PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Nonlinear relationship between circulating natural killer cell count and 1-year relapse rates in myasthenia gravis: a retrospective cohort study
items: Evidence of prostate cancer-linked virus zoonoses from biophysical genomic variations
items: Upregulation of HPV16E1 and E7 expression and FOXO3a mRNA downregulation in high-grade cervical neoplasia
items: Health status and morphometrics of Galápagos magnificent frigatebirds (Fregata magnificens magnificens) determined by hematology, biochemistry, blood gas, and physical examination
items: The use of phosphate rock and plant growth promoting microorganisms for the management of Urochloa decumbens (Stapf.) R.D. Webster in acidic soils
items: In vitro culture of leukemic cells in collagen scaffolds and carboxymethyl cellulose-polyethylene glycol gel
items: The mediation role of sleep on the relationship between drinks behavior and female androgenetic alopecia
items: Effects of combined immunosuppressant and hepatitis B virus antiviral use on COVID-19 vaccination in recipients of living donor liver transplantation
items: The epigenetic role of EZH2 in acute myeloid leukemia
items: The impact of nurses’ stress situation coping on somatization: a mediated moderation model

Nonlinear relationship between circulating natural killer cell count and 1-year relapse rates in myasthenia gravis: a retrospective cohort study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The relapse rate in myasthenia gravis (MG) is high, and promising therapies have emerged; however, identifying potential predictive factors for relapse remains a challenge. This study aimed to explore the association between circulating natural killer (NK) cell levels and the risk of recurrence in MG. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 265 patients with MG whose data were included in the Neurology Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University database between March 2015 and March 2022. Data from electronic medical records were collected, which included the patients’ circulating NK cell count (exposure variable) and demographic/clinical characteristics (covariates). The primary outcome was the 1-year MG recurrence rate. Results The study revealed a non-linear relationship between peripheral NK cell count and MG recurrence, with an inflection point at 5.38. Below this threshold, the risk of recurrence was low with higher NK cell counts (relative risk (RR): 0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.11–0.490]); above this threshold, no significant association was observed (RR: 1.43, 95% CI [0.62–3.34]). Furthermore, the NK cell proportion showed no significant linear or non-linear association with MG recurrence risk (RR: 0.84, 95% CI [0.57–1.2]). Conclusion This study provides epidemiological evidence of a potential association between peripheral NK cell count and MG recurrence risk, suggesting an immunoregulatory protective effect within a specific NK cell count range. These findings may inform more personalized MG treatment strategies, warranting further validation in larger and more diverse cohorts.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Yifan Zhang
creator: Zhiguo Wen
creator: Meiqiu Chen
creator: Cong Xia
creator: Fang Cai
creator: Lan Chu
subject: Clinical Trials
subject: Immunology
subject: Neurology
subject: Rheumatology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18562
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Zhang et al.
abstract: Background The relapse rate in myasthenia gravis (MG) is high, and promising therapies have emerged; however, identifying potential predictive factors for relapse remains a challenge. This study aimed to explore the association between circulating natural killer (NK) cell levels and the risk of recurrence in MG. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 265 patients with MG whose data were included in the Neurology Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University database between March 2015 and March 2022. Data from electronic medical records were collected, which included the patients’ circulating NK cell count (exposure variable) and demographic/clinical characteristics (covariates). The primary outcome was the 1-year MG recurrence rate. Results The study revealed a non-linear relationship between peripheral NK cell count and MG recurrence, with an inflection point at 5.38. Below this threshold, the risk of recurrence was low with higher NK cell counts (relative risk (RR): 0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.11–0.490]); above this threshold, no significant association was observed (RR: 1.43, 95% CI [0.62–3.34]). Furthermore, the NK cell proportion showed no significant linear or non-linear association with MG recurrence risk (RR: 0.84, 95% CI [0.57–1.2]). Conclusion This study provides epidemiological evidence of a potential association between peripheral NK cell count and MG recurrence risk, suggesting an immunoregulatory protective effect within a specific NK cell count range. These findings may inform more personalized MG treatment strategies, warranting further validation in larger and more diverse cohorts.
bibliographic citation: Zhang et al. (2024) Nonlinear relationship between circulating natural killer cell count and 1-year relapse rates in myasthenia gravis: a retrospective cohort study. PeerJ 12:e18562 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18562
date submitted: 2024-01-25
date accepted: 2024-10-31
issued: 2024-12-06
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Yifan
author list: Agent
  family name: Wen
  given name: Zhiguo
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Meiqiu
author list: Agent
  family name: Xia
  given name: Cong
author list: Agent
  family name: Cai
  given name: Fang
author list: Agent
  family name: Chu
  given name: Lan
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18562
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-12-06
copyright: ©2024 Zhang et al.
attribution name: Zhang et al.

