PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Feasibility and acceptability pilot study of an online weight loss program in rural, underserved communities
items: A new species of frog of the genus Noblella Barbour, 1930 (Amphibia: Strabomantidae) from the Cordillera del Cóndor, Ecuador
items: Canine companionship as a resilience factor: a quantitative inquiry into the impact of pet ownership on burnout mitigation among radiologists and radiographers
items: Identification of 10 differentially expressed genes involved in the tumorigenesis of cervical cancer via next-generation sequencing
items: The effect of post-activation enhancement on the performance of Chinese national skeleton athletes in the “ice push sled”-a first cross-sectional study
items: Unveiling the impact of organically activated biochar on physiological, biochemical, and yield attributes of maize under varied field moisture conditions
items: Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward hyperuricemia among healthcare workers in Shandong, China
items: Prognostic value of a modified pathological staging system for gastric cancer based on the number of retrieved lymph nodes and metastatic lymph node ratio
items: Changes of collagen content in lung tissues of plateau yak and its mechanism of adaptation to hypoxia
items: Mosquitoes on a chip—environmental DNA-based detection of invasive mosquito species using high-throughput real-time PCR

Feasibility and acceptability pilot study of an online weight loss program in rural, underserved communities
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The purpose of this intervention was to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of an online weight loss program, EMPOWER, in rural, underserved communities. Methods Adults with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 living in rural counties were recruited through collaboration with University of Illinois Extension. The intervention lasted 1 year including online educations sessions, nutrition and lifestyle coaching, and diet and weight monitoring via a novel web application, MealPlot. Feasibility was measured by enrollment attainment, participant retention, online education session completion, and completion of anthropometric and dietary measures. Acceptability was measured by survey using Likert scales of satisfaction for all program components. Anthropometric measurements, 24-h dietary records, and food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) were measures of program efficacy. Additionally, two interviews were collected for program feedback. Results Enrollment of 16 participants was attained, however due to higher than anticipated dropout (retention 62.5%, N = 10) at 3-months, 62.5% of the education sessions were completed and 75.0% of anthropometric and dietary measures. The average satisfaction rating for the comprehensive program was 4.2/5 with lowest satisfaction being the MealPlot web application 2.7/5 (N = 11). On average a clinically significant (≥5% baseline weight) weight loss of 6.2 ± 6.0% body weight or 5.7 ± 5.3 kg and improvements to protein and fiber intake at 12 months (N = 10) were observed. Conclusions A novel online weight loss program showed adequate to strong feasibility and acceptability and preliminary results indicating efficacy among a pilot sample of rural residents. Future studies are required to investigate means of improving retention and reducing the burden on program collaborators.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Ashleigh Oliveira
creator: Nouf Alfouzan
creator: Jin Yu
creator: Asma Yahya
creator: Kayla Lammy
creator: Mary Liz Wright
creator: Diane Reinhold
creator: Lisa Peterson
creator: Ashley Brewer
creator: Janet Liechty
creator: Manabu T. Nakamura
subject: Global Health
subject: Nutrition
subject: Obesity
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18268
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Oliveira et al.
abstract: Background The purpose of this intervention was to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of an online weight loss program, EMPOWER, in rural, underserved communities. Methods Adults with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 living in rural counties were recruited through collaboration with University of Illinois Extension. The intervention lasted 1 year including online educations sessions, nutrition and lifestyle coaching, and diet and weight monitoring via a novel web application, MealPlot. Feasibility was measured by enrollment attainment, participant retention, online education session completion, and completion of anthropometric and dietary measures. Acceptability was measured by survey using Likert scales of satisfaction for all program components. Anthropometric measurements, 24-h dietary records, and food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) were measures of program efficacy. Additionally, two interviews were collected for program feedback. Results Enrollment of 16 participants was attained, however due to higher than anticipated dropout (retention 62.5%, N = 10) at 3-months, 62.5% of the education sessions were completed and 75.0% of anthropometric and dietary measures. The average satisfaction rating for the comprehensive program was 4.2/5 with lowest satisfaction being the MealPlot web application 2.7/5 (N = 11). On average a clinically significant (≥5% baseline weight) weight loss of 6.2 ± 6.0% body weight or 5.7 ± 5.3 kg and improvements to protein and fiber intake at 12 months (N = 10) were observed. Conclusions A novel online weight loss program showed adequate to strong feasibility and acceptability and preliminary results indicating efficacy among a pilot sample of rural residents. Future studies are required to investigate means of improving retention and reducing the burden on program collaborators.
bibliographic citation: Oliveira et al. (2024) Feasibility and acceptability pilot study of an online weight loss program in rural, underserved communities. PeerJ 12:e18268 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18268
date submitted: 2024-05-17
date accepted: 2024-09-17
issued: 2024-10-03
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Oliveira
  given name: Ashleigh
author list: Agent
  family name: Alfouzan
  given name: Nouf
author list: Agent
  family name: Yu
  given name: Jin
author list: Agent
  family name: Yahya
  given name: Asma
author list: Agent
  family name: Lammy
  given name: Kayla
author list: Agent
  family name: Wright
  given name: Mary Liz
author list: Agent
  family name: Reinhold
  given name: Diane
author list: Agent
  family name: Peterson
  given name: Lisa
author list: Agent
  family name: Brewer
  given name: Ashley
author list: Agent
  family name: Liechty
  given name: Janet
author list: Agent
  family name: Nakamura
  given name: Manabu T.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18268
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-03
copyright: © 2024 Oliveira et al.
attribution name: Oliveira et al.

