PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Brazilin cream from Caesalpinia sappan inhibit periodontal disease: in vivo study
items: Elucidating the regulatory role of long non-coding RNAs in drought stress response during seed germination in leaf mustard
items: https://peerj.com/articles/17670
items: Ursolic acid attenuates oligospermia in busulfan-induced mice by promoting motor proteins
items: Investigating the second whitefly population outbreak within a decade in the cotton growing zone of North India
items: Urine manganese, cadmium, lead, arsenic, and selenium among autism spectrum disorder children in Kuala Lumpur
items: Conditioned culture medium of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells promotes phenotypic transformation of microglia by regulating mitochondrial autophagy
items: Patients poorly recognize lesions of concern that are malignant melanomas: is self-screening the correct advice?
items: Footfall patterns and stride parameters of Common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) on land
items: Diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and shear-wave elastography for small breast nodules

Brazilin cream from Caesalpinia sappan inhibit periodontal disease: in vivo study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that is the initial cause of the development of periodontal disease by the activity of Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), p38, and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α). Unaddressed chronic inflammation can lead to persistent disturbances in other parts of the body. Brazilin is a naturally occurring plant chemical that may have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Treatment based on the natural plant compound, brazilin, is developed in the form of a topical cream for easy application. Objective The aim is to develop the natural compound brazilin in the form of a topical cream as an anti-inflammatory agent to reduce NF-κB expression through Imunohistochemistry (IHC) methods, and the expression of pro-inflammatory genes IL-1β, IL-6, p38, and TNF-α. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were induced with gingivitis using P. gingivalis bacteria. The observed groups included rats treated with a single application of brazilin cream and rats treated with two applications of brazilin cream. The treatment was administered for 15 days. On days 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15, anatomical wound observations and wound histology using hematoxylin-eosin and Masson’s Trichrome staining were performed. NF-κB protein expression was analyzed using the IHC method. Gingival inflammation gene expression of NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-6, p38, and TNF-α was measured using q-RTPCR. Results Single and double applications of brazilin cream increased angiogenesis and decreased NF-κB protein expression, in addition to the IL-1β, IL-6, p38, and TNF-α gene expressions. Conclusion In a rat gingivitis model, Brazilin cream may function as an anti-inflammatory agent in the gingival tissue.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Vinna Kurniawati Sugiaman
creator: Jeffrey Jeffrey
creator: Silvia Naliani
creator: Natallia Pranata
creator: Shelly Lelyana
creator: Wahyu Widowati
creator: Rival Ferdiansyah
creator: Dhanar Septyawan Hadiprasetyo
creator: Vini Ayuni
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Dentistry
subject: Infectious Diseases
subject: Histology
subject: Biogeochemistry
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17642
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Sugiaman et al.
abstract: Background Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that is the initial cause of the development of periodontal disease by the activity of Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), p38, and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α). Unaddressed chronic inflammation can lead to persistent disturbances in other parts of the body. Brazilin is a naturally occurring plant chemical that may have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Treatment based on the natural plant compound, brazilin, is developed in the form of a topical cream for easy application. Objective The aim is to develop the natural compound brazilin in the form of a topical cream as an anti-inflammatory agent to reduce NF-κB expression through Imunohistochemistry (IHC) methods, and the expression of pro-inflammatory genes IL-1β, IL-6, p38, and TNF-α. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were induced with gingivitis using P. gingivalis bacteria. The observed groups included rats treated with a single application of brazilin cream and rats treated with two applications of brazilin cream. The treatment was administered for 15 days. On days 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15, anatomical wound observations and wound histology using hematoxylin-eosin and Masson’s Trichrome staining were performed. NF-κB protein expression was analyzed using the IHC method. Gingival inflammation gene expression of NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-6, p38, and TNF-α was measured using q-RTPCR. Results Single and double applications of brazilin cream increased angiogenesis and decreased NF-κB protein expression, in addition to the IL-1β, IL-6, p38, and TNF-α gene expressions. Conclusion In a rat gingivitis model, Brazilin cream may function as an anti-inflammatory agent in the gingival tissue.
bibliographic citation: Sugiaman et al. (2024) Brazilin cream from Caesalpinia sappan inhibit periodontal disease: in vivo study. PeerJ 12:e17642 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17642
date submitted: 2024-02-08
date accepted: 2024-06-06
issued: 2024-07-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Sugiaman
  given name: Vinna Kurniawati
author list: Agent
  family name: Jeffrey
  given name: Jeffrey
author list: Agent
  family name: Naliani
  given name: Silvia
author list: Agent
  family name: Pranata
  given name: Natallia
author list: Agent
  family name: Lelyana
  given name: Shelly
author list: Agent
  family name: Widowati
  given name: Wahyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Ferdiansyah
  given name: Rival
author list: Agent
  family name: Hadiprasetyo
  given name: Dhanar Septyawan
author list: Agent
  family name: Ayuni
  given name: Vini
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17642
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-07-05
copyright: ©2024 Sugiaman et al.
attribution name: Sugiaman et al.