Evidence of prostate cancer-linked virus zoonoses from biophysical genomic variations
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: An ongoing double-blind examination of (mathematically) smooth functional dependences of population-based genomic distributions of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on quantified environmental parameters has flagged a SNP that has been associated with prostate cancer for dependence on zoonotic viruses. The SNP rs13091518 is an intergenic variant near the gene/pseudo-gene COX6CP6 on chromosome 3. The risk T allele, which is the major allele in all homeostatic populations considered, clearly demonstrates a negative adaptive force of about −0.1 universal genomic energy units/zoonotic virus unit. This biophysical perspective has thus provided evidence for a causative relationship between zoonotic viruses and prostate cancer. Our findings are consistent with other studies that have found an association between several zoonotic viruses and prostate cancer. This result demonstrates the significance of an intergenic variant in the adaptive response to a viral zoonotic pathogen.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Daniah Alsufyani
creator: James Lindesay
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Biophysics
subject: Computational Biology
subject: Genetics
subject: Genomics
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18583
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Alsufyani and Lindesay
abstract: An ongoing double-blind examination of (mathematically) smooth functional dependences of population-based genomic distributions of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on quantified environmental parameters has flagged a SNP that has been associated with prostate cancer for dependence on zoonotic viruses. The SNP rs13091518 is an intergenic variant near the gene/pseudo-gene COX6CP6 on chromosome 3. The risk T allele, which is the major allele in all homeostatic populations considered, clearly demonstrates a negative adaptive force of about −0.1 universal genomic energy units/zoonotic virus unit. This biophysical perspective has thus provided evidence for a causative relationship between zoonotic viruses and prostate cancer. Our findings are consistent with other studies that have found an association between several zoonotic viruses and prostate cancer. This result demonstrates the significance of an intergenic variant in the adaptive response to a viral zoonotic pathogen.
bibliographic citation: Alsufyani et al. (2024) Evidence of prostate cancer-linked virus zoonoses from biophysical genomic variations. PeerJ 12:e18583 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18583
date submitted: 2024-06-19
date accepted: 2024-11-04
issued: 2024-12-06
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Alsufyani
  given name: Daniah
author list: Agent
  family name: Lindesay
  given name: James
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18583
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-12-06
copyright: © 2024 Alsufyani and Lindesay
attribution name: Alsufyani and Lindesay

Upregulation of HPV16E1 and E7 expression and FOXO3a mRNA downregulation in high-grade cervical neoplasia
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Cervical cancer remains a significant global health concern, ranking as the fourth most prevalent cancer among women worldwide. Human papillomaviruses (HPV) transcribe many genes that might be responsible for cervical cancer development. This study aims to investigate the correlation between the expression of HPV16 early genes and the mRNA expression of human FOXO3a, a tumor suppressor gene, in association with various stages of cervical precancerous lesions. Methods Eighty-five positive HPV16 DNA cervical swab samples were recruited and categorized based on cytology stages, i.e., negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM), atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), atypical squamous cell cannot exclude HSIL (ASC-H), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). RT-qPCR was performed to amplify HPV16E1, E4, E6, E6*I, E7, and human FOXO3a mRNA expression in all samples. The relative expression of those genes was calculated using GAPDH as a control. Detection of FOXO3a mRNA expression in the cervical cancer cell line by RT-qPCR and meta-analysis of FOXO3a expression using the RNA-Seq dataset by GEPIA2 were analyzed to support the conclusions. Results Among the cervical samples, HPV16E1 and E7 were significantly increased expression correlating to disease severity. HPV16E4 mRNA expression was 100% detected in all LSIL samples, with a significant increase observed from normal to LSIL stages. Conversely, FOXO3a mRNA expression decreased with disease severity, and the lowest expression was observed in HSIL/squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) samples. In addition, similar results of FOXO3a downregulation were also found in the cervical cancer cell line and RNA-Seq dataset of cervical cancer samples. Conclusion HPV16 early mRNA levels, including E1 and E7, increase during cancer progression, and downregulation of FOXO3a mRNA is a characteristic of cervical cancer cells and HSIL/SCC…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Thanayod Sasivimolrattana
creator: Aileen Gunawan
creator: Warattaya Wattanathavorn
creator: Chavis Pholpong
creator: Arkom Chaiwongkot
creator: Pattarasinee Bhattarakosol
creator: Parvapan Bhattarakosol
subject: Virology
subject: Infectious Diseases
subject: Oncology
subject: Women’s Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18601
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Sasivimolrattana et al.
