ULK2 suppresses ovarian cancer cell migration and invasion by elevating IGFBP3
Background Ovarian cancer is an aggressive malignancy with high mortality known for its considerable metastatic potential. This study aimed to explore the expression and functional role of Unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 2 (ULK2) in the progression of ovarian cancer. Methods ULK2 expression patterns in ovarian cancer tissues as well as benign tumor control samples obtained from our institution were evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Cell counting kit 8 and Transwell assays were applied to assess the effects of ULK2 overexpression on cell proliferation, migration and invasion, respectively. RNA sequencing was performed to explore potential mechanisms of action of ULK2 beyond its classical autophagy modulation. Results Our experiments showed significant downregulation of ULK2 in ovarian cancer tissues. Importantly, low expression of ULK2 was markedly correlated with decreased overall survival. In vitro functional studies further demonstrated that overexpression of ULK2 significantly suppressed tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. RNA sequencing analysis revealed a potential regulatory role of ULK2 in the insulin signaling pathway through upregulation of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP3) in ovarian cancer cells. Conclusions In summary, the collective data indicated that ULK2 acted as a tumor suppressor in ovarian cancer by upregulating the expression of IGFBP3. Our study underscores the potential utility of ULK2 as a valuable prognostic marker for ovarian cancer.
Chen et al. (2024) ULK2 suppresses ovarian cancer cell migration and invasion by elevating IGFBP3. PeerJ 12:e17628 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17628
Prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension in patient’s visiting the conservative dentistry and endodontics department: a cross-sectional study in Surabaya City
Background This descriptive cross-sectional study focuses on the prevalence of hypertension (HTN) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) amongst patients who visited the Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics department. Recognizing these incidence statistics is critical for improving endodontic therapy delivery and assuring high-quality dental care with positive treatment outcomes. Methods In advance of getting dental care, all patients visiting the department were advised to get their blood sugar and blood pressure levels checked at random. Measurements were taken with digital equipment, and individuals with high levels were encouraged to seek medical advice before undergoing dental procedures. The obtained data was imported into Excel and analyzed with IBM SPSS software (version 21). Results The investigation had 1,100 participants (55.8% female and 44.2% male), with an average age of 44.58 ± 12.77 years. Of the individuals, 40.6% were referred for type 2 diabetes, 12.6% for hypertension, and 24.0% for both diseases. There was a significant correlation (p < 0.05) between referral status and gender. The average blood pressure and random blood sugar readings were 141.02 mmHg ± 56.28 mmHg (systolic), 79.83 mmHg ± 10.68 mmHg (diastolic), and 126.68 mg/dL ± 15.36 mg/dL, respectively. There was a substantial (p < 0.05) difference in mean systolic blood pressure between men and women. Furthermore, age was strongly connected with random blood sugar levels (p < 0.05) and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.05). There were significant (p < 0.05) variations in mean blood pressure and blood sugar levels between referred and non-referred individuals. Conclusion Age had a relationship with higher random blood sugar levels, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. Dentists should consider patient age while planning treatment, as type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension require unique techniques to emphasize patient safety and produce excellent outcomes.
