School well-being in primary school children with chronic illness. A prospective cohort study
Background Children with chronic illness perform poorer at school, and school well-being (SWB) may mediate this association. We investigated the association between chronic illness and three domains of SWB in children in first grade. Methods Data from a German population-based prospective cohort study were used. Children with chronic illness were identified via their preschool health examination and follow-up parent surveys during first grade. Children were grouped as either (i) having current special health care needs (SHCN), (ii) having at least one physician diagnosis of a chronic illness but no current SHCN, or (iii) being healthy. SWB was assessed at the end of first grade and measured by the Questionnaire for the Assessment of Emotional and Social School Experiences of First and Second Grade Primary School Children. Based on SWB theory and previous frameworks, the following subscales were used: School-Related Self-Concept, Social Integration, and Joy of Learning. The sum score for each subscale was converted into area-transformed T-values (mean 50 and standard deviation 10). Associations between chronic illness groups and SWB subscales were investigated by multivariable linear regression models. Effect estimates were adjusted for potential confounding variables and standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated. Results Of the 1,490 children included, 15% had current SHCN and 37% had a physician diagnosis of a chronic illness but no current SHCN. Compared to healthy children, children with SHCN had lower scores for the School-Related Self-Concept and the Joy of Learning subscale (SMD −0.18 for both) but not for the Social Integration subscale. In contrast, children with a chronic condition but no SHCN had lower scores only for the Social Integration subscale (SMD −0.12). Conclusions Primary school students with a chronic illness with or without SHCN have lower SWB in some domains compared to their healthy peers. SWB may be a mediator in the association between chronic illness and poor school performance.
Schnick-Vollmer et al. (2024) School well-being in primary school children with chronic illness. A prospective cohort study. PeerJ 12:e18280 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18280
Factors associated with work engagement of nurses in the radiology department, Japan: a cross-sectional study
Background Radiology departments present unique challenges compared to other departments due to exposure to radiation and the specialized nature of the work. Nurses must not only manage typical nursing duties but also adhere to strict safety protocols to minimize radiation exposure. These additional responsibilities can significantly impact their work engagement and overall job satisfaction. Objective This study aimed to identify the factors associated with work engagement among nurses working at prefectural designated cancer care hospitals in Japan. Identifying these factors may lead to improvements in future work environments and educational systems. Methods This was a cross-sectional study using an internet-based survey. A questionnaire using the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) was conducted among 317 nurses; 140 responded (response rate: 44.2%). Results Significant associations were found between work engagement and several factors. The mean UWES score was 54.3 (Standard deviation (SD): 18.4). Work engagement was positively associated with age (B = 0.179, p = 0.03), being male (B = 0.19, p = 0.015), higher position (B = 0.199, p = 0.012), desire for radiology assignments (B = 0.223, p = 0.003), and presence of a radiation exposure consultation system (B = 0.214, p = 0.034). Conclusions This study identified several factors associated with work engagement among radiology nurses, highlighting the importance of specialized support systems to address radiation-related concerns. These findings can inform interventions to enhance work engagement and well-being in this field.
