Factors associated with poor sleep quality among dental students in Malaysia
Background Good sleep quality is crucial for dental students as they must have optimal cognitive function, memory, and decision-making to accomplish their learning requirements. This study aims to determine sleep quality, its associated factors, and the association between sleep quality and academic performance among dental students in Malaysia. Methods This cross-sectional study involved dental students at four public universities in Malaysia. A validated Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire was used to assess their sleep quality. An additional self-administered questionnaire was employed to obtain the students’ sociodemographic profile, lifestyle, and academic performance. The data were analysed using descriptive, chi-square, and multiple logistic regression. Results Three hundred eighty-four dental students participated in this study. About half of the dental students (51.6%) have poor sleep quality. The mean of sleep hours per night was 5.72 (SD 1.06). The sleep quality was significantly poor among Malay students (P = 0.023), students who stayed at hostel (P = 0.002), and those who consumed caffeinated drinks (P = 0.028). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the poor sleep quality was significantly associated with self-perceived poor academic performance (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 2.95, 95% CI [1.25–6.96], P-value = 0.013) and students skipping class (AOR 1.70, 95% CI [1.00–2.91], P-value = 0.046). Conclusions Most of the dental students in Malaysia have poor sleep quality. Ethnicity, accommodation, and caffeine consumption were significantly associated with sleep quality. Awareness to sleep quality among dental students is needed to ensure they are able to cope with the challenging dental school learning environment.
Jie et al. (2024) Factors associated with poor sleep quality among dental students in Malaysia. PeerJ 12:e17522 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17522
β-asarone induces viability and angiogenesis and suppresses apoptosis of human vascular endothelial cells after ischemic stroke by upregulating vascular endothelial growth factor A
Ischemic stroke (IS) is a disease with a high mortality and disability rate worldwide, and its incidence is increasing per year. Angiogenesis after IS improves blood supply to ischemic areas, accelerating neurological recovery. β-asarone has been reported to exhibit a significant protective effect against hypoxia injury. The ability of β-asarone to improve IS injury by inducing angiogenesis has not been distinctly clarified. The experimental rats were induced with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), and oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model cells were constructed using human microvascular endothelial cell line (HMEC-1) cells. Cerebral infarction and pathological damage were first determined via triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Then, cell viability, apoptosis, and angiogenesis were assessed by utilizing cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, spheroid-based angiogenesis, and tube formation assays in OGD HMEC-1 cells. Besides, angiogenesis and other related proteins were identified with western blot. The study confirms that β-asarone, like nimodipine, can ameliorate cerebral infarction and pathological damage. β-asarone can also upregulate vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and induce phosphorylation of p38. Besides, the study proves that β-asarone can protect against IS injury by increasing the expression of VEGFA. In vitro experiments affirmed that β-asarone can induce viability and suppress apoptosis in OGD-mediated HMEC-1 cells and promote angiogenesis of OGD HMEC-1 cells by upregulating VEGFA. This establishes the potential for β-asarone to be a latent drug for IS therapy.
Sun et al. (2024) β-asarone induces viability and angiogenesis and suppresses apoptosis of human vascular endothelial cells after ischemic stroke by upregulating vascular endothelial growth factor A. PeerJ 12:e17534 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17534
Genetic characterization of the prion protein gene in camels (Camelus) with comments on the evolutionary history of prion disease in Cetartiodactyla
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are a fatal neurogenerative disease that include Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease in humans, scrapie in sheep and goats, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), and several others as well as the recently described camel prion disease (CPD). CPD originally was documented in 3.1% of camels examined during an antemortem slaughterhouse inspection in the Ouargla region of Algeria. Of three individuals confirmed for CPD, two were sequenced for the exon 3 of the prion protein gene (PRNP) and were identical to sequences previously reported for Camelus dromedarius. Given that other TSEs, such as BSE, are known to be capable of cross–species transmission and that there is household consumption of meat and milk from Camelus, regulations to ensure camel and human health should be a One Health priority in exporting countries. Although the interspecies transmissibility of CPD currently is unknown, genotypic characterization of Camelus PRNP may be used for predictability of predisposition and potential susceptibility to CPD. Herein, eight breeds of dromedary camels from a previous genetic (mitochondrial DNA and microsatellites) and morphological study were genotyped for PRNP and compared to genotypes from CPD–positive Algerian camels. Sequence data from PRNP indicated that Ethiopian camels possessed 100% sequence identity to CPD–positive camels from Algeria. In addition, the camel PRNP genotype is unique compared to other members of the Orders Cetartiodactyla and Perissodactyla and provides an in–depth phylogenetic analysis of families within Cetartiodactyla and Perissodactyla that was used to infer the evolutionary history of the PRNP gene.
