PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Ultrasonographic modeling of lung and diaphragm mechanics: clinical trial of a novel non-invasive method to evaluate pre-operative pulmonary function
items: Ferroptosis and its impact on common diseases
items: Diversity analysis of microorganisms on the surface of four summer fruit varieties in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China
items: A novel model based on clinical and computed tomography (CT) indices to predict the risk factors of postoperative major complications in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy
items: Comparative meta-analysis of cold snare polypectomy and endoscopic mucosal resection for colorectal polyps: assessing efficacy and safety
items: Bone histology and growth curve of the earliest ceratopsian Yinlong downsi from the Upper Jurassic of Junggar Basin, Northwest China
items: Flipped classroom-based application of Peyton’s four-step approach in standardized training of ultrasound residents for thyroid and cervical lymph node zoning
items: Different prevalence and spectrum of malignancy between Chinese patients and American patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a comparative study
items: Comparative analysis of Hymenasplenium (Aspleniaceae) chloroplast genomes from China
items: The effect of varying thicknesses of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine as apical plugs on the fracture resistance of teeth with simulated open apices: a comparative in vitro study

Ultrasonographic modeling of lung and diaphragm mechanics: clinical trial of a novel non-invasive method to evaluate pre-operative pulmonary function
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Pre-operative pulmonary function testing (PFT) plays a key role in predicting postoperative complications or functional impairment. However, PFT requires the subject and examiner to cooperate and the results are influenced by both technical and personal factors. In contrast, the use of ultrasound (US) for structural and functional assessments of the lungs and diaphragm is on the rise, as it requires minimal patient cooperation. Dyspnea is mainly caused by lung or pleural lesions but may also be caused by weak respiratory muscles. As the diaphragm is a primary respiratory muscle, combining lung ultrasonography (LUS) with diaphragm ultrasound (DUS) may enable a more comprehensive assessement of pulmonary function. This study aims to introduce a novel approach for assessing pulmonary function using a mathematical model based on LUS and DUS. Methods This prospective study was performed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University between June 2021 and December 2021, 208 patients were recruited and underwent PFT, LUS, and DUS examinations. An experienced physician, blinded to the clinical history and PFT results, performed LUS and DUS and explored the correlations between a mathematical model (ultrasonographic modeling score (U-score)) using LUS combined with DUS and pulmonary function parameters. Univariate, multivariate, and logistic regression analyses were also performed. Results According to the univariate and multivariable analysis, diaphragm thickness fraction in deep breathing (D-DTF) (odds ratio (OR), 0.88; 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.83–0.94]; P < 0.001), and LUS score (OR, 1.44; 95% CI [1.16–1.80]; P < 0.001) were each independently associated with pulmonary function. According to the logistics equation, a U-score of −0.126 × D-DTF + 0.368 × LUS score was produced. The U-score showed a more significant negative correlation with forced expiratory volume in the first second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) (r = −0.605, P < 0.001) than t…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Tianyuan Li
creator: Xiong-zhi Wu
creator: Dingde Long
creator: Huan Fu
creator: Suping Guo
creator: Fen Liu
subject: Anesthesiology and Pain Management
subject: Clinical Trials
subject: Radiology and Medical Imaging
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18677
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Li et al.
abstract: Background Pre-operative pulmonary function testing (PFT) plays a key role in predicting postoperative complications or functional impairment. However, PFT requires the subject and examiner to cooperate and the results are influenced by both technical and personal factors. In contrast, the use of ultrasound (US) for structural and functional assessments of the lungs and diaphragm is on the rise, as it requires minimal patient cooperation. Dyspnea is mainly caused by lung or pleural lesions but may also be caused by weak respiratory muscles. As the diaphragm is a primary respiratory muscle, combining lung ultrasonography (LUS) with diaphragm ultrasound (DUS) may enable a more comprehensive assessement of pulmonary function. This study aims to introduce a novel approach for assessing pulmonary function using a mathematical model based on LUS and DUS. Methods This prospective study was performed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University between June 2021 and December 2021, 208 patients were recruited and underwent PFT, LUS, and DUS examinations. An experienced physician, blinded to the clinical history and PFT results, performed LUS and DUS and explored the correlations between a mathematical model (ultrasonographic modeling score (U-score)) using LUS combined with DUS and pulmonary function parameters. Univariate, multivariate, and logistic regression analyses were also performed. Results According to the univariate and multivariable analysis, diaphragm thickness fraction in deep breathing (D-DTF) (odds ratio (OR), 0.88; 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.83–0.94]; P < 0.001), and LUS score (OR, 1.44; 95% CI [1.16–1.80]; P < 0.001) were each independently associated with pulmonary function. According to the logistics equation, a U-score of −0.126 × D-DTF + 0.368 × LUS score was produced. The U-score showed a more significant negative correlation with forced expiratory volume in the first second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) (r = −0.605, P < 0.001) than t…
bibliographic citation: Li et al. (2024) Ultrasonographic modeling of lung and diaphragm mechanics: clinical trial of a novel non-invasive method to evaluate pre-operative pulmonary function. PeerJ 12:e18677 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18677
date submitted: 2024-08-31
date accepted: 2024-11-19
issued: 2024-12-19
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Tianyuan
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Xiong-zhi
author list: Agent
  family name: Long
  given name: Dingde
author list: Agent
  family name: Fu
  given name: Huan
author list: Agent
  family name: Guo
  given name: Suping
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Fen
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18677
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-12-19
copyright: © 2024 Li et al.
attribution name: Li et al.