abstract: Background Cervical cancer remains a significant global health concern, ranking as the fourth most prevalent cancer among women worldwide. Human papillomaviruses (HPV) transcribe many genes that might be responsible for cervical cancer development. This study aims to investigate the correlation between the expression of HPV16 early genes and the mRNA expression of human FOXO3a, a tumor suppressor gene, in association with various stages of cervical precancerous lesions. Methods Eighty-five positive HPV16 DNA cervical swab samples were recruited and categorized based on cytology stages, i.e., negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM), atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), atypical squamous cell cannot exclude HSIL (ASC-H), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). RT-qPCR was performed to amplify HPV16E1, E4, E6, E6*I, E7, and human FOXO3a mRNA expression in all samples. The relative expression of those genes was calculated using GAPDH as a control. Detection of FOXO3a mRNA expression in the cervical cancer cell line by RT-qPCR and meta-analysis of FOXO3a expression using the RNA-Seq dataset by GEPIA2 were analyzed to support the conclusions. Results Among the cervical samples, HPV16E1 and E7 were significantly increased expression correlating to disease severity. HPV16E4 mRNA expression was 100% detected in all LSIL samples, with a significant increase observed from normal to LSIL stages. Conversely, FOXO3a mRNA expression decreased with disease severity, and the lowest expression was observed in HSIL/squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) samples. In addition, similar results of FOXO3a downregulation were also found in the cervical cancer cell line and RNA-Seq dataset of cervical cancer samples. Conclusion HPV16 early mRNA levels, including E1 and E7, increase during cancer progression, and downregulation of FOXO3a mRNA is a characteristic of cervical cancer cells and HSIL/SCC…
bibliographic citation: Sasivimolrattana et al. (2024) Upregulation of HPV16E1 and E7 expression and FOXO3a mRNA downregulation in high-grade cervical neoplasia. PeerJ 12:e18601 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18601
date submitted: 2024-08-02
date accepted: 2024-11-06
issued: 2024-12-06
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Sasivimolrattana
  given name: Thanayod
author list: Agent
  family name: Gunawan
  given name: Aileen
author list: Agent
  family name: Wattanathavorn
  given name: Warattaya
author list: Agent
  family name: Pholpong
  given name: Chavis
author list: Agent
  family name: Chaiwongkot
  given name: Arkom
author list: Agent
  family name: Bhattarakosol
  given name: Pattarasinee
author list: Agent
  family name: Bhattarakosol
  given name: Parvapan
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18601
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-12-06
copyright: ©2024 Sasivimolrattana et al.
attribution name: Sasivimolrattana et al.

Health status and morphometrics of Galápagos magnificent frigatebirds (Fregata magnificens magnificens) determined by hematology, biochemistry, blood gas, and physical examination
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens; MFB) is a widely distributed seabird. It has breeding areas in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean (extending along Central America up to Baja California) (Schreiber & Burger, 2001). The Fregata magnificens magnificens (MFB-Gal) subspecies is native to the Galápagos Islands. This is the first-time hematology and blood chemistry parameters have been published for the F. m. magnificens (MFB-Gal) from the Galápagos Islands. Analysis was run on blood samples drawn from n = 16 adult MFB-Gal captured by hand at their nests at North Seymour and Daphne Major Islands in the Galápagos Islands (n = 10 MFB-Gal in June 2017 and n = 6 MFB-Gal in July 2022). There were ten female birds and six male birds in total. A portable blood analyzer (iSTAT) was used to obtain near immediate field results for total carbon dioxide (TCO2), hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), ionized calcium (iCa), total protein (TP), anion gap and glucose. Blood lactate was measured using a portable Lactate Plus™ analyzer. Average heart rate, respiratory rate, body weight, body temperature, biochemistry and hematology parameters were comparable to healthy individuals of other Fregatidae of the same species (magnificent frigatebird subspecies from Brazil, Fregata magnificens, likely F. m. rothschildi) or similar species (great frigatebird, Fregata minor, from the Galápagos Islands). There were some statistically significant differences between the males and females F. m. magnificens (MFB-Gal) in the Galápagos, including bill depth, bill width, wing length, weight, and chloride blood value. The reported results provide baseline data that can be used for comparisons among populations and in detecting changes in health status among Galápagos magnificent frigatebirds and other populations of magnificent frigatebirds.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Kimberly E. Guzmán
creator: Diane Deresienski
creator: Juan Pablo Muñoz-Pérez
creator: Ronald K. Passingham
creator: Alice Skehel
creator: Catalina Ulloa
creator: Cristina Regalado
creator: Gregory A. Lewbart
creator: Carlos A. Valle
subject: Ecosystem Science
subject: Veterinary Medicine
subject: Environmental Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18609
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Guzmán et al.
abstract: The magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens; MFB) is a widely distributed seabird. It has breeding areas in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean (extending along Central America up to Baja California) (Schreiber & Burger, 2001). The Fregata magnificens magnificens (MFB-Gal) subspecies is native to the Galápagos Islands. This is the first-time hematology and blood chemistry parameters have been published for the F. m. magnificens (MFB-Gal) from the Galápagos Islands. Analysis was run on blood samples drawn from n = 16 adult MFB-Gal captured by hand at their nests at North Seymour and Daphne Major Islands in the Galápagos Islands (n = 10 MFB-Gal in June 2017 and n = 6 MFB-Gal in July 2022). There were ten female birds and six male birds in total. A portable blood analyzer (iSTAT) was used to obtain near immediate field results for total carbon dioxide (TCO2), hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), ionized calcium (iCa), total protein (TP), anion gap and glucose. Blood lactate was measured using a portable Lactate Plus™ analyzer. Average heart rate, respiratory rate, body weight, body temperature, biochemistry and hematology parameters were comparable to healthy individuals of other Fregatidae of the same species (magnificent frigatebird subspecies from Brazil, Fregata magnificens, likely F. m. rothschildi) or similar species (great frigatebird, Fregata minor, from the Galápagos Islands). There were some statistically significant differences between the males and females F. m. magnificens (MFB-Gal) in the Galápagos, including bill depth, bill width, wing length, weight, and chloride blood value. The reported results provide baseline data that can be used for comparisons among populations and in detecting changes in health status among Galápagos magnificent frigatebirds and other populations of magnificent frigatebirds.
