Positive peritoneal lavage fluid cytology based on isolation by size of epithelial tumor cells indicates a high risk of peritoneal metastasis
Background Peritoneal metastasis (PM) is the most prevalent type of metastasis in patients with gastric cancer (GC) and has an extremely poor prognosis. The detection of free cancer cells (FCCs) in the peritoneal cavity has been demonstrated to be one of the worst prognostic factors for GC. However, there is a lack of sensitive detection methods for FCCs in the peritoneal cavity. This study aimed to use a new peritoneal lavage fluid cytology examination to detect FCCs in patients with GC, and to explore its clinical significance on diagnosing of occult peritoneal metastasis (OPM) and prognosis. Methods Peritoneal lavage fluid from 50 patients with GC was obtained and processed via the isolation by size of epithelial tumor cells (ISET) method. Immunofluorescence and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to identify FCCs expressing chromosome 8 (CEP8), chromosome 17 (CEP17), and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). Results Using a combination of the ISET platform and immunofluorescence-FISH, the detection of FCCs was higher than that by light microscopy (24.0% vs. 2.0%). Samples were categorized into positive and negative groups, based on the expressions of CEP8, CEP17, and EpCAM. Statistically significant relationships were demonstrated between age (P = 0.029), sex (P = 0.002), lymphatic invasion (P = 0.001), pTNM stage (P = 0.001), and positivity for FCCs. After adjusting for covariates, patients with positive FCCs had lower progression-free survival than patients with negative FCCs. Conclusion The ISET platform highly enriched nucleated cells from peritoneal lavage fluid, and indicators comprising EpCAM, CEP8, and CEP17 confirmed the diagnosis of FCCs. As a potential detection method, it offers an opportunity for early intervention of OPM and an extension of patient survival.
Xuan et al. (2024) Positive peritoneal lavage fluid cytology based on isolation by size of epithelial tumor cells indicates a high risk of peritoneal metastasis. PeerJ 12:e17602 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17602
Effects of weight-bearing dance aerobics on lower limb muscle morphology, strength and functional fitness in older women
Objective To investigate the effects of 12-week weight-bearing dance aerobics (WBDA) on muscle morphology, strength and functional fitness in older women. Methods This controlled study recruited 37 female participants (66.31y ± 3.83) and divided them into intervention and control groups according to willingness. The intervention group received 90-min WBDA thrice a week for 12 weeks, while the control group maintained normal activities. The groups were then compared by measuring muscle thickness, fiber length and pennation angle by ultrasound, muscle strength using an isokinetic multi-joint module and functional fitness, such as 2-min step test, 30-s chair stand, chair sit-and-reach, TUG and single-legged closed-eyed standing test. The morphology, strength, and functional fitness were compared using ANCOVA or Mann-Whitney U test to study the effects of 12 weeks WBDA. Results Among all recruited participants, 33 completed all tests. After 12 weeks, the thickness of the vastus intermedius (F = 17.85, P < 0.01) and quadriceps (F = 15.62, P < 0.01) was significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group, along with a significant increase in the torque/weight of the knee flexor muscles (F = 4.47, P = 0.04). Similarly, the intervention group revealed a significant improvement in the single-legged closed-eyed standing test (z = −2.16, P = 0.03) compared to the control group. Conclusion The study concluded that compared to the non-exercising control group, 12-week WBDA was shown to thicken vastus intermedius, increase muscle strength, and improve physical function in older women. In addition, this study provides a reference exercise program for older women.
Peng et al. (2024) Effects of weight-bearing dance aerobics on lower limb muscle morphology, strength and functional fitness in older women. PeerJ 12:e17606 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17606
Response of soil arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community to chemical fertilization in sugarcane
Most sugarcane cultivation areas in China have undergone over 30 years of continuous monocropping, and long-term chemical fertilizer application has led to severe soil degradation. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a crucial role in promoting plant nutrient uptake, enhancing plant stress tolerance, and improving soil quality and restoration. However, in agroecosystems, AMF are susceptible to the effects of cultivation, fertilization, and other factors. The goal of this study was to investigate the influence of chemical fertilization on the AMF community in the rhizosphere soil of plant crop of sugarcane. In this study, sugarcane varieties GT58 and GT29 were selected for experiment. Four different chemical fertilization rates were established using controlled-release compound chemical fertilizer (N: P: K = 17:7:17): T1 (0.0 kg/ha), T2 (562.5 kg/ha), T3 (1,125.0 kg/ha), and T4 (2,250.0 kg/ha). The results showed that different fertilization rates significantly affected the cane yield in GT58. T3 and T4 increased the cane yield by 12.67% and 11.11%, respectively, compared to the control T1 (P < 0.05). The impact on the cane yield in GT29 was not significant. The diversity indices of root-associated AMF in GT58 (Chao index and Shannon index) varied significantly in different fertilization rates. T3 had the highest diversity, showing no significant difference from T1 and T2 but significantly higher than T4. For GT29, there were no significant differences in the diversity indices of root-associated AMF among different fertilization rates. Analyzing the differential species in root-associated soil with different fertilization rates in GT58 at the OTU level revealed that T3 had significantly higher abundances for 5 OTUs compared to the other treatments, and all the differentially abundant species belonged to Glomus. The Mantel analysis revealed that the genus Acaulospora was significantly and positively correlated with millable stalks (P < 0.001), and significantly and positively correlated with tiller number (P < 0.05). The genus Scutellospora showed a significant positive correlation with sprouting rate (P < 0.05). However, the other AMF genera did not show significant correlations with the agronomic traits of sugarcane. In summary, different chemical fertilization rates significantly affected the cane yield in GT58 and the AMF community in the rhizosphere soil, but not in GT29, which suggests that sugarcane chemical fertilization should consider different sugarcane varieties and the diversity of AMF communities in soil.