Ferroptosis and its impact on common diseases
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Ferroptosis is a novel form of programmed cell death characterized by iron accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and a decline in antioxidant capacity, all of which are regulated by gene expression. The onset of numerous diseases is closely associated with ferroptosis. Common diseases affect a large population, reduce the quality of life, and impose an increased burden on the healthcare system. The role of ferroptosis in common diseases, its therapeutic potential, and even its translation into clinical drug treatments are currently significant research topics worldwide. This study preliminarily explores the theoretical basis of ferroptosis, its mechanism and treatment prospect in common diseases including ischaemia-reperfusion injury, inflammatory bowel diseases, liver fibrosis, acute kidney injury, diabetic kidney disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, immune and cancer. This review provides a theoretical foundation for the further study and development of ferroptosis, as well as for the prevention and treatment of common diseases.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Pengjian Zou
creator: Qiuming He
creator: Huimin Xia
creator: Wei Zhong
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Molecular Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18708
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Zou et al.
abstract: Ferroptosis is a novel form of programmed cell death characterized by iron accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and a decline in antioxidant capacity, all of which are regulated by gene expression. The onset of numerous diseases is closely associated with ferroptosis. Common diseases affect a large population, reduce the quality of life, and impose an increased burden on the healthcare system. The role of ferroptosis in common diseases, its therapeutic potential, and even its translation into clinical drug treatments are currently significant research topics worldwide. This study preliminarily explores the theoretical basis of ferroptosis, its mechanism and treatment prospect in common diseases including ischaemia-reperfusion injury, inflammatory bowel diseases, liver fibrosis, acute kidney injury, diabetic kidney disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, immune and cancer. This review provides a theoretical foundation for the further study and development of ferroptosis, as well as for the prevention and treatment of common diseases.
bibliographic citation: Zou et al. (2024) Ferroptosis and its impact on common diseases. PeerJ 12:e18708 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18708
date submitted: 2024-09-06
date accepted: 2024-11-23
issued: 2024-12-19
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
author list: Agent
  family name: Zou
  given name: Pengjian
author list: Agent
  family name: He
  given name: Qiuming
author list: Agent
  family name: Xia
  given name: Huimin
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhong
  given name: Wei
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18708
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-12-19
copyright: © 2024 Zou et al.
attribution name: Zou et al.

Diversity analysis of microorganisms on the surface of four summer fruit varieties in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Improper storage of post-harvest fruits leads to significant losses, especially due to microbial-induced decay. Understanding the naturally occurring microbial communities on fruit surfaces and their functions is the first step in the development of new strategies for controlling post-harvest fruit decay. These new strategies could generate significant economic value by improving fruit preservation and extending the shelf-life of fruit. In the present study, 16S rRNA and ITS high-throughput sequencing technologies were used to analyze the diversity and composition of microorganisms on the surfaces of four different fruit varieties: three plum varieties and one apple variety, all from the same orchard in Donghe District, Baotou City, China. The results displayed no notable difference in bacterial diversity on the surfaces of the four varieties of fruits (P > 0.05), but there were significant differences in fungal diversity (P < 0.05). The most abundant bacterial phyla detected on the fruit surfaces were Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, and Firmicutes; the most abundant fungal phyla were Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mortierellomycota. Though microbial compositions on the fruit surfaces differed between the fruits, the surface microbial community structure of the three plum varieties exhibited higher similarity, indicating that fruit type is a key factor influencing the composition of surface microorganisms. There were also differences in the epidermal microbial community composition between the fruits involved in this study and fruits of the same species reported from other regions, suggesting that geographical factors also play a critical role in microbial composition. The correlation analysis revealed significant associations between the microorganisms with the highest abundance on the surface of the fruits, suggesting the existence of symbiotic and mutualistic relationships between these microorganisms, but the specific mechanisms behind these relationships need to …
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Shan He
creator: Li Gao
creator: Zhuomin Zhang
creator: Zhihui Ming
creator: Fang Gao
creator: Shuyi Ma
creator: Mingxin Zou
subject: Food Science and Technology
subject: Microbiology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18752
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 He et al.
