PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: The isolation and identification of pathogenic fungi from Tessaratoma papillosa Drury (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae)
items: Anti-apoptotic properties of carbon monoxide in porcine oocyte during in vitro aging
items: Effects of astragalus polysaccharide on the adhesion-related immune response of endothelial cells stimulated with CSFV in vitro
items: Enhanced conflict monitoring via a short-duration, video-assisted deep breathing in healthy young adults: an event-related potential approach through the Go/NoGo paradigm
items: Effects of invasion history on physiological responses to immune system activation in invasive Australian cane toads
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

The isolation and identification of pathogenic fungi from Tessaratoma papillosa Drury (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae)
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Litchi stink-bug, Tessaratoma papillosa Drury (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae), is one of the most widespread and destructive pest species on Litchi chinensis Sonn and Dimocarpus longan Lour in Southern China. Inappropriate use of chemical pesticides has resulted in serious environmental problems and food pollution. Generating an improved Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy for litchi stink-bug in orchard farming requires development of an effective biological control agent. Entomopathogenic fungi are regarded as a vital ecological factor in the suppression of pest populations under field conditions. With few effective fungi and pathogenic strains available to control litchi stink-bug, exploration of natural resources for promising entomopathogenic fungi is warranted. Methods & Results In this study, two pathogenic fungi were isolated from cadavers of adult T. papillosa. They were identified as Paecilomyces lilacinus and Beauveria bassiana by morphological identification and rDNA-ITS homogeneous analysis. Infection of T. papillosa with B. bassiana and P. lilacinus occurred initially from the antennae, metameres, and inter-segmental membranes. Biological tests showed that the two entomopathogenic fungi induced high mortality in 2nd and 5th instar nymphs of T. papillosa. B. bassiana was highly virulent on 2nd instar nymphs of T. papillosa, with values for cadaver rate, LC50 and LT50 of 88.89%, 1.92 × 107 conidia/mL and 4.34 days respectively. Discussion This study provides two valuable entomopathogenic fungi from T. papillosa. This finding suggests that the highly virulent P. lilacinus and B. bassiana play an important role in the biocontrol of T. papillosa in China. These pathogenic fungi had no pollution or residue risk, and could provide an alternative option for IPM of litchi stink-bug.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Xiang Meng
creator: Junjie Hu
creator: Gecheng Ouyang
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Entomology
subject: Microbiology
subject: Mycology
subject: Toxicology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.3888
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2017 Meng et al.
abstract: Background Litchi stink-bug, Tessaratoma papillosa Drury (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae), is one of the most widespread and destructive pest species on Litchi chinensis Sonn and Dimocarpus longan Lour in Southern China. Inappropriate use of chemical pesticides has resulted in serious environmental problems and food pollution. Generating an improved Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy for litchi stink-bug in orchard farming requires development of an effective biological control agent. Entomopathogenic fungi are regarded as a vital ecological factor in the suppression of pest populations under field conditions. With few effective fungi and pathogenic strains available to control litchi stink-bug, exploration of natural resources for promising entomopathogenic fungi is warranted. Methods & Results In this study, two pathogenic fungi were isolated from cadavers of adult T. papillosa. They were identified as Paecilomyces lilacinus and Beauveria bassiana by morphological identification and rDNA-ITS homogeneous analysis. Infection of T. papillosa with B. bassiana and P. lilacinus occurred initially from the antennae, metameres, and inter-segmental membranes. Biological tests showed that the two entomopathogenic fungi induced high mortality in 2nd and 5th instar nymphs of T. papillosa. B. bassiana was highly virulent on 2nd instar nymphs of T. papillosa, with values for cadaver rate, LC50 and LT50 of 88.89%, 1.92 × 107 conidia/mL and 4.34 days respectively. Discussion This study provides two valuable entomopathogenic fungi from T. papillosa. This finding suggests that the highly virulent P. lilacinus and B. bassiana play an important role in the biocontrol of T. papillosa in China. These pathogenic fungi had no pollution or residue risk, and could provide an alternative option for IPM of litchi stink-bug.
bibliographic citation: Meng et al. (2017) The isolation and identification of pathogenic fungi from Tessaratoma papillosa Drury (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae). PeerJ 5:e3888 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3888
date submitted: 2017-03-01
date accepted: 2017-09-13
issued: 2017-10-06
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Meng
  given name: Xiang
author list: Agent
  family name: Hu
  given name: Junjie
author list: Agent
  family name: Ouyang
  given name: Gecheng
doi: 10.7717/peerj.3888
volume: 5
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2017-10-06
copyright: ©2017 Meng et al.
attribution name: Meng et al.

