PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: The antioxidative properties of S-allyl cysteine not only influence somatic cells but also improve early embryo cleavage in pigs
items: The pes of Australovenator wintonensis (Theropoda: Megaraptoridae): analysis of the pedal range of motion and biological restoration
items: Cafeteria diet induce changes in blood flow that are more related with heat dissipation than energy accretion
items: A multifunctional GH39 glycoside hydrolase from the anaerobic gut fungus Orpinomyces sp. strain C1A
items: Imbalance between subsets of CD8+ peripheral blood T cells in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
items: Bone lesions in Chinese POEMS syndrome patients: imaging characteristics and clinical implications
items: Microbial production and characterization of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate by Neptunomonas antarctica
items: The physiological consequences of varied heat exposure events in adult Myzus persicae: a single prolonged exposure compared to repeated shorter exposures
items: A framework for smartphone-enabled, patient-generated health data analysis
items: Stable isotopes in bivalves as indicators of nutrient source in coastal waters in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago, Panama

The antioxidative properties of S-allyl cysteine not only influence somatic cells but also improve early embryo cleavage in pigs
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: In vitro cultivation systems for oocytes and embryos are characterised by increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can be balanced by the addition of suitable antioxidants. S-allyl cysteine (SAC) is a sulfur compound naturally occurring in garlic (Allium sativum), which is responsible for its high antioxidant properties. In this study, we demonstrated the capacity of SAC (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mM) to reduce levels of ROS in maturing oocytes significantly after 24 (reduced by 90.33, 82.87 and 91.62%, respectively) and 48 h (reduced by 86.35, 94.42 and 99.05%, respectively) cultivation, without leading to a disturbance of the standard course of meiotic maturation. Oocytes matured in the presence of SAC furthermore maintained reduced levels of ROS even 22 h after parthenogenic activation (reduced by 66.33, 61.64 and 57.80%, respectively). In these oocytes we also demonstrated a growth of early embryo cleavage rate (increased by 33.34, 35.00 and 35.00%, respectively). SAC may be a valuable supplement to cultivation media.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Markéta Dvořáková
creator: Ivona Heroutová
creator: David Němeček
creator: Kateřina Adámková
creator: Tereza Krejčová
creator: Jan Nevoral
creator: Veronika Kučerová Chrpová
creator: Jaroslav Petr
creator: Markéta Sedmíková
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Developmental Biology
subject: Veterinary Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.2280
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2016 Dvořáková et al.
abstract: In vitro cultivation systems for oocytes and embryos are characterised by increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can be balanced by the addition of suitable antioxidants. S-allyl cysteine (SAC) is a sulfur compound naturally occurring in garlic (Allium sativum), which is responsible for its high antioxidant properties. In this study, we demonstrated the capacity of SAC (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mM) to reduce levels of ROS in maturing oocytes significantly after 24 (reduced by 90.33, 82.87 and 91.62%, respectively) and 48 h (reduced by 86.35, 94.42 and 99.05%, respectively) cultivation, without leading to a disturbance of the standard course of meiotic maturation. Oocytes matured in the presence of SAC furthermore maintained reduced levels of ROS even 22 h after parthenogenic activation (reduced by 66.33, 61.64 and 57.80%, respectively). In these oocytes we also demonstrated a growth of early embryo cleavage rate (increased by 33.34, 35.00 and 35.00%, respectively). SAC may be a valuable supplement to cultivation media.
bibliographic citation: Dvořáková et al. (2016) The antioxidative properties of S-allyl cysteine not only influence somatic cells but also improve early embryo cleavage in pigs. PeerJ 4:e2280 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.2280
date submitted: 2016-05-08
date accepted: 2016-07-02
issued: 2016-08-04
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Dvořáková
  given name: Markéta
author list: Agent
  family name: Heroutová
  given name: Ivona
author list: Agent
  family name: Němeček
  given name: David
author list: Agent
  family name: Adámková
  given name: Kateřina
author list: Agent
  family name: Krejčová
  given name: Tereza
author list: Agent
  family name: Nevoral
  given name: Jan
author list: Agent
  family name: Kučerová Chrpová
  given name: Veronika
author list: Agent
  family name: Petr
  given name: Jaroslav
author list: Agent
  family name: Sedmíková
  given name: Markéta
doi: 10.7717/peerj.2280
volume: 4
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2016-08-04
copyright: © 2016 Dvořáková et al.
attribution name: Dvořáková et al.