A new species of frog of the genus Noblella Barbour, 1930 (Amphibia: Strabomantidae) from the Cordillera del Cóndor, Ecuador
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: We describe a new species of leaflitter frog of the genus Noblella from southern Ecuador, province of Zamora Chinchipe. The new species is diagnosed from all its congeners by having one or two tubercles on the upper eyelids; distal phalanges strongly T-shaped; phalangeal formula on hands 2-2-3-3; phalangeal formula on feet 2-2-3-4-3; heel with a small subconical tubercle; disc on all toes with papillae; dorsum brown or brown with gray, with V-shaped inverted or scattered irregular darker marks. We include a detailed description of its osteology and a study of its phylogenetic relationships. Finally, we evaluate its conservation status and discuss the threats that are currently impacting at the type locality.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: David Brito-Zapata
creator: Juan D. Chávez-Reyes
creator: Matheo David Pallo-Robles
creator: Julio C. Carrión-Olmedo
creator: Diego F. Cisneros-Heredia
creator: Carolina Reyes-Puig
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Taxonomy
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17939
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Brito-Zapata et al.
abstract: We describe a new species of leaflitter frog of the genus Noblella from southern Ecuador, province of Zamora Chinchipe. The new species is diagnosed from all its congeners by having one or two tubercles on the upper eyelids; distal phalanges strongly T-shaped; phalangeal formula on hands 2-2-3-3; phalangeal formula on feet 2-2-3-4-3; heel with a small subconical tubercle; disc on all toes with papillae; dorsum brown or brown with gray, with V-shaped inverted or scattered irregular darker marks. We include a detailed description of its osteology and a study of its phylogenetic relationships. Finally, we evaluate its conservation status and discuss the threats that are currently impacting at the type locality.
bibliographic citation: Brito-Zapata et al. (2024) A new species of frog of the genus Noblella Barbour, 1930 (Amphibia: Strabomantidae) from the Cordillera del Cóndor, Ecuador. PeerJ 12:e17939 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17939
date submitted: 2024-04-09
date accepted: 2024-07-26
issued: 2024-10-02
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Brito-Zapata
  given name: David
author list: Agent
  family name: Chávez-Reyes
  given name: Juan D.
author list: Agent
  family name: Pallo-Robles
  given name: Matheo David
author list: Agent
  family name: Carrión-Olmedo
  given name: Julio C.
author list: Agent
  family name: Cisneros-Heredia
  given name: Diego F.
author list: Agent
  family name: Reyes-Puig
  given name: Carolina
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17939
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-02
copyright: ©2024 Brito-Zapata et al.
attribution name: Brito-Zapata et al.

Canine companionship as a resilience factor: a quantitative inquiry into the impact of pet ownership on burnout mitigation among radiologists and radiographers
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The demanding nature of diagnostic imaging, coupled with the increasing workload and exposure to high-stress scenarios, underscores the pressing concern of burnout among radiologists and radiographers in modern healthcare settings. The objective was to investigate the interplay between family characteristics, workplace characteristics, pet ownership, and the occurrence of burnout. Methods An online, quantitative, cross-sectional study with a non-random, purposive sampling method was carried out among Hungarian radiologists and radiographers from 1st of September to 1st of November 2022. Results We examined the results of 406 responses predominantly from females (79.8%, n = 324), including 70.7% radiographers (n = 287). Cronbach’s alpha values for depersonalization (DP), emotional exhaustion (EE), and personal accomplishment (PA) were 0.74, 0.88, and 0.85, respectively. Average burnout scores were 8.35 (SD = 6.62) for DP, 26.26 (SD = 12.74) for EE, and 32.86 (SD = 9.52) for PA. DP demonstrated a balanced distribution (low: 35.7%, moderate: 27.3%, high: 36.9%). Conversely, EE and PA skewed towards high levels, with 52.5% (n = 213) and 49.5% (n = 201). Significant associations were found between gender and DP (p = 0.006), age (31–40 years) and DP/PA (p < 0.001; p = 0.004), absence of children and all burnout dimensions (p < 0.05), and pet ownership (p = 0.004) with lower EE, particularly for dog owners (p = 0.009). Occupation lacked a significant effect on burnout dimensions (p > 0.05). Employees without a second job had higher EE (p = 0.002) and lower PA (p = 0.008). Increasing healthcare experience correlated with decreased DP values (p = 0.001), while working over 40 h weekly negatively impacted all burnout dimensions (p ≤ 0.05). 15.5% (n = 63) exhibited signs of high burnout, with the age group 31–40 demonstrating the highest proportion (25.4%, n = 27) and significant associations with marital status, absence of children, pet ownership, private healthcar…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Dávid Sipos
creator: Timea Jenei
creator: Attila Pandur
creator: Luca Anna Ferkai
creator: Krisztina Deutsch
creator: Arpad Kovács
creator: Melinda Csima
subject: Global Health
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
subject: Radiology and Medical Imaging
subject: Mental Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18110
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Sipos et al.
