A single-center retrospective study of ectopic lymphoid tissues in idiopathic membranous nephropathy: clinical pathological characteristics and prognostic value
Background In recent years, ectopic lymphoid tissue (ELT) has been increasingly confirmed as a new biomarker for kidney injury or inflammation. However, there is insufficient research on the relationship between ELT grading and the progression of idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN). Methods A total of 147 patients with biopsy-proven IMN in our institution from March 2020 to June 2022 were classified into five grades based on the different distribution of lymphocyte subsets in renal tissue (G0: no B cells or T cells, G1: scattered B and T cells, G2: clustered B and T cells, G3: an aggregation region of B and T cells without a central network, G4: highly organized and formed zones of B and T cells with a central network of follicular dendritic cells and scattered macrophages), and were further divided into low-grade group (G0+G1), intermediate-grade group (G2) and high-grade group (G3+G4). The clinicopathological data, induction treatment response and prognosis among the three groups were analyzed and compared retrospectively. Results As the grading of ectopic lymphoid tissues increased, patients were older, with a higher prevalence of hypertension, a higher 24-h urinary protein level, lower baseline hemoglobin and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels, and more severe renal pathological damage. Logistic regression analysis showed that after 6 months of induction treatment, patients in the high-grade group were more likely to be in non-remission than those in the low-grade group (odds ratios [ORs] of the three adjusted models were 4.310, 4.239, and 5.088, respectively, P-values were 0.005, 0.006, and 0.001, respectively). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that patients in the intermediate- and high-grade groups had significantly lower renal cumulative survival rate than those in the low-grade group (P = 0.025). Univariate Cox analysis showed that the risk of adverse renal outcome was 3.662 times higher in the intermediate- and high-grade groups than in the low-grade group (95% confidence interval [CI] [1.078–12.435]; P = 0.037). Multivariate Cox analysis revealed that failure of remission at the first 6 months (hazard ratio [HR] = 5.769; 95% CI [1.854–17.950]; P = 0.002) remained an independent risk factor for poor renal outcome in patients with IMN. Conclusions Grading of renal ectopic lymphoid tissues correlates with disease activity and severity in IMN patients and can be used as an indicator to assess the risk of IMN progression.
Zhang et al. (2024) A single-center retrospective study of ectopic lymphoid tissues in idiopathic membranous nephropathy: clinical pathological characteristics and prognostic value. PeerJ 12:e18703 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18703
Association of vaccine intention against COVID-19 using the 5C Scale and its constructs: a Pima County, Arizona cross-sectional survey
Background Vaccine hesitancy has been ranked as one of the top 10 threats to global health by the World Health Organization. The 5C model (Confidence, Calculation of risk, Complacency, Collective Responsibility, and Constraints) and an accompanying tool to measure vaccine hesitancy, summarize several significant explanatory variables, and move beyond the most common explanatory variable, Confidence. Methods From January to May 2021, we administered a cross-sectional survey among adults in Pima County, Arizona in collaboration with the local health department to assess psychological antecedents to (i.e., psychological factors that lead to) COVID-19 vaccination using the 5C Scale. Participants were recruited virtually for the survey using multiple recruitment methods. Unadjusted and adjusted hierarchical ordinal logistic regressions were conducted to determine if the 5C variables had an association with intention to vaccinate (or intent to vaccinate) against COVID-19. Results Of the 1,823 participants who responded to the survey, 924 (76%) were included in the final analyses. Respondents were White (71%), non-Hispanic (59%), Female (68%), Liberal (37%) and Married (46%). The average age of the participants was 43.9 (±1.3) years. Based on the 5C Scale, Confidence (adjOR:3.64, CI [3.08–4.29]), Collective Responsibility (adjOR:1.94, CI [1.57–2.39]) and Complacency (adjOR:0.64, CI [0.51–0.80]) were significantly associated with intention to vaccinate against COVID-19. Conclusion Three of the five 5C variables were associated with the intention to vaccinate, two positively and one negatively. A limitation of the study was that the sample was not weighted to be representative of Pima County. Future research should focus on determining which interventions can bolster Confidence and Collective Responsibility attitudes in communities, while dampening Complacency, to better promote vaccine uptake.
