PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Identification of limiting climatic and geographical variables for the distribution of the tortoise Chelonoidis chilensis (Testudinidae): a baseline for conservation actions
items: Effect of shampoo, conditioner and permanent waving on the molecular structure of human hair
items: Dispersal and metapopulation stability
items: Investigation into the effects of antioxidant-rich extract of Tamarindus indica leaf on antioxidant enzyme activities, oxidative stress and gene expression profiles in HepG2 cells
items: Association among smoking, depression, and anxiety: findings from a representative sample of Korean adolescents
items: Nodes with high centrality in protein interaction networks are responsible for driving signaling pathways in diabetic nephropathy
items: Risk factors and prognosis of hypoalbuminemia in surgical septic patients
items: Measuring the well-being of health care professionals in the Punjab: a psychometric evaluation of the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale in a Pakistani population
items: The prevalence and anatomical characteristics of the accessory head of the flexor pollicis longus muscle: a meta-analysis
items: Population subdivision of the surf clam Mactra chinensis in the East China Sea: Changjiang River outflow is not the sole driver

Identification of limiting climatic and geographical variables for the distribution of the tortoise Chelonoidis chilensis (Testudinidae): a baseline for conservation actions
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background. Just as for most other tortoise species, the once common Chaco tortoise, Chelonoidis chilensis (Testudinidae), is under constant threat across it distribution in Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay. Despite initial qualitative description of the species distribution and further individual reports of new locations for the species, there is no description of the species distribution in probabilistic terms. With this work we aim to produce an updated predictive distribution map for C. chilensis to serve as a baseline management tool for directed strategic conservation planning. Methods. We fitted a spatially expanded logistic regression model within the Bayesian framework that accounts for uncertainty on presence-only and generated pseudo-absence data into the parameter estimates. We contrast the results with reported data for the national networks of protected areas to assess the inclusion of the species in area-based conservation strategies. Results. We obtained maps with predictions of the occurrence of the species and reported the model’s uncertainty spatially. The model suggests that potential suitable habitats for the species are continuous across Argentina, West Paraguay and South Bolivia, considering the variables, the scale and the resolution used. The main limiting variables were temperature-related variables, and precipitation in the reproductive period. Discussion. Given the alarming low density and coverage of protected areas over the distribution area of C. chilensis, the map produced provides a baseline to identify areas where directed strategic conservation management actions would be more efficient for this and other associated species.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Alejandro Ruete
creator: Gerardo C. Leynaud
subject: Biogeography
subject: Climate Change Biology
subject: Conservation Biology
subject: Ecology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.1298
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2015 Ruete and Leynaud
abstract: Background. Just as for most other tortoise species, the once common Chaco tortoise, Chelonoidis chilensis (Testudinidae), is under constant threat across it distribution in Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay. Despite initial qualitative description of the species distribution and further individual reports of new locations for the species, there is no description of the species distribution in probabilistic terms. With this work we aim to produce an updated predictive distribution map for C. chilensis to serve as a baseline management tool for directed strategic conservation planning. Methods. We fitted a spatially expanded logistic regression model within the Bayesian framework that accounts for uncertainty on presence-only and generated pseudo-absence data into the parameter estimates. We contrast the results with reported data for the national networks of protected areas to assess the inclusion of the species in area-based conservation strategies. Results. We obtained maps with predictions of the occurrence of the species and reported the model’s uncertainty spatially. The model suggests that potential suitable habitats for the species are continuous across Argentina, West Paraguay and South Bolivia, considering the variables, the scale and the resolution used. The main limiting variables were temperature-related variables, and precipitation in the reproductive period. Discussion. Given the alarming low density and coverage of protected areas over the distribution area of C. chilensis, the map produced provides a baseline to identify areas where directed strategic conservation management actions would be more efficient for this and other associated species.
bibliographic citation: Ruete et al. (2015) Identification of limiting climatic and geographical variables for the distribution of the tortoise Chelonoidis chilensis (Testudinidae): a baseline for conservation actions. PeerJ 3:e1298 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.1298
date submitted: 2015-07-14
date accepted: 2015-09-16
issued: 2015-10-01
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Ruete
  given name: Alejandro
author list: Agent
  family name: Leynaud
  given name: Gerardo C.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.1298
volume: 3
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2015-10-01
copyright: © 2015 Ruete and Leynaud
attribution name: Ruete and Leynaud

Effect of shampoo, conditioner and permanent waving on the molecular structure of human hair
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The hair is a filamentous biomaterial consisting of the cuticle, the cortex and the medulla, all held together by the cell membrane complex. The cortex mostly consists of helical keratin proteins that spiral together to form coiled-coil dimers, intermediate filaments, micro-fibrils and macro-fibrils. We used X-ray diffraction to study hair structure on the molecular level, at length scales between ∼3–90 Å, in hopes of developing a diagnostic method for diseases affecting hair structure allowing for fast and noninvasive screening. However, such an approach can only be successful if common hair treatments do not affect molecular hair structure. We found that a single use of shampoo and conditioner has no effect on packing of keratin molecules, structure of the intermediate filaments or internal lipid composition of the membrane complex. Permanent waving treatments are known to break and reform disulfide linkages in the hair. Single application of a perming product was found to deeply penetrate the hair and reduce the number of keratin coiled-coils and change the structure of the intermediate filaments. Signals related to the coiled-coil structure of the α-keratin molecules at 5 and 9.5 Å were found to be decreased while a signal associated with the organization of the intermediate filaments at 47 Å was significantly elevated in permed hair. Both these observations are related to breaking of the bonds between two coiled-coil keratin dimers.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Yuchen Zhang
creator: Richard J. Alsop
creator: Asfia Soomro
creator: Fei-Chi Yang
creator: Maikel C. Rheinstädter
subject: Biophysics
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.1296
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2015 Zhang et al.
