Effect of vitamin C injections on exercise muscular performance and biochemical parameters in Trichinella spiralis-infected mice
Background Trichinella spiralis is a worldwide intestinal nematode that can parasitize the striated muscles of its hosts at the larval stage. This study aims to evaluate potential of vitamin C for treating trichinellosis-related pathological problems in the infected muscles of mice. Materials and Methods Thirty CD1 male Albino mice were divided into three groups (10 mice per group). Negative and positive control groups (0.9% NaCl) and the infected vitamin C group (10 mg/kg body weight). Two weeks post-infection, each group was intraperitoneally injected daily for two weeks with Vitamin C or saline. The performance of the muscles was assessed both before and after the treatment. After dissection, constant parts of striated muscles were removed for further assays. The scoring of the histological changes of infected muscles was carried out. In addition to muscle malondialdehyde levels, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were measured for the oxidative and antioxidant states. Creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase were also measured in tissues to reflect the degree of muscular damage. Results Vitamin C enhances the weakness of the muscular performance resulting from the infection. Vitamin C was able to repair some of the histological lesions that resulted from the infection. Trichinellosis caused severe changes in the biochemical markers in positive control animals. Muscle damage biomarkers and, besides, oxidative and antioxidant conditions were greatly ameliorated in infected vitamin C animals. Summing up, vitamin C can be used as a complementary drug due to its efficiency in improving pathogenesis following a trichinellosis infection. The supplement also must be tested in the intestinal stage of infection after showing promising results in the muscular stage.
Rashed et al. (2024) Effect of vitamin C injections on exercise muscular performance and biochemical parameters in Trichinella spiralis-infected mice. PeerJ 12:e18381 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18381
Characteristics and development of steepland gullies in the dry valleys of Southwest China
In semi-arid and arid areas, gully erosion is one of the most destructive forms of erosion and causes serious land degradation and resource destruction. Steepland gullies are widely distributed in the dry valleys of southwest China, and their formation is one of the main causes of soil erosion and the destruction of sloping farmland in the region. Previous research on the development of steepland gullies is limited, and further study is needed. In this study, 11 steepland gullies at various stages of development located in Guobu Village, Xide County, Liangshan, Sichuan Province, were selected for investigation using a digital elevation model (DEM) derived from unmanned aerial vehicle data as the primary data source. These data had a spatial resolution of 0.1 m. Fundamental parameters such as the gully length, width, depth, area, and volume were extracted from the remote sensing data. Other characteristic parameters, including the coefficient of main and tributary gullies, vertical gradient, gully elongation, and gully openness, were also investigated. The results indicate a significant linear positive correlation between the gully’s degree of openness and elongation as the gully’s length, width, and depth increase. Furthermore, the vertical gradient and coefficient of main and tributary gullies exhibit power-law relationships with these gully dimensions. The development of steepland gullies was divided into infancy, youth, maturity, and old age based on the use of the gully length as an ergodic indicator in space-for-time substitution. The morphological characteristics of these different stages were quantitatively analyzed, and a proposed mechanism for how the evolution of the gullies proceeds was developed. An empirical model of volume–length erosion was established to investigate the development process of steepland gullies in the dry valleys. It has been observed that the development law of steepland gullies is essentially consistent with the very active stage of typical gully formation, suggesting that steepland gully may represent the initial stage of gully development. The results show that these steepland gullies have their origin in high-intensity rainfall events that are accompanied by the formation of steps and drop water. The effects of gravity erosion and hydraulic erosion then cause the gullies to expand rapidly, forming gullies with a large head and a small tail before they gradually stabilize. The results of this study will help with the understanding of the formation and evolution of steepland gullies and will be of practical significance for the prevention of gully erosion and the protection of sloping farmland in the dry valley region of southwest China.
