augmentation index (AIx) to assess arterial stiffness. To determine cardiac autonomic activity, heart rate variability (HRV) was analyzed by standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN), square root of the mean squared differences of successive normal-to-normal intervals (RMSSD), total power (TF), low-frequency power in normalized units (LFnu), high-frequency power in normalized units (HFnu), and low-frequency power/high-frequency power (LF/HF). Results Following the exercise and diet intervention, obese subjects had significant reductions in body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, brachial systolic blood pressure, and resting heart rate, and they had shown improvements in blood chemistry markers such as lipid profiles, insulin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. There was a significant reduction in both cfPWV and baPWV following the intervention when compared to baseline levels. Moreover, the AIx and aortic systolic blood pressure were significantly reduced after the intervention. The diet and exercise intervention significantly increased cardiac autonomic modulation (determined by improved SDNN, RMSSD, TP LF, HF, and LF/HF), which was partly due to changes in heart rate, insulin resistance, and the inflammatory pattern. Furthermore, we observed a correlation between enhanced cardiac autonomic modulation (LF/HF) and decreased arterial stiffness, as measured by central cfPWV and systemic baPWV. Discussion An 8-week combined intervention of diet and exercise is effe…
bibliographic citation: Hu et al. (2017) Combined moderate and high intensity exercise with dietary restriction improves cardiac autonomic function associated with a reduction in central and systemic arterial stiffness in obese adults: a clinical trial. PeerJ 5:e3900 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3900
date submitted: 2017-08-12
date accepted: 2017-09-17
issued: 2017-10-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Hu
  given name: Min
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Shen
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Dan
author list: Agent
  family name: Lai
  given name: Qinhao
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Xiaoying
author list: Agent
  family name: Duan
  given name: Shiwei
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhao
  given name: Mengke
author list: Agent
  family name: Huang
  given name: Junhao
doi: 10.7717/peerj.3900
volume: 5
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2017-10-05
copyright: ©2017 Hu et al.
attribution name: Hu et al.

Mechanisms of action and in vivo antibacterial efficacy assessment of five novel hybrid peptides derived from Indolicidin and Ranalexin against Streptococcus pneumoniae
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are of great potential as novel antibiotics for the treatment of broad spectrum of pathogenic microorganisms including resistant bacteria. In this study, the mechanisms of action and the therapeutic efficacy of the hybrid peptides were examined. Methods TEM, SEM and ATP efflux assay were used to evaluate the effect of hybrid peptides on the integrity of the pneumococcal cell wall/membrane. DNA retardation assay was assessed to measure the impact of hybrid peptides on the migration of genomic DNA through the agarose gel. In vitro synergistic effect was checked using the chequerboard assay. ICR male mice were used to evaluate the in vivo toxicity and antibacterial activity of the hybrid peptides in a standalone form and in combination with ceftriaxone. Results The results obtained from TEM and SEM indicated that the hybrid peptides caused significant morphological alterations in Streptococcus pneumoniae and disrupting the integrity of the cell wall/membrane. The rapid release of ATP from pneumococcal cells after one hour of incubation proposing that the antibacterial action for the hybrid peptides is based on membrane permeabilization and damage. The DNA retardation assay revealed that at 62.5 µg/ml all the hybrid peptides were capable of binding and preventing the pneumococcal genomic DNA from migrating through the agarose gel. In vitro synergy was observed when pneumococcal cells treated with combinations of hybrid peptides with each other and with conventional drugs erythromycin and ceftriaxone. The in vivo therapeutic efficacy results revealed that the hybrid peptide RN7-IN8 at 20 mg/kg could improve the survival rate of pneumococcal bacteremia infected mice, as 50% of the infected mice survived up to seven days post-infection. In vivo antibacterial efficacy of the hybrid peptide RN7-IN8 was signficantly improved when combined with the standard antibiotic ceftriaxone at (20 mg/kg + 20 mg/kg) as 100% of the infected mice sur…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Hassan Mahmood Jindal
creator: Keivan Zandi
creator: Kien Chai Ong
creator: Rukumani Devi Velayuthan
creator: Sara Maisha Rasid
creator: Chandramathi Samudi Raju
creator: Shamala Devi Sekaran
subject: Microbiology
subject: Drugs and Devices
subject: Infectious Diseases
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.3887
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2017 Jindal et al.
