PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
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
items: HaMADS3, HaMADS7, and HaMADS8 are involved in petal prolongation and floret symmetry establishment in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
items: Investigating the lignocellulolytic gut microbiome of huhu grubs (Prionoplus reticularis) using defined diets and dietary switch
items: Diospyros rhodocalyx Kurz induces mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis via BAX, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 pathways in LNCaP human prostate cancer cell line

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.
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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.
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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.

HaMADS3, HaMADS7, and HaMADS8 are involved in petal prolongation and floret symmetry establishment in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The development of floral organs, crucial for the establishment of floral symmetry and morphology in higher plants, is regulated by MADS-box genes. In sunflower, the capitulum is comprised of ray and disc florets with various floral organs. In the sunflower long petal mutant (lpm), the abnormal disc (ray-like) floret possesses prolongated petals and degenerated stamens, resulting in a transformation from zygomorphic to actinomorphic symmetry. In this study, we investigated the effect of MADS-box genes on floral organs, particularly on petals, using WT and lpm plants as materials. Based on our RNA-seq data, 29 MADS-box candidate genes were identified, and their roles on floral organ development, especially in petals, were explored, by analyzing the expression levels in various tissues in WT and lpm plants through RNA-sequencing and qPCR. The results suggested that HaMADS3, HaMADS7, and HaMADS8 could regulate petal development in sunflower. High levels of HaMADS3 that relieved the inhibition of cell proliferation, together with low levels of HaMADS7 and HaMADS8, promoted petal prolongation and maintained the morphology of ray florets. In contrast, low levels of HaMADS3 and high levels of HaMADS7 and HaMADS8 repressed petal extension and maintained the morphology of disc florets. Their coordination may contribute to the differentiation of disc and ray florets in sunflower and maintain the balance between attracting pollinators and producing offspring. Meanwhile, Pearson correlation analysis between petal length and expression levels of MADS-box genes further indicated their involvement in petal prolongation. Additionally, the analysis of cis-acting elements indicated that these three MADS-box genes may regulate petal development and floral symmetry establishment by regulating the expression activity of HaCYC2c. Our findings can provide some new understanding of the molecular regulatory network of petal development and floral morphology formation, as well as the differe…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Qian Wang
creator: Zhou Su
creator: Jing Chen
creator: Weiying Chen
creator: Zhuoyuan He
creator: Shuhong Wei
creator: Jun Yang
creator: Jian Zou
subject: Genetics
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17586
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Wang et al.
abstract: The development of floral organs, crucial for the establishment of floral symmetry and morphology in higher plants, is regulated by MADS-box genes. In sunflower, the capitulum is comprised of ray and disc florets with various floral organs. In the sunflower long petal mutant (lpm), the abnormal disc (ray-like) floret possesses prolongated petals and degenerated stamens, resulting in a transformation from zygomorphic to actinomorphic symmetry. In this study, we investigated the effect of MADS-box genes on floral organs, particularly on petals, using WT and lpm plants as materials. Based on our RNA-seq data, 29 MADS-box candidate genes were identified, and their roles on floral organ development, especially in petals, were explored, by analyzing the expression levels in various tissues in WT and lpm plants through RNA-sequencing and qPCR. The results suggested that HaMADS3, HaMADS7, and HaMADS8 could regulate petal development in sunflower. High levels of HaMADS3 that relieved the inhibition of cell proliferation, together with low levels of HaMADS7 and HaMADS8, promoted petal prolongation and maintained the morphology of ray florets. In contrast, low levels of HaMADS3 and high levels of HaMADS7 and HaMADS8 repressed petal extension and maintained the morphology of disc florets. Their coordination may contribute to the differentiation of disc and ray florets in sunflower and maintain the balance between attracting pollinators and producing offspring. Meanwhile, Pearson correlation analysis between petal length and expression levels of MADS-box genes further indicated their involvement in petal prolongation. Additionally, the analysis of cis-acting elements indicated that these three MADS-box genes may regulate petal development and floral symmetry establishment by regulating the expression activity of HaCYC2c. Our findings can provide some new understanding of the molecular regulatory network of petal development and floral morphology formation, as well as the differe…
bibliographic citation: Wang et al. (2024) HaMADS3, HaMADS7, and HaMADS8 are involved in petal prolongation and floret symmetry establishment in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). PeerJ 12:e17586 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17586
date submitted: 2023-08-30
date accepted: 2024-05-27
issued: 2024-07-02
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Qian
author list: Agent
  family name: Su
  given name: Zhou
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Jing
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Weiying
author list: Agent
  family name: He
  given name: Zhuoyuan
author list: Agent
  family name: Wei
  given name: Shuhong
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Jun
author list: Agent
  family name: Zou
  given name: Jian
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17586
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-07-02
copyright: © 2024 Wang et al.
attribution name: Wang et al.