Elucidating the regulatory role of long non-coding RNAs in drought stress response during seed germination in leaf mustard
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Leaf mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss), an important vegetable crop, experiences pronounced adversity due to seasonal drought stress, particularly at the seed germination stage. Although there is partial comprehension of drought-responsive genes, the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in adjusting mustard’s drought stress response is largely unexplored. In this study, we showed that the drought-tolerant cultivar ‘Weiliang’ manifested a markedly lower base water potential (−1.073 MPa vs −0.437 MPa) and higher germination percentage (41.2% vs 0%) than the drought-susceptible cultivar ‘Shuidong’ under drought conditions. High throughput RNA sequencing techniques revealed a significant repertoire of lncRNAs from both cultivars during germination under drought stress, resulting in the identification of 2,087 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) and their correspondingly linked 12,433 target genes. It was noted that 84 genes targeted by DEL exhibited enrichment in the photosynthesis pathway. Gene network construction showed that MSTRG.150397, a regulatory lncRNA, was inferred to potentially modulate key photosynthetic genes (Psb27, PetC, PetH, and PsbW), whilst MSTRG.107159 was indicated as an inhibitory regulator of six drought-responsive PIP genes. Further, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) corroborated the involvement of light intensity and stress response genes targeted by the identified DELs. The precision and regulatory impact of lncRNA were verified through qPCR. This study extends our knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms governing drought stress responses in mustard, which will help strategies to augment drought tolerance in this crop.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jinxing Wei
creator: Haibo Li
creator: Xiaoer Huang
creator: Yongguo Zhao
creator: Lejun Ouyang
creator: Mingken Wei
creator: Chun Wang
creator: Junxia Wang
creator: Guangyuan Lu
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17661
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Wei et al.
abstract: Leaf mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss), an important vegetable crop, experiences pronounced adversity due to seasonal drought stress, particularly at the seed germination stage. Although there is partial comprehension of drought-responsive genes, the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in adjusting mustard’s drought stress response is largely unexplored. In this study, we showed that the drought-tolerant cultivar ‘Weiliang’ manifested a markedly lower base water potential (−1.073 MPa vs −0.437 MPa) and higher germination percentage (41.2% vs 0%) than the drought-susceptible cultivar ‘Shuidong’ under drought conditions. High throughput RNA sequencing techniques revealed a significant repertoire of lncRNAs from both cultivars during germination under drought stress, resulting in the identification of 2,087 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) and their correspondingly linked 12,433 target genes. It was noted that 84 genes targeted by DEL exhibited enrichment in the photosynthesis pathway. Gene network construction showed that MSTRG.150397, a regulatory lncRNA, was inferred to potentially modulate key photosynthetic genes (Psb27, PetC, PetH, and PsbW), whilst MSTRG.107159 was indicated as an inhibitory regulator of six drought-responsive PIP genes. Further, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) corroborated the involvement of light intensity and stress response genes targeted by the identified DELs. The precision and regulatory impact of lncRNA were verified through qPCR. This study extends our knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms governing drought stress responses in mustard, which will help strategies to augment drought tolerance in this crop.
bibliographic citation: Wei et al. (2024) Elucidating the regulatory role of long non-coding RNAs in drought stress response during seed germination in leaf mustard. PeerJ 12:e17661 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17661
date submitted: 2024-01-24
date accepted: 2024-06-08
issued: 2024-07-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Wei
  given name: Jinxing
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Haibo
author list: Agent
  family name: Huang
  given name: Xiaoer
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhao
  given name: Yongguo
author list: Agent
  family name: Ouyang
  given name: Lejun
author list: Agent
  family name: Wei
  given name: Mingken
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Chun
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Junxia
author list: Agent
  family name: Lu
  given name: Guangyuan
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17661
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-07-05
copyright: ©2024 Wei et al.
attribution name: Wei et al.

https://peerj.com/articles/17670
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
title: Comparison of perceived masticatory ability in completely edentulous patients treated with thermoplastic complete denture versus single implant-retained mandibular overdenture: a single-center prospective observational study
description: Background This study aimed to compare the perceived masticatory ability (PrMA) in completely edentulous patients (EDPs) with thermoplastic conventional complete dentures (CDs) versus single implant-retained mandibular overdentures. Methods The current study was conducted in the outpatient Prosthodontic Clinic, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt. PrMA was evaluated in 45 completely edentulous patients (46% males, mean age 50.4 ± 4.7 years). Each patient received a thermoplastic PMMA complete denture (Polyan IC TM Bredent GmbH & Co.KG, Germany). The PrMA was evaluated at one-month and six-month intervals of denture use. An immediate loading single implant was placed into the mid-symphyseal for each patient, and the denture was adjusted. Subsequently, the PrMA was reevaluated after one month and six months. The data were collected and statistically analyzed using the SPSS@V25 to assess the changes in PrMA. Results The PrMA demonstrated improvement after six months of thermoplastic conventional denture use. However, this improvement was not statistically significant (p = 0.405). In addition, the PrMA showed a substantial increase following a single implant placement at one and six months (p < 0.001) of the overdenture use compared to the conventional denture. The PrMA insignificantly improved (p = 0.397) after six months of the single implant retained overdenture use. Discussion The study’s findings indicate that using immediate loading single implant-retained mandibular overdentures significantly improved PrMA in completely edentulous patients.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Mostafa I. Fayad
creator: Ihab I. Mahmoud
creator: Ahmed Atef Aly Shon
creator: Mohamed Omar Elboraey
creator: Ramy M. Bakr
creator: Rania Moussa
subject: Dentistry
subject: Rehabilitation
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17670
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Fayad et al.