abstract: Background Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are of great potential as novel antibiotics for the treatment of broad spectrum of pathogenic microorganisms including resistant bacteria. In this study, the mechanisms of action and the therapeutic efficacy of the hybrid peptides were examined. Methods TEM, SEM and ATP efflux assay were used to evaluate the effect of hybrid peptides on the integrity of the pneumococcal cell wall/membrane. DNA retardation assay was assessed to measure the impact of hybrid peptides on the migration of genomic DNA through the agarose gel. In vitro synergistic effect was checked using the chequerboard assay. ICR male mice were used to evaluate the in vivo toxicity and antibacterial activity of the hybrid peptides in a standalone form and in combination with ceftriaxone. Results The results obtained from TEM and SEM indicated that the hybrid peptides caused significant morphological alterations in Streptococcus pneumoniae and disrupting the integrity of the cell wall/membrane. The rapid release of ATP from pneumococcal cells after one hour of incubation proposing that the antibacterial action for the hybrid peptides is based on membrane permeabilization and damage. The DNA retardation assay revealed that at 62.5 µg/ml all the hybrid peptides were capable of binding and preventing the pneumococcal genomic DNA from migrating through the agarose gel. In vitro synergy was observed when pneumococcal cells treated with combinations of hybrid peptides with each other and with conventional drugs erythromycin and ceftriaxone. The in vivo therapeutic efficacy results revealed that the hybrid peptide RN7-IN8 at 20 mg/kg could improve the survival rate of pneumococcal bacteremia infected mice, as 50% of the infected mice survived up to seven days post-infection. In vivo antibacterial efficacy of the hybrid peptide RN7-IN8 was signficantly improved when combined with the standard antibiotic ceftriaxone at (20 mg/kg + 20 mg/kg) as 100% of the infected mice sur…
bibliographic citation: Jindal et al. (2017) Mechanisms of action and in vivo antibacterial efficacy assessment of five novel hybrid peptides derived from Indolicidin and Ranalexin against Streptococcus pneumoniae. PeerJ 5:e3887 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3887
date submitted: 2017-06-02
date accepted: 2017-09-13
issued: 2017-10-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Jindal
  given name: Hassan Mahmood
author list: Agent
  family name: Zandi
  given name: Keivan
author list: Agent
  family name: Ong
  given name: Kien Chai
author list: Agent
  family name: Velayuthan
  given name: Rukumani Devi
author list: Agent
  family name: Rasid
  given name: Sara Maisha
author list: Agent
  family name: Samudi Raju
  given name: Chandramathi
author list: Agent
  family name: Sekaran
  given name: Shamala Devi
doi: 10.7717/peerj.3887
volume: 5
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2017-10-05
copyright: ©2017 Jindal et al.
attribution name: Jindal et al.

Integration of lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA reveals novel insights into oviposition regulation in honey bees
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The honey bee (Apis mellifera) is a highly diverse species commonly used for honey production and pollination services. The oviposition of the honey bee queen affects the development and overall performance of the colony. To investigate the ovary activation and oviposition processes on a molecular level, a genome-wide analysis of lncRNAs, miRNAs and mRNA expression in the ovaries of the queens was performed to screen for differentially expressed coding and noncoding RNAs. Further analysis identified relevant candidate genes or RNAs. Results The analysis of the RNA profiles in different oviposition phase of the queens revealed that 740 lncRNAs, 81 miRNAs and 5,481 mRNAs were differently expressed during the ovary activation; 88 lncRNAs, 13 miRNAs and 338 mRNAs were differently expressed during the oviposition inhibition process; and finally, 100 lncRNAs, four miRNAs and 497 mRNAs were differently expressed during the oviposition recovery process. In addition, functional annotation of differentially expressed RNAs revealed several pathways that are closely related to oviposition, including hippo, MAPK, notch, Wnt, mTOR, TGF-beta and FoxO signaling pathways. Furthermore, in the QTL region for ovary size, 73 differentially expressed genes and 14 differentially expressed lncRNAs were located, which are considered as candidate genes affecting ovary size and oviposition. Moreover, a core set of genes served as bridges among different miRNAs were identified through the integrated analysis of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network. Conclusion The observed dramatic expression changes of coding and noncoding RNAs suggest that they may play a critical role in honey bee queens’ oviposition. The identified candidate genes for oviposition activation and regulation could serve as a resource for further studies of genetic markers of oviposition in honey bees.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Xiao Chen
creator: Ce Ma
creator: Chao Chen
creator: Qian Lu
creator: Wei Shi
creator: Zhiguang Liu
creator: Huihua Wang
creator: Haikun Guo
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Entomology
subject: Genetics
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.3881
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2017 Chen et al.
