PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: A hyaena on stilts: comparison of the limb morphology of Ictitherium ebu (Mammalia: Hyaenidae) from the Late Miocene of Lothagam, Turkana Basin, Kenya with extant Canidae and Hyaenidae
items: Phenethyl isothiocyanate inhibits the carcinogenic properties of hepatocellular carcinoma Huh7.5.1 cells by activating MAPK/PI3K-Akt/p53 signaling pathways
items: Adoption of CRISPR-Cas for crop production: present status and future prospects
items: Baseline haematological parameters in three common Australian frog species
items: Comparative study of the gut microbial community structure of Spodoptera frugiperda and Spodoptera literal (Lepidoptera)
items: Agreement and differences between the equations for estimating muscle and bone mass using the anthropometric method in recreational strength trainees
items: Research advances in predicting the expansion of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage based on CT images: an overview
items: The antimicrobial activity of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) and its metal nanoparticles in oral bacteria
items: Lumbar extension peak-torque, muscle endurance and motor imagery in junior-elite basketballers with and without a history of low back pain: a pilot study
items: Movement patterns of two reintegrated African elephant (Loxodonta africana) herds: transitioning from captivity to free-living

A hyaena on stilts: comparison of the limb morphology of Ictitherium ebu (Mammalia: Hyaenidae) from the Late Miocene of Lothagam, Turkana Basin, Kenya with extant Canidae and Hyaenidae
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The long, gracile morphology of the limb bones of the Late Miocene hyaenid Ictitherium ebu has led to the hypothesis that this animal was cursorial. The forelimb and femur of the holotype were compared with specimens of extant Hyaenidae and Canidae. Two morphometric methods were used. The first used measurements to calculate indices of different morphological characters. The second method involved capturing photographs of the anterior distal humerus of each specimen, mapping six landmarks on them, and calculating truss distances. These distances represent a schematic reproduction of the elbow. Multivariate statistical analysis primarily separated the data based on taxonomy, yet locomotor and habitat categories were also considered. Ictitherium ebu has an overall morphology similar to that of the maned wolf and a distal humerus reminiscent of that of the aardwolf. The long, gracile limb bones of I. ebu are suggested to be adaptations for pouncing on prey, for locomotor efficiency, and for looking over the tall grass of the open environments the animal lived in, much like the present-day maned wolf.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Julien van der Hoek
creator: Lars Werdelin
subject: Ecology
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Paleontology
subject: Zoology
subject: Anatomy and Physiology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17405
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 van der Hoek and Werdelin
abstract: The long, gracile morphology of the limb bones of the Late Miocene hyaenid Ictitherium ebu has led to the hypothesis that this animal was cursorial. The forelimb and femur of the holotype were compared with specimens of extant Hyaenidae and Canidae. Two morphometric methods were used. The first used measurements to calculate indices of different morphological characters. The second method involved capturing photographs of the anterior distal humerus of each specimen, mapping six landmarks on them, and calculating truss distances. These distances represent a schematic reproduction of the elbow. Multivariate statistical analysis primarily separated the data based on taxonomy, yet locomotor and habitat categories were also considered. Ictitherium ebu has an overall morphology similar to that of the maned wolf and a distal humerus reminiscent of that of the aardwolf. The long, gracile limb bones of I. ebu are suggested to be adaptations for pouncing on prey, for locomotor efficiency, and for looking over the tall grass of the open environments the animal lived in, much like the present-day maned wolf.
bibliographic citation: van der Hoek et al. (2024) A hyaena on stilts: comparison of the limb morphology of Ictitherium ebu (Mammalia: Hyaenidae) from the Late Miocene of Lothagam, Turkana Basin, Kenya with extant Canidae and Hyaenidae. PeerJ 12:e17405 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17405
date submitted: 2023-12-15
date accepted: 2024-04-25
issued: 2024-06-10
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: van der Hoek
  given name: Julien
author list: Agent
  family name: Werdelin
  given name: Lars
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17405
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-06-10
copyright: ©2024 van der Hoek and Werdelin
attribution name: van der Hoek and Werdelin

Phenethyl isothiocyanate inhibits the carcinogenic properties of hepatocellular carcinoma Huh7.5.1 cells by activating MAPK/PI3K-Akt/p53 signaling pathways
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy with limited effective treatment options. Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) is a bioactive substance present primarily in the cruciferous vegetables. PEITC has exhibited anti-cancer properties in various cancers, including lung, bile duct, and prostate cancers. It has been demonstrated that PEITC can inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of SK-Hep1 cells, while effectively inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in HepG2 cells. However, knowledge of its anti-carcinogenic effects on Huh7.5.1 cells and its underlying mechanism remains elusive. In the present study, we aim to evaluate the anti-carcinogenic effects of PEITC on human HCC Huh7.5.1 cells. Methods MTT assay and colony formation assay was performed to investigate the anti-proliferative effects of PEITC against Huh7.5.1 cells. The pro-apoptosis effects of PEITC were determined by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining assay by flow cytometry (FCM), mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MMP) measurement, and Caspase-3 activity detection. A DAPI staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay was conducted to estimate the DNA damage in Huh7.5.1 cells induced by PEITC. Cell cycle progression was determined by FCM. Transwell invasion assay and wound healing migration assay were performed to investigate the impact of PEITC on the migration and invasion of Huh7.5.1 cells. In addition, transcriptome sequencing and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were used to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of the inhibitory effects of PEITC on HCC. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis was performed to verify the transcriptome data. Results MTT assay showed that treatment of Huh7.5.1 cells with PEITC resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in viability, and colony formation assay further confirmed its anti-proliferative effect. Furthermore, we found that PEITC could induce mitochondria…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jiao Du
creator: Yuting Zhang
creator: Jiajia Chen
creator: Libo Jin
creator: Liying Pan
creator: Pengyu Lei
creator: Sue Lin
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Oncology
subject: Pharmacology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17532
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Du et al.