Spatial and Geographic Information Science
Cui et al. (2024) Characteristics and development of steepland gullies in the dry valleys of Southwest China. PeerJ 12:e18411 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18411
Exploring the interplay between body mass index and passive muscle properties in relation to grip strength and jump performance in female university students
Background Women typically have a higher body fat content than men. Fat accumulation is associated with muscle weakness and alterations in mechanical properties. This study aims to determine the relationship between BMI and weight status with the mechanical properties of muscle and tendon. It was hypothesized that the stiffness and tone of the forearm muscle and Achilles tendon would be correlated with weight status and BMI. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 136 female university students. Grip strength was assessed using a dynamometer, body composition was analyzed through bioimpedance, and countermovement jump performance was evaluated with a force platform. Stiffness and tone were measured using the MyotonPro device. ANOVA was used to compare grip strength and countermovement jump performance according to body composition. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to examine bivariate associations. Results Relative grip strength decreased with an increase in fat content, while forearm muscle stiffness and tone decreased with rising weight status and BMI. Stiffness of the Achilles tendon increased with an increase in fat content and showed a significant positive correlation with BMI. Multiple regression analysis revealed a weak correlation between BMI, body composition, and stiffness of the forearm muscles. Conclusion The results of this study support the notion that the stiffness of the forearm muscles and Achilles tendon is correlated with BMI in young adult women. Furthermore, an increase in body fat percentage is linked to a decrease in mechanical properties and poorer muscle function.
Pérez et al. (2024) Exploring the interplay between body mass index and passive muscle properties in relation to grip strength and jump performance in female university students. PeerJ 12:e18430 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18430
Anti-inflammatory role of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in inhibiting lipopolysaccharide-induced M1 polarization of RAW264.7 cells via Wnt2b/AXIN/β-catenin
Background Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a special type of low-intensity ultrasound. In periodontal disease, LIPUS is applied as an adjuvant and non-invasive treatment. It has been reported that LIPUS significantly shifts the macrophage phenotype from M1 to M2, but the specific mechanism behind this shift is still unknown. Methods RAW264.7 cells were induced to M1/M2 polarization with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/interleukin-4 (IL4). LIPUS was performed for 25 min two times, 24 h apart, at an intensity of 45 mW/cm2 to stimulate RAW264.7 cells. PolyA mRNA sequencing was conducted of both the LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells and the LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells with LIPUS treatment. The expression of Wnt2b in RAW264.7 cells was downregulated by siRNA. The macrophage surface markers and downstream inflammatory cytokines were detected using flow cytometry. The relative expression of proteins in the Wnt2b/AXIN/β-catenin pathway was assessed using reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot. Results LIPUS reversed the M1 polarization of RAW264.7 cells, with decreased expression of CD80 and CD86. In addition, LIPUS enhanced the M2 polarization of RAW264.7 cells, with upregulated expression of CD163 and CD206. The polyA mRNA sequencing results indicated that the Wnt signaling pathway participated in the M1 polarization of LIPUS-treated RAW264.7. The results of the RT-qPCR showed a higher expression of Wnt2b in LIPUS-treated and M1- or M2-polarized RAW264.7 cells. Knocking down Wnt2b was shown to reverse the inhibitory effect of LIPUS on M1 polarization and increase the expression of CD80 and CD86. Wnt2b knockdown also regulated downstream AXIN, β-catenin, and inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin-6 (IL6). Conclusions LIPUS plays an anti-inflammatory role by inhibiting LPS-induced M1 polarization of RAW264.7 cells in a Wnt2b/AXIN/β-catenin-dependent way. LIPUS may play a therapeutic role in periodontal diseases by inhibiting inflammation through the regulation of macrophage differentiation.
