PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Examining the interplay between mental health indicators and quality of life measures among first-year law students: a cross-sectional study
items: Protein profile changes during priming explants to embryogenic response in Coffea canephora: identification of the RPN12 proteasome subunit involved in the protein degradation
items: Potential of epicatechin as antioxidant and antiaging in UV-induced BJ cells by regulating COL1A1, FGF-2, GPX-1, and MMP-1 gene, protein levels, and apoptosis
items: Seroprevalence and silent infection rate during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic among children and adolescents in Western Pomerania: a multicenter, cross-sectional study—the COVIDKID study
items: Examination of optical coherence tomography findings in patients with pregabalin use disorder
items: Transperineal prostate biopsy guided by which ultrasound transducer: transrectal or transperineal: a retrospective study
items: CAF-derived miR-642a-3p supports migration, invasion, and EMT of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting SERPINE1
items: Relationship between tooth macrowear and jaw morphofunctional traits in representative hypercarnivores
items: Cryophysiology of coral microfragments: effects of chilling and cryoprotectant toxicity
items: Digital competence of faculty members in health sciences measured via self-reflection: current status and contextual aspects

Examining the interplay between mental health indicators and quality of life measures among first-year law students: a cross-sectional study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Introduction This research explores the intricate relationships between mental health indicators (depression, stress, and anxiety) and various dimensions of quality of life among first-year law students. The study aims to understand how affective valence, mood states, physical activity, body image perception, and social relations influence mental health outcomes. Methods Data were collected from 75 first-year law students (46 females, 29 males), a group predominantly composed of young adults with limited financial means, living in various housing situations, primarily within urban environments, and generally reporting low levels of physical activity. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess mental health and quality of life, including the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21), Feeling Scale (FS), Exercise-Induced Feeling Inventory (EIFI), Modified Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire (MBPAQ), World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), and Contour Drawing Rating Scale (CDRS). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis were employed to analyze the data. Results The analysis revealed significant correlations between depression (mean = 5.97, SD = 4.21), stress (mean = 7.81, SD = 4.80), and anxiety (mean = 6.17, SD = 4.58) with affective valence (p < 0.05), mood states (p < 0.05), physical activity (p < 0.05), body image perception (p < 0.05), and social relations quality (p < 0.05). Additionally, mood states (mean = 20.73, SD = 10.60), physical activity (mean = 8.43, SD = 1.35), body image perception (mean = 4.21, SD = 1.91), and social relations quality (mean = 12.46, SD = 2.33) were identified as significant predictors of mental health outcomes (p < 0.05). Conclusions These findings underscore the complex interplay between mental health indicators and various dimensions of quality of life, emphasizing the necessity for a comprehensive approach to mental health care. By identifying these predictor…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Rаul-Ioаn Muntean
creator: Valentina Stefanica
creator: Daniel Rosu
creator: Alexandru Boncu
creator: Iulian Stoian
creator: Mihaela Oravitan
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
subject: Public Health
subject: Science and Medical Education
subject: Mental Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18245
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Muntean et al.
abstract: Introduction This research explores the intricate relationships between mental health indicators (depression, stress, and anxiety) and various dimensions of quality of life among first-year law students. The study aims to understand how affective valence, mood states, physical activity, body image perception, and social relations influence mental health outcomes. Methods Data were collected from 75 first-year law students (46 females, 29 males), a group predominantly composed of young adults with limited financial means, living in various housing situations, primarily within urban environments, and generally reporting low levels of physical activity. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess mental health and quality of life, including the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21), Feeling Scale (FS), Exercise-Induced Feeling Inventory (EIFI), Modified Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire (MBPAQ), World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), and Contour Drawing Rating Scale (CDRS). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis were employed to analyze the data. Results The analysis revealed significant correlations between depression (mean = 5.97, SD = 4.21), stress (mean = 7.81, SD = 4.80), and anxiety (mean = 6.17, SD = 4.58) with affective valence (p < 0.05), mood states (p < 0.05), physical activity (p < 0.05), body image perception (p < 0.05), and social relations quality (p < 0.05). Additionally, mood states (mean = 20.73, SD = 10.60), physical activity (mean = 8.43, SD = 1.35), body image perception (mean = 4.21, SD = 1.91), and social relations quality (mean = 12.46, SD = 2.33) were identified as significant predictors of mental health outcomes (p < 0.05). Conclusions These findings underscore the complex interplay between mental health indicators and various dimensions of quality of life, emphasizing the necessity for a comprehensive approach to mental health care. By identifying these predictor…
bibliographic citation: Muntean et al. (2024) Examining the interplay between mental health indicators and quality of life measures among first-year law students: a cross-sectional study. PeerJ 12:e18245 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18245
date submitted: 2024-07-08
date accepted: 2024-09-15
issued: 2024-11-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Muntean
  given name: Rаul-Ioаn
author list: Agent
  family name: Stefanica
  given name: Valentina
author list: Agent
  family name: Rosu
  given name: Daniel
author list: Agent
  family name: Boncu
  given name: Alexandru
author list: Agent
  family name: Stoian
  given name: Iulian
author list: Agent
  family name: Oravitan
  given name: Mihaela
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18245
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-11-11
copyright: © 2024 Muntean et al.
attribution name: Muntean et al.