Wright et al. (2024) Genetic characterization of the prion protein gene in camels (Camelus) with comments on the evolutionary history of prion disease in Cetartiodactyla. PeerJ 12:e17552 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17552
PLAUR facilitates the progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Background PLAUR has been found upregulated in various tumors and closely correlated with the malignant phenotype of tumor cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between PLAUR and clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and its potential mechanism of promoting tumor progression. Methods The expression levels and clinical significance of PLAUR, along with the associated signaling pathways, were extensively investigated in ccRCC samples obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). PLAUR expression in 20 pairs of ccRCC tumor tissues and the adjacent tissues was assessed using qRT-PCR and IHC staining. Additionally, a series of in vitro experiments were conducted to investigate the impact of PLAUR suppression on cellular proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis in ccRCC. The Western blot analysis was employed to investigate the expression levels of pivotal genes associated with the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Results The expression of PLAUR was significantly upregulated in ccRCC compared to normal renal tissues, and higher PLAUR expression in ccRCC was associated with a poorer prognosis than low expression. The in-vitro functional investigations demonstrated that knockdown of PLAUR significantly attenuated the proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities of ccRCC cells. Concurrently, PLAUR knockdown effectively induced cellular apoptosis, modulated the cell cycle, inhibited the EMT process, and attenuated the activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. PLAUR may represent a key mechanism underlying ccRCC progression. Conclusions The involvement of PLAUR in ccRCC progression may be achieved through the activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, making it a reliable biomarker for the identification and prediction of ccRCC.
Qin et al. (2024) PLAUR facilitates the progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. PeerJ 12:e17555 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17555
Continuous training in young athletes decreases hepcidin secretion and is positively correlated with serum 25(OH)D and ferritin
Background Iron deficiency is known to impair muscle function and reduce athletic performance, while vitamin D has been reported to induce iron deficiency. However, the mechanism underlying exercise-induced changes in iron metabolism and the involvement of vitamins in this mechanism are unclear. The present study examined changes in biological iron metabolism induced by continuous training and the effects of vitamin D on these changes. Methods Diet, physical characteristics, and blood test data were collected from 23 female high school students in a dance club on the last day of each of a 2-month continuous training period and a 2-week complete rest periods. Results Serum hepcidin-25 levels were significantly lower during the training period than the rest period (p = 0.013), as were the red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit (all p < 0.001). Serum erythropoietin was significantly higher (p = 0.001) during the training period. Significant positive correlations were observed between 25(OH)D levels and serum iron, serum ferritin, and transferrin saturation during the training period. Multiple regression analysis with serum 25(OH)D level as the dependent variable and serum ferritin and iron levels as independent variables during the training period revealed a significant association with serum ferritin. Conclusion Continuous training may promote hemolysis and erythropoiesis, contributing to the suppression of hepcidin expression. The relationship between serum 25(OH)D and iron in vivo may be closely related to metabolic changes induced by the exercise load.
