PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
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
items: Taurine stimulation of planarian motility: a role for the dopamine receptor pathway
items: Motor competence of children in Singapore using Movement ABC-2 test
items: Nonadjacent dependencies and sequential structure of chimpanzee action during a natural tool-use task
items: PhyIN: trimming alignments by phylogenetic incompatibilities among neighbouring sites
items: CYP3A4 and CYP3A5: the crucial roles in clinical drug metabolism and the significant implications of genetic polymorphisms

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

Taurine stimulation of planarian motility: a role for the dopamine receptor pathway
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Taurine, a normal dietary component that is found in many tissues, is considered important for a number of physiological processes. It is thought to play a particular role in eye development and in the maturation of both the muscular and nervous systems, leading to its suggested use as a therapeutic for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Taurine increases metabolism and has also been touted as a weight loss aid. Due to its possible benefits to health and development, taurine is added as a supplement to a wide array of products, including infant formula and energy drinks. Despite its pervasive use as a nutritional additive and implied physiological actions, there is little consensus on how taurine functions. This is likely because, mechanistically, taurine has been demonstrated to affect multiple metabolic pathways. Simple models and straightforward assay systems are required to make headway in understanding this complexity. We chose to begin this work using the planarian because these animals have basic, well-understood muscular and nervous systems and are the subjects of many well-tested assays examining how their physiology is influenced by exposure to various environmental, nutritional, and therapeutic agents. We used a simple behavioral assay, the planarian locomotor velocity test (pLmV), to gain insight into the stimulant properties of taurine. Using this assay, we observed that taurine is a mild stimulant that is not affected by sugars or subject to withdrawal. We also provide evidence that taurine makes use of the dopamine D1 receptor to mediate this stimulant effect. Given the pervasiveness of taurine in many commercial products, our findings using the planarian system provide needed insight into the stimulant properties of taurine that should be considered when adding it to the diet.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Elisa J. Livengood
creator: Robyn A. M. V. Fong
creator: Angela M. Pratt
creator: Veronika O. Alinskas
creator: Grace Van Gorder
creator: Michael Mezzio
creator: Margaret E. Mulligan
creator: Evelyn B. Voura
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18671
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Livengood et al.
abstract: Taurine, a normal dietary component that is found in many tissues, is considered important for a number of physiological processes. It is thought to play a particular role in eye development and in the maturation of both the muscular and nervous systems, leading to its suggested use as a therapeutic for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Taurine increases metabolism and has also been touted as a weight loss aid. Due to its possible benefits to health and development, taurine is added as a supplement to a wide array of products, including infant formula and energy drinks. Despite its pervasive use as a nutritional additive and implied physiological actions, there is little consensus on how taurine functions. This is likely because, mechanistically, taurine has been demonstrated to affect multiple metabolic pathways. Simple models and straightforward assay systems are required to make headway in understanding this complexity. We chose to begin this work using the planarian because these animals have basic, well-understood muscular and nervous systems and are the subjects of many well-tested assays examining how their physiology is influenced by exposure to various environmental, nutritional, and therapeutic agents. We used a simple behavioral assay, the planarian locomotor velocity test (pLmV), to gain insight into the stimulant properties of taurine. Using this assay, we observed that taurine is a mild stimulant that is not affected by sugars or subject to withdrawal. We also provide evidence that taurine makes use of the dopamine D1 receptor to mediate this stimulant effect. Given the pervasiveness of taurine in many commercial products, our findings using the planarian system provide needed insight into the stimulant properties of taurine that should be considered when adding it to the diet.
bibliographic citation: Livengood et al. (2024) Taurine stimulation of planarian motility: a role for the dopamine receptor pathway. PeerJ 12:e18671 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18671
date submitted: 2024-08-22
date accepted: 2024-11-19
issued: 2024-12-06
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Livengood
  given name: Elisa J.
author list: Agent
  family name: Fong
  given name: Robyn A. M. V.
author list: Agent
  family name: Pratt
  given name: Angela M.
author list: Agent
  family name: Alinskas
  given name: Veronika O.
author list: Agent
  family name: Van Gorder
  given name: Grace
author list: Agent
  family name: Mezzio
  given name: Michael
author list: Agent
  family name: Mulligan
  given name: Margaret E.
author list: Agent
  family name: Voura
  given name: Evelyn B.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18671
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-12-06
copyright: © 2024 Livengood et al.
attribution name: Livengood et al.