abstract: The hair is a filamentous biomaterial consisting of the cuticle, the cortex and the medulla, all held together by the cell membrane complex. The cortex mostly consists of helical keratin proteins that spiral together to form coiled-coil dimers, intermediate filaments, micro-fibrils and macro-fibrils. We used X-ray diffraction to study hair structure on the molecular level, at length scales between ∼3–90 Å, in hopes of developing a diagnostic method for diseases affecting hair structure allowing for fast and noninvasive screening. However, such an approach can only be successful if common hair treatments do not affect molecular hair structure. We found that a single use of shampoo and conditioner has no effect on packing of keratin molecules, structure of the intermediate filaments or internal lipid composition of the membrane complex. Permanent waving treatments are known to break and reform disulfide linkages in the hair. Single application of a perming product was found to deeply penetrate the hair and reduce the number of keratin coiled-coils and change the structure of the intermediate filaments. Signals related to the coiled-coil structure of the α-keratin molecules at 5 and 9.5 Å were found to be decreased while a signal associated with the organization of the intermediate filaments at 47 Å was significantly elevated in permed hair. Both these observations are related to breaking of the bonds between two coiled-coil keratin dimers.
bibliographic citation: Zhang et al. (2015) Effect of shampoo, conditioner and permanent waving on the molecular structure of human hair. PeerJ 3:e1296 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.1296
date submitted: 2015-06-02
date accepted: 2015-09-15
issued: 2015-10-01
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Yuchen
author list: Agent
  family name: Alsop
  given name: Richard J.
author list: Agent
  family name: Soomro
  given name: Asfia
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Fei-Chi
author list: Agent
  family name: Rheinstädter
  given name: Maikel C.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.1296
volume: 3
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2015-10-01
copyright: © 2015 Zhang et al.
attribution name: Zhang et al.

Dispersal and metapopulation stability
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Metapopulation dynamics are jointly regulated by local and spatial factors. These factors may affect the dynamics of local populations and of the entire metapopulation differently. Previous studies have shown that dispersal can stabilize local populations; however, as dispersal also tends to increase spatial synchrony, its net effect on metapopulation stability has been controversial. Here we present a simple metapopulation model to study how dispersal, in interaction with other spatial and local processes, affects the temporal variability of metapopulations in a stochastic environment. Our results show that in homogeneous metapopulations, the local stabilizing and spatial synchronizing effects of dispersal cancel each other out, such that dispersal has no effect on metapopulation variability. This result is robust to moderate heterogeneities in local and spatial parameters. When local and spatial dynamics exhibit high heterogeneities, however, dispersal can either stabilize or destabilize metapopulation dynamics through various mechanisms. Our findings have important theoretical and practical implications. We show that dispersal functions as a form of spatial intraspecific mutualism in metapopulation dynamics and that its effect on metapopulation stability is opposite to that of interspecific competition on local community stability. Our results also suggest that conservation corridors should be designed with appreciation of spatial heterogeneities in population dynamics in order to maximize metapopulation stability.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Shaopeng Wang
creator: Bart Haegeman
creator: Michel Loreau
subject: Conservation Biology
subject: Ecology
subject: Mathematical Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.1295
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2015 Wang et al.
abstract: Metapopulation dynamics are jointly regulated by local and spatial factors. These factors may affect the dynamics of local populations and of the entire metapopulation differently. Previous studies have shown that dispersal can stabilize local populations; however, as dispersal also tends to increase spatial synchrony, its net effect on metapopulation stability has been controversial. Here we present a simple metapopulation model to study how dispersal, in interaction with other spatial and local processes, affects the temporal variability of metapopulations in a stochastic environment. Our results show that in homogeneous metapopulations, the local stabilizing and spatial synchronizing effects of dispersal cancel each other out, such that dispersal has no effect on metapopulation variability. This result is robust to moderate heterogeneities in local and spatial parameters. When local and spatial dynamics exhibit high heterogeneities, however, dispersal can either stabilize or destabilize metapopulation dynamics through various mechanisms. Our findings have important theoretical and practical implications. We show that dispersal functions as a form of spatial intraspecific mutualism in metapopulation dynamics and that its effect on metapopulation stability is opposite to that of interspecific competition on local community stability. Our results also suggest that conservation corridors should be designed with appreciation of spatial heterogeneities in population dynamics in order to maximize metapopulation stability.