Anti-apoptotic properties of carbon monoxide in porcine oocyte during in vitro aging
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: If fertilization of matured oocyte does not occur, unfertilized oocyte undergoes aging, resulting in a time-dependent reduction of the oocyte’s quality. The aging of porcine oocytes can lead to apoptosis. Carbon monoxide (CO), a signal molecule produced by the heme oxygenase (HO), possesses cytoprotective and anti-apoptotic effects that have been described in somatic cells. However, the effects of CO in oocytes have yet to be investigated. By immunocytochemistry method we detected that both isoforms of heme oxygenase (HO-1 and HO-2) are present in the porcine oocytes. Based on the morphological signs of oocyte aging, it was found that the inhibition of both HO isoforms by Zn-protoporphyrin IX (Zn-PP IX) leads to an increase in the number of apoptotic oocytes and decrease in the number of intact oocytes during aging. Contrarily, the presence of CO donors (CORM-2 or CORM-A1) significantly decrease the number of apoptotic oocytes while increasing the number of intact oocytes. We also determined that CO donors significantly decrease the caspase-3 (CAS-3) activity. Our results suggest that HO/CO contributes to the sustaining viability through regulation of apoptosis during in vitro aging of porcine oocytes.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: David Němeček
creator: Markéta Dvořáková
creator: Ivona Heroutová
creator: Eva Chmelíková
creator: Markéta Sedmíková
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Developmental Biology
subject: Veterinary Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.3876
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2017 Němeček et al.
abstract: If fertilization of matured oocyte does not occur, unfertilized oocyte undergoes aging, resulting in a time-dependent reduction of the oocyte’s quality. The aging of porcine oocytes can lead to apoptosis. Carbon monoxide (CO), a signal molecule produced by the heme oxygenase (HO), possesses cytoprotective and anti-apoptotic effects that have been described in somatic cells. However, the effects of CO in oocytes have yet to be investigated. By immunocytochemistry method we detected that both isoforms of heme oxygenase (HO-1 and HO-2) are present in the porcine oocytes. Based on the morphological signs of oocyte aging, it was found that the inhibition of both HO isoforms by Zn-protoporphyrin IX (Zn-PP IX) leads to an increase in the number of apoptotic oocytes and decrease in the number of intact oocytes during aging. Contrarily, the presence of CO donors (CORM-2 or CORM-A1) significantly decrease the number of apoptotic oocytes while increasing the number of intact oocytes. We also determined that CO donors significantly decrease the caspase-3 (CAS-3) activity. Our results suggest that HO/CO contributes to the sustaining viability through regulation of apoptosis during in vitro aging of porcine oocytes.
bibliographic citation: Němeček et al. (2017) Anti-apoptotic properties of carbon monoxide in porcine oocyte during in vitro aging. PeerJ 5:e3876 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3876
date submitted: 2017-04-04
date accepted: 2017-09-09
issued: 2017-10-06
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Němeček
  given name: David
author list: Agent
  family name: Dvořáková
  given name: Markéta
author list: Agent
  family name: Heroutová
  given name: Ivona
author list: Agent
  family name: Chmelíková
  given name: Eva
author list: Agent
  family name: Sedmíková
  given name: Markéta
doi: 10.7717/peerj.3876
volume: 5
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2017-10-06
copyright: ©2017 Němeček et al.
attribution name: Němeček et al.