Motor competence of children in Singapore using Movement ABC-2 test
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Introduction The Movement Assessment Battery for Children, 2nd Edition (MABC-2) test is a valuable tool for identifying motor delays in children globally. However, there has been a lack of data for children in Singapore. Methods This study compared 175 children in Singapore (SG) aged 3–6 years to MABC-2 data based on the United Kingdom (UK) population, using statistical tests to analyze age, country, and gender effects on motor competence. Results The results showed a positive age effect across all tasks, with SG children excelling in balance but lagging in aiming and catching tasks compared to UK children. The interaction between age and country yielded mixed results, favoring different groups at various ages. Additionally, girls displayed better manual dexterity and static balance than boys. Conclusion Encouraging more physical activities, especially those involving object manipulation, is crucial for SG children. Establishing local norms for the MABC-2 in Singapore and considering country-specific factors in motor competence evaluations can enhance early intervention strategies. These findings emphasize the importance of tailored approaches to address motor skill development in SG children.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jernice S.Y. Tan
creator: Michael Chia
subject: Kinesiology
subject: Pediatrics
subject: Public Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18446
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Tan and Chia
abstract: Introduction The Movement Assessment Battery for Children, 2nd Edition (MABC-2) test is a valuable tool for identifying motor delays in children globally. However, there has been a lack of data for children in Singapore. Methods This study compared 175 children in Singapore (SG) aged 3–6 years to MABC-2 data based on the United Kingdom (UK) population, using statistical tests to analyze age, country, and gender effects on motor competence. Results The results showed a positive age effect across all tasks, with SG children excelling in balance but lagging in aiming and catching tasks compared to UK children. The interaction between age and country yielded mixed results, favoring different groups at various ages. Additionally, girls displayed better manual dexterity and static balance than boys. Conclusion Encouraging more physical activities, especially those involving object manipulation, is crucial for SG children. Establishing local norms for the MABC-2 in Singapore and considering country-specific factors in motor competence evaluations can enhance early intervention strategies. These findings emphasize the importance of tailored approaches to address motor skill development in SG children.
bibliographic citation: Tan et al. (2024) Motor competence of children in Singapore using Movement ABC-2 test. PeerJ 12:e18446 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18446
date submitted: 2024-06-17
date accepted: 2024-10-11
issued: 2024-12-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Tan
  given name: Jernice S.Y.
author list: Agent
  family name: Chia
  given name: Michael
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18446
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-12-05
copyright: ©2024 Tan and Chia
attribution name: Tan and Chia