Investigating the lignocellulolytic gut microbiome of huhu grubs (Prionoplus reticularis) using defined diets and dietary switch
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The huhu beetle (Prionoplus reticularis) is the largest endemic beetle found throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, and is characterised by feeding on wood during its larval stage. It has been hypothesised that its gut microbiome plays a fundamental role in the degradation of wood. To explore this idea we examined the fungal and bacterial community composition of huhu grubs’ frass, using amplicon sequencing. Grubs were reared on an exclusive diet of either a predominantly cellulose source (cotton) or lignocellulose source (pine) for 4 months; subsequently a diet switch was performed and the grubs were grown for another 4 months. The fungal community of cellulose-reared huhu grubs was abundant in potential cellulose degraders, contrasting with the community of lignocellulose-reared grubs, which showed abundant potential soft rot fungi, yeasts, and hemicellulose and cellulose degraders. Cellulose-reared grubs showed a less diverse fungal community, however, diet switch from cellulose to lignocellulose resulted in a change in community composition that showed grubs were still capable of utilising this substrate. Conversely, diet seemed to have a limited influence on huhu grub gut bacterial communities.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jay Viswam
creator: Mafalda Baptista
creator: Charles K. Lee
creator: Hugh Morgan
creator: Ian R. McDonald
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Entomology
subject: Microbiology
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17597
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Viswam et al.
abstract: The huhu beetle (Prionoplus reticularis) is the largest endemic beetle found throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, and is characterised by feeding on wood during its larval stage. It has been hypothesised that its gut microbiome plays a fundamental role in the degradation of wood. To explore this idea we examined the fungal and bacterial community composition of huhu grubs’ frass, using amplicon sequencing. Grubs were reared on an exclusive diet of either a predominantly cellulose source (cotton) or lignocellulose source (pine) for 4 months; subsequently a diet switch was performed and the grubs were grown for another 4 months. The fungal community of cellulose-reared huhu grubs was abundant in potential cellulose degraders, contrasting with the community of lignocellulose-reared grubs, which showed abundant potential soft rot fungi, yeasts, and hemicellulose and cellulose degraders. Cellulose-reared grubs showed a less diverse fungal community, however, diet switch from cellulose to lignocellulose resulted in a change in community composition that showed grubs were still capable of utilising this substrate. Conversely, diet seemed to have a limited influence on huhu grub gut bacterial communities.
bibliographic citation: Viswam et al. (2024) Investigating the lignocellulolytic gut microbiome of huhu grubs (Prionoplus reticularis) using defined diets and dietary switch. PeerJ 12:e17597 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17597
date submitted: 2023-12-08
date accepted: 2024-05-29
issued: 2024-07-02
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Viswam
  given name: Jay
author list: Agent
  family name: Baptista
  given name: Mafalda
author list: Agent
  family name: Lee
  given name: Charles K.
author list: Agent
  family name: Morgan
  given name: Hugh
author list: Agent
  family name: McDonald
  given name: Ian R.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17597
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-07-02
copyright: © 2024 Viswam et al.
attribution name: Viswam et al.