Block Ngaybe et al. (2024) Association of vaccine intention against COVID-19 using the 5C Scale and its constructs: a Pima County, Arizona cross-sectional survey. PeerJ 12:e18316 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18316
Improvement of contact lens-associated dry eye disease with the use of hydrogen peroxide
Background The dropout rate of contact lens users has not decreased significantly over the years. Despite continuous improvements in contact lens (CL) designs, materials and surface treatments, the number of CL users who drop out remains similar to the number of new CL users. The aim of this study is to analyse the improvement in contact lens-associated dry eye disease (CLADE), quantified with the OSDI questionnaire when changing maintenance system solution from multipurpose solution to hydrogen peroxide. Methods This study included contact lens users for over a year as the multipurpose solution for the maintenance system, suffering from CLADE, and those who scored over 13 in the ocular surface disease index questionnaire, and did not manifest any clinical signs over 3 in the EFRON scale. The non-parametric data distribution was verified with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test, which was used to compare the visual acuity (VA), OSDI score and bulbar redness (EFRON scale) of the follow-up visit against the baseline value. Results Thirty-eight patients were included. Analysing the clinical parameters between the initial and final visit after one month of hydrogen peroxide use, a statistically significant improvement was found in the VA, bulbar hyperemia, OSDI scale and their subscales of the total sample (P < 0.04). Conclusion This study is intended as a first step towards a standardised protocol of actions to improve CLADE in an attempt to reduce contact lens dropout using OSDI as a tool for detection.
Castro et al. (2024) Improvement of contact lens-associated dry eye disease with the use of hydrogen peroxide. PeerJ 12:e18482 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18482
The motivation to inform others: a field experiment with wild chimpanzees
Background Accumulating evidence indicates that some ape species produce more alarm behaviors to potential dangers when in the presence of uninformed conspecifics. However, since previous studies presented naturalistic stimuli, the influence of prior experience could not be controlled for. Method To examine this, we investigated whether apes (wild chimpanzees of the Budongo Forest, Uganda) would communicate differently about a novel danger (an unusually large spider) depending on whether they were with an uniformed conspecific. We tested nine adult males, four of which were exposed to the danger twice alone (Non-Social group), while the remaining five were exposed to the danger first alone and then in the presence of conspecifics (Social group). Results We found that both alarm calling and gaze marking (i.e., persistent gaze after stimulus detection) were more persistent in the Social than Non-Social group, although the effect of condition only reached statistical significance for gaze marking, nonetheless suggesting that chimpanzees tailored their warning behavior to the presence of others, even if they were already familiar with the potential threat.
Taylor et al. (2024) The motivation to inform others: a field experiment with wild chimpanzees. PeerJ 12:e18498 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18498
A review of fossil scorpion higher systematics
Scorpions (Arachnida: Scorpiones) are a diverse and widespread arachnid order with a rich and deep fossil record. Here we review the, sometimes complex, historical development of fossil scorpion higher classification. We present a chronological account of family and genus names, together with an overview of higher taxa as potential clade names. In 1884 Thorell & Lindström divided scorpions based on whether the legs were short and pointed (Apoxypoda) or ended in paired claws (Dionychopoda). Pocock in 1911 used the morphology of the ventral mesosomal sclerites, which could either be bilobed (Lobosterni) or of a modern configuration (Orthosterni). Petrunkevitch in 1949 attached importance to a putative first opisthosomal tergite being present (Protoscorpionina) or absent (Euscorpionina). Kjellesvig-Waering in 1986 recognised four major groups (Holosternina, Meristosternina, Lobosternina and Bilobosternina) based on the shape of the ventral mesosomal sclerites. The Stockwell/Jeram schemes from the 1980s and 1990s proposed a cladistic progression from early branching lineages, for which the names Protoscorpiones and Palaeoscorpiones were used, towards Scorpiones sensu stricto defined by the presence of book lungs and coxapophyses. Scorpiones was further divided into Mesoscorpionina and Neoscorpionina. Neoscorpions were characterised by a reduced number of lateral eye lenses and comprise the paleosterns, with marginal lung spiracles, and orthosterns with spiracles in the middle of the sternite. We briefly discuss the merits of these alternatives and present a summary of the current higher classification of scorpions. Forty-three extinct family groups are currently recognised, and of the 24 living families seven have fossil representatives. Including incertae sedis taxa, there are 76 extinct genera and five extant genera with fossil representatives. Both modern parvorders, Buthida and Iurida, were potentially present in the Triassic. Buthidae, Chaerilidae, Chactidae and perhaps Hormuridae have been reported from the Cretaceous. Euscorpiidae are known from the Palaeogene and Scorpionidae has potential (but unconfirmed) records from the Neogene. Given the complexity of this history and the present taxonomy of the group, we hope this contribution provides a first step towards simplifying fossil scorpion systematics.