abstract: Background This study aimed to compare the perceived masticatory ability (PrMA) in completely edentulous patients (EDPs) with thermoplastic conventional complete dentures (CDs) versus single implant-retained mandibular overdentures. Methods The current study was conducted in the outpatient Prosthodontic Clinic, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt. PrMA was evaluated in 45 completely edentulous patients (46% males, mean age 50.4 ± 4.7 years). Each patient received a thermoplastic PMMA complete denture (Polyan IC TM Bredent GmbH & Co.KG, Germany). The PrMA was evaluated at one-month and six-month intervals of denture use. An immediate loading single implant was placed into the mid-symphyseal for each patient, and the denture was adjusted. Subsequently, the PrMA was reevaluated after one month and six months. The data were collected and statistically analyzed using the SPSS@V25 to assess the changes in PrMA. Results The PrMA demonstrated improvement after six months of thermoplastic conventional denture use. However, this improvement was not statistically significant (p = 0.405). In addition, the PrMA showed a substantial increase following a single implant placement at one and six months (p < 0.001) of the overdenture use compared to the conventional denture. The PrMA insignificantly improved (p = 0.397) after six months of the single implant retained overdenture use. Discussion The study’s findings indicate that using immediate loading single implant-retained mandibular overdentures significantly improved PrMA in completely edentulous patients.
bibliographic citation: Fayad et al. (2024) Comparison of perceived masticatory ability in completely edentulous patients treated with thermoplastic complete denture versus single implant-retained mandibular overdenture: a single-center prospective observational study. PeerJ 12:e17670 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17670
date submitted: 2024-03-06
date accepted: 2024-06-12
issued: 2024-07-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Fayad
  given name: Mostafa I.
author list: Agent
  family name: Mahmoud
  given name: Ihab I.
author list: Agent
  family name: Aly Shon
  given name: Ahmed Atef
author list: Agent
  family name: Elboraey
  given name: Mohamed Omar
author list: Agent
  family name: Bakr
  given name: Ramy M.
author list: Agent
  family name: Moussa
  given name: Rania
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17670
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-07-05
copyright: ©2024 Fayad et al.
attribution name: Fayad et al.

Ursolic acid attenuates oligospermia in busulfan-induced mice by promoting motor proteins
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Oligospermia is one of the most common reasons for male infertility which is troubling numerous couples of child-bearing age. This investigation scrutinizes the implications and mechanistic underpinnings of ursolic acid’s effect on busulfan-induced oligospermia in mouse models. Methods A singular intraperitoneal injection of busulfan at a dosage of 30 mg/kg induced oligospermia. Two weeks subsequent to this induction, mice were subjected to various dosages of ursolic acid (10, 30, and 50 mg/kg body weight, respectively) on a daily basis for four consecutive weeks. Following this treatment period, a meticulous analysis of epididymal sperm parameters, encompassing concentration and motility, was conducted using a computer-assisted sperm analysis system. The histopathology of the mice testes was performed utilizing hematoxylin and eosin staining, and the cytoskeleton regeneration of the testicular tissues was analyzed via immunofluorescent staining. Serum hormone levels, including testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone, as well as reactive oxygen species levels (inclusive of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde), were gauged employing specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Differentially expressed genes of testicular mRNA between the oligospermia-induced group and the various ursolic acid treatment groups were identified through RNA sequencing analysis. Results The results revealed that a dosage of 50 mg/kg ursolic acid treatment could increase the concentration of epididymal sperm in oligospermia mice, promote the recovery of testicular morphology, regulate hormone levels and ameliorate oxidative damage. The mechanism research results indicated that ursolic acid increased the expression level of genes related to motor proteins in oligospermia mice.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jin Dong
creator: Taowen Ye
creator: Yanli Dong
creator: Jie Hui
creator: Xiaorong Wang
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Histology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17691
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Dong et al.