Kang et al. (2024) Response of soil arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community to chemical fertilization in sugarcane. PeerJ 12:e17610 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17610
Functional variation among mesenchymal stem cells derived from different tissue sources
Background Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are increasingly recognized for their regenerative potential. However, their clinical application is hindered by their inherent variability, which is influenced by various factors, such as the tissue source, culture conditions, and passage number. Methods MSCs were sourced from clinically relevant tissues, including adipose tissue-derived MSCs (ADMSCs, n = 2), chorionic villi-derived MSCs (CMMSCs, n = 2), amniotic membrane-derived MSCs (AMMSCs, n = 3), and umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UCMSCs, n = 3). Passages included the umbilical cord at P0 (UCMSCP0, n = 2), P3 (UCMSCP3, n = 2), and P5 (UCMSCP5, n = 2) as well as the umbilical cord at P5 cultured under low-oxygen conditions (UCMSCP5L, n = 2). Results We observed that MSCs from different tissue origins clustered into six distinct functional subpopulations, each with varying proportions. Notably, ADMSCs exhibited a higher proportion of subpopulations associated with vascular regeneration, suggesting that they are beneficial for applications in vascular regeneration. Additionally, CMMSCs had a high proportion of subpopulations associated with reproductive processes. UCMSCP5 and UCMSCP5L had higher proportions of subpopulations related to female reproductive function than those for earlier passages. Furthermore, UCMSCP5L, cultured under low-oxygen (hypoxic) conditions, had a high proportion of subpopulations associated with pro-angiogenic characteristics, with implications for optimizing vascular regeneration. Conclusions This study revealed variation in the distribution of MSC subpopulations among different tissue sources, passages, and culture conditions, including differences in functions related to vascular and reproductive system regeneration. These findings hold promise for personalized regenerative medicine and may lead to more effective clinical treatments across a spectrum of medical conditions.
Yi et al. (2024) Functional variation among mesenchymal stem cells derived from different tissue sources. PeerJ 12:e17616 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17616
Andrographolide induces protective autophagy and targeting DJ-1 triggers reactive oxygen species-induced cell death in pancreatic cancer
Background Andrographolide (Andro), an extract of Andrographis paniculate (Burm.f.) Wall. ex Nees (Acanthaceae), possesses diverse biologically active properties. However, the precise mechanisms and effects of Andro on pancreatic cancer (PC) remain unclear. Methods The cytotoxic potential of Andro and underlying mechanism towards PC cells was investigated through in vitro experiments and a xenograft mouse model. PC cells were first subjected to varying concentrations of Andro. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) was assessed using flow cytometry and DCFH-DA staining. The apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry. Additionally, western blot was applied to evaluate the expression levels of cleaved-caspase-3, DJ-1, LC3-I, LC3-II, and p62. To further elucidate the involvement of ROS accumulation and autophagy, we employed N-acetylcysteine as a scavenger of ROS and 3-Methyladenine as an inhibitor of autophagy. Results Andro demonstrated potent anti-proliferative effects on PC cells and induced apoptosis, both in vitro and in vivo. The cytotoxicity of Andro on PC cells was counteracted by DJ-1 overexpression. The reduction in DJ-1 expression caused by Andro led to ROS accumulation, subsequently inhibiting the growth of PC cells. Furthermore, Andro stimulated cytoprotective autophagy, thus weakening the antitumor effect. Pharmacological blockade of autophagy further enhanced the antitumor efficacy of Andro. Conclusion Our study indicated that ROS accumulation induced by the DJ-1 reduction played a key role in Andro-mediated PC cell inhibition. Furthermore, the protective autophagy induced by the Andro in PC cells is a mechanism that needs to be addressed in future studies.
