Exploration of key mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of AMD3100 on attenuating lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice
Context AMD3100, a CXCR4 antagonist, has beneficial effects immaculate in the treatment of acute lung injury (ALI). Objective ALI is a severe inflammatory condition associated with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. AMD3100, has therapeutic effects that reduce ALI. Our study explored the regulatory mechanisms of AMD3100 in alleviating the injury of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI in mice. Materials and Methods Male ICR mice were randomly divided into control, LPS-treated, AMD3100-treated, and LPS + AMD3100-treatment groups. The histological changes of lung tissues from different groups were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Lung injury was measured by ELISA and lung wet/dry ratio. Moreover, lung tissues from the four groups were subjected to transcriptome sequencing followed by differential expression, functional enrichment, protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, and transcription factor analyses. The validation of mRNAs and protein levels were conducted with qRT-PCR and ELISA. Results Hematoxylin and eosin staining combined with the concentration of IL-1 and IL1-β and lung wet/dry ratios revealed that AMD3100 reduced the level of LPS-induced lung injury. Analysis of the transcriptome sequencing data identified 294 differentially expressed genes in the LPS-induced ALI mouse model. Based on the PPI network and module analysis, hub targets of AMD3100, such as Cxcl10 and Cxcl9, were identified in module 1, and hub targets, such as Cxcl12 and Cxcl1, were identified in module 2. Cxcl10 and Cxcl9 are involved in the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, and Cxcl12 and Cxcl1 arae enriched in the nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway. Cxcl19, Cxcl10, and Cxcl1 are targeted by transcription factors like NF-κB. The validation of mRNAs and protein levels conducted by PCR and ELISA supported our transcriptome data. Conclusions Our findings indicate that AMD3100 may exhibit a therapeutic effect on LPS-induced ALI in mice by modulating multiple chemokines to inhibit the Toll-like receptor/nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway.
Lv et al. (2024) Exploration of key mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of AMD3100 on attenuating lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice. PeerJ 12:e18698 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18698
Habitual tea consumption is associated with a lower prevalence of kidney stone disease in postmenopausal women
Background Menopause is associated with an increased risk of kidney stone disease (KSD). However, for postmenopausal women, how to avoid KSD has rarely been studied. The aim of this study was to explore whether drinking tea is associated with a reduction in the prevalence of KSD in postmenopausal women. Methods We collected 11,484 postmenopausal women from the Taiwan Biobank, and used questionnaires to obtain information on tea drinking, KSD, and comorbidities. The participants were divided into two groups according to habitual tea consumption: tea-drinking and non-tea-drinking groups. The association between habitual tea consumption and KSD was examined by logistic regression analysis. Results There were 2,035 postmenopausal women in the tea-drinking group and 9,449 postmenopausal women in the non-tea-drinking group. The mean age of all participants was 61 years. Compared to the non-tea-drinking group, the tea-drinking group had a significantly lower prevalence of KSD (7% vs. 5%). The odds ratio (OR) of KSD was lower in those who habitually drank tea than in those who did not (OR = 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.63 to 0.96]) after adjusting for confounders. Moreover, postmenopausal women with a daily intake of two cups of tea or more had a 30% reduced risk of KSD compared to those who did not habitually drink tea (OR = 0.71, 95% CI [0.56 to 0.90]). Conclusions Our results suggest that habitual tea drinking may be associated with a reduction in the prevalence of KSD in postmenopausal women. Further studies are warranted to investigate the protective effect of tea on the development of KSD.
Wu et al. (2024) Habitual tea consumption is associated with a lower prevalence of kidney stone disease in postmenopausal women. PeerJ 12:e18639 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18639
Effects of defeat and entrapment on suicide risk in university population: the role of rumination and sex
Background Suicide is recognized as a significant public health issue, with adolescents/young people being a risk group of concern. Taking the integrated motivational-volitional model as a reference, this study focuses on analyzing the association between defeat and entrapment, on the one hand, and suicide risk, on the other, in a university population without depressive symptoms, while also considering the role of rumination and sex. Method The survey study involved a community sample of 650 Spanish university students. A total of 524 students (150 men (Mage = 20.6, SD = 3.7) and 374 women (Mage = 20.4, SD = 3.6)) completed self-report measures of suicide risk, defeat, entrapment, and rumination. Results Defeat and entrapment were significantly associated with suicide risk, and higher rumination was both directly and indirectly associated with higher levels of entrapment through the variable of defeat. However, the effect of rumination on entrapment varied by sex. Conclusion Despite being a cross-sectional preliminary study, this work identifies important variables in the trajectory of suicidal ideation. Adolescence and young adulthood are a critical stage for intervening to reduce the risk of death by suicide, and this study provides findings that may inform preventive approaches.
