Expression of neutrophil extracellular trap-related proteins and its correlation with IL-17 and TNF-α in patients with oral lichen planus
Background Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are produced by polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) stimulated by interleukin-17 (IL-17) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). However, the level and role of NETs in oral lichen planus (OLP) remain poorly understood. Objective This study aimed to investigate the expression of NETs in OLP and explore the correlation between NETs and the levels of IL-17 and TNF-α. Methods The expression and distribution of NET-related proteins in tissue samples from each group were assessed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and immunofluorescence (IF). Additionally, the expression of NET-related proteins in peripheral blood samples from each group was evaluated using cell IF technique and fluorescence spectrophotometry. The relative formation level of NETs in each group was determined by fluorescence spectrophotometry via plasma co-culture. Furthermore, the levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-17 and TNF-α in plasma and culture supernatant were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results NET-related proteins were located in the subepithelial and lamina propria layers of OLP lesions. OLP had significantly higher expression of NET-related proteins in lesion tissues and peripheral blood compared to the healthy control (HC) group (p < 0.05). The rate of NETs formation in the erosive-stage OLP (EOLP) group was significantly higher than that in the HC group (p < 0.05), in contrast, no significant increase was observed in the non-erosive OLP (NEOLP) group (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the levels of IL-17 and TNF-α in the EOLP group were significantly elevated compared to those in the NEOLP group and HC group (p < 0.05), while the levels in the NEOLP group did not significantly differ from those in the HC group (p > 0.05). The rate of NETs formation showed a positive correlation with the levels of IL-17 and TNF-α in plasma. Conclusion The expression of NET-related proteins was upregulated in OLP lesion tissues and peripheral blood. Elevated levels of IL-17 and TNF-α in peripheral blood plasma positively correlated with the rate of NETs formation, suggesting that IL-17 and TNF-α mediate the formation of NETs in OLP patients, and may thereby contribute to the development of OLP.
Cheng et al. (2024) Expression of neutrophil extracellular trap-related proteins and its correlation with IL-17 and TNF-α in patients with oral lichen planus. PeerJ 12:e18260 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18260
Nervous system guides behavioral immunity in Caenorhabditis elegans
Caenorhabditis elegans is a versatile model organism for exploring complex biological systems. Microbes and the external environment can affect the nervous system and drive behavioral changes in C. elegans. For better survival, C. elegans may develop behavioral immunity to avoid potential environmental pathogens. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this avoidance behavior are not fully understood. The dissection of sensorimotor circuits in behavioral immunity may promote advancements in research on the neuronal connectome in uncovering neuronal regulators of behavioral immunity. In this review, we discuss how the nervous system coordinates behavioral immunity by translating various pathogen-derived cues and physiological damage to motor output in response to pathogenic threats in C. elegans. This understanding may provide insights into the fundamental principles of immune strategies that can be applied across species and potentially contribute to the development of novel therapies for immune-related diseases.
Wang et al. (2024) Nervous system guides behavioral immunity in Caenorhabditis elegans. PeerJ 12:e18289 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18289
New insights into the Devonian sea spiders of the Hunsrück Slate (Arthropoda: Pycnogonida)
Background The sea spiders (Pycnogonida Latreille, 1810) of the Hunsrück Slate (Lower Devonian, ~400 million years ago) are iconic in their abundance, exquisite pyritic preservation, and in their distinctive body plan compared to extant sea spiders (Pantopoda Gerstäcker, 1863). Consequently, the Hunsrück sea spiders are important in understanding the deep evolutionary history of Pycnogonida, yet they remain poorly characterised, impacting upon attempts to establish a time-calibrated phylogeny of sea spiders. Methods Here, we investigated previously described and new material representing four of the five Hunsrück pycnogonids: Flagellopantopus blocki Poschmann & Dunlop, 2006; Palaeoisopus problematicus Broili, 1928; Palaeopantopus maucheri Broili, 1929; and Pentapantopus vogteli Kühl, Poschmann & Rust, 2013; as well as a few unidentified specimens. Using X-ray microtomography and Reflectance Transformation Imaging, we describe new fossils, provide evidence for newly revealed anatomical features, and interpret these data in comparison to extant species. We also reinterpret the previously published illustration of the (probably lost) holotype of Palaeothea devonica Bergström, Stürmer & Winter, 1980. Results We provide the first detailed description of the cephalic appendages of Palaeoisopus problematicus and revise the interpretation of the organisation of its ocular tubercle. Furthermore, we provide new insights into the structure of the legs and the proboscis of Palaeopantopus maucheri, the first description of the body of Flagellopantopus blocki and describe a new specimen of Pentapantopus vogteli, demonstrating that it had eight legs, in contrast to previous interpretations. We argue that, contrary to previous suggestions, Palaeothea devonica probably had a different body plan from extant pantopods. We discuss the ecological traits of the Hunsrück pycnogonids based on their morphological adaptations, and conclude that there is no compelling evidence of Pantopoda in the Devonian. Through comparative interpretation of the legs as well as general morphology, we can divide the Hunsrück pycnogonids into two morphological groups, while Pantopoda constitutes a third morphological group.