bibliographic citation: Guzmán et al. (2024) Health status and morphometrics of Galápagos magnificent frigatebirds (Fregata magnificens magnificens) determined by hematology, biochemistry, blood gas, and physical examination. PeerJ 12:e18609 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18609
date submitted: 2024-08-19
date accepted: 2024-11-07
issued: 2024-12-06
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Guzmán
  given name: Kimberly E.
author list: Agent
  family name: Deresienski
  given name: Diane
author list: Agent
  family name: Muñoz-Pérez
  given name: Juan Pablo
author list: Agent
  family name: Passingham
  given name: Ronald K.
author list: Agent
  family name: Skehel
  given name: Alice
author list: Agent
  family name: Ulloa
  given name: Catalina
author list: Agent
  family name: Regalado
  given name: Cristina
author list: Agent
  family name: Lewbart
  given name: Gregory A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Valle
  given name: Carlos A.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18609
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-12-06
copyright: © 2024 Guzmán et al.
attribution name: Guzmán et al.

The use of phosphate rock and plant growth promoting microorganisms for the management of Urochloa decumbens (Stapf.) R.D. Webster in acidic soils
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Forage production in tropical soils is primarily limited by nutrient deficiencies, especially nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). The use of phosphate rock by plants is limited by its low and slow P availability and microbial phosphate solubilization is the main mechanism for P bioavailability in the soil-root system. The objectives of this study were (i) select a nitrogen-fixing bacteria which could be used as a co-inoculant with the Penicillium rugulosum IR94MF1 phosphate-solubilizing fungus and (ii) evaluate under field conditions the effect of inoculation combined with phosphate rock (PR) application on yield and nutrient absorption of a Urochloa decumbens pasture which was previously established in a low-fertility, acidic soil. Methods Various laboratory and greenhouse tests allowed for the selection of Enterobacter cloacae C17 as the co-inoculant bacteria with the IR94MF1 fungus. Later, under field conditions, a factorial, completely randomized block design was used to evaluate the inoculation with the IR94MF1 fungus, the IR94MF1+C17 co-inoculation, and a non-inoculated control. Two levels of fertilization with PR treatment (0 kg/ha and 200 kg/ha P2O5) were applied to each. Results During five consecutive harvests it was observed that the addition of biofertilizers significantly increased (p < 0.05) the herbage mass and N and P assimilation compared to the non-inoculated control. However, no statistically significant differences were observed for the PR application as P source. Conclusion P. rugulosum IR94MF1 is capable of solubilizing and accumulating P from the phosphate rock, making it available for plants growing in acid soils with low N content. These inoculants represent a good option as biofertilizers for tropical grasses already established in acidic soils with low N content.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Alexandro Barbosa
creator: Isbelia Reyes
creator: Alexis Valery
creator: Carlos Chacón Labrador
creator: Oscar Martínez
creator: Maximo F. Alonso
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Ecology
subject: Microbiology
subject: Plant Science
subject: Soil Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18610
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Barbosa et al.
abstract: Background Forage production in tropical soils is primarily limited by nutrient deficiencies, especially nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). The use of phosphate rock by plants is limited by its low and slow P availability and microbial phosphate solubilization is the main mechanism for P bioavailability in the soil-root system. The objectives of this study were (i) select a nitrogen-fixing bacteria which could be used as a co-inoculant with the Penicillium rugulosum IR94MF1 phosphate-solubilizing fungus and (ii) evaluate under field conditions the effect of inoculation combined with phosphate rock (PR) application on yield and nutrient absorption of a Urochloa decumbens pasture which was previously established in a low-fertility, acidic soil. Methods Various laboratory and greenhouse tests allowed for the selection of Enterobacter cloacae C17 as the co-inoculant bacteria with the IR94MF1 fungus. Later, under field conditions, a factorial, completely randomized block design was used to evaluate the inoculation with the IR94MF1 fungus, the IR94MF1+C17 co-inoculation, and a non-inoculated control. Two levels of fertilization with PR treatment (0 kg/ha and 200 kg/ha P2O5) were applied to each. Results During five consecutive harvests it was observed that the addition of biofertilizers significantly increased (p < 0.05) the herbage mass and N and P assimilation compared to the non-inoculated control. However, no statistically significant differences were observed for the PR application as P source. Conclusion P. rugulosum IR94MF1 is capable of solubilizing and accumulating P from the phosphate rock, making it available for plants growing in acid soils with low N content. These inoculants represent a good option as biofertilizers for tropical grasses already established in acidic soils with low N content.
bibliographic citation: Barbosa et al. (2024) The use of phosphate rock and plant growth promoting microorganisms for the management of Urochloa decumbens (Stapf.) R.D. Webster in acidic soils. PeerJ 12:e18610 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18610
date submitted: 2021-08-06
date accepted: 2024-11-07
issued: 2024-12-06
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Barbosa
  given name: Alexandro
author list: Agent
  family name: Reyes
  given name: Isbelia
author list: Agent
  family name: Valery
  given name: Alexis
author list: Agent
  family name: Chacón Labrador
  given name: Carlos
author list: Agent
  family name: Martínez
  given name: Oscar
author list: Agent
  family name: Alonso
  given name: Maximo F.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18610
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-12-06
copyright: © 2024 Barbosa et al.
attribution name: Barbosa et al.