Silvestre Vidal et al. (2024) Effects of defeat and entrapment on suicide risk in university population: the role of rumination and sex. PeerJ 12:e18673 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18673
Characterization and clinical outcomes of outpatients with subacute or chronic post COVID-19 cough: a real-world study
Background Limited research exists on the features and management of post-COVID cough. This real-world study investigates outpatients with subacute or chronic post-COVID cough, aiming to delineate characteristics and regimen responses within the population. Method We enrolled eligible patients from our outpatient unit between August 2023 and February 2024. Comprehensive clinical data, prescriptions, and patient-reported cough severity were collected during the primary visit and subsequent follow-ups. Result A total of 141 patients, aged: 42 ± 14 years old, were included, with 70% being female. The median cough duration was 8 weeks (interquartile range 4–12 weeks). Sixty percent presented with a dry cough, while the rest had coughs with phlegm. Over half reported abnormal laryngeal sensations (54%). Twenty-one percent coughed during the day, while 32% coughed constantly, and 48% experienced nocturnal episodes. Compound methoxyphenamine capsules were the most prescribed, but our study found ICS/LABA to be the most effective, followed by compound methoxyphenamine capsules, montelukast, and Chinese patent drugs. Conclusion Females exhibit a higher prevalence of post-COVID cough, and our study recommends ICS/LABA as the preferred treatment. These findings warrant validation through larger, prospectively designed studies.
Yao et al. (2024) Characterization and clinical outcomes of outpatients with subacute or chronic post COVID-19 cough: a real-world study. PeerJ 12:e18705 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18705
Differential circulating miRNA profiles identified miR-423-5p, miR-93-5p, and miR-4532 as potential biomarkers for cholangiocarcinoma diagnosis
Background Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is high in morbidity and mortality rates which may be due to asymptomatic and effective diagnostic methods not available. Therefore, an effective diagnosis is urgently needed. Methods Investigation of plasma circulating miRNA (cir-miRNA) was divided into two phases, including the discovery phase (pooled 10 samples each from three pools in each group) and the validation phase (17, 16, and 35 subjects of healthy control (HC), O. viverrini (OV), and CCA groups, respectively). The plasma from healthy control subjects, O. viverrini infected subjects, and CCA subjects was used. In the discovery phase, plasma was pooled by adding an equal volume of plasma, and cir-miRNA was isolated and analyzed with the nCounter® SPRINT Profiler. The significantly different cir-miRNAs were selected for the validation phase. In the validation phase, cir-miRNA was isolated and analyzed using real time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Subsequently, statistical analysis was conducted, and diagnostic parameters were calculated. Results Differential plasma cir-miRNA profile showed at least three candidates including miR-423-5p, miR-93-5p, and miR-4532 as potential biomarkers. From validation of these cir-miRNAs by RT-qPCR, the result showed that the satisfied sensitivity and specificity to differential CCA group from HC and OV group was obtained from miR-4532 (P < 0.05) while miR-423-5p and miR-93-5p can be used for differential CCA from OV and HC group (P < 0.05) with high specificity but limited the sensitivity. In conclusion, candidate cir-miRNAs have been identified as potential biomarkers including miR-423-5p, miR-93-5p and miR-4532. Screening by miR-4532 and confirmed with miR-423-5p, miR-93-5p were suggested for differential CCA patients in the endemic area of O. viverrini.
