PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Insects’ perception and behavioral responses to plant semiochemicals
items: Genome-wide identification of gene families related to miRNA biogenesis in Mangifera indica L. and their possible role during heat stress
items: Cellular uptake of allicin in the hCMEC/D3 human brain endothelial cells: exploring blood-brain barrier penetration in an in vitro model
items: Performance of risk prediction models for diabetic foot ulcer: a meta-analysis
items: Wearable accelerometers reveal objective assessment of walking symmetry and regularity in idiopathic scoliosis patients
items: Production of recombinant human epidermal growth factor fused with HaloTag protein and characterisation of its biological functions
items: Aspergillus niger as an efficient biological agent for separator sludge remediation: two-level factorial design for optimal fermentation
items: Evaluation of the association of physical activity levels with self-perceived health, depression, and anxiety in Spanish individuals with high cholesterol levels: a retrospective cross-sectional study
items: The skull of the Turks and Caicos rock iguana, Cyclura carinata (Squamata: Iguanidae)
items: Effects of five types of exercise on vascular function in postmenopausal women: a network meta-analysis and systematic review of 32 randomized controlled trials

Insects’ perception and behavioral responses to plant semiochemicals
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Insect-plant interactions are shaped by the exchange of chemical cues called semiochemicals, which play a vital role in communication between organisms. Plants release a variety of volatile organic compounds in response to environmental cues, such as herbivore attacks. These compounds play a crucial role in mediating the interactions between plants and insects. This review provides an in-depth analysis of plant semiochemicals, encompassing their classification, current understanding of extraction, identification, and characterization using various analytical techniques, including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The article also delves into the manner in which insects perceive and respond to plant semiochemicals, as well as the impact of environmental factors on plant odor emission and insect orientation. Furthermore, it explores the underlying mechanisms by which insects perceive and interpret these chemical cues, and how this impacts their behavioral responses, including feeding habits, oviposition patterns, and mating behaviors. Additionally, the potential applications of plant semiochemicals in integrated pest management strategies are explored. This review provides insight into the intricate relationships between plants and insects mediated by semiochemicals, highlighting the significance of continued research in this field to better understand and leverage these interactions for effective pest control.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Diriba Fufa Serdo
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Entomology
subject: Plant Science
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17735
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Serdo
abstract: Insect-plant interactions are shaped by the exchange of chemical cues called semiochemicals, which play a vital role in communication between organisms. Plants release a variety of volatile organic compounds in response to environmental cues, such as herbivore attacks. These compounds play a crucial role in mediating the interactions between plants and insects. This review provides an in-depth analysis of plant semiochemicals, encompassing their classification, current understanding of extraction, identification, and characterization using various analytical techniques, including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The article also delves into the manner in which insects perceive and respond to plant semiochemicals, as well as the impact of environmental factors on plant odor emission and insect orientation. Furthermore, it explores the underlying mechanisms by which insects perceive and interpret these chemical cues, and how this impacts their behavioral responses, including feeding habits, oviposition patterns, and mating behaviors. Additionally, the potential applications of plant semiochemicals in integrated pest management strategies are explored. This review provides insight into the intricate relationships between plants and insects mediated by semiochemicals, highlighting the significance of continued research in this field to better understand and leverage these interactions for effective pest control.
bibliographic citation: Serdo (2024) Insects’ perception and behavioral responses to plant semiochemicals. PeerJ 12:e17735 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17735
date submitted: 2024-03-08
date accepted: 2024-06-23
issued: 2024-07-17
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Serdo
  given name: Diriba Fufa
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17735
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-07-17
copyright: ©2024 Serdo
attribution name: Serdo

Genome-wide identification of gene families related to miRNA biogenesis in Mangifera indica L. and their possible role during heat stress
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Mango is a popular tropical fruit that requires quarantine hot water treatment (QHWT) for postharvest sanitation, which can cause abiotic stress. Plants have various defense mechanisms to cope with stress; miRNAs mainly regulate the expression of these defense responses. Proteins involved in the biogenesis of miRNAs include DICER-like (DCL), ARGONAUTE (AGO), HYPONASTIC LEAVES 1 (HYL1), SERRATE (SE), HUA ENHANCER1 (HEN1), HASTY (HST), and HEAT-SHOCK PROTEIN 90 (HSP90), among others. According to our analysis, the mango genome contains five DCL, thirteen AGO, six HYL, two SE, one HEN1, one HST, and five putative HSP90 genes. Gene structure prediction and domain identification indicate that sequences contain key domains for their respective gene families, including the RNase III domain in DCL and PAZ and PIWI domains for AGOs. In addition, phylogenetic analysis indicates the formation of clades that include the mango sequences and their respective orthologs in other flowering plant species, supporting the idea these are functional orthologs. The analysis of cis-regulatory elements of these genes allowed the identification of MYB, ABRE, GARE, MYC, and MeJA-responsive elements involved in stress responses. Gene expression analysis showed that most genes are induced between 3 to 6 h after QHWT, supporting the early role of miRNAs in stress response. Interestingly, our results suggest that mango rapidly induces the production of miRNAs after heat stress. This research will enable us to investigate further the regulation of gene expression and its effects on commercially cultivated fruits, such as mango, while maintaining sanitary standards.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Andrés G. López-Virgen
creator: Mitzuko Dautt-Castro
creator: Lourdes K. Ulloa-Llanes
creator: Sergio Casas-Flores
creator: Carmen A. Contreras-Vergara
creator: Miguel A. Hernández-Oñate
creator: Rogerio R. Sotelo-Mundo
creator: Rosabel Vélez-de la Rocha
creator: Maria A. Islas-Osuna
subject: Genomics
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17737
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 López-Virgen et al.