abstract: Background The demanding nature of diagnostic imaging, coupled with the increasing workload and exposure to high-stress scenarios, underscores the pressing concern of burnout among radiologists and radiographers in modern healthcare settings. The objective was to investigate the interplay between family characteristics, workplace characteristics, pet ownership, and the occurrence of burnout. Methods An online, quantitative, cross-sectional study with a non-random, purposive sampling method was carried out among Hungarian radiologists and radiographers from 1st of September to 1st of November 2022. Results We examined the results of 406 responses predominantly from females (79.8%, n = 324), including 70.7% radiographers (n = 287). Cronbach’s alpha values for depersonalization (DP), emotional exhaustion (EE), and personal accomplishment (PA) were 0.74, 0.88, and 0.85, respectively. Average burnout scores were 8.35 (SD = 6.62) for DP, 26.26 (SD = 12.74) for EE, and 32.86 (SD = 9.52) for PA. DP demonstrated a balanced distribution (low: 35.7%, moderate: 27.3%, high: 36.9%). Conversely, EE and PA skewed towards high levels, with 52.5% (n = 213) and 49.5% (n = 201). Significant associations were found between gender and DP (p = 0.006), age (31–40 years) and DP/PA (p < 0.001; p = 0.004), absence of children and all burnout dimensions (p < 0.05), and pet ownership (p = 0.004) with lower EE, particularly for dog owners (p = 0.009). Occupation lacked a significant effect on burnout dimensions (p > 0.05). Employees without a second job had higher EE (p = 0.002) and lower PA (p = 0.008). Increasing healthcare experience correlated with decreased DP values (p = 0.001), while working over 40 h weekly negatively impacted all burnout dimensions (p ≤ 0.05). 15.5% (n = 63) exhibited signs of high burnout, with the age group 31–40 demonstrating the highest proportion (25.4%, n = 27) and significant associations with marital status, absence of children, pet ownership, private healthcar…
bibliographic citation: Sipos et al. (2024) Canine companionship as a resilience factor: a quantitative inquiry into the impact of pet ownership on burnout mitigation among radiologists and radiographers. PeerJ 12:e18110 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18110
date submitted: 2024-02-08
date accepted: 2024-08-27
issued: 2024-10-02
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Sipos
  given name: Dávid
author list: Agent
  family name: Jenei
  given name: Timea
author list: Agent
  family name: Pandur
  given name: Attila
author list: Agent
  family name: Ferkai
  given name: Luca Anna
author list: Agent
  family name: Deutsch
  given name: Krisztina
author list: Agent
  family name: Kovács
  given name: Arpad
author list: Agent
  family name: Csima
  given name: Melinda
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18110
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-02
copyright: © 2024 Sipos et al.
attribution name: Sipos et al.

Identification of 10 differentially expressed genes involved in the tumorigenesis of cervical cancer via next-generation sequencing
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The incidence and mortality of cervical cancer remain high in female malignant tumors worldwide. There is still a lack of diagnostic and prognostic markers for cervical carcinoma. This study aimed to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between normal and cervical cancer tissues to identify candidate genes for further research. Methods Uterine cervical specimens were resected from our clinical patients after radical hysterectomy. Three patients’ transcriptomic datasets were built by the next generation sequencing (NGS) results. DEGs were selected through the edgeR and DESeq2 packages in the R environment. Functional enrichment analysis, including GO/DisGeNET/KEGG/Reactome enrichment analysis, was performed. Normal and cervical cancer tissue data from the public databases TCGA and GTEx were collected to compare the expression levels of 10 selected DEGs in tumor and normal tissues. ROC curve and survival analysis were performed to compare the diagnostic and prognostic values of each gene. The expression levels of candidate genes were verified in 15 paired clinical specimens via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results There were 875 up-regulated and 1,482 down-regulated genes in cervical cancer samples compared with the paired adjacent normal cervical tissues according to the NGS analysis. The top 10 DEGs included APOD, MASP1, ACKR1, C1QTNF7, SFRP4, HSPB6, GSTM5, IGFBP6, F10 and DCN. GO, DisGeNET and Reactome analyses revealed that the DEGs were related to extracellular matrix and angiogenesis which might influence tumorigenesis. KEGG enrichment showed that PI3K-Akt signaling pathway might be involved in cervical cancer tumorigenesis and progression. The expression levels of selected genes were decreased in tumors in both the public database and our experimental clinical specimens. All the candidate genes showed excellent diagnostic value, and the AUC values exceeded 0.90. Additionally, APOD, ACKR1 and SFRP4 expression levels could …
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jia Xu
creator: Wen Yang
creator: Xiufeng Xie
creator: Chenglei Gu
creator: Luyang Zhao
creator: Feng Liu
creator: Nina Zhang
creator: Yuge Bai
creator: Dan Liu
creator: Hainan Liu
creator: Xiangshu Jin
creator: Yuanguang Meng
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Genomics
subject: Gynecology and Obstetrics
subject: Oncology
subject: Women’s Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18157
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Xu et al.