Protein profile changes during priming explants to embryogenic response in Coffea canephora: identification of the RPN12 proteasome subunit involved in the protein degradation
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Plant somatic embryogenesis encompasses somatic cells switch into embryogenic cells that can later produce somatic embryos with the ability to produce plantlets. Previously, we defined in vitro culture settings for the somatic embryogenesis process of Coffea canephora that comprise adequate plantlets with auxin plus cytokinin followed by cut-leaf explant cultivation with cytokinin, producing embryos with the ability to regenerate plantlets. Here, we confirmed that cultivating cut-leaf explants with cytokinin is sufficient to promote somatic embryos proliferation and the high yield of somatic embryos in the protocol requires adequate plantlets with auxin plus cytokinin. Two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis gels reveal auxin-plus cytokinin-dependent regulated proteins in plantlets with up and down abundance. Chitinase A class III, proteins involved in the metabolism and folding of proteins, photosynthesis, antioxidant activity, and chromatin organization were identified. The RPN12 protein, which is a subunit of the proteasome 26S, has an abundance that is not associated with transcript changes, suggesting post-translational regulation.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Evelyn A. Carrillo-Bermejo
creator: Ligia Brito-Argáez
creator: Rosa M. Galaz-Ávalos
creator: Felipe Barredo-Pool
creator: Víctor M. Loyola-Vargas
creator: Victor Aguilar-Hernández
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Developmental Biology
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18372
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Carrillo-Bermejo et al.
abstract: Plant somatic embryogenesis encompasses somatic cells switch into embryogenic cells that can later produce somatic embryos with the ability to produce plantlets. Previously, we defined in vitro culture settings for the somatic embryogenesis process of Coffea canephora that comprise adequate plantlets with auxin plus cytokinin followed by cut-leaf explant cultivation with cytokinin, producing embryos with the ability to regenerate plantlets. Here, we confirmed that cultivating cut-leaf explants with cytokinin is sufficient to promote somatic embryos proliferation and the high yield of somatic embryos in the protocol requires adequate plantlets with auxin plus cytokinin. Two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis gels reveal auxin-plus cytokinin-dependent regulated proteins in plantlets with up and down abundance. Chitinase A class III, proteins involved in the metabolism and folding of proteins, photosynthesis, antioxidant activity, and chromatin organization were identified. The RPN12 protein, which is a subunit of the proteasome 26S, has an abundance that is not associated with transcript changes, suggesting post-translational regulation.
bibliographic citation: Carrillo-Bermejo et al. (2024) Protein profile changes during priming explants to embryogenic response in Coffea canephora: identification of the RPN12 proteasome subunit involved in the protein degradation. PeerJ 12:e18372 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18372
date submitted: 2024-05-22
date accepted: 2024-09-30
issued: 2024-11-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Carrillo-Bermejo
  given name: Evelyn A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Brito-Argáez
  given name: Ligia
author list: Agent
  family name: Galaz-Ávalos
  given name: Rosa M.
author list: Agent
  family name: Barredo-Pool
  given name: Felipe
author list: Agent
  family name: Loyola-Vargas
  given name: Víctor M.
author list: Agent
  family name: Aguilar-Hernández
  given name: Victor
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18372
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-11-11
copyright: © 2024 Carrillo-Bermejo et al.
attribution name: Carrillo-Bermejo et al.

Potential of epicatechin as antioxidant and antiaging in UV-induced BJ cells by regulating COL1A1, FGF-2, GPX-1, and MMP-1 gene, protein levels, and apoptosis
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Oxidative stress caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light on the skin can damage deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and cause keratinocytes to undergo apoptosis. Endogenous antioxidants which play a role in trapping free radicals are also unable to overcome excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body due to UV exposure, so exogenous antioxidants are needed. Polyphenolic compounds extracted from natural ingredients such as flavonoids, quercetin, and epicatechin have quite strong antioxidant activity. This is influenced by the chemical structure of these compounds which are rich in hydroxyl groups and aromatic groups. This structure allows the compound to become an electron donor so that it can neutralize free radicals. In vitro research was used to see the potential effectiveness of epicatechin as an antiaging and antioxidant. The study aims to confirm the potential of epicatechin as an antiaging by in vitro assay. Methods The viability test of epicatechin on human skin fibroblast (BJ) cells was carried out using the water-soluble tetrazolium (WST) assay. BJ cells were UV-induced as a cell model of premature aging. Epicatechin 6.25, 12.5, and 25 µg/mL were administered to UV-induced BJ cells. The gene expression of Collagen I Alpha 1 (COL1A1), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), and glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPX-1) were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Elastin (ELN), hyaluronidase (HAase), cyclooxigenase-2 (COX-2), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OhdG), and melatonin (MT) protein levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The apoptosis of BJ cells was analyzed using flow cytometry. Results Treatment with epicatechin increased relative gene expression including COL1A1 (5.94), FGF-2 (8.34), and GPX-1 (8.09), and also decreased MMP-1 (2.90) relative gene expression compared to the UV-induced BJ cells. Epicatechin also increased levels of ELN (107.7 ng/mg protein) a…
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creator: Wahyu Widowati
creator: Teresa Liliana Wargasetia
creator: Fanny Rahardja
creator: Fen Tih
creator: Philips Onggowidjaja
creator: Rita Tjokropranoto
creator: Fadhilah Haifa Zahiroh
creator: Rizal Azis
creator: Didik Priyandoko
creator: Wahyu Surakusumah
creator: Dhanar Septyawan Hadiprasetyo
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Science and Medical Education
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18382
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Widowati et al.