Sabroux et al. (2024) New insights into the Devonian sea spiders of the Hunsrück Slate (Arthropoda: Pycnogonida). PeerJ 12:e17766 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17766
Predicting maintenance lithium response for bipolar disorder from electronic health records—a retrospective study
Background Optimising maintenance drug treatment selection for people with bipolar disorder is challenging. There is some evidence that clinical and demographic features may predict response to lithium. However, attempts to personalise treatment choice have been limited. Method We aimed to determine if machine learning methods applied to electronic health records could predict differential response to lithium or olanzapine. From electronic United Kingdom primary care records, we extracted a cohort of individuals prescribed either lithium (19,106 individuals) or olanzapine (12,412) monotherapy. Machine learning models were used to predict successful monotherapy maintenance treatment, using 113 clinical and demographic variables, 8,017 (41.96%) lithium responders and 3,831 (30.87%) olanzapine responders. Results We found a quantitative structural difference in that lithium maintenance responders were weakly predictable in our holdout sample, consisting of the 5% of patients with the most recent exposure. Age at first diagnosis, age at first treatment and the time between these were the most important variables in all models. Discussion Even if we failed to predict successful monotherapy olanzapine treatment, and so to definitively separate lithium vs. olanzapine responders, the characterization of the two groups may be used for classification by proxy. This can, in turn, be useful for establishing maintenance therapy. The further exploration of machine learning methods on EHR data for drug treatment selection could in the future play a role for clinical decision support. Signals in the data encourage further experiments with larger datasets to definitively separate lithium vs. olanzapine responders.
Hayes et al. (2024) Predicting maintenance lithium response for bipolar disorder from electronic health records—a retrospective study. PeerJ 12:e17841 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17841
Optimization of ultrasonic-assisted debittering of Ganoderma lucidum using response surface methodology, characterization, and evaluation of antioxidant activity
Background Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) has gained increasing attention as a potential health care product and food source. However, the bitter taste of G. lucidum has limited its development and utilization for the food industry. Methonds The response surface methodology was employed to optimize the inclusion conditions for the debittering of G. lucidum. The effects of 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin concentration (12–14 g/mL), ultrasound temperature (20–40 °C and host—guest ratio (1:1–2:1) on response variables were studied. The physical characteristics of inclusion complexes prepared through spray drying and freeze drying were analyzed. The antioxidant activity of the different treated samples was subsequently investigated. Results Study results showed that, in comparison to the control group, the inclusion solution displayed a significantly enhanced taste profile under optimal processing conditions, exhibiting an 80.74% reduction in bitterness value. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies indicated the successful formation of inclusion compounds. The moisture content and bulk density of spray-dried powder were found to be significantly superior to those of freeze-dried powder (p < 0.05). In comparison to the diluted solution, the inclusion liquid demonstrated a 20.27%, 30.01% and 36.55% increase in ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), hydroxyl radical scavenging and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) scavenging respectively. Further, the DPPH clearance of microencapsulated powder was not significantly different from that of tocopherol at a concentration of 25 mg/mL. Conclusions In summary, the study provides theoretical basis and methodological guidance to eliminate the bitterness of G. lucidum, and therefore provide potential options to the use of G. lucidum as a food source.