Tsuchihashi et al. (2024) Factors associated with work engagement of nurses in the radiology department, Japan: a cross-sectional study. PeerJ 12:e18426 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18426
MALAT1 promotes colonic epithelial cell apoptosis and pyroptosis by sponging miR-22-3p to enhance NLRP3 expression
Background Colonic epithelial cell apoptosis and pyroptosis had a close relationship with the pathological progression of ulcerative colitis (UC). LncRNA play a crucial role in the progression of UC. However, the role of the lncRNA MALAT1 in colonic epithelial cell apoptosis and pyroptosis remains unclear. Methods UC colitis cell model was established through lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. MiR-22-3p and MALAT1 expression in fetal human colon (FHC) cells were analyzed by qRT-PCR. Proliferation and apoptosis of FHCs were measured using CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Pyroptosis indicators including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, and N-gasdermin D (N-GSDMD) in FHCs were detected using ELISA, qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Results In this study, apoptosis was facilitated, IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α levels were enhanced, NLRP3, caspase-1, N-GSDMD protein were increased, and MALAT1 expression was markedly increased in LPS-treated FHCs (LTFs). MALAT1 knockdown remarkably facilitated proliferation and suppressed apoptosis, reduced IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α levels, and decreased the protein of NLRP3, caspase-1, N-GSDMD. Furthermore, NLRP3 overexpression remarkably reversed the effect of MALAT1-downexpression in LTFs. In addition, miR-22-3p could bind with MALAT1 and NLRP3 3′ UTR. Furthermore, miR-22-3p inhibition remarkably reversed the effect of MALAT1 overexpression in LTFs. Conclusions These findings suggest that MALAT1 represents a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of UC by modulating the miR-22-3p/NLRP3 pathway, potentially leading to novel strategies for reducing inflammation and cell death in the colon.
Yan et al. (2024) MALAT1 promotes colonic epithelial cell apoptosis and pyroptosis by sponging miR-22-3p to enhance NLRP3 expression. PeerJ 12:e18449 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18449
Several methods for assessing research waste in reviews with a systematic search: a scoping review
Background Research waste is present in all study designs and can have significant consequences for science, including reducing the reliability of research findings and contributing to the inefficient use of resources. Estimates suggest that as much as 85% of all biomedical research is wasted. However, it is uncertain how avoidable research waste is assessed in specific types of study designs and what methods could be used to examine different aspects of research waste. We aimed to investigate which methods, systematic reviews, scoping reviews, and overviews of reviews discussing research waste, have used to assess avoidable research waste. Materials and Methods We published a protocol in the Open Science Framework prospectively (https://osf.io/2fbp4). We searched PubMed and Embase with a 30-year limit (January 1993–August 2023). The concept examined was how research waste and related synonyms (e.g., unnecessary, redundant, duplicate, etc.) were assessed in reviews with a systematic search: systematic, scoping, or overviews of reviews. We extracted data on the method used in the review to examine for research waste and for which study design this method was applied. Results The search identified 4,285 records of which 93 reviews with systematic searches were included. The reviews examined a median of 90 (range 10–6,781) studies, where the study designs most commonly included were randomized controlled trials (48%) and systematic reviews (33%). In the last ten years, the number of reports assessing research waste has increased. More than 50% of examined reviews reported evaluating methodological research waste among included studies, typically using tools such as one of Cochrane Risk of Bias tools (n = 8) for randomized controlled trials or AMSTAR 1 or 2 (n = 12) for systematic reviews. One fourth of reviews assessed reporting guideline adherence to e.g., CONSORT (n = 4) for randomized controlled trials or PRISMA (n = 6) for systematic reviews. Conclusion Reviews with systematic searches focus on methodological quality and reporting guideline adherence when examining research waste. However, this scoping review revealed that a wide range of tools are used, which may pose difficulties in comparing examinations and performing meta-research. This review aids researchers in selecting methodologies and contributes to the ongoing discourse on optimizing research efficiency.
Rosengaard et al. (2024) Several methods for assessing research waste in reviews with a systematic search: a scoping review. PeerJ 12:e18466 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18466
Comparative transcriptome profiling suggests the role of phytohormones in leaf stalk-stem angle in melon (Cucumis melo L.)