The pes of Australovenator wintonensis (Theropoda: Megaraptoridae): analysis of the pedal range of motion and biological restoration
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The pedal range of motion in Australovenator wintonensis is investigated to determine what influence soft tissue had on range of motion in the foot. Fortunately, the theropod pes shares a close morphology with extant large cursorial birds. Therefore, to better understand the pedal range of motion of Australovenator, the pedal range of motion of Dromaius novaehollandiae (commonly known as the emu) was analysed with and without soft tissue. We used a variety of innovative digital techniques to analyse the range of motion and biologically restore the Australovenator pes. Computed tomography scans of Dromaius pes in fully flexed and fully extended positions provided the soft tissue range of motion limits. The bone on bone range of motion of the same specimen was replicated following the removal of soft tissue. It was identified that there was an increase in range of motion potential with the removal of soft tissue. This variation provided a guide to develop the potential range of motion of a fully fleshed Australovenator pes. Additionally, the dissection of the Dromaius pes provided a guide enabling the replication of the corresponding soft tissue and keratin sheaths of the Australovenator pes.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Matt A. White
creator: Alex G. Cook
creator: Ada J. Klinkhamer
creator: David A. Elliott
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Paleontology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.2312
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2016 White et al.
abstract: The pedal range of motion in Australovenator wintonensis is investigated to determine what influence soft tissue had on range of motion in the foot. Fortunately, the theropod pes shares a close morphology with extant large cursorial birds. Therefore, to better understand the pedal range of motion of Australovenator, the pedal range of motion of Dromaius novaehollandiae (commonly known as the emu) was analysed with and without soft tissue. We used a variety of innovative digital techniques to analyse the range of motion and biologically restore the Australovenator pes. Computed tomography scans of Dromaius pes in fully flexed and fully extended positions provided the soft tissue range of motion limits. The bone on bone range of motion of the same specimen was replicated following the removal of soft tissue. It was identified that there was an increase in range of motion potential with the removal of soft tissue. This variation provided a guide to develop the potential range of motion of a fully fleshed Australovenator pes. Additionally, the dissection of the Dromaius pes provided a guide enabling the replication of the corresponding soft tissue and keratin sheaths of the Australovenator pes.
bibliographic citation: White et al. (2016) The pes of Australovenator wintonensis (Theropoda: Megaraptoridae): analysis of the pedal range of motion and biological restoration. PeerJ 4:e2312 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.2312
date submitted: 2016-05-05
date accepted: 2016-07-11
issued: 2016-08-03
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: White
  given name: Matt A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Cook
  given name: Alex G.
author list: Agent
  family name: Klinkhamer
  given name: Ada J.
author list: Agent
  family name: Elliott
  given name: David A.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.2312
volume: 4
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2016-08-03
copyright: ©2016 White et al.
attribution name: White et al.

Cafeteria diet induce changes in blood flow that are more related with heat dissipation than energy accretion
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background. A “cafeteria” diet is a self-selected high-fat diet, providing an excess of energy, which can induce obesity. Excess of lipids in the diet hampers glucose utilization eliciting insulin resistance, which, further limits amino acid oxidation for energy. Methods. Male Wistar rats were exposed for a month to “cafeteria” diet. Rats were cannulated and fluorescent microspheres were used to determine blood flow. Results. Exposure to the cafeteria diet did not change cardiac output, but there was a marked shift in organ irrigation. Skin blood flow decreased to compensate increases in lungs and heart. Blood flow through adipose tissue tended to increase in relation to controls, but was considerably increased in brown adipose tissue (on a weight basis). Discussion. The results suggest that the cafeteria diet-induced changes were related to heat transfer and disposal.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: David Sabater
creator: Silvia Agnelli
creator: Sofía Arriarán
creator: María del Mar Romero
creator: José Antonio Fernández-López
creator: Marià Alemany
creator: Xavier Remesar
subject: Anatomy and Physiology
subject: Diabetes and Endocrinology
subject: Hematology
subject: Nutrition
subject: Metabolic Sciences
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.2302
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2016 Sabater et al.
abstract: Background. A “cafeteria” diet is a self-selected high-fat diet, providing an excess of energy, which can induce obesity. Excess of lipids in the diet hampers glucose utilization eliciting insulin resistance, which, further limits amino acid oxidation for energy. Methods. Male Wistar rats were exposed for a month to “cafeteria” diet. Rats were cannulated and fluorescent microspheres were used to determine blood flow. Results. Exposure to the cafeteria diet did not change cardiac output, but there was a marked shift in organ irrigation. Skin blood flow decreased to compensate increases in lungs and heart. Blood flow through adipose tissue tended to increase in relation to controls, but was considerably increased in brown adipose tissue (on a weight basis). Discussion. The results suggest that the cafeteria diet-induced changes were related to heat transfer and disposal.