abstract: Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy with limited effective treatment options. Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) is a bioactive substance present primarily in the cruciferous vegetables. PEITC has exhibited anti-cancer properties in various cancers, including lung, bile duct, and prostate cancers. It has been demonstrated that PEITC can inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of SK-Hep1 cells, while effectively inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in HepG2 cells. However, knowledge of its anti-carcinogenic effects on Huh7.5.1 cells and its underlying mechanism remains elusive. In the present study, we aim to evaluate the anti-carcinogenic effects of PEITC on human HCC Huh7.5.1 cells. Methods MTT assay and colony formation assay was performed to investigate the anti-proliferative effects of PEITC against Huh7.5.1 cells. The pro-apoptosis effects of PEITC were determined by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining assay by flow cytometry (FCM), mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MMP) measurement, and Caspase-3 activity detection. A DAPI staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay was conducted to estimate the DNA damage in Huh7.5.1 cells induced by PEITC. Cell cycle progression was determined by FCM. Transwell invasion assay and wound healing migration assay were performed to investigate the impact of PEITC on the migration and invasion of Huh7.5.1 cells. In addition, transcriptome sequencing and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were used to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of the inhibitory effects of PEITC on HCC. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis was performed to verify the transcriptome data. Results MTT assay showed that treatment of Huh7.5.1 cells with PEITC resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in viability, and colony formation assay further confirmed its anti-proliferative effect. Furthermore, we found that PEITC could induce mitochondria…
bibliographic citation: Du et al. (2024) Phenethyl isothiocyanate inhibits the carcinogenic properties of hepatocellular carcinoma Huh7.5.1 cells by activating MAPK/PI3K-Akt/p53 signaling pathways. PeerJ 12:e17532 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17532
date submitted: 2024-02-09
date accepted: 2024-05-17
issued: 2024-06-10
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Du
  given name: Jiao
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Yuting
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Jiajia
author list: Agent
  family name: Jin
  given name: Libo
author list: Agent
  family name: Pan
  given name: Liying
author list: Agent
  family name: Lei
  given name: Pengyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Lin
  given name: Sue
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17532
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-06-10
copyright: ©2024 Du et al.
attribution name: Du et al.

Adoption of CRISPR-Cas for crop production: present status and future prospects
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Global food systems in recent years have been impacted by some harsh environmental challenges and excessive anthropogenic activities. The increasing levels of both biotic and abiotic stressors have led to a decline in food production, safety, and quality. This has also contributed to a low crop production rate and difficulty in meeting the requirements of the ever-growing population. Several biotic stresses have developed above natural resistance in crops coupled with alarming contamination rates. In particular, the multiple antibiotic resistance in bacteria and some other plant pathogens has been a hot topic over recent years since the food system is often exposed to contamination at each of the farm-to-fork stages. Therefore, a system that prioritizes the safety, quality, and availability of foods is needed to meet the health and dietary preferences of everyone at every time. Methods This review collected scattered information on food systems and proposes methods for plant disease management. Multiple databases were searched for relevant specialized literature in the field. Particular attention was placed on the genetic methods with special interest in the potentials of the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and Cas (CRISPR associated) proteins technology in food systems and security. Results The review reveals the approaches that have been developed to salvage the problem of food insecurity in an attempt to achieve sustainable agriculture. On crop plants, some systems tend towards either enhancing the systemic resistance or engineering resistant varieties against known pathogens. The CRISPR-Cas technology has become a popular tool for engineering desired genes in living organisms. This review discusses its impact and why it should be considered in the sustainable management, availability, and quality of food systems. Some important roles of CRISPR-Cas have been established concerning conventional and earlier genome editi…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Akinlolu Olalekan Akanmu
creator: Michael Dare Asemoloye
creator: Mario Andrea Marchisio
creator: Olubukola Oluranti Babalola
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Bioengineering
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Microbiology
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17402
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Akanmu et al.
