PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Exosomes from uterine fluid promote capacitation of human sperm
items: Natrix natrix after dark: citizen science sheds light on the common grass snake’s nightlife
items: Carbapenemase genes in clinical and environmental isolates of Acinetobacter spp. from Quito, Ecuador
items: The role of mitophagy in the development of chronic kidney disease
items: Genome‑wide analysis of the MYB gene family in pumpkin
items: Circular RNA circMAN1A2 promotes ovarian cancer progression through the microRNA-135a-3p/IL1RAP/TAK1 pathway
items: Physical activity and sedentary behavior among school-going adolescents in low- and middle-income countries: insights from the global school-based health survey
items: Rate dependent neural responses of interaural-time-difference cues in fine-structure and envelope
items: Validation for the function of protein C in mouse models
items: A physical fitness–evaluation system for outstanding Chinese male boxers

Exosomes from uterine fluid promote capacitation of human sperm
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound vesicles containing various proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. EVs are found in many body fluids, such as blood and urine. The release of EVs can facilitate intercellular communication through fusion with the plasma membrane or endocytosis into the recipient cell or through internalization of the contents. Recent studies have reported that EVs isolated from human endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) promote sperm fertilization ability. EVs from uterine flushing fluid more closely resemble the physiological condition of the uterus. However, it is unclear whether EVs derived directly from uterine flushing fluid have the same effect on sperm. This study aimed to research the effect of EVs from uterine flushing fluid on sperm. Methods EVs were isolated from the uterine flushing fluid. The presence of EVs was confirmed by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), Western blot, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). EVs were incubated with human sperm for 2 h and 4 h. The effects of EVs on sperm were evaluated by analyzing acrosome reaction, sperm motility, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Results The EVs fractions isolated from the uterine fluid were observed in cup-shaped vesicles of different sizes by TEM. All isolated vesicles contained similar numbers of vesicles in the expected size range (30–200 nm) by NTA. CD9 and CD63 were detected in EVs by western blot. Comparing the motility of the two groups incubated sperm motility significantly differed at 4 h. The acrosome reactions were promoted by incubating with EVs significantly. ROS were increased in sperm incubated with EVs. Conclusion Our results showed EVs present in the uterine fluid. Acrosome reactions and ROS levels increased in human sperm incubated with EVs. EVs from uterine fluid can promote the capacitation of human sperm. The increased capacitation after sperm interaction with EVs suggests a possible physiological effect during the transit of th…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Renbin Deng
creator: Zhao Wu
creator: Chaoyong He
creator: Chuncheng Lu
creator: Danpeng He
creator: Xi Li
creator: Zhenling Duan
creator: Hui Zhao
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Developmental Biology
subject: Anatomy and Physiology
subject: Andrology
subject: Gynecology and Obstetrics
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.16875
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Deng et al.
abstract: Background Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound vesicles containing various proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. EVs are found in many body fluids, such as blood and urine. The release of EVs can facilitate intercellular communication through fusion with the plasma membrane or endocytosis into the recipient cell or through internalization of the contents. Recent studies have reported that EVs isolated from human endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) promote sperm fertilization ability. EVs from uterine flushing fluid more closely resemble the physiological condition of the uterus. However, it is unclear whether EVs derived directly from uterine flushing fluid have the same effect on sperm. This study aimed to research the effect of EVs from uterine flushing fluid on sperm. Methods EVs were isolated from the uterine flushing fluid. The presence of EVs was confirmed by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), Western blot, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). EVs were incubated with human sperm for 2 h and 4 h. The effects of EVs on sperm were evaluated by analyzing acrosome reaction, sperm motility, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Results The EVs fractions isolated from the uterine fluid were observed in cup-shaped vesicles of different sizes by TEM. All isolated vesicles contained similar numbers of vesicles in the expected size range (30–200 nm) by NTA. CD9 and CD63 were detected in EVs by western blot. Comparing the motility of the two groups incubated sperm motility significantly differed at 4 h. The acrosome reactions were promoted by incubating with EVs significantly. ROS were increased in sperm incubated with EVs. Conclusion Our results showed EVs present in the uterine fluid. Acrosome reactions and ROS levels increased in human sperm incubated with EVs. EVs from uterine fluid can promote the capacitation of human sperm. The increased capacitation after sperm interaction with EVs suggests a possible physiological effect during the transit of th…
bibliographic citation: Deng et al. (2024) Exosomes from uterine fluid promote capacitation of human sperm. PeerJ 12:e16875 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.16875
date submitted: 2023-06-15
date accepted: 2024-01-11
issued: 2024-04-25
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Deng
  given name: Renbin
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Zhao
author list: Agent
  family name: He
  given name: Chaoyong
author list: Agent
  family name: Lu
  given name: Chuncheng
author list: Agent
  family name: He
  given name: Danpeng
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Xi
author list: Agent
  family name: Duan
  given name: Zhenling
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhao
  given name: Hui
doi: 10.7717/peerj.16875
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-25
copyright: ©2024 Deng et al.
attribution name: Deng et al.