bibliographic citation: Wang et al. (2015) Dispersal and metapopulation stability. PeerJ 3:e1295 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.1295
date submitted: 2015-07-01
date accepted: 2015-09-15
issued: 2015-10-01
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Shaopeng
author list: Agent
  family name: Haegeman
  given name: Bart
author list: Agent
  family name: Loreau
  given name: Michel
doi: 10.7717/peerj.1295
volume: 3
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2015-10-01
copyright: © 2015 Wang et al.
attribution name: Wang et al.

Investigation into the effects of antioxidant-rich extract of Tamarindus indica leaf on antioxidant enzyme activities, oxidative stress and gene expression profiles in HepG2 cells
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The leaf extract of Tamarindus indica L. (T. indica) had been reported to possess high phenolic content and showed high antioxidant activities. In this study, the effects of the antioxidant-rich leaf extract of the T. indica on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activities, H2O2-induced ROS production and gene expression patterns were investigated in liver HepG2 cells. Lipid peroxidation and ROS production were inhibited and the activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase was enhanced when the cells were treated with the antioxidant-rich leaf extract. cDNA microarray analysis revealed that 207 genes were significantly regulated by at least 1.5-fold (p < 0.05) in cells treated with the antioxidant-rich leaf extract. The expression of KNG1, SERPINC1, SERPIND1, SERPINE1, FGG, FGA, MVK, DHCR24, CYP24A1, ALDH6A1, EPHX1 and LEAP2 were amongst the highly regulated. When the significantly regulated genes were analyzed using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software, “Lipid Metabolism, Small Molecule Biochemistry, Hematological Disease” was the top biological network affected by the leaf extract, with a score of 36. The top predicted canonical pathway affected by the leaf extract was the coagulation system (P < 2.80 × 10−6) followed by the superpathway of cholesterol biosynthesis (P < 2.17 × 10−4), intrinsic prothrombin pathway (P < 2.92 × 10−4), Immune Protection/Antimicrobial Response (P < 2.28 × 10−3) and xenobiotic metabolism signaling (P < 2.41 × 10−3). The antioxidant-rich leaf extract of T. indica also altered the expression of proteins that are involved in the Coagulation System and the Intrinsic Prothrombin Activation Pathway (KNG1, SERPINE1, FGG), Superpathway of Cholesterol Biosynthesis (MVK), Immune protection/antimicrobial response (IFNGR1, LEAP2, ANXA3 and MX1) and Xenobiotic Metabolism Signaling (ALDH6A1, ADH6). In conclusion, the antioxidant-rich leaf extract of T. indica inhibited lipid peroxidation and ROS product…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Nurhanani Razali
creator: Azlina Abdul Aziz
creator: Chor Yin Lim
creator: Sarni Mat Junit
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Food Science and Technology
subject: Genomics
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Nutrition
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.1292
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2015 Razali et al.
abstract: The leaf extract of Tamarindus indica L. (T. indica) had been reported to possess high phenolic content and showed high antioxidant activities. In this study, the effects of the antioxidant-rich leaf extract of the T. indica on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activities, H2O2-induced ROS production and gene expression patterns were investigated in liver HepG2 cells. Lipid peroxidation and ROS production were inhibited and the activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase was enhanced when the cells were treated with the antioxidant-rich leaf extract. cDNA microarray analysis revealed that 207 genes were significantly regulated by at least 1.5-fold (p < 0.05) in cells treated with the antioxidant-rich leaf extract. The expression of KNG1, SERPINC1, SERPIND1, SERPINE1, FGG, FGA, MVK, DHCR24, CYP24A1, ALDH6A1, EPHX1 and LEAP2 were amongst the highly regulated. When the significantly regulated genes were analyzed using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software, “Lipid Metabolism, Small Molecule Biochemistry, Hematological Disease” was the top biological network affected by the leaf extract, with a score of 36. The top predicted canonical pathway affected by the leaf extract was the coagulation system (P < 2.80 × 10−6) followed by the superpathway of cholesterol biosynthesis (P < 2.17 × 10−4), intrinsic prothrombin pathway (P < 2.92 × 10−4), Immune Protection/Antimicrobial Response (P < 2.28 × 10−3) and xenobiotic metabolism signaling (P < 2.41 × 10−3). The antioxidant-rich leaf extract of T. indica also altered the expression of proteins that are involved in the Coagulation System and the Intrinsic Prothrombin Activation Pathway (KNG1, SERPINE1, FGG), Superpathway of Cholesterol Biosynthesis (MVK), Immune protection/antimicrobial response (IFNGR1, LEAP2, ANXA3 and MX1) and Xenobiotic Metabolism Signaling (ALDH6A1, ADH6). In conclusion, the antioxidant-rich leaf extract of T. indica inhibited lipid peroxidation and ROS product…
bibliographic citation: Razali et al. (2015) Investigation into the effects of antioxidant-rich extract of Tamarindus indica leaf on antioxidant enzyme activities, oxidative stress and gene expression profiles in HepG2 cells. PeerJ 3:e1292 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.1292
date submitted: 2015-07-13
date accepted: 2015-09-14
issued: 2015-10-01
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Razali
  given name: Nurhanani
author list: Agent
  family name: Abdul Aziz
  given name: Azlina
author list: Agent
  family name: Lim
  given name: Chor Yin
author list: Agent
  family name: Mat Junit
  given name: Sarni
doi: 10.7717/peerj.1292
volume: 3
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2015-10-01
copyright: © 2015 Razali et al.