In vitro culture of leukemic cells in collagen scaffolds and carboxymethyl cellulose-polyethylene glycol gel
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a common adult leukemia characterized by the accumulation of neoplastic mature B cells in blood, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and spleen. The disease biology remains unresolved in many aspects, including the processes underlying the disease progression and relapses. However, studying CLL in vitro poses a considerable challenge due to its complexity and dependency on the microenvironment. Several approaches are utilized to overcome this issue, such as co-culture of CLL cells with other cell types, supplementing culture media with growth factors, or setting up a three-dimensional (3D) culture. Previous studies have shown that 3D cultures, compared to conventional ones, can lead to enhanced cell survival and altered gene expression. 3D cultures can also give valuable information while testing treatment response in vitro since they mimic the cell spatial organization more accurately than conventional culture. Methods In our study, we investigated the behavior of CLL cells in two types of material: (i) solid porous collagen scaffolds and (ii) gel composed of carboxymethyl cellulose and polyethylene glycol (CMC-PEG). We studied CLL cells’ distribution, morphology, and viability in these materials by a transmitted-light and confocal microscopy. We also measured the metabolic activity of cultured cells. Additionally, the expression levels of MYC, VCAM1, MCL1, CXCR4, and CCL4 genes in CLL cells were studied by qPCR to observe whether our novel culture approaches lead to increased adhesion, lower apoptotic rates, or activation of cell signaling in relation to the enhanced contact with co-cultured cells. Results Both materials were biocompatible, translucent, and permeable, as assessed by metabolic assays, cell staining, and microscopy. While collagen scaffolds featured easy manipulation, washability, transferability, and biodegradability, CMC-PEG was advantageous for its easy preparation process and low variability in the number o…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Hana Svozilova
creator: Lucy Vojtova
creator: Jana Matulova
creator: Jana Bruknerova
creator: Veronika Polakova
creator: Lenka Radova
creator: Michael Doubek
creator: Karla Plevova
creator: Sarka Pospisilova
subject: Bioengineering
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Hematology
subject: Oncology
subject: Medical Genetics
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18637
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Svozilova et al.
abstract: Background Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a common adult leukemia characterized by the accumulation of neoplastic mature B cells in blood, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and spleen. The disease biology remains unresolved in many aspects, including the processes underlying the disease progression and relapses. However, studying CLL in vitro poses a considerable challenge due to its complexity and dependency on the microenvironment. Several approaches are utilized to overcome this issue, such as co-culture of CLL cells with other cell types, supplementing culture media with growth factors, or setting up a three-dimensional (3D) culture. Previous studies have shown that 3D cultures, compared to conventional ones, can lead to enhanced cell survival and altered gene expression. 3D cultures can also give valuable information while testing treatment response in vitro since they mimic the cell spatial organization more accurately than conventional culture. Methods In our study, we investigated the behavior of CLL cells in two types of material: (i) solid porous collagen scaffolds and (ii) gel composed of carboxymethyl cellulose and polyethylene glycol (CMC-PEG). We studied CLL cells’ distribution, morphology, and viability in these materials by a transmitted-light and confocal microscopy. We also measured the metabolic activity of cultured cells. Additionally, the expression levels of MYC, VCAM1, MCL1, CXCR4, and CCL4 genes in CLL cells were studied by qPCR to observe whether our novel culture approaches lead to increased adhesion, lower apoptotic rates, or activation of cell signaling in relation to the enhanced contact with co-cultured cells. Results Both materials were biocompatible, translucent, and permeable, as assessed by metabolic assays, cell staining, and microscopy. While collagen scaffolds featured easy manipulation, washability, transferability, and biodegradability, CMC-PEG was advantageous for its easy preparation process and low variability in the number o…
bibliographic citation: Svozilova et al. (2024) In vitro culture of leukemic cells in collagen scaffolds and carboxymethyl cellulose-polyethylene glycol gel. PeerJ 12:e18637 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18637
date submitted: 2024-06-17
date accepted: 2024-11-13
issued: 2024-12-06
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Svozilova
  given name: Hana
author list: Agent
  family name: Vojtova
  given name: Lucy
author list: Agent
  family name: Matulova
  given name: Jana
author list: Agent
  family name: Bruknerova
  given name: Jana
author list: Agent
  family name: Polakova
  given name: Veronika
author list: Agent
  family name: Radova
  given name: Lenka
author list: Agent
  family name: Doubek
  given name: Michael
author list: Agent
  family name: Plevova
  given name: Karla
author list: Agent
  family name: Pospisilova
  given name: Sarka
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18637
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-12-06
copyright: © 2024 Svozilova et al.
attribution name: Svozilova et al.