abstract: Improper storage of post-harvest fruits leads to significant losses, especially due to microbial-induced decay. Understanding the naturally occurring microbial communities on fruit surfaces and their functions is the first step in the development of new strategies for controlling post-harvest fruit decay. These new strategies could generate significant economic value by improving fruit preservation and extending the shelf-life of fruit. In the present study, 16S rRNA and ITS high-throughput sequencing technologies were used to analyze the diversity and composition of microorganisms on the surfaces of four different fruit varieties: three plum varieties and one apple variety, all from the same orchard in Donghe District, Baotou City, China. The results displayed no notable difference in bacterial diversity on the surfaces of the four varieties of fruits (P > 0.05), but there were significant differences in fungal diversity (P < 0.05). The most abundant bacterial phyla detected on the fruit surfaces were Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, and Firmicutes; the most abundant fungal phyla were Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mortierellomycota. Though microbial compositions on the fruit surfaces differed between the fruits, the surface microbial community structure of the three plum varieties exhibited higher similarity, indicating that fruit type is a key factor influencing the composition of surface microorganisms. There were also differences in the epidermal microbial community composition between the fruits involved in this study and fruits of the same species reported from other regions, suggesting that geographical factors also play a critical role in microbial composition. The correlation analysis revealed significant associations between the microorganisms with the highest abundance on the surface of the fruits, suggesting the existence of symbiotic and mutualistic relationships between these microorganisms, but the specific mechanisms behind these relationships need to …
bibliographic citation: He et al. (2024) Diversity analysis of microorganisms on the surface of four summer fruit varieties in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China. PeerJ 12:e18752 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18752
date submitted: 2024-07-12
date accepted: 2024-12-03
issued: 2024-12-19
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: He
  given name: Shan
author list: Agent
  family name: Gao
  given name: Li
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Zhuomin
author list: Agent
  family name: Ming
  given name: Zhihui
author list: Agent
  family name: Gao
  given name: Fang
author list: Agent
  family name: Ma
  given name: Shuyi
author list: Agent
  family name: Zou
  given name: Mingxin
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18752
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-12-19
copyright: © 2024 He et al.
attribution name: He et al.

A novel model based on clinical and computed tomography (CT) indices to predict the risk factors of postoperative major complications in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Postoperative complications are prone to occur in patients after radical pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). This study aimed to construct and validate a model for predicting postoperative major complications in patients after PD. Methods The clinical data of 360 patients who underwent PD were retrospectively collected from two centers between January 2019 and December 2023. Visceral adipose volume (VAV) and subcutaneous adipose volume (SAV) were measured using three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) reconstruction. According to the Clavien-Dindo classification system, the postoperative complications were graded. Subsequently, a predictive model was constructed based on the results of least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) multivariate logistic regression analysis and stepwise (stepAIC) selection. The nomogram was internally validated by the training and test cohort. The discriminatory ability and clinical utility of the nomogram were evaluated by area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results The major complications occurred in 13.3% (n = 48) of patients after PD. The nomogram revealed that high VAV/SAV, high system inflammation response index (SIRI), high triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI), low prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and CA199 ≥ 37 were independent risk factors for major complications. The C-index of this model was 0.854 (95%CI [0.800–0.907]), showing excellent discrimination. The calibration curve demonstrated satisfactory concordance between nomogram predictions and actual observations. The DCA curve indicated the substantial clinical utility of the nomogram. Conclusion The model based on clinical and CT indices demonstrates good predictive performance and clinical benefit for major complications in patients undergoing PD.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jiaqi Wang
creator: Kangjing Xu
creator: Changsheng Zhou
creator: Xinbo Wang
creator: Junbo Zuo
creator: Chenghao Zeng
creator: Pinwen Zhou
creator: Xuejin Gao
creator: Li Zhang
creator: Xinying Wang
subject: Gastroenterology and Hepatology
subject: Oncology
subject: Radiology and Medical Imaging
subject: Surgery and Surgical Specialties
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18753
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Wang et al.
abstract: Background Postoperative complications are prone to occur in patients after radical pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). This study aimed to construct and validate a model for predicting postoperative major complications in patients after PD. Methods The clinical data of 360 patients who underwent PD were retrospectively collected from two centers between January 2019 and December 2023. Visceral adipose volume (VAV) and subcutaneous adipose volume (SAV) were measured using three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) reconstruction. According to the Clavien-Dindo classification system, the postoperative complications were graded. Subsequently, a predictive model was constructed based on the results of least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) multivariate logistic regression analysis and stepwise (stepAIC) selection. The nomogram was internally validated by the training and test cohort. The discriminatory ability and clinical utility of the nomogram were evaluated by area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results The major complications occurred in 13.3% (n = 48) of patients after PD. The nomogram revealed that high VAV/SAV, high system inflammation response index (SIRI), high triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI), low prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and CA199 ≥ 37 were independent risk factors for major complications. The C-index of this model was 0.854 (95%CI [0.800–0.907]), showing excellent discrimination. The calibration curve demonstrated satisfactory concordance between nomogram predictions and actual observations. The DCA curve indicated the substantial clinical utility of the nomogram. Conclusion The model based on clinical and CT indices demonstrates good predictive performance and clinical benefit for major complications in patients undergoing PD.