bibliographic citation: Sabater et al. (2016) Cafeteria diet induce changes in blood flow that are more related with heat dissipation than energy accretion. PeerJ 4:e2302 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.2302
date submitted: 2016-04-08
date accepted: 2016-07-07
issued: 2016-08-03
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Sabater
  given name: David
author list: Agent
  family name: Agnelli
  given name: Silvia
author list: Agent
  family name: Arriarán
  given name: Sofía
author list: Agent
  family name: Romero
  given name: María del Mar
author list: Agent
  family name: Fernández-López
  given name: José Antonio
author list: Agent
  family name: Alemany
  given name: Marià
author list: Agent
  family name: Remesar
  given name: Xavier
doi: 10.7717/peerj.2302
volume: 4
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2016-08-03
copyright: ©2016 Sabater et al.
attribution name: Sabater et al.

A multifunctional GH39 glycoside hydrolase from the anaerobic gut fungus Orpinomyces sp. strain C1A
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background. The anaerobic gut fungi (phylum Neocallimastigomycota) represent a promising source of novel lignocellulolytic enzymes. Here, we report on the cloning, expression, and characterization of a glycoside hydrolase family 39 (GH39) enzyme (Bgxg1) that is highly transcribed by the anaerobic fungus Orpinomycessp. strain C1A under different growth conditions. This represents the first study of a GH39-family enzyme from the anaerobic fungi. Methods. Using enzyme activity assays, we performed a biochemical characterization of Bgxg1 on a variety of substrates over a wide range of pH and temperature values to identify the optimal enzyme conditions and the specificity of the enzyme. In addition, substrate competition studies and comparative modeling efforts were completed. Results. Contrary to the narrow range of activities (β-xylosidase or α-L-iduronidase) observed in previously characterized GH39 enzymes, Bgxg1 is unique in that it is multifunctional, exhibiting strong β-xylosidase, β-glucosidase, β-galactosidase activities (11.5 ± 1.2, 73.4 ± 7.15, and 54.6 ± 2.26 U/mg, respectively) and a weak xylanase activity (10.8 ± 1.25 U/mg), as compared to previously characterized enzymes. Further, Bgxg1 possesses extremely high affinity (as evident by the lowest Km values), compared to all previously characterized β-glucosidases, β-galactosidases, and xylanases. Physiological characterization revealed that Bgxg1 is active over a wide range of pH (3–8, optimum 6) and temperatures (25–60 °C, optimum 39 °C), and possesses excellent temperature and thermal stability. Substrate competition assays suggest that all observed activities occur at a single active site. Using comparative modeling and bioinformatics approaches, we putatively identified ten amino acid differences between Bgxg1 and previously biochemically characterized GH39 β-xylosidases that we speculate could impact active site architecture, size, charge, and/or polarity. Discussion. Collectively, the unique capabilit…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jessica M. Morrison
creator: Mostafa S. Elshahed
creator: Noha Youssef
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Microbiology
subject: Molecular Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.2289
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2016 Morrison et al.
abstract: Background. The anaerobic gut fungi (phylum Neocallimastigomycota) represent a promising source of novel lignocellulolytic enzymes. Here, we report on the cloning, expression, and characterization of a glycoside hydrolase family 39 (GH39) enzyme (Bgxg1) that is highly transcribed by the anaerobic fungus Orpinomycessp. strain C1A under different growth conditions. This represents the first study of a GH39-family enzyme from the anaerobic fungi. Methods. Using enzyme activity assays, we performed a biochemical characterization of Bgxg1 on a variety of substrates over a wide range of pH and temperature values to identify the optimal enzyme conditions and the specificity of the enzyme. In addition, substrate competition studies and comparative modeling efforts were completed. Results. Contrary to the narrow range of activities (β-xylosidase or α-L-iduronidase) observed in previously characterized GH39 enzymes, Bgxg1 is unique in that it is multifunctional, exhibiting strong β-xylosidase, β-glucosidase, β-galactosidase activities (11.5 ± 1.2, 73.4 ± 7.15, and 54.6 ± 2.26 U/mg, respectively) and a weak xylanase activity (10.8 ± 1.25 U/mg), as compared to previously characterized enzymes. Further, Bgxg1 possesses extremely high affinity (as evident by the lowest Km values), compared to all previously characterized β-glucosidases, β-galactosidases, and xylanases. Physiological characterization revealed that Bgxg1 is active over a wide range of pH (3–8, optimum 6) and temperatures (25–60 °C, optimum 39 °C), and possesses excellent temperature and thermal stability. Substrate competition assays suggest that all observed activities occur at a single active site. Using comparative modeling and bioinformatics approaches, we putatively identified ten amino acid differences between Bgxg1 and previously biochemically characterized GH39 β-xylosidases that we speculate could impact active site architecture, size, charge, and/or polarity. Discussion. Collectively, the unique capabilit…
bibliographic citation: Morrison et al. (2016) A multifunctional GH39 glycoside hydrolase from the anaerobic gut fungus Orpinomyces sp. strain C1A. PeerJ 4:e2289 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.2289
date submitted: 2016-05-25
date accepted: 2016-07-05
issued: 2016-08-03
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Morrison
  given name: Jessica M.