Leaf stalk-stem angle is an important agronomic trait influencing melon architecture, photosynthetic efficiency, and crop yield. However, the mechanisms governing leaf stalk-stem angle, particularly in melon, are not well understood. In this study, we explored the comparative transcriptome in the expanded architecture line Y164 and the compact plant architecture line Z151 at 30 days after pollination. Phytohormones were measured at the leaf stalk-angle site at the same time in these two lines using liquid chromatography (LC) tandem mass spectrometry (MS) (LC-MS/MS). The phytohormones and transcriptomes were jointly analyzed. Differential hormone profiling revealed that the levels of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) and 12-oxophytodienoic acid (OPDA) in the large-angled line Y164 were significantly higher than those in the small-angled line Z151. These differences were quantified as 2.1- and 2.8-fold increases, respectively. Conversely, the content of isopentenyl adenosine (IPA) was significantly elevated in Z151, with a 3.8-fold higher concentration relative to Y164. Transcriptome analysis identified a total of 1709 differently expressed genes (DEGs), with a predominant enrichment in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways related to photosynthesis and plant hormone signal transduction. Similarly, photosynthesis and the hormone metabolic process were predominantly enriched in the biological process of Gene Ontology (GO) terms. Further integration of transcriptome and hormone analyses substantiated the close relationship between melon leaf stalk-stem angle and phytohormones, especially ACC, OPDA and IPA. Selected DEGs from phytohormone signal transduction were validated. Detailed analysis of DEGs highlighted the potential role of genes such as GH3s (LOC103490488, LOC103490483), SUARs (LOC107991561, LOC103497281 and LOC103489067), ARFs (LOC103503893, LOC103493078) and five genes in abscisic acid pathway. In summary, our findings strongly suggest a direct correlation between phytohormones and the leaf stalk-stem angles in melon.
Mao et al. (2024) Comparative transcriptome profiling suggests the role of phytohormones in leaf stalk-stem angle in melon (Cucumis melo L.). PeerJ 12:e18467 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18467
Systemic acquired resistance inducing chemicals mitigate black scurf disease in potato by activating defense-related enzymes
The potato, being an underground vegetable crop, faces consistent threats from soil- and tuber-borne fungal and bacterial pathogens. Black scurf and stem canker disease caused by the fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn is a critical global concern in the potato cultivation system. In this study, we evaluated the disease mitigation potential of five systemic acquired resistance-inducing chemicals viz., salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, β-aminobutyric acid, γ-aminobutyric acid and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Two common methods, tuber dipping and foliar spray, were utilized in this experiment to evaluate pathogen inhibition on inoculated tubers. The results revealed that all the systemic acquired resistance inducing chemicals were effective in disease suppression in a concentration-dependent manner compared to an inoculated control. Significant differences (P < 0.005) were evident among the various treatment combinations, with salicylic acid being the most effective in alleviating black scurf disease. Maximum reduction in disease incidence compared to the control was observed with salicylic acid (57.89% and 73.68%), followed by jasmonic acid (52.63% and 65.78%) and H2O2 (49.99% and 60.52%) under the tuber dipping treatment combinations. Whereas, in the foliar application, the maximum reduction in disease incidence compared to the control was observed with salicylic acid (44.73 and 63.15%), followed by jasmonic acid (42.10 and 60.52%) and H2O2 (39.46 and 52.63%). The tuber dipping treatments were significantly more efficacious (P < 0.005) compared to foliar spray for all treatment combinations. The biochemical analysis of defense-related enzymes and metabolites demonstrated the induced resistance activation under these treatments. The activity of peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and phenyl ammonia-lyase was significantly higher in treated tubers as compared to inoculated and uninoculated control. The total phenol content was also elevated in treated tubers as compared to the respective control. Altogether, these resistance-inducing chemicals can be successfully included in integrated disease management programs.