Effects of astragalus polysaccharide on the adhesion-related immune response of endothelial cells stimulated with CSFV in vitro
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) has immunomodulatory activities on porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The immunomodulatory effects of APS on porcine endothelial cells (ECs) expose to classical swine fever virus (CSFV) remain unknown. Methods The virus was titrated using an indirect immune biotin enzyme standard method to confirm that porcine ECs were susceptible to CSFV infection and to determine the TCID50 of CSFV (C-strain). Porcine ECs were cultured with CSFV in the presence of APS. Relative quantitative PCR was used to assess the mRNA expression of factors that influence EC adhesion and immunity. Results The expression of adhesion factors mRNA increased following stimulation with CSFV; this effect was inhibited by pre-exposing the cells to APS. In addition, the expression of growth factors and some immune factors increased after infection with CSFV; this increase in tissue factor (TF), transforming growth factor (TGF-β), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) could be inhibited by the addition of APS. The immune response mediated by Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in ECs may be unregulated by CSFV as it was also inhibited by pre-treatment with APS. Discussion The addition of APS to the culture can obviously regulate the expression of molecules related to the adhesion, growth, and immune response of ECs, as well as the production of cytokines. Therefore, it may have the potential to be an effective component in vaccines against CSFV.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Zengyu Zhuge
creator: Yanpeng Dong
creator: Liuan Li
creator: Tianming Jin
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Veterinary Medicine
subject: Infectious Diseases
subject: Internal Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.3862
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2017 Zhuge et al.
abstract: Background Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) has immunomodulatory activities on porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The immunomodulatory effects of APS on porcine endothelial cells (ECs) expose to classical swine fever virus (CSFV) remain unknown. Methods The virus was titrated using an indirect immune biotin enzyme standard method to confirm that porcine ECs were susceptible to CSFV infection and to determine the TCID50 of CSFV (C-strain). Porcine ECs were cultured with CSFV in the presence of APS. Relative quantitative PCR was used to assess the mRNA expression of factors that influence EC adhesion and immunity. Results The expression of adhesion factors mRNA increased following stimulation with CSFV; this effect was inhibited by pre-exposing the cells to APS. In addition, the expression of growth factors and some immune factors increased after infection with CSFV; this increase in tissue factor (TF), transforming growth factor (TGF-β), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) could be inhibited by the addition of APS. The immune response mediated by Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in ECs may be unregulated by CSFV as it was also inhibited by pre-treatment with APS. Discussion The addition of APS to the culture can obviously regulate the expression of molecules related to the adhesion, growth, and immune response of ECs, as well as the production of cytokines. Therefore, it may have the potential to be an effective component in vaccines against CSFV.
bibliographic citation: Zhuge et al. (2017) Effects of astragalus polysaccharide on the adhesion-related immune response of endothelial cells stimulated with CSFV in vitro. PeerJ 5:e3862 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3862
date submitted: 2017-06-10
date accepted: 2017-09-07
issued: 2017-10-06
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhuge
  given name: Zengyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Dong
  given name: Yanpeng
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Liuan
author list: Agent
  family name: Jin
  given name: Tianming
doi: 10.7717/peerj.3862
volume: 5
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2017-10-06
copyright: ©2017 Zhuge et al.
attribution name: Zhuge et al.

Enhanced conflict monitoring via a short-duration, video-assisted deep breathing in healthy young adults: an event-related potential approach through the Go/NoGo paradigm
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Objectives Practitioners of mindfulness are reported to have greater cognitive control especially in conflict monitoring, response inhibition and sustained attention. However, due to the various existing methods in each mindfulness practices and also, the high commitment factor, a barrier still exists for an individual to pick up the practices. Therefore, the effect of short duration deep breathing on the cognitive control is investigated here. Methods Short duration guided deep breathing videos consisting of 5, 7 and 9 min respectively were created and used on subjects training. The effect on cognitive control was assessed using a Go/NoGo task along with event-related potential (ERP) measurements at Fz, Cz, and Pz. Results From the study, the significant outcome showed at the follow-up session in which participants engaged for 5 min deep breathing group showed a profound NoGo N2 amplitude increment as compared to the control group, indicating an enhanced conflict monitoring ability. An inverse relationship between the NoGo N2 amplitude and the breathing duration is observed as well at the follow-up session. Conclusion These results indicated the possibility of performing short duration deep breathing guided by a video to achieve an enhanced conflict monitoring as an alternative to other mindfulness practices and 5 min is found to be the optimum practice duration. Significant This study is the first to establish a relationship between deep breathing and conflict monitoring through ERP. The study population of young adults taken from the same environment reduces the variance in ERP results due to age and environment. Limitation A larger sample size would provide a greater statistical power. A longer duration of deep breathing should be investigated to further clarify the relationship between the practice duration and the NoGo N2 amplitude. The result can be split by gender and analyzed separately due to the different brain structure of males and females.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Kok Suen Cheng
creator: Yun Fah Chang
creator: Ray P.S. Han
creator: Poh Foong Lee
subject: Neuroscience
subject: Respiratory Medicine
subject: Computational Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.3857
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2017 Cheng et al.
abstract: Objectives Practitioners of mindfulness are reported to have greater cognitive control especially in conflict monitoring, response inhibition and sustained attention. However, due to the various existing methods in each mindfulness practices and also, the high commitment factor, a barrier still exists for an individual to pick up the practices. Therefore, the effect of short duration deep breathing on the cognitive control is investigated here. Methods Short duration guided deep breathing videos consisting of 5, 7 and 9 min respectively were created and used on subjects training. The effect on cognitive control was assessed using a Go/NoGo task along with event-related potential (ERP) measurements at Fz, Cz, and Pz. Results From the study, the significant outcome showed at the follow-up session in which participants engaged for 5 min deep breathing group showed a profound NoGo N2 amplitude increment as compared to the control group, indicating an enhanced conflict monitoring ability. An inverse relationship between the NoGo N2 amplitude and the breathing duration is observed as well at the follow-up session. Conclusion These results indicated the possibility of performing short duration deep breathing guided by a video to achieve an enhanced conflict monitoring as an alternative to other mindfulness practices and 5 min is found to be the optimum practice duration. Significant This study is the first to establish a relationship between deep breathing and conflict monitoring through ERP. The study population of young adults taken from the same environment reduces the variance in ERP results due to age and environment. Limitation A larger sample size would provide a greater statistical power. A longer duration of deep breathing should be investigated to further clarify the relationship between the practice duration and the NoGo N2 amplitude. The result can be split by gender and analyzed separately due to the different brain structure of males and females.
bibliographic citation: Cheng et al. (2017) Enhanced conflict monitoring via a short-duration, video-assisted deep breathing in healthy young adults: an event-related potential approach through the Go/NoGo paradigm. PeerJ 5:e3857 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3857
date submitted: 2017-07-12
date accepted: 2017-09-06
issued: 2017-10-06
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Cheng
  given name: Kok Suen
author list: Agent
  family name: Chang
  given name: Yun Fah
author list: Agent
  family name: Han
  given name: Ray P.S.
author list: Agent
  family name: Lee
  given name: Poh Foong
doi: 10.7717/peerj.3857
volume: 5
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2017-10-06
copyright: ©2017 Cheng et al.
attribution name: Cheng et al.