abstract: Background The honey bee (Apis mellifera) is a highly diverse species commonly used for honey production and pollination services. The oviposition of the honey bee queen affects the development and overall performance of the colony. To investigate the ovary activation and oviposition processes on a molecular level, a genome-wide analysis of lncRNAs, miRNAs and mRNA expression in the ovaries of the queens was performed to screen for differentially expressed coding and noncoding RNAs. Further analysis identified relevant candidate genes or RNAs. Results The analysis of the RNA profiles in different oviposition phase of the queens revealed that 740 lncRNAs, 81 miRNAs and 5,481 mRNAs were differently expressed during the ovary activation; 88 lncRNAs, 13 miRNAs and 338 mRNAs were differently expressed during the oviposition inhibition process; and finally, 100 lncRNAs, four miRNAs and 497 mRNAs were differently expressed during the oviposition recovery process. In addition, functional annotation of differentially expressed RNAs revealed several pathways that are closely related to oviposition, including hippo, MAPK, notch, Wnt, mTOR, TGF-beta and FoxO signaling pathways. Furthermore, in the QTL region for ovary size, 73 differentially expressed genes and 14 differentially expressed lncRNAs were located, which are considered as candidate genes affecting ovary size and oviposition. Moreover, a core set of genes served as bridges among different miRNAs were identified through the integrated analysis of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network. Conclusion The observed dramatic expression changes of coding and noncoding RNAs suggest that they may play a critical role in honey bee queens’ oviposition. The identified candidate genes for oviposition activation and regulation could serve as a resource for further studies of genetic markers of oviposition in honey bees.
bibliographic citation: Chen et al. (2017) Integration of lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA reveals novel insights into oviposition regulation in honey bees. PeerJ 5:e3881 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3881
date submitted: 2017-02-22
date accepted: 2017-09-12
issued: 2017-10-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Xiao
author list: Agent
  family name: Ma
  given name: Ce
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Chao
author list: Agent
  family name: Lu
  given name: Qian
author list: Agent
  family name: Shi
  given name: Wei
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Zhiguang
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Huihua
author list: Agent
  family name: Guo
  given name: Haikun
doi: 10.7717/peerj.3881
volume: 5
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2017-10-05
copyright: ©2017 Chen et al.
attribution name: Chen et al.

A randomized control trial feasibility evaluation of an mHealth intervention for wheelchair skill training among middle-aged and older adults
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Providing mobility skills training to manual wheelchair (MWC) users can have a positive impact on community participation, confidence and quality of life. Often such training is restricted or not provided at all because of the expense of, and limited access to, occupational and physical therapists before and after discharge. This is particularly true among middle-aged and older adults, who often have limited access to rehabilitation services and require more time to learn motor skills. A monitored MWC skills training home program, delivered using a computer tablet (mHealth), was developed as an alternative approach to service delivery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of implementing this mHealth MWC skills training program among middle-aged and older adults. Methods A 2 × 2 factorial design randomized controlled trial (RCT) was used to compare the mHealth intervention and control groups, with additional wheeling time as a second factor. Community-dwelling MWC users aged 55 and older, who had used their MWC for less than two years and propelled with two hands, were recruited. Feasibility outcomes related to process, resources, management and treatment criteria were collected. Results Eighteen participants were recruited, with a retention rate of 94%. Mean (±SD) duration for the first and second in-person training sessions were 90.1 ± 20.5 and 62.1 ± 5.5 min, respectively. In the treatment group, 78% achieved the minimum amount of home training (i.e., 300 min) over four weeks and 56% achieved the preferred training threshold (i.e., 600 min). Trainers reported only seven minor protocol deviations. No tablets were lost or damaged and there was one incident of tablet malfunction. No injuries or adverse incidents were reported during data collection or training activities. Participants indicated 98% agreement on the post-treatment benefit questionnaire. Discussion Overall, the study protocol enabled implementation of the intervention i…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Edward M. Giesbrecht
creator: William C. Miller
subject: Clinical Trials
subject: Geriatrics
subject: Kinesiology