abstract: Background Global food systems in recent years have been impacted by some harsh environmental challenges and excessive anthropogenic activities. The increasing levels of both biotic and abiotic stressors have led to a decline in food production, safety, and quality. This has also contributed to a low crop production rate and difficulty in meeting the requirements of the ever-growing population. Several biotic stresses have developed above natural resistance in crops coupled with alarming contamination rates. In particular, the multiple antibiotic resistance in bacteria and some other plant pathogens has been a hot topic over recent years since the food system is often exposed to contamination at each of the farm-to-fork stages. Therefore, a system that prioritizes the safety, quality, and availability of foods is needed to meet the health and dietary preferences of everyone at every time. Methods This review collected scattered information on food systems and proposes methods for plant disease management. Multiple databases were searched for relevant specialized literature in the field. Particular attention was placed on the genetic methods with special interest in the potentials of the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and Cas (CRISPR associated) proteins technology in food systems and security. Results The review reveals the approaches that have been developed to salvage the problem of food insecurity in an attempt to achieve sustainable agriculture. On crop plants, some systems tend towards either enhancing the systemic resistance or engineering resistant varieties against known pathogens. The CRISPR-Cas technology has become a popular tool for engineering desired genes in living organisms. This review discusses its impact and why it should be considered in the sustainable management, availability, and quality of food systems. Some important roles of CRISPR-Cas have been established concerning conventional and earlier genome editi…
bibliographic citation: Akanmu et al. (2024) Adoption of CRISPR-Cas for crop production: present status and future prospects. PeerJ 12:e17402 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17402
date submitted: 2023-06-16
date accepted: 2024-04-25
issued: 2024-06-07
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Akanmu
  given name: Akinlolu Olalekan
author list: Agent
  family name: Asemoloye
  given name: Michael Dare
author list: Agent
  family name: Marchisio
  given name: Mario Andrea
author list: Agent
  family name: Babalola
  given name: Olubukola Oluranti
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17402
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-06-07
copyright: ©2024 Akanmu et al.
attribution name: Akanmu et al.

Baseline haematological parameters in three common Australian frog species
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Amphibians are experiencing declines globally, with emerging infectious diseases as one of the main causes. Haematological parameters present a useful method for determining the health status of animals and the effects of particular diseases, but the interpretation of differential cell counts relies on knowing the normal ranges for the species and factors that can affect these counts. However, there is very little data on either normal haematological parameters or guides for blood cell types for free-ranging frog species across the world. This study aims to 1) create a visual guide for three different Australian frog species: Litoria paraewingi, Limnodynastes dumerilii, and Crinia signifera, 2) determine the proportions of erythrocytes to leukocytes and 3) differential leukocytes within blood smears from these three species and 4) assess the association between parasites and differential counts. We collected blood samples from free-ranging frogs and analysed blood smears. We also looked for ectoparasites and tested for the fungal disease chytridiomycosis. Overall, we found that the differentials of erythrocytes to leukocytes were not affected by species, but the proportions of different leukocytes did vary across species. For example, while lymphocytes were the most common type of leukocyte across the three species, eosinophils were relatively common in Limnodynastes dumerilii but rarely present in the other two species. We noted chytridiomycosis infection as well as ectoparasites present in some individuals but found no effect of parasites on blood parameters. Our results add baseline haematological parameters for three Australian frog species and provide an example of how different frog species can vary in their differential blood cell counts. More information is needed on frog haematological data before these parameters can be used to determine the health status of wild or captive frogs.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Tara Jadwani-Bungar
creator: Nicholas P. Doidge
creator: Danielle K. Wallace
creator: Laura A. Brannelly
subject: Conservation Biology
subject: Ecology
subject: Veterinary Medicine
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17406
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Jadwani-Bungar et al.
abstract: Amphibians are experiencing declines globally, with emerging infectious diseases as one of the main causes. Haematological parameters present a useful method for determining the health status of animals and the effects of particular diseases, but the interpretation of differential cell counts relies on knowing the normal ranges for the species and factors that can affect these counts. However, there is very little data on either normal haematological parameters or guides for blood cell types for free-ranging frog species across the world. This study aims to 1) create a visual guide for three different Australian frog species: Litoria paraewingi, Limnodynastes dumerilii, and Crinia signifera, 2) determine the proportions of erythrocytes to leukocytes and 3) differential leukocytes within blood smears from these three species and 4) assess the association between parasites and differential counts. We collected blood samples from free-ranging frogs and analysed blood smears. We also looked for ectoparasites and tested for the fungal disease chytridiomycosis. Overall, we found that the differentials of erythrocytes to leukocytes were not affected by species, but the proportions of different leukocytes did vary across species. For example, while lymphocytes were the most common type of leukocyte across the three species, eosinophils were relatively common in Limnodynastes dumerilii but rarely present in the other two species. We noted chytridiomycosis infection as well as ectoparasites present in some individuals but found no effect of parasites on blood parameters. Our results add baseline haematological parameters for three Australian frog species and provide an example of how different frog species can vary in their differential blood cell counts. More information is needed on frog haematological data before these parameters can be used to determine the health status of wild or captive frogs.