Effects of invasion history on physiological responses to immune system activation in invasive Australian cane toads
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The cane toad (Rhinella marina) has undergone rapid evolution during its invasion of tropical Australia. Toads from invasion front populations (in Western Australia) have been reported to exhibit a stronger baseline phagocytic immune response than do conspecifics from range core populations (in Queensland). To explore this difference, we injected wild-caught toads from both areas with the experimental antigen lipopolysaccharide (LPS, to mimic bacterial infection) and measured whole-blood phagocytosis. Because the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is stimulated by infection (and may influence immune responses), we measured glucocorticoid response through urinary corticosterone levels. Relative to injection of a control (phosphate-buffered saline), LPS injection increased both phagocytosis and the proportion of neutrophils in the blood. However, responses were similar in toads from both populations. This null result may reflect the ubiquity of bacterial risks across the toad’s invaded range; utilization of this immune pathway may not have altered during the process of invasion. LPS injection also induced a reduction in urinary corticosterone levels, perhaps as a result of chronic stress.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Daniel Selechnik
creator: Andrea J. West
creator: Gregory P. Brown
creator: Kerry V. Fanson
creator: BriAnne Addison
creator: Lee A. Rollins
creator: Richard Shine
subject: Ecology
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Zoology
subject: Immunology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.3856
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2017 Selechnik et al.
abstract: The cane toad (Rhinella marina) has undergone rapid evolution during its invasion of tropical Australia. Toads from invasion front populations (in Western Australia) have been reported to exhibit a stronger baseline phagocytic immune response than do conspecifics from range core populations (in Queensland). To explore this difference, we injected wild-caught toads from both areas with the experimental antigen lipopolysaccharide (LPS, to mimic bacterial infection) and measured whole-blood phagocytosis. Because the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is stimulated by infection (and may influence immune responses), we measured glucocorticoid response through urinary corticosterone levels. Relative to injection of a control (phosphate-buffered saline), LPS injection increased both phagocytosis and the proportion of neutrophils in the blood. However, responses were similar in toads from both populations. This null result may reflect the ubiquity of bacterial risks across the toad’s invaded range; utilization of this immune pathway may not have altered during the process of invasion. LPS injection also induced a reduction in urinary corticosterone levels, perhaps as a result of chronic stress.
bibliographic citation: Selechnik et al. (2017) Effects of invasion history on physiological responses to immune system activation in invasive Australian cane toads. PeerJ 5:e3856 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3856
date submitted: 2017-08-04
date accepted: 2017-09-06
issued: 2017-10-06
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Selechnik
  given name: Daniel
author list: Agent
  family name: West
  given name: Andrea J.
author list: Agent
  family name: Brown
  given name: Gregory P.
author list: Agent
  family name: Fanson
  given name: Kerry V.
author list: Agent
  family name: Addison
  given name: BriAnne
author list: Agent
  family name: Rollins
  given name: Lee A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Shine
  given name: Richard
doi: 10.7717/peerj.3856
volume: 5
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2017-10-06
copyright: © 2017 Selechnik et al.
attribution name: Selechnik et al.

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.

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