Characteristics, source apportionment and health risks of indoor and outdoor fine particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Jinan, North China
To investigate the pollution characteristics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) indoors and outdoors and their influencing factors, PM2.5 samples were systematically collected from both environments in Jinan during the summer and autumn seasons. During the observation period, the concentration of ∑ 19PAHs was 18.57 ± 10.50 ng/m3 indoors and 23.79 ± 16.13 ng/m3 outdoors. Most PAHs exhibited indoor-to-outdoor (I/O) ratios less than 1, indicating that indoor PAHs were primarily derived from the infiltration of outdoor sources. Correlation analysis underscored the significant influence of temperature on both outdoor concentrations and I/O ratios of PAHs. By utilizing diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis (PCA), vehicle emissions were identified as the predominant source of outdoor PAHs. Our study found that the toxic equivalents of benzo[a]pyrene (TEQBaP) values exceeded the European Commission’s standard of 1 ng/m3, with indoor values at 2.78 ng/m3 and outdoor values at 3.57 ng/m3. Moreover, the total incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCRTotal) associated with exposure to PM2.5-bound PAHs surpassed the acceptable level of 10E-6, indicating potential adverse health effects. These results underscore the urgent necessity for more stringent regulatory measures to reduce PAH emissions. Additionally, our findings provide valuable insights into how environmental factors shape the relationship between indoor and outdoor PAHs.
Gao et al. (2024) Characteristics, source apportionment and health risks of indoor and outdoor fine particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Jinan, North China. PeerJ 12:e18553 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18553
Length-mass relationships of pond macroinvertebrates do not hold between Southern and Northern Europe
The lack of reliable data on length-mass relationships, essential to obtain accurate biomass estimates, limits our ability to easily assess secondary production by aquatic invertebrates. In the absence of published equations from similar habitat conditions, authors often borrow equations developed in geographic regions with different climate conditions, which may bias biomass estimates. A literature overview of published size-mass relationships for Portugal and Sweden highlights the need for further data within these biogeographic regions. We increased the number of equations available to Southern and Northern Europe, developing 18 new length-mass relationships for two families and 10 genera in Portugal and Sweden. All equations were published for the first time for these countries, except the genus Asellus. Our length-mass relationships were obtained from specimens collected on a one-time sampling of eight ponds in Portugal and five ponds in Sweden during late spring in 2023. Dry mass (DM) was modelled as a function of body length (BL), using the natural log-linear function with a power model (ln DM = ln a + b × ln BL). The equations obtained were compared with linear mixed models testing the fixed effects of “body length” and “country”, as well as their interaction. A comparison of the equations developed in this study showed country-specific differences for all taxa, expect the genus Caenis, indicating a low potential transferability of the equations between Southern and Northern Europe. In contrast, the comparison of the equation obtained for A. aquaticus in this study with an equation published for this taxon in Sweden showed great similarities, suggesting a high transferability. Recommending caution in the borrowing of published length-mass equations, that can differ drastically between different geographic and climatic regions, especially at larger sizes, we provide a series of guidelines and good practices in this field.
Dekanová et al. (2024) Length-mass relationships of pond macroinvertebrates do not hold between Southern and Northern Europe. PeerJ 12:e18576 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18576
Charting the global footprint of borderline oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (BORSA): the first systematic review and meta-analysis
Borderline oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (BORSA) has been a persistent yet under-researched concern in the realm of antibiotic resistance, characterized by unique resistance mechanisms and potential for severe infections. This systematic review and meta-analysis consolidates data from 29 studies encompassing 18,781 samples, revealing a global BORSA prevalence of 6.6% (95% CI [4.0–10.7]). The highest prevalence was found in animals (46.3%), followed by food (8.9%), and humans (5.1%). Notably, significant regional disparities were observed, with Brazil exhibiting the highest prevalence at 70.0%, while The Netherlands reported just 0.5%. These findings underscore the multifaceted nature of BORSA epidemiology, influenced by local antibiotic usage practices and healthcare infrastructures. The analysis also reveals substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 96.802%), highlighting the need for improved reporting practices and tailored surveillance protocols that account for the specific contexts of each study. As antibiotic resistance continues to escalate, understanding BORSA’s global footprint is crucial for informing targeted interventions and optimizing antibiotic stewardship programs. This study fills critical gaps in current knowledge of BORSA and highlights the need for coordinated efforts among researchers, healthcare providers, and policymakers to develop effective strategies for addressing the rising threat of antibiotic-resistant pathogens like BORSA, including further exploration of its genetic and phenotypic characteristics.