abstract: Background Oligospermia is one of the most common reasons for male infertility which is troubling numerous couples of child-bearing age. This investigation scrutinizes the implications and mechanistic underpinnings of ursolic acid’s effect on busulfan-induced oligospermia in mouse models. Methods A singular intraperitoneal injection of busulfan at a dosage of 30 mg/kg induced oligospermia. Two weeks subsequent to this induction, mice were subjected to various dosages of ursolic acid (10, 30, and 50 mg/kg body weight, respectively) on a daily basis for four consecutive weeks. Following this treatment period, a meticulous analysis of epididymal sperm parameters, encompassing concentration and motility, was conducted using a computer-assisted sperm analysis system. The histopathology of the mice testes was performed utilizing hematoxylin and eosin staining, and the cytoskeleton regeneration of the testicular tissues was analyzed via immunofluorescent staining. Serum hormone levels, including testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone, as well as reactive oxygen species levels (inclusive of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde), were gauged employing specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Differentially expressed genes of testicular mRNA between the oligospermia-induced group and the various ursolic acid treatment groups were identified through RNA sequencing analysis. Results The results revealed that a dosage of 50 mg/kg ursolic acid treatment could increase the concentration of epididymal sperm in oligospermia mice, promote the recovery of testicular morphology, regulate hormone levels and ameliorate oxidative damage. The mechanism research results indicated that ursolic acid increased the expression level of genes related to motor proteins in oligospermia mice.
bibliographic citation: Dong et al. (2024) Ursolic acid attenuates oligospermia in busulfan-induced mice by promoting motor proteins. PeerJ 12:e17691 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17691
date submitted: 2024-02-20
date accepted: 2024-06-14
issued: 2024-07-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Dong
  given name: Jin
author list: Agent
  family name: Ye
  given name: Taowen
author list: Agent
  family name: Dong
  given name: Yanli
author list: Agent
  family name: Hui
  given name: Jie
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Xiaorong
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17691
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-07-05
copyright: ©2024 Dong et al.
attribution name: Dong et al.

Investigating the second whitefly population outbreak within a decade in the cotton growing zone of North India
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), is a polyphagous and major pest of cotton worldwide. Both adults and nymphs of B. tabaci affect the crop by causing direct and indirect damage. A severe whitefly outbreak was experienced during 2015 on cotton in North India and this was followed by a profound infestation during 2022. The present research rigorously examined whether the proliferation in the whitefly population was an outbreak or the result of a multi factor resurgence. During 2015, whitefly counts remained above the economic threshold level (ETL) between 28th and 35th Standard Meteorological Week (SMW). However, during 2022 above ETL population was observed in 27th SMW and it persisted until 36th SMW. The peak incidence of the whitefly was noticed during 31st and 29th SMW in 2015 and 2022, respectively. The early pest build up in 2022 and longer persistence (≥10 weeks) over the cotton season resulted in more damage to cotton crop. Additionally, pest survillence across the zone on the farmers’ fields during 2022 revealed 44.4 per cent spots (585 out of 1,317 locations) above ETL while the corresponding locations in 2015 was 57% (620 out of 1,089). Thus, in 2022 infestation was not uniform in the entire zone wherein only few blocks of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan states of India experienced severe infestations of the whitefly. This study reports the complex of factors including weather, delayed sowing, use of tank mixtures/ subleathal doses of insecticides, pest resurgence etc. that might have possibly contributed to these upsurges in whitefly on cotton in north India.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Rishi Kumar
creator: Satish Kumar Sain
creator: Satnam Singh
creator: Suneet Pandher
creator: Roop Singh Meena
creator: Anil Jakhar
creator: Jasjinder Kaur
creator: Mandeep Pathania
creator: Debashis Paul
creator: Prakash A.H.
creator: Prasad Y.G.
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Ecology
subject: Entomology
subject: Zoology
subject: Population Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17476
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Kumar et al.
abstract: The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), is a polyphagous and major pest of cotton worldwide. Both adults and nymphs of B. tabaci affect the crop by causing direct and indirect damage. A severe whitefly outbreak was experienced during 2015 on cotton in North India and this was followed by a profound infestation during 2022. The present research rigorously examined whether the proliferation in the whitefly population was an outbreak or the result of a multi factor resurgence. During 2015, whitefly counts remained above the economic threshold level (ETL) between 28th and 35th Standard Meteorological Week (SMW). However, during 2022 above ETL population was observed in 27th SMW and it persisted until 36th SMW. The peak incidence of the whitefly was noticed during 31st and 29th SMW in 2015 and 2022, respectively. The early pest build up in 2022 and longer persistence (≥10 weeks) over the cotton season resulted in more damage to cotton crop. Additionally, pest survillence across the zone on the farmers’ fields during 2022 revealed 44.4 per cent spots (585 out of 1,317 locations) above ETL while the corresponding locations in 2015 was 57% (620 out of 1,089). Thus, in 2022 infestation was not uniform in the entire zone wherein only few blocks of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan states of India experienced severe infestations of the whitefly. This study reports the complex of factors including weather, delayed sowing, use of tank mixtures/ subleathal doses of insecticides, pest resurgence etc. that might have possibly contributed to these upsurges in whitefly on cotton in north India.
bibliographic citation: Kumar et al. (2024) Investigating the second whitefly population outbreak within a decade in the cotton growing zone of North India. PeerJ 12:e17476 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17476
date submitted: 2023-12-07
date accepted: 2024-05-06
issued: 2024-07-04
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Kumar
  given name: Rishi
author list: Agent
  family name: Sain
  given name: Satish Kumar
author list: Agent
  family name: Singh
  given name: Satnam
author list: Agent
  family name: Pandher
  given name: Suneet
author list: Agent
  family name: Meena
  given name: Roop Singh
author list: Agent
  family name: Jakhar
  given name: Anil
author list: Agent
  family name: Kaur
  given name: Jasjinder
author list: Agent
  family name: Pathania
  given name: Mandeep
author list: Agent
  family name: Paul
  given name: Debashis
author list: Agent
  family name: A.H.
  given name: Prakash
author list: Agent
  family name: Y.G.
  given name: Prasad
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17476
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-07-04
copyright: © 2024 Kumar et al.
attribution name: Kumar et al.