abstract: Background The incidence and mortality of cervical cancer remain high in female malignant tumors worldwide. There is still a lack of diagnostic and prognostic markers for cervical carcinoma. This study aimed to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between normal and cervical cancer tissues to identify candidate genes for further research. Methods Uterine cervical specimens were resected from our clinical patients after radical hysterectomy. Three patients’ transcriptomic datasets were built by the next generation sequencing (NGS) results. DEGs were selected through the edgeR and DESeq2 packages in the R environment. Functional enrichment analysis, including GO/DisGeNET/KEGG/Reactome enrichment analysis, was performed. Normal and cervical cancer tissue data from the public databases TCGA and GTEx were collected to compare the expression levels of 10 selected DEGs in tumor and normal tissues. ROC curve and survival analysis were performed to compare the diagnostic and prognostic values of each gene. The expression levels of candidate genes were verified in 15 paired clinical specimens via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results There were 875 up-regulated and 1,482 down-regulated genes in cervical cancer samples compared with the paired adjacent normal cervical tissues according to the NGS analysis. The top 10 DEGs included APOD, MASP1, ACKR1, C1QTNF7, SFRP4, HSPB6, GSTM5, IGFBP6, F10 and DCN. GO, DisGeNET and Reactome analyses revealed that the DEGs were related to extracellular matrix and angiogenesis which might influence tumorigenesis. KEGG enrichment showed that PI3K-Akt signaling pathway might be involved in cervical cancer tumorigenesis and progression. The expression levels of selected genes were decreased in tumors in both the public database and our experimental clinical specimens. All the candidate genes showed excellent diagnostic value, and the AUC values exceeded 0.90. Additionally, APOD, ACKR1 and SFRP4 expression levels could …
bibliographic citation: Xu et al. (2024) Identification of 10 differentially expressed genes involved in the tumorigenesis of cervical cancer via next-generation sequencing. PeerJ 12:e18157 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18157
date submitted: 2024-03-15
date accepted: 2024-09-02
issued: 2024-10-02
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
author list: Agent
  family name: Xu
  given name: Jia
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Wen
author list: Agent
  family name: Xie
  given name: Xiufeng
author list: Agent
  family name: Gu
  given name: Chenglei
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhao
  given name: Luyang
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Feng
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Nina
author list: Agent
  family name: Bai
  given name: Yuge
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Dan
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Hainan
author list: Agent
  family name: Jin
  given name: Xiangshu
author list: Agent
  family name: Meng
  given name: Yuanguang
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18157
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-02
copyright: © 2024 Xu et al.
attribution name: Xu et al.

The effect of post-activation enhancement on the performance of Chinese national skeleton athletes in the “ice push sled”-a first cross-sectional study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Objective To investigate the impact of post-activation potentiation (PAP) induced by resisted sled sprint at different loads on the subsequent 30 m ice push sled performance of Chinese skeleton athletes, and to identify the resisted sled sprint load that most effectively enhances PAP for Chinese skeleton athletes. Methods Seven elite athletes from the Chinese skeleton team participated in four tests with more than 48 h intervals. During the tests, on the first test, athletes completed a 40 min standard warm-up, rested for 6 min, and then performed a 30 m test. On the second, third, and fourth test, athletes completed the standard warm-up, then performed 20 m sprints with resisted sled (RS) at 75%, 50%, and 25% of body mass (BM), respectively, rested for 6 min, and then performed the 30 m test. Results No significant differences were found in morning pulse, blood urea, and creatine kinase levels among four tests. The percentage of maximum heart rate (%HRmax) within different intensity ranges showed no significant differences among four tests. However, significant differences were observed in ice push sled performance among four tests (No BMRS: 5.08 ± 0.27; 25% BMRS: 5.05 ± 0.29; 50% BMRS: 5.02 ± 0.27; 75% BMRS: 5.04 ± 0.28). Post hoc analyses revealed that the 50% BMRS test had faster speed compared to the no resistance (p < 0.05), the 25% BMRS (p < 0.05), and the 75% BMRS (p < 0.05) tests. Additionally, the 75% BMRS test had faster speed than the no resistance test (p < 0.05). Conclusion A 20 m sprint with 50% BMRS effectively enhances the PAP effect in skeleton athletes, improving their ice push sled performance. Coaches can incorporate this resisted sled sprint in athletes’ training routines for performance enhancement in both daily training and pre-competition preparations.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Guang Tian
creator: Haojie Li
creator: Huan Zhu
creator: Binghong Gao
subject: Anatomy and Physiology
subject: Kinesiology
subject: Sports Injury
subject: Sports Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18271
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Tian et al.
abstract: Objective To investigate the impact of post-activation potentiation (PAP) induced by resisted sled sprint at different loads on the subsequent 30 m ice push sled performance of Chinese skeleton athletes, and to identify the resisted sled sprint load that most effectively enhances PAP for Chinese skeleton athletes. Methods Seven elite athletes from the Chinese skeleton team participated in four tests with more than 48 h intervals. During the tests, on the first test, athletes completed a 40 min standard warm-up, rested for 6 min, and then performed a 30 m test. On the second, third, and fourth test, athletes completed the standard warm-up, then performed 20 m sprints with resisted sled (RS) at 75%, 50%, and 25% of body mass (BM), respectively, rested for 6 min, and then performed the 30 m test. Results No significant differences were found in morning pulse, blood urea, and creatine kinase levels among four tests. The percentage of maximum heart rate (%HRmax) within different intensity ranges showed no significant differences among four tests. However, significant differences were observed in ice push sled performance among four tests (No BMRS: 5.08 ± 0.27; 25% BMRS: 5.05 ± 0.29; 50% BMRS: 5.02 ± 0.27; 75% BMRS: 5.04 ± 0.28). Post hoc analyses revealed that the 50% BMRS test had faster speed compared to the no resistance (p < 0.05), the 25% BMRS (p < 0.05), and the 75% BMRS (p < 0.05) tests. Additionally, the 75% BMRS test had faster speed than the no resistance test (p < 0.05). Conclusion A 20 m sprint with 50% BMRS effectively enhances the PAP effect in skeleton athletes, improving their ice push sled performance. Coaches can incorporate this resisted sled sprint in athletes’ training routines for performance enhancement in both daily training and pre-competition preparations.
bibliographic citation: Tian et al. (2024) The effect of post-activation enhancement on the performance of Chinese national skeleton athletes in the “ice push sled”-a first cross-sectional study. PeerJ 12:e18271 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18271
date submitted: 2024-06-12
date accepted: 2024-09-17
issued: 2024-10-02
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Tian
  given name: Guang
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Haojie
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhu
  given name: Huan
author list: Agent
  family name: Gao
  given name: Binghong
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18271
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-02
copyright: © 2024 Tian et al.
attribution name: Tian et al.

