Validity and reliability of My Jump 2® app to measure the vertical jump on elite women beach volleyball players
Purpose The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the My Jump 2® app in measuring jump height, flight time, and peak power among elite women beach volleyball players on sand surfaces. Methods Eleven elite female beach volleyball players (aged 23.6 ± 6.2 years; weight 66.3 ± 5.8 kg; height 174.4 ± 5.8 cm; with 8.4 ± 4.8 years of professional experience) participated in this study. Each player performed six countermovement jumps in a wooden box filled with sand on a force platform while simultaneously recording a video for subsequent analysis using the My Jump 2® app. Results We found excellent agreement for flight time, jump height and peak power between observers (ICC = 0.92, 0.91 and 0.97, respectively). No significant differences between force platform and My Jump 2® app were detected in the values obtained for the three variables (P > 0.05). For the force platform and the My Jump 2® app, we found a good agreement measuring jump height and flight time (ICC = 0.85 and 0.85, respectively). However, we only found a moderate agreement for peak power (ICC = 0.64). The difference in jump height showed a limit of agreement between −4.10 and 4.74 cm in Bland-Altman, indicating a high level of agreement between the two measurement tools. Conclusion Based on our findings, the My Jump 2® app reveals a valid tool for measuring jump height and flight time of CMJ on sand surfaces. However, more caution is needed when measuring peak power.
Medeiros et al. (2024) Validity and reliability of My Jump 2® app to measure the vertical jump on elite women beach volleyball players. PeerJ 12:e17387 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17387
Seasonal occurrence and individual variability of bull sharks, Carcharhinus leucas, in a marine reserve of the southwestern Gulf of California
Background Studying how the bull sharks aggregate and how they can be driven by life history traits such as reproduction, prey availability, predator avoidance and social interaction in a National Park such as Cabo Pulmo, is key to understand and protect the species. Methods The occurrence variability of 32 bull sharks tracked with passive acoustic telemetry were investigated via a hierarchical logistic regression model, with inference conducted in a Bayesian framework, comparing sex, and their response to temperature and chlorophyll. Results Based on the fitted model, occurrence probability varied by sex and length. Juvenile females had the highest values, whereas adult males the lowest. A strong seasonality or day of the year was recorded, where sharks were generally absent during September–November. However, some sharks did not show the common pattern, being detected just for a short period. This is one of the first studies where the Bayesian framework is used to study passive acoustic telemetry proving the potential to be used in further studies.
Lara-Lizardi et al. (2024) Seasonal occurrence and individual variability of bull sharks, Carcharhinus leucas, in a marine reserve of the southwestern Gulf of California. PeerJ 12:e17192 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17192
Balance performance, falls-efficacy and social participation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with and without vestibular dysfunction
Background The performance of balance is an important factor to perform activities. The complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), especially vestibular dysfunction (VD), could decrease balance performance and falls-efficacy (FE) which consequently impacts social participation and quality of life (QoL). Purpose This study aimed to compare balance performance, FE, social participation and QoL between individuals with T2DM with and without VD. Methods The participants comprised 161 T2DM with VD and 161 without VD. Three clinical tests used for confirming VD included the Head Impulse Test (HIT), the Dix Hallpike Test (DHT) and the Supine Roll Test (SRT). The scores of static and dynamic balances, FE, social participation and QoL were compared between groups. Results The balance performance, FE, social participation and QoL were lower in the group with VD. The number of patients who had severe social restriction was higher in T2DM with VD than without VD (58.4% vs 48.4%). Moreover, all domains of QoL (physical, psychological, social relationships and environmental) were lower in T2DM with VD than without VD. Conclusion The presence of VD in T2DM patients was associated with decreased physical balance performances and increased social and QoL disengagement. Comprehensive management related to balance and FE, as well as the monitoring to support social participation and QoL, should be emphasized in patients with T2DM with VD.