Engku Abd Rahman et al. (2024) Charting the global footprint of borderline oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (BORSA): the first systematic review and meta-analysis. PeerJ 12:e18604 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18604
Comparative effectiveness and safety of Angio-Seal and StarClose vascular closure devices: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Objective This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Angio-Seal and StarClose vascular closure devices (VCDs) in achieving hemostasis after interventional surgery. Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing Angio-Seal and StarClose were identified through systematic searches. Data on vascular closure success rate, complication rates, hematoma formation, pseudoaneurysm, arterial occlusion, and surgical intervention were extracted and pooled using a random effects model. Results Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, total 5,466 patients. The meta-analysis revealed a slight, statistically significant difference in the success rate of vascular closure in favor of Angio-Seal (risk ratio (RR) 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.00–1.09], p = 0.03). No significant difference was found in the overall complication rate, hematoma formation, pseudoaneurysm, arterial occlusion, or surgical intervention. Conclusions Angio-Seal demonstrated a slightly higher success rate in vessel closure compared to StarClose. Both devices had a comparable safety profile with no significant differences in major complications.
Lai et al. (2024) Comparative effectiveness and safety of Angio-Seal and StarClose vascular closure devices: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PeerJ 12:e18652 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18652
Identification of chromosome ploidy and karyotype analysis of cherries (Prunus pseudocerasus Lindl.) in Guizhou
The present study aimed to characterize the chromosome features of cherry (Prunus pseudocerasus Lindl.) germplasm in Guizhou Province, China, in order to facilitate the selection and breeding programs of this economically and ornamentally valuable species. The stem tip chromosome preparation technique was employed for ploidy identification and karyotype analysis, and the results were further validated by flow cytometry. The findings revealed that the 28 cherry accessions from Guizhou province exhibited a chromosomal base of x = 8, comprising 19 tetraploid and nine hexaploid individuals. Karyotype analysis showed two chromosome types, “m” and “sm,” with the longest chromosome/shortest chromosome (Lc/Sc) ranging from 1.6 to 2.65, the mean arm ratio (MAR) varying from 1.15 to 1.56, and index of the karyotypic asymmetry (As.K) ranging from 53.74 to 61.6. Three karyotype types, “1A,” “1B,” and “2B,” were identified among the studied accessions. The most evolutionarily advanced accession was HZ152, while DCZC27 represented the most primitive karyotype. This study expands the ploidy database of Chinese cherry and provides valuable information for the conservation and utilization of cherry germplasm resources in Guizhou province.
Chen et al. (2024) Identification of chromosome ploidy and karyotype analysis of cherries (Prunus pseudocerasus Lindl.) in Guizhou. PeerJ 12:e18668 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18668
Association between hand grip strength and quality of life in children with cerebral palsy: a cross-sectional study
Background Cerebral palsy (CP) covers a wide range of causes and symptoms. It is characterized by persistent motor and postural dysfunction caused by a non-progressing pathological lesion of the immature brain. Development of fine motor skills, such as the ability to manipulate objects with smaller muscles, is crucial for a child’s development. It is evident that there is a lack of hand grip strength (HGS) and quality of life (QoL) data in children with CP compared to typically developed (TD) children. Understanding the relationship between these factors might help facilitate healthcare provision and provide insight into rehabilitation programs. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between HGS and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children with CP compared to TD children. Methods An experimental cross-sectional study was conducted and 60 children (30 CP and 30 TD) were chosen; age, gender, height, weight, body mass index, preferred hand, number of siblings, school attendance, and housing type data were collected. HGS was measured using a standard hand dynamometer, and HRQoL was measured using the KIDSCREEN-10 item questionnaire. Results There was a statistically significant main effect of gender on the average HGS, F (1, 56) = 24.09, p < 0.001, and the KIDSCREEN-10 sum score, F (1, 56) = 8.66, p < 0.001, and the main effect of group on the KIDSCREEN-10 sum score, F (1, 56) = 17.64, p < 0.001. A significant correlation between HGS and the KIDSCREEN-10 sum score in the CP group (r = 0.35, p = 0.03), and the TD group (r = 0.56, p = 0.001). Conclusion HGS was lower in children with CP, and girls had significantly lower HGS compared to boys in both groups, CP and TD children. HRQoL was significantly lower in children with CP, with boys reporting higher HRQoL on the KIDSCREEN-10 questionnaire compared to girls. Our data showed that the higher the KIDSCREEN-10 sum score is, the stronger the HGS of children in both groups. The results of this study indicate that hand grip strength may significantly impact the QoL of children with CP. A correlation between HGS and HRQoL points to the importance of improving strength in children with CP through interventions and directed rehabilitation programs.