Unveiling the impact of organically activated biochar on physiological, biochemical, and yield attributes of maize under varied field moisture conditions
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Water deficiency in semiarid regions is a limiting factor that affects crop quality and yield. In Punjab, Pakistan, a 27% decline in maize yield was detected over the past two decades just because of water scarcity. Currently, no studies have reported the effects of organically activated biochar (AB) on crop productivity under natural field conditions. For this purpose, a field experiment in a split-split-plot design was conducted with three amendment levels (0, 2, and 4 tonnes ac−1), and three maize hybrids (DK-9108, DK-6321, and Sarhaab) under 100%, 70%, and 50% irrigation water (IW) of crop evapotranspiration (ETc). The AB significantly improved the soil’s physical and chemical properties, and maximum improvement was recorded in 4 tonnes ac−1 AB amendment in organic matter (16.6%), total organic carbon (17%), phosphorus (11.43%), and available potassium (29.27%). The 4 tonnes ac−1AB amendment in soil had a significant impact on total chlorophyll content (0.3–1-fold in DK-6321), carotenoid content (3.9–4.4-fold in Sarhaab), and relative water content (30% and 21% in Sarhaab) under 50% irrigation water (IW) of ETc at V14th and R3 stages, respectively. Moreover, a significant decline in stress markers (proline content and sugar content) was detected at both growth stages in all maize hybrids in AB amended soil. The analysis of plant metabolites indicated increased intensities of phenolics, alkyl esters, and carbohydrates by 2.5–7%, 17–80%, and 40–43% in DK-6321 under 50% IW in 2–4 tonnes ac−1 AB amended soil, respectively. The highest improvement in growth and yield attributes among maize hybrids was detected in the order DK-6321¿DK-9108¿Sarhaab in 2–4 tonnes ac−1AB amended soil under 70% and 50% IW of ETc, respectively. Hence, this research might help to develop an effective soil amendment to restore degraded soils and improve maize growth under arid climatic conditions.
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format: text/html
creator: Hajra Iqbal
creator: Summera Jahan
creator: Muhammad Akbar
creator: Atif Kamran
creator: Fahd Rasul
creator: Sobia Shahzad
creator: Manzer H. Siddiqui
creator: Saud Alamri
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17883
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Iqbal et al.
abstract: Water deficiency in semiarid regions is a limiting factor that affects crop quality and yield. In Punjab, Pakistan, a 27% decline in maize yield was detected over the past two decades just because of water scarcity. Currently, no studies have reported the effects of organically activated biochar (AB) on crop productivity under natural field conditions. For this purpose, a field experiment in a split-split-plot design was conducted with three amendment levels (0, 2, and 4 tonnes ac−1), and three maize hybrids (DK-9108, DK-6321, and Sarhaab) under 100%, 70%, and 50% irrigation water (IW) of crop evapotranspiration (ETc). The AB significantly improved the soil’s physical and chemical properties, and maximum improvement was recorded in 4 tonnes ac−1 AB amendment in organic matter (16.6%), total organic carbon (17%), phosphorus (11.43%), and available potassium (29.27%). The 4 tonnes ac−1AB amendment in soil had a significant impact on total chlorophyll content (0.3–1-fold in DK-6321), carotenoid content (3.9–4.4-fold in Sarhaab), and relative water content (30% and 21% in Sarhaab) under 50% irrigation water (IW) of ETc at V14th and R3 stages, respectively. Moreover, a significant decline in stress markers (proline content and sugar content) was detected at both growth stages in all maize hybrids in AB amended soil. The analysis of plant metabolites indicated increased intensities of phenolics, alkyl esters, and carbohydrates by 2.5–7%, 17–80%, and 40–43% in DK-6321 under 50% IW in 2–4 tonnes ac−1 AB amended soil, respectively. The highest improvement in growth and yield attributes among maize hybrids was detected in the order DK-6321¿DK-9108¿Sarhaab in 2–4 tonnes ac−1AB amended soil under 70% and 50% IW of ETc, respectively. Hence, this research might help to develop an effective soil amendment to restore degraded soils and improve maize growth under arid climatic conditions.
bibliographic citation: Iqbal et al. (2024) Unveiling the impact of organically activated biochar on physiological, biochemical, and yield attributes of maize under varied field moisture conditions. PeerJ 12:e17883 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17883
date submitted: 2024-05-21
date accepted: 2024-07-17
issued: 2024-10-01
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Iqbal
  given name: Hajra
author list: Agent
  family name: Jahan
  given name: Summera
author list: Agent
  family name: Akbar
  given name: Muhammad
author list: Agent
  family name: Kamran
  given name: Atif
author list: Agent
  family name: Rasul
  given name: Fahd
author list: Agent
  family name: Shahzad
  given name: Sobia
author list: Agent
  family name: Siddiqui
  given name: Manzer H.