Komalasari et al. (2024) Balance performance, falls-efficacy and social participation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with and without vestibular dysfunction. PeerJ 12:e17287 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17287
Environmental awareness and sustainable consumption behaviours of Turkish nursing students
Objectives This study aims to determine the environmental awareness and sustainable consumption behaviours of nursing students. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted with 380 undergraduate nursing students studying at Faculty of Nursing, Ege University, Türkiye. The Personal Information Form, Environmental Awareness Scale (EAS), and Sustainable Consumption Behaviours Scale (SCBS) were used to collect the research data. Number, percentage, mean, Kolmogorov-Smirnov Z test, t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation test, and linear regression analysis were used in statistical evaluation. Results The mean total score on the EAS was 46.12 (SD = 6.60), and the mean total score of the SCBS was 61.83 (SD = 9.10). A significant, moderate, and positive correlation was found between students’ environmental awareness and sustainable consumption behaviours. Moreover, students’ gender and the people they lived with caused statistically significant differences in the EAS score. The people students lived with, the place where they lived for the longest time, and their perceived income level caused statistically significant differences in the SCBS score. Conclusions Nursing students had high environmental awareness and moderate to good sustainable consumption behaviours. It is necessary to include the contribution of sustainable practices to the environment and the effects of these practices on human health in curricula for nurses and thus provide environmental awareness to students.
Dönmez et al. (2024) Environmental awareness and sustainable consumption behaviours of Turkish nursing students. PeerJ 12:e17366 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17366
Effects of extreme meteorological factors and high air pollutant concentrations on the incidence of hand, foot and mouth disease in Jining, China
Background The evidence on the effects of extreme meteorological conditions and high air pollution levels on incidence of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is limited. Moreover, results of the available studies are inconsistent. Further investigations are imperative to elucidate the specific issue. Methods Data on the daily cases of HFMD, meteorological factors and air pollution were obtained from 2017 to 2022 in Jining City. We employed distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) incorporated with Poisson regression to explore the impacts of extreme meteorological conditions and air pollution on HFMD incidence. Results We found that there were nonlinear relationships between temperature, wind speed, PM2.5, SO2, O3 and HFMD. The cumulative risk of extreme high temperature was higher at the 95th percentile (P95th) than at the 90th percentile(P90th), and the RR values for both reached their maximum at 10-day lag (P95th RR = 1.880 (1.261–2.804), P90th RR = 1.787 (1.244–2.569)), the hazardous effect of extreme low temperatures on HFMD is faster than that of extreme high temperatures. The cumulative effect of extreme low wind speeds reached its maximum at 14-day lag (P95th RR = 1.702 (1.389-2.085), P90th RR = 1.498(1.283–1.750)). The cumulative effect of PM2.5 concentration at the P90th was largest at 14-day lag (RR = 1.637 (1.069–2.506)), and the cumulative effect at the P95th was largest at 10-day lag (RR = 1.569 (1.021–2.411)). High SO2 concentration at the P95th at 14-day lag was associated with higher risk for HFMD (RR: 1.425 (1.001–2.030)). Conclusion Our findings suggest that high temperature, low wind speed, and high concentrations of PM2.5 and SO2 are associated with an increased risk of HFMD. This study not only adds insights to the understanding of the impact of extreme meteorological conditions and high levels of air pollutants on HFMD incidence but also holds practical significance for the development and enhancement of an early warning system for HFMD.
Cao et al. (2024) Effects of extreme meteorological factors and high air pollutant concentrations on the incidence of hand, foot and mouth disease in Jining, China. PeerJ 12:e17163 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17163
Retrospective analysis of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2), Ki67 changes and their clinical significance between primary breast cancer and metastatic tumors
Objective To explore the relationship between receptor heterogeneity and clinicopathological characteristics in 166 patients with invasive breast cancer during metastasis. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 166 patients diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer through biopsy, who were admitted to our hospital from January 2018 to December 2022. Statistical analysis was employed to assess the heterogeneity of receptors in both primary and metastatic lesions, including estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2), Ki67, as well as their association with clinicopathological features such as tumor size, lymph node metastasis, treatment regimen, and disease-free survival. Results The discordant expression rates of ER, PR, HER2, Ki-67 and Luminal classification between primary and metastatic lesions were 21.7%, 41.6%, 8.9%, 34.4% and 36.8%, respectively. There is a significant difference in disease-free survival between patients with consistent and inconsistent receptor status of primary and metastatic lesions, which is statistically significant. The median DFS for primary HER2(-) to metastatic HER2(+) was 84 months, which was relatively high. The Cox multivariate regression analysis revealed that the expression differences of ER, PR, HER2, and Ki67 were not influenced by endocrine therapy and chemotherapy. However, a statistically significant difference in HER2 expression was observed with targeted therapy. Tumor size was correlated with ER and Ki67 receptor status (P = 0.019, 0.016). Tumor size was not correlated with PR, and HER2 (P = 0.679, 0.440). Lymph node metastasis was not associated with changes in ER, PR, HER2, and Ki67. The discordant rates of ER, PR, HER2, and Ki-67 in patients with local recurrence were 22%, 23.7%, 5.1%, and 28.8% respectively, whereas those in patients with distant metastasis were 21.5%, 36.4%, 10.3%, and 31.8% respectively. Conclusions The expression levels of ER, PR, HER2, and Ki-67 in primary and metastatic breast cancer exhibit heterogeneity, which is closely associated with the prognosis and treatment outcomes of patients.