Dunlop et al. (2024) A review of fossil scorpion higher systematics. PeerJ 12:e18557 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18557
Nonlinear relationship between circulating natural killer cell count and 1-year relapse rates in myasthenia gravis: a retrospective cohort study
Background The relapse rate in myasthenia gravis (MG) is high, and promising therapies have emerged; however, identifying potential predictive factors for relapse remains a challenge. This study aimed to explore the association between circulating natural killer (NK) cell levels and the risk of recurrence in MG. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 265 patients with MG whose data were included in the Neurology Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University database between March 2015 and March 2022. Data from electronic medical records were collected, which included the patients’ circulating NK cell count (exposure variable) and demographic/clinical characteristics (covariates). The primary outcome was the 1-year MG recurrence rate. Results The study revealed a non-linear relationship between peripheral NK cell count and MG recurrence, with an inflection point at 5.38. Below this threshold, the risk of recurrence was low with higher NK cell counts (relative risk (RR): 0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.11–0.490]); above this threshold, no significant association was observed (RR: 1.43, 95% CI [0.62–3.34]). Furthermore, the NK cell proportion showed no significant linear or non-linear association with MG recurrence risk (RR: 0.84, 95% CI [0.57–1.2]). Conclusion This study provides epidemiological evidence of a potential association between peripheral NK cell count and MG recurrence risk, suggesting an immunoregulatory protective effect within a specific NK cell count range. These findings may inform more personalized MG treatment strategies, warranting further validation in larger and more diverse cohorts.
Zhang et al. (2024) Nonlinear relationship between circulating natural killer cell count and 1-year relapse rates in myasthenia gravis: a retrospective cohort study. PeerJ 12:e18562 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18562
Evidence of prostate cancer-linked virus zoonoses from biophysical genomic variations
An ongoing double-blind examination of (mathematically) smooth functional dependences of population-based genomic distributions of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on quantified environmental parameters has flagged a SNP that has been associated with prostate cancer for dependence on zoonotic viruses. The SNP rs13091518 is an intergenic variant near the gene/pseudo-gene COX6CP6 on chromosome 3. The risk T allele, which is the major allele in all homeostatic populations considered, clearly demonstrates a negative adaptive force of about −0.1 universal genomic energy units/zoonotic virus unit. This biophysical perspective has thus provided evidence for a causative relationship between zoonotic viruses and prostate cancer. Our findings are consistent with other studies that have found an association between several zoonotic viruses and prostate cancer. This result demonstrates the significance of an intergenic variant in the adaptive response to a viral zoonotic pathogen.
Alsufyani et al. (2024) Evidence of prostate cancer-linked virus zoonoses from biophysical genomic variations. PeerJ 12:e18583 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18583
Upregulation of HPV16E1 and E7 expression and FOXO3a mRNA downregulation in high-grade cervical neoplasia
Background Cervical cancer remains a significant global health concern, ranking as the fourth most prevalent cancer among women worldwide. Human papillomaviruses (HPV) transcribe many genes that might be responsible for cervical cancer development. This study aims to investigate the correlation between the expression of HPV16 early genes and the mRNA expression of human FOXO3a, a tumor suppressor gene, in association with various stages of cervical precancerous lesions. Methods Eighty-five positive HPV16 DNA cervical swab samples were recruited and categorized based on cytology stages, i.e., negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM), atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), atypical squamous cell cannot exclude HSIL (ASC-H), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). RT-qPCR was performed to amplify HPV16E1, E4, E6, E6*I, E7, and human FOXO3a mRNA expression in all samples. The relative expression of those genes was calculated using GAPDH as a control. Detection of FOXO3a mRNA expression in the cervical cancer cell line by RT-qPCR and meta-analysis of FOXO3a expression using the RNA-Seq dataset by GEPIA2 were analyzed to support the conclusions. Results Among the cervical samples, HPV16E1 and E7 were significantly increased expression correlating to disease severity. HPV16E4 mRNA expression was 100% detected in all LSIL samples, with a significant increase observed from normal to LSIL stages. Conversely, FOXO3a mRNA expression decreased with disease severity, and the lowest expression was observed in HSIL/squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) samples. In addition, similar results of FOXO3a downregulation were also found in the cervical cancer cell line and RNA-Seq dataset of cervical cancer samples. Conclusion HPV16 early mRNA levels, including E1 and E7, increase during cancer progression, and downregulation of FOXO3a mRNA is a characteristic of cervical cancer cells and HSIL/SCC. Additionally, HPV16E4 mRNA expression was consistently detected in all LSIL samples, suggesting the presence of active viral replication. These findings might lead to further investigation into the interplay between HPV gene expression and host cell factors for targeted therapeutic strategies in cervical cancer management.