author list: Agent
  family name: Elshahed
  given name: Mostafa S.
author list: Agent
  family name: Youssef
  given name: Noha
doi: 10.7717/peerj.2289
volume: 4
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2016-08-03
copyright: ©2016 Morrison et al.
attribution name: Morrison et al.

Imbalance between subsets of CD8+ peripheral blood T cells in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background. CD8+ T lymphocytes are known to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, systematic analyses of CD8+ T cell (Cytotoxic T cells, Tc) subsets in COPD patients have yet to be well conducted. Methods. The whole Tc subsets, including Tc1/2/10/17, CD8+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) and CD8+α7+ T cells, were quantified by flow cytometry in peripheral blood from 24 stable COPD subjects (SCOPD), 14 patients during acute exacerbations (AECOPD), and 14 healthy nonsmokers (HN). Results. Acute exacerbations of COPD were accompanied by elevated levels of circulating CD8+ T cells. Tc1 cells were increased in both SCOPD and AECOPD patients, whereas the percentage of Tc2 cells was decreased in SCOPD patients but remained normal in AECOPD patients. Tc17 cells were increased only in AECOPD patients, and the percentage of Tc10 cells was reduced in both SCOPD and AECOPD patients. The imbalances of pro/anti-inflammatory Tc subsets observed in COPD may be caused by the lack of Tc10 cells and the impaired anti-inflammatory capacity of CD8+ Tregs. Conclusions. The imbalances between subsets of CD8+ peripheral blood T cells contribute to the immune response dysfunction in COPD pathogenesis.
format: application/pdf
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creator: Long Chen
creator: Gang Chen
creator: Ming-Qiang Zhang
creator: Xian-Zhi Xiong
creator: Hong-Ju Liu
creator: Jian-Bao Xin
creator: Jian-Chu Zhang
creator: Jiang-Hua Wu
creator: Zhao-Ji Meng
creator: Sheng-Wen Sun
subject: Allergy and Clinical Immunology
subject: Immunology
subject: Respiratory Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.2301
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2016 Chen et al.
abstract: Background. CD8+ T lymphocytes are known to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, systematic analyses of CD8+ T cell (Cytotoxic T cells, Tc) subsets in COPD patients have yet to be well conducted. Methods. The whole Tc subsets, including Tc1/2/10/17, CD8+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) and CD8+α7+ T cells, were quantified by flow cytometry in peripheral blood from 24 stable COPD subjects (SCOPD), 14 patients during acute exacerbations (AECOPD), and 14 healthy nonsmokers (HN). Results. Acute exacerbations of COPD were accompanied by elevated levels of circulating CD8+ T cells. Tc1 cells were increased in both SCOPD and AECOPD patients, whereas the percentage of Tc2 cells was decreased in SCOPD patients but remained normal in AECOPD patients. Tc17 cells were increased only in AECOPD patients, and the percentage of Tc10 cells was reduced in both SCOPD and AECOPD patients. The imbalances of pro/anti-inflammatory Tc subsets observed in COPD may be caused by the lack of Tc10 cells and the impaired anti-inflammatory capacity of CD8+ Tregs. Conclusions. The imbalances between subsets of CD8+ peripheral blood T cells contribute to the immune response dysfunction in COPD pathogenesis.
bibliographic citation: Chen et al. (2016) Imbalance between subsets of CD8+ peripheral blood T cells in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. PeerJ 4:e2301 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.2301
date submitted: 2016-04-27
date accepted: 2016-07-07
issued: 2016-08-02
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Long
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Gang
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Ming-Qiang
author list: Agent
  family name: Xiong
  given name: Xian-Zhi
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Hong-Ju
author list: Agent
  family name: Xin
  given name: Jian-Bao
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Jian-Chu
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Jiang-Hua
author list: Agent
  family name: Meng
  given name: Zhao-Ji
author list: Agent
  family name: Sun
  given name: Sheng-Wen
doi: 10.7717/peerj.2301
volume: 4
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2016-08-02
copyright: ©2016 Chen et al.
attribution name: Chen et al.