abstract: Background Oxidative stress caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light on the skin can damage deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and cause keratinocytes to undergo apoptosis. Endogenous antioxidants which play a role in trapping free radicals are also unable to overcome excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body due to UV exposure, so exogenous antioxidants are needed. Polyphenolic compounds extracted from natural ingredients such as flavonoids, quercetin, and epicatechin have quite strong antioxidant activity. This is influenced by the chemical structure of these compounds which are rich in hydroxyl groups and aromatic groups. This structure allows the compound to become an electron donor so that it can neutralize free radicals. In vitro research was used to see the potential effectiveness of epicatechin as an antiaging and antioxidant. The study aims to confirm the potential of epicatechin as an antiaging by in vitro assay. Methods The viability test of epicatechin on human skin fibroblast (BJ) cells was carried out using the water-soluble tetrazolium (WST) assay. BJ cells were UV-induced as a cell model of premature aging. Epicatechin 6.25, 12.5, and 25 µg/mL were administered to UV-induced BJ cells. The gene expression of Collagen I Alpha 1 (COL1A1), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), and glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPX-1) were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Elastin (ELN), hyaluronidase (HAase), cyclooxigenase-2 (COX-2), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OhdG), and melatonin (MT) protein levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The apoptosis of BJ cells was analyzed using flow cytometry. Results Treatment with epicatechin increased relative gene expression including COL1A1 (5.94), FGF-2 (8.34), and GPX-1 (8.09), and also decreased MMP-1 (2.90) relative gene expression compared to the UV-induced BJ cells. Epicatechin also increased levels of ELN (107.7 ng/mg protein) a…
bibliographic citation: Widowati et al. (2024) Potential of epicatechin as antioxidant and antiaging in UV-induced BJ cells by regulating COL1A1, FGF-2, GPX-1, and MMP-1 gene, protein levels, and apoptosis. PeerJ 12:e18382 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18382
date submitted: 2024-06-14
date accepted: 2024-10-01
issued: 2024-11-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Widowati
  given name: Wahyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Wargasetia
  given name: Teresa Liliana
author list: Agent
  family name: Rahardja
  given name: Fanny
author list: Agent
  family name: Tih
  given name: Fen
author list: Agent
  family name: Onggowidjaja
  given name: Philips
author list: Agent
  family name: Tjokropranoto
  given name: Rita
author list: Agent
  family name: Zahiroh
  given name: Fadhilah Haifa
author list: Agent
  family name: Azis
  given name: Rizal
author list: Agent
  family name: Priyandoko
  given name: Didik
author list: Agent
  family name: Surakusumah
  given name: Wahyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Hadiprasetyo
  given name: Dhanar Septyawan
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18382
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-11-11
copyright: © 2024 Widowati et al.
attribution name: Widowati et al.

Seroprevalence and silent infection rate during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic among children and adolescents in Western Pomerania: a multicenter, cross-sectional study—the COVIDKID study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Limited data on SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in rural areas of northern Germany necessitate comprehensive cohort studies. We aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence, silent infection (SI) rates and risk factors for infections among children and adolescents in Western Pomerania from December 2020 to August 2022. Methods In this cross-sectional study, serum or plasma samples from children and adolescents (6 months to 17 years) were collected during routine blood draw. SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies (S1 and nucleocapsid) and their neutralizing capacity were analyzed using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent and neutralization assays. Socio-demographic data and information about SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination were obtained. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infections and SI. Results A total of 1,131 blood samples were included into the study. Overall, SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was 25.1%, strongly influenced by the pandemic course, predominant virus variants, age and approval of vaccination. SI rate was 5.4% (95%-CI [3.7%–6.8%]) among unvaccinated and undiagnosed children over the entire study period with highest rates among adolescents. Main risk factor despite the time at risk for silent infections was an infected household member (Odds ratio = 9.88, 95%-CI [4.23–22.9], p < 0.001). Factors associated with overall infections (known and silent) also include the infection of a household member (Odds ratio = 17.8, 95%-CI [10.7–29.6], p < 0.001). Conclusions We believe that the introduction of governmental measures and systematic test strategies in schools strongly impacted on the SI rate, as we suspect that asymptomatic cases have already been identified, resulting in surprisingly low SI identified in our study.