Sasivimolrattana et al. (2024) Upregulation of HPV16E1 and E7 expression and FOXO3a mRNA downregulation in high-grade cervical neoplasia. PeerJ 12:e18601 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18601
Health status and morphometrics of Galápagos magnificent frigatebirds (Fregata magnificens magnificens) determined by hematology, biochemistry, blood gas, and physical examination
The magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens; MFB) is a widely distributed seabird. It has breeding areas in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean (extending along Central America up to Baja California) (Schreiber & Burger, 2001). The Fregata magnificens magnificens (MFB-Gal) subspecies is native to the Galápagos Islands. This is the first-time hematology and blood chemistry parameters have been published for the F. m. magnificens (MFB-Gal) from the Galápagos Islands. Analysis was run on blood samples drawn from n = 16 adult MFB-Gal captured by hand at their nests at North Seymour and Daphne Major Islands in the Galápagos Islands (n = 10 MFB-Gal in June 2017 and n = 6 MFB-Gal in July 2022). There were ten female birds and six male birds in total. A portable blood analyzer (iSTAT) was used to obtain near immediate field results for total carbon dioxide (TCO2), hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), ionized calcium (iCa), total protein (TP), anion gap and glucose. Blood lactate was measured using a portable Lactate Plus™ analyzer. Average heart rate, respiratory rate, body weight, body temperature, biochemistry and hematology parameters were comparable to healthy individuals of other Fregatidae of the same species (magnificent frigatebird subspecies from Brazil, Fregata magnificens, likely F. m. rothschildi) or similar species (great frigatebird, Fregata minor, from the Galápagos Islands). There were some statistically significant differences between the males and females F. m. magnificens (MFB-Gal) in the Galápagos, including bill depth, bill width, wing length, weight, and chloride blood value. The reported results provide baseline data that can be used for comparisons among populations and in detecting changes in health status among Galápagos magnificent frigatebirds and other populations of magnificent frigatebirds.
Guzmán et al. (2024) Health status and morphometrics of Galápagos magnificent frigatebirds (Fregata magnificens magnificens) determined by hematology, biochemistry, blood gas, and physical examination. PeerJ 12:e18609 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18609
The use of phosphate rock and plant growth promoting microorganisms for the management of Urochloa decumbens (Stapf.) R.D. Webster in acidic soils
Background Forage production in tropical soils is primarily limited by nutrient deficiencies, especially nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). The use of phosphate rock by plants is limited by its low and slow P availability and microbial phosphate solubilization is the main mechanism for P bioavailability in the soil-root system. The objectives of this study were (i) select a nitrogen-fixing bacteria which could be used as a co-inoculant with the Penicillium rugulosum IR94MF1 phosphate-solubilizing fungus and (ii) evaluate under field conditions the effect of inoculation combined with phosphate rock (PR) application on yield and nutrient absorption of a Urochloa decumbens pasture which was previously established in a low-fertility, acidic soil. Methods Various laboratory and greenhouse tests allowed for the selection of Enterobacter cloacae C17 as the co-inoculant bacteria with the IR94MF1 fungus. Later, under field conditions, a factorial, completely randomized block design was used to evaluate the inoculation with the IR94MF1 fungus, the IR94MF1+C17 co-inoculation, and a non-inoculated control. Two levels of fertilization with PR treatment (0 kg/ha and 200 kg/ha P2O5) were applied to each. Results During five consecutive harvests it was observed that the addition of biofertilizers significantly increased (p < 0.05) the herbage mass and N and P assimilation compared to the non-inoculated control. However, no statistically significant differences were observed for the PR application as P source. Conclusion P. rugulosum IR94MF1 is capable of solubilizing and accumulating P from the phosphate rock, making it available for plants growing in acid soils with low N content. These inoculants represent a good option as biofertilizers for tropical grasses already established in acidic soils with low N content.
Barbosa et al. (2024) The use of phosphate rock and plant growth promoting microorganisms for the management of Urochloa decumbens (Stapf.) R.D. Webster in acidic soils. PeerJ 12:e18610 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18610