Bone lesions in Chinese POEMS syndrome patients: imaging characteristics and clinical implications
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Objective. Bone lesion is crucial for diagnosing and management of polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal protein, and skin change (POEMS) syndrome, a rare plasma cell disorder. This study is to compare the effectiveness of X-ray skeletal survey (SS) and computed tomography (CT) for detecting bone lesions in Chinese POEMS syndrome patients, and to investigate the relationship between bone lesion features and serum markers. Methods. SS and chest/abdomen/pelvic CT images of 38 Chinese patients (26 males, 12 females, aged 21–70 years) with POEMS syndrome recruited at our medical center between January 2013 and January 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Bone lesions identified by CT were further categorized according to the size (<5 mm, 5–10 mm, >10 mm) and appearance (osteosclerotic, lytic, mixed). The percentage of plasma cells in bone marrow smears, type of immunoglobulin, platelet (Plt), and levels of serum bone metabolic markers and inflammatory factors including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone (PTH), beta-isomerized C-telopeptide (β-CTx), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and interleukin (IL)-6 levels were also recorded. Results. Of the 38 POEMS syndrome patients, the immunoglobulin heavy chain isotypes were IgA in 25 patients (65.8%; 25/38) and IgG in 13 patients (34.2%; 13/38), and the light chain isotypes were λ in 35 patients (92.1%; 35/38) and κ in 3 patients (7.9%; 3/38). There were 23 patients with thrombocytosis. More patients with bone lesions were detected by CT than by SS (97.4% vs. 86.8%). The most commonly affected location was the pelvis (89.5%), followed by the spine, clavicle/scapula/sternum/ribs, skull, and long bones. Of the 38 POEMS syndrome patients, 35 (94.6%) had osteosclerotic and 32 (86.5%) had mixed lesions. Osteosclerotic lesions were typically scattered, variable in size, and plaque-like, whereas mixed lesions were pouch-shaped or soup bubble-like with a clear sclerotic marg…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Fengdan Wang
creator: Xufei Huang
creator: Yan Zhang
creator: Jian Li
creator: Daobin Zhou
creator: Zhengyu Jin
subject: Hematology
subject: Orthopedics
subject: Radiology and Medical Imaging
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.2294
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2016 Wang et al.
abstract: Objective. Bone lesion is crucial for diagnosing and management of polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal protein, and skin change (POEMS) syndrome, a rare plasma cell disorder. This study is to compare the effectiveness of X-ray skeletal survey (SS) and computed tomography (CT) for detecting bone lesions in Chinese POEMS syndrome patients, and to investigate the relationship between bone lesion features and serum markers. Methods. SS and chest/abdomen/pelvic CT images of 38 Chinese patients (26 males, 12 females, aged 21–70 years) with POEMS syndrome recruited at our medical center between January 2013 and January 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Bone lesions identified by CT were further categorized according to the size (<5 mm, 5–10 mm, >10 mm) and appearance (osteosclerotic, lytic, mixed). The percentage of plasma cells in bone marrow smears, type of immunoglobulin, platelet (Plt), and levels of serum bone metabolic markers and inflammatory factors including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone (PTH), beta-isomerized C-telopeptide (β-CTx), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and interleukin (IL)-6 levels were also recorded. Results. Of the 38 POEMS syndrome patients, the immunoglobulin heavy chain isotypes were IgA in 25 patients (65.8%; 25/38) and IgG in 13 patients (34.2%; 13/38), and the light chain isotypes were λ in 35 patients (92.1%; 35/38) and κ in 3 patients (7.9%; 3/38). There were 23 patients with thrombocytosis. More patients with bone lesions were detected by CT than by SS (97.4% vs. 86.8%). The most commonly affected location was the pelvis (89.5%), followed by the spine, clavicle/scapula/sternum/ribs, skull, and long bones. Of the 38 POEMS syndrome patients, 35 (94.6%) had osteosclerotic and 32 (86.5%) had mixed lesions. Osteosclerotic lesions were typically scattered, variable in size, and plaque-like, whereas mixed lesions were pouch-shaped or soup bubble-like with a clear sclerotic marg…
bibliographic citation: Wang et al. (2016) Bone lesions in Chinese POEMS syndrome patients: imaging characteristics and clinical implications. PeerJ 4:e2294 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.2294
date submitted: 2016-04-02
date accepted: 2016-07-06
issued: 2016-08-02
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Fengdan
author list: Agent
  family name: Huang
  given name: Xufei
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Yan
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Jian
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Daobin
author list: Agent
  family name: Jin
  given name: Zhengyu
doi: 10.7717/peerj.2294
volume: 4
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2016-08-02
copyright: ©2016 Wang et al.