bibliographic citation: Jadwani-Bungar et al. (2024) Baseline haematological parameters in three common Australian frog species. PeerJ 12:e17406 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17406
date submitted: 2023-09-13
date accepted: 2024-04-25
issued: 2024-06-07
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Jadwani-Bungar
  given name: Tara
author list: Agent
  family name: Doidge
  given name: Nicholas P.
author list: Agent
  family name: Wallace
  given name: Danielle K.
author list: Agent
  family name: Brannelly
  given name: Laura A.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17406
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-06-07
copyright: © 2024 Jadwani-Bungar et al.
attribution name: Jadwani-Bungar et al.

Comparative study of the gut microbial community structure of Spodoptera frugiperda and Spodoptera literal (Lepidoptera)
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Spodoptera frugiperda, the fall armyworm is a destructive invasive pest, and S. litura the tobacco cutworm, is a native species closely related to S. frugiperda. The gut microbiota plays a vital role in insect growth, development, metabolism and immune system. Research on the competition between invasive species and closely related native species has focused on differences in the adaptability of insects to the environment. Little is known about gut symbiotic microbe composition and its role in influencing competitive differences between these two insects. Methods We used a culture-independent approach targeting the 16S rRNA gene of gut bacteria of 5th instar larvae of S. frugiperda and S. litura. Larvae were reared continuously on maize leaves for five generations. We analyzed the composition, abundance, diversity, and metabolic function of gut microbiomes of S. frugiperda and S. litura larvae. Results Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes were the dominant bacterial phyla in both species. Enterococcus, ZOR0006, Escherichia, Bacteroides, and Lactobacillus were the genera with the highest abundance in S. frugiperda. Enterococcus, Erysipelatoclostridium, ZOR0006, Enterobacter, and Bacteroides had the highest abundance in S. litura. According to α-diversity analysis, the gut bacterial diversity of S. frugiperda was significantly higher than that of S. litura. KEGG analysis showed 15 significant differences in metabolic pathways between S. frugiperda and S. litura gut bacteria, including transcription, cell growth and death, excretory system and circulatory system pathways. Conclusion In the same habitat, the larvae of S. frugiperda and S. litura showed significant differences in gut bacterial diversity and community composition. Regarding the composition and function of gut bacteria, the invasive species S. frugiperda may have a competitive advantage over S. litura. This study provides a foundation for developing control strategies for S. frugiperda …
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Yaping Chen
creator: Yao Chen
creator: Yahong Li
creator: Ewei Du
creator: Zhongxiang Sun
creator: Zhihui Lu
creator: Furong Gui
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Entomology
subject: Microbiology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17450
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Chen et al.
abstract: Background Spodoptera frugiperda, the fall armyworm is a destructive invasive pest, and S. litura the tobacco cutworm, is a native species closely related to S. frugiperda. The gut microbiota plays a vital role in insect growth, development, metabolism and immune system. Research on the competition between invasive species and closely related native species has focused on differences in the adaptability of insects to the environment. Little is known about gut symbiotic microbe composition and its role in influencing competitive differences between these two insects. Methods We used a culture-independent approach targeting the 16S rRNA gene of gut bacteria of 5th instar larvae of S. frugiperda and S. litura. Larvae were reared continuously on maize leaves for five generations. We analyzed the composition, abundance, diversity, and metabolic function of gut microbiomes of S. frugiperda and S. litura larvae. Results Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes were the dominant bacterial phyla in both species. Enterococcus, ZOR0006, Escherichia, Bacteroides, and Lactobacillus were the genera with the highest abundance in S. frugiperda. Enterococcus, Erysipelatoclostridium, ZOR0006, Enterobacter, and Bacteroides had the highest abundance in S. litura. According to α-diversity analysis, the gut bacterial diversity of S. frugiperda was significantly higher than that of S. litura. KEGG analysis showed 15 significant differences in metabolic pathways between S. frugiperda and S. litura gut bacteria, including transcription, cell growth and death, excretory system and circulatory system pathways. Conclusion In the same habitat, the larvae of S. frugiperda and S. litura showed significant differences in gut bacterial diversity and community composition. Regarding the composition and function of gut bacteria, the invasive species S. frugiperda may have a competitive advantage over S. litura. This study provides a foundation for developing control strategies for S. frugiperda …
bibliographic citation: Chen et al. (2024) Comparative study of the gut microbial community structure of Spodoptera frugiperda and Spodoptera literal (Lepidoptera). PeerJ 12:e17450 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17450
date submitted: 2024-02-14
date accepted: 2024-05-03
issued: 2024-06-07
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Yaping
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Yao
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Yahong
author list: Agent
  family name: Du
  given name: Ewei
author list: Agent
  family name: Sun
  given name: Zhongxiang
author list: Agent
  family name: Lu
  given name: Zhihui
author list: Agent
  family name: Gui
  given name: Furong
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17450
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-06-07
copyright: ©2024 Chen et al.
attribution name: Chen et al.