Natrix natrix after dark: citizen science sheds light on the common grass snake’s nightlife
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Activity patterns in animals are often species-specific, and can be generally categorized as diurnal, crepuscular, or nocturnal. Understanding these patterns provides insight into ecological adaptations and behaviors. The common grass snake (Natrix natrix), one of the most common and widespread European snake species, is traditionally considered diurnal, with scarce evidence of its crepuscular and nocturnal activity. We aimed to document the distribution, environmental conditions, and potential phenotype associations of nighttime activity in N. natrix. We used citizen science data from iNaturalist (1992–2022), Observation.org (2012–2022), together with personal field observations (2010–2023) to collect 127 crepuscular and nocturnal activity records. Most observations occurred between May and August, coinciding with the peak activity period of grass snakes across their distribution range. Statistical analyses revealed no significant difference in mean daily temperatures between crepuscular and nocturnal observations. However, striped individuals displayed nocturnal activity at higher temperatures, consistent with their distribution in warmer regions, but failed to register any difference when tested on a geographic subsample, that accounted for sympatry of the phenotypes. Surprisingly, we found no significant impact of moon presence or moonlight on nighttime activity or age class, contrary to expectations based on other snake species’ responses. While our study reveals that nocturnal activity in the common grass snake is geographically widespread, further research is warranted to understand its drivers and ecological implications. This study highlights the value of citizen science platforms for biological and ecological research, offering unparalleled spatial and temporal coverage by their users. In conclusion, our work extends the knowledge of nocturnal behavior in N. natrix and underlines the critical role of citizen science in discovering behavioral aspects of com…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Petronel Spaseni
creator: Tiberiu C. Sahlean
creator: Iulian Gherghel
creator: Ștefan R. Zamfirescu
creator: Ionuț C. Petreanu
creator: Raluca Melenciuc
creator: Cristina F. Alistar
creator: Viorel D. Gavril
creator: Alexandru Strugariu
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Ecology
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17168
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Spaseni et al.
abstract: Activity patterns in animals are often species-specific, and can be generally categorized as diurnal, crepuscular, or nocturnal. Understanding these patterns provides insight into ecological adaptations and behaviors. The common grass snake (Natrix natrix), one of the most common and widespread European snake species, is traditionally considered diurnal, with scarce evidence of its crepuscular and nocturnal activity. We aimed to document the distribution, environmental conditions, and potential phenotype associations of nighttime activity in N. natrix. We used citizen science data from iNaturalist (1992–2022), Observation.org (2012–2022), together with personal field observations (2010–2023) to collect 127 crepuscular and nocturnal activity records. Most observations occurred between May and August, coinciding with the peak activity period of grass snakes across their distribution range. Statistical analyses revealed no significant difference in mean daily temperatures between crepuscular and nocturnal observations. However, striped individuals displayed nocturnal activity at higher temperatures, consistent with their distribution in warmer regions, but failed to register any difference when tested on a geographic subsample, that accounted for sympatry of the phenotypes. Surprisingly, we found no significant impact of moon presence or moonlight on nighttime activity or age class, contrary to expectations based on other snake species’ responses. While our study reveals that nocturnal activity in the common grass snake is geographically widespread, further research is warranted to understand its drivers and ecological implications. This study highlights the value of citizen science platforms for biological and ecological research, offering unparalleled spatial and temporal coverage by their users. In conclusion, our work extends the knowledge of nocturnal behavior in N. natrix and underlines the critical role of citizen science in discovering behavioral aspects of com…
bibliographic citation: Spaseni et al. (2024) Natrix natrix after dark: citizen science sheds light on the common grass snake’s nightlife. PeerJ 12:e17168 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17168
date submitted: 2023-11-28
date accepted: 2024-03-06
issued: 2024-04-25
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Spaseni
  given name: Petronel
author list: Agent
  family name: Sahlean
  given name: Tiberiu C.
author list: Agent
  family name: Gherghel
  given name: Iulian
author list: Agent
  family name: Zamfirescu
  given name: Ștefan R.
author list: Agent
  family name: Petreanu
  given name: Ionuț C.
author list: Agent
  family name: Melenciuc
  given name: Raluca
author list: Agent
  family name: Alistar
  given name: Cristina F.
author list: Agent
  family name: Gavril
  given name: Viorel D.
author list: Agent
  family name: Strugariu
  given name: Alexandru
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17168
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-25
copyright: ©2024 Spaseni et al.
attribution name: Spaseni et al.