Qi et al. (2024) Retrospective analysis of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2), Ki67 changes and their clinical significance between primary breast cancer and metastatic tumors. PeerJ 12:e17377 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17377
The prognostic value of preoperative neoindices consisting of lymphocytes, neutrophils and albumin (LANR) in operable breast cancer: a retrospective study
Background Preoperative inflammatory factors and nutritional status are strongly associated with the prognosis of a variety of cancers. We explored the relationship between preoperative lymphocytes, neutrophils and albumin (LANR) and progression-free survival in breast cancer patients. Methods The clinical and follow-up data of 200 breast cancer patients were retrospectively analyzed in this study, and the value of LANR was determined as follows: LANR, lymphocytes × albumin/neutrophils. ROC curves, COX proportional risk regression analysis and subgroup analysis were used to assess the prognostic value of LANR in progression-free survival of breast cancer patients. Results The median age of the patients was 55.5 years (range 50–62 years). The median follow-up time was 46 months (range 33–55 months). In progression-free survival, the area under the LANR curve was 0.748 and the HR (95% CI) was 0.035 (0.679–0.817). LANR was associated with age (p = 0.02), positive axillary lymph nodes (p < 0.001), TNM stage (p < 0.001) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(p = 0.004). The results indicated that preoperative LANR may be a reliable predictor of progression-free survival in patients with operable breast cancer. Conclusion LANR may be an essential predictor for breast cancer patients and provides a therapeutic basis for clinicians and patients.
Wang et al. (2024) The prognostic value of preoperative neoindices consisting of lymphocytes, neutrophils and albumin (LANR) in operable breast cancer: a retrospective study. PeerJ 12:e17382 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17382
Var3PPred: variant prediction based on 3-D structure and sequence analyses of protein-protein interactions on autoinflammatory diseases
We developed a pathogenicity classifier, named Var3PPred, for identifying pathogenic variants in genes associated with autoinflammatory disorders. Our comprehensive approach integrates protein-protein interaction analysis and 3D structural information. Initially, we collected a dataset of 702 missense disease-associated variants from 35 genes linked to systemic autoinflammatory diseases (SAIDs). This dataset, sourced from the Infevers database, served as the training and test sets. We used the SMOTE algorithm to balance the dataset comprising 130 benign and 572 pathogenic variations. Our approach included 3D docking analysis of protein-protein interactions, utilizing data from the STRING and Intact databases. We weighted ZDOCK and SPRINT values in accordance with HGPEC gene rank scores for robustness. Additionally, we integrated sequential and structural features, such as changes in folding free energies (ΔΔ G), accessible surface area, volume, per residue local distance difference test (pLDDT) scores, and position specific independent count (PSIC) scores. These features, calculated using PyRosetta and AF2 computed structures, provided insights into amino acid conservation at variant positions and the impact of variants on protein structure and stability. Through extensive hyperparameter tuning of six machine learning algorithms, we found the random forest classifier to be the most effective, yielding an AUROC of 99% on the test set. Var3PPred outperformed three other classifiers, SIFT, PolyPhen, and CADD, on an unseen test set of a SAID-related gene. This demonstrates its capacity for pathogenicity classification of SAID variations. The source code for Var3PPred and the predictions for all 420 missense variants of uncertain significance from the Infevers database are available on GitHub: (https://github.com/alperbulbul1/Var3PPred).