Agreement and differences between the equations for estimating muscle and bone mass using the anthropometric method in recreational strength trainees
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Introduction The interest in estimating muscle mass (MM) and bone mass (BM) has grown in the sporting arena, and more specifically in recreational strength trainees, leading to the creation of different strategies to assess them. The aims were: 1) to investigate the agreement between different MM and BM formulas, and the muscle-bone index (MBI), and to establish the differences between them, in a healthy young adult population; and 2) to analyze if there are differences between males and females in the comparison of MM, BM and MBI formulas. Methods This study followed a descriptive cross-sectional design. A total of 130 adult active recreational strength trainees were evaluated according to the procedures described by the International Society for the Advancement in Kinanthropometry (ISAK). Estimations were made in kilograms of MM and BM by following the equations by different authors. Results The results showed significant differences between the values obtained by all the MM and BM formulas in the general sample (p < 0.001), and by the majority of formulas for male and female samples. In the general sample, Lin’s coefficient indicated a strong agreement between Kerr, Lee, and Poortmans’ MM estimation equations (concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) = 0.96–0.97). However, when stratifying by sex, this agreement persisted only in males (CCC = 0.90–0.94), in contrast with a lack of agreement observed in females (CCC < 0.90). Discrepancies in bone mass agreement were noted both in the general sample (CCC < 0.15) and when stratified by sex (CCC < 0.12). Conclusions In general, differences were found between the values reported by the MM and BM formulas in recreational strength trainees, without an agreement between them. Sex was shown to significantly influence the differences found. The practical implications are that when comparing an individual with reference tables, other studies, or if analyzing an individual’s evolution, the same estimation equation should be…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Nicolás Baglietto
creator: Mario Albaladejo-Saura
creator: Francisco Esparza-Ros
creator: Raquel Vaquero-Cristóbal
subject: Nutrition
subject: Sports Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17506
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Baglietto et al.
abstract: Introduction The interest in estimating muscle mass (MM) and bone mass (BM) has grown in the sporting arena, and more specifically in recreational strength trainees, leading to the creation of different strategies to assess them. The aims were: 1) to investigate the agreement between different MM and BM formulas, and the muscle-bone index (MBI), and to establish the differences between them, in a healthy young adult population; and 2) to analyze if there are differences between males and females in the comparison of MM, BM and MBI formulas. Methods This study followed a descriptive cross-sectional design. A total of 130 adult active recreational strength trainees were evaluated according to the procedures described by the International Society for the Advancement in Kinanthropometry (ISAK). Estimations were made in kilograms of MM and BM by following the equations by different authors. Results The results showed significant differences between the values obtained by all the MM and BM formulas in the general sample (p < 0.001), and by the majority of formulas for male and female samples. In the general sample, Lin’s coefficient indicated a strong agreement between Kerr, Lee, and Poortmans’ MM estimation equations (concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) = 0.96–0.97). However, when stratifying by sex, this agreement persisted only in males (CCC = 0.90–0.94), in contrast with a lack of agreement observed in females (CCC < 0.90). Discrepancies in bone mass agreement were noted both in the general sample (CCC < 0.15) and when stratified by sex (CCC < 0.12). Conclusions In general, differences were found between the values reported by the MM and BM formulas in recreational strength trainees, without an agreement between them. Sex was shown to significantly influence the differences found. The practical implications are that when comparing an individual with reference tables, other studies, or if analyzing an individual’s evolution, the same estimation equation should be…
bibliographic citation: Baglietto et al. (2024) Agreement and differences between the equations for estimating muscle and bone mass using the anthropometric method in recreational strength trainees. PeerJ 12:e17506 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17506
date submitted: 2024-02-02
date accepted: 2024-05-13
issued: 2024-06-07
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Baglietto
  given name: Nicolás
author list: Agent
  family name: Albaladejo-Saura
  given name: Mario
author list: Agent
  family name: Esparza-Ros
  given name: Francisco
author list: Agent
  family name: Vaquero-Cristóbal
  given name: Raquel
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17506
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-06-07
copyright: © 2024 Baglietto et al.
attribution name: Baglietto et al.