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format: text/html
creator: Marcus Vollmer
creator: Daniela Kuthning
creator: Jana Gramenz
creator: Arevik Scholz
creator: Robin Michael
creator: Nico Wittmann
creator: Udo Gesser
creator: Christian Niesytto
creator: Antje Vogler
creator: Vanda Tuxhorn
creator: Ute Lenschow
creator: Anja Lange
creator: Kristina Linnemann
creator: Holger Lode
creator: Lars Kaderali
creator: Almut Meyer-Bahlburg
subject: Epidemiology
subject: Infectious Diseases
subject: Pediatrics
subject: Public Health
subject: COVID-19
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18384
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Vollmer et al.
abstract: Background Limited data on SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in rural areas of northern Germany necessitate comprehensive cohort studies. We aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence, silent infection (SI) rates and risk factors for infections among children and adolescents in Western Pomerania from December 2020 to August 2022. Methods In this cross-sectional study, serum or plasma samples from children and adolescents (6 months to 17 years) were collected during routine blood draw. SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies (S1 and nucleocapsid) and their neutralizing capacity were analyzed using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent and neutralization assays. Socio-demographic data and information about SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination were obtained. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infections and SI. Results A total of 1,131 blood samples were included into the study. Overall, SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was 25.1%, strongly influenced by the pandemic course, predominant virus variants, age and approval of vaccination. SI rate was 5.4% (95%-CI [3.7%–6.8%]) among unvaccinated and undiagnosed children over the entire study period with highest rates among adolescents. Main risk factor despite the time at risk for silent infections was an infected household member (Odds ratio = 9.88, 95%-CI [4.23–22.9], p < 0.001). Factors associated with overall infections (known and silent) also include the infection of a household member (Odds ratio = 17.8, 95%-CI [10.7–29.6], p < 0.001). Conclusions We believe that the introduction of governmental measures and systematic test strategies in schools strongly impacted on the SI rate, as we suspect that asymptomatic cases have already been identified, resulting in surprisingly low SI identified in our study.
bibliographic citation: Vollmer et al. (2024) Seroprevalence and silent infection rate during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic among children and adolescents in Western Pomerania: a multicenter, cross-sectional study—the COVIDKID study. PeerJ 12:e18384 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18384
date submitted: 2024-04-18
date accepted: 2024-10-01
issued: 2024-11-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Vollmer
  given name: Marcus
author list: Agent
  family name: Kuthning
  given name: Daniela
author list: Agent
  family name: Gramenz
  given name: Jana
author list: Agent
  family name: Scholz
  given name: Arevik
author list: Agent
  family name: Michael
  given name: Robin
author list: Agent
  family name: Wittmann
  given name: Nico
author list: Agent
  family name: Gesser
  given name: Udo
author list: Agent
  family name: Niesytto
  given name: Christian
author list: Agent
  family name: Vogler
  given name: Antje
author list: Agent
  family name: Tuxhorn
  given name: Vanda
author list: Agent
  family name: Lenschow
  given name: Ute
author list: Agent
  family name: Lange
  given name: Anja
author list: Agent
  family name: Linnemann
  given name: Kristina
author list: Agent
  family name: Lode
  given name: Holger
author list: Agent
  family name: Kaderali
  given name: Lars
author list: Agent
  family name: Meyer-Bahlburg
  given name: Almut
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18384
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-11-11
copyright: ©2024 Vollmer et al.
attribution name: Vollmer et al.

Examination of optical coherence tomography findings in patients with pregabalin use disorder
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Pregabalin abuse is a rapidly growing health problem worldwide, and little is known about the effects of prolonged high-dose use in patients with pregabalin use disorder. Objective In this study, the effects of pregabalin abuse on retinal layers were investigated in patients with pregabalin use disorder (PGUD). Methods This study included 35 controls and 34 patients with PGUD, according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-5 criteria. Optic coherence tomography (OCT) measurements including the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer-inner plexiform layer (GCL-IPL) and ganglion cell complex (GCC) were performed. RNFL thickness was evaluated in four quadrants (inferior, superior, nasal, temporal). GCL-IPL and GCC thickness were evaluated in six sectors (superior, superonasal, inferonasal, inferior, inferotemporal, superotemporal). Results GCC inferonasal (p = 0.040, r = 0.354), GCC inferior (p = 0.018, r = 0.402) GCL-IPL inferior (p = 0.031, r = 0.370) and GCL-IPL inferotemporal (p = 0.029, r = 0.376) thickness were positively correlated with the duration of pregabalin use. There was no significant sector or quadrant-wise difference between groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion Our findings emphasized the drug’s potential neuroprotective effect. It should be taken into consideration that neurodegenerative changes due to substance use disorder occur with long-term. Longitudinal prospective studies investigating dose-duration relationship are needed.
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creator: Osman Hasan Tahsin Kılıç
creator: Zehra Nur Bayram
creator: Pelin Kiyat
creator: Omer Karti
creator: Arzu Aral
creator: Nazlı Deniz Munis
creator: Berfin Gurbet Mutlu
subject: Ophthalmology
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
subject: Mental Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18395
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Kılıç et al.
abstract: Background Pregabalin abuse is a rapidly growing health problem worldwide, and little is known about the effects of prolonged high-dose use in patients with pregabalin use disorder. Objective In this study, the effects of pregabalin abuse on retinal layers were investigated in patients with pregabalin use disorder (PGUD). Methods This study included 35 controls and 34 patients with PGUD, according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-5 criteria. Optic coherence tomography (OCT) measurements including the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer-inner plexiform layer (GCL-IPL) and ganglion cell complex (GCC) were performed. RNFL thickness was evaluated in four quadrants (inferior, superior, nasal, temporal). GCL-IPL and GCC thickness were evaluated in six sectors (superior, superonasal, inferonasal, inferior, inferotemporal, superotemporal). Results GCC inferonasal (p = 0.040, r = 0.354), GCC inferior (p = 0.018, r = 0.402) GCL-IPL inferior (p = 0.031, r = 0.370) and GCL-IPL inferotemporal (p = 0.029, r = 0.376) thickness were positively correlated with the duration of pregabalin use. There was no significant sector or quadrant-wise difference between groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion Our findings emphasized the drug’s potential neuroprotective effect. It should be taken into consideration that neurodegenerative changes due to substance use disorder occur with long-term. Longitudinal prospective studies investigating dose-duration relationship are needed.