subject: Public Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.3879
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2017 Giesbrecht and Miller
abstract: Background Providing mobility skills training to manual wheelchair (MWC) users can have a positive impact on community participation, confidence and quality of life. Often such training is restricted or not provided at all because of the expense of, and limited access to, occupational and physical therapists before and after discharge. This is particularly true among middle-aged and older adults, who often have limited access to rehabilitation services and require more time to learn motor skills. A monitored MWC skills training home program, delivered using a computer tablet (mHealth), was developed as an alternative approach to service delivery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of implementing this mHealth MWC skills training program among middle-aged and older adults. Methods A 2 × 2 factorial design randomized controlled trial (RCT) was used to compare the mHealth intervention and control groups, with additional wheeling time as a second factor. Community-dwelling MWC users aged 55 and older, who had used their MWC for less than two years and propelled with two hands, were recruited. Feasibility outcomes related to process, resources, management and treatment criteria were collected. Results Eighteen participants were recruited, with a retention rate of 94%. Mean (±SD) duration for the first and second in-person training sessions were 90.1 ± 20.5 and 62.1 ± 5.5 min, respectively. In the treatment group, 78% achieved the minimum amount of home training (i.e., 300 min) over four weeks and 56% achieved the preferred training threshold (i.e., 600 min). Trainers reported only seven minor protocol deviations. No tablets were lost or damaged and there was one incident of tablet malfunction. No injuries or adverse incidents were reported during data collection or training activities. Participants indicated 98% agreement on the post-treatment benefit questionnaire. Discussion Overall, the study protocol enabled implementation of the intervention i…
bibliographic citation: Giesbrecht et al. (2017) A randomized control trial feasibility evaluation of an mHealth intervention for wheelchair skill training among middle-aged and older adults. PeerJ 5:e3879 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3879
date submitted: 2017-07-15
date accepted: 2017-09-12
issued: 2017-10-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Giesbrecht
  given name: Edward M.
author list: Agent
  family name: Miller
  given name: William C.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.3879
volume: 5
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2017-10-05
copyright: © 2017 Giesbrecht and Miller
attribution name: Giesbrecht and Miller

Relationship between hemoglobin glycation index and extent of coronary heart disease in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are at an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Diabetic complications have recently been associated with a measure of glucose metabolism known as the hemoglobin glycation index (HGI). Currently there is insufficient information regarding a potential link between HGI and cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between HGI and extent of CHD in individuals with T2D. Methods This cross-sectional study screened individuals visiting the endocrinology clinic between June 2012 and May 2016 for eligibility. Enrollment criteria included individuals above 21 years of age with T2D diagnosed in the preceding ten years. Candidates with hemoglobin disorders, pregnancy, and existing coronary artery disease were excluded. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were sampled three months prior to angiography. The regression equation of predicted HbA1c = 0.008 × FPG + 6.28 described the linear relationship between these variables. HGI was calculated as the difference between the measured HbA1c and predicted HbA1c. Participants were classified into two groups according to the presence of supranormal (≥0) or subnormal HGI (<0). Results Among 423 participants, people with supranormal HGI harbored an increased prevalence of multiple vessel disease relative to those with subnormal HGI (Odds ratio (OR): 3.9, 95% CI [2.64–5.98], P < 0.001). Moreover, individuals with supranormal HGI more frequently demonstrated lesions involving the left anterior descending artery (OR: 3.0, 95% CI [1.97–4.66], P < 0.001). The intergroup difference in mean HbA1c was statistically nonsignificant (7.5 ± 1.0% versus 7.4 ± 1.1%, P = 0.80). Discussion This study demonstrated that HGI correlated with the extent of CHD in individuals with T2D. People with supranormal HGI harbored a higher prevalence of extensive cardiovascular disease compared to those with subnormal HGI. The relationship between HG…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Po Chung Cheng
creator: Shang Ren Hsu
creator: Yun Chung Cheng
creator: Yu Hsiu Liu
subject: Cardiology
subject: Diabetes and Endocrinology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.3875
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2017 Cheng et al.