Nonadjacent dependencies and sequential structure of chimpanzee action during a natural tool-use task
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Many of the complex behaviours of humans involve the production of nonadjacent dependencies between sequence elements, which in part can be generated through the hierarchical organization of sequences. To understand how these structural properties of human behaviours evolved, we can gain valuable insight from studying the sequential behaviours of nonhuman animals. Among the behaviours of nonhuman apes, tool use has been hypothesised to be a domain of behaviour which likely involves hierarchical organization, and may therefore possess nonadjacent dependencies between sequential actions. However thus far, evidence supporting hierarchical organization of great-ape tool use comes from methodologies which have been criticised in their objectivity. Additionally, the extent to which nonadjacent dependencies appear in primate action sequences during tool use has not been formally investigated. We used estimations of mutual information (MI)—a measure of dependency strength between sequence elements—to evaluate both the extent to which wild chimpanzees produce nonadjacent dependencies during a naturalistic tool-use task (nut cracking), as well as how sequences of actions are likely organized during tool use. Half of adult chimpanzees produced nonadjacent dependencies at significantly greater sequential distances than comparable, nonhierarchical Markov models once repeated actions had been accounted for. Additionally, for the majority of chimpanzees, MI decay with increasing sequential distance included a power-law relationship, which is a key indicator that the action sequences produced by chimpanzees likely entail some degree of hierarchical organization. Our analysis offered the greatest support for a system of organization where short subroutines of actions (2–8 actions long) are hierarchically arranged into longer sequences—a finding which is consistent with previous qualitative descriptions of ape tool-use behaviours. Interindividual variability was detected within our a…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Elliot Howard-Spink
creator: Misato Hayashi
creator: Tetsuro Matsuzawa
creator: Daniel Schofield
creator: Thibaud Gruber
creator: Dora Biro
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Anthropology
subject: Computational Biology
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18484
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Howard-Spink et al.
abstract: Many of the complex behaviours of humans involve the production of nonadjacent dependencies between sequence elements, which in part can be generated through the hierarchical organization of sequences. To understand how these structural properties of human behaviours evolved, we can gain valuable insight from studying the sequential behaviours of nonhuman animals. Among the behaviours of nonhuman apes, tool use has been hypothesised to be a domain of behaviour which likely involves hierarchical organization, and may therefore possess nonadjacent dependencies between sequential actions. However thus far, evidence supporting hierarchical organization of great-ape tool use comes from methodologies which have been criticised in their objectivity. Additionally, the extent to which nonadjacent dependencies appear in primate action sequences during tool use has not been formally investigated. We used estimations of mutual information (MI)—a measure of dependency strength between sequence elements—to evaluate both the extent to which wild chimpanzees produce nonadjacent dependencies during a naturalistic tool-use task (nut cracking), as well as how sequences of actions are likely organized during tool use. Half of adult chimpanzees produced nonadjacent dependencies at significantly greater sequential distances than comparable, nonhierarchical Markov models once repeated actions had been accounted for. Additionally, for the majority of chimpanzees, MI decay with increasing sequential distance included a power-law relationship, which is a key indicator that the action sequences produced by chimpanzees likely entail some degree of hierarchical organization. Our analysis offered the greatest support for a system of organization where short subroutines of actions (2–8 actions long) are hierarchically arranged into longer sequences—a finding which is consistent with previous qualitative descriptions of ape tool-use behaviours. Interindividual variability was detected within our a…
bibliographic citation: Howard-Spink et al. (2024) Nonadjacent dependencies and sequential structure of chimpanzee action during a natural tool-use task. PeerJ 12:e18484 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18484
date submitted: 2024-05-16
date accepted: 2024-10-16
issued: 2024-12-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Howard-Spink
  given name: Elliot
author list: Agent
  family name: Hayashi
  given name: Misato
author list: Agent
  family name: Matsuzawa
  given name: Tetsuro
author list: Agent
  family name: Schofield
  given name: Daniel
author list: Agent
  family name: Gruber
  given name: Thibaud
author list: Agent
  family name: Biro
  given name: Dora
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18484
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-12-05
copyright: © 2024 Howard-Spink et al.
attribution name: Howard-Spink et al.

PhyIN: trimming alignments by phylogenetic incompatibilities among neighbouring sites
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: In phylogenomics, regions of low alignment reliability and high noise are typically trimmed from multiple sequence alignments before they are used in phylogenetic inference. I introduce a new trimming tool, PhyIN, which deletes regions in which a large proportion of sites (characters) have conflicting phylogenetic signal. It does not require inference of a phylogenetic tree, as it finds neighbouring characters that cannot agree on any possible tree. In phylogenomic data of ultraconserved elements (UCE), PhyIN effectively finds the boundaries between chaotic (conflicted) and orderly regions of alignments with data for only a single locus. Its ability to work on individual loci allows it to preserve discord between gene trees and species trees.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Wayne P. Maddison
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Computational Biology
subject: Evolutionary Studies
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18504
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Maddison
abstract: In phylogenomics, regions of low alignment reliability and high noise are typically trimmed from multiple sequence alignments before they are used in phylogenetic inference. I introduce a new trimming tool, PhyIN, which deletes regions in which a large proportion of sites (characters) have conflicting phylogenetic signal. It does not require inference of a phylogenetic tree, as it finds neighbouring characters that cannot agree on any possible tree. In phylogenomic data of ultraconserved elements (UCE), PhyIN effectively finds the boundaries between chaotic (conflicted) and orderly regions of alignments with data for only a single locus. Its ability to work on individual loci allows it to preserve discord between gene trees and species trees.
bibliographic citation: Maddison (2024) PhyIN: trimming alignments by phylogenetic incompatibilities among neighbouring sites. PeerJ 12:e18504 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18504
date submitted: 2024-07-22
date accepted: 2024-10-18
issued: 2024-12-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Maddison
  given name: Wayne P.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18504
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-12-05
copyright: ©2024 Maddison
attribution name: Maddison