bibliographic citation: Kılıç et al. (2024) Examination of optical coherence tomography findings in patients with pregabalin use disorder. PeerJ 12:e18395 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18395
date submitted: 2024-04-10
date accepted: 2024-10-03
issued: 2024-11-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Kılıç
  given name: Osman Hasan Tahsin
author list: Agent
  family name: Bayram
  given name: Zehra Nur
author list: Agent
  family name: Kiyat
  given name: Pelin
author list: Agent
  family name: Karti
  given name: Omer
author list: Agent
  family name: Aral
  given name: Arzu
author list: Agent
  family name: Munis
  given name: Nazlı Deniz
author list: Agent
  family name: Mutlu
  given name: Berfin Gurbet
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18395
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-11-11
copyright: © 2024 Kılıç et al.
attribution name: Kılıç et al.

Transperineal prostate biopsy guided by which ultrasound transducer: transrectal or transperineal: a retrospective study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Prostate biopsies are primarily conducted using either the transrectal or transperineal approach, with the ultrasound probe positioned in the rectum to obtain a clear view of the prostate. Reports on the utilization of transperineal prostate biopsies with the ultrasound probe placed on the perineal skin are limited. Methods A retrospective investigation was conducted on 119 patients who underwent transperineal ultrasound guided transperineal prostate biopsy (TP-TPPB). Additionally, 85 patients who underwent transrectal ultrasound guided transperineal prostate biopsy (TR-TPPB) were included as controls. The prostate cancer detection rates (PCDRs) and postoperative complication rates were compared between the two groups, and their application values were also evaluated. Results The overall PCDRs were 35.3% (42/119) in the TP-TPPB and 32.9% (28/85) in the TR-TPPB group (χ2 = 0.122, p = 0.727). When categorized by PSA level, there was no significant difference between the two groups in PCDRs in any category (p > 0.05). However, the single-needle PCDRs in some regions (L4, L5, R2, and apex) showed significant differences (p < 0.05). There was no difference in postoperative complication rates between the groups. Conclusion The PCDRs and the postoperative complication rates of TP-TPPB and TR-TPPB are similar. However, TP-TPPB requires simpler equipment and does not require intestinal preparation, which is especially useful for patients with rectal contraindications, such as those with severe hemorrhoids and rectal/anal diseases.
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creator: Yang Xiao
creator: Lina Han
creator: Han Wang
creator: Guorong Lyu
creator: Shilin Li
subject: Andrology
subject: Oncology
subject: Pathology
subject: Radiology and Medical Imaging
subject: Urology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18424
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Xiao et al.
abstract: Background Prostate biopsies are primarily conducted using either the transrectal or transperineal approach, with the ultrasound probe positioned in the rectum to obtain a clear view of the prostate. Reports on the utilization of transperineal prostate biopsies with the ultrasound probe placed on the perineal skin are limited. Methods A retrospective investigation was conducted on 119 patients who underwent transperineal ultrasound guided transperineal prostate biopsy (TP-TPPB). Additionally, 85 patients who underwent transrectal ultrasound guided transperineal prostate biopsy (TR-TPPB) were included as controls. The prostate cancer detection rates (PCDRs) and postoperative complication rates were compared between the two groups, and their application values were also evaluated. Results The overall PCDRs were 35.3% (42/119) in the TP-TPPB and 32.9% (28/85) in the TR-TPPB group (χ2 = 0.122, p = 0.727). When categorized by PSA level, there was no significant difference between the two groups in PCDRs in any category (p > 0.05). However, the single-needle PCDRs in some regions (L4, L5, R2, and apex) showed significant differences (p < 0.05). There was no difference in postoperative complication rates between the groups. Conclusion The PCDRs and the postoperative complication rates of TP-TPPB and TR-TPPB are similar. However, TP-TPPB requires simpler equipment and does not require intestinal preparation, which is especially useful for patients with rectal contraindications, such as those with severe hemorrhoids and rectal/anal diseases.
bibliographic citation: Xiao et al. (2024) Transperineal prostate biopsy guided by which ultrasound transducer: transrectal or transperineal: a retrospective study. PeerJ 12:e18424 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18424
date submitted: 2024-04-15
date accepted: 2024-10-08
issued: 2024-11-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Xiao
  given name: Yang
author list: Agent
  family name: Han
  given name: Lina
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Han
author list: Agent
  family name: Lyu
  given name: Guorong
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Shilin
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18424
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-11-11
copyright: ©2024 Xiao et al.
attribution name: Xiao et al.