Carbapenemase genes in clinical and environmental isolates of Acinetobacter spp. from Quito, Ecuador
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter spp. is associated with nosocomial infections in intensive care unit patients, resulting in high mortality. Although Acinetobacter spp. represent a serious public health problem worldwide, there are a few studies related to the presence of carbapenemases in health care facilities and other environmental settings in Ecuador. The main aim of this study was to characterize the carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter spp. isolates obtained from four hospitals (52) and from five rivers (27) close to Quito. We used the disc diffusion and EDTA sinergy tests to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility and the production of metallo β-lactamases, respectively. We carried out a multiplex PCR of gyrB gene and the sequencing of partial rpoB gene to bacterial species identification. We performed molecular screening of nine carbapenem-resistant genes (blaSPM, blaSIM, blaGIM, blaGES, blaOXA-23, blaOXA-24, blaOXA-51, blaOXA-58, and blaOXA-143) by multiplex PCR, followed by identification using sequencing of blaOXA genes. Our findings showed that carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii were the main species found in health care facilities and rivers. Most of the clinical isolates came from respiratory tract samples and harbored blaOXA-23, blaOXA-366, blaOXA-72, blaOXA-65, blaOXA-70, and blaOXA-143-like genes. The river isolates harbored only the blaOXA-51 and probably blaOXA-259 genes. We concluded that the most predominant type of carbapenem genes among isolates were both blaOXA-23 and blaOXA-65 among A. baumannii clinical isolates.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Nicole Sotomayor
creator: José Eduardo Villacis
creator: Noela Burneo
creator: Jorge Reyes
creator: Sonia Zapata
creator: Rosa de los Ángeles Bayas-Rea
subject: Microbiology
subject: Public Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17199
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Sotomayor et al.
abstract: Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter spp. is associated with nosocomial infections in intensive care unit patients, resulting in high mortality. Although Acinetobacter spp. represent a serious public health problem worldwide, there are a few studies related to the presence of carbapenemases in health care facilities and other environmental settings in Ecuador. The main aim of this study was to characterize the carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter spp. isolates obtained from four hospitals (52) and from five rivers (27) close to Quito. We used the disc diffusion and EDTA sinergy tests to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility and the production of metallo β-lactamases, respectively. We carried out a multiplex PCR of gyrB gene and the sequencing of partial rpoB gene to bacterial species identification. We performed molecular screening of nine carbapenem-resistant genes (blaSPM, blaSIM, blaGIM, blaGES, blaOXA-23, blaOXA-24, blaOXA-51, blaOXA-58, and blaOXA-143) by multiplex PCR, followed by identification using sequencing of blaOXA genes. Our findings showed that carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii were the main species found in health care facilities and rivers. Most of the clinical isolates came from respiratory tract samples and harbored blaOXA-23, blaOXA-366, blaOXA-72, blaOXA-65, blaOXA-70, and blaOXA-143-like genes. The river isolates harbored only the blaOXA-51 and probably blaOXA-259 genes. We concluded that the most predominant type of carbapenem genes among isolates were both blaOXA-23 and blaOXA-65 among A. baumannii clinical isolates.
bibliographic citation: Sotomayor et al. (2024) Carbapenemase genes in clinical and environmental isolates of Acinetobacter spp. from Quito, Ecuador. PeerJ 12:e17199 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17199
date submitted: 2019-02-22
date accepted: 2024-03-14
issued: 2024-04-25
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Sotomayor
  given name: Nicole
author list: Agent
  family name: Villacis
  given name: José Eduardo
author list: Agent
  family name: Burneo
  given name: Noela
author list: Agent
  family name: Reyes
  given name: Jorge
author list: Agent
  family name: Zapata
  given name: Sonia
author list: Agent
  family name: Bayas-Rea
  given name: Rosa de los Ángeles
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17199
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-25
copyright: © 2024 Sotomayor et al.
attribution name: Sotomayor et al.

The role of mitophagy in the development of chronic kidney disease
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a significant global health concern, with renal fibrosis emerging as a prevalent and ultimate manifestation of this condition. The absence of targeted therapies presents an ongoing and substantial challenge. Accumulating evidence suggests that the integrity and functionality of mitochondria within renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) often become compromised during CKD development, playing a pivotal role in the progression of renal fibrosis. Mitophagy, a specific form of autophagy, assumes responsibility for eliminating damaged mitochondria to uphold mitochondrial equilibrium. Dysregulated mitophagy not only correlates with disrupted mitochondrial dynamics but also contributes to the advancement of renal fibrosis in CKD. While numerous studies have examined mitochondrial metabolism, ROS (reactive oxygen species) production, inflammation, and apoptosis in kidney diseases, the precise pathogenic mechanisms underlying mitophagy in CKD remain elusive. The exact mechanisms through which modulating mitophagy mitigates renal fibrosis, as well as its influence on CKD progression and prognosis, have not undergone systematic investigation. The role of mitophagy in AKI has been relatively clear, but the role of mitophagy in CKD is still rare. This article presents a comprehensive review of the current state of research on regulating mitophagy as a potential treatment for CKD. The objective is to provide fresh perspectives, viable strategies, and practical insights into CKD therapy, thereby contributing to the enhancement of human living conditions and patient well-being.