The mediation role of sleep on the relationship between drinks behavior and female androgenetic alopecia
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Objectives To investigate the relationship between drinks behavior and female androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and to clarify the mediating effect of sleep behavior on such relationship. Methods A total of 308 female AGA patients and 305 female normal controls were recruited from the hospital, and questionnaires including drinks behavior and sleep behavior were inquired among them. Blood sugar and blood lipids were detected. Then, the mediating effect of sleep behavior on the relationship between drinks behavior and AGA was analyzed. Results Female AGA patients presented a higher frequency of intake of sweetened tea drinks. It was found that occasional intake (1–2 times per week; ORadj = 2.130, 95% CI [1.495–3.033]) and frequent intake (3–6 time per week; ORadj = 2.054, 95% CI [1.015–4.157]) of sweetened tea drinks were associated with AGA. The daily sugar intake from soft drinks increased the risk of AGA (ORadj = 1.025, 95% CI [1.003–1.048]), and hyperglycemia was positively associated with alopecia (ORadj = 1.897, 95% CI [1.225–2.936]). In addition, bedtime after 12 pm significantly increased the risk of developing alopecia (ORadj = 2.609, 95% CI [1.020–6.676]). Interestingly, bedtime, instead of daily sugar intake from soft drinks, could mediate the relationship between sweetened tea drinks intake and alopecia. Conclusions Sweetened tea drinks consumption increases the risk of female AGA, which is mediated by bedtime.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Shiqi Liu
creator: Hao Gu
creator: Ruxin Ji
creator: Wei Shi
creator: Fangfen Liu
creator: Hongfu Xie
creator: Ji Li
creator: Yicong Liu
creator: Yan Tang
subject: Dermatology
subject: Nutrition
subject: Women’s Health
subject: Metabolic Sciences
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18647
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Liu et al.
abstract: Objectives To investigate the relationship between drinks behavior and female androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and to clarify the mediating effect of sleep behavior on such relationship. Methods A total of 308 female AGA patients and 305 female normal controls were recruited from the hospital, and questionnaires including drinks behavior and sleep behavior were inquired among them. Blood sugar and blood lipids were detected. Then, the mediating effect of sleep behavior on the relationship between drinks behavior and AGA was analyzed. Results Female AGA patients presented a higher frequency of intake of sweetened tea drinks. It was found that occasional intake (1–2 times per week; ORadj = 2.130, 95% CI [1.495–3.033]) and frequent intake (3–6 time per week; ORadj = 2.054, 95% CI [1.015–4.157]) of sweetened tea drinks were associated with AGA. The daily sugar intake from soft drinks increased the risk of AGA (ORadj = 1.025, 95% CI [1.003–1.048]), and hyperglycemia was positively associated with alopecia (ORadj = 1.897, 95% CI [1.225–2.936]). In addition, bedtime after 12 pm significantly increased the risk of developing alopecia (ORadj = 2.609, 95% CI [1.020–6.676]). Interestingly, bedtime, instead of daily sugar intake from soft drinks, could mediate the relationship between sweetened tea drinks intake and alopecia. Conclusions Sweetened tea drinks consumption increases the risk of female AGA, which is mediated by bedtime.
bibliographic citation: Liu et al. (2024) The mediation role of sleep on the relationship between drinks behavior and female androgenetic alopecia. PeerJ 12:e18647 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18647
date submitted: 2021-12-30
date accepted: 2024-11-14
issued: 2024-12-06
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Shiqi
author list: Agent
  family name: Gu
  given name: Hao
author list: Agent
  family name: Ji
  given name: Ruxin
author list: Agent
  family name: Shi
  given name: Wei
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Fangfen
author list: Agent
  family name: Xie
  given name: Hongfu
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Ji
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Yicong
author list: Agent
  family name: Tang
  given name: Yan
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18647
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-12-06
copyright: © 2024 Liu et al.
attribution name: Liu et al.