Diospyros rhodocalyx Kurz induces mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis via BAX, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 pathways in LNCaP human prostate cancer cell line
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the causes of death in men worldwide. Although treatment strategies have been developed, the recurrence of the disease and consequential side effects remain an essential concern. Diospyros rhodocalyx Kurz, a traditional Thai medicine, exhibits diverse therapeutic properties, including anti-cancer activity. However, its anti-cancer activity against prostate cancer has not been thoroughly explored. This study aims to evaluate the anti-cancer activity and underlying mechanisms of the ethyl acetate extract of D. rhodocalyx Kurz (EADR) related to apoptosis induction in the LNCaP human prostate cancer cell line. Methods Ethyl acetate was employed to extract the dried bark of D. rhodocalyx Kurz. The cytotoxicity of EADR on both LNCaP and WPMY-1 cells (normal human prostatic myofibroblast cell line) was evaluated using MTS assay. The effect of EADR on the cell cycle, apoptosis induction, and alteration in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was assessed by the staining with propidium iodide (PI), Annexin V-FITC/PI, and JC-1 dye, respectively. Subsequent analysis was conducted using flow cytometry. The expression of cleaved caspase-3, BAX, and Bcl-2 was examined by Western blotting. The phytochemical profiling of the EADR was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results EADR exhibited a dose-dependent manner cytotoxic effect on LNCaP cells, with IC50 values of 15.43 and 12.35 µg/mL after 24 and 48 h, respectively. Although it also exhibited a cytotoxic effect on WPMY-1 cells, the effect was comparatively lower, with the IC50 values of 34.61 and 19.93 µg/mL after 24 and 48 h of exposure, respectively. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated that EADR did not induce cell cycle arrest in either LNCaP or WPMY-1 cells. However, it significantly increased the sub-G1 population in LNCaP cells, indicating a potential induction of apoptosis. The Annexin V-FITC/PI staining indicated that EADR significantly induced apoptos…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Chayisara Phongsuwichetsak
creator: Thummaruk Suksrichavalit
creator: Chawalit Chatupheeraphat
creator: Warawan Eiamphungporn
creator: Sakda Yainoy
creator: Vichanan Yamkamon
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Molecular Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17637
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Phongsuwichetsak et al.
abstract: Background Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the causes of death in men worldwide. Although treatment strategies have been developed, the recurrence of the disease and consequential side effects remain an essential concern. Diospyros rhodocalyx Kurz, a traditional Thai medicine, exhibits diverse therapeutic properties, including anti-cancer activity. However, its anti-cancer activity against prostate cancer has not been thoroughly explored. This study aims to evaluate the anti-cancer activity and underlying mechanisms of the ethyl acetate extract of D. rhodocalyx Kurz (EADR) related to apoptosis induction in the LNCaP human prostate cancer cell line. Methods Ethyl acetate was employed to extract the dried bark of D. rhodocalyx Kurz. The cytotoxicity of EADR on both LNCaP and WPMY-1 cells (normal human prostatic myofibroblast cell line) was evaluated using MTS assay. The effect of EADR on the cell cycle, apoptosis induction, and alteration in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was assessed by the staining with propidium iodide (PI), Annexin V-FITC/PI, and JC-1 dye, respectively. Subsequent analysis was conducted using flow cytometry. The expression of cleaved caspase-3, BAX, and Bcl-2 was examined by Western blotting. The phytochemical profiling of the EADR was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results EADR exhibited a dose-dependent manner cytotoxic effect on LNCaP cells, with IC50 values of 15.43 and 12.35 µg/mL after 24 and 48 h, respectively. Although it also exhibited a cytotoxic effect on WPMY-1 cells, the effect was comparatively lower, with the IC50 values of 34.61 and 19.93 µg/mL after 24 and 48 h of exposure, respectively. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated that EADR did not induce cell cycle arrest in either LNCaP or WPMY-1 cells. However, it significantly increased the sub-G1 population in LNCaP cells, indicating a potential induction of apoptosis. The Annexin V-FITC/PI staining indicated that EADR significantly induced apoptos…
bibliographic citation: Phongsuwichetsak et al. (2024) Diospyros rhodocalyx Kurz induces mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis via BAX, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 pathways in LNCaP human prostate cancer cell line. PeerJ 12:e17637 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17637
date submitted: 2023-12-22
date accepted: 2024-06-05
issued: 2024-07-01
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Phongsuwichetsak
  given name: Chayisara
author list: Agent
  family name: Suksrichavalit
  given name: Thummaruk
author list: Agent
  family name: Chatupheeraphat
  given name: Chawalit
author list: Agent
  family name: Eiamphungporn
  given name: Warawan
author list: Agent
  family name: Yainoy
  given name: Sakda
author list: Agent
  family name: Yamkamon
  given name: Vichanan
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17637
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-07-01
copyright: © 2024 Phongsuwichetsak et al.
attribution name: Phongsuwichetsak et al.

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