Urine manganese, cadmium, lead, arsenic, and selenium among autism spectrum disorder children in Kuala Lumpur
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may stem from exposure to environmental pollutants such as heavy metals. The primary objective of this study is to determine the role of heavy metals of concern such as manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and essential trace element selenium (Se) among ASD children in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Method A total of 155 preschoolers in Kuala Lumpur between the ages 3 to 6 participated in an unmatched case-control study, comprising ASD children (n = 81) recruited from an early intervention program for autism, and 74 children without autism who were recruited from public preschools. Urine samples were collected at home, delivered to the study site, and transported to the environmental lab within 24 hours. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was applied to measure the concentration of heavy metals in the samples. Data were analysed using bivariate statistical tests (Chi-square and T-test) and logistic regression models. Result This study demonstrated that Cd, Pb, and As urine levels were significantly greater in children without autism relative to those affected with ASD (p < 0.05). No significant difference was in the levels of Se (p = 0.659) and Mn (p = 0.875) between children with ASD and the control group. The majority of children in both groups have urine As, Pb, and Cd values lower than 15.1 µg/dL, 1.0 µg/dL, and 1.0 µg/dL, respectively which are the minimal risk values for noncarcinogenic detrimental human health effect due to the heavy metal’s exposure . Factors associated with having an ASD child included being a firstborn, male, and higher parental education levels (adjusted odds ratios (aOR) > 1, p < 0.05). Conclusion Preschoolers in this study demonstrated low levels of heavy metals in their urine samples, which was relatively lower in ASD children compared to the healthy matched controls. These findings may arise from the diminished capacity to excrete heavy metals, …
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Muhammad Ridzwan Rafi’i
creator: Mohd Hasni Ja’afar
creator: Mohd Shahrol Abd Wahil
creator: Shahrul Azhar Md Hanif
subject: Neuroscience
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
subject: Public Health
subject: Environmental Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17660
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Rafi’i et al.
abstract: Background The development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may stem from exposure to environmental pollutants such as heavy metals. The primary objective of this study is to determine the role of heavy metals of concern such as manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and essential trace element selenium (Se) among ASD children in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Method A total of 155 preschoolers in Kuala Lumpur between the ages 3 to 6 participated in an unmatched case-control study, comprising ASD children (n = 81) recruited from an early intervention program for autism, and 74 children without autism who were recruited from public preschools. Urine samples were collected at home, delivered to the study site, and transported to the environmental lab within 24 hours. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was applied to measure the concentration of heavy metals in the samples. Data were analysed using bivariate statistical tests (Chi-square and T-test) and logistic regression models. Result This study demonstrated that Cd, Pb, and As urine levels were significantly greater in children without autism relative to those affected with ASD (p < 0.05). No significant difference was in the levels of Se (p = 0.659) and Mn (p = 0.875) between children with ASD and the control group. The majority of children in both groups have urine As, Pb, and Cd values lower than 15.1 µg/dL, 1.0 µg/dL, and 1.0 µg/dL, respectively which are the minimal risk values for noncarcinogenic detrimental human health effect due to the heavy metal’s exposure . Factors associated with having an ASD child included being a firstborn, male, and higher parental education levels (adjusted odds ratios (aOR) > 1, p < 0.05). Conclusion Preschoolers in this study demonstrated low levels of heavy metals in their urine samples, which was relatively lower in ASD children compared to the healthy matched controls. These findings may arise from the diminished capacity to excrete heavy metals, …
bibliographic citation: Rafi’i et al. (2024) Urine manganese, cadmium, lead, arsenic, and selenium among autism spectrum disorder children in Kuala Lumpur. PeerJ 12:e17660 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17660
date submitted: 2023-11-15
date accepted: 2024-06-08
issued: 2024-07-04
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Rafi’i
  given name: Muhammad Ridzwan
author list: Agent
  family name: Ja’afar
  given name: Mohd Hasni
author list: Agent
  family name: Abd Wahil
  given name: Mohd Shahrol
author list: Agent
  family name: Md Hanif
  given name: Shahrul Azhar
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17660
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-07-04
copyright: ©2024 Rafi’i et al.
attribution name: Rafi’i et al.