author list: Agent
  family name: Alamri
  given name: Saud
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17883
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-01
copyright: ©2024 Iqbal et al.
attribution name: Iqbal et al.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward hyperuricemia among healthcare workers in Shandong, China
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Hyperuricemia is a relatively common condition, with a prevalence of over 20% among the general population. Also, most patients initially present no symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward hyperuricemia among healthcare workers in Shandong, China. Methods Healthcare workers were recruited in this cross-sectional study conducted in Shandong in December 2022. A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect demographic information and KAP data. Results A total of 372 questionnaires were distributed, and 216 (58.06%) valid questionnaires were collected from 131 physicians, 80 nurses, and five other healthcare workers. The participants had a mean score of 10.76 ± 2.53 (possible range: 0–14, 76.9%) and 31.94 ± 2.58 (possible range: 0–40, 79.9%) in knowledge and attitude, respectively. The physicians’ and nurses’ practice scores were 47.57 ± 5.34 (possible range: 0–55, 86.5%) and 30.06 ± 4.11 (possible range: 0–35, 85.9%), respectively. The attitude scores were independently associated with proactive practice in both physicians (P < 0.001) and nurses (P = 0.046). Conclusion This study found that healthcare workers in Shandong had adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and proactive practices towards hyperuricemia. However, there is room for improvement in the attitudes of both physicians and nurses to achieve better practice.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Honghai Peng
creator: Ke Zhang
creator: Chunxue Zhang
creator: Jun Gao
subject: Internal Medicine
subject: Nephrology
subject: Metabolic Sciences
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17926
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Peng et al.
abstract: Background Hyperuricemia is a relatively common condition, with a prevalence of over 20% among the general population. Also, most patients initially present no symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward hyperuricemia among healthcare workers in Shandong, China. Methods Healthcare workers were recruited in this cross-sectional study conducted in Shandong in December 2022. A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect demographic information and KAP data. Results A total of 372 questionnaires were distributed, and 216 (58.06%) valid questionnaires were collected from 131 physicians, 80 nurses, and five other healthcare workers. The participants had a mean score of 10.76 ± 2.53 (possible range: 0–14, 76.9%) and 31.94 ± 2.58 (possible range: 0–40, 79.9%) in knowledge and attitude, respectively. The physicians’ and nurses’ practice scores were 47.57 ± 5.34 (possible range: 0–55, 86.5%) and 30.06 ± 4.11 (possible range: 0–35, 85.9%), respectively. The attitude scores were independently associated with proactive practice in both physicians (P < 0.001) and nurses (P = 0.046). Conclusion This study found that healthcare workers in Shandong had adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and proactive practices towards hyperuricemia. However, there is room for improvement in the attitudes of both physicians and nurses to achieve better practice.
bibliographic citation: Peng et al. (2024) Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward hyperuricemia among healthcare workers in Shandong, China. PeerJ 12:e17926 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17926
date submitted: 2023-12-16
date accepted: 2024-07-24
issued: 2024-10-01
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Peng
  given name: Honghai
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Ke
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Chunxue
author list: Agent
  family name: Gao
  given name: Jun
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17926
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-01
copyright: © 2024 Peng et al.
attribution name: Peng et al.

Prognostic value of a modified pathological staging system for gastric cancer based on the number of retrieved lymph nodes and metastatic lymph node ratio
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Aim The prognosis for gastric cancer (GC) remains grim, underscoring the importance of accurate staging and treatment. Given the potential benefits of using lymph node ratio (LNR) for improved prognostication and treatment planning, it is critical to incorporate examined lymph nodes (ELN) count in an integrated GC staging system. Methods Patients data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2010 and 2015 was utilized as training set. The Mantel-Cox survival test was used to calculate chi-square values for 40 LNR segments with a 0.025 interval, defining a novel LNR-based N (rN) classification based on the cutoff points. A revised AJCC (rAJCC) staging system was established by replacing the 8th AJCC N staging with a rN classification. The relationship between the ELN count and prognosis or positive lymph node detection was conducted by using multivariable models. The series of the odds ratios and hazard ratios were fitted with a locally weighted scatterplot smoothing (LOWESS) smoother, and the structural break points were determined by Chow test to clarify an optimal minimum ELN count. The integrated GC staging system incorporated both rAJCC system and the ideal ELN count. Discriminatory ability and prognostic homogeneity of the rAJCC and integrated staging system was compared with AJCC staging system in the SEER validation set (2016–2017), the Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA) database, and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University database. Results The current study found that LNR and ELN count are both significantly associated with the prognosis of GC patients (HR = 0.98, p < 0.001 and HR = 2.51, p < 0.001). Four peaks of the chi-square value were identified as LNR cut-off points at 0.025, 0.175, 0.45 and 0.6 to define a novel rN stage. In comparison to the 8th AJCC staging system, the rAJCC staging system demonstrated significant prognostic advantages and discriminatory ability in the training set (5-Y OS AUC: 71…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Guiru Jia
creator: Dagui Zhou
creator: Xiao Tang
creator: Jianpei Liu
creator: Purun Lei
subject: Gastroenterology and Hepatology
subject: Oncology
subject: Pathology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18165
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Jia et al.