Chen et al. (2024) Optimization of ultrasonic-assisted debittering of Ganoderma lucidum using response surface methodology, characterization, and evaluation of antioxidant activity. PeerJ 12:e17943 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17943
Effect of environmental DNA sampling resolution in detecting nearshore fish biodiversity compared to capture surveys
Sampling and sequencing marine environmental DNA (eDNA) provides a tool that can increase our ability to monitor biodiversity, but movement and mixing of eDNA after release from organisms before collection could affect our inference of species distributions. To assess how conditions at differing spatial scales influence the inferred species richness and compositional turnover, we conducted a paired eDNA metabarcoding and capture (beach seining) survey of fishes on the coast of British Columbia. We found more taxa were typically detected using eDNA compared to beach seining. eDNA identified more taxa with alternative habitat preferences, and this richness difference was greater in areas of high seawater movement, suggesting eDNA has a larger spatial grain influenced by water motion. By contrast, we found that eDNA consistently missed low biomass species present in seining surveys. Spatial turnover of communities surveyed using beach seining differed from that of the eDNA and was better explained by factors that vary at small (10–1000s meters) spatial scales. Specifically, vegetation cover and shoreline exposure explained most species turnover from seining, while eDNA turnover was not explained by those factors and showed a distance decay pattern (a change from 10% to 25% similarity from 2 km to 10 km of distance), suggesting unmeasured environmental variation at larger scales drives its turnover. Our findings indicate that the eDNA sample grain is larger than that of capture surveys. Whereas seining can detect differences in fish distributions at scales of 10s–100s of meters, eDNA can best summarize fish biodiversity at larger scales possibly more relevant to regional biodiversity assessments.
Millard-Martin et al. (2024) Effect of environmental DNA sampling resolution in detecting nearshore fish biodiversity compared to capture surveys. PeerJ 12:e17967 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17967
Saliva as a diagnostic tool in soccer: a scoping review
Background A high-performance sport like soccer requires training strategies that aim to reach peak performance at the right time for the desired competitions. Thus, the investigation of biochemical markers in saliva is a tool that is beginning to be used in athletes within the physical training process. There is still no evidence on universal saliva collection and analysis protocols in soccer. This review aims to map the use of saliva as a tool for analyzing athletic performance in soccer, from the biomarkers used to the validated protocols for these analyses. Methods A broad systematic literature search was carried out in the electronic databases Web of Science, Livivo, Scopus, PubMed, LILACS and gray literature (Google Scholar and ProQuest). Two reviewers selected the studies and extracted data on the type of salivary collection used, the salivary biomarker evaluated and monitored. Results Ninety-three articles were included. The most frequently analyzed salivary biomarkers were cortisol (n = 53), testosterone (n = 35), secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) (n = 33), salivary alpha amylase (n = 7), genetic polymorphisms (n = 4) and miRNAs (n = 2). The results of the studies indicated beneficial effects in monitoring salivary biomarkers in the assessment of sports performance, although most studies did not include a control group capable of comparison. Salivary collection and analysis protocols were varied and commonly not reported. Conclusions This scoping review provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of salivary biomarker research in soccer. The findings underscore the importance of these biomarkers in assessing athletes’ physiological responses and overall well-being. Future research should focus on refining methodologies, exploring additional biomarkers, and investigating the practical implications of salivary biomarker monitoring in soccer and other sports.