attribution name: Wang et al.

Microbial production and characterization of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate by Neptunomonas antarctica
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Considering the industrial interest of biodegradable polymer poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), the marine bacteria Neptunomonas antarctica was studied for its ability to accumulate PHB. The extracted polymer was confirmed to be PHB by nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. In shake flask cultures using natural seawater as medium components, PHB was produced up to 2.12 g/L with a yield of 0.18 g PHB/g fructose. In the presence of artificial seawater, the PHB titer and yield reached 2.13 g/L and 0.13 g PHB/g fructose, respectively. The accumulated polymer gradually decreased when fructose was exhausted, indicating that intracellular PHB was degraded by N. antarctica. The weight-average and number-average molecular weights of PHB produced within natural seawater were 2.4 × 105 g/mol and 1.7 × 105 g/mol, respectively. Our results highlight the potential of N. antarctica for PHB production with seawater as a nutrient source.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Xiao-Jie Liu
creator: Jie Zhang
creator: Peng-Hui Hong
creator: Zheng-Jun Li
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Microbiology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.2291
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2016 Liu et al.
abstract: Considering the industrial interest of biodegradable polymer poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), the marine bacteria Neptunomonas antarctica was studied for its ability to accumulate PHB. The extracted polymer was confirmed to be PHB by nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. In shake flask cultures using natural seawater as medium components, PHB was produced up to 2.12 g/L with a yield of 0.18 g PHB/g fructose. In the presence of artificial seawater, the PHB titer and yield reached 2.13 g/L and 0.13 g PHB/g fructose, respectively. The accumulated polymer gradually decreased when fructose was exhausted, indicating that intracellular PHB was degraded by N. antarctica. The weight-average and number-average molecular weights of PHB produced within natural seawater were 2.4 × 105 g/mol and 1.7 × 105 g/mol, respectively. Our results highlight the potential of N. antarctica for PHB production with seawater as a nutrient source.
bibliographic citation: Liu et al. (2016) Microbial production and characterization of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate by Neptunomonas antarctica. PeerJ 4:e2291 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.2291
date submitted: 2016-03-12
date accepted: 2016-07-01
issued: 2016-08-02
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Xiao-Jie
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Jie
author list: Agent
  family name: Hong
  given name: Peng-Hui
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Zheng-Jun
doi: 10.7717/peerj.2291
volume: 4
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2016-08-02
copyright: ©2016 Liu et al.
attribution name: Liu et al.

The physiological consequences of varied heat exposure events in adult Myzus persicae: a single prolonged exposure compared to repeated shorter exposures
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The study of environmental stress tolerance in aphids has primarily been at low temperatures. In these cases, and in the rare cases of high temperature tolerance assessments, all exposures had been during a single stress event. In the present study, we examined the physiological consequences of repeated high temperature exposure with recovery periods between these stress events in Myzus persicae. We subjected individuals to either a single prolonged three hour heating event, or three one hour heating events with a recovery time of 24 h between bouts. Aphids exposed to repeated bouts of high temperatures had more glucose and higher expression of proteins and osmolyte compounds, such as glycerol, compared to the prolonged exposure group. However, aphids exposed to the repeated high temperature treatment had reduced sources of energy such as trehalose and triglyceride compounds than the prolonged exposure group. Recovery time had more physiological costs (based on production of more protein and consumption of more trehalose and triglyceride) and benefits (based on production of more osmolytes) in repeated high temperature treatments. As aphids are known to respond differently to constant versus ‘natural’ fluctuating temperature regimes, conclusions drawn from constant temperature data sets may be problematic. We suggest future experiments assessing insect responses to thermal stress incorporate a repeated stress and recovery pattern into their methodologies.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Behnaz Ghaedi
creator: Nigel R. Andrew
subject: Ecosystem Science
subject: Entomology
subject: Environmental Sciences
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.2290
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2016 Ghaedi and Andrew
abstract: The study of environmental stress tolerance in aphids has primarily been at low temperatures. In these cases, and in the rare cases of high temperature tolerance assessments, all exposures had been during a single stress event. In the present study, we examined the physiological consequences of repeated high temperature exposure with recovery periods between these stress events in Myzus persicae. We subjected individuals to either a single prolonged three hour heating event, or three one hour heating events with a recovery time of 24 h between bouts. Aphids exposed to repeated bouts of high temperatures had more glucose and higher expression of proteins and osmolyte compounds, such as glycerol, compared to the prolonged exposure group. However, aphids exposed to the repeated high temperature treatment had reduced sources of energy such as trehalose and triglyceride compounds than the prolonged exposure group. Recovery time had more physiological costs (based on production of more protein and consumption of more trehalose and triglyceride) and benefits (based on production of more osmolytes) in repeated high temperature treatments. As aphids are known to respond differently to constant versus ‘natural’ fluctuating temperature regimes, conclusions drawn from constant temperature data sets may be problematic. We suggest future experiments assessing insect responses to thermal stress incorporate a repeated stress and recovery pattern into their methodologies.