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format: text/html
creator: Kexin Yang
creator: Ting Li
creator: Yingpu Geng
creator: Xiangyu Zou
creator: Fujun Peng
creator: Wei Gao
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Nephrology
subject: Pathology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17260
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Yang et al.
abstract: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a significant global health concern, with renal fibrosis emerging as a prevalent and ultimate manifestation of this condition. The absence of targeted therapies presents an ongoing and substantial challenge. Accumulating evidence suggests that the integrity and functionality of mitochondria within renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) often become compromised during CKD development, playing a pivotal role in the progression of renal fibrosis. Mitophagy, a specific form of autophagy, assumes responsibility for eliminating damaged mitochondria to uphold mitochondrial equilibrium. Dysregulated mitophagy not only correlates with disrupted mitochondrial dynamics but also contributes to the advancement of renal fibrosis in CKD. While numerous studies have examined mitochondrial metabolism, ROS (reactive oxygen species) production, inflammation, and apoptosis in kidney diseases, the precise pathogenic mechanisms underlying mitophagy in CKD remain elusive. The exact mechanisms through which modulating mitophagy mitigates renal fibrosis, as well as its influence on CKD progression and prognosis, have not undergone systematic investigation. The role of mitophagy in AKI has been relatively clear, but the role of mitophagy in CKD is still rare. This article presents a comprehensive review of the current state of research on regulating mitophagy as a potential treatment for CKD. The objective is to provide fresh perspectives, viable strategies, and practical insights into CKD therapy, thereby contributing to the enhancement of human living conditions and patient well-being.
bibliographic citation: Yang et al. (2024) The role of mitophagy in the development of chronic kidney disease. PeerJ 12:e17260 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17260
date submitted: 2023-10-24
date accepted: 2024-03-28
issued: 2024-04-25
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Kexin
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Ting
author list: Agent
  family name: Geng
  given name: Yingpu
author list: Agent
  family name: Zou
  given name: Xiangyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Peng
  given name: Fujun
author list: Agent
  family name: Gao
  given name: Wei
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17260
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-25
copyright: ©2024 Yang et al.
attribution name: Yang et al.

Genome‑wide analysis of the MYB gene family in pumpkin
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The MYB gene family exerts significant influence over various biological processes and stress responses in plants. Despite this, a comprehensive analysis of this gene family in pumpkin remains absent. In this study, the MYB genes of Cucurbita moschata were identified and clustered into 33 groups (C1-33), with members of each group being highly conserved in terms of their motif composition. Furthermore, the distribution of 175 CmoMYB genes across all 20 chromosomes was found to be non-uniform. Examination of the promoter regions of these genes revealed the presence of cis-acting elements associated with phytohormone responses and abiotic/biotic stress. Utilizing quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), the expression patterns of 13 selected CmoMYB genes were validated, particularly in response to exogenous phytohormone exposure and various abiotic stressors, including ABA, SA, MeJA, and drought treatments. Expression analysis in different tissues showed that CmoMYB genes are expressed at different levels in different tissues, suggesting that they are functionally divergent in regulating growth and abiotic stresses. These results provide a basis for future studies to characterize the function of the MYB gene family under abiotic stresses in pumpkins.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Minyan Xu
creator: Jingjing Fu
creator: Ying Ni
creator: Chenchen Zhang
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17304
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Xu et al.
abstract: The MYB gene family exerts significant influence over various biological processes and stress responses in plants. Despite this, a comprehensive analysis of this gene family in pumpkin remains absent. In this study, the MYB genes of Cucurbita moschata were identified and clustered into 33 groups (C1-33), with members of each group being highly conserved in terms of their motif composition. Furthermore, the distribution of 175 CmoMYB genes across all 20 chromosomes was found to be non-uniform. Examination of the promoter regions of these genes revealed the presence of cis-acting elements associated with phytohormone responses and abiotic/biotic stress. Utilizing quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), the expression patterns of 13 selected CmoMYB genes were validated, particularly in response to exogenous phytohormone exposure and various abiotic stressors, including ABA, SA, MeJA, and drought treatments. Expression analysis in different tissues showed that CmoMYB genes are expressed at different levels in different tissues, suggesting that they are functionally divergent in regulating growth and abiotic stresses. These results provide a basis for future studies to characterize the function of the MYB gene family under abiotic stresses in pumpkins.
bibliographic citation: Xu et al. (2024) Genome‑wide analysis of the MYB gene family in pumpkin. PeerJ 12:e17304 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17304
date submitted: 2023-08-25
date accepted: 2024-04-04
issued: 2024-04-25
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Xu
  given name: Minyan
author list: Agent
  family name: Fu
  given name: Jingjing
author list: Agent
  family name: Ni
  given name: Ying
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Chenchen
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17304
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-25
copyright: © 2024 Xu et al.
attribution name: Xu et al.