Research advances in predicting the expansion of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage based on CT images: an overview
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Hematoma expansion (HE) is an important risk factor for death or poor prognosis in patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH). Accurately predicting the risk of HE in patients with HICH is of great clinical significance for timely intervention and improving patient prognosis. Many imaging signs reported in literatures showed the important clinical value for predicting HE. In recent years, the development of radiomics and artificial intelligence has provided new methods for HE prediction with high accuracy. Therefore, this article reviews the latest research progress in CT imaging, radiomics, and artificial intelligence of HE, in order to help identify high-risk patients for HE in clinical practice.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Min Ai
creator: Hanghang Zhang
creator: Junbang Feng
creator: Hongying Chen
creator: Di Liu
creator: Chang Li
creator: Fei Yu
creator: Chuanming Li
subject: Neurology
subject: Radiology and Medical Imaging
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17556
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Ai et al.
abstract: Hematoma expansion (HE) is an important risk factor for death or poor prognosis in patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH). Accurately predicting the risk of HE in patients with HICH is of great clinical significance for timely intervention and improving patient prognosis. Many imaging signs reported in literatures showed the important clinical value for predicting HE. In recent years, the development of radiomics and artificial intelligence has provided new methods for HE prediction with high accuracy. Therefore, this article reviews the latest research progress in CT imaging, radiomics, and artificial intelligence of HE, in order to help identify high-risk patients for HE in clinical practice.
bibliographic citation: Ai et al. (2024) Research advances in predicting the expansion of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage based on CT images: an overview. PeerJ 12:e17556 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17556
date submitted: 2024-02-01
date accepted: 2024-05-21
issued: 2024-06-07
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
author list: Agent
  family name: Ai
  given name: Min
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Hanghang
author list: Agent
  family name: Feng
  given name: Junbang
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Hongying
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Di
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Chang
author list: Agent
  family name: Yu
  given name: Fei
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Chuanming
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17556
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-06-07
copyright: © 2024 Ai et al.
attribution name: Ai et al.

The antimicrobial activity of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) and its metal nanoparticles in oral bacteria
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil (TTO) is an antimicrobial agent, and hence, its use in fabricating nanoparticles (NP) may be useful in providing more efficacious antimicrobial agents. The current research aimed to test the antimicrobial efficacy of TTO and its TTO-Metal-NPs against oral microbes: Porphyromonas gingivalis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Streptococcus mutans. The antimicrobial activity of TTO and zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) nanoparticles (NPs) and the combined effects of antimicrobial agents were investigated using agar well diffusion assays. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used to identify the phyto-constituents of TTO. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), dynamic light scatter (DLS), and zeta potential were utilized to analyze the biogenic nanoparticles’ morphology, size, and potential. The antimicrobial mode of action was determined by assessing the morphological changes under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The TTO extracts converted Zn and Fe ions to NPs, having an average size of 97.50 (ZnNPs) and 102.4 nm (FeNPs). All tested agents had significant antibacterial efficacy against the tested oral microbes. However, the TTO extract was more efficacious than the NPs. Combination treatment of TTO with antibiotics resulted in partial additive effects against P. gingivalis and partial antagonistic effects against E. faecalis, S. mutans, and common mouthwashes (Oral B and chlorhexidine). TTO and NP-treated bacteria underwent morphological changes on treatment. M. alternifolia phytochemicals could be useful for further research and development of antimicrobial NPs. The current study highlights the variance in activity observed for different types of bacteria and antagonistic effects seen with common mouthwashes, which represent a threat to therapeutic efficacy and heighten the risk of clinical microbial resistance.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Afrah E. Mohammed
creator: Reham M. Aldahasi
creator: Ishrat Rahman
creator: Ashwag Shami
creator: Modhi Alotaibi
creator: Munerah S. BinShabaib
creator: Shatha S. ALHarthi
creator: Kawther Aabed
subject: Microbiology
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17241
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Mohammed et al.
abstract: Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil (TTO) is an antimicrobial agent, and hence, its use in fabricating nanoparticles (NP) may be useful in providing more efficacious antimicrobial agents. The current research aimed to test the antimicrobial efficacy of TTO and its TTO-Metal-NPs against oral microbes: Porphyromonas gingivalis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Streptococcus mutans. The antimicrobial activity of TTO and zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) nanoparticles (NPs) and the combined effects of antimicrobial agents were investigated using agar well diffusion assays. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used to identify the phyto-constituents of TTO. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), dynamic light scatter (DLS), and zeta potential were utilized to analyze the biogenic nanoparticles’ morphology, size, and potential. The antimicrobial mode of action was determined by assessing the morphological changes under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The TTO extracts converted Zn and Fe ions to NPs, having an average size of 97.50 (ZnNPs) and 102.4 nm (FeNPs). All tested agents had significant antibacterial efficacy against the tested oral microbes. However, the TTO extract was more efficacious than the NPs. Combination treatment of TTO with antibiotics resulted in partial additive effects against P. gingivalis and partial antagonistic effects against E. faecalis, S. mutans, and common mouthwashes (Oral B and chlorhexidine). TTO and NP-treated bacteria underwent morphological changes on treatment. M. alternifolia phytochemicals could be useful for further research and development of antimicrobial NPs. The current study highlights the variance in activity observed for different types of bacteria and antagonistic effects seen with common mouthwashes, which represent a threat to therapeutic efficacy and heighten the risk of clinical microbial resistance.