Supradit et al. (2024) Differential circulating miRNA profiles identified miR-423-5p, miR-93-5p, and miR-4532 as potential biomarkers for cholangiocarcinoma diagnosis. PeerJ 12:e18367 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18367
Comparative leaf anatomy of two species of Ipomoea L. (Convolvulaceae): taxonomic importance and adaptations to xeric conditions of the cangas
Background Accurate species identification is the first step towards establishing conservation strategies, especially regarding rare and threatened species, such as those studied here. Moreover, understanding the responses to the environment and growing conditions of endemic species is necessary for its conservation. This study compares the leaf anatomy of Ipomoea cavalcantei and I. marabaensis, which grow on the Brazilian ironstone outcrops (cangas) and exhibit morphological convergence. Methods Leaf anatomical characters of the species were described. Additionally, the leaf adaptive potential of I. cavalcantei was evaluated, comparing individuals grown in natural canga areas (in situ) and cultivated in topsoil (ex situ). Quantitative analysis evaluated stomatal density, polar and equatorial diameter of stomata, and thickness of the epidermis and mesophyll. Results Ipomoea cavalcantei and I. marabaensis can be distinguished by the mesophyll type. Ipomoea marabaensis is also characterized by the presence of lateral protuberances on the abaxial surface of the midrib. Individuals of I. cavalcantei under cultivation have lower stomatal density, although their functionality (polar/equatorial diameter) is more significant than those grown in a natural environment; these individuals also exhibit leaves with a thinner cuticle, abaxial epidermal cells with more sinuous walls, a lower occurrence of trichomes and secretory cells (laticifers), and more druse-containing idioblasts in the mesophyll. All these traits are adaptations to growing conditions that include lower light and the absence of water stress. Conclusions Leaf anatomical traits showed to be useful to delimit Ipomoea cavalcantei and I. marabaensis in the non-reproductive stage. For individuals of I. cavalcantei cultivated in topsoil, some features, especially of the epidermis, respond to light and water supply.
Silva et al. (2024) Comparative leaf anatomy of two species of Ipomoea L. (Convolvulaceae): taxonomic importance and adaptations to xeric conditions of the cangas. PeerJ 12:e18599 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18599
Endorsement of reporting guidelines and clinical trial registration across urological medical journals: a cross-sectional study
Introduction Over the years, funding for urologic diseases has witnessed a steady rise, reaching $587 million in 2020 from $541 million in 2018. In parallel, there has been a notable increase in the total number of urology journals from 2011 to 2018. This surge in research funding and journal publications calls for urologists to effectively navigate through a vast body of evidence to make the best evidence-based clinical decisions. Our primary objective was to assess the “instructions for authors” of these journals to determine the extent of endorsement of reporting guidelines for common study designs in medical research. Methods Top urology journals were identified using the 2021 Scopus CiteScore and confirmed via Google Scholar Metrics h5-index. In a masked, duplicate manner, two investigators retrieved data from the “instructions for authors” webpages of the included journals. For each journal investigated in our study, the following data were extracted: journal title, 5-year impact factor, email responses of journal editors, mention of the EQUATOR Network in the “instructions for authors,” mention of the ICMJE in the “instruction for authors,” geographical region of publication and statements about clinical trial registration. Results Of the 92 urology journals examined, only one-third (32/92) mentioned the EQUATOR network in their “instructions for authors.” A total of 17 journals (17/92, 18.5%) did not mention a single reporting guideline. The most endorsed guideline was CONSORT at 67.4% (62/92). Clinical trial registration was not mentioned by 28 (30%), recommended by 27 (29%), and required by 37 journals (40%). Conclusion Our findings indicate that urology journals inconsistently endorse reporting guidelines and clinical trial registration. Based on these results, we propose that urology journals adopt a standardized approach, incorporating explicit requirements for reporting guidelines such as those listed on the EQUATOR Network and clinical trial registration for all relevant study designs. Specifically, journals should consider clearly stating mandatory or recommended guidelines for clinical trials, observational studies, and systematic reviews, among others. Future efforts should focus on evaluating the implementation of these policies and identifying barriers that hinder their adoption.
Hagood et al. (2024) Endorsement of reporting guidelines and clinical trial registration across urological medical journals: a cross-sectional study. PeerJ 12:e18619 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18619
Interspecies differences in the transcriptome response of corals to acute heat stress
Rising sea surface temperatures threaten the survival of corals worldwide, with coral bleaching events becoming more commonplace. However, different coral species are known to exhibit variable levels of susceptibility to thermal stress. To elucidate genetic mechanisms that may underlie these differences, we compared the gene repertoire of four coral species, Favites colemani, Montipora digitata, Acropora digitifera, and Seriatopora caliendrum, that were previously demonstrated to have differing responses to acute thermal stress. We found that more tolerant species, like F. colemani and M. digitata, possess a greater abundance of antioxidant protein families and chaperones. Under acute thermal stress conditions, only S. caliendrum showed a significant bleaching response, which was accompanied by activation of the DNA damage response network and drastic upregulation of stress response genes (SRGs). This suggests that differences in SRG orthologs, as well as the mechanisms that control SRG expression response, contribute to the ability of corals to maintain stability of physiological functions required to survive shifts in seawater temperature.