CAF-derived miR-642a-3p supports migration, invasion, and EMT of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting SERPINE1
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells interact to promote HCC progression, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Serpin family E member 1 (SERPINE1) has conflicting roles in HCC, and microRNAs (miRNAs) are known to regulate tumor progression through intercellular communication. Therefore, we investigated the potential involvement of miRNA/SERPINE1 axis in crosstalk between CAFs and HCC cells. Methods In this study, candidate miRNAs targeting SERPINE1 3′ UTR were predicted using multiple miRNA databases. The miRNAs and SERPINE1 mRNA expression in Huh7 cells was assessed after co-culture with CAFs using RT-qPCR. Huh7 cell proliferation and invasion were detected after SERPINE1 siRNA. The functions of the CAF-derived miR-642a-3p/SERPINE1 axis in HCC cells were examined using CCK-8, wound healing, transwell assays, western blot, and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Moreover, a orthotopic xenograft model was used to investigate the contribution of miR-642a-3p knockdown in HCC. Results SERPINE1 mRNA expression decreased, while miR-642a-3p expression increased in Huh7 cells co-cultured with CAFs. SERPINE1 knockdown enhanced Huh7 cell proliferation and invasion as well as miR-642a-3p expression. miR-642a-3p overexpression promoted migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in Huh7 cells by targeting SERPINE1, while miR-642a-3p knockdown yielded the opposite effect. Rescue experiments confirmed that SERPINE1 knockdown attenuated the inhibitory effects of miR-642a-3p knockdown on migration, invasion, and EMT in Huh7 cells. Importantly, miR-642a-3p knockdown suppressed growth and EMT in orthotopic liver tumors. Conclusion CAF-derived miR-642a-3p/SERPINE1 axis facilitated migration, invasion, and EMT in the HCC cells, suggesting miR-642a-3p/SERPINE1 axis can be a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Shuo Zhang
creator: Gang Cao
creator: Shuijie Shen
creator: Yu Wu
creator: Xiying Tan
creator: Xiaoyan Jiang
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Oncology
subject: Histology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18428
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Zhang et al.
abstract: Background Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells interact to promote HCC progression, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Serpin family E member 1 (SERPINE1) has conflicting roles in HCC, and microRNAs (miRNAs) are known to regulate tumor progression through intercellular communication. Therefore, we investigated the potential involvement of miRNA/SERPINE1 axis in crosstalk between CAFs and HCC cells. Methods In this study, candidate miRNAs targeting SERPINE1 3′ UTR were predicted using multiple miRNA databases. The miRNAs and SERPINE1 mRNA expression in Huh7 cells was assessed after co-culture with CAFs using RT-qPCR. Huh7 cell proliferation and invasion were detected after SERPINE1 siRNA. The functions of the CAF-derived miR-642a-3p/SERPINE1 axis in HCC cells were examined using CCK-8, wound healing, transwell assays, western blot, and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Moreover, a orthotopic xenograft model was used to investigate the contribution of miR-642a-3p knockdown in HCC. Results SERPINE1 mRNA expression decreased, while miR-642a-3p expression increased in Huh7 cells co-cultured with CAFs. SERPINE1 knockdown enhanced Huh7 cell proliferation and invasion as well as miR-642a-3p expression. miR-642a-3p overexpression promoted migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in Huh7 cells by targeting SERPINE1, while miR-642a-3p knockdown yielded the opposite effect. Rescue experiments confirmed that SERPINE1 knockdown attenuated the inhibitory effects of miR-642a-3p knockdown on migration, invasion, and EMT in Huh7 cells. Importantly, miR-642a-3p knockdown suppressed growth and EMT in orthotopic liver tumors. Conclusion CAF-derived miR-642a-3p/SERPINE1 axis facilitated migration, invasion, and EMT in the HCC cells, suggesting miR-642a-3p/SERPINE1 axis can be a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
bibliographic citation: Zhang et al. (2024) CAF-derived miR-642a-3p supports migration, invasion, and EMT of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting SERPINE1. PeerJ 12:e18428 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18428
date submitted: 2024-06-07
date accepted: 2024-10-08
issued: 2024-11-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Shuo
author list: Agent
  family name: Cao
  given name: Gang
author list: Agent
  family name: Shen
  given name: Shuijie
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Yu
author list: Agent
  family name: Tan
  given name: Xiying
author list: Agent
  family name: Jiang
  given name: Xiaoyan
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18428
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-11-11
copyright: ©2024 Zhang et al.
attribution name: Zhang et al.