Buswal et al. (2024) Systemic acquired resistance inducing chemicals mitigate black scurf disease in potato by activating defense-related enzymes. PeerJ 12:e18470 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18470
Association between circulating CTRP9 levels and coronary artery disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Background C1q tumor necrosis factor (TNF) related proteins 9 (CTRP9) is a novel adipocytokine that has been shown to have a cardioprotective effect in coronary artery disease (CAD). However, there are conflicting results on circulating levels of CTRP9 in patients with and without CAD. This meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the association between circulating CTRP9 levels and CAD. Objective The aim of this meta-analysis was to re-examine the relationship between circulating CTRP9 levels and CAD. Methods We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang Data, and CBM for relevant studies up to October 2023, and 193 articles were identified. After reading the title, abstract and full text, a total of 25 articles were included in this meta-analysis. A prespecified protocol registered at INPLASY was followed (INPLASY202450066). Due to the high heterogeneity, we performed subgroup analyses and meta-regression based on patient characteristics, complications, clinical biochemical indicators, coronary artery lesion, and CAD classification. Publication bias was assessed using Egger’s linear regression tests, Begg’s rank correlation tests, and funnel plots. Results The results showed that the patient with CAD had significantly lower circulating CTRP9 levels than the control group (Z = 3.26, P = 0.001). Subgroup analysis and meta-regression findings demonstrated that observed heterogeneity could be attributed to population distribution. Patient characteristics (year of publication, patients’ age, and BMI), complications (diabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)), clinical biochemical indicators, coronary artery lesion (stability of coronary atherosclerotic plaque, and the number of diseased coronary vessels), and classification of CAD were not identified as source of heterogeneity. Conclusions The meta-analysis confirmed that circulating CTRP9 levels in CAD patients are significantly lower than those in patients without CAD. The association may be modified by the population distribution.
Zhu et al. (2024) Association between circulating CTRP9 levels and coronary artery disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PeerJ 12:e18488 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18488
Systemic immune-inflammation index as an independent risk factor for diabetic nephropathy: a retrospective, single-center study
Purpose Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) was an indicator which could reflect immune response and systemic inflammation. We aim to explore the relationship between SII and diabetic nephropathy (DN). Methods SII was calculated as neutrophil count × platelet count/lymphocyte count. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnosis power of SII. Univariate and multivariate logistic analysis were conducted to assess SII as the risk factor for DN. A restricted cubic spline model was carried out to show the nonlinear association between SII and DN. Results Two hundred participants were enrolled, with an average age of 56.6 ± 13.4 years; 54% participants were categorized as DN. Spearman association analysis showed SII was positive associated with increased urinary albumin to creatinine ratio and serum creatinine, while negative associated with eGFR and serum albumin. The ROC curve revealed that the maximum area under the curve (AUC) was 0.761 (95% CI, 0.694-0.828, P < 0.001). After univariate and multivariate logistic analysis, SII (OR=1.004, P = 0.002) and serum creatinine (OR=1.146, P < 0.001) were risk factors for the occurrence of DN, while age (OR=0.920, P = 0.011) and serum albumin (OR=0.708, P < 0.001) were protective factors for the occurrence of DN. The restricted cubic spline model showed that there was a significant nonlinear association between DN incidence and continuous SII value when it exceeded 624*10 $\hat {}$ ˆ 9/L. Conclusion SII is a novel diagnostic biomarker which is independently associated with DN. Further large-scale prospective studies are needed to validate our findings before SII can be considered a reliable diagnostic or prognostic tool for DN.