Conditioned culture medium of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells promotes phenotypic transformation of microglia by regulating mitochondrial autophagy
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Objective To study the mechanism by which conditioned medium of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs-CM) facilitates the transition of pro-inflammatory polarized microglia to an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Methods BV2 cells, a mouse microglia cell line, were transformed into a pro-inflammatory phenotype using lipopolysaccharide. The expression of phenotypic genes in BV2 cells was detected using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure inflammatory cytokine levels in BV2 cells co-cultured with BMSCs-CM. The expressions of mitophagy-associated proteins were determined using western blot. The mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels in BV2 cells were measured using JC-1 staining and an ATP assay kit, respectively. Additionally, we examined the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of C8-D1A cells, a mouse astrocyte cell line, co-cultured with BV2 cells. Results After co- culture with BMSCs -CM, the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and inducible nitric oxide synthase significantly decreased in pro-inflammatory BV2 cells, whereas the expression of CD206 and arginase-1 significantly increased. Moreover, TNF-α and interleukin-6 levels significantly decreased, whereas transforming growth factor-β and interleukin-10 levels significantly increased. Furthermore, co-culture with BMSCs-CM increased mitophagy-associated protein expression, ATP levels, mitochondrial and lysosomal co-localization in these cells and decreased reactive oxygen species levels. Importantly, BMSCs-CM reversed the decrease in the proliferation and migration of C8-D1A cells co-cultured with pro-inflammatory BV2 cells and inhibited the apoptosis of C8-D1A cells. Conclusion BMSCs-CM may promote the transition of polarized microglia from a pro-inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory phenotype by regulating mitophagy and influences the functional state of astrocytes.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Hangyu Ji
creator: Weiming Chu
creator: Yong Yang
creator: Xin Peng
creator: Xiaoli Song
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Histology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17664
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Ji et al.
abstract: Objective To study the mechanism by which conditioned medium of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs-CM) facilitates the transition of pro-inflammatory polarized microglia to an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Methods BV2 cells, a mouse microglia cell line, were transformed into a pro-inflammatory phenotype using lipopolysaccharide. The expression of phenotypic genes in BV2 cells was detected using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure inflammatory cytokine levels in BV2 cells co-cultured with BMSCs-CM. The expressions of mitophagy-associated proteins were determined using western blot. The mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels in BV2 cells were measured using JC-1 staining and an ATP assay kit, respectively. Additionally, we examined the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of C8-D1A cells, a mouse astrocyte cell line, co-cultured with BV2 cells. Results After co- culture with BMSCs -CM, the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and inducible nitric oxide synthase significantly decreased in pro-inflammatory BV2 cells, whereas the expression of CD206 and arginase-1 significantly increased. Moreover, TNF-α and interleukin-6 levels significantly decreased, whereas transforming growth factor-β and interleukin-10 levels significantly increased. Furthermore, co-culture with BMSCs-CM increased mitophagy-associated protein expression, ATP levels, mitochondrial and lysosomal co-localization in these cells and decreased reactive oxygen species levels. Importantly, BMSCs-CM reversed the decrease in the proliferation and migration of C8-D1A cells co-cultured with pro-inflammatory BV2 cells and inhibited the apoptosis of C8-D1A cells. Conclusion BMSCs-CM may promote the transition of polarized microglia from a pro-inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory phenotype by regulating mitophagy and influences the functional state of astrocytes.
bibliographic citation: Ji et al. (2024) Conditioned culture medium of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells promotes phenotypic transformation of microglia by regulating mitochondrial autophagy. PeerJ 12:e17664 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17664
date submitted: 2024-02-15
date accepted: 2024-06-10
issued: 2024-07-04
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Ji
  given name: Hangyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Chu
  given name: Weiming
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Yong
author list: Agent
  family name: Peng
  given name: Xin
author list: Agent
  family name: Song
  given name: Xiaoli
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17664
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-07-04
copyright: ©2024 Ji et al.
attribution name: Ji et al.

Patients poorly recognize lesions of concern that are malignant melanomas: is self-screening the correct advice?
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Australia is known for its outdoor culture, with a large percentage of its population engaging in outdoor recreational activities, aquatic, non-aquatic and outdoor occupational activities. However, these outdoor enthusiasts face increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), leading to a higher risk of skin cancer, including malignant melanoma (MM). Over the past 40 years, there has been a significant rise in skin cancer rates in Australia, with two out of three Australians expected to develop some form of skin cancer by age 70. Currently, skin cancer examinations are not endorsed in asymptomatic or low-risk individuals in Australia, with only high-risk individuals recommended to undergo regular skin examinations. Notably, the Melanoma Institute Australia suggests that one-half of patients identify MMs themselves, although this claim appears to be based on limited Australian data which may not reflect contemporary practice. Therefore this study sought to determine the percentage of patients who were able to self-identify MMs as lesions of concern when presenting for a skin cancer examination. Methods Multi-site, cross-sectional study design incorporating a descriptive survey and total body skin cancer screening, including artificial intelligence by a skin cancer doctor. Results A total of 260 participants with suspect MM lesions were biopsied, with 83 (31.9%) found to be melanomas. Of the true positive MMs only a small percentage of participants (21.7% specificity) correctly had concerns about the suspect lesion being a MM. These MMs were located primarily on the back (44.4%), shoulder (11.1%) and upper leg (11.1%). There was no significant difference in the size between those participants aware of a MM versus those who were not (P = 0.824, 24.6 vs 23.4 mm2). Significantly more males identified lesions of concern that were MMs as compared to females (P = 0.008, 61.1% vs 38.9%, respectively). With regard to true negatives males and females were similar…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Mike Climstein
creator: Jeremy Hudson
creator: Michael Stapelberg
creator: Ian J. Miller
creator: Nedeljka Rosic
creator: Paul Coxon
creator: James Furness
creator: Joe Walsh
subject: Dermatology
subject: Oncology
subject: Pathology
subject: Public Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17674
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Climstein et al.