Manihar et al. (2024) Prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension in patient’s visiting the conservative dentistry and endodontics department: a cross-sectional study in Surabaya City. PeerJ 12:e17638 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17638
Food addiction and the physical and mental health status of adults with overweight and obesity
Background Overweight and obesity now affect more than a third of the world’s population. They are strongly associated with somatic diseases, in particular increasing the risk of many metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, but also with mental disorders. In particular, there is a strong association between obesity and depression. As a result, more attention is paid to the neurobiological, behavioural, and psychological mechanisms involved in eating. One of these is food addiction (FA). Research comparing lifestyle elements, physical and mental health problems of excess body weight and individuals with FA is limited and has focused on younger people, mainly students. There is also a lack of studies that relate actual metabolic parameters to FA. To better understand the problem of FA also in older adults, it is important to understand the specific relationships between these variables. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 172 adults with overweight and obesity (82% female) aged 23–85 years. The mean age of all subjects was M = 59.97 years (SD = 11.93), the mean BMI was M = 32.05 kg/m2 (SD = 4.84), and the mean body fat was M = 39.12% (SD = 6.48). The following questionnaires were used: Food Frequency Questionnaire-6 (FFQ-6), Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), Three Factor Eating Questionnaire-R18 (TFEQ-R18), Yale Food Addiction Scale 2. 0 (YFAS 2.0), Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Body composition, anthropometry, fasting glucose, lipid profile, and blood pressure were measured. Results A total of 22.7% of participants with overweight and obesity had symptoms of depression according to the SDS, and 18.6% met the criteria for FA according to YFAS 2.0. FA was statistically significantly more common among people up to 50 years. BMI, body fat mass, diastolic blood pressure and sedentary behaviour were statistically significantly higher in people with FA symptoms. Those who were sedentary for 301–450 min per day were significantly more likely to have depressive symptoms, and those who were sedentary for more than 450 min per day were significantly more likely to have FA symptoms. Conclusions Our findings complement the current literature on FA, particularly in older adults and metabolic parameters, and suggest further research directions. Although our cross-sectional study design does not allow causal interpretations, increasing physical activity appears to be particularly important in the management of people with overweight or obesity and FA. This may be even more important than for people with depression alone, but future research is needed to explore these relationships further.
Zielińska et al. (2024) Food addiction and the physical and mental health status of adults with overweight and obesity. PeerJ 12:e17639 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17639
Comparative in-vivo bond failure rate of orthodontic brackets when bracket base is treated with micro-abrasive blasting vs. acid etching: eighteen month randomized control trial and scanning electron microscope study
Background The aim of this study was threefold. Firstly, it aimed to introduce and detail a novel method for chemically etching the bases of stainless-steel orthodontic brackets. Secondly, the study sought to investigate the structural alterations within the brackets’ microstructure following chemical etching compared to those with sandblasted bases, using electron microscopy analysis. Lastly, the study aimed to evaluate and compare the long-term durability and survivability of orthodontic brackets with chemically etched bases versus those with sandblasted bases, both bonded using the conventional acid etch technique with Transbond XT adhesive, over an 18-month follow-up period. Methods The study was a randomized clinical control trial with triple blinding and split-mouth study design and consisted of two groups. The brackets in the sandblasted group were prepared by sandblasting the intaglio surface of the base of the bracket with 50 µm SiO2 particles. Hydrofluoric acid was used to roughen the base in the acid-etched group. The bases of the brackets were viewed under an electron microscope to analyze the topographical changes. Results A total of 5,803 brackets (3,006 acid-etch, 2,797 sandblasted) in 310 patients were bonded, in a split-mouth design by the same operator. The patients were followed for 18 months. The failure rate of 2.59% and 2.7% was noted in an acid-etched and sandblasted group, respectively. There was a close approximation of curves in the Kaplan-Meier plot, and the survival distribution of the two groups in the log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test was insignificant; x2 = 0.062 (P value = 0.804). Conclusion Acid etching if the bases of the brackets can be used as an alternative to sandblasting furthermore acid etching can be performed on the chair side.