Alghadier et al. (2024) Association between hand grip strength and quality of life in children with cerebral palsy: a cross-sectional study. PeerJ 12:e18679 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18679
Ontogenetic feeding shifts in two thresher shark species in the Galapagos Marine Reserve
Background The morphology and hunting behavior of thresher sharks make them easily distinguishable. These species are distributed across the Tropical Pacific Ocean feeding on squid and small fish. However, ontogenetic changes in their feeding strategies and habitat use are still unknown in this region. Methods We examined the δ13C and δ15N signatures in vertebral collagen from populations of Alopias pelagicus and Alopias superciliosus inhabiting the Galapagos Marine Reserve, focusing on three maturity stages: neonate, juvenile and adult. The vertebrae samples were taken from the seizure of illegal fishing activities carried out by a foreign fleet within the Galapagos archipelago. A total of thirty-three vertebrae from A. pelagicus and twenty-one from A. superciliosus were analyzed. Results Both species displayed significant differences in their δ15N values (p < 0.001), but not in δ13C (p = 0.230), suggesting a similar habitat use, but different prey consumption. Throughout their ontogeny, A. pelagicus displayed isotopic differences (p < 0.001), where neonates showed lower δ13C values and higher δ15N values compared to juveniles, probably because they still reflect the isotopic signatures of their mothers even after the first year of life. This study highlights trophic differences between both species, accompanied by an ontogenetic variation in A. pelagicus, aspects that allow us to understand the role of these species within the dynamics of the Eastern Tropical Pacific ecosystem.
Arnés-Urgellés et al. (2024) Ontogenetic feeding shifts in two thresher shark species in the Galapagos Marine Reserve. PeerJ 12:e18681 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18681
Analysis of the current status of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among stroke-related healthcare professionals in the treatment of shoulder pain in hemiplegic patients
Objective To investigate the current status of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of healthcare professionals in stroke-related departments of primary-level tertiary hospitals regarding the prevention and treatment of hemiplegic shoulder pain, and to analyze influencing factors. This aims to provide a reference for further training, guidance, and management of hemiplegic shoulder pain. Methods A total of 123 healthcare professionals from stroke-related departments of two tertiary hospitals in a county-level city in Zhejiang province were selected as the research subjects from March 6, 2023, to March 14, 2023. Written informed consent was obtained from all study participants prior to their inclusion in the study. A questionnaire survey was conducted to assess their KAP status on the prevention and treatment of hemiplegic shoulder pain, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 23. Results The scores for knowledge (29.97 ± 9.94), attitude (27.7 ± 2.81), and behavior (29.86 ± 7.86) among the 123 healthcare professionals indicated that department and position were influencing factors for KAP (P < 0.05). Conclusion The overall KAP of healthcare professionals in stroke-related departments of primary hospitals regarding the prevention and treatment of hemiplegic shoulder pain needs improvement. Strengthening relevant knowledge and skills training is necessary to reduce the incidence of hemiplegic shoulder pain and improve patients’ quality of life.