abstract: Mango is a popular tropical fruit that requires quarantine hot water treatment (QHWT) for postharvest sanitation, which can cause abiotic stress. Plants have various defense mechanisms to cope with stress; miRNAs mainly regulate the expression of these defense responses. Proteins involved in the biogenesis of miRNAs include DICER-like (DCL), ARGONAUTE (AGO), HYPONASTIC LEAVES 1 (HYL1), SERRATE (SE), HUA ENHANCER1 (HEN1), HASTY (HST), and HEAT-SHOCK PROTEIN 90 (HSP90), among others. According to our analysis, the mango genome contains five DCL, thirteen AGO, six HYL, two SE, one HEN1, one HST, and five putative HSP90 genes. Gene structure prediction and domain identification indicate that sequences contain key domains for their respective gene families, including the RNase III domain in DCL and PAZ and PIWI domains for AGOs. In addition, phylogenetic analysis indicates the formation of clades that include the mango sequences and their respective orthologs in other flowering plant species, supporting the idea these are functional orthologs. The analysis of cis-regulatory elements of these genes allowed the identification of MYB, ABRE, GARE, MYC, and MeJA-responsive elements involved in stress responses. Gene expression analysis showed that most genes are induced between 3 to 6 h after QHWT, supporting the early role of miRNAs in stress response. Interestingly, our results suggest that mango rapidly induces the production of miRNAs after heat stress. This research will enable us to investigate further the regulation of gene expression and its effects on commercially cultivated fruits, such as mango, while maintaining sanitary standards.
bibliographic citation: López-Virgen et al. (2024) Genome-wide identification of gene families related to miRNA biogenesis in Mangifera indica L. and their possible role during heat stress. PeerJ 12:e17737 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17737
date submitted: 2023-10-31
date accepted: 2024-06-23
issued: 2024-07-17
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: López-Virgen
  given name: Andrés G.
author list: Agent
  family name: Dautt-Castro
  given name: Mitzuko
author list: Agent
  family name: Ulloa-Llanes
  given name: Lourdes K.
author list: Agent
  family name: Casas-Flores
  given name: Sergio
author list: Agent
  family name: Contreras-Vergara
  given name: Carmen A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Hernández-Oñate
  given name: Miguel A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Sotelo-Mundo
  given name: Rogerio R.
author list: Agent
  family name: Vélez-de la Rocha
  given name: Rosabel
author list: Agent
  family name: Islas-Osuna
  given name: Maria A.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17737
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-07-17
copyright: © 2024 López-Virgen et al.
attribution name: López-Virgen et al.

Cellular uptake of allicin in the hCMEC/D3 human brain endothelial cells: exploring blood-brain barrier penetration in an in vitro model
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Allicin, a bioactive compound derived from garlic (Allium sativum), demonstrates antibacterial activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria including the most common meningitis pathogens. In order to advocate for allicin as a potential therapeutic candidate for bacterial meningitis, the present study aimed to assess the ability of allicin to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) using an in vitro model. Methods The cell viability of the human brain endothelial cell line hCMEC/D3 after incubation with various concentrations of allicin was investigated using an MTT assay at 3 and 24 h. Additionally, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production of allicin-treated hCMEC/D3 cells was examined at 3 h. The concentrations of allicin that were not toxic to the cells, as determined by the MTT assay, and did not significantly increase ROS generation, were then used to investigate allicin’s ability to traverse the in vitro BBB model for 3 h. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was utilized to examine the allicin concentration capable of passing the in vitro BBB model. The cellular uptake experiments were subsequently performed to observe the uptake of allicin into hCMEC/D3 cells. The pkCSM online tool was used to predict the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and pharmacokinetic properties of allicin and S-allylmercaptoglutathione (GSSA). Results The results from MTT assay indicated that the highest non-toxicity concentration of allicin on hCMEC/D3 cells was 5 µg/ml at 3 h and 2 µg/ml at 24 h. Allicin significantly enhanced ROS production of hCMEC/D3 cells at 10 µg/ml at 3 h. After applying the non-toxicity concentrations of allicin (0.5–5 µg/ml) to the in vitro BBB model for 3 h, allicin was not detectable in both apical and basolateral chambers in the presence of hCMEC/D3 cells. On the contrary, allicin was detected in both chambers in the absence of the cells. The results from cellular uptake experiments at 3 h revealed that hCMEC/D3 ce…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Kankawi Satsantitham
creator: Pishyaporn Sritangos
creator: Sirawit Wet-osot
creator: Nuannoi Chudapongse
creator: Oratai Weeranantanapan
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Food Science and Technology
subject: Neuroscience
subject: Synthetic Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17742
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Satsantitham et al.