abstract: Background Australia is known for its outdoor culture, with a large percentage of its population engaging in outdoor recreational activities, aquatic, non-aquatic and outdoor occupational activities. However, these outdoor enthusiasts face increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), leading to a higher risk of skin cancer, including malignant melanoma (MM). Over the past 40 years, there has been a significant rise in skin cancer rates in Australia, with two out of three Australians expected to develop some form of skin cancer by age 70. Currently, skin cancer examinations are not endorsed in asymptomatic or low-risk individuals in Australia, with only high-risk individuals recommended to undergo regular skin examinations. Notably, the Melanoma Institute Australia suggests that one-half of patients identify MMs themselves, although this claim appears to be based on limited Australian data which may not reflect contemporary practice. Therefore this study sought to determine the percentage of patients who were able to self-identify MMs as lesions of concern when presenting for a skin cancer examination. Methods Multi-site, cross-sectional study design incorporating a descriptive survey and total body skin cancer screening, including artificial intelligence by a skin cancer doctor. Results A total of 260 participants with suspect MM lesions were biopsied, with 83 (31.9%) found to be melanomas. Of the true positive MMs only a small percentage of participants (21.7% specificity) correctly had concerns about the suspect lesion being a MM. These MMs were located primarily on the back (44.4%), shoulder (11.1%) and upper leg (11.1%). There was no significant difference in the size between those participants aware of a MM versus those who were not (P = 0.824, 24.6 vs 23.4 mm2). Significantly more males identified lesions of concern that were MMs as compared to females (P = 0.008, 61.1% vs 38.9%, respectively). With regard to true negatives males and females were similar…
bibliographic citation: Climstein et al. (2024) Patients poorly recognize lesions of concern that are malignant melanomas: is self-screening the correct advice?. PeerJ 12:e17674 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17674
date submitted: 2023-11-28
date accepted: 2024-06-12
issued: 2024-07-03
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Climstein
  given name: Mike
author list: Agent
  family name: Hudson
  given name: Jeremy
author list: Agent
  family name: Stapelberg
  given name: Michael
author list: Agent
  family name: Miller
  given name: Ian J.
author list: Agent
  family name: Rosic
  given name: Nedeljka
author list: Agent
  family name: Coxon
  given name: Paul
author list: Agent
  family name: Furness
  given name: James
author list: Agent
  family name: Walsh
  given name: Joe
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17674
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-07-03
copyright: ©2024 Climstein et al.
attribution name: Climstein et al.

Footfall patterns and stride parameters of Common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) on land
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Common hippopotamuses (hippos) are among the largest extant land mammals. They thus offer potential further insight into how giant body size on land influences locomotor patterns and abilities. Furthermore, as they have semi-aquatic habits and unusual morphology, they prompt important questions about how locomotion evolved in Hippopotamidae. However, basic information about how hippos move is limited and sometimes contradictory. We aimed to test if hippos trot at all speeds and if they ever use an aerial (suspended) phase, and to quantify how their locomotor patterns (footfalls and stride parameters) change with approximate speed. We surveyed videos available online and collected new video data from two zoo hippos in order to calculate the data needed to achieve our aims; gathering a sample of 169 strides from 32 hippos. No hippos studied used other than trotting (or near-trotting) footfall patterns, but at the fastest relative speeds hippos used brief aerial phases, apparently a new discovery. Hippos exhibit relatively greater athletic capacity than elephants in several ways, but perhaps not greater than rhinoceroses. Our data help form a baseline for assessing if other hippos use normal locomotion; relevant to clinical veterinary assessments of lameness; and for reconstructing the evolutionary biomechanics of hippo lineages.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: John R. Hutchinson
creator: Emily V. Pringle
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Zoology
subject: Biomechanics
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17675
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Hutchinson and Pringle
abstract: Common hippopotamuses (hippos) are among the largest extant land mammals. They thus offer potential further insight into how giant body size on land influences locomotor patterns and abilities. Furthermore, as they have semi-aquatic habits and unusual morphology, they prompt important questions about how locomotion evolved in Hippopotamidae. However, basic information about how hippos move is limited and sometimes contradictory. We aimed to test if hippos trot at all speeds and if they ever use an aerial (suspended) phase, and to quantify how their locomotor patterns (footfalls and stride parameters) change with approximate speed. We surveyed videos available online and collected new video data from two zoo hippos in order to calculate the data needed to achieve our aims; gathering a sample of 169 strides from 32 hippos. No hippos studied used other than trotting (or near-trotting) footfall patterns, but at the fastest relative speeds hippos used brief aerial phases, apparently a new discovery. Hippos exhibit relatively greater athletic capacity than elephants in several ways, but perhaps not greater than rhinoceroses. Our data help form a baseline for assessing if other hippos use normal locomotion; relevant to clinical veterinary assessments of lameness; and for reconstructing the evolutionary biomechanics of hippo lineages.