bibliographic citation: Wang et al. (2024) A novel model based on clinical and computed tomography (CT) indices to predict the risk factors of postoperative major complications in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. PeerJ 12:e18753 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18753
date submitted: 2024-06-18
date accepted: 2024-12-03
issued: 2024-12-19
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Jiaqi
author list: Agent
  family name: Xu
  given name: Kangjing
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Changsheng
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Xinbo
author list: Agent
  family name: Zuo
  given name: Junbo
author list: Agent
  family name: Zeng
  given name: Chenghao
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Pinwen
author list: Agent
  family name: Gao
  given name: Xuejin
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Li
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Xinying
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18753
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-12-19
copyright: © 2024 Wang et al.
attribution name: Wang et al.

Comparative meta-analysis of cold snare polypectomy and endoscopic mucosal resection for colorectal polyps: assessing efficacy and safety
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Colorectal polyps are commonly treated with surgical procedures, with cold snare polypectomy (CSP) and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) being the two most prevalent techniques. This meta-analysis (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022336152) aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of CSP and EMR in the management of colorectal polyps. Comprehensive searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases, covering publications up until June 2024. The primary outcome was complete resection rate, and secondary outcomes included en bloc resection rate, immediate and delayed bleeding, perforation, and procedure time. The Mantel–Haenszel method was employed for the analysis of binary endpoints, while the inverse variance method was used for continuous outcomes. Subgroup analysis was performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. Six studies involving 15,296 patients and 17,971 polyps were included in the meta-analysis. CSP had a significantly lower complete resection rate compared to EMR (OR: 0.44, 95% CI [0.21–0.94], p = 0.0334). However, there was no significant difference between CSP and EMR in en bloc resection rate, perforation, or procedure time. Interestingly, CSP had a significantly lower delayed bleeding rate compared to EMR (OR: 0.45, 95% CI [0.27–0.77], p = 0.0034), but there was no significant difference in immediate bleeding rate. In conclusion, CSP is a safe, efficient, and effective technique comparable to EMR. The choice of technique should be based on the individual patient and polyp characteristics.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Shouqi Wang
creator: Qi Zhang
creator: Li Rong Meng
creator: Ying Wu
creator: Pedro Fong
creator: Weixia Zhou
subject: Gastroenterology and Hepatology
subject: Oncology
subject: Surgery and Surgical Specialties
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18757
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Wang et al.
abstract: Colorectal polyps are commonly treated with surgical procedures, with cold snare polypectomy (CSP) and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) being the two most prevalent techniques. This meta-analysis (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022336152) aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of CSP and EMR in the management of colorectal polyps. Comprehensive searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases, covering publications up until June 2024. The primary outcome was complete resection rate, and secondary outcomes included en bloc resection rate, immediate and delayed bleeding, perforation, and procedure time. The Mantel–Haenszel method was employed for the analysis of binary endpoints, while the inverse variance method was used for continuous outcomes. Subgroup analysis was performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. Six studies involving 15,296 patients and 17,971 polyps were included in the meta-analysis. CSP had a significantly lower complete resection rate compared to EMR (OR: 0.44, 95% CI [0.21–0.94], p = 0.0334). However, there was no significant difference between CSP and EMR in en bloc resection rate, perforation, or procedure time. Interestingly, CSP had a significantly lower delayed bleeding rate compared to EMR (OR: 0.45, 95% CI [0.27–0.77], p = 0.0034), but there was no significant difference in immediate bleeding rate. In conclusion, CSP is a safe, efficient, and effective technique comparable to EMR. The choice of technique should be based on the individual patient and polyp characteristics.
bibliographic citation: Wang et al. (2024) Comparative meta-analysis of cold snare polypectomy and endoscopic mucosal resection for colorectal polyps: assessing efficacy and safety. PeerJ 12:e18757 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18757
date submitted: 2024-08-05
date accepted: 2024-12-03
issued: 2024-12-19
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Shouqi
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Qi
author list: Agent
  family name: Meng
  given name: Li Rong
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Ying
author list: Agent
  family name: Fong
  given name: Pedro
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Weixia
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18757
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-12-19
copyright: © 2024 Wang et al.
attribution name: Wang et al.