Kobayashi et al. (2024) Continuous training in young athletes decreases hepcidin secretion and is positively correlated with serum 25(OH)D and ferritin. PeerJ 12:e17566 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17566
The mechanism of static postural control in the impact of lower limb muscle strength asymmetry on gait performance in the elderly
Background Abnormal gait is prevalent among the elderly population, leading to reduced physical activity, increased risk of falls, and the potential development of dementia and disabilities, thus degrading the quality of life in later years. Numerous studies have highlighted the crucial roles of lower limb muscle strength asymmetry and static postural control in gait, and the reciprocal influence of lower limb muscle strength asymmetry on static postural control. However, research exploring the interrelationship between lower limb muscle strength asymmetry, static postural control, and gait performance has been limited. Methods A total of 55 elderly participants aged 60 to 75 years were recruited. Isokinetic muscle strength testing was used to assess bilateral knee extension strength, and asymmetry values were calculated. Participants with asymmetry greater than 15% were categorized as the Asymmetry Group (AG), while those with asymmetry less than 15% were classified in the Symmetry Group (SG). Gait parameters were measured using a plantar pressure gait analysis system to evaluate gait performance, and static postural control was assessed through comfortable and narrow stance tests. Results First, participants in the AG demonstrated inferior gait performance, characterized by slower gait speed, longer stance time and percentage of stance time in gait, and smaller swing time and percentage of swing time in gait. Spatial-temporal gait parameters of the weaker limb tended to be abnormal. Second, static postural control indices were higher in AG compared to SG in all aspects except for the area of ellipse during the comfortable stance with eyes open test. Third, abnormal gait parameters were associated with static postural control. Conclusion Firstly, elderly individuals with lower limb muscle strength asymmetry are prone to abnormal gait, with the weaker limb exhibiting poorer gait performance. Secondly, lower limb muscle strength asymmetry contributes to diminished static postural control in the elderly. Thirdly, the mechanism underlying abnormal gait in the elderly due to lower limb muscle strength asymmetry may be linked to a decline in static postural control.
Si et al. (2024) The mechanism of static postural control in the impact of lower limb muscle strength asymmetry on gait performance in the elderly. PeerJ 12:e17626 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17626
Investigating the eye movement characteristics of basketball players executing 3-point shot at varied intensities and their correlation with shot accuracy
Background The 3-point shot plays a significant and pivotal role in the historical context of basketball competitions. Visual attention exerts a crucial influence on the shooting performance of basketball players. This study aims to investigate the eye movement characteristics exhibited by high-level basketball players while executing 3-point shot at varying exercise intensities, as well as explore the correlation between these eye movement characteristics and 3-point field goal percentage. Methods A total of twenty highly skilled female basketball players were recruited as participants for this study. During the experiment, the participants wore an eye tracker to record their eye movement data while executing 3-point shot at varying exercise intensities (low, moderate, and high). The collected eye movement data was analyzed using Tobii Pro Lab software. Additionally, the participants’ exercise intensity was monitored by wearing Polar Team Pro sensors. Results The average number of fixations during the execution of a 3-point shot at three exercise intensities exhibited statistically significant differences in the front, bottom, top left, and bottom right. Moreover, notable disparities were observed in the average fixation duration for the front, bottom, and bottom right. The average total number of fixations and fixation duration in the moderate intensity shot were comparatively lower than those observed in the low and high intensity shots, while the average number of fixations and percentage of fixation duration on the front were relatively higher compared to those in the low and high intensity shots. Under varying intensities, there were no significant differences observed in the average number of fixations and the 3-point field goal percentage each AOI; however, a significantly positive correlation was found between the front average fixation duration and the 3-point field goal percentage. Conclusion During the execution of a moderate intensity 3-point shot, the player’s fixation is focused and stable, their information search strategy is efficient, and their information processing is precise. Variations in exercise intensity result in changes to both the information search strategy and degree of processing. Fixating on the front has a positive impact on 3-point field goal percentage.