Bülbül et al. (2024) Var3PPred: variant prediction based on 3-D structure and sequence analyses of protein-protein interactions on autoinflammatory diseases. PeerJ 12:e17297 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17297
Similar and divergent responses to salinity stress of jamun (Syzygium cumini L. Skeels) genotypes
Background Genetic variation for salt tolerance remains elusive in jamun (Syzygium cumini). Methods Effects of gradually increased salinity (2.0–12.0 dS/m) were examined in 20 monoembryonic and 28 polyembryonic genotypes of jamun. Six genotypes were additionally assessed for understanding salt-induced changes in gas exchange attributes and antioxidant enzymes. Results Salt-induced reductions in leaf, stem, root and plant dry mass (PDM) were relatively greater in mono- than in poly-embryonic types. Reductions in PDM relative to control implied more adverse impacts of salinity on genotypes CSJ-28, CSJ-31, CSJ-43 and CSJ-47 (mono) and CSJ-1, CSJ-24, CSJ-26 and CSJ-27 (poly). Comparably, some mono- (CSJ-5, CSJ-18) and poly-embryonic (CSJ-7, CSJ-8, CSJ-14, CSJ-19) genotypes exhibited least reductions in PDM following salt treatment. Most polyembryonic genotypes showed lower reductions in root than in shoot mass, indicating that they may be more adept at absorbing water and nutrients when exposed to salt. The majority of genotypes did not exhibit leaf tip burn and marginal scorch despite significant increases in Na+ and Cl−, suggesting that tissue tolerance existed for storing excess Na+ and Cl− in vacuoles. Jamun genotypes were likely more efficient in Cl− exclusion because leaf, stem and root Cl− levels were consistently lower than those of Na+ under salt treatment. Leaf K+ was particularly little affected in genotypes with high leaf Na+. Lack of discernible differences in leaf, stem and root Ca2+ and Mg2+ contents between control and salt treatments was likely due to their preferential uptake. Correlation analysis suggested that Na+ probably had a greater inhibitory effect on biomass in both mono- and poly-embryonic types. Discriminant analysis revealed that while stem and root Cl− probably accounted for shared responses, root Na+, leaf K+ and leaf Cl− explained divergent responses to salt stress of mono- and poly-embryonic types. Genotypes CSJ-18 and CSJ-19 seemed efficient in fending off oxidative damage caused by salt because of their stronger antioxidant defences. Conclusions Polyembryonic genotypes CSJ-7, CSJ-8, CSJ-14 and CSJ-19, which showed least reductions in biomass even after prolonged exposure to salinity stress, may be used as salt-tolerant rootstocks. The biochemical and molecular underpinnings of tissue tolerance to excess Na+ and Cl− as well as preferential uptake of K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ need to be elucidated.
Singh et al. (2024) Similar and divergent responses to salinity stress of jamun (Syzygium cumini L. Skeels) genotypes. PeerJ 12:e17311 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17311
Vocal complexity in the long calls of Bornean orangutans
Vocal complexity is central to many evolutionary hypotheses about animal communication. Yet, quantifying and comparing complexity remains a challenge, particularly when vocal types are highly graded. Male Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii) produce complex and variable “long call” vocalizations comprising multiple sound types that vary within and among individuals. Previous studies described six distinct call (or pulse) types within these complex vocalizations, but none quantified their discreteness or the ability of human observers to reliably classify them. We studied the long calls of 13 individuals to: (1) evaluate and quantify the reliability of audio-visual classification by three well-trained observers, (2) distinguish among call types using supervised classification and unsupervised clustering, and (3) compare the performance of different feature sets. Using 46 acoustic features, we used machine learning (i.e., support vector machines, affinity propagation, and fuzzy c-means) to identify call types and assess their discreteness. We additionally used Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) to visualize the separation of pulses using both extracted features and spectrogram representations. Supervised approaches showed low inter-observer reliability and poor classification accuracy, indicating that pulse types were not discrete. We propose an updated pulse classification approach that is highly reproducible across observers and exhibits strong classification accuracy using support vector machines. Although the low number of call types suggests long calls are fairly simple, the continuous gradation of sounds seems to greatly boost the complexity of this system. This work responds to calls for more quantitative research to define call types and quantify gradedness in animal vocal systems and highlights the need for a more comprehensive framework for studying vocal complexity vis-à-vis graded repertoires.
Erb et al. (2024) Vocal complexity in the long calls of Bornean orangutans. PeerJ 12:e17320 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17320