Bone histology and growth curve of the earliest ceratopsian Yinlong downsi from the Upper Jurassic of Junggar Basin, Northwest China
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Yinlong downsi, the earliest known ceratopsian, is represented by dozens of specimens of different sizes collected from the Upper Jurassic of the Junggar Basin, northwestern China. Here, we present the first comprehensive study on the bone histology of Yinlong downsi based on ten specimens varying in size. Four ontogenetic stages are recognized: early juvenile, late juvenile, subadult, and adult. The reconstructed growth curve suggests that Yinlong may reach sexual maturity at 6 years old, which is earlier than that of the well-studied early-diverging ceratopsian Psittacosaurus (9 years old) but later than ceratopsids (about 3 to 5 years old). This may indicate that sexual maturity begins earlier during the evolution of ceratopsians, and that the giant size of ceratopsids is acquired by accelerating growth rates. The cortex of the tibia mainly consists of fibrolamellar bone tissues, but parallel-fibered bone and lines of arrested growth (LAGs) are very common throughout ontogeny, suggesting a moderate growth rate. Quantitative analysis indicates that Yinlong has a maximum growth rate similar to those of other small-sized dinosaurs such as Psittacosaurus, Dysalotosaurus, and Troodon, and their maximum growth rates are higher than those of extant squamates and crocodiles but lower than those of extant mammals and large dinosaurs. This suggests that body size plays a more important role in growth rate than other factors such as phylogenetic position and/or diet among non-avian dinosaurs.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Fenglu Han
creator: Qi Zhao
creator: Jinfeng Hu
creator: Xing Xu
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Paleontology
subject: Zoology
subject: Histology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18761
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Han et al.
abstract: Yinlong downsi, the earliest known ceratopsian, is represented by dozens of specimens of different sizes collected from the Upper Jurassic of the Junggar Basin, northwestern China. Here, we present the first comprehensive study on the bone histology of Yinlong downsi based on ten specimens varying in size. Four ontogenetic stages are recognized: early juvenile, late juvenile, subadult, and adult. The reconstructed growth curve suggests that Yinlong may reach sexual maturity at 6 years old, which is earlier than that of the well-studied early-diverging ceratopsian Psittacosaurus (9 years old) but later than ceratopsids (about 3 to 5 years old). This may indicate that sexual maturity begins earlier during the evolution of ceratopsians, and that the giant size of ceratopsids is acquired by accelerating growth rates. The cortex of the tibia mainly consists of fibrolamellar bone tissues, but parallel-fibered bone and lines of arrested growth (LAGs) are very common throughout ontogeny, suggesting a moderate growth rate. Quantitative analysis indicates that Yinlong has a maximum growth rate similar to those of other small-sized dinosaurs such as Psittacosaurus, Dysalotosaurus, and Troodon, and their maximum growth rates are higher than those of extant squamates and crocodiles but lower than those of extant mammals and large dinosaurs. This suggests that body size plays a more important role in growth rate than other factors such as phylogenetic position and/or diet among non-avian dinosaurs.
bibliographic citation: Han et al. (2024) Bone histology and growth curve of the earliest ceratopsian Yinlong downsi from the Upper Jurassic of Junggar Basin, Northwest China. PeerJ 12:e18761 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18761
date submitted: 2024-08-14
date accepted: 2024-12-04
issued: 2024-12-19
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Han
  given name: Fenglu
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhao
  given name: Qi
author list: Agent
  family name: Hu
  given name: Jinfeng
author list: Agent
  family name: Xu
  given name: Xing
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18761
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-12-19
copyright: © 2024 Han et al.
attribution name: Han et al.

Flipped classroom-based application of Peyton’s four-step approach in standardized training of ultrasound residents for thyroid and cervical lymph node zoning
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background To investigate whether combining the flipped classroom approach with Peyton’s four-step method can enhance teaching effectiveness in ultrasound (US) zoning of the thyroid and cervical lymph nodes for standardized residency training. Methods A total of 66 resident training students were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group. The control group received traditional teaching methods, including “see one, do one” learning, lecture-based learning (LBL), and case-based learning (CBL). The observation group was taught using Peyton’s four-step teaching method, the flipped classroom approach, and CBL. Assessments were conducted through skill operation and clinical case analysis. A questionnaire survey was used to evaluate student satisfaction. Assessment scores and questionnaire ratings between the two teaching methods were compared. Results 1) Assessment results demonstrated higher scores in skill operation and clinical case analysis for the observation group compared to the control group [(87.64 ± 3.72) vs. (80.48 ± 5.92) points, (87.94 ± 4.46) vs. (82.85 ± 4.24) points]. 2) The questionnaire survey indicated that resident trainees taught using Peyton’s four-step method showed greater improvement in learning interest [(4.61 ± 0.57) vs. (3.70 ± 0.85) points] and experienced reduced exam pressure compared to the control group [(4.52 ± 0.62) vs. (3.21 ± 0.70) points]. These differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion Peyton’s four-step approach combined with the flipped classroom method improved resident training students’ scores in skill operation and clinical case analysis for ultrasound zoning of the thyroid and cervical lymph nodes. It also stimulated learning interest and alleviated exam pressure, making it an effective teaching method for enhancing standardized US training outcomes in resident education.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jiajia Wang
creator: Yunyun Zhan
creator: Biyun Sun
creator: Yu Bi
creator: Rubing Li
creator: Fan Jiang
creator: Mei Peng
subject: Radiology and Medical Imaging
subject: Science and Medical Education
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18633
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Wang et al.