Wang et al. (2024) Andrographolide induces protective autophagy and targeting DJ-1 triggers reactive oxygen species-induced cell death in pancreatic cancer. PeerJ 12:e17619 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17619
Microbial fungicides can positively affect aubergine photosynthetic properties, soil enzyme activity and microbial community structure
Background This study examined the effects of microbial agents on the enzyme activity, microbial community construction and potential functions of inter-root soil of aubergine (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.). This study also sought to clarify the adaptability of inter-root microorganisms to environmental factors to provide a theoretical basis for the stability of the microbiology of inter-root soil of aubergine and for the ecological preservation of farmland soil. Methods Eggplant inter-root soils treated with Bacillus subtilis (QZ_T1), Bacillus subtilis (QZ_T2), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (QZ_T3), Verticillium thuringiensis (QZ_T4) and Verticillium purpureum (QZ_T5) were used to analyse the effects of different microbial agents on the inter-root soils of aubergine compared to the untreated control group (QZ_CK). The effects of different microbial agents on the characteristics and functions of inter-root soil microbial communities were analysed using 16S rRNA and ITS (internal transcribed spacer region) high-throughput sequencing techniques. Results The bacterial diversity index and fungal diversity index of the aubergine inter-root soil increased significantly with the application of microbial fungicides; gas exchange parameters and soil enzyme activities also increased. The structural and functional composition of the bacterial and fungal communities in the aubergine inter-root soil changed after fungicide treatment compared to the control, with a decrease in the abundance of phytopathogenic fungi and an increase in the abundance of beneficial fungi in the soil. Enhancement of key community functions, reduction of pathogenic fungi, modulation of environmental factors and improved functional stability of microbial communities were important factors contributing to the microbial stability of fungicide-treated aubergine inter-root soils.
Wei et al. (2024) Microbial fungicides can positively affect aubergine photosynthetic properties, soil enzyme activity and microbial community structure. PeerJ 12:e17620 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17620
The effect of a spinal thrust manipulation’s audible pop on brain wave activity: a quasi-experimental repeated measure design
Introduction High velocity thrust manipulation is commonly used when managing joint dysfunctions. Often, these thrust maneuvers will elicit an audible pop. It has been unclear what conclusively causes this audible sound and its clinical meaningfulness. This study sought to identify the effect of the audible pop on brainwave activity directly following a prone T7 thrust manipulation in asymptomatic/healthy subjects. Methods This was a quasi-experimental repeated measure study design in which 57 subjects completed the study protocol. Brain wave activity was measured with the Emotiv EPOC+, which collects data with a frequency of 128 HZ and has 14 electrodes. Testing was performed in a controlled environment with minimal electrical interference (as measured with a Gauss meter), temperature variance, lighting variance, sound pollution, and other variable changes that could have influenced or interfered with pure EEG data acquisition. After accommodation each subject underwent a prone T7 posterior-anterior thrust manipulation. Immediately after the thrust manipulation the brainwave activity was measured for 10 seconds. Results The non-audible group (N = 20) consisted of 55% males, and the audible group (N = 37) consisted of 43% males. The non-audible group EEG data revealed a significant change in brain wave activity under some of the electrodes in the frontal, parietal, and the occipital lobes. In the audible group, there was a significant change in brain wave activity under all electrodes in the frontal lobes, the parietal lobe, and the occipital lobes but not the temporal lobes. Conclusion The audible sounds caused by a thoracic high velocity thrust manipulation did not affect the activity in the audible centers in the temporal brain region. The results support the hypothesis that thrust manipulation with or without audible sound results in a generalized relaxation immediately following the manipulation. The absence of a significant difference in brainwave activity in the frontal lobe in this study might indicate that the audible pop does not produce a “placebo” mechanism.
Sillevis et al. (2024) The effect of a spinal thrust manipulation’s audible pop on brain wave activity: a quasi-experimental repeated measure design. PeerJ 12:e17622 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17622
Dragon boat exercise reshapes the temporal-spatial dynamics of the brain
Although exercise training has been shown to enhance neurological function, there is a shortage of research on how exercise training affects the temporal-spatial synchronization properties of functional networks, which are crucial to the neurological system. This study recruited 23 professional and 24 amateur dragon boat racers to perform simulated paddling on ergometers while recording EEG. The spatiotemporal dynamics of the brain were analyzed using microstates and omega complexity. Temporal dynamics results showed that microstate D, which is associated with attentional networks, appeared significantly altered, with significantly higher duration, occurrence, and coverage in the professional group than in the amateur group. The transition probabilities of microstate D exhibited a similar pattern. The spatial dynamics results showed the professional group had lower brain complexity than the amateur group, with a significant decrease in omega complexity in the α (8–12 Hz) and β (13–30 Hz) bands. Dragon boat training may strengthen the attentive network and reduce the complexity of the brain. This study provides evidence that dragon boat exercise improves the efficiency of the cerebral functional networks on a spatiotemporal scale.
Jiang et al. (2024) Dragon boat exercise reshapes the temporal-spatial dynamics of the brain. PeerJ 12:e17623 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17623
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