Zhao et al. (2024) Investigating the eye movement characteristics of basketball players executing 3-point shot at varied intensities and their correlation with shot accuracy. PeerJ 12:e17634 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17634
The human touch: a meta-analysis of anthropogenic effects on plant-pollinator interaction networks
Background Anthropogenic activities significantly impact natural ecosystems, leading to alterations in plant and pollinator diversity and abundance. These changes often result in shifts within interacting communities, potentially reshaping the structure of plant-pollinator interaction networks. Given the escalating human footprint on habitats, evaluating the response of these networks to anthropization is critical for devising effective conservation and management strategies. Methods We conducted a comprehensive review of the plant-pollinator network literature to assess the impact of anthropization on network structure. We assessed network metrics such as nestedness measure based on overlap and decreasing fills (NODF), network specialization (H2’), connectance (C), and modularity (Q) to understand structural changes. Employing a meta-analytical approach, we examined how anthropization activities, such as deforestation, urbanization, habitat fragmentation, agriculture, intentional fires and livestock farming, affect both plant and pollinator richness. Results We generated a dataset for various metrics of network structure and 36 effect sizes for the meta-analysis, from 38 articles published between 2010 and 2023. Studies assessing the impact of agriculture and fragmentation were well-represented, comprising 68.4% of all studies, with networks involving interacting insects being the most studied taxa. Agriculture and fragmentation reduce nestedness and increase specialization in plant-pollinator networks, while modularity and connectance are mostly not affected. Although our meta-analysis suggests that anthropization decreases richness for both plants and pollinators, there was substantial heterogeneity in this regard among the evaluated studies. The meta-regression analyses helped us determine that the habitat fragment size where the studies were conducted was the primary variable contributing to such heterogeneity. Conclusions The analysis of human impacts on plant-pollinator networks showed varied effects worldwide. Responses differed among network metrics, signaling nuanced impacts on structure. Activities like agriculture and fragmentation significantly changed ecosystems, reducing species richness in both pollinators and plants, highlighting network vulnerability. Regional differences stressed the need for tailored conservation. Despite insights, more research is crucial for a complete understanding of these ecological relationships.
López-Vázquez et al. (2024) The human touch: a meta-analysis of anthropogenic effects on plant-pollinator interaction networks. PeerJ 12:e17647 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17647
Development and application of multiplex PCR for the rapid identification of four Fusarium spp. associated with Fusarium crown rot in wheat
Fusarium crown rot (FCR), caused by Fusarium spp., is a devastating disease in wheat growing areas. Previous studies have shown that FCR is caused by co-infection of F. graminearum, F. pseudograminearum, F. proliferatum and F. verticillioides in Hubei Province, China. In this study, a method was developed to simultaneously detected DNAs of F. graminearum, F. pseudograminearum, F. proliferatum and F. verticillioides that can efficiently differentiate them. Whole genome sequence comparison of these four Fusarium spp. was performed and a 20 bp sequence was designed as an universal upstream primer. Specific downstream primers of each pathogen was also designed, which resulted in a 206, 482, 680, and 963 bp amplicon for each pathogen, respectively. Multiplex PCR specifically identified F. graminearum, F. pseudograminearum, F. proliferatum and F. verticillioides but not from other 46 pathogens, and the detection limit of target pathogens is about 100 pg/μl. Moreover, we accurately determined the FCR pathogen species in wheat samples using the optimized multiplex PCR method. These results demonstrate that the multiplex PCR method established in this study can efficiently and rapidly identify F. graminearum, F. pseudograminearum, F. proliferatum, and F. verticillioides, which should provide technical support for timely and targeted prevention and control of FCR.
Deng et al. (2024) Development and application of multiplex PCR for the rapid identification of four Fusarium spp. associated with Fusarium crown rot in wheat. PeerJ 12:e17656 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17656
Acute warming tolerance (CTmax) in zebrafish (Danio rerio) appears unaffected by changes in water salinity
Tolerance against acute warming is an essential trait that can determine how organisms cope during heat waves, yet the mechanisms underlying it remain elusive. Water salinity has previously been suggested to modulate warming tolerance in fish and may therefore provide clues towards these limiting mechanisms. Here, using the critical thermal maximum (CTmax) test, we investigated whether short (2 hours) and long (10 days) term exposure to different water salinities (2 hours: 0–5 ppt, 10 days: 0–3 ppt) affected acute warming tolerance in zebrafish (N = 263). We found that water salinity did not affect the warming tolerance of zebrafish at either time point, indicating that salinity does not affect the mechanism limiting acute warming tolerance in zebrafish at these salinity ranges, and that natural fluctuations in salinity levels might not have a large impact on acute warming tolerance in wild zebrafish.
Åsheim et al. (2024) Acute warming tolerance (CTmax) in zebrafish (Danio rerio) appears unaffected by changes in water salinity. PeerJ 12:e17343 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17343