attribution name: Razali et al.

Association among smoking, depression, and anxiety: findings from a representative sample of Korean adolescents
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: This study investigated the relationship between smoking and depression and anxiety using data from a nationwide survey representing Korean adolescents. Subjects were 6,489 adolescents in middle and high school (age 13–18) who had participated in the 2011 Korean Study of Promotion Policies on Children and Adolescents—Mental Health (KSPCAM). Daily smoking number of times for current smokers was classified as 1–2 times, 2–4 times and over 5 times. The odds ratio for the statistical test was presented using hierarchical logistic regression. When adjusted for covariates (gender, age, household economy, type of residing city, type of school, school record, satisfaction with school life, subjective health status, satisfaction with relationship with parents, and drinking experience), smokers more significantly likely to have depression (OR = 1.27, 95% CI [1.02–1.57]), and anxiety (OR = 1.49, 95% CI [1.14–1.96]) than non-smokers (p < 0.05). In addition, adolescents who smoke more than 5 cigarettes a day were 1.5 times more likely to have depression (OR = 1.48, 95% CI [1.13–1.92]) and anxiety (OR = 1.49, 95% CI [1.07–2.08]) than those who do not smoke. Smoking in adolescence was found to be significantly related with depression and anxiety. To promote the mental health of adolescents, effective smoking cessation programs are required.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Haewon Byeon
subject: Epidemiology
subject: Evidence Based Medicine
subject: Global Health
subject: Health Policy
subject: Public Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.1288
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2015 Byeon
abstract: This study investigated the relationship between smoking and depression and anxiety using data from a nationwide survey representing Korean adolescents. Subjects were 6,489 adolescents in middle and high school (age 13–18) who had participated in the 2011 Korean Study of Promotion Policies on Children and Adolescents—Mental Health (KSPCAM). Daily smoking number of times for current smokers was classified as 1–2 times, 2–4 times and over 5 times. The odds ratio for the statistical test was presented using hierarchical logistic regression. When adjusted for covariates (gender, age, household economy, type of residing city, type of school, school record, satisfaction with school life, subjective health status, satisfaction with relationship with parents, and drinking experience), smokers more significantly likely to have depression (OR = 1.27, 95% CI [1.02–1.57]), and anxiety (OR = 1.49, 95% CI [1.14–1.96]) than non-smokers (p < 0.05). In addition, adolescents who smoke more than 5 cigarettes a day were 1.5 times more likely to have depression (OR = 1.48, 95% CI [1.13–1.92]) and anxiety (OR = 1.49, 95% CI [1.07–2.08]) than those who do not smoke. Smoking in adolescence was found to be significantly related with depression and anxiety. To promote the mental health of adolescents, effective smoking cessation programs are required.