abstract: Aim The prognosis for gastric cancer (GC) remains grim, underscoring the importance of accurate staging and treatment. Given the potential benefits of using lymph node ratio (LNR) for improved prognostication and treatment planning, it is critical to incorporate examined lymph nodes (ELN) count in an integrated GC staging system. Methods Patients data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2010 and 2015 was utilized as training set. The Mantel-Cox survival test was used to calculate chi-square values for 40 LNR segments with a 0.025 interval, defining a novel LNR-based N (rN) classification based on the cutoff points. A revised AJCC (rAJCC) staging system was established by replacing the 8th AJCC N staging with a rN classification. The relationship between the ELN count and prognosis or positive lymph node detection was conducted by using multivariable models. The series of the odds ratios and hazard ratios were fitted with a locally weighted scatterplot smoothing (LOWESS) smoother, and the structural break points were determined by Chow test to clarify an optimal minimum ELN count. The integrated GC staging system incorporated both rAJCC system and the ideal ELN count. Discriminatory ability and prognostic homogeneity of the rAJCC and integrated staging system was compared with AJCC staging system in the SEER validation set (2016–2017), the Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA) database, and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University database. Results The current study found that LNR and ELN count are both significantly associated with the prognosis of GC patients (HR = 0.98, p < 0.001 and HR = 2.51, p < 0.001). Four peaks of the chi-square value were identified as LNR cut-off points at 0.025, 0.175, 0.45 and 0.6 to define a novel rN stage. In comparison to the 8th AJCC staging system, the rAJCC staging system demonstrated significant prognostic advantages and discriminatory ability in the training set (5-Y OS AUC: 71…
bibliographic citation: Jia et al. (2024) Prognostic value of a modified pathological staging system for gastric cancer based on the number of retrieved lymph nodes and metastatic lymph node ratio. PeerJ 12:e18165 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18165
date submitted: 2023-07-13
date accepted: 2024-09-02
issued: 2024-10-01
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Jia
  given name: Guiru
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Dagui
author list: Agent
  family name: Tang
  given name: Xiao
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Jianpei
author list: Agent
  family name: Lei
  given name: Purun
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18165
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-01
copyright: © 2024 Jia et al.
attribution name: Jia et al.

Changes of collagen content in lung tissues of plateau yak and its mechanism of adaptation to hypoxia
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Collagen is crucial for tissue structure, functional maintenance, and cellular processes such as proliferation and differentiation. However, the specific changes in collagen expression and its associated genes in the lung tissues of yaks at high altitudes and their relationship with environmental adaptation remain poorly understood. Studying differences in the content of collagen fibers and gene expression between yaks at high (4,500 m) and low (2,600 m) altitudes, as well as between cattle at low altitudes (2,600 m). Using Masson staining, we found that the collagen fiber content in the lung tissues of yaks at low altitude was significantly higher compared to yaks at high altitude and cattle at the same altitude (P < 0.05). It was revealed through transcriptomic analyses that genes differentially expressed between high and low altitude yaks, as well as between low altitude yaks and cattle, were notably enriched in pathways related to cell adhesion, collagen synthesis, focal adhesion, and ECM-receptor interactions. Specifically, genes involved in mesenchymal collagen synthesis (e.g., COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1), basement membrane collagen synthesis (e.g., COL4A1, COL4A2, COL4A4, COL4A6), and peripheral collagen synthesis (e.g., COL5A1, COL6A1, COL6A2, COL6A3) were significantly upregulated in the lung tissues of yaks at low altitude compared to their high altitude counterparts and cattle (P < 0.05). In conclusion, yaks at lower altitudes exhibit increased collagen synthesis by upregulating collagen gene expression, which contributes to maintaining alveolar stability and septal flexibility. Conversely, the expression of collagen genes in yak lung tissues was down-regulated with the increase in altitude, and it was speculated that the decrease in collagen may be used to constrain the function of elastic fibers that are more abundant at high altitude, so as to enable them to adapt to the harsh environment with hypoxia and high altitude. This adaptation mechanism highlights…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jingyi Li
creator: Nating Huang
creator: Xun Zhang
creator: Ci Sun
creator: Jiarui Chen
creator: Qing Wei
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Ecology
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18250
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Li et al.
abstract: Collagen is crucial for tissue structure, functional maintenance, and cellular processes such as proliferation and differentiation. However, the specific changes in collagen expression and its associated genes in the lung tissues of yaks at high altitudes and their relationship with environmental adaptation remain poorly understood. Studying differences in the content of collagen fibers and gene expression between yaks at high (4,500 m) and low (2,600 m) altitudes, as well as between cattle at low altitudes (2,600 m). Using Masson staining, we found that the collagen fiber content in the lung tissues of yaks at low altitude was significantly higher compared to yaks at high altitude and cattle at the same altitude (P < 0.05). It was revealed through transcriptomic analyses that genes differentially expressed between high and low altitude yaks, as well as between low altitude yaks and cattle, were notably enriched in pathways related to cell adhesion, collagen synthesis, focal adhesion, and ECM-receptor interactions. Specifically, genes involved in mesenchymal collagen synthesis (e.g., COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1), basement membrane collagen synthesis (e.g., COL4A1, COL4A2, COL4A4, COL4A6), and peripheral collagen synthesis (e.g., COL5A1, COL6A1, COL6A2, COL6A3) were significantly upregulated in the lung tissues of yaks at low altitude compared to their high altitude counterparts and cattle (P < 0.05). In conclusion, yaks at lower altitudes exhibit increased collagen synthesis by upregulating collagen gene expression, which contributes to maintaining alveolar stability and septal flexibility. Conversely, the expression of collagen genes in yak lung tissues was down-regulated with the increase in altitude, and it was speculated that the decrease in collagen may be used to constrain the function of elastic fibers that are more abundant at high altitude, so as to enable them to adapt to the harsh environment with hypoxia and high altitude. This adaptation mechanism highlights…
bibliographic citation: Li et al. (2024) Changes of collagen content in lung tissues of plateau yak and its mechanism of adaptation to hypoxia. PeerJ 12:e18250 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18250
date submitted: 2024-07-08
date accepted: 2024-09-16
issued: 2024-10-01
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Jingyi
author list: Agent
  family name: Huang
  given name: Nating
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Xun
author list: Agent
  family name: Sun
  given name: Ci
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Jiarui
author list: Agent
  family name: Wei
  given name: Qing
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18250
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-01
copyright: © 2024 Li et al.
