PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
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
items: Melanella martarum sp. nov. (Gastropoda: Eulimidae): the first parasitic deep-sea snail reported for the Salas & Gomez Ridge
items: https://peerj.com/articles/17172
items: Prognosis value of galectin-3 in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy: a meta-analysis
items: The effects of COVID-19 on agriculture supply chain, food security, and environment: a review
items: Insights into soil nematode diversity and bacterial community of Thai jasmine rice rhizosphere from different paddy fields in Thailand
items: A comparison of the effects of two protocols of concurrent resistance and aerobic training on physical fitness in middle school students
items: Are women with endometriosis more likely to experience reduced physical performance compared to women without the condition?

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.

Melanella martarum sp. nov. (Gastropoda: Eulimidae): the first parasitic deep-sea snail reported for the Salas & Gomez Ridge
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Eulimidae is a highly diverse family of gastropods that are often parasites of echinoderms. They are cosmopolitan and live from the intertidal to great depths. Despite its wide geographic and bathymetric distribution, no species of Eulimidae have been reported for the Salas & Gómez Ridge to date. In this study, we describe Melanella martarum sp. nov., which was collected during the EPIC oceanographic cruise onboard RV Mirai (JAMSTEC, Japan) in 2019. Seven specimens were collected with a modified Agassiz trawl on the summit of seamount “Pearl” (Zhemchuznaya) in the Salas & Gómez Ridge (25.59°S, 89.13°W) at 545 m depth. The morphology of M. martarum sp. nov. was compared with other Melanella species reported for the area, including Chile and Rapa Nui. DNA was extracted and partial sequences of the mitochondrial genes Cytochrome Oxidase 1 (COI) and 16S rDNA, and the nuclear gene Histone 3 (H3) were sequenced. Melanella martarum sp. nov. has morphological characteristics that separate it from other species of Melanella, such as the thickness and color of the shell, and the shape of the protoconch. In addition, M. martarum sp. nov. was genetically differentiated from other Melanella spp. sequences (uncorrected p distances from 18,1–8.6% in mitochondrial COI and 16S rDNA to 3% in nuclear H3 sequences). Although there is not much molecular data available for Eulimidae, the phylogenetic analysis confirms the results obtained by morphology, placing the species found on the Salas & Gómez Ridge within the genus Melanella. The current study advances the understanding of the poorly known benthic fauna found on seamounts in the easternmost part of the Sala & Gómez ridge, a location distinguished by a high level of endemism.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Leonardo Santos de Souza
creator: Cynthia M. Asorey
creator: Javier Sellanes
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Marine Biology
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.16932
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 de Souza et al.
abstract: Eulimidae is a highly diverse family of gastropods that are often parasites of echinoderms. They are cosmopolitan and live from the intertidal to great depths. Despite its wide geographic and bathymetric distribution, no species of Eulimidae have been reported for the Salas & Gómez Ridge to date. In this study, we describe Melanella martarum sp. nov., which was collected during the EPIC oceanographic cruise onboard RV Mirai (JAMSTEC, Japan) in 2019. Seven specimens were collected with a modified Agassiz trawl on the summit of seamount “Pearl” (Zhemchuznaya) in the Salas & Gómez Ridge (25.59°S, 89.13°W) at 545 m depth. The morphology of M. martarum sp. nov. was compared with other Melanella species reported for the area, including Chile and Rapa Nui. DNA was extracted and partial sequences of the mitochondrial genes Cytochrome Oxidase 1 (COI) and 16S rDNA, and the nuclear gene Histone 3 (H3) were sequenced. Melanella martarum sp. nov. has morphological characteristics that separate it from other species of Melanella, such as the thickness and color of the shell, and the shape of the protoconch. In addition, M. martarum sp. nov. was genetically differentiated from other Melanella spp. sequences (uncorrected p distances from 18,1–8.6% in mitochondrial COI and 16S rDNA to 3% in nuclear H3 sequences). Although there is not much molecular data available for Eulimidae, the phylogenetic analysis confirms the results obtained by morphology, placing the species found on the Salas & Gómez Ridge within the genus Melanella. The current study advances the understanding of the poorly known benthic fauna found on seamounts in the easternmost part of the Sala & Gómez ridge, a location distinguished by a high level of endemism.
bibliographic citation: de Souza et al. (2024) Melanella martarum sp. nov. (Gastropoda: Eulimidae): the first parasitic deep-sea snail reported for the Salas & Gomez Ridge. PeerJ 12:e16932 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.16932
date submitted: 2023-10-24
date accepted: 2024-01-22
issued: 2024-04-23
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: de Souza
  given name: Leonardo Santos
author list: Agent
  family name: Asorey
  given name: Cynthia M.
author list: Agent
  family name: Sellanes
  given name: Javier
doi: 10.7717/peerj.16932
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-23
copyright: ©2024 de Souza et al.
attribution name: de Souza et al.