Zhang et al. (2024) Systemic immune-inflammation index as an independent risk factor for diabetic nephropathy: a retrospective, single-center study. PeerJ 12:e18493 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18493
Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of a handheld myotonometer measuring myofascial stiffness of lower lumbar myofascial tissue in healthy adults
Background Biomechanical muscle properties, such as stiffness, can be valuable indicators of tissue health and show promise as a diagnostic and treatment measure for chronic low back pain (CLBP). The development of accessible assessment technologies, such as the MyotonPRO portable device, allows for the convenient quantification of muscle tone and stiffness changes. The aim of this study is to assess the reliability of lumbar erector spinae muscle stiffness with the MyotonPRO in healthy adults and to compare stiffness changes between prone and sitting position. Methods Thirty asymptomatic participants (N = 15 women and N = 15 men) aged between 18 and 65 years were recruited to participate in this study. Two examiners tested muscle stiffness at the palpable muscle belly, one finger away from the spinous process at the level of the L4 vertebra, first from the left and then from the right side, both in prone position and after in sitting position. For inter-rater reliability, all participants were tested by two examiners on the same day, and intra-rater reliability was calculated using the same examiner’s assessment results with an exact 24-h interval. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), standard error measures (SEM) and minimum detectable change (MDC) with a 95% confidence interval were calculated to assess intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. Results Statistical analysis revealed good intra-rater reliability with an ICC of 0.88 (95% CI [0.76–0.94]) for the stiffness of the left erector spinae and excellent intra-rater reliability with an ICC of 0.91 (95% CI [0.82–0.95]) for the right erector spinae, both in the prone position. Intra-rater reliability in the sitting position was excellent to very good with an ICC of 0.91 (95% CI [0.82–0.96]) for the left side and an ICC of 0.89 (95% CI [0.78–0.95]) for the right side. The results for the left-sided prone position showed good inter-rater reliability with an ICC of 0.87 (95% CI [0.73–0.94]). The prone position on the right side also showed good inter-rater reliability with an ICC of 0.84 (95% CI [0.68–0.92]). The inter-rater reliability for the left and right side in the sitting position was excellent with an ICC of 0.96 (95% CI [0.92–0.98]) for the left side and an ICC of 0.95 (95% CI [0.90–0.97]) for the right side. Conclusion This study demonstrated high reliability in measuring lumbar erector spinae muscle stiffness with the MyotonPRO in healthy adults and the ability of the device to detect even small changes in erector spinae muscle stiffness, testing both the right and left sides and measuring in both prone and sitting positions. The use of the sitting position to assess lumbar tissue tension in individuals may serve as a valuable substitute for the prone position, particularly for patients who experience discomfort in the prone position, and could have additional practical significance in clinical settings.
Valenti et al. (2024) Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of a handheld myotonometer measuring myofascial stiffness of lower lumbar myofascial tissue in healthy adults. PeerJ 12:e18524 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18524
Chemical constituents and biological activities of endophytic fungi from Fagopyrum dibotrys
Background Fagopyrum dibotrys is an important wild food and feed germplasm resource. It has high nutritional and medicinal value and is rich in natural products, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, and alkaloids. Endophytic fungi in F. dibotrys have emerged as valuable sources of natural products. However, studies on the biological activity and chemical composition of these endophytic fungi remain limited. Methods In this paper, a new method to obtain natural active ingredients by fermentation of endophytic fungi from medicinal plants was proposed. Then the antioxidant and pathogenic activities of the endophytic fungi extracts were determined in vitro. In addition, secondary metabolites produced by endophytic fungi with medicinal activity were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Results Among the 95 endophytic fungal strains in F. dibotrys, four strains with high phenol yields were selected by reaction: Alternaria alstroemeriae (J2), Fusarium oxysporum (J15), Colletotrichum karsti (J74), and Colletotrichum boninense (J61). Compared with those of various extracts, the ethyl acetate fractions of A. alstroemeriae (J2), F. oxysporum (J15), and C. boninense (J61) exhibited superior antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The results indicated that the fungal extract was an excellent natural antioxidant and might be a potential antibacterial agent. The DPPH free radical clearance of A. alstroemeriae was 94.96 ± 0.004%. These findings indicated that A. alstroemeriae had strong antioxidant activity. In addition, the extract of A. alstroemeriae had good antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with MICs of 0.5 and 0.05 mg/mL, respectively. The chemical constituents of the ethyl acetate extract from A. alstroemeriae were further analyzed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). We noted that A. alstroemeriae can create a variety of medicinal substances that have high value in medicine, such as caffeic acid (884.75 ng/mL), 3-phenyllactic acid (240.72 ng/mL) and norlichexanthone (74.36 ng/mL). Discussion In summary, many valuable active substances and medicinal substances can be obtained through the study of endophytic fungi of F. dibotrys.
Xie et al. (2024) Chemical constituents and biological activities of endophytic fungi from Fagopyrum dibotrys. PeerJ 12:e18529 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18529