bibliographic citation: Byeon (2015) Association among smoking, depression, and anxiety: findings from a representative sample of Korean adolescents. PeerJ 3:e1288 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.1288
date submitted: 2015-07-13
date accepted: 2015-09-11
issued: 2015-10-01
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Byeon
  given name: Haewon
doi: 10.7717/peerj.1288
volume: 3
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2015-10-01
copyright: © 2015 Byeon
attribution name: Byeon

Nodes with high centrality in protein interaction networks are responsible for driving signaling pathways in diabetic nephropathy
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: In spite of huge efforts, chronic diseases remain an unresolved problem in medicine. Systems biology could assist to develop more efficient therapies through providing quantitative holistic sights to these complex disorders. In this study, we have re-analyzed a microarray dataset to identify critical signaling pathways related to diabetic nephropathy. GSE1009 dataset was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database and the gene expression profile of glomeruli from diabetic nephropathy patients and those from healthy individuals were compared. The protein-protein interaction network for differentially expressed genes was constructed and enriched. In addition, topology of the network was analyzed to identify the genes with high centrality parameters and then pathway enrichment analysis was performed. We found 49 genes to be variably expressed between the two groups. The network of these genes had few interactions so it was enriched and a network with 137 nodes was constructed. Based on different parameters, 34 nodes were considered to have high centrality in this network. Pathway enrichment analysis with these central genes identified 62 inter-connected signaling pathways related to diabetic nephropathy. Interestingly, the central nodes were more informative for pathway enrichment analysis compared to all network nodes and also 49 differentially expressed genes. In conclusion, we here show that central nodes in protein interaction networks tend to be present in pathways that co-occur in a biological state. Also, this study suggests a computational method for inferring underlying mechanisms of complex disorders from raw high-throughput data.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Maryam Abedi
creator: Yousof Gheisari
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Computational Biology
subject: Nephrology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.1284
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2015 Abedi and Gheisari
abstract: In spite of huge efforts, chronic diseases remain an unresolved problem in medicine. Systems biology could assist to develop more efficient therapies through providing quantitative holistic sights to these complex disorders. In this study, we have re-analyzed a microarray dataset to identify critical signaling pathways related to diabetic nephropathy. GSE1009 dataset was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database and the gene expression profile of glomeruli from diabetic nephropathy patients and those from healthy individuals were compared. The protein-protein interaction network for differentially expressed genes was constructed and enriched. In addition, topology of the network was analyzed to identify the genes with high centrality parameters and then pathway enrichment analysis was performed. We found 49 genes to be variably expressed between the two groups. The network of these genes had few interactions so it was enriched and a network with 137 nodes was constructed. Based on different parameters, 34 nodes were considered to have high centrality in this network. Pathway enrichment analysis with these central genes identified 62 inter-connected signaling pathways related to diabetic nephropathy. Interestingly, the central nodes were more informative for pathway enrichment analysis compared to all network nodes and also 49 differentially expressed genes. In conclusion, we here show that central nodes in protein interaction networks tend to be present in pathways that co-occur in a biological state. Also, this study suggests a computational method for inferring underlying mechanisms of complex disorders from raw high-throughput data.
bibliographic citation: Abedi et al. (2015) Nodes with high centrality in protein interaction networks are responsible for driving signaling pathways in diabetic nephropathy. PeerJ 3:e1284 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.1284
date submitted: 2015-07-13
date accepted: 2015-09-07
issued: 2015-10-01
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Abedi
  given name: Maryam
author list: Agent
  family name: Gheisari
  given name: Yousof
doi: 10.7717/peerj.1284
volume: 3
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2015-10-01
copyright: © 2015 Abedi and Gheisari
attribution name: Abedi and Gheisari

Risk factors and prognosis of hypoalbuminemia in surgical septic patients
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors of hypoalbuminemia and effects of different albumin levels on the prognosis of surgical septic patients. We preformed a retrospective clinical study including 135 adult patients from September 2011 to June 2014. The albumin levels and severity markers were recorded during the first 48 h after enrollment, and logistic regression analyses were used to determine the risk factors. The outcomes of patients with different albumin levels were also compared. The acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score (OR 1.786, 95% CI [1.379–2.314], P < 0.001), C-reactive protein (CRP) (OR 1.016, 95% CI [1.005–1.027], P = 0.005), and blood lactate (OR 1.764, 95% CI [1.141–2.726], P = 0.011) were established as the independent risk factors of hypoalbuminemia in patients with surgical sepsis. The severity markers and outcomes of patients with albumin levels ≤20 g/L were significantly worse than that of 21–25 g/L and ≥26 g/L, whereas the latter two groups had similar prognosis. Every 1 g/L decrease of albumin level below the optimal cut-off (23 g/L) was associated with a 19.4% increase in hospital mortality and a 28.7% increase in the incidence of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. In conclusion, APACHE II score (≥14.5), CRP (≥34.25 mg/L), and blood lactate (≥.35 mmol/L) were established as the independent risk factors of hypoalbuminemia in the early stage of surgical sepsis. Patients with baseline albumin level ≤20 g/L had worse prognosis than that of albumin level ≥21 g/L. Albumin levels were negatively correlated the prognosis of surgical sepsis when below about 23 g/L.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jia-Kui Sun
creator: Fang Sun
creator: Xiang Wang
creator: Shou-Tao Yuan
creator: Shu-Yun Zheng
creator: Xin-Wei Mu
subject: Emergency and Critical Care
subject: Surgery and Surgical Specialties
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.1267
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2015 Sun et al.
abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors of hypoalbuminemia and effects of different albumin levels on the prognosis of surgical septic patients. We preformed a retrospective clinical study including 135 adult patients from September 2011 to June 2014. The albumin levels and severity markers were recorded during the first 48 h after enrollment, and logistic regression analyses were used to determine the risk factors. The outcomes of patients with different albumin levels were also compared. The acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score (OR 1.786, 95% CI [1.379–2.314], P < 0.001), C-reactive protein (CRP) (OR 1.016, 95% CI [1.005–1.027], P = 0.005), and blood lactate (OR 1.764, 95% CI [1.141–2.726], P = 0.011) were established as the independent risk factors of hypoalbuminemia in patients with surgical sepsis. The severity markers and outcomes of patients with albumin levels ≤20 g/L were significantly worse than that of 21–25 g/L and ≥26 g/L, whereas the latter two groups had similar prognosis. Every 1 g/L decrease of albumin level below the optimal cut-off (23 g/L) was associated with a 19.4% increase in hospital mortality and a 28.7% increase in the incidence of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. In conclusion, APACHE II score (≥14.5), CRP (≥34.25 mg/L), and blood lactate (≥.35 mmol/L) were established as the independent risk factors of hypoalbuminemia in the early stage of surgical sepsis. Patients with baseline albumin level ≤20 g/L had worse prognosis than that of albumin level ≥21 g/L. Albumin levels were negatively correlated the prognosis of surgical sepsis when below about 23 g/L.
bibliographic citation: Sun et al. (2015) Risk factors and prognosis of hypoalbuminemia in surgical septic patients. PeerJ 3:e1267 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.1267
date submitted: 2015-06-02
date accepted: 2015-09-04
issued: 2015-10-01
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Sun
  given name: Jia-Kui
author list: Agent
  family name: Sun
  given name: Fang
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Xiang
author list: Agent
  family name: Yuan
  given name: Shou-Tao
author list: Agent
  family name: Zheng
  given name: Shu-Yun
author list: Agent
  family name: Mu
  given name: Xin-Wei
doi: 10.7717/peerj.1267
volume: 3
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2015-10-01
copyright: © 2015 Sun et al.
attribution name: Sun et al.

Measuring the well-being of health care professionals in the Punjab: a psychometric evaluation of the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale in a Pakistani population
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background. There is growing awareness of the public health importance of mental well-being both in the general population and in specific groups. The well-being of health professionals is likely to influence the quality of the care they deliver. This study was carried out to examine the well-being of Pakistani healthcare professionals, and to evaluate the psychometric performance of the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) in this population. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was carried out from June, 2013 to December, 2014 among 1,271 Pakistani health care providers (HCPs) working in seven different cities in Punjab province, Pakistan, to examine the acceptability, internal consistency, test-retest reliability and content and construct validity of the English version of the WEMWBS in a Pakistani population sample. All data were analyzed in SPSS v. 21. Results. Our analysis demonstrated unidimensional construct validity, high internal consistency (0.89) and test-retest reliability, good validity and easy readability of WEMWBS in our sample of Pakistani HCPs. The mean WEMWBS score was 48.1 (SD 9.4), which is lower than in the general population in other countries. Male HCPs scored significantly higher on the WEMWBS than their female counterparts (P < 0.05), and older respondents had higher scores. Conclusion. The WEMWBS appears acceptable for use in Pakistani HCPs, and findings from this study verify its validity and internal consistency for this population sample. Our respondents had lower well-being scores than those reported in general population surveys in the UK.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Ahmed Waqas
creator: Waqas Ahmad
creator: Mark Haddad
creator: Frances M. Taggart
creator: Zerwah Muhammad
creator: Muhammad Hamza Bukhari
creator: Shahzad Ahmed Sami
creator: Sayyeda Mehak Batool
creator: Fiza Najeeb
creator: Ayesha Hanif
creator: Zehra Ali Rizvi
creator: Sumbul Ejaz
subject: Epidemiology
subject: Global Health
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
subject: Public Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.1264
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2015 Waqas et al.
abstract: Background. There is growing awareness of the public health importance of mental well-being both in the general population and in specific groups. The well-being of health professionals is likely to influence the quality of the care they deliver. This study was carried out to examine the well-being of Pakistani healthcare professionals, and to evaluate the psychometric performance of the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) in this population. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was carried out from June, 2013 to December, 2014 among 1,271 Pakistani health care providers (HCPs) working in seven different cities in Punjab province, Pakistan, to examine the acceptability, internal consistency, test-retest reliability and content and construct validity of the English version of the WEMWBS in a Pakistani population sample. All data were analyzed in SPSS v. 21. Results. Our analysis demonstrated unidimensional construct validity, high internal consistency (0.89) and test-retest reliability, good validity and easy readability of WEMWBS in our sample of Pakistani HCPs. The mean WEMWBS score was 48.1 (SD 9.4), which is lower than in the general population in other countries. Male HCPs scored significantly higher on the WEMWBS than their female counterparts (P < 0.05), and older respondents had higher scores. Conclusion. The WEMWBS appears acceptable for use in Pakistani HCPs, and findings from this study verify its validity and internal consistency for this population sample. Our respondents had lower well-being scores than those reported in general population surveys in the UK.