Durrani et al. (2024) Comparative in-vivo bond failure rate of orthodontic brackets when bracket base is treated with micro-abrasive blasting vs. acid etching: eighteen month randomized control trial and scanning electron microscope study. PeerJ 12:e17645 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17645
Enhancing small-scale acetification processes using adsorbed Acetobacter pasteurianus UMCC 2951 on κ-carrageenan-coated luffa sponge
Background This study explored the utilization of luffa sponge (LS) in enhancing acetification processes. LS is known for having high porosity and specific surface area, and can provide a novel means of supporting the growth of acetic acid bacteria (AAB) to improve biomass yield and acetification rate, and thereby promote more efficient and sustainable vinegar production. Moreover, the promising potential of LS and luffa sponge coated with κ-carrageenan (LSK) means they may represent effective alternatives for the co-production of industrially valuable bioproducts, for example bacterial cellulose (BC) and acetic acid. Methods LS and LSK were employed as adsorbents for Acetobacter pasteurianus UMCC 2951 in a submerged semi-continuous acetification process. Experiments were conducted under reciprocal shaking at 1 Hz and a temperature of 32 °C. The performance of the two systems (LS-AAB and LSK-AAB respectively) was evaluated based on cell dry weight (CDW), acetification rate, and BC biofilm formation. Results The use of LS significantly increased the biomass yield during acetification, achieving a CDW of 3.34 mg/L versus the 0.91 mg/L obtained with planktonic cells. Coating LS with κ-carrageenan further enhanced yield, with a CDW of 4.45 mg/L. Acetification rates were also higher in the LSK-AAB system, reaching 3.33 ± 0.05 g/L d as opposed to 2.45 ± 0.05 g/L d for LS-AAB and 1.13 ± 0.05 g/L d for planktonic cells. Additionally, BC biofilm formation during the second operational cycle was more pronounced in the LSK-AAB system (37.0 ± 3.0 mg/L, as opposed to 25.0 ± 2.0 mg/L in LS-AAB). Conclusions This study demonstrates that LS significantly improves the efficiency of the acetification process, particularly when enhanced with κ-carrageenan. The increased biomass yield, accelerated acetification, and enhanced BC biofilm formation highlight the potential of the LS-AAB system, and especially the LSK-AAB variant, in sustainable and effective vinegar production. These systems offer a promising approach for small-scale, semi-continuous acetification processes that aligns with eco-friendly practices and caters to specialized market needs. Finally, this innovative method facilitates the dual production of acetic acid and bacterial cellulose, with potential applications in biotechnological fields.
Sriphochanart et al. (2024) Enhancing small-scale acetification processes using adsorbed Acetobacter pasteurianus UMCC 2951 on κ-carrageenan-coated luffa sponge. PeerJ 12:e17650 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17650
The effects of meliponicultural use of Tetragonula laeviceps on other bee pollinators and pollination efficacy of lemon
The augmentation of pollination success in lemon (Citrus limon Eureka) flowers remains contingent on the involvement of bee pollinators. With wild bee pollinator populations declining in agroecosystems, meliponiculture has emerged as a potential option in Indonesia. This study aimed to investigate the effects of meliponicultural use of Tetragonula laeviceps on diversity, foraging behavior, and monthly population of bee pollinators, as well as lemon pollination efficacy with and without meliponiculture treatment during two periods. Using scan and focal sampling methods in first and second periods, the study found that the diversity of wild bee pollinators was six species (Apis cerana, Lasioglossum albescens, Megachile laticeps, Xylocopa confusa, Xylocopa latipes, and Xylocopa caerulea), and T. laeviceps when using meliponiculture. The relative abundance and daily foraging activity of wild bee pollinators were initially reduced in the first period (March–June) and then maintained in the second period (July–October). T. laeviceps foraged on the flowers, involving specific sequences for 72 s with highest visitation rate of 0.25 flowers/h from 10:00–13:00. Light intensity was observed to be the most influential factor for bee pollinator density. Pollination efficacy results showed that meliponiculture usage has greater benefit compared to meliponiculture absence across various parameters, including fruit sets, fruit weight, yield, and estimated productivity. The effects of meliponicultural use of T. laeviceps can enhance lemon pollination efficacy while preserving the diversity of wild insect pollinators. This suggests that meliponiculture stingless bees could be a beneficial practice in agroecosystems, especially in tropical regions where wild bee populations and diversity are declining.