abstract: Background To investigate whether combining the flipped classroom approach with Peyton’s four-step method can enhance teaching effectiveness in ultrasound (US) zoning of the thyroid and cervical lymph nodes for standardized residency training. Methods A total of 66 resident training students were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group. The control group received traditional teaching methods, including “see one, do one” learning, lecture-based learning (LBL), and case-based learning (CBL). The observation group was taught using Peyton’s four-step teaching method, the flipped classroom approach, and CBL. Assessments were conducted through skill operation and clinical case analysis. A questionnaire survey was used to evaluate student satisfaction. Assessment scores and questionnaire ratings between the two teaching methods were compared. Results 1) Assessment results demonstrated higher scores in skill operation and clinical case analysis for the observation group compared to the control group [(87.64 ± 3.72) vs. (80.48 ± 5.92) points, (87.94 ± 4.46) vs. (82.85 ± 4.24) points]. 2) The questionnaire survey indicated that resident trainees taught using Peyton’s four-step method showed greater improvement in learning interest [(4.61 ± 0.57) vs. (3.70 ± 0.85) points] and experienced reduced exam pressure compared to the control group [(4.52 ± 0.62) vs. (3.21 ± 0.70) points]. These differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion Peyton’s four-step approach combined with the flipped classroom method improved resident training students’ scores in skill operation and clinical case analysis for ultrasound zoning of the thyroid and cervical lymph nodes. It also stimulated learning interest and alleviated exam pressure, making it an effective teaching method for enhancing standardized US training outcomes in resident education.
bibliographic citation: Wang et al. (2024) Flipped classroom-based application of Peyton’s four-step approach in standardized training of ultrasound residents for thyroid and cervical lymph node zoning. PeerJ 12:e18633 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18633
date submitted: 2024-08-02
date accepted: 2024-11-12
issued: 2024-12-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Jiajia
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhan
  given name: Yunyun
author list: Agent
  family name: Sun
  given name: Biyun
author list: Agent
  family name: Bi
  given name: Yu
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Rubing
author list: Agent
  family name: Jiang
  given name: Fan
author list: Agent
  family name: Peng
  given name: Mei
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18633
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-12-18
copyright: © 2024 Wang et al.
attribution name: Wang et al.

Different prevalence and spectrum of malignancy between Chinese patients and American patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a comparative study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Objective To characterize the epidemiological characteristics of malignancy in Chinese patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) versus American patients and investigate their associated factors. Methods Data were collected from a real-world Chinese RA population and American patients with RA from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey. The prevalence and subtypes of malignancy and their potential associated factors were investigated in both populations. Results A total of 2,073 Chinese and 2,928 American patients with RA were included. There was a lower prevalence of malignancy in Chinese than in their American counterparts before (5.7% vs. 17.1%) and after matching (6.2% vs. 12.6%, both P < 0.001). Gender discrepancies in malignancy prevalence were observed, with a male predilection for RA with malignancy in China (8.2% vs. 5.5%), while it was the opposite in American patients (10.1% vs. 13.5%, both P < 0.05). The top type of malignancy among male patients with RA was lung cancer in Chinese (2.29%), but non-melanoma skin cancer (3.43%) in American; while among female patients was breast cancer both in Chinese (1.72%) and American (3.43%). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that older age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.050) and positive anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (OR = 2.752) were independently associated with malignancy in Chinese patients with RA, while female (OR = 1.395), older age (OR = 1.033), active smoking (OR = 1.580) and cardiovascular diseases (OR = 1.523) in American patients. Conclusion The prevalence, subtypes and risk factors of malignancy were substantially different in Chinese patients with RA and their American counterparts, which implied the importance of individualized malignancy screening strategies for patients with RA.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Zhi-Ming Ouyang
creator: Yao-Wei Zou
creator: Jie Pan
creator: Ye Lu
creator: Ying Yang
creator: Qian-Hua Li
creator: Jian-Da Ma
creator: Pei-Wen Jia
creator: Tao Wu
creator: Yu-Ting Fan
creator: Jian-Zi Lin
creator: Xiu-Ning Wei
creator: Kui-Min Yang
creator: Yun Su
creator: Lie Dai
subject: Epidemiology
subject: Global Health
subject: Oncology
subject: Rheumatology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18650
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Ouyang et al.