Effects of combined immunosuppressant and hepatitis B virus antiviral use on COVID-19 vaccination in recipients of living donor liver transplantation
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background & Aims The global pandemic caused by the highly contagious SARS-CoV-2 virus led to the emergency approval of COVID-19 vaccines to reduce rising morbidity and mortality. However, limited research exists on evaluating the impact of these vaccines on immunocompromised individuals, such as recipients of living donor liver transplantation, highlighting the need for further studies to better understand their effectiveness in this specific population. Methods From June 2021, we followed up on the effectiveness of the vaccine for patients taking immunosuppressive drugs after living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT). A total of 105 immunocompromised individuals participated, of which 50 patients with hepatitis B were taking antiviral drugs. Patients were assessed to analyze how the combination of immunosuppressive and antiviral drugs affected the efficacy of the BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 COVID-19 vaccines. Results Before and after the vaccinations, patients were monitored to establish differences between immunosuppressed patients and those additionally taking antiviral drugs. In immunocompromised patients taking antiviral drugs for hepatitis B, we confirmed that the effect of the COVID-19 vaccine was reduced when compared to immunocompromised patients. Interestingly, 23 patients (11 without and 12 additionally with hepatitis B drug administration) encountered breakthrough infections, and although there was a minor discrepancy in vaccine efficacy among the patients taking antiviral drugs for hepatitis B, it did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions Additional COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for patients taking immunosuppressive drugs and hepatitis B antiviral drugs after LDLT.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Ryunjin Lee
creator: Jiwan Choi
creator: Eunkyeong Lee
creator: Jooyoung Lee
creator: Jiye Kim
creator: Seoon Kang
creator: Hye-In An
creator: Sung-Han Kim
creator: Sung-Min Kim
creator: Eun-Kyoung Jwa
creator: Gil-Chun Park
creator: Jung-Man Namgoong
creator: Gi-Won Song
creator: Young-In Yoon
creator: Eunyoung Tak
creator: Sung-Gyu Lee
subject: Gastroenterology and Hepatology
subject: Immunology
subject: Surgery and Surgical Specialties
subject: Translational Medicine
subject: COVID-19
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18651
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Lee et al.
abstract: Background & Aims The global pandemic caused by the highly contagious SARS-CoV-2 virus led to the emergency approval of COVID-19 vaccines to reduce rising morbidity and mortality. However, limited research exists on evaluating the impact of these vaccines on immunocompromised individuals, such as recipients of living donor liver transplantation, highlighting the need for further studies to better understand their effectiveness in this specific population. Methods From June 2021, we followed up on the effectiveness of the vaccine for patients taking immunosuppressive drugs after living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT). A total of 105 immunocompromised individuals participated, of which 50 patients with hepatitis B were taking antiviral drugs. Patients were assessed to analyze how the combination of immunosuppressive and antiviral drugs affected the efficacy of the BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 COVID-19 vaccines. Results Before and after the vaccinations, patients were monitored to establish differences between immunosuppressed patients and those additionally taking antiviral drugs. In immunocompromised patients taking antiviral drugs for hepatitis B, we confirmed that the effect of the COVID-19 vaccine was reduced when compared to immunocompromised patients. Interestingly, 23 patients (11 without and 12 additionally with hepatitis B drug administration) encountered breakthrough infections, and although there was a minor discrepancy in vaccine efficacy among the patients taking antiviral drugs for hepatitis B, it did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions Additional COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for patients taking immunosuppressive drugs and hepatitis B antiviral drugs after LDLT.
bibliographic citation: Lee et al. (2024) Effects of combined immunosuppressant and hepatitis B virus antiviral use on COVID-19 vaccination in recipients of living donor liver transplantation. PeerJ 12:e18651 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18651
date submitted: 2024-06-19
date accepted: 2024-11-15
issued: 2024-12-06
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Lee
  given name: Ryunjin
author list: Agent
  family name: Choi
  given name: Jiwan
author list: Agent
  family name: Lee
  given name: Eunkyeong
author list: Agent
  family name: Lee
  given name: Jooyoung
author list: Agent
  family name: Kim
  given name: Jiye
author list: Agent
  family name: Kang
  given name: Seoon
author list: Agent
  family name: An
  given name: Hye-In
author list: Agent
  family name: Kim
  given name: Sung-Han
author list: Agent
  family name: Kim
  given name: Sung-Min
author list: Agent
  family name: Jwa
  given name: Eun-Kyoung
author list: Agent
  family name: Park
  given name: Gil-Chun
author list: Agent
  family name: Namgoong
  given name: Jung-Man
author list: Agent
  family name: Song
  given name: Gi-Won
author list: Agent
  family name: Yoon
  given name: Young-In
author list: Agent
  family name: Tak
  given name: Eunyoung
author list: Agent
  family name: Lee
  given name: Sung-Gyu
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18651
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-12-06
copyright: © 2024 Lee et al.
attribution name: Lee et al.

The epigenetic role of EZH2 in acute myeloid leukemia
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a malignant disease of the bone marrow, is characterized by the clonal expansion of myeloid progenitor cells and a block in differentiation. The high heterogeneity of AML significantly impedes the development of effective treatment strategies. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), the catalytic subunit of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), regulates the expression of downstream target genes through the trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone 3 (H3K27me3). Increasing evidence suggests that the dysregulation of EZH2 expression in various cancers is closely associated with tumorigenesis. In the review, we examine the role of EZH2 in AML, highlighting its crucial involvement in regulating stemness, proliferation, differentiation, immune response, drug resistance and recurrence. Furthermore, we summarize the application of EZH2 inhibitors in AML treatment and discuss their potential in combination with other therapeutic modalities. Therefore, targeting EZH2 may represent a novel and promising strategy for the treatment of AML.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jinyong Fang
creator: Jingcheng Zhang
creator: Lujian Zhu
creator: Xiaoru Xin
creator: Huixian Hu
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Genetics
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Hematology
subject: Oncology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18656
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Fang et al.