abstract: Background Individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are at an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Diabetic complications have recently been associated with a measure of glucose metabolism known as the hemoglobin glycation index (HGI). Currently there is insufficient information regarding a potential link between HGI and cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between HGI and extent of CHD in individuals with T2D. Methods This cross-sectional study screened individuals visiting the endocrinology clinic between June 2012 and May 2016 for eligibility. Enrollment criteria included individuals above 21 years of age with T2D diagnosed in the preceding ten years. Candidates with hemoglobin disorders, pregnancy, and existing coronary artery disease were excluded. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were sampled three months prior to angiography. The regression equation of predicted HbA1c = 0.008 × FPG + 6.28 described the linear relationship between these variables. HGI was calculated as the difference between the measured HbA1c and predicted HbA1c. Participants were classified into two groups according to the presence of supranormal (≥0) or subnormal HGI (<0). Results Among 423 participants, people with supranormal HGI harbored an increased prevalence of multiple vessel disease relative to those with subnormal HGI (Odds ratio (OR): 3.9, 95% CI [2.64–5.98], P < 0.001). Moreover, individuals with supranormal HGI more frequently demonstrated lesions involving the left anterior descending artery (OR: 3.0, 95% CI [1.97–4.66], P < 0.001). The intergroup difference in mean HbA1c was statistically nonsignificant (7.5 ± 1.0% versus 7.4 ± 1.1%, P = 0.80). Discussion This study demonstrated that HGI correlated with the extent of CHD in individuals with T2D. People with supranormal HGI harbored a higher prevalence of extensive cardiovascular disease compared to those with subnormal HGI. The relationship between HG…
bibliographic citation: Cheng et al. (2017) Relationship between hemoglobin glycation index and extent of coronary heart disease in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study. PeerJ 5:e3875 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3875
date submitted: 2017-07-14
date accepted: 2017-09-09
issued: 2017-10-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Cheng
  given name: Po Chung
author list: Agent
  family name: Hsu
  given name: Shang Ren
author list: Agent
  family name: Cheng
  given name: Yun Chung
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Yu Hsiu
doi: 10.7717/peerj.3875
volume: 5
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2017-10-05
copyright: ©2017 Cheng et al.
attribution name: Cheng et al.

Clone wars: asexual reproduction dominates in the invasive range of Tubastraea spp. (Anthozoa: Scleractinia) in the South-Atlantic Ocean
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Although the invasive azooxanthellate corals Tubastraea coccinea and T. tagusensis are spreading quickly and outcompeting native species in the Atlantic Ocean, there is little information regarding the genetic structure and path of introduction for these species. Here we present the first data on genetic diversity and clonal structure from these two species using a new set of microsatellite markers. High proportions of clones were observed, indicating that asexual reproduction has a major role in the local population dynamics and, therefore, represents one of the main reasons for the invasion success. Although no significant population structure was found, results suggest the occurrence of multiple invasions for T. coccinea and also that both species are being transported along the coast by vectors such as oil platforms and monobouys, spreading these invasive species. In addition to the description of novel microsatellite markers, this study sheds new light into the invasive process of Tubastraea.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Katia Cristina Cruz Capel
creator: Robert J. Toonen
creator: Caio T.C.C. Rachid
creator: Joel C. Creed
creator: Marcelo V. Kitahara
creator: Zac Forsman
creator: Carla Zilberberg
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Conservation Biology
subject: Ecology
subject: Genetics
subject: Marine Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.3873
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2017 Capel et al.
abstract: Although the invasive azooxanthellate corals Tubastraea coccinea and T. tagusensis are spreading quickly and outcompeting native species in the Atlantic Ocean, there is little information regarding the genetic structure and path of introduction for these species. Here we present the first data on genetic diversity and clonal structure from these two species using a new set of microsatellite markers. High proportions of clones were observed, indicating that asexual reproduction has a major role in the local population dynamics and, therefore, represents one of the main reasons for the invasion success. Although no significant population structure was found, results suggest the occurrence of multiple invasions for T. coccinea and also that both species are being transported along the coast by vectors such as oil platforms and monobouys, spreading these invasive species. In addition to the description of novel microsatellite markers, this study sheds new light into the invasive process of Tubastraea.
bibliographic citation: Capel et al. (2017) Clone wars: asexual reproduction dominates in the invasive range of Tubastraea spp. (Anthozoa: Scleractinia) in the South-Atlantic Ocean. PeerJ 5:e3873 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3873
date submitted: 2017-07-20
date accepted: 2017-09-09
issued: 2017-10-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Capel
  given name: Katia Cristina Cruz
author list: Agent
  family name: Toonen
  given name: Robert J.
author list: Agent
  family name: Rachid
  given name: Caio T.C.C.
author list: Agent
  family name: Creed
  given name: Joel C.
author list: Agent
  family name: Kitahara
  given name: Marcelo V.
author list: Agent
  family name: Forsman
  given name: Zac
author list: Agent
  family name: Zilberberg
  given name: Carla
doi: 10.7717/peerj.3873
volume: 5
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2017-10-05
copyright: ©2017 Capel et al.
attribution name: Capel et al.