Circular RNA circMAN1A2 promotes ovarian cancer progression through the microRNA-135a-3p/IL1RAP/TAK1 pathway
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal malignancy in women owing to its diagnosis only at the advanced stage. Elucidation of its molecular pathogenesis may help identify new tumor markers and targets for therapy. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable, conserved, and functional biomolecules that can be used as effective biomarkers for various cancers. Methods In this study, a potential circRNA related to early diagnosis of OC, circMAN1A2, was analyzed. Overexpression/knockdown of circMAN1A2 in OC cells was used to decipher its effects on cell proliferation with a Cell Counting Kit-8, 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EdU), cell cycle, clone formation, and wound healing assay. RNA pull-down and Dual luciferase assay were used to explain the underlying mechanism by which circMAN1A2 regulates OC cell proliferation. In vivo, the effect of circMAN1A2 in OC was evaluated using nude mouse xenograft experiments. Results CircMAN1A2 was highly expressed in OC and promoted proliferation, clone formation, and tumorigenicity of OC cells. In addition, we found that circMAN1A2 acted as a sponge for microRNA (miR)-135a-3p; miR-135a-3p directly targeted the 3’ untranslated region of interleukin 1 receptor accessory protein (IL1RAP) in OC cells, thereby regulating the phosphorylation of transforming growth factor-beta activated kinase 1 (TAK1), which resulted in promotion of OC cell growth. Conclusions CircMAN1A2 promotes OC cell proliferation by inhibiting the miR-135a-3p/IL1RAP/TAK1 axis. In conclusion, circMAN1A2 may be a biomarker for early detection of OC and a target for subsequent therapy.
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format: text/html
creator: Bo Li
creator: Chuancui Hu
creator: Da Zhao
creator: Mingchao Nie
creator: Xiaoli Wang
subject: Evidence Based Medicine
subject: Oncology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.16967
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Li et al.
abstract: Background Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal malignancy in women owing to its diagnosis only at the advanced stage. Elucidation of its molecular pathogenesis may help identify new tumor markers and targets for therapy. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable, conserved, and functional biomolecules that can be used as effective biomarkers for various cancers. Methods In this study, a potential circRNA related to early diagnosis of OC, circMAN1A2, was analyzed. Overexpression/knockdown of circMAN1A2 in OC cells was used to decipher its effects on cell proliferation with a Cell Counting Kit-8, 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EdU), cell cycle, clone formation, and wound healing assay. RNA pull-down and Dual luciferase assay were used to explain the underlying mechanism by which circMAN1A2 regulates OC cell proliferation. In vivo, the effect of circMAN1A2 in OC was evaluated using nude mouse xenograft experiments. Results CircMAN1A2 was highly expressed in OC and promoted proliferation, clone formation, and tumorigenicity of OC cells. In addition, we found that circMAN1A2 acted as a sponge for microRNA (miR)-135a-3p; miR-135a-3p directly targeted the 3’ untranslated region of interleukin 1 receptor accessory protein (IL1RAP) in OC cells, thereby regulating the phosphorylation of transforming growth factor-beta activated kinase 1 (TAK1), which resulted in promotion of OC cell growth. Conclusions CircMAN1A2 promotes OC cell proliferation by inhibiting the miR-135a-3p/IL1RAP/TAK1 axis. In conclusion, circMAN1A2 may be a biomarker for early detection of OC and a target for subsequent therapy.
bibliographic citation: Li et al. (2024) Circular RNA circMAN1A2 promotes ovarian cancer progression through the microRNA-135a-3p/IL1RAP/TAK1 pathway. PeerJ 12:e16967 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.16967
date submitted: 2023-04-14
date accepted: 2024-01-26
issued: 2024-04-24
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Bo
author list: Agent
  family name: Hu
  given name: Chuancui
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhao
  given name: Da
author list: Agent
  family name: Nie
  given name: Mingchao
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Xiaoli
doi: 10.7717/peerj.16967
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-24
copyright: ©2024 Li et al.
attribution name: Li et al.