Relationship between tooth macrowear and jaw morphofunctional traits in representative hypercarnivores
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The mammalian adult dentition is a non-renewable resource. Tooth attrition and disease must be accommodated by individuals using behavioral, physiological, and/or musculoskeletal shifts to minimize impact on masticatory performance. From a biomechanical perspective, the musculoskeletal system becomes less efficient at producing bite force for a given amount of muscle input force over an individual’s life, because tooth-food contact area increases as cusps wear. In this study we ask the question: does mandibular biomechanical performance show evidence of compensation with increasing tooth wear? We use representative taxa of three carnivoran ecomorphologies (meat specialist, scavenger, bone cracker) as a study system to compare morphofunctional data on tooth macrowear, jaw depth, bite mechanical efficiency, and jaw stress during biting. No significant shifts in adult mandibular corpus dimensions occurs in the sampled taxa as canine and carnassial teeth wear. In bone cracking spotted hyenas carnassial biting mechanical efficiency increases significantly with increasing tooth wear, with no significant change in mandibular stress. Analyses of the fossil carnivore Hyaenodon suggests an increase in canine biting efficiency with increased tooth wear, but this may reflect interspecific variation or phylogenetic contingency rather than a life history shift. Overall, these findings indicate that scavenging hyaenids and felid meat specialists do not exhibit morphofunctional compensation for the decreased mechanical capability of worn and dull teeth. Behavioral modifications, rather than musculoskeletal adjustments, may instead play a major role in maintaining food acquisition and processing capabilities for individuals surviving into advanced ontogenetic age and tooth wear. These observations highlight the mammalian masticatory system as having a dynamic performance profile through its useful lifespan, and encourage a more nuanced understanding of past and present carnivore gui…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Z. Jack Tseng
creator: Larisa R. G. DeSantis
subject: Paleontology
subject: Zoology
subject: Biomechanics
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18435
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Tseng and DeSantis
abstract: The mammalian adult dentition is a non-renewable resource. Tooth attrition and disease must be accommodated by individuals using behavioral, physiological, and/or musculoskeletal shifts to minimize impact on masticatory performance. From a biomechanical perspective, the musculoskeletal system becomes less efficient at producing bite force for a given amount of muscle input force over an individual’s life, because tooth-food contact area increases as cusps wear. In this study we ask the question: does mandibular biomechanical performance show evidence of compensation with increasing tooth wear? We use representative taxa of three carnivoran ecomorphologies (meat specialist, scavenger, bone cracker) as a study system to compare morphofunctional data on tooth macrowear, jaw depth, bite mechanical efficiency, and jaw stress during biting. No significant shifts in adult mandibular corpus dimensions occurs in the sampled taxa as canine and carnassial teeth wear. In bone cracking spotted hyenas carnassial biting mechanical efficiency increases significantly with increasing tooth wear, with no significant change in mandibular stress. Analyses of the fossil carnivore Hyaenodon suggests an increase in canine biting efficiency with increased tooth wear, but this may reflect interspecific variation or phylogenetic contingency rather than a life history shift. Overall, these findings indicate that scavenging hyaenids and felid meat specialists do not exhibit morphofunctional compensation for the decreased mechanical capability of worn and dull teeth. Behavioral modifications, rather than musculoskeletal adjustments, may instead play a major role in maintaining food acquisition and processing capabilities for individuals surviving into advanced ontogenetic age and tooth wear. These observations highlight the mammalian masticatory system as having a dynamic performance profile through its useful lifespan, and encourage a more nuanced understanding of past and present carnivore gui…
bibliographic citation: Tseng et al. (2024) Relationship between tooth macrowear and jaw morphofunctional traits in representative hypercarnivores. PeerJ 12:e18435 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18435
date submitted: 2024-08-28
date accepted: 2024-10-10
issued: 2024-11-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Tseng
  given name: Z. Jack
author list: Agent
  family name: DeSantis
  given name: Larisa R. G.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18435
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-11-11
copyright: © 2024 Tseng and DeSantis
attribution name: Tseng and DeSantis

Cryophysiology of coral microfragments: effects of chilling and cryoprotectant toxicity
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Coral reefs are being degraded at alarming rates and decisive intervention actions are urgently needed. One such intervention is coral cryopreservation. Although the cryopreservation of coral sperm and larvae has been achieved, preservation of coral fragments including both its tissue and skeleton, has not. The overarching aim of this study was to understand and assess the physiological stressors that might underlie coral fragment cryopreservation, understand the long-term consequences of these exposures to continued growth, and develop a health metrics scale for future research. Therefore, we assessed small fragments (~1 cm2) from the Hawaiian coral, Porites compressa, examining: (1) chill sensitivity; (2) chemical sensitivity to complex cryoprotectants; (3) methods to safely remove algal symbionts of coral for cryopreservation; (4) continued growth over time of coral fragments exposed to chilling and cryoprotectants; and (5) assessment of health and viability of coral fragments post the applied treatments. Corals were able to withstand chilling to 0 °C for 1 min and after 2 weeks were not significantly different from the live controls, whereas, corals exposed to complex cryoprotectants needed 3 weeks of recovery. Most importantly, it appears that once the coral fragments had surpassed this initial recovery, there was no difference in subsequent growth. Technological advances in cryo-technology promise to support successful coral fragment cryopreservation soon, and its success could help secure much of the genetic and biodiversity of reefs in the next decade.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Claire V. A. Lager
creator: Riley Perry
creator: Jonathan Daly
creator: Christopher Page
creator: Mindy Mizobe
creator: Jessica Bouwmeester
creator: Anthony N. Consiglio
creator: Jake Carter
creator: Matthew J. Powell-Palm
creator: Mary Hagedorn
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Conservation Biology
subject: Marine Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18447
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Lager et al.
abstract: Coral reefs are being degraded at alarming rates and decisive intervention actions are urgently needed. One such intervention is coral cryopreservation. Although the cryopreservation of coral sperm and larvae has been achieved, preservation of coral fragments including both its tissue and skeleton, has not. The overarching aim of this study was to understand and assess the physiological stressors that might underlie coral fragment cryopreservation, understand the long-term consequences of these exposures to continued growth, and develop a health metrics scale for future research. Therefore, we assessed small fragments (~1 cm2) from the Hawaiian coral, Porites compressa, examining: (1) chill sensitivity; (2) chemical sensitivity to complex cryoprotectants; (3) methods to safely remove algal symbionts of coral for cryopreservation; (4) continued growth over time of coral fragments exposed to chilling and cryoprotectants; and (5) assessment of health and viability of coral fragments post the applied treatments. Corals were able to withstand chilling to 0 °C for 1 min and after 2 weeks were not significantly different from the live controls, whereas, corals exposed to complex cryoprotectants needed 3 weeks of recovery. Most importantly, it appears that once the coral fragments had surpassed this initial recovery, there was no difference in subsequent growth. Technological advances in cryo-technology promise to support successful coral fragment cryopreservation soon, and its success could help secure much of the genetic and biodiversity of reefs in the next decade.