abstract: Objective To characterize the epidemiological characteristics of malignancy in Chinese patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) versus American patients and investigate their associated factors. Methods Data were collected from a real-world Chinese RA population and American patients with RA from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey. The prevalence and subtypes of malignancy and their potential associated factors were investigated in both populations. Results A total of 2,073 Chinese and 2,928 American patients with RA were included. There was a lower prevalence of malignancy in Chinese than in their American counterparts before (5.7% vs. 17.1%) and after matching (6.2% vs. 12.6%, both P < 0.001). Gender discrepancies in malignancy prevalence were observed, with a male predilection for RA with malignancy in China (8.2% vs. 5.5%), while it was the opposite in American patients (10.1% vs. 13.5%, both P < 0.05). The top type of malignancy among male patients with RA was lung cancer in Chinese (2.29%), but non-melanoma skin cancer (3.43%) in American; while among female patients was breast cancer both in Chinese (1.72%) and American (3.43%). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that older age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.050) and positive anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (OR = 2.752) were independently associated with malignancy in Chinese patients with RA, while female (OR = 1.395), older age (OR = 1.033), active smoking (OR = 1.580) and cardiovascular diseases (OR = 1.523) in American patients. Conclusion The prevalence, subtypes and risk factors of malignancy were substantially different in Chinese patients with RA and their American counterparts, which implied the importance of individualized malignancy screening strategies for patients with RA.
bibliographic citation: Ouyang et al. (2024) Different prevalence and spectrum of malignancy between Chinese patients and American patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a comparative study. PeerJ 12:e18650 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18650
date submitted: 2024-06-17
date accepted: 2024-11-15
issued: 2024-12-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Ouyang
  given name: Zhi-Ming
author list: Agent
  family name: Zou
  given name: Yao-Wei
author list: Agent
  family name: Pan
  given name: Jie
author list: Agent
  family name: Lu
  given name: Ye
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Ying
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Qian-Hua
author list: Agent
  family name: Ma
  given name: Jian-Da
author list: Agent
  family name: Jia
  given name: Pei-Wen
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Tao
author list: Agent
  family name: Fan
  given name: Yu-Ting
author list: Agent
  family name: Lin
  given name: Jian-Zi
author list: Agent
  family name: Wei
  given name: Xiu-Ning
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Kui-Min
author list: Agent
  family name: Su
  given name: Yun
author list: Agent
  family name: Dai
  given name: Lie
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18650
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-12-18
copyright: © 2024 Ouyang et al.
attribution name: Ouyang et al.

Comparative analysis of Hymenasplenium (Aspleniaceae) chloroplast genomes from China
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Hymenasplenium is one of the two genera in the large fern family Aspleniaceae. A previous study explored the molecular phylogeny of this genus using several chloroplast DNA fragments and identified three major clades, one of which is the monophyletic Old World clade with southwestern China as its diversity center. To date, there were only a few studies conducted on chloroplast genomes in Hymenasplenium or Aspleniaceae, limiting the understanding of the plastome features and its role in evolution of this group. Here, we studied the complete chloroplast genomes of 12 Hymenasplenium species covering all four subclades of the Old World clade distributed in China. The length of the Hymenasplenium plastomes ranged from 151,617 to 151,930 bp, and contained 129 genes in total, comprising 87 protein-coding, 34 tRNA, and eight rRNA genes. The GC content ranged from 41.8% to 42.1%. Comparative analyses of the Hymenasplenium chloroplast genomes displayed conserved genomic structure and identical gene arrangement. A total of 1,375 simple sequence repeats and 1,639 large repeats were detected. In addition, we detailed hypervariable regions that can be helpful for further phylogenetic research and species delimitation in Hymenasplenium. Furthermore, we supported phylogenetic relationships among major groups as well as possible cryptic speciation found in previous research in the genus. Our study provides new insights into evolutionary history and basic resources for phylogenetic and taxonomic studies of the genus Hymenasplenium.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Yanfen Chang
creator: Zhixin Wang
creator: Guocheng Zhang
creator: Na Wang
creator: Limin Cao
subject: Genomics
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18667
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Chang et al.
abstract: Hymenasplenium is one of the two genera in the large fern family Aspleniaceae. A previous study explored the molecular phylogeny of this genus using several chloroplast DNA fragments and identified three major clades, one of which is the monophyletic Old World clade with southwestern China as its diversity center. To date, there were only a few studies conducted on chloroplast genomes in Hymenasplenium or Aspleniaceae, limiting the understanding of the plastome features and its role in evolution of this group. Here, we studied the complete chloroplast genomes of 12 Hymenasplenium species covering all four subclades of the Old World clade distributed in China. The length of the Hymenasplenium plastomes ranged from 151,617 to 151,930 bp, and contained 129 genes in total, comprising 87 protein-coding, 34 tRNA, and eight rRNA genes. The GC content ranged from 41.8% to 42.1%. Comparative analyses of the Hymenasplenium chloroplast genomes displayed conserved genomic structure and identical gene arrangement. A total of 1,375 simple sequence repeats and 1,639 large repeats were detected. In addition, we detailed hypervariable regions that can be helpful for further phylogenetic research and species delimitation in Hymenasplenium. Furthermore, we supported phylogenetic relationships among major groups as well as possible cryptic speciation found in previous research in the genus. Our study provides new insights into evolutionary history and basic resources for phylogenetic and taxonomic studies of the genus Hymenasplenium.