Physical activity and sedentary behavior among school-going adolescents in low- and middle-income countries: insights from the global school-based health survey
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The Global School Student Health Survey (GSHS) is being carried out by students in various countries across the globe to advance improved health programs for youth. However, in comparison to high-income countries, adolescents in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are generally at an early stage of understanding regarding physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB), often exhibiting low levels of PA and high levels of SB. Furthermore, there is limited evidence connecting PA and SB in school-going adolescents from LMICs. Purpose The objective of this review was to synthesize the available evidence regarding PA and sedentary behavior among school-going adolescents in LMICs using data from the GSHS. Method On March 18, 2023, a systematic literature search was performed across four electronic databases, namely Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and EBSCO with n odaterestrictions. Studies were eligible if they: (1) utilization of data sourced from the Global Student-based Health Survey; (2) exploration of physical activity; (3) specific focus on adolescents; (4) conducted in low- and middle-income countries; (5) study design encompassing observational; (6) published as English journal articles. Results Among the 29 studies included in the analysis, the majority revealed elevated levels of sedentary behavior and diminished levels of PA in low- and middle-income countries. Furthermore, notable disparities in physical engagement and sedentary behavior were noted between male and female adolescents (p < 0.001). Augmented PA among teenagers was observed to correlate with higher consumption of vegetables and fruits (AOR = 1.30; 95% CI [1.13–1.50]; p < 0.001), decreased alcohol consumption, and a reduced prevalence of loneliness and depression (aOR 1.37, 95% CI [1.18–1.59]). Conclusions The results of this review affirm that in contrast to high-income countries, adolescents in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are in the early stages of compreh…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Hui Li
creator: Wenyu Zhang
creator: Jin Yan
subject: Global Health
subject: Health Policy
subject: Kinesiology
subject: Pediatrics
subject: Public Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17097
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Li et al.
abstract: Background The Global School Student Health Survey (GSHS) is being carried out by students in various countries across the globe to advance improved health programs for youth. However, in comparison to high-income countries, adolescents in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are generally at an early stage of understanding regarding physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB), often exhibiting low levels of PA and high levels of SB. Furthermore, there is limited evidence connecting PA and SB in school-going adolescents from LMICs. Purpose The objective of this review was to synthesize the available evidence regarding PA and sedentary behavior among school-going adolescents in LMICs using data from the GSHS. Method On March 18, 2023, a systematic literature search was performed across four electronic databases, namely Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and EBSCO with n odaterestrictions. Studies were eligible if they: (1) utilization of data sourced from the Global Student-based Health Survey; (2) exploration of physical activity; (3) specific focus on adolescents; (4) conducted in low- and middle-income countries; (5) study design encompassing observational; (6) published as English journal articles. Results Among the 29 studies included in the analysis, the majority revealed elevated levels of sedentary behavior and diminished levels of PA in low- and middle-income countries. Furthermore, notable disparities in physical engagement and sedentary behavior were noted between male and female adolescents (p < 0.001). Augmented PA among teenagers was observed to correlate with higher consumption of vegetables and fruits (AOR = 1.30; 95% CI [1.13–1.50]; p < 0.001), decreased alcohol consumption, and a reduced prevalence of loneliness and depression (aOR 1.37, 95% CI [1.18–1.59]). Conclusions The results of this review affirm that in contrast to high-income countries, adolescents in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are in the early stages of compreh…
bibliographic citation: Li et al. (2024) Physical activity and sedentary behavior among school-going adolescents in low- and middle-income countries: insights from the global school-based health survey. PeerJ 12:e17097 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17097
date submitted: 2023-11-17
date accepted: 2024-02-21
issued: 2024-04-24
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Hui
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Wenyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Yan
  given name: Jin
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17097
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-24
copyright: © 2024 Li et al.
attribution name: Li et al.

Rate dependent neural responses of interaural-time-difference cues in fine-structure and envelope
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Advancements in cochlear implants (CIs) have led to a significant increase in bilateral CI users, especially among children. Yet, most bilateral CI users do not fully achieve the intended binaural benefit due to potential limitations in signal processing and/or surgical implant positioning. One crucial auditory cue that normal hearing (NH) listeners can benefit from is the interaural time difference (ITD), i.e., the time difference between the arrival of a sound at two ears. The ITD sensitivity is thought to be heavily relying on the effective utilization of temporal fine structure (very rapid oscillations in sound). Unfortunately, most current CIs do not transmit such true fine structure. Nevertheless, bilateral CI users have demonstrated sensitivity to ITD cues delivered through envelope or interaural pulse time differences, i.e., the time gap between the pulses delivered to the two implants. However, their ITD sensitivity is significantly poorer compared to NH individuals, and it further degrades at higher CI stimulation rates, especially when the rate exceeds 300 pulse per second. The overall purpose of this research thread is to improve spatial hearing abilities in bilateral CI users. This study aims to develop electroencephalography (EEG) paradigms that can be used with clinical settings to assess and optimize the delivery of ITD cues, which are crucial for spatial hearing in everyday life. The research objective of this article was to determine the effect of CI stimulation pulse rate on the ITD sensitivity, and to characterize the rate-dependent degradation in ITD perception using EEG measures. To develop protocols for bilateral CI studies, EEG responses were obtained from NH listeners using sinusoidal-amplitude-modulated (SAM) tones and filtered clicks with changes in either fine structure ITD (ITDFS) or envelope ITD (ITDENV). Multiple EEG responses were analyzed, which included the subcortical auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs) and cortical auditory ev…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Hongmei Hu
creator: Stephan D. Ewert
creator: Birger Kollmeier
creator: Deborah Vickers
subject: Neuroscience
subject: Otorhinolaryngology
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17104
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Hu et al.