bibliographic citation: Hutchinson et al. (2024) Footfall patterns and stride parameters of Common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) on land. PeerJ 12:e17675 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17675
date submitted: 2024-04-19
date accepted: 2024-06-12
issued: 2024-07-03
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Hutchinson
  given name: John R.
author list: Agent
  family name: Pringle
  given name: Emily V.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17675
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-07-03
copyright: © 2024 Hutchinson and Pringle
attribution name: Hutchinson and Pringle

Diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and shear-wave elastography for small breast nodules
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The study aims to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and shear-wave elastography (SWE) in detecting small malignant breast nodules in an effort to inform further refinements of the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) classification system. Methods This study retrospectively analyzed patients with breast nodules who underwent conventional ultrasound, CEUS, and SWE at Gongli Hospital from November 2015 to December 2019. The inclusion criteria were nodules ≤ 2 cm in diameter with pathological outcomes determined by biopsy, no prior treatments, and solid or predominantly solid nodules. The exclusion criteria included pregnancy or lactation and low-quality images. Imaging features were detailed and classified per BI-RADS. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves. Results The study included 302 patients with 305 breast nodules, 113 of which were malignant. The diagnostic accuracy was significantly improved by combining the BI-RADS classification with CEUS and SWE. The combined approach yielded a sensitivity of 88.5%, specificity of 87.0%, positive predictive value of 80.0%, negative predictive value of 92.8%, and accuracy of 87.5% with an area under the curve of 0.877. Notably, 55.8% of BI-RADS 4A nodules were downgraded to BI-RADS 3 and confirmed as benign after pathological examination, suggesting the potential to avoid unnecessary biopsies. Conclusion The integrated use of the BI-RADS classification, CEUS, and SWE enhances the accuracy of differentiating benign and malignant small breast nodule, potentially reducing the need for unnecessary biopsies.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Yan Shen
creator: Jie He
creator: Miao Liu
creator: Jiaojiao Hu
creator: Yonglin Wan
creator: Tingting Zhang
creator: Jun Ding
creator: Jiangnan Dong
creator: Xiaohong Fu
subject: Oncology
subject: Radiology and Medical Imaging
subject: Women’s Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17677
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Shen et al.
abstract: Background The study aims to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and shear-wave elastography (SWE) in detecting small malignant breast nodules in an effort to inform further refinements of the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) classification system. Methods This study retrospectively analyzed patients with breast nodules who underwent conventional ultrasound, CEUS, and SWE at Gongli Hospital from November 2015 to December 2019. The inclusion criteria were nodules ≤ 2 cm in diameter with pathological outcomes determined by biopsy, no prior treatments, and solid or predominantly solid nodules. The exclusion criteria included pregnancy or lactation and low-quality images. Imaging features were detailed and classified per BI-RADS. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves. Results The study included 302 patients with 305 breast nodules, 113 of which were malignant. The diagnostic accuracy was significantly improved by combining the BI-RADS classification with CEUS and SWE. The combined approach yielded a sensitivity of 88.5%, specificity of 87.0%, positive predictive value of 80.0%, negative predictive value of 92.8%, and accuracy of 87.5% with an area under the curve of 0.877. Notably, 55.8% of BI-RADS 4A nodules were downgraded to BI-RADS 3 and confirmed as benign after pathological examination, suggesting the potential to avoid unnecessary biopsies. Conclusion The integrated use of the BI-RADS classification, CEUS, and SWE enhances the accuracy of differentiating benign and malignant small breast nodule, potentially reducing the need for unnecessary biopsies.
bibliographic citation: Shen et al. (2024) Diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and shear-wave elastography for small breast nodules. PeerJ 12:e17677 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17677
date submitted: 2023-10-09
date accepted: 2024-06-12
issued: 2024-07-03
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Shen
  given name: Yan
author list: Agent
  family name: He
  given name: Jie
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Miao
author list: Agent
  family name: Hu
  given name: Jiaojiao
author list: Agent
  family name: Wan
  given name: Yonglin
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Tingting
author list: Agent
  family name: Ding
  given name: Jun
author list: Agent
  family name: Dong
  given name: Jiangnan
author list: Agent
  family name: Fu
  given name: Xiaohong
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17677
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-07-03
copyright: ©2024 Shen et al.
attribution name: Shen et al.

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