attribution name: Li et al.

Mosquitoes on a chip—environmental DNA-based detection of invasive mosquito species using high-throughput real-time PCR
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The monitoring of mosquitoes is of great importance due to their vector competence for a variety of pathogens, which have the potential to imperil human and animal health. Until now mosquito occurrence data is mainly obtained with conventional monitoring methods including active and passive approaches, which can be time- and cost-consuming. New monitoring methods based on environmental DNA (eDNA) could serve as a fast and robust complementary detection system for mosquitoes. In this pilot study already existing marker systems targeting the three invasive mosquito species Aedes (Ae.) albopictus, Ae. japonicus and Ae. koreicus were used to detect these species from water samples via microfluidic array technology. We compared the performance of the high-throughput real-time PCR (HT-qPCR) system Biomark HD with real-time PCR (qPCR) and also tested the effect of different filter media (Sterivex® 0.45 µm, Nylon 0.22 µm, PES 1.2 µm) on eDNA detectability. By using a universal qPCR protocol and only 6-FAM-MGB probes we successfully transferred these marker systems on the HT-qPCR platform. All tested marker systems detected the target species at most sites, where their presence was previously confirmed. Filter media properties, the final filtration volume and observed qPCR inhibition did not affect measured Ct values via qPCR or HT-qPCR. The Ct values obtained from HT-qPCR were significantly lower as Ct values measured by qPCR due to the previous preamplification step, still these values were highly correlated. Observed incongruities in eDNA detection probability, as manifested by non-reproducible results and false positive detections, could be the result of methodological aspects, such as sensitivity and specificity issues of the used assays, or ecological factors such as varying eDNA release patterns. In this study, we show the suitability of eDNA-based detection of mosquito species from water samples using a microfluidic HT-qPCR platform. HT-qPCR platforms such as Biomark…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Claudia Wittwer
creator: Chinhda Sharif
creator: Isabelle Schöck
creator: Sven Klimpel
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Ecology
subject: Entomology
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Freshwater Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17782
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Wittwer et al.
abstract: The monitoring of mosquitoes is of great importance due to their vector competence for a variety of pathogens, which have the potential to imperil human and animal health. Until now mosquito occurrence data is mainly obtained with conventional monitoring methods including active and passive approaches, which can be time- and cost-consuming. New monitoring methods based on environmental DNA (eDNA) could serve as a fast and robust complementary detection system for mosquitoes. In this pilot study already existing marker systems targeting the three invasive mosquito species Aedes (Ae.) albopictus, Ae. japonicus and Ae. koreicus were used to detect these species from water samples via microfluidic array technology. We compared the performance of the high-throughput real-time PCR (HT-qPCR) system Biomark HD with real-time PCR (qPCR) and also tested the effect of different filter media (Sterivex® 0.45 µm, Nylon 0.22 µm, PES 1.2 µm) on eDNA detectability. By using a universal qPCR protocol and only 6-FAM-MGB probes we successfully transferred these marker systems on the HT-qPCR platform. All tested marker systems detected the target species at most sites, where their presence was previously confirmed. Filter media properties, the final filtration volume and observed qPCR inhibition did not affect measured Ct values via qPCR or HT-qPCR. The Ct values obtained from HT-qPCR were significantly lower as Ct values measured by qPCR due to the previous preamplification step, still these values were highly correlated. Observed incongruities in eDNA detection probability, as manifested by non-reproducible results and false positive detections, could be the result of methodological aspects, such as sensitivity and specificity issues of the used assays, or ecological factors such as varying eDNA release patterns. In this study, we show the suitability of eDNA-based detection of mosquito species from water samples using a microfluidic HT-qPCR platform. HT-qPCR platforms such as Biomark…
bibliographic citation: Wittwer et al. (2024) Mosquitoes on a chip—environmental DNA-based detection of invasive mosquito species using high-throughput real-time PCR. PeerJ 12:e17782 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17782
date submitted: 2024-01-19
date accepted: 2024-06-30
issued: 2024-09-30
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Wittwer
  given name: Claudia
author list: Agent
  family name: Sharif
  given name: Chinhda
author list: Agent
  family name: Schöck
  given name: Isabelle
author list: Agent
  family name: Klimpel
  given name: Sven
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17782
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-09-30
copyright: ©2024 Wittwer et al.
attribution name: Wittwer et al.

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