abstract: Advancements in cochlear implants (CIs) have led to a significant increase in bilateral CI users, especially among children. Yet, most bilateral CI users do not fully achieve the intended binaural benefit due to potential limitations in signal processing and/or surgical implant positioning. One crucial auditory cue that normal hearing (NH) listeners can benefit from is the interaural time difference (ITD), i.e., the time difference between the arrival of a sound at two ears. The ITD sensitivity is thought to be heavily relying on the effective utilization of temporal fine structure (very rapid oscillations in sound). Unfortunately, most current CIs do not transmit such true fine structure. Nevertheless, bilateral CI users have demonstrated sensitivity to ITD cues delivered through envelope or interaural pulse time differences, i.e., the time gap between the pulses delivered to the two implants. However, their ITD sensitivity is significantly poorer compared to NH individuals, and it further degrades at higher CI stimulation rates, especially when the rate exceeds 300 pulse per second. The overall purpose of this research thread is to improve spatial hearing abilities in bilateral CI users. This study aims to develop electroencephalography (EEG) paradigms that can be used with clinical settings to assess and optimize the delivery of ITD cues, which are crucial for spatial hearing in everyday life. The research objective of this article was to determine the effect of CI stimulation pulse rate on the ITD sensitivity, and to characterize the rate-dependent degradation in ITD perception using EEG measures. To develop protocols for bilateral CI studies, EEG responses were obtained from NH listeners using sinusoidal-amplitude-modulated (SAM) tones and filtered clicks with changes in either fine structure ITD (ITDFS) or envelope ITD (ITDENV). Multiple EEG responses were analyzed, which included the subcortical auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs) and cortical auditory ev…
bibliographic citation: Hu et al. (2024) Rate dependent neural responses of interaural-time-difference cues in fine-structure and envelope. PeerJ 12:e17104 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17104
date submitted: 2023-12-07
date accepted: 2024-02-22
issued: 2024-04-24
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Hu
  given name: Hongmei
author list: Agent
  family name: Ewert
  given name: Stephan D.
author list: Agent
  family name: Kollmeier
  given name: Birger
author list: Agent
  family name: Vickers
  given name: Deborah
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17104
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-24
copyright: © 2024 Hu et al.
attribution name: Hu et al.

Validation for the function of protein C in mouse models
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Objectives Protein C (PC) is an anticoagulant that is encoded by the PROC gene. Validation for the function of PC was carried out in mouse models. Methods In this study, autosomal recessive PC deficiency (PCD) was selected as the target, and the specific mutation site was chromosome 2 2q13-q14, PROC c.1198G>A (p.Gly400Ser) which targets G399S (GGT to AGC) in mouse models. To investigate the role of hereditary PC in mice models, we used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology to create a mouse model with a genetic PCD mutation. Results The two F0 generation positive mice produced using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technique were chimeras, and the mice in F1 and F2 generations were heterozygous. There was no phenotype of spontaneous bleeding or thrombosis in the heterozygous mice, but some of them were blind. Blood routine results showed no significant difference between the heterozygous mice and wild-type mice (P > 0.05). Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and thrombin time (TT) were prolonged in the heterozygous mice, while the level of fibrinogen content (FIB) decreased, suggesting secondary consumptive coagulation disease. The protein C activity of heterozygous mice was significantly lower than that of wild-type mice (P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in protein C antigen levels (P > 0.05). H&E staining showed steatosis and hydrodegeneration in the liver of heterozygous mice. Necrosis and exfoliated epithelial cells could be observed in renal tubule lumen, forming cell or granular tubules. Hemosiderin deposition was found in the spleen along with splenic hemorrhage. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated significant fibrin deposition in the liver, spleen, and kidney of heterozygous mice. Conclusion In this study, heterozygotes of the mouse model with a PC mutation were obtained. The function of PC was then validated in a mouse model through genotype, phenotype, and PC function analysis.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Ya Liu
creator: Maoping Cai
creator: Yan Chen
creator: Guocai Wu
creator: Songyu Li
creator: Zhanghui Chen
subject: Genetics
subject: Zoology
subject: Hematology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17261
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Liu et al.