https://peerj.com/articles/17172
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
title: Discovery of a peculiar insular race of Ravenna nivea (Nire, 1920) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) endemic to Yinggeling Mountain of Hainan, suggesting heterogeneous geological history of mountain formation of the island
description: A peculiar population of Ravenna nivea (Nire, 1920) was discovered from the Yinggeling Mountain Mass of central Hainan. Its wing pattern and COI barcode data show considerable distinction from other geographic populations of R. nivea, including that of Bawangling, approximately only 40 km away and also located in Hainan. The p-distance value of the COI barcode between the Yinggeling and Bawangling populations was 1.1%, considerably higher than the value (0.6%) between Bawangling population and populations in eastern China, where the subspecific name howarthi Saigusa, 1993 applies. The population is regarded as a distinct subspecies ngiunmoiae Lo & Hsu, subsp. nov. The distinctness and high degree of COI haplotype diversity of R. nivea found in Hainan and Taiwan suggest continental islands may serve as glacial refugees for the butterfly and other organisms during previous glaciations, and the presence of the relict populations of montane butterflies like R. nivea may provide useful clues towards a better understanding of the geological history of mountain formation within islands.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Yu-Feng Hsu
creator: Yik Fui Philip Lo
creator: Rung-Juen Lin
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Biogeography
subject: Entomology
subject: Taxonomy
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17172
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Hsu et al.
abstract: A peculiar population of Ravenna nivea (Nire, 1920) was discovered from the Yinggeling Mountain Mass of central Hainan. Its wing pattern and COI barcode data show considerable distinction from other geographic populations of R. nivea, including that of Bawangling, approximately only 40 km away and also located in Hainan. The p-distance value of the COI barcode between the Yinggeling and Bawangling populations was 1.1%, considerably higher than the value (0.6%) between Bawangling population and populations in eastern China, where the subspecific name howarthi Saigusa, 1993 applies. The population is regarded as a distinct subspecies ngiunmoiae Lo & Hsu, subsp. nov. The distinctness and high degree of COI haplotype diversity of R. nivea found in Hainan and Taiwan suggest continental islands may serve as glacial refugees for the butterfly and other organisms during previous glaciations, and the presence of the relict populations of montane butterflies like R. nivea may provide useful clues towards a better understanding of the geological history of mountain formation within islands.
bibliographic citation: Hsu et al. (2024) Discovery of a peculiar insular race of Ravenna nivea (Nire, 1920) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) endemic to Yinggeling Mountain of Hainan, suggesting heterogeneous geological history of mountain formation of the island. PeerJ 12:e17172 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17172
date submitted: 2023-12-01
date accepted: 2024-03-07
issued: 2024-04-23
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Hsu
  given name: Yu-Feng
author list: Agent
  family name: Lo
  given name: Yik Fui Philip
author list: Agent
  family name: Lin
  given name: Rung-Juen
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17172
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-23
copyright: ©2024 Hsu et al.
attribution name: Hsu et al.