New whaitsioids (Therapsida: Therocephalia) from the Teekloof Formation of South Africa and therocephalian diversity during the end-Guadalupian extinction
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Two new species of therocephalian therapsids are described from the upper Permian Teekloof Formation of the Karoo Basin, South Africa. They include two specimens of a whaitsiid, Microwhaitsia mendrezi gen. et sp. nov., and a single, small whaitsioid Ophidostoma tatarinovi gen. et sp. nov., which preserves a combination of primitive and apomorphic features. A phylogenetic analysis of 56 therapsid taxa and 136 craniodental and postcranial characters places the new taxa within the monophyletic sister group of baurioids—Whaitsioidea—with Microwhaitsia as a basal whaitsiid and Ophidostoma as an aberrant whaitsioid just outside the hofmeyriid+whaitsiid subclade. The new records support that whaitsioids were diverse during the early-late Permian (Wuchiapingian) and that the dichotomy between whaitsiid-line and baurioid-line eutherocephalians was established early on. The oldest Gondwanan whaitsiid Microwhaitsia and additional records from the lower strata of the Teekloof Formation suggest that whaitsioids had diversified by the early Wuchiapingian and no later than Pristerognathus Assemblage Zone times. Prior extinction estimates based on species counts are reflected in an analysis of origination/extinction rates, which imply increasing faunal turnover from Guadalupian to Lopingian (late Permian) times. The new records support a growing body of evidence that some key Lopingian synapsid clades originated near or prior to the Guadalupian-Lopingian boundary ca. 260–259 million years ago, but only radiated following the end-Guadalupian extinction of dinocephalians and basal therocephalian predators (long-fuse model). Ongoing collecting in older portions of the Teekloof Formation (e.g., Pristerognathus Assemblage Zone) will shed further light on early eutherocephalians during this murky but critical time in their evolutionary diversification.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Adam K. Huttenlocker
creator: Roger M.H. Smith
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Ecology
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Taxonomy
subject: Anatomy and Physiology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.3868
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2017 Huttenlocker and Smith
abstract: Two new species of therocephalian therapsids are described from the upper Permian Teekloof Formation of the Karoo Basin, South Africa. They include two specimens of a whaitsiid, Microwhaitsia mendrezi gen. et sp. nov., and a single, small whaitsioid Ophidostoma tatarinovi gen. et sp. nov., which preserves a combination of primitive and apomorphic features. A phylogenetic analysis of 56 therapsid taxa and 136 craniodental and postcranial characters places the new taxa within the monophyletic sister group of baurioids—Whaitsioidea—with Microwhaitsia as a basal whaitsiid and Ophidostoma as an aberrant whaitsioid just outside the hofmeyriid+whaitsiid subclade. The new records support that whaitsioids were diverse during the early-late Permian (Wuchiapingian) and that the dichotomy between whaitsiid-line and baurioid-line eutherocephalians was established early on. The oldest Gondwanan whaitsiid Microwhaitsia and additional records from the lower strata of the Teekloof Formation suggest that whaitsioids had diversified by the early Wuchiapingian and no later than Pristerognathus Assemblage Zone times. Prior extinction estimates based on species counts are reflected in an analysis of origination/extinction rates, which imply increasing faunal turnover from Guadalupian to Lopingian (late Permian) times. The new records support a growing body of evidence that some key Lopingian synapsid clades originated near or prior to the Guadalupian-Lopingian boundary ca. 260–259 million years ago, but only radiated following the end-Guadalupian extinction of dinocephalians and basal therocephalian predators (long-fuse model). Ongoing collecting in older portions of the Teekloof Formation (e.g., Pristerognathus Assemblage Zone) will shed further light on early eutherocephalians during this murky but critical time in their evolutionary diversification.
bibliographic citation: Huttenlocker et al. (2017) New whaitsioids (Therapsida: Therocephalia) from the Teekloof Formation of South Africa and therocephalian diversity during the end-Guadalupian extinction. PeerJ 5:e3868 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3868
date submitted: 2017-07-25
date accepted: 2017-09-08
issued: 2017-10-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Huttenlocker
  given name: Adam K.