Yin et al. (2024) Anti-inflammatory role of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in inhibiting lipopolysaccharide-induced M1 polarization of RAW264.7 cells via Wnt2b/AXIN/β-catenin. PeerJ 12:e18448 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18448
The CLEC3B inhibits cellular proliferation and metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma through Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Purpose Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a cancer of the biliary system, including intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and is highly aggressive. C-type lectins family member 3b (CLEC3B) is a Ca2+ binding transmembrane protein with different biological functions in a variety of cancers. The objective of this study was to explore the biological function of CLEC3B in CCA. Methods The CLEC3B gene was identified using the TCGA database and survival analysis of the cholangiocarcinoma clinical cohort. The expression CLEC3B cholangiocarcinoma and correlation with prognosis was investigated in our patient cohort. The effects of CLEC3B on proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were verified in QBC939 and HUCCT1 cells. The effect of CLEC3B on the tumor formation was proved by xenograft tumor model in nude mice. The signaling pathway of CLEC3B in regulating CCA progression was further analyzed RNA sequencing and western blot. Results CLEC3B was decreased in the cholangiocarcinoma in the database. The mRNA and protein expression level of CLEC3B were significantly lower and correlated with poor overall survival in cholangiocarcinoma of our patient cohort. In vitro experiments proved that overexpression of CLEC3B can inhibit proliferation, migration and invasion in bile duct cancer cells. The CLEC3B was correlated with epithelial–mesenchymal transition and apoptosis. The calcium could promote the biological function of CLEC3B. The vivo study indicated that CLEC3B inhibited tumor formation. RNA sequencing indicating CLEC3B may transduce signal through e Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Conclusions The CLEC3B inhibits cellular proliferation and migration of cholangiocarcinoma through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
Wu et al. (2024) The CLEC3B inhibits cellular proliferation and metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma through Wnt/β-catenin pathway. PeerJ 12:e18497 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18497
Myoferlin alleviates pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction by inhibiting NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis
Myoferlin (MYOF) is a muscle-derived secretory protein. Recent studies have found that MYOF protects against cell damage. However, the role of MYOF in cardiac hypertrophy remains unclear. Increasing evidence suggests that NLRP3 (NOD-like receptor protein 3) and the pyroptosis cascade play critical roles in the development of cardiac hypertrophy and inflammation. To investigate the role of MYOF in cardiac hypertrophy, we conducted a transverse aortic constriction (TAC) experiment in a mouse model. We found that MYOF can improve cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac function. Furthermore, our study confirmed a connection between cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial pyroptosis. Cardiac hypertrophy significantly increased the proportion of apoptotic cells and upregulated apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), caspase-1, and gasdermin D (GSDMD). This suggests that pharmacological or genetic inhibition of NLRP3 can effectively reduce cardiac hypertrophy. An abnormal increase in NLRP3 can reverse the cardioprotective effects of MYOF. Our findings indicate that MYOF is a potential therapeutic agent for cardiac hypertrophy.
Zhou et al. (2024) Myoferlin alleviates pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction by inhibiting NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis. PeerJ 12:e18499 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18499
Comparing the effectiveness of five traditional Chinese exercises in improving balance function in older adults: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis
Background Despite numerous studies affirming the potential of traditional Chinese exercises (TCEs) in enhancing balance in older adults, systematic integration is lacking. This study evaluated the effectiveness of five TCEs—Baduanjin, Liuzijue, Tai Chi, Wuqinxi, and Yijinjing—in improving balance among older adults using network meta-analysis. Methods This meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO with the registration number CRD42023481450. Related articles indexed by Web of Science, Cochrane, PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and VIP databases before October 2023 were searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving TCEs interventions to improve balance function conducted in older adults who aged ≥60 years were included. Two researchers used Review Manager to assess the quality of the studies, and analyzed the data using Stata and R. Results In total, 46 RCTs and 3,333 older adults were included. The aforementioned TCEs had positive effects on improving balance in older adults. Tai Chi revealed significant intervention effects in performing the Single-Leg Stand with eyes Closed (SLSC), 6-Min Walk Test (6MWT), and Short Form 36-Item Physical Component Summary (SF-36PCS). Liuzijue significantly improved performance in the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), 6MWT, SF-36PCS, and Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Baduanjin, Wuqinxi, and Yijinjing showed noteworthy intervention effects on the BBS. Tai Chi ranked highest in the SLSC, 6MWT, and SF-36PCS in the surface under the cumulative ranking, while Liuzijue and Yijinjing ranked highest in the TUGT and BBS, respectively. Conclusion Tai Chi, Liuzijue, and Yijinjing improved the static, dynamic, and overall balance outcomes, respectively. Older adults can make a reasonable choice among these TCEs based on their needs.