Huang et al. (2024) Analysis of the current status of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among stroke-related healthcare professionals in the treatment of shoulder pain in hemiplegic patients. PeerJ 12:e18684 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18684
Prevalence of Theileria ovis in sheep and goats in northwestern Saudi Arabia with notes on potential vectors
The prevalence of Theileria spp. infecting sheep and goats were investigated in two cities and surroundings in northwest Saudi Arabia. Blood samples from 403 sheep and goats from Madina (n = 201) and Tabuk (n = 202) cities (177 from sheep and 226 from goats) were investigated. Blood samples were examined microscopically for the presence of intraerythrocytic bodies suggestive of Theileria as well as they were investigated using molecular techniques. DNA was extracted from blood and ticks and subjected to polymerase chain reaction amplification using specific primers. The primers used amplified a fragment of the 18S rRNA region (450 bp) targeting the hypervariable region IV. A total of 63 ticks belonging to five species were collected from sheep and goats for determination of their involvement of lifecycle of Theileria. Ticks were identified morphologically and confirmed molecularly utilizing cytochrome oxidase C subunit 1 gene (COXI) amplification. The results indicated that: microscopic examination revealed 24 (6%) of the samples investigated showed intraerythrocytic bodies suggestive of Theileria. Positive samples were only obtained from sheep whereas goats yielded negative results. A total of 33 (18.6%) sheep samples were positive for Theileria infection using polymerase chain reaction targeting the partial 18S rDNA and DNA sequencing. Theileria infection was more prevalent in animals that were less than 2 years of age compared with older animals. There was no difference in the prevalence of the infection between male and female sheep in both cities. All positive sheep were detected during the summer and none of the samples collected during the winter were positive. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the sequences obtained from Theileria species reported in the present study grouped with sequences from Theileria ovis from different countries. Ticks were identified as Hyalomma dromedarii, Hyalomma, marginatum, Hyalomma impeltatum and Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum. T. ovis DNA was detected from Hyalomma dromedarii and Hyalomma impeltatum suggesting that they are potential vectors of this piroplasm in sheep from Madina and Tabuk cities. This report is considered the first report of T. ovis infecting sheep from Madina and Tabuk, furthermore, it is the first report determining the vectors responsible for transmission of the infection in sheep in northwest Saudi Arabia. The data generated from this study will undoubtedly pave the way for the detection and control of ovine and caprine theileriosis in Madina and Tabuk regions.
Almahallawi et al. (2024) Prevalence of Theileria ovis in sheep and goats in northwestern Saudi Arabia with notes on potential vectors. PeerJ 12:e18687 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18687
Analysis of the characteristic patterns and risk factors impacting the severity of intraoperative hypothermia in neonates
Background Although maintaining a stable body temperature during the perioperative period is crucial for the recovery of neonates, hypothermia frequently occurs during surgical procedures in this vulnerable population. A comprehensive analysis of intraoperative details, including medical history and monitoring, is therefore essential for understanding temperature variations and identifying risk factors for severe hypothermia. Objective In this study, we delineated the characteristic patterns of intraoperative temperature fluctuations in neonates and determined the risk factors impacting the severity of hypothermia. Methods We conducted a retrospective, single-center study, enrolling 648 subjects who underwent surgery under general anesthesia and collected demographic, perioperative, and intraoperative data. Results Intraoperative hypothermia occurred in 79.17% of the neonates. Significant risk factors for severe hypothermia included surgery type (OR, 1.183; 95%, CI [1.028–1.358]; p = 0.018), preoperative weight (OR, 0.556; 95% CI [0.412–0.748]; p < 0.01), infusion and transfusion volume (mL/kg) (OR, 1.011; 95% CI [1.001–1.022]; p = 0.018), and duration of hypothermia (OR, 1.011; 95% CI [1.007–1.014]; p < 0.01). Preterm neonates experienced a greater temperature drop than did full-term neonates. The nadir of intraoperative temperature occurred approximately 90 min after surgery, followed by a brief stabilization period and a slow recovery process. Conclusion The significant incidence of intraoperative hypothermia in neonates highlights the need for efficient strategies that reduce both the frequency and severity of this condition.
Dai et al. (2024) Analysis of the characteristic patterns and risk factors impacting the severity of intraoperative hypothermia in neonates. PeerJ 12:e18702 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18702