author list: Agent
  family name: Smith
  given name: Roger M.H.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.3868
volume: 5
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2017-10-05
copyright: ©2017 Huttenlocker and Smith
attribution name: Huttenlocker and Smith

The Plasmodium berghei RC strain is highly diverged and harbors putatively novel drug resistance variants
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The current first line drugs for treating uncomplicated malaria are artemisinin (ART) combination therapies. However, Plasmodium falciparum parasites resistant to ART and partner drugs are spreading, which threatens malaria control efforts. Rodent malaria species are useful models for understanding antimalarial resistance, in particular genetic variants responsible for cross resistance to different compounds. Methods The Plasmodium berghei RC strain (PbRC) is described as resistant to different antimalarials, including chloroquine (CQ) and ART. In an attempt to identify the genetic basis for the antimalarial resistance trait in PbRC, its genome was sequenced and compared with five other previously sequenced P. berghei strains. Results We found that PbRC is eight-fold less sensitive to the ART derivative artesunate than the reference strain PbANKA. The genome of PbRC is markedly different from other strains, and 6,974 single nucleotide variants private to PbRC were identified. Among these PbRC private variants, non-synonymous changes were identified in genes known to modulate antimalarial sensitivity in rodent malaria species, including notably the ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase 1 gene. However, no variants were found in some genes with strong evidence of association with ART resistance in P. falciparum such as K13 propeller protein. Discussion The variants identified in PbRC provide insight into P. berghei genome diversity and genetic factors that could modulate CQ and ART resistance in Plasmodium spp.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Warangkhana Songsungthong
creator: Supasak Kulawonganunchai
creator: Alisa Wilantho
creator: Sissades Tongsima
creator: Pongpisid Koonyosying
creator: Chairat Uthaipibull
creator: Sumalee Kamchonwongpaisan
creator: Philip J. Shaw
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Genetics
subject: Genomics
subject: Microbiology
subject: Parasitology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.3766
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2017 Songsungthong et al.
abstract: Background The current first line drugs for treating uncomplicated malaria are artemisinin (ART) combination therapies. However, Plasmodium falciparum parasites resistant to ART and partner drugs are spreading, which threatens malaria control efforts. Rodent malaria species are useful models for understanding antimalarial resistance, in particular genetic variants responsible for cross resistance to different compounds. Methods The Plasmodium berghei RC strain (PbRC) is described as resistant to different antimalarials, including chloroquine (CQ) and ART. In an attempt to identify the genetic basis for the antimalarial resistance trait in PbRC, its genome was sequenced and compared with five other previously sequenced P. berghei strains. Results We found that PbRC is eight-fold less sensitive to the ART derivative artesunate than the reference strain PbANKA. The genome of PbRC is markedly different from other strains, and 6,974 single nucleotide variants private to PbRC were identified. Among these PbRC private variants, non-synonymous changes were identified in genes known to modulate antimalarial sensitivity in rodent malaria species, including notably the ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase 1 gene. However, no variants were found in some genes with strong evidence of association with ART resistance in P. falciparum such as K13 propeller protein. Discussion The variants identified in PbRC provide insight into P. berghei genome diversity and genetic factors that could modulate CQ and ART resistance in Plasmodium spp.
bibliographic citation: Songsungthong et al. (2017) The Plasmodium berghei RC strain is highly diverged and harbors putatively novel drug resistance variants. PeerJ 5:e3766 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3766
date submitted: 2017-06-28
date accepted: 2017-08-15
issued: 2017-10-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Songsungthong
  given name: Warangkhana
author list: Agent
  family name: Kulawonganunchai
  given name: Supasak
author list: Agent
  family name: Wilantho
  given name: Alisa
author list: Agent
  family name: Tongsima
  given name: Sissades
author list: Agent
  family name: Koonyosying
  given name: Pongpisid
author list: Agent
  family name: Uthaipibull
  given name: Chairat
author list: Agent
  family name: Kamchonwongpaisan
  given name: Sumalee
author list: Agent
  family name: Shaw
  given name: Philip J.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.3766
volume: 5
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2017-10-05
copyright: © 2017 Songsungthong et al.
attribution name: Songsungthong et al.

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