Xie et al. (2024) Comparing the effectiveness of five traditional Chinese exercises in improving balance function in older adults: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis. PeerJ 12:e18512 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18512
Assessment of patient knowledge and perceptions towards orthodontic treatment in the Aljouf Region, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
Background In orthodontic treatment, it is most important to assess the patient’s perspective of malocclusion because these perceptions are fundamental to determining the patient’s demands and level of treatment satisfaction. This study was done to assess the knowledge and perception of residents of the Aljouf Region of Saudi Arabia seeking orthodontic treatment. Furthermore, we determined the factors associated with the patients’ knowledge and perception of orthodontic treatment. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted using a pre-tested and validated questionnaire among patients seeking orthodontic treatment who were registered at King Abdulaziz Hospital, Sakaka, and primary health centers. We identified the associated factors using binomial logistic regression analysis. Finally, we applied Spearman’s correlation test to identify the correlation between knowledge and perception. Results A total of 282 individuals participated in the current study, of which 53.3% were female and 46.1% were male. About one-third (36.9%) of patients had a low level of knowledge, 35.5% had a medium level of knowledge, and 27.7% had a high level of knowledge regarding orthodontic treatment. A total of 20.6% had low perceptions, 42.9% had medium perceptions, and 36.5% had high perceptions of orthodontic care. A significant correlation was found between age and gender, knowledge (p = 0.001), and perception (p = 0.040). Moreover, we observed a positive correlation between knowledge and perception (Spearman’s rho = 0.297, p = 0.001). Conclusion People in Aljouf have poor knowledge and medium perception regarding orthodontic treatment. We recommend that the concerned authorities make a health educational plan for the patients seeking orthodontic treatment.
Alqahtani et al. (2024) Assessment of patient knowledge and perceptions towards orthodontic treatment in the Aljouf Region, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study. PeerJ 12:e18516 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18516
Calibrations without raw data—A response to “Seasonal calibration of the end-cretaceous Chicxulub impact event”
A recent article by DePalma et al. reported that the season of the End-Cretaceous mass extinction was confined to spring/summer on the basis of stable isotope analyses and supplementary observations. An independent study that was concurrently under review reached a similar conclusion using osteohistology and stable isotope analyses. We identified anomalies surrounding the stable isotope analyses reported by DePalma et al. Primary data are not provided, the laboratory where the analyses were performed is not identified, and the methods are insufficiently specified to enable accurate replication. Furthermore, isotopic graphs for carbon and oxygen contain irregularities such as missing data points, duplicate data points, and identical-length error bars for both elements despite different scales, that appear inconsistent with laboratory instrument outputs. A close examination of such methodological omissions and data irregularities can help to raise the standards for future studies of seasonality and prevent inaccurate claims or confirmation bias.
During et al. (2024) Calibrations without raw data—A response to “Seasonal calibration of the end-cretaceous Chicxulub impact event”. PeerJ 12:e18519 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18519
Investigation of the efficacy of siRNA-mediated KRAS gene silencing in pancreatic cancer therapy
Aim Pancreatic carcinoma is an aggressive cancer that progresses without many symptoms. The difficulty of early diagnosis and an inadequate response to traditional treatments also cause the survival rate of pancreatic cancer to be low. Current research is focusing on methods of diagnosis and treatment, such as gene therapy, to increase survival rates. Small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) has emerged as a promising advanced therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. This study sought to silence the KRAS gene in the human pancreatic carcinoma cell line using a complex of small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) and gold nanoparticles (AuNP). Methods In this study, 25 nM siRNA and gold nanoparticles at 0.5 mg/ml, 0.25 mg/ml, and 0.125 mg/ml concentrations were used to silence the KRAS gene in the CAPAN-1 cell line. Real-time PCR analysis, agarose gel electrophoresis, and double staining were carried out, and xCelligence real-time cell analysis (RTCA) was used to measure proliferation. Results The PCR analysis revealed crossing point (CP) values of actin beta (ACTB) ranging from 33.04 to 35.98, which was in the expected range for all samples. The interaction between the gold nanoparticle/siRNA complex in the double staining analysis revealed that the most effective concentration of gold nanoparticle was 0.125 mg/ml. The WST-1 technique showed that siRNA/AuPEI cells in application groups had a viability rate of over 90%, indicating no toxicity or side effects. The xCELLigence RTCA® showed that at hour 72, there was a significant difference in proliferation in the 0.5 mg/mL PEI/AuNP-siRNA, 0.25 mg/mL PEI/AuNP-siRNA, and 0.125 mg/mL PEI/AuNP-siRNA application groups compared to the control and siRNA groups (p < 0.05). By hour 96, all three groups were statistically different from the control and siRNA groups in terms of proliferation (p < 0.05). Conclusions The results of this analysis suggest that the AuPEI/siRNA complex can be effectively used to silence the target gene, but more studies are needed to verify these results.
Küçükekmekci et al. (2024) Investigation of the efficacy of siRNA-mediated KRAS gene silencing in pancreatic cancer therapy. PeerJ 12:e18214 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18214