Nurdiansyah et al. (2024) The effects of meliponicultural use of Tetragonula laeviceps on other bee pollinators and pollination efficacy of lemon. PeerJ 12:e17655 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17655
Creatine kinase mitochondrial 2 promotes the growth and progression of colorectal cancer via enhancing Warburg effect through lactate dehydrogenase B
Background Mitochondrial creatine kinase (MtCK) plays a pivotal role in cellular energy metabolism, exhibiting enhanced expression in various tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Creatine kinase mitochondrial 2 (CKMT2) is a subtype of MtCK; however, its clinical significance, biological functions, and underlying molecular mechanisms in CRC remain elusive. Methods We employed immunohistochemical staining to discern the expression of CKMT2 in CRC and adjacent nontumor tissues of patients. The correlation between CKMT2 levels and clinical pathological factors was assessed. Additionally, we evaluated the association between CKMT2 and the prognosis of CRC patients using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression analysis. Meanwhile, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of CKMT2 in different CRC cell lines. Finally, we explored the biological functions and potential molecular mechanisms of CKMT2 in CRC cells through various techniques, including qRT-PCR, cell culture, cell transfection, western blot, Transwell chamber assays, flow cytometry, and co-immunoprecipitation. Results We found that CKMT2 was significantly overexpressed in CRC tissues compared with adjacent nontumor tissues. The expression of CKMT2 is correlated with pathological types, tumor size, distant metastasis, and survival in CRC patients. Importantly, CKMT2 emerged as an independent prognostic factor through Cox regression analysis. Experimental downregulation of CKMT2 expression in CRC cell lines inhibited the migration and promoted apoptosis of these cells. Furthermore, we identified a novel role for CKMT2 in promoting aerobic glycolysis in CRC cells through interaction with lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB). Conclusion In this study, we found the elevated expression of CKMT2 in CRC, and it was a robust prognostic indicator in CRC patients. CKMT2 regulates glucose metabolism via amplifying the Warburg effect through interaction with LDHB, which promotes the growth and progression of CRC. These insights unveil a novel regulatory mechanism by which CKMT2 influences CRC and provide promising targets for future CRC therapeutic interventions.
Cai et al. (2024) Creatine kinase mitochondrial 2 promotes the growth and progression of colorectal cancer via enhancing Warburg effect through lactate dehydrogenase B. PeerJ 12:e17672 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17672
Comprehensive identification and expression analysis of FAR1/FHY3 genes under drought stress in maize (Zea mays L.)
Background FAR1/FHY3 transcription factors are derived from transposase, which play important roles in light signal transduction, growth and development, and response to stress by regulating downstream gene expression. Although many FAR1/FHY3 members have been identified in various species, the FAR1/FHY3 genes in maize are not well characterized and their function in drought are unknown. Method The FAR1/FHY3 family in the maize genome was identified using PlantTFDB, Pfam, Smart, and NCBI-CDD websites. In order to investigate the evolution and functions of FAR1 genes in maize, the information of protein sequences, chromosome localization, subcellular localization, conserved motifs, evolutionary relationships and tissue expression patterns were analyzed by bioinformatics, and the expression patterns under drought stress were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results A total of 24 ZmFAR members in maize genome, which can be divided into five subfamilies, with large differences in protein and gene structures among subfamilies. The promoter regions of ZmFARs contain abundant abiotic stress-responsive and hormone-respovensive cis-elements. Among them, drought-responsive cis-elements are quite abundant. ZmFARs were expressed in all tissues detected, but the expression level varies widely. The expression of ZmFARs were mostly down-regulated in primary roots, seminal roots, lateral roots, and mesocotyls under water deficit. Most ZmFARs were down-regulated in root after PEG-simulated drought stress. Conclusions We performed a genome-wide and systematic identification of FAR1/FHY3 genes in maize. And most ZmFARs were down-regulated in root after drought stress. These results indicate that FAR1/FHY3 transcription factors have important roles in drought stress response, which can lay a foundation for further analysis of the functions of ZmFARs in response to drought stress.