bibliographic citation: Lager et al. (2024) Cryophysiology of coral microfragments: effects of chilling and cryoprotectant toxicity. PeerJ 12:e18447 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18447
date submitted: 2024-03-22
date accepted: 2024-10-14
issued: 2024-11-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Lager
  given name: Claire V. A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Perry
  given name: Riley
author list: Agent
  family name: Daly
  given name: Jonathan
author list: Agent
  family name: Page
  given name: Christopher
author list: Agent
  family name: Mizobe
  given name: Mindy
author list: Agent
  family name: Bouwmeester
  given name: Jessica
author list: Agent
  family name: Consiglio
  given name: Anthony N.
author list: Agent
  family name: Carter
  given name: Jake
author list: Agent
  family name: Powell-Palm
  given name: Matthew J.
author list: Agent
  family name: Hagedorn
  given name: Mary
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18447
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-11-11
copyright: © 2024 Lager et al.
attribution name: Lager et al.

Digital competence of faculty members in health sciences measured via self-reflection: current status and contextual aspects
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: This descriptive study aims to determine the digital competence level of faculty members who teach in the health sciences, empirically considering possible contextual aspects. Two data collection instruments were used: a self-reflection questionnaire to assess digital competence, and a survey querying demographics and aspects of teaching and learning context. In total, 306 health sciences faculty members from six universities voluntarily participated the study. The results revealed that a majority of the faculty members have intermediate (integrator or expert) level of digital competence, which is described as being aware of the potential use of digital technology in teaching and having a personal repertoire for its use under various circumstances. Age, digital teaching experience, perception of work environment, and previous teaching experience in fully- or partially-online courses were identified as influencing factors for digital competence. Faculty members in health sciences were able to integrate digital technologies in their teaching practices. Health education institutions may facilitate the use of digital technologies in teaching and learning environments. Moreover, institutions or stakeholders should consider that digital competence requires practice and experience in meaningfully-designed digital environments and tools.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Halil Ersoy
creator: Cigdem Baskici
creator: Aydan Aytar
creator: Raimonds Strods
creator: Nora Jansone Ratinika
creator: António Manuel Lopes Fernandes
creator: Hugo Neves
creator: Aurelija Blaževičienė
creator: Alina Vaškelytė
creator: Camilla Wikström-Grotell
creator: Heikki Paakkonen
creator: Anne Söderlund
creator: Johanna Fritz
creator: Sultan Kav
subject: Global Health
subject: Health Policy
subject: Nursing
subject: Science and Medical Education
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18456
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Ersoy et al.
abstract: This descriptive study aims to determine the digital competence level of faculty members who teach in the health sciences, empirically considering possible contextual aspects. Two data collection instruments were used: a self-reflection questionnaire to assess digital competence, and a survey querying demographics and aspects of teaching and learning context. In total, 306 health sciences faculty members from six universities voluntarily participated the study. The results revealed that a majority of the faculty members have intermediate (integrator or expert) level of digital competence, which is described as being aware of the potential use of digital technology in teaching and having a personal repertoire for its use under various circumstances. Age, digital teaching experience, perception of work environment, and previous teaching experience in fully- or partially-online courses were identified as influencing factors for digital competence. Faculty members in health sciences were able to integrate digital technologies in their teaching practices. Health education institutions may facilitate the use of digital technologies in teaching and learning environments. Moreover, institutions or stakeholders should consider that digital competence requires practice and experience in meaningfully-designed digital environments and tools.
bibliographic citation: Ersoy et al. (2024) Digital competence of faculty members in health sciences measured via self-reflection: current status and contextual aspects. PeerJ 12:e18456 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18456
date submitted: 2023-09-08
date accepted: 2024-10-14
issued: 2024-11-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Ersoy
  given name: Halil
author list: Agent
  family name: Baskici
  given name: Cigdem
author list: Agent
  family name: Aytar
  given name: Aydan
author list: Agent
  family name: Strods
  given name: Raimonds
author list: Agent
  family name: Jansone Ratinika
  given name: Nora
author list: Agent
  family name: Manuel Lopes Fernandes
  given name: António
author list: Agent
  family name: Neves
  given name: Hugo
author list: Agent
  family name: Blaževičienė
  given name: Aurelija
author list: Agent
  family name: Vaškelytė
  given name: Alina
author list: Agent
  family name: Wikström-Grotell
  given name: Camilla
author list: Agent
  family name: Paakkonen
  given name: Heikki
author list: Agent
  family name: Söderlund
  given name: Anne
author list: Agent
  family name: Fritz
  given name: Johanna
author list: Agent
  family name: Kav
  given name: Sultan
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18456
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-11-11
copyright: © 2024 Ersoy et al.
attribution name: Ersoy et al.

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