CYP3A4 and CYP3A5: the crucial roles in clinical drug metabolism and the significant implications of genetic polymorphisms
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: CYP3A, a key member of the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) superfamily, is integral to drug metabolism, processing a substantial portion of medications. Their role in drug metabolism is particularly prominent, as CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 metabolize approximately 30–50% of known drugs. The genetic polymorphism of CYP3A4/5 is significant inter-individual variability in enzymatic activity, which can result in different pharmacokinetic profiles in response to the same drug among individuals. These polymorphisms can lead to either increased drug toxicity or reduced therapeutic effects, requiring dosage adjustments based on genetic profiles. Consequently, the study of the enzymatic activity of CYP3A4/5 gene variants is of great importance for the formulation of personalized treatment regimens. This article first reviews the role of CYP3A4/5 in drug metabolism in the human body, including inhibitors and inducers of CYP3A4/5 and drug-drug interactions. In terms of genetic polymorphism, it discusses the detection methods, enzymatic kinetic characteristics, and clinical guidelines for CYP3A5. Finally, the article summarizes the importance of CYP3A4/5 in clinical applications, including personalized therapy, management of drug-drug interactions, and adjustment of drug doses. This review contributes to the understanding of the functions and genetic characteristics of CYP3A4/5, allowing for more effective clinical outcomes through optimized drug therapy.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Yuqing Zhang
creator: Ziying Wang
creator: Yuchao Wang
creator: Weikai Jin
creator: Zheyan Zhang
creator: Lehao Jin
creator: Jianchang Qian
creator: Long Zheng
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Genetics
subject: Pharmacology
subject: Medical Genetics
subject: Metabolic Sciences
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18636
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Zhang et al.
abstract: CYP3A, a key member of the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) superfamily, is integral to drug metabolism, processing a substantial portion of medications. Their role in drug metabolism is particularly prominent, as CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 metabolize approximately 30–50% of known drugs. The genetic polymorphism of CYP3A4/5 is significant inter-individual variability in enzymatic activity, which can result in different pharmacokinetic profiles in response to the same drug among individuals. These polymorphisms can lead to either increased drug toxicity or reduced therapeutic effects, requiring dosage adjustments based on genetic profiles. Consequently, the study of the enzymatic activity of CYP3A4/5 gene variants is of great importance for the formulation of personalized treatment regimens. This article first reviews the role of CYP3A4/5 in drug metabolism in the human body, including inhibitors and inducers of CYP3A4/5 and drug-drug interactions. In terms of genetic polymorphism, it discusses the detection methods, enzymatic kinetic characteristics, and clinical guidelines for CYP3A5. Finally, the article summarizes the importance of CYP3A4/5 in clinical applications, including personalized therapy, management of drug-drug interactions, and adjustment of drug doses. This review contributes to the understanding of the functions and genetic characteristics of CYP3A4/5, allowing for more effective clinical outcomes through optimized drug therapy.
bibliographic citation: Zhang et al. (2024) CYP3A4 and CYP3A5: the crucial roles in clinical drug metabolism and the significant implications of genetic polymorphisms. PeerJ 12:e18636 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18636
date submitted: 2024-08-08
date accepted: 2024-11-12
issued: 2024-12-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Yuqing
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Ziying
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Yuchao
author list: Agent
  family name: Jin
  given name: Weikai
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Zheyan
author list: Agent
  family name: Jin
  given name: Lehao
author list: Agent
  family name: Qian
  given name: Jianchang
author list: Agent
  family name: Zheng
  given name: Long
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18636
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-12-05
copyright: © 2024 Zhang et al.
attribution name: Zhang et al.

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