Da-Anoy et al. (2024) Interspecies differences in the transcriptome response of corals to acute heat stress. PeerJ 12:e18627 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18627
Construction and validation of a predictive model for the risk of malnutrition in hospitalized patients over 65 years of age with malignant tumours: a single-centre retrospective cross-sectional study
Background Nutritional status is a critical indicator of overall health in individuals suffering from malignant tumours, reflecting the complex interplay of various contributing factors. This research focused on identifying and analysing the factors influencing malnutrition among older patients aged ≥65 with malignant tumours and aimed to develop a comprehensive risk model for predicting malnutrition. Methods This study conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data from 3,387 older inpatients aged ≥65 years with malignant tumours collected at our hospital from July 1, 2021, to December 31, 2023. The dataset was subsequently divided into training and validation sets at an 8:2 ratio. The nutritional status of these patients was evaluated using the Nutritional Risk Screening Tool 2002 (NRS-2002) and the 2018 Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) Standards for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. Based on these assessments, patients were categorized into either malnutrition or non-malnutrition groups. Subsequently, a risk prediction model was developed and presented through a nomogram for practical application. Results The analysis encompassed 2,715 individuals in the development cohort and 672 in the validation cohort, with a malnutrition prevalence of 40.42%. A significant positive correlation between the incidence of malnutrition and age was observed. Independent risk factors identified included systemic factors, tumour staging (TNM stage), age, Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score, history of alcohol consumption, co-infections, presence of ascites or pleural effusion, haemoglobin (HGB) levels, creatinine (Cr), and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). The predictive model exhibited areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.793 (95% confidence interval (CI) [0.776–0.810]) for the development cohort and 0.832 (95% CI [0.801–0.863]) for the validation cohort. Calibration curves indicated Brier scores of 0.186 and 0.190, while the Hosmer–Lemeshow test yielded chi-square values of 5.633 and 2.875, respectively (P > 0.05). Decision curve analysis (DCA) demonstrated the model’s clinical applicability and superiority over the NRS-2002, highlighting its potential for valuable clinical application. Conclusion This study successfully devised a straightforward and efficient prediction model for malnutrition among older patients aged 65 and above with malignant tumours. The model represents a significant advancement as a clinical tool for identifying individuals at high risk of malnutrition, enabling early intervention with targeted nutritional support and improving patient outcomes.
Wang et al. (2024) Construction and validation of a predictive model for the risk of malnutrition in hospitalized patients over 65 years of age with malignant tumours: a single-centre retrospective cross-sectional study. PeerJ 12:e18685 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18685
Spectrum analysis of inborn errors of metabolism for expanded newborn screening in Xinjiang, China
To determine the disease spectrum and genetic characteristics of inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) in Xinjiang province in the northwest of China, 41,690 newborn babies were screening by tandem mass spectrometry from November 2018 to December 2021. Of these, 57 newborn babies were referred for genetic analysis by next-generation sequencing, which was validated by Sanger sequencing. A total of 36 newborn babies and one relative were diagnosed with IEM, and the overall positive predictive value was 29.03%. The overall incidence of IEM in Xinjiang was 1:1,158 (36/41,690). The incidence of amino acidemias, organic acidemias, and fatty acid oxidation disorder were 1:1,668 (25/41,690), 1:4,632 (9/41,690), and 1:20,845 (2/41,690), respectively. Phenylketonuria and methylmalonic acidemia were the two most common inborn errors of metabolism (IEM), accounting for 83% (30/36) of all confirmed cases. Some hotspot mutations were observed for several IEMs, including PAH gene c.158G > A (p.Arg53His) and c.688G > A (p.Val230Ile) for hyperphenylalaninemia. Four mutation types of the MMACHC gene (e.g., c.609G > A (p.Trp203Ter), c.567dupT (p.Ile190fs)) and six mutation types of the MMUT gene (e.g., c.729_730insT (p.Asp244fs)) were found for methylmalonic acidemia. We also found 11 mutations in six genes: PCCB, IVD, GCDH, MCCC1, SLC22A5, and ACADS in this region. This study combined tandem mass spectrometry and next-generation sequencing technology for the screening and diagnosis of IEM. The study provides effective clinical guidance, and the data provide a basis for expanding newborn screening, genetic screening, and IEM gene consultation in Xinjiang, China.
Zhu et al. (2024) Spectrum analysis of inborn errors of metabolism for expanded newborn screening in Xinjiang, China. PeerJ 12:e18173 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18173