bibliographic citation: Ghaedi et al. (2016) The physiological consequences of varied heat exposure events in adult Myzus persicae: a single prolonged exposure compared to repeated shorter exposures. PeerJ 4:e2290 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.2290
date submitted: 2015-12-30
date accepted: 2016-07-05
issued: 2016-08-02
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Ghaedi
  given name: Behnaz
author list: Agent
  family name: Andrew
  given name: Nigel R.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.2290
volume: 4
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2016-08-02
copyright: ©2016 Ghaedi and Andrew
attribution name: Ghaedi and Andrew

A framework for smartphone-enabled, patient-generated health data analysis
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background: Digital medicine and smartphone-enabled health technologies provide a novel source of human health and human biology data. However, in part due to its intricacies, few methods have been established to analyze and interpret data in this domain. We previously conducted a six-month interventional trial examining the efficacy of a comprehensive smartphone-based health monitoring program for individuals with chronic disease. This included 38 individuals with hypertension who recorded 6,290 blood pressure readings over the trial. Methods: In the present study, we provide a hypothesis testing framework for unstructured time series data, typical of patient-generated mobile device data. We used a mixed model approach for unequally spaced repeated measures using autoregressive and generalized autoregressive models, and applied this to the blood pressure data generated in this trial. Results: We were able to detect, roughly, a 2 mmHg decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure over the course of the trial despite considerable intra- and inter-individual variation. Furthermore, by supplementing this finding by using a sequential analysis approach, we observed this result over three months prior to the official study end—highlighting the effectiveness of leveraging the digital nature of this data source to form timely conclusions. Conclusions: Health data generated through the use of smartphones and other mobile devices allow individuals the opportunity to make informed health decisions, and provide researchers the opportunity to address innovative health and biology questions. The hypothesis testing framework we present can be applied in future studies utilizing digital medicine technology or implemented in the technology itself to support the quantified self.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Shreya S. Gollamudi
creator: Eric J. Topol
creator: Nathan E. Wineinger
subject: Cardiology
subject: Evidence Based Medicine
subject: Translational Medicine
subject: Statistics
subject: Computational Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.2284
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2016 Gollamudi et al.
abstract: Background: Digital medicine and smartphone-enabled health technologies provide a novel source of human health and human biology data. However, in part due to its intricacies, few methods have been established to analyze and interpret data in this domain. We previously conducted a six-month interventional trial examining the efficacy of a comprehensive smartphone-based health monitoring program for individuals with chronic disease. This included 38 individuals with hypertension who recorded 6,290 blood pressure readings over the trial. Methods: In the present study, we provide a hypothesis testing framework for unstructured time series data, typical of patient-generated mobile device data. We used a mixed model approach for unequally spaced repeated measures using autoregressive and generalized autoregressive models, and applied this to the blood pressure data generated in this trial. Results: We were able to detect, roughly, a 2 mmHg decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure over the course of the trial despite considerable intra- and inter-individual variation. Furthermore, by supplementing this finding by using a sequential analysis approach, we observed this result over three months prior to the official study end—highlighting the effectiveness of leveraging the digital nature of this data source to form timely conclusions. Conclusions: Health data generated through the use of smartphones and other mobile devices allow individuals the opportunity to make informed health decisions, and provide researchers the opportunity to address innovative health and biology questions. The hypothesis testing framework we present can be applied in future studies utilizing digital medicine technology or implemented in the technology itself to support the quantified self.
bibliographic citation: Gollamudi et al. (2016) A framework for smartphone-enabled, patient-generated health data analysis. PeerJ 4:e2284 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.2284
date submitted: 2016-03-22
date accepted: 2016-07-03
issued: 2016-08-02
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Gollamudi
  given name: Shreya S.
author list: Agent
  family name: Topol
  given name: Eric J.
author list: Agent
  family name: Wineinger
  given name: Nathan E.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.2284
volume: 4
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2016-08-02
copyright: © 2016 Gollamudi et al.
attribution name: Gollamudi et al.