Prognosis value of galectin-3 in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy: a meta-analysis
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Accurate prediction and assessment of myocardial fibrosis (MF) and adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) are crucial in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Several studies indicate that galectin-3 (gal-3) as a promising prognostic predictor in patients with DCM. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for relevant studies up to August 2023. The hazard ratios (HRs) of gal-3 for MACEs in DCM patients, and for MACEs in LGE(+) versus LGE(-) groups, were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA SE 14.0 software. Results Seven studies, encompassing 945 patients, met the eligibility criteria. In DCM patients, abnormally elevated gal-3 levels were indicative of an increased MACEs risk (HR = 1.10, 95% CI [1.00–1.21], I2 = 65.7%, p = 0.008). Compared with the LGE(-) group, the level of gal-3 in LGE(+) group was higher (HR = 1.12, 95% CI [1.05–1.19], I2 = 31.4%, p = 0.233), and the combination of gal-3 and LGE significantly improved the prediction of MACEs. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of all results. Conclusions This study’s findings suggest that elevated gal-3 levels significantly correlate with increased MACE risk in DCM, highlighting its potential as a biomarker. However, significant heterogeneity among studies necessitates further research to ascertain gal-3’s predictive and diagnostic value in DCM prognosis, particularly in conjunction with LGE. PROSPERO ID CRD42023471199.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Yan Xiong
creator: Qing Zhang
subject: Genetics
subject: Cardiology
subject: Epidemiology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17201
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Xiong and Zhang
abstract: Background Accurate prediction and assessment of myocardial fibrosis (MF) and adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) are crucial in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Several studies indicate that galectin-3 (gal-3) as a promising prognostic predictor in patients with DCM. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for relevant studies up to August 2023. The hazard ratios (HRs) of gal-3 for MACEs in DCM patients, and for MACEs in LGE(+) versus LGE(-) groups, were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA SE 14.0 software. Results Seven studies, encompassing 945 patients, met the eligibility criteria. In DCM patients, abnormally elevated gal-3 levels were indicative of an increased MACEs risk (HR = 1.10, 95% CI [1.00–1.21], I2 = 65.7%, p = 0.008). Compared with the LGE(-) group, the level of gal-3 in LGE(+) group was higher (HR = 1.12, 95% CI [1.05–1.19], I2 = 31.4%, p = 0.233), and the combination of gal-3 and LGE significantly improved the prediction of MACEs. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of all results. Conclusions This study’s findings suggest that elevated gal-3 levels significantly correlate with increased MACE risk in DCM, highlighting its potential as a biomarker. However, significant heterogeneity among studies necessitates further research to ascertain gal-3’s predictive and diagnostic value in DCM prognosis, particularly in conjunction with LGE. PROSPERO ID CRD42023471199.
bibliographic citation: Xiong et al. (2024) Prognosis value of galectin-3 in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy: a meta-analysis. PeerJ 12:e17201 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17201
date submitted: 2024-01-10
date accepted: 2024-03-15
issued: 2024-04-23
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Xiong
  given name: Yan
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Qing
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17201
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-23
copyright: ©2024 Xiong and Zhang
attribution name: Xiong and Zhang

The effects of COVID-19 on agriculture supply chain, food security, and environment: a review
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: COVID-19 has a deep impact on the economic, environmental, and social life of the global population. Particularly, it disturbed the entire agriculture supply chain due to a shortage of labor, travel restrictions, and changes in demand during lockdowns. Consequently, the world population faced food insecurity due to a reduction in food production and booming food prices. Low-income households face food security challenges because of limited income generation during the pandemic. Thus, there is a need to understand comprehensive strategies to meet the complex challenges faced by the food industry and marginalized people in developing countries. This research is intended to review the agricultural supply chain, global food security, and environmental dynamics of COVID-19 by exploring the most significant literature in this domain. Due to lockdowns and reduced industrial production, positive environmental effects are achieved through improved air and water quality and reduced noise pollution globally. However, negative environmental effects emerged due to increasing medical waste, packaging waste, and plastic pollution due to disruptions in recycling operations. There is extensive literature on the effects of COVID-19 on the environment and food security. This study is an effort to review the existing literature to understand the net effects of the pandemic on the environment and food security. The literature suggested adopting innovative policies and strategies to protect the global food supply chain and achieve economic recovery with environmental sustainability. For instance, food productivity should be increased by using modern agriculture technologies to ensure food security. The government should provide food to vulnerable populations during the pandemic. Trade restrictions should be removed for food trade to improve international collaboration for food security. On the environmental side, the government should increase recycling plants during the pandemic to cont…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Haider Mahmood
creator: Maham Furqan
creator: Gowhar Meraj
creator: Muhammad Shahid Hassan
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Environmental Contamination and Remediation
subject: Environmental Impacts
subject: COVID-19
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17281
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Mahmood et al.
abstract: COVID-19 has a deep impact on the economic, environmental, and social life of the global population. Particularly