bibliographic citation: Mohammed et al. (2024) The antimicrobial activity of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) and its metal nanoparticles in oral bacteria. PeerJ 12:e17241 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17241
date submitted: 2023-11-27
date accepted: 2024-03-25
issued: 2024-06-06
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Mohammed
  given name: Afrah E.
author list: Agent
  family name: Aldahasi
  given name: Reham M.
author list: Agent
  family name: Rahman
  given name: Ishrat
author list: Agent
  family name: Shami
  given name: Ashwag
author list: Agent
  family name: Alotaibi
  given name: Modhi
author list: Agent
  family name: BinShabaib
  given name: Munerah S.
author list: Agent
  family name: ALHarthi
  given name: Shatha S.
author list: Agent
  family name: Aabed
  given name: Kawther
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17241
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-06-06
copyright: ©2024 Mohammed et al.
attribution name: Mohammed et al.

Lumbar extension peak-torque, muscle endurance and motor imagery in junior-elite basketballers with and without a history of low back pain: a pilot study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Objectives Low back pain (LBP) is common in elite athletes. Several peripheral and central factors have been identified to be altered in non-athletic LBP populations, however whether these alterations also exist in elite athletes with LBP is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether elite basketballers with a history of persistent LBP perform worse than those without LBP at a lumbar muscle endurance task, a lumbar extension peak-torque task, and a lumbar motor imagery task. Method An observational pilot study. Twenty junior elite-level male basketballers with (n = 11) and without (n = 9) a history of persistent LBP were recruited. Athletes completed a lumbar extensor muscle endurance (Biering-Sorensen) task, two lumbar extensor peak-torque (modified Biering-Sorensen) tasks and two motor imagery (left/right lumbar and hand judgement) tasks across two sessions (48 hours apart). Performance in these tasks were compared between the groups with and without a history of LBP. Results Young athletes with a history of LBP had reduced lumbar extensor muscle endurance (p < 0.001), reduced lumbar extension peak-torque (p < 0.001), and were less accurate at the left/right lumbar judgement task (p = 0.02) but no less accurate at a left/right hand judgement task (p = 0.59), than athletes without a history of LBP. Response times for both left/right judgement tasks did not differ between groups (lumbar p = 0.24; hand p = 0.58). Conclusions Junior elite male basketballers with a history of LBP demonstrate reduced lumbar extensor muscle endurance and lumbar extension peak-torque and are less accurate at a left/right lumbar rotation judgement task, than those without LBP.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Tim Glazebrook
creator: Jennifer Cooke
creator: Gordon Waddington
creator: Sarah B. Wallwork
subject: Anesthesiology and Pain Management
subject: Orthopedics
subject: Sports Injury
subject: Rehabilitation
subject: Sports Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17508
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Glazebrook et al.
abstract: Objectives Low back pain (LBP) is common in elite athletes. Several peripheral and central factors have been identified to be altered in non-athletic LBP populations, however whether these alterations also exist in elite athletes with LBP is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether elite basketballers with a history of persistent LBP perform worse than those without LBP at a lumbar muscle endurance task, a lumbar extension peak-torque task, and a lumbar motor imagery task. Method An observational pilot study. Twenty junior elite-level male basketballers with (n = 11) and without (n = 9) a history of persistent LBP were recruited. Athletes completed a lumbar extensor muscle endurance (Biering-Sorensen) task, two lumbar extensor peak-torque (modified Biering-Sorensen) tasks and two motor imagery (left/right lumbar and hand judgement) tasks across two sessions (48 hours apart). Performance in these tasks were compared between the groups with and without a history of LBP. Results Young athletes with a history of LBP had reduced lumbar extensor muscle endurance (p < 0.001), reduced lumbar extension peak-torque (p < 0.001), and were less accurate at the left/right lumbar judgement task (p = 0.02) but no less accurate at a left/right hand judgement task (p = 0.59), than athletes without a history of LBP. Response times for both left/right judgement tasks did not differ between groups (lumbar p = 0.24; hand p = 0.58). Conclusions Junior elite male basketballers with a history of LBP demonstrate reduced lumbar extensor muscle endurance and lumbar extension peak-torque and are less accurate at a left/right lumbar rotation judgement task, than those without LBP.
bibliographic citation: Glazebrook et al. (2024) Lumbar extension peak-torque, muscle endurance and motor imagery in junior-elite basketballers with and without a history of low back pain: a pilot study. PeerJ 12:e17508 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17508
date submitted: 2023-10-20
date accepted: 2024-05-13
issued: 2024-06-06
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Glazebrook
  given name: Tim
author list: Agent
  family name: Cooke
  given name: Jennifer
author list: Agent
  family name: Waddington
  given name: Gordon
author list: Agent
  family name: Wallwork
  given name: Sarah B.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17508
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-06-06
copyright: ©2024 Glazebrook et al.
attribution name: Glazebrook et al.