abstract: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a malignant disease of the bone marrow, is characterized by the clonal expansion of myeloid progenitor cells and a block in differentiation. The high heterogeneity of AML significantly impedes the development of effective treatment strategies. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), the catalytic subunit of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), regulates the expression of downstream target genes through the trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone 3 (H3K27me3). Increasing evidence suggests that the dysregulation of EZH2 expression in various cancers is closely associated with tumorigenesis. In the review, we examine the role of EZH2 in AML, highlighting its crucial involvement in regulating stemness, proliferation, differentiation, immune response, drug resistance and recurrence. Furthermore, we summarize the application of EZH2 inhibitors in AML treatment and discuss their potential in combination with other therapeutic modalities. Therefore, targeting EZH2 may represent a novel and promising strategy for the treatment of AML.
bibliographic citation: Fang et al. (2024) The epigenetic role of EZH2 in acute myeloid leukemia. PeerJ 12:e18656 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18656
date submitted: 2024-07-22
date accepted: 2024-11-17
issued: 2024-12-06
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Fang
  given name: Jinyong
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Jingcheng
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhu
  given name: Lujian
author list: Agent
  family name: Xin
  given name: Xiaoru
author list: Agent
  family name: Hu
  given name: Huixian
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18656
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-12-06
copyright: ©2024 Fang et al.
attribution name: Fang et al.

The impact of nurses’ stress situation coping on somatization: a mediated moderation model
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Aims The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of nurses’ stress situation coping levels on somatization symptoms, the mediating effect of depression, and the moderating effect of perceived social support. Background As a core part of the global healthcare system, nurses are crucial to patient health and rehabilitation outcomes. However, due to heavy workloads, unreasonable staffing structures, and constant exposure to occupational risks in their workplaces, these factors often place nurses in a high-intensity, high-stress environment, which directly affects their physical and mental health and professional burnout. Coping with stress situations is an important means to help individuals effectively manage stress, reduce negative impacts, and maintain mental health. However, research on the impact of nurses’ stress situation coping methods on somatization symptoms is limited. Methods This study conducted a cross-sectional survey from December 2022 to April 2023, and finally included 293 nurses working on the front line of tertiary hospitals. Data was collected through questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS 24.0 and the SPSS macro program’s Models 7 and 14. This study is an observational study, strictly prepared and presented according to the STROBE checklist. Results The somatization symptom scores of the nurses were (27.27 ± 7.33) points, the stress situation coping scores were (59.90 ± 9.64) points, the perceived social support scores were (65.64 ± 12.90) points, and the depression scores were (4.42 ± 4.12) points. The somatization symptom scores of the nurses were positively correlated with the stress situation coping scores and depression scores, and negatively correlated with the perceived social support scores, with correlation coefficients of 0.200, 0.851, and −0.302, respectively. The stress coping level of the nurses had a direct positive impact on somatization symptoms (β = 0.081, p = 0.009), and a direct positive impact on nurse depression (β …
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Xiaoyan Qi
creator: Hong-Ning Xu
subject: Nursing
subject: Mental Health
subject: Healthcare Services
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18658
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Qi and Xu
abstract: Aims The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of nurses’ stress situation coping levels on somatization symptoms, the mediating effect of depression, and the moderating effect of perceived social support. Background As a core part of the global healthcare system, nurses are crucial to patient health and rehabilitation outcomes. However, due to heavy workloads, unreasonable staffing structures, and constant exposure to occupational risks in their workplaces, these factors often place nurses in a high-intensity, high-stress environment, which directly affects their physical and mental health and professional burnout. Coping with stress situations is an important means to help individuals effectively manage stress, reduce negative impacts, and maintain mental health. However, research on the impact of nurses’ stress situation coping methods on somatization symptoms is limited. Methods This study conducted a cross-sectional survey from December 2022 to April 2023, and finally included 293 nurses working on the front line of tertiary hospitals. Data was collected through questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS 24.0 and the SPSS macro program’s Models 7 and 14. This study is an observational study, strictly prepared and presented according to the STROBE checklist. Results The somatization symptom scores of the nurses were (27.27 ± 7.33) points, the stress situation coping scores were (59.90 ± 9.64) points, the perceived social support scores were (65.64 ± 12.90) points, and the depression scores were (4.42 ± 4.12) points. The somatization symptom scores of the nurses were positively correlated with the stress situation coping scores and depression scores, and negatively correlated with the perceived social support scores, with correlation coefficients of 0.200, 0.851, and −0.302, respectively. The stress coping level of the nurses had a direct positive impact on somatization symptoms (β = 0.081, p = 0.009), and a direct positive impact on nurse depression (β …
bibliographic citation: Qi et al. (2024) The impact of nurses’ stress situation coping on somatization: a mediated moderation model. PeerJ 12:e18658 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18658
date submitted: 2024-09-04
date accepted: 2024-11-17
issued: 2024-12-06
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Qi
  given name: Xiaoyan
author list: Agent
  family name: Xu
  given name: Hong-Ning
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18658
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-12-06
copyright: © 2024 Qi and Xu
attribution name: Qi and Xu

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