bibliographic citation: Waqas et al. (2015) Measuring the well-being of health care professionals in the Punjab: a psychometric evaluation of the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale in a Pakistani population. PeerJ 3:e1264 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.1264
date submitted: 2015-05-15
date accepted: 2015-09-03
issued: 2015-10-01
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Waqas
  given name: Ahmed
author list: Agent
  family name: Ahmad
  given name: Waqas
author list: Agent
  family name: Haddad
  given name: Mark
author list: Agent
  family name: Taggart
  given name: Frances M.
author list: Agent
  family name: Muhammad
  given name: Zerwah
author list: Agent
  family name: Bukhari
  given name: Muhammad Hamza
author list: Agent
  family name: Sami
  given name: Shahzad Ahmed
author list: Agent
  family name: Batool
  given name: Sayyeda Mehak
author list: Agent
  family name: Najeeb
  given name: Fiza
author list: Agent
  family name: Hanif
  given name: Ayesha
author list: Agent
  family name: Rizvi
  given name: Zehra Ali
author list: Agent
  family name: Ejaz
  given name: Sumbul
doi: 10.7717/peerj.1264
volume: 3
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2015-10-01
copyright: © 2015 Waqas et al.
attribution name: Waqas et al.

The prevalence and anatomical characteristics of the accessory head of the flexor pollicis longus muscle: a meta-analysis
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background and Objectives. The accessory head of the flexor pollicis longus muscle (AHFPL), also known as the Gantzer’s muscle, was first described in 1813. The prevalence rates of an AHFPL significantly vary between studies, and no consensus has been reached on the numerous variations reported in its origin, innervation, and relationships to the Anterior Interosseous Nerve (AIN) and the Median Nerve (MN). The aim of our study was to determine the true prevalence of AHFPL and to study its associated anatomical characteristics. Methods. A search of the major electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science was performed to identify all articles reporting data on the prevalence of AHPFL in the population. No date or language restriction was set. Additionally, an extensive search of the references of all relevant articles was performed. Data on the prevalence of the AHFPL in upper limbs and its anatomical characteristics and relationships including origin, insertion, innervation, and position was extracted and pooled into a meta-analysis using MetaXL version 2.0. Results. A total of 24 cadaveric studies (n = 2,358 upper limb) were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of an AHFPL was 44.2% (95% CI [0.347–0.540]). An AHFPL was found more commonly in men than in women (41.1% vs. 24.1%), and was slightly more prevalent on the right side than on the left side (52.8% vs. 45.2%). The most common origin of the AHFPL was from the medial epicondyle of the humerus with a pooled prevalence of 43.6% (95% CI [0.166–0.521]). In most cases, the AHFPL inserted into the flexor pollicis longus muscle (94.6%, 95% CI [0.731–1.0]) and was innervated by the AIN (97.3%, 95% CI [0.924–0.993]). Conclusion. The AHFPL should be considered as more a part of normal anatomy than an anatomical variant. The variability in its anatomical characteristics, and its potential to cause compression of the AIN and MN, must be taken into account by physicians to av…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Joyeeta Roy
creator: Brandon M. Henry
creator: Przemysław A. Pękala
creator: Jens Vikse
creator: Piravin Kumar Ramakrishnan
creator: Jerzy A. Walocha
creator: Krzysztof A. Tomaszewski
subject: Anatomy and Physiology
subject: Evidence Based Medicine
subject: Kinesiology
subject: Orthopedics
subject: Rheumatology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.1255
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2015 Roy et al.
abstract: Background and Objectives. The accessory head of the flexor pollicis longus muscle (AHFPL), also known as the Gantzer’s muscle, was first described in 1813. The prevalence rates of an AHFPL significantly vary between studies, and no consensus has been reached on the numerous variations reported in its origin, innervation, and relationships to the Anterior Interosseous Nerve (AIN) and the Median Nerve (MN). The aim of our study was to determine the true prevalence of AHFPL and to study its associated anatomical characteristics. Methods. A search of the major electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science was performed to identify all articles reporting data on the prevalence of AHPFL in the population. No date or language restriction was set. Additionally, an extensive search of the references of all relevant articles was performed. Data on the prevalence of the AHFPL in upper limbs and its anatomical characteristics and relationships including origin, insertion, innervation, and position was extracted and pooled into a meta-analysis using MetaXL version 2.0. Results. A total of 24 cadaveric studies (n = 2,358 upper limb) were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of an AHFPL was 44.2% (95% CI [0.347–0.540]). An AHFPL was found more commonly in men than in women (41.1% vs. 24.1%), and was slightly more prevalent on the right side than on the left side (52.8% vs. 45.2%). The most common origin of the AHFPL was from the medial epicondyle of the humerus with a pooled prevalence of 43.6% (95% CI [0.166–0.521]). In most cases, the AHFPL inserted into the flexor pollicis longus muscle (94.6%, 95% CI [0.731–1.0]) and was innervated by the AIN (97.3%, 95% CI [0.924–0.993]). Conclusion. The AHFPL should be considered as more a part of normal anatomy than an anatomical variant. The variability in its anatomical characteristics, and its potential to cause compression of the AIN and MN, must be taken into account by physicians to av…
bibliographic citation: Roy et al. (2015) The prevalence and anatomical characteristics of the accessory head of the flexor pollicis longus muscle: a meta-analysis. PeerJ 3:e1255 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.1255
date submitted: 2015-07-07
date accepted: 2015-09-01
issued: 2015-10-01
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Roy
  given name: Joyeeta
author list: Agent
  family name: Henry
  given name: Brandon M.