Movement patterns of two reintegrated African elephant (Loxodonta africana) herds: transitioning from captivity to free-living
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: With the escalating challenges in captive elephant management, the study of elephant reintegration emerges as a pivotal area of research, primarily addressing the enhancement of animal welfare. The term ‘reintegration’ refers to the process of rehabilitating captive elephants to a natural system, allowing them to roam freely without intensive human intervention. There is a relative paucity of research addressing the behavioural adaptations post-reintegration, despite reintegration of over 20 elephants across various fenced reserves in South Africa. Our study centres on two distinct herds of reintegrated African elephants, monitoring their movement patterns in two South African reserves over a 57-month period post-release. The primary goal of the study was to establish whether the flexibility and adaptability of movement behaviour of reintegrated elephants can be considered as one of the indicators of determining the success of such an operation. The second aim of our study was to investigate if the reintegrated elephants demonstrated an adaptability to their environment through their hourly, daily, and seasonal ranging patterns after a period of free roaming that exceeded 4 years. Our findings indicated that reintegrated elephants, much like their wild counterparts (movement based on literature), displayed notable seasonal and diurnal variations in key movement parameters, such as utilisation distribution areas and reserve utilization. These patterns changed over time, reflecting an adaptive shift in movement patterns after several years of free roaming. Notably, the trajectory of changes in movement parameters varied between herds, indicating unique adaptation responses, likely resulting from differences in the reintegration process (familiarity of reserve, season of release, presence of wild elephants). Although our study is constrained by the limited number of reintegrated herds available for analysis, it underscores the potential of captive elephants to successf…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Tenisha Roos
creator: Andrew Purdon
creator: Victoria Boult
creator: Audrey Delsink
creator: Brett Mitchell
creator: Petrus Johannes Kilian
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Conservation Biology
subject: Ecology
subject: Zoology
subject: Spatial and Geographic Information Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17535
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Roos et al.
abstract: With the escalating challenges in captive elephant management, the study of elephant reintegration emerges as a pivotal area of research, primarily addressing the enhancement of animal welfare. The term ‘reintegration’ refers to the process of rehabilitating captive elephants to a natural system, allowing them to roam freely without intensive human intervention. There is a relative paucity of research addressing the behavioural adaptations post-reintegration, despite reintegration of over 20 elephants across various fenced reserves in South Africa. Our study centres on two distinct herds of reintegrated African elephants, monitoring their movement patterns in two South African reserves over a 57-month period post-release. The primary goal of the study was to establish whether the flexibility and adaptability of movement behaviour of reintegrated elephants can be considered as one of the indicators of determining the success of such an operation. The second aim of our study was to investigate if the reintegrated elephants demonstrated an adaptability to their environment through their hourly, daily, and seasonal ranging patterns after a period of free roaming that exceeded 4 years. Our findings indicated that reintegrated elephants, much like their wild counterparts (movement based on literature), displayed notable seasonal and diurnal variations in key movement parameters, such as utilisation distribution areas and reserve utilization. These patterns changed over time, reflecting an adaptive shift in movement patterns after several years of free roaming. Notably, the trajectory of changes in movement parameters varied between herds, indicating unique adaptation responses, likely resulting from differences in the reintegration process (familiarity of reserve, season of release, presence of wild elephants). Although our study is constrained by the limited number of reintegrated herds available for analysis, it underscores the potential of captive elephants to successf…
bibliographic citation: Roos et al. (2024) Movement patterns of two reintegrated African elephant (Loxodonta africana) herds: transitioning from captivity to free-living. PeerJ 12:e17535 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17535
date submitted: 2023-12-22
date accepted: 2024-05-17
issued: 2024-06-06
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Roos
  given name: Tenisha
author list: Agent
  family name: Purdon
  given name: Andrew
author list: Agent
  family name: Boult
  given name: Victoria
author list: Agent
  family name: Delsink
  given name: Audrey
author list: Agent
  family name: Mitchell
  given name: Brett
author list: Agent
  family name: Kilian
  given name: Petrus Johannes
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17535
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-06-06
copyright: © 2024 Roos et al.
attribution name: Roos et al.

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