Ferreira et al. (2024) Saliva as a diagnostic tool in soccer: a scoping review. PeerJ 12:e18032 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18032
Evaluation of shaping ability, apical transportation and centering ratio of T-Endo Must, WaveOne Gold, and Trunatomy in resin blocks
Purpose This study aimed to compare the shaping abilities of different nickel-titanium file systems. Materials and Methods Sixty-six j-shaped resin blocks were randomly divided into three groups (n = 22): Group T-Endo MUST (TE), Group WaveOne (W), Group TruNatomy (TR). After canal preparation, the amount of material removed from the canal, the centering ratio of the file systems, the direction and amount of canal transportation, and shaping errors were evaluated. Shaping time was calculated. Data of shaping time were analyzed with ANOVA and Tamhane test. Data on the shaping ability were analyzed with two- and three-way ROBUST ANOVA. The significance level was set at p = 0.05. Results There was a statistically significant difference between all groups for shaping time (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between groups for the total amount of material removed (p < 0.001). The directions of canal transportation were the inner surface of the curvature for W and TR and the outer for TE. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups for the amount of transportation (p > 0.05). The centering ratio of TE and W was statistically higher than TruNatomy (p < 0.001). Conclusions TruNatomy removed the least material that supported the minimally invasive endodontic approach. All file systems caused similar transportation and did not change the original canal shape.
Karaca Sakallı et al. (2024) Evaluation of shaping ability, apical transportation and centering ratio of T-Endo Must, WaveOne Gold, and Trunatomy in resin blocks. PeerJ 12:e18088 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18088
Wind energy and insects: reviewing the state of knowledge and identifying potential interactions
In 2023 the wind industry hit a milestone of one terawatt of installed capacity globally. That amount is expected to double within the next decade as billions of dollars are invested in new wind projects annually. Wildlife mortality is a primary concern regarding the proliferation of wind power, and many studies have investigated bird and bat interactions. Little is known about the interactions between wind turbines and insects, despite these animals composing far more biomass than vertebrates. Turbine placement, coloration, shape, heat output, and lighting may attract insects to turbines. Insects attract insectivorous animals, which may be killed by the turbines. Compiling current knowledge about these interactions and identifying gaps in knowledge is critical as wind power grows rapidly. We reviewed the state of the literature investigating insects and wind energy facilities, and evaluated hypotheses regarding insect attraction to turbines. We found evidence of insect attraction due to turbine location, paint color, shape, and temperature output. We provide empirical data on insect abundance and richness near turbines and introduce a risk assessment tool for comparing wind development with suitable climate for insects of concern. This understudied topic merits further investigation as insects decline globally. Compiling information will provide a resource for mitigation and management strategies, and will inform conservation agencies on what insects may be most vulnerable to the expansion of wind technologies.
Weschler et al. (2024) Wind energy and insects: reviewing the state of knowledge and identifying potential interactions. PeerJ 12:e18153 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18153
The effects of resistance training to near volitional failure on motor unit recruitment during neuromuscular fatigue
Background It is unclear whether chronically training close to volitional failure influences motor unit recruitment strategies during fatigue. Purpose We compared resistance training to near volitional failure vs. non-failure on individual motor unit action potential amplitude (MUAP) and surface electromyographic excitation (sEMG) during fatiguing contractions. Methods Nineteen resistance-trained adults (11 males, 8 females) underwent 5 weeks (3×/week) of either low repetitions-in-reserve (RIR; 0–1 RIR) or high RIR training (4–6 RIR). Before and after the intervention, participants performed isometric contractions of the knee extensors at 30% of maximal peak torque until exhaustion while vastus lateralis sEMG signals were recorded and later decomposed. MUAP and sEMG excitation for the vastus lateralis were quantified at the beginning, middle, and end of the fatigue assessment. Results Both training groups improved time-to-task failure (mean change = 43.3 s, 24.0%), with no significant differences between low and high RIR training groups (low RIR = 28.7%, high RIR = 19.4%). Our fatigue assessment revealed reduced isometric torque steadiness and increased MUAP amplitude and sEMG excitation during the fatiguing task, but these changes were consistent between groups. Conclusion Both low and high RIR training improved time-to-task failure, but resulted in comparable motor unit recruitment during fatiguing contractions. Our findings indicate that both low and high RIR training can be used to enhance fatiguability among previously resistance-trained adults.
Beausejour et al. (2024) The effects of resistance training to near volitional failure on motor unit recruitment during neuromuscular fatigue. PeerJ 12:e18163 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18163