Stable isotopes in bivalves as indicators of nutrient source in coastal waters in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago, Panama
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: To examine N-isotope ratios (15N/14N) in tissues and shell organic matrix of bivalves as a proxy for natural and anthropogenic nutrient fluxes in coastal environments, Pinctada imbricata, Isognomon alatus, and Brachidontes exustusbivalves were live-collected and analyzed from eight sites in Bocas del Toro, Panama. Sites represent a variety of coastal environments, including more urbanized, uninhabited, riverine, and oceanic sites. Growth under differing environmental conditions is confirmed by δ18O values, with open ocean Escudo de Veraguas shells yielding the highest average δ18O (−1.0‰) value and freshwater endmember Rio Guarumo the lowest (−1.7‰). At all sites there is no single dominant source of organic matter contributing to bivalve δ15N and δ13C values. Bivalve δ15N and δ13C values likely represent a mixture of mangrove and seagrass N and C, although terrestrial sources cannot be ruled out. Despite hydrographic differences between end-members, we see minimal δ15N and δ13C difference between bivalves from the river-influenced Rio Guarumo site and those from the oceanic Escudo de Veraguas site, with no evidence for N from open-ocean phytoplankton in the latter. Populated sites yield relative 15N enrichments suggestive of anthropogenic nutrient input, but low δ15N values overall make this interpretation equivocal. Lastly, δ15N values of tissue and shell organic matrix correlate significantly for pterioideans P. imbricata and I. alatus. Thus for these species, N isotope studies of historical and fossil shells should provide records of ecology of past environments.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Lauren E. Graniero
creator: Ethan L. Grossman
creator: Aaron O’Dea
subject: Aquaculture, Fisheries and Fish Science
subject: Ecosystem Science
subject: Marine Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.2278
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2016 Graniero et al.
abstract: To examine N-isotope ratios (15N/14N) in tissues and shell organic matrix of bivalves as a proxy for natural and anthropogenic nutrient fluxes in coastal environments, Pinctada imbricata, Isognomon alatus, and Brachidontes exustusbivalves were live-collected and analyzed from eight sites in Bocas del Toro, Panama. Sites represent a variety of coastal environments, including more urbanized, uninhabited, riverine, and oceanic sites. Growth under differing environmental conditions is confirmed by δ18O values, with open ocean Escudo de Veraguas shells yielding the highest average δ18O (−1.0‰) value and freshwater endmember Rio Guarumo the lowest (−1.7‰). At all sites there is no single dominant source of organic matter contributing to bivalve δ15N and δ13C values. Bivalve δ15N and δ13C values likely represent a mixture of mangrove and seagrass N and C, although terrestrial sources cannot be ruled out. Despite hydrographic differences between end-members, we see minimal δ15N and δ13C difference between bivalves from the river-influenced Rio Guarumo site and those from the oceanic Escudo de Veraguas site, with no evidence for N from open-ocean phytoplankton in the latter. Populated sites yield relative 15N enrichments suggestive of anthropogenic nutrient input, but low δ15N values overall make this interpretation equivocal. Lastly, δ15N values of tissue and shell organic matrix correlate significantly for pterioideans P. imbricata and I. alatus. Thus for these species, N isotope studies of historical and fossil shells should provide records of ecology of past environments.
bibliographic citation: Graniero et al. (2016) Stable isotopes in bivalves as indicators of nutrient source in coastal waters in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago, Panama. PeerJ 4:e2278 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.2278
date submitted: 2015-06-20
date accepted: 2016-07-01
issued: 2016-08-02
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Graniero
  given name: Lauren E.
author list: Agent
  family name: Grossman
  given name: Ethan L.
author list: Agent
  family name: O’Dea
  given name: Aaron
doi: 10.7717/peerj.2278
volume: 4
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2016-08-02
copyright: ©2016 Graniero et al.
attribution name: Graniero et al.

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