abstract: Objectives Protein C (PC) is an anticoagulant that is encoded by the PROC gene. Validation for the function of PC was carried out in mouse models. Methods In this study, autosomal recessive PC deficiency (PCD) was selected as the target, and the specific mutation site was chromosome 2 2q13-q14, PROC c.1198G>A (p.Gly400Ser) which targets G399S (GGT to AGC) in mouse models. To investigate the role of hereditary PC in mice models, we used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology to create a mouse model with a genetic PCD mutation. Results The two F0 generation positive mice produced using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technique were chimeras, and the mice in F1 and F2 generations were heterozygous. There was no phenotype of spontaneous bleeding or thrombosis in the heterozygous mice, but some of them were blind. Blood routine results showed no significant difference between the heterozygous mice and wild-type mice (P > 0.05). Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and thrombin time (TT) were prolonged in the heterozygous mice, while the level of fibrinogen content (FIB) decreased, suggesting secondary consumptive coagulation disease. The protein C activity of heterozygous mice was significantly lower than that of wild-type mice (P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in protein C antigen levels (P > 0.05). H&E staining showed steatosis and hydrodegeneration in the liver of heterozygous mice. Necrosis and exfoliated epithelial cells could be observed in renal tubule lumen, forming cell or granular tubules. Hemosiderin deposition was found in the spleen along with splenic hemorrhage. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated significant fibrin deposition in the liver, spleen, and kidney of heterozygous mice. Conclusion In this study, heterozygotes of the mouse model with a PC mutation were obtained. The function of PC was then validated in a mouse model through genotype, phenotype, and PC function analysis.
bibliographic citation: Liu et al. (2024) Validation for the function of protein C in mouse models. PeerJ 12:e17261 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17261
date submitted: 2023-11-13
date accepted: 2024-03-28
issued: 2024-04-24
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Ya
author list: Agent
  family name: Cai
  given name: Maoping
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Yan
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Guocai
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Songyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Zhanghui
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17261
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-24
copyright: ©2024 Liu et al.
attribution name: Liu et al.

A physical fitness–evaluation system for outstanding Chinese male boxers
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background We sought to create a system to evaluate the physical fitness of outstanding Chinese male boxers that included an evaluation index, fitness level criteria, and modeling. This system was then used to assess athletes’ physical fitness and development. Methods Documentation, expert interviews, questionnaires, measurements, and statistical analyses were used in this study. Results The physical fitness evaluation system included the following three components: (1) body shape indexes (n = 4) including the backhand upper arm circumference differential, finger span height, Cottrell index, and pelvic width/shoulder width × 100; (2) body function indexes (n = 4) including relative maximum anaerobic power, relative maximal oxygen uptake, and creatine kinase and testosterone concentrations; and (3) athletic quality indexes (n = 9) including the speed strength index, the backhand straight punch strength, 3-min cumulative punching force, backhand straight punch reaction time, backhand straight punch speed, 30-m sprint, 9-min double shake jump rope, 1-min double shake jump rope, and sitting forward bend tests. A five-point grading system to evaluate physical fitness was established and an evaluation model was proposed. Conclusions The reference values were determined to be objective and effective using a back substitution process. Individual and differential assessments reflected the athletes’ level of physical fitness. The critical values were established under the best and worst conditions and the optimal values were found to be valid and effective.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Guodong Wu
creator: Yuqiang Guo
creator: Liqin Zhang
creator: Chao Chen
subject: Cardiology
subject: Kinesiology
subject: Orthopedics
subject: Sports Injury
subject: Sports Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17271
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Wu et al.
abstract: Background We sought to create a system to evaluate the physical fitness of outstanding Chinese male boxers that included an evaluation index, fitness level criteria, and modeling. This system was then used to assess athletes’ physical fitness and development. Methods Documentation, expert interviews, questionnaires, measurements, and statistical analyses were used in this study. Results The physical fitness evaluation system included the following three components: (1) body shape indexes (n = 4) including the backhand upper arm circumference differential, finger span height, Cottrell index, and pelvic width/shoulder width × 100; (2) body function indexes (n = 4) including relative maximum anaerobic power, relative maximal oxygen uptake, and creatine kinase and testosterone concentrations; and (3) athletic quality indexes (n = 9) including the speed strength index, the backhand straight punch strength, 3-min cumulative punching force, backhand straight punch reaction time, backhand straight punch speed, 30-m sprint, 9-min double shake jump rope, 1-min double shake jump rope, and sitting forward bend tests. A five-point grading system to evaluate physical fitness was established and an evaluation model was proposed. Conclusions The reference values were determined to be objective and effective using a back substitution process. Individual and differential assessments reflected the athletes’ level of physical fitness. The critical values were established under the best and worst conditions and the optimal values were found to be valid and effective.
bibliographic citation: Wu et al. (2024) A physical fitness–evaluation system for outstanding Chinese male boxers. PeerJ 12:e17271 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17271
date submitted: 2023-08-02
date accepted: 2024-03-29
issued: 2024-04-24
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Guodong
author list: Agent
  family name: Guo
  given name: Yuqiang
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Liqin
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Chao
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17271
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-24
copyright: © 2024 Wu et al.
attribution name: Wu et al.

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