bibliographic citation: Chang et al. (2024) Comparative analysis of Hymenasplenium (Aspleniaceae) chloroplast genomes from China. PeerJ 12:e18667 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18667
date submitted: 2024-09-06
date accepted: 2024-11-18
issued: 2024-12-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Chang
  given name: Yanfen
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Zhixin
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Guocheng
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Na
author list: Agent
  family name: Cao
  given name: Limin
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18667
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-12-18
copyright: © 2024 Chang et al.
attribution name: Chang et al.

The effect of varying thicknesses of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine as apical plugs on the fracture resistance of teeth with simulated open apices: a comparative in vitro study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background This study evaluates the fracture resistance of apical plugs created from Biodentine and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) in thicknesses of 3 and 5 mm within simulated open apex tooth models. Methods Fifty human maxillary central incisors were obtained from a pool of freshly extracted teeth. In order to replicate open apices without cavity preparation, ten teeth in the control group received apical-to-coronal preparation with Peeso reamers. The remaining 40 teeth were randomly assigned to four experimental groups and received either 3 or 5 mm Biodentine or MTA apical plugs. Results The mean fracture loads observed in this study were as follows: control group, 431.48 N (±34.55); 3 mm MTA, 774.88 N (±62.74); 5 mm MTA, 752.65 N (±73.79); 3 mm Biodentine, 918.25 N (±59.09); and 5 mm Biodentine, 903.42 N (±24.48). Specifically, teeth in the Biodentine group demonstrated considerably stronger fracture resistance compared to those in the MTA group (p < 0.001). However, no significant differences were observed between the 3 and 5 mm thicknesses (MTA: p = 0.98, Biodentine: p = 0.99), suggesting that plug thickness did not affect fracture resistance within both groups. Conclusion Biodentine apical plugs provided the highest fracture resistance among the materials, regardless of thickness.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Pankaj Panjwani
creator: Kulvinder Banga
creator: Jatin Atram
creator: Dian Agustin Wahjuningrum
creator: Alexander Maniangat Luke
creator: Krishna Prasad Shetty
creator: Ajinkya M. Pawar
subject: Dentistry
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18691
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Panjwani et al.
abstract: Background This study evaluates the fracture resistance of apical plugs created from Biodentine and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) in thicknesses of 3 and 5 mm within simulated open apex tooth models. Methods Fifty human maxillary central incisors were obtained from a pool of freshly extracted teeth. In order to replicate open apices without cavity preparation, ten teeth in the control group received apical-to-coronal preparation with Peeso reamers. The remaining 40 teeth were randomly assigned to four experimental groups and received either 3 or 5 mm Biodentine or MTA apical plugs. Results The mean fracture loads observed in this study were as follows: control group, 431.48 N (±34.55); 3 mm MTA, 774.88 N (±62.74); 5 mm MTA, 752.65 N (±73.79); 3 mm Biodentine, 918.25 N (±59.09); and 5 mm Biodentine, 903.42 N (±24.48). Specifically, teeth in the Biodentine group demonstrated considerably stronger fracture resistance compared to those in the MTA group (p < 0.001). However, no significant differences were observed between the 3 and 5 mm thicknesses (MTA: p = 0.98, Biodentine: p = 0.99), suggesting that plug thickness did not affect fracture resistance within both groups. Conclusion Biodentine apical plugs provided the highest fracture resistance among the materials, regardless of thickness.
bibliographic citation: Panjwani et al. (2024) The effect of varying thicknesses of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine as apical plugs on the fracture resistance of teeth with simulated open apices: a comparative in vitro study. PeerJ 12:e18691 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18691
date submitted: 2024-04-16
date accepted: 2024-11-20
issued: 2024-12-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Panjwani
  given name: Pankaj
author list: Agent
  family name: Banga
  given name: Kulvinder
author list: Agent
  family name: Atram
  given name: Jatin
author list: Agent
  family name: Wahjuningrum
  given name: Dian Agustin
author list: Agent
  family name: Luke
  given name: Alexander Maniangat
author list: Agent
  family name: Shetty
  given name: Krishna Prasad
author list: Agent
  family name: Pawar
  given name: Ajinkya M.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18691
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-12-18
copyright: © 2024 Panjwani et al.
attribution name: Panjwani et al.

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