Zhao et al. (2024) Comprehensive identification and expression analysis of FAR1/FHY3 genes under drought stress in maize (Zea mays L.). PeerJ 12:e17684 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17684
A review of predator exclusion fencing to create mainland islands in Hawaiʻi
Background Invasive species are the primary threat to island ecosystems globally and are responsible for approximately two-thirds of all island species extinctions in the past 400 years. Non-native mammals—primarily rats, cats, mongooses, goats, sheep, and pigs—have had devastating impacts on at-risk species and are major factors in population declines and extinctions in Hawaiʻi. With the development of fencing technology that can exclude all mammalian predators, the focus for some locations in Hawaiʻi shifted from predator control to local eradication. Methods This article describes all existing and planned full predator exclusion fences in Hawaiʻi by documenting the size and design of each fence, the outcomes the predator eradications, maintenance issues at each fence, and the resulting native species responses. Results Twelve predator exclusion fences were constructed in the Hawaiian Islands from 2011–2023 and six more were planned or under construction; all were for the protection of native seabirds and waterbirds. Fences ranged in length from 304–4,877 m and enclosed 1.2–640 ha. One-third of the 18 fences were peninsula-style with open ends; the remaining two-thirds of the fences were complete enclosures. The purpose of twelve of the fences (67%) was to protect existing bird populations, and six (33%) were initiated for mitigation required under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Of the six mitigation fences, 83% were for the social attraction of seabirds and one fence was for translocation of seabirds; none of the mitigation fences protected existing bird populations. Rats and mice were present in every predator exclusion fence site; mice were eradicated from five of six sites (83%) where they were targeted and rats (three species) were eradicated from eight of 11 sites (72%). Mongoose, cats, pigs, and deer were eradicated from every site where they were targeted. Predator incursions occurred in every fence. Rat and mouse incursions were in many cases chronic or complete reinvasions, but cat and mongoose incursions were occasional and depended on fence type (i.e., enclosed vs. peninsula). The advent of predator exclusion fencing has resulted in great gains for protecting existing seabirds and waterbirds, which demonstrated dramatic increases in reproductive success and colony growth. With threats from invasive species expected to increase in the future, predator exclusion fencing will become an increasingly important tool in protecting island species.
Young et al. (2024) A review of predator exclusion fencing to create mainland islands in Hawaiʻi. PeerJ 12:e17694 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17694
Geographic disparities and temporal changes of diabetes-related mortality risks in Florida: a retrospective study
Background Over the last few decades, diabetes-related mortality risks (DRMR) have increased in Florida. Although there is evidence of geographic disparities in pre-diabetes and diabetes prevalence, little is known about disparities of DRMR in Florida. Understanding these disparities is important for guiding control programs and allocating health resources to communities most at need. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate geographic disparities and temporal changes of DRMR in Florida. Methods Retrospective mortality data for deaths that occurred from 2010 to 2019 were obtained from the Florida Department of Health. Tenth International Classification of Disease codes E10–E14 were used to identify diabetes-related deaths. County-level mortality risks were computed and presented as number of deaths per 100,000 persons. Spatial Empirical Bayesian (SEB) smoothing was performed to adjust for spatial autocorrelation and the small number problem. High-risk spatial clusters of DRMR were identified using Tango’s flexible spatial scan statistics. Geographic distribution and high-risk mortality clusters were displayed using ArcGIS, whereas seasonal patterns were visually represented in Excel. Results A total of 54,684 deaths were reported during the study period. There was an increasing temporal trend as well as seasonal patterns in diabetes mortality risks with high risks occurring during the winter. The highest mortality risk (8.1 per 100,000 persons) was recorded during the winter of 2018, while the lowest (6.1 per 100,000 persons) was in the fall of 2010. County-level SEB smoothed mortality risks varied by geographic location, ranging from 12.6 to 81.1 deaths per 100,000 persons. Counties in the northern and central parts of the state tended to have high mortality risks, whereas southern counties consistently showed low mortality risks. Similar to the geographic distribution of DRMR, significant high-risk spatial clusters were also identified in the central and northern parts of Florida. Conclusion Geographic disparities of DRMR exist in Florida, with high-risk spatial clusters being observed in rural central and northern areas of the state. There is also evidence of both increasing temporal trends and Winter peaks of DRMR. These findings are helpful for guiding allocation of resources to control the disease, reduce disparities, and improve population health.
Deb Nath et al. (2024) Geographic disparities and temporal changes of diabetes-related mortality risks in Florida: a retrospective study. PeerJ 12:e17408 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17408