author list: Agent
  family name: Pękala
  given name: Przemysław A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Vikse
  given name: Jens
author list: Agent
  family name: Ramakrishnan
  given name: Piravin Kumar
author list: Agent
  family name: Walocha
  given name: Jerzy A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Tomaszewski
  given name: Krzysztof A.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.1255
volume: 3
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2015-10-01
copyright: © 2015 Roy et al.
attribution name: Roy et al.

Population subdivision of the surf clam Mactra chinensis in the East China Sea: Changjiang River outflow is not the sole driver
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The northwestern Pacific, characterized by unique tectonic and hydrological settings, has greatly intrigued marine phylogeographers. However, current studies mostly focus on the influence of Pleistocene isolation of sea basins in population structure of species in the region, leaving the contribution of other factors (such as freshwater outflow and environmental gradients) largely unexploited. Here we shed light on the question by investigating phylogeography of the surf clam Mactra chinensis in the East China Sea (ECS). Genetic information was acquired from 501 specimens collected from its main distribution in the region, represented by mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and nine polymorphic microsatellite loci. A shallow and star-like phylogeny was revealed for all COI haplotypes, indicating the origin of populations from a single refugium. Although no divergent lineages existed, population subdivision was detected in both data sets. The most striking pattern was the significant differentiation between populations north and south of a biogeographic boundary—the Changjiang Estuary, suggesting a barrier effect of the freshwater outflow to gene flow. For the northern group, substructure was revealed by COI result as one southernmost population was significant different from other ones. Clear latitude gradations in allele frequencies were revealed by microsatellite analyses, likely influenced by environmental gradient factors such as temperature. Our results demonstrate that genetic subdivision can arise for populations within the ECS despite they have a single origin, and multiple mechanisms including Changjiang River outflow, environmental gradient factors and life-history traits may act in combination in the process.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Gang Ni
creator: Qi Li
creator: Lehai Ni
creator: Lingfeng Kong
creator: Hong Yu
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Biogeography
subject: Marine Biology
subject: Molecular Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.1240
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2015 Ni et al.
abstract: The northwestern Pacific, characterized by unique tectonic and hydrological settings, has greatly intrigued marine phylogeographers. However, current studies mostly focus on the influence of Pleistocene isolation of sea basins in population structure of species in the region, leaving the contribution of other factors (such as freshwater outflow and environmental gradients) largely unexploited. Here we shed light on the question by investigating phylogeography of the surf clam Mactra chinensis in the East China Sea (ECS). Genetic information was acquired from 501 specimens collected from its main distribution in the region, represented by mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and nine polymorphic microsatellite loci. A shallow and star-like phylogeny was revealed for all COI haplotypes, indicating the origin of populations from a single refugium. Although no divergent lineages existed, population subdivision was detected in both data sets. The most striking pattern was the significant differentiation between populations north and south of a biogeographic boundary—the Changjiang Estuary, suggesting a barrier effect of the freshwater outflow to gene flow. For the northern group, substructure was revealed by COI result as one southernmost population was significant different from other ones. Clear latitude gradations in allele frequencies were revealed by microsatellite analyses, likely influenced by environmental gradient factors such as temperature. Our results demonstrate that genetic subdivision can arise for populations within the ECS despite they have a single origin, and multiple mechanisms including Changjiang River outflow, environmental gradient factors and life-history traits may act in combination in the process.
bibliographic citation: Ni et al. (2015) Population subdivision of the surf clam Mactra chinensis in the East China Sea: Changjiang River outflow is not the sole driver. PeerJ 3:e1240 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.1240
date submitted: 2015-07-31
date accepted: 2015-08-22
issued: 2015-09-29
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Ni
  given name: Gang
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Qi
author list: Agent
  family name: Ni
  given name: Lehai
author list: Agent
  family name: Kong
  given name: Lingfeng
author list: Agent
  family name: Yu
  given name: Hong
doi: 10.7717/peerj.1240
volume: 3
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2015-09-29
copyright: © 2015 Ni et al.
attribution name: Ni et al.

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