abstract: Background Allicin, a bioactive compound derived from garlic (Allium sativum), demonstrates antibacterial activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria including the most common meningitis pathogens. In order to advocate for allicin as a potential therapeutic candidate for bacterial meningitis, the present study aimed to assess the ability of allicin to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) using an in vitro model. Methods The cell viability of the human brain endothelial cell line hCMEC/D3 after incubation with various concentrations of allicin was investigated using an MTT assay at 3 and 24 h. Additionally, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production of allicin-treated hCMEC/D3 cells was examined at 3 h. The concentrations of allicin that were not toxic to the cells, as determined by the MTT assay, and did not significantly increase ROS generation, were then used to investigate allicin’s ability to traverse the in vitro BBB model for 3 h. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was utilized to examine the allicin concentration capable of passing the in vitro BBB model. The cellular uptake experiments were subsequently performed to observe the uptake of allicin into hCMEC/D3 cells. The pkCSM online tool was used to predict the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and pharmacokinetic properties of allicin and S-allylmercaptoglutathione (GSSA). Results The results from MTT assay indicated that the highest non-toxicity concentration of allicin on hCMEC/D3 cells was 5 µg/ml at 3 h and 2 µg/ml at 24 h. Allicin significantly enhanced ROS production of hCMEC/D3 cells at 10 µg/ml at 3 h. After applying the non-toxicity concentrations of allicin (0.5–5 µg/ml) to the in vitro BBB model for 3 h, allicin was not detectable in both apical and basolateral chambers in the presence of hCMEC/D3 cells. On the contrary, allicin was detected in both chambers in the absence of the cells. The results from cellular uptake experiments at 3 h revealed that hCMEC/D3 ce…
bibliographic citation: Satsantitham et al. (2024) Cellular uptake of allicin in the hCMEC/D3 human brain endothelial cells: exploring blood-brain barrier penetration in an in vitro model. PeerJ 12:e17742 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17742
date submitted: 2024-03-12
date accepted: 2024-06-24
issued: 2024-07-17
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Satsantitham
  given name: Kankawi
author list: Agent
  family name: Sritangos
  given name: Pishyaporn
author list: Agent
  family name: Wet-osot
  given name: Sirawit
author list: Agent
  family name: Chudapongse
  given name: Nuannoi
author list: Agent
  family name: Weeranantanapan
  given name: Oratai
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17742
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-07-17
copyright: ©2024 Satsantitham et al.
attribution name: Satsantitham et al.

Performance of risk prediction models for diabetic foot ulcer: a meta-analysis
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The number of prediction models for diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) risk is increasing, but their methodological quality and clinical applicability are uncertain. We conducted a systematic review to assess their performance. Methods We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases up to 10 February 2024 and extracted relevant information from selected prediction models. The Prediction model Risk Of Bias ASsessment Tool (PROBAST) checklist was used to assess bias risk and applicability. All statistical analyses were conducted in Stata 14.0. Results Initially, 13,562 studies were retrieved, leading to the inclusion of five development and five validation models from eight studies. DFU incidence ranged from 6% to 16.8%, with age and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) commonly used as predictive factors. All included studies had a high risk of bias, mainly due to disparities in population characteristics and methodology. In the meta-analysis, we observed area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.78 (95% CI [0.69–0.89]) for development models and 0.84 (95% CI [0.79–0.90]) for validation models. Conclusion DFU risk prediction models show good overall accuracy, but there is a risk of bias. Adherence to the PROBAST checklist is crucial for improving their clinical applicability.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Panpan Guo
creator: Yujie Tu
creator: Ruiyan Liu
creator: Zihui Gao
creator: Mengyu Du
creator: Yu Fu
creator: Ying Wang
creator: Shuxun Yan
creator: Xin Shang
subject: Diabetes and Endocrinology
subject: Evidence Based Medicine
subject: Nursing
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17770
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Guo et al.
abstract: Background The number of prediction models for diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) risk is increasing, but their methodological quality and clinical applicability are uncertain. We conducted a systematic review to assess their performance. Methods We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases up to 10 February 2024 and extracted relevant information from selected prediction models. The Prediction model Risk Of Bias ASsessment Tool (PROBAST) checklist was used to assess bias risk and applicability. All statistical analyses were conducted in Stata 14.0. Results Initially, 13,562 studies were retrieved, leading to the inclusion of five development and five validation models from eight studies. DFU incidence ranged from 6% to 16.8%, with age and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) commonly used as predictive factors. All included studies had a high risk of bias, mainly due to disparities in population characteristics and methodology. In the meta-analysis, we observed area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.78 (95% CI [0.69–0.89]) for development models and 0.84 (95% CI [0.79–0.90]) for validation models. Conclusion DFU risk prediction models show good overall accuracy, but there is a risk of bias. Adherence to the PROBAST checklist is crucial for improving their clinical applicability.
bibliographic citation: Guo et al. (2024) Performance of risk prediction models for diabetic foot ulcer: a meta-analysis. PeerJ 12:e17770 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17770
date submitted: 2024-04-24
date accepted: 2024-06-27
issued: 2024-07-17
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Guo
  given name: Panpan
author list: Agent
  family name: Tu
  given name: Yujie
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Ruiyan
author list: Agent
  family name: Gao
  given name: Zihui
author list: Agent
  family name: Du
  given name: Mengyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Fu
  given name: Yu
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Ying
author list: Agent
  family name: Yan
  given name: Shuxun
author list: Agent
  family name: Shang
  given name: Xin
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17770
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-07-17
copyright: © 2024 Guo et al.
attribution name: Guo et al.

Wearable accelerometers reveal objective assessment of walking symmetry and regularity in idiopathic scoliosis patients
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Scoliosis is a multifaceted three-dimensional deformity that significantly affects patients’ balance function and walking process. While existing research primarily focuses on spatial and temporal parameters of walking and trunk/pelvic kinematics asymmetry, there remains controversy regarding the symmetry and regularity of bilateral lower limb gait. This study aims to investigate the symmetry and regularity of bilateral lower limb gait and examine the balance control strategy of the head during walking in patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Methods The study involved 17 patients with idiopathic scoliosis of Lenke 1 and Lenke 5 classifications, along with 17 healthy subjects for comparison. Three-dimensional accelerometers were attached to the head and L5 spinous process of each participant, and three-dimensional motion acceleration signals were collected during a 10-meter walking test. Analysis of the collected acceleration signals involved calculating five variables related to the symmetry and regularity of walking: root mean square (RMS) of the acceleration signal, harmonic ratio (HR), step regularity, stride regularity, and gait symmetry. Results Our analysis reveals that, during the walking process, the three-dimensional motion acceleration signals acquired from the lumbar region of patients diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis exhibit noteworthy disparities in the RMS of the vertical axis (RMS-VT) and the HR of the vertical axis (HR-VT) when compared to the corresponding values in the healthy control (RMS-VT: 1.6 ± 0.41 vs. 3 ± 0.47, P < 0.05; HR-VT: 3 ± 0.72 vs. 3.9 ± 0.71, P < 0.05). Additionally, the motion acceleration signals of the head in three-dimensional space, including the RMS in the anterior-posterior and vertical axis, the HR-VT, and the values of step regularity in both anterior-posterior and vertical axis, as well as the values of stride regularity in all three axes, are all significantly lower than those in the healthy control group (P…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Xiaopeng Gan
creator: Xin Liu
creator: Danxian Cai
creator: Rongbin Zhang
creator: Fanqiang Li
creator: Haohuang Fang
creator: Jingrou Huang
creator: Chenguang Qiu
creator: Hongrui Zhan
subject: Kinesiology
subject: Biomechanics
subject: Rehabilitation
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17739
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Gan et al.
abstract: Background Scoliosis is a multifaceted three-dimensional deformity that significantly affects patients’ balance function and walking process. While existing research primarily focuses on spatial and temporal parameters of walking and trunk/pelvic kinematics asymmetry, there remains controversy regarding the symmetry and regularity of bilateral lower limb gait. This study aims to investigate the symmetry and regularity of bilateral lower limb gait and examine the balance control strategy of the head during walking in patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Methods The study involved 17 patients with idiopathic scoliosis of Lenke 1 and Lenke 5 classifications, along with 17 healthy subjects for comparison. Three-dimensional accelerometers were attached to the head and L5 spinous process of each participant, and three-dimensional motion acceleration signals were collected during a 10-meter walking test. Analysis of the collected acceleration signals involved calculating five variables related to the symmetry and regularity of walking: root mean square (RMS) of the acceleration signal, harmonic ratio (HR), step regularity, stride regularity, and gait symmetry. Results Our analysis reveals that, during the walking process, the three-dimensional motion acceleration signals acquired from the lumbar region of patients diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis exhibit noteworthy disparities in the RMS of the vertical axis (RMS-VT) and the HR of the vertical axis (HR-VT) when compared to the corresponding values in the healthy control (RMS-VT: 1.6 ± 0.41 vs. 3 ± 0.47, P < 0.05; HR-VT: 3 ± 0.72 vs. 3.9 ± 0.71, P < 0.05). Additionally, the motion acceleration signals of the head in three-dimensional space, including the RMS in the anterior-posterior and vertical axis, the HR-VT, and the values of step regularity in both anterior-posterior and vertical axis, as well as the values of stride regularity in all three axes, are all significantly lower than those in the healthy control group (P…
bibliographic citation: Gan et al. (2024) Wearable accelerometers reveal objective assessment of walking symmetry and regularity in idiopathic scoliosis patients. PeerJ 12:e17739 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17739
date submitted: 2024-04-12
date accepted: 2024-06-23
issued: 2024-07-16
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Gan
  given name: Xiaopeng
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Xin
author list: Agent
  family name: Cai
  given name: Danxian
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Rongbin
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Fanqiang
author list: Agent
  family name: Fang
  given name: Haohuang
author list: Agent
  family name: Huang
  given name: Jingrou
author list: Agent
  family name: Qiu
  given name: Chenguang
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhan
  given name: Hongrui
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17739
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-07-16
copyright: ©2024 Gan et al.
attribution name: Gan et al.

Production of recombinant human epidermal growth factor fused with HaloTag protein and characterisation of its biological functions
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Epidermal growth factor (EGF) protein is a crucial biomolecule involved in regulating cell growth, proliferation, migration and differentiation, which is used in various therapeutic applications, such as wound healing and tissue regeneration. The production of recombinant EGF is essential for studying its biological function and for its clinical translation. However, EGF protein expressed in prokaryotic cells often occurs in inclusion bodies, and co-expression with soluble tag protein is an effective method to prepare recombinant EGF. In this study, we expressed recombinant human EGF (rhEGF) fused to a HaloTag (Halo-rhEGF) and a large portion of Halo-rhEGF was found in the soluble fraction. Cell growth assay showed that the purified Halo-rhEGF protein could promote the proliferation of fibroblasts (NIH 3T3) and epithelial cells (HaCaT), and significantly increased their viability. Phosphorylation of the intracellular signaling proteins, ERK1/2 and c-Jun, was stimulated by treatment with Halo-rhEGF and the expression levels of proteins regulating cell proliferation were significantly increased. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that rhEGF could increase the transcription of genes enriched in ribosome generation and cell proliferation. Moreover, Halo-rhEGF can be labelled by HaloTag ligand for fluorescence imaging and can be slowly released in tissue repair by binding to anion biomaterials. In conclusion, HaloTag is an efficient fusion tag for rhEGF protein expression, purification and controlled release, and Halo-rhEGF can promote the proliferation and viability of epithelial and fibroblast cells.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Mengru Bai
creator: Yezhuo Liu
creator: Hongyin Liu
creator: Yangyang Jia
creator: Xiangqin Tian
creator: Changye Sun
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Genomics
subject: Molecular Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17806
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Bai et al.
abstract: Epidermal growth factor (EGF) protein is a crucial biomolecule involved in regulating cell growth, proliferation, migration and differentiation, which is used in various therapeutic applications, such as wound healing and tissue regeneration. The production of recombinant EGF is essential for studying its biological function and for its clinical translation. However, EGF protein expressed in prokaryotic cells often occurs in inclusion bodies, and co-expression with soluble tag protein is an effective method to prepare recombinant EGF. In this study, we expressed recombinant human EGF (rhEGF) fused to a HaloTag (Halo-rhEGF) and a large portion of Halo-rhEGF was found in the soluble fraction. Cell growth assay showed that the purified Halo-rhEGF protein could promote the proliferation of fibroblasts (NIH 3T3) and epithelial cells (HaCaT), and significantly increased their viability. Phosphorylation of the intracellular signaling proteins, ERK1/2 and c-Jun, was stimulated by treatment with Halo-rhEGF and the expression levels of proteins regulating cell proliferation were significantly increased. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that rhEGF could increase the transcription of genes enriched in ribosome generation and cell proliferation. Moreover, Halo-rhEGF can be labelled by HaloTag ligand for fluorescence imaging and can be slowly released in tissue repair by binding to anion biomaterials. In conclusion, HaloTag is an efficient fusion tag for rhEGF protein expression, purification and controlled release, and Halo-rhEGF can promote the proliferation and viability of epithelial and fibroblast cells.
bibliographic citation: Bai et al. (2024) Production of recombinant human epidermal growth factor fused with HaloTag protein and characterisation of its biological functions. PeerJ 12:e17806 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17806
date submitted: 2024-03-13
date accepted: 2024-07-03
issued: 2024-07-16
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Bai
  given name: Mengru
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Yezhuo
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Hongyin
author list: Agent
  family name: Jia
  given name: Yangyang
author list: Agent
  family name: Tian
  given name: Xiangqin
author list: Agent
  family name: Sun
  given name: Changye
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17806
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-07-16
copyright: © 2024 Bai et al.
attribution name: Bai et al.

Aspergillus niger as an efficient biological agent for separator sludge remediation: two-level factorial design for optimal fermentation
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The booming palm oil industry is in line with the growing population worldwide and surge in demand. This leads to a massive generation of palm oil mill effluent (POME). POME is composed of sterilizer condensate (SC), separator sludge (SS), and hydro-cyclone wastewater (HCW). Comparatively, SS exhibits the highest organic content, resulting in various environmental impacts. However, past studies mainly focused on treating the final effluent. Therefore, this pioneering research investigated the optimization of pollutant removal in SS via different aspects of bioremediation, including experimental conditions, treatment efficiencies, mechanisms, and degradation pathways. Methods A two-level factorial design was employed to optimize the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and turbidity using Aspergillus niger. Bioremediation of SS was performed through submerged fermentation (SmF) under several independent variables, including temperature (20–40 °C), agitation speed (100–200 RPM), fermentation duration (72–240 h), and initial sample concentration (20–100%). The characteristics of the treated SS were then compared to that of raw sludge. Results Optimal COD and turbidity removal were achieved at 37 °C 100 RPM, 156 h, and 100% sludge. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant effect of selective individual and interacting variables (p < 0.05). The highest COD and turbidity removal were 97.43% and 95.11%, respectively, with less than 5% error from the predicted values. Remarkably, the selected optimized conditions also reduced other polluting attributes, namely, biological oxygen demand (BOD), oil and grease (OG), color, and carbon content. In short, this study demonstrated the effectiveness of A. niger in treating SS through the application of a two-level factorial design.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Paveethra Thegarathah
creator: Jegalakshimi Jewaratnam
creator: Khanom Simarani
creator: Amal A.M. Elgharbawy
subject: Bioengineering
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Mycology
subject: Environmental Contamination and Remediation
subject: Environmental Impacts
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17151
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Thegarathah et al.
abstract: Background The booming palm oil industry is in line with the growing population worldwide and surge in demand. This leads to a massive generation of palm oil mill effluent (POME). POME is composed of sterilizer condensate (SC), separator sludge (SS), and hydro-cyclone wastewater (HCW). Comparatively, SS exhibits the highest organic content, resulting in various environmental impacts. However, past studies mainly focused on treating the final effluent. Therefore, this pioneering research investigated the optimization of pollutant removal in SS via different aspects of bioremediation, including experimental conditions, treatment efficiencies, mechanisms, and degradation pathways. Methods A two-level factorial design was employed to optimize the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and turbidity using Aspergillus niger. Bioremediation of SS was performed through submerged fermentation (SmF) under several independent variables, including temperature (20–40 °C), agitation speed (100–200 RPM), fermentation duration (72–240 h), and initial sample concentration (20–100%). The characteristics of the treated SS were then compared to that of raw sludge. Results Optimal COD and turbidity removal were achieved at 37 °C 100 RPM, 156 h, and 100% sludge. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant effect of selective individual and interacting variables (p < 0.05). The highest COD and turbidity removal were 97.43% and 95.11%, respectively, with less than 5% error from the predicted values. Remarkably, the selected optimized conditions also reduced other polluting attributes, namely, biological oxygen demand (BOD), oil and grease (OG), color, and carbon content. In short, this study demonstrated the effectiveness of A. niger in treating SS through the application of a two-level factorial design.
bibliographic citation: Thegarathah et al. (2024) Aspergillus niger as an efficient biological agent for separator sludge remediation: two-level factorial design for optimal fermentation. PeerJ 12:e17151 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17151
date submitted: 2023-08-08
date accepted: 2024-03-03
issued: 2024-07-15
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Thegarathah
  given name: Paveethra
author list: Agent
  family name: Jewaratnam
  given name: Jegalakshimi
author list: Agent
  family name: Simarani
  given name: Khanom
author list: Agent
  family name: Elgharbawy
  given name: Amal A.M.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17151
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-07-15
copyright: ©2024 Thegarathah et al.
attribution name: Thegarathah et al.

Evaluation of the association of physical activity levels with self-perceived health, depression, and anxiety in Spanish individuals with high cholesterol levels: a retrospective cross-sectional study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Hypercholesterolemia is the most common form of dyslipidaemia in the world leading to negative health effects, both physical and mental. Physical activity (PA) can reduce total cholesterol and has positive effects on mental health. This retrospective cross-sectional study analyses the relationships between physical activity level (PAL), self-perceived health (SPH) and mental health. Methods This study was based on data from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017 (SNHS 2017), with 3,176 Spanish adults with high cholesterol as participants. Non-parametric tests were used as the data did not follow normality. Results Dependent relationships were found between PAL and SPH, depression and anxiety. Women had higher depression and anxiety prevalences than men, while men were more likely to report being very active, although the proportion of walkers was higher in women. The physically inactive population presented higher negative SPH, depression and anxiety proportions and psychological distress than physically active people. Conclusion The physically inactive people had a higher risk of negative SPH, depression and anxiety. Regular PA may improve SPH and mental health in people with high cholesterol, but more studies are needed to establish causal relationships, mechanisms, and optimal doses.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Ángel Denche-Zamorano
creator: Jofre Pisà-Canyelles
creator: Sabina Barrios-Fernández
creator: Antonio Castillo-Paredes
creator: Raquel Pastor-Cisneros
creator: Maria Mendoza-Muñoz
creator: Diana Salas Gómez
creator: Cristina Mendoza Holgado
subject: Global Health
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
subject: Public Health
subject: Mental Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17169
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Denche-Zamorano et al.
abstract: Background Hypercholesterolemia is the most common form of dyslipidaemia in the world leading to negative health effects, both physical and mental. Physical activity (PA) can reduce total cholesterol and has positive effects on mental health. This retrospective cross-sectional study analyses the relationships between physical activity level (PAL), self-perceived health (SPH) and mental health. Methods This study was based on data from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017 (SNHS 2017), with 3,176 Spanish adults with high cholesterol as participants. Non-parametric tests were used as the data did not follow normality. Results Dependent relationships were found between PAL and SPH, depression and anxiety. Women had higher depression and anxiety prevalences than men, while men were more likely to report being very active, although the proportion of walkers was higher in women. The physically inactive population presented higher negative SPH, depression and anxiety proportions and psychological distress than physically active people. Conclusion The physically inactive people had a higher risk of negative SPH, depression and anxiety. Regular PA may improve SPH and mental health in people with high cholesterol, but more studies are needed to establish causal relationships, mechanisms, and optimal doses.
bibliographic citation: Denche-Zamorano et al. (2024) Evaluation of the association of physical activity levels with self-perceived health, depression, and anxiety in Spanish individuals with high cholesterol levels: a retrospective cross-sectional study. PeerJ 12:e17169 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17169
date submitted: 2023-11-22
date accepted: 2024-03-06
issued: 2024-07-15
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Denche-Zamorano
  given name: Ángel
author list: Agent
  family name: Pisà-Canyelles
  given name: Jofre
author list: Agent
  family name: Barrios-Fernández
  given name: Sabina
author list: Agent
  family name: Castillo-Paredes
  given name: Antonio
author list: Agent
  family name: Pastor-Cisneros
  given name: Raquel
author list: Agent
  family name: Mendoza-Muñoz
  given name: Maria
author list: Agent
  family name: Salas Gómez
  given name: Diana
author list: Agent
  family name: Mendoza Holgado
  given name: Cristina
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17169
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-07-15
copyright: ©2024 Denche-Zamorano et al.
attribution name: Denche-Zamorano et al.

The skull of the Turks and Caicos rock iguana, Cyclura carinata (Squamata: Iguanidae)
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: We provide a detailed and first description of the skull, hyoid apparatus, and trachea of the Turks and Caicos rock iguana, Cyclura carinata (Squamata: Iguanidae). Cyclura is a radiation of iguanas restricted to islands of the Caribbean Sea. Species of Cyclura have high rates of endemism, and all species are severely threatened with extinction. Our anatomical description of this threatened iguana is based on high-resolution computed tomography scans of one adult, one putative adult or near adult, and one juvenile specimen, and includes three-dimensional segmented renderings and visualizations. We discuss some observations of intraspecific and ontogenetic variation, and provide a brief comparison with specimens of another species of Cyclura and published descriptions of other iguanas. Our study provides a cranial osteological framework for Cyclura and augments the body of knowledge on iguana anatomy generally. Finally, we posit that our description and future studies may facilitate identification of fossil Cyclura, which could help understand the paleobiogeography of the genus.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Chloe Lai
creator: Simon G. Scarpetta
subject: Paleontology
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17595
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Lai and Scarpetta
abstract: We provide a detailed and first description of the skull, hyoid apparatus, and trachea of the Turks and Caicos rock iguana, Cyclura carinata (Squamata: Iguanidae). Cyclura is a radiation of iguanas restricted to islands of the Caribbean Sea. Species of Cyclura have high rates of endemism, and all species are severely threatened with extinction. Our anatomical description of this threatened iguana is based on high-resolution computed tomography scans of one adult, one putative adult or near adult, and one juvenile specimen, and includes three-dimensional segmented renderings and visualizations. We discuss some observations of intraspecific and ontogenetic variation, and provide a brief comparison with specimens of another species of Cyclura and published descriptions of other iguanas. Our study provides a cranial osteological framework for Cyclura and augments the body of knowledge on iguana anatomy generally. Finally, we posit that our description and future studies may facilitate identification of fossil Cyclura, which could help understand the paleobiogeography of the genus.
bibliographic citation: Lai et al. (2024) The skull of the Turks and Caicos rock iguana, Cyclura carinata (Squamata: Iguanidae). PeerJ 12:e17595 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17595
date submitted: 2024-01-19
date accepted: 2024-05-28
issued: 2024-07-15
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Lai
  given name: Chloe
author list: Agent
  family name: Scarpetta
  given name: Simon G.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17595
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-07-15
copyright: ©2024 Lai and Scarpetta
attribution name: Lai and Scarpetta

Effects of five types of exercise on vascular function in postmenopausal women: a network meta-analysis and systematic review of 32 randomized controlled trials
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background As women age, especially after menopause, cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence rises, posing a significant global health concern. Regular exercise can mitigate CVD risks by improving blood pressure and lipid levels in postmenopausal women. Yet, the optimal exercise modality for enhancing vascular structure and function in this demographic remains uncertain. This study aims to compare five exercise forms to discern the most effective interventions for reducing cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women. Methods The study searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, EBSCO, and Embase databases. It conducted a network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on five exercise interventions: continuous endurance training (CET), interval training (INT), resistance training (RT), aerobic combined with resistance training (CT), and hybrid-type training (HYB). Outcome measures included carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT), nitric oxide (NO), augmentation index (AIx), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery. Eligible studies were assessed for bias using the Cochrane tool. A frequentist random-effects NMA was employed to rank exercise effects, calculating standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results The analysis of 32 studies (n = 1,427) indicates significant increases in FMD with CET, INT, RT, and HYB in postmenopausal women. Reductions in PWV were significant with CET, INT, RT, CT, and HYB. AIx decreased significantly with INT and HYB. CET, INT, and CT significantly increased NO levels. However, no significant reduction in IMT was observed. SUCRA probabilities show INT as most effective for increasing FMD, CT for reducing PWV, INT for decreasing AIx, CT for lowering IMT, and INT for increasing NO in postmenopausal women. Conclusion The study demonstrates that CET, INT, RT, and HYB have a significant positive impact on FMD in postmenopausal women. Furthermor…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Weihao Sun
creator: Yanli Han
creator: Song Gu
subject: Cardiology
subject: Women’s Health
subject: Rehabilitation
subject: Sports Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17621
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Sun et al.
abstract: Background As women age, especially after menopause, cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence rises, posing a significant global health concern. Regular exercise can mitigate CVD risks by improving blood pressure and lipid levels in postmenopausal women. Yet, the optimal exercise modality for enhancing vascular structure and function in this demographic remains uncertain. This study aims to compare five exercise forms to discern the most effective interventions for reducing cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women. Methods The study searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, EBSCO, and Embase databases. It conducted a network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on five exercise interventions: continuous endurance training (CET), interval training (INT), resistance training (RT), aerobic combined with resistance training (CT), and hybrid-type training (HYB). Outcome measures included carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT), nitric oxide (NO), augmentation index (AIx), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery. Eligible studies were assessed for bias using the Cochrane tool. A frequentist random-effects NMA was employed to rank exercise effects, calculating standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results The analysis of 32 studies (n = 1,427) indicates significant increases in FMD with CET, INT, RT, and HYB in postmenopausal women. Reductions in PWV were significant with CET, INT, RT, CT, and HYB. AIx decreased significantly with INT and HYB. CET, INT, and CT significantly increased NO levels. However, no significant reduction in IMT was observed. SUCRA probabilities show INT as most effective for increasing FMD, CT for reducing PWV, INT for decreasing AIx, CT for lowering IMT, and INT for increasing NO in postmenopausal women. Conclusion The study demonstrates that CET, INT, RT, and HYB have a significant positive impact on FMD in postmenopausal women. Furthermor…
bibliographic citation: Sun et al. (2024) Effects of five types of exercise on vascular function in postmenopausal women: a network meta-analysis and systematic review of 32 randomized controlled trials. PeerJ 12:e17621 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17621
date submitted: 2024-04-12
date accepted: 2024-06-01
issued: 2024-07-15
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Sun
  given name: Weihao
author list: Agent
  family name: Han
  given name: Yanli
author list: Agent
  family name: Gu
  given name: Song
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17621
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-07-15
copyright: © 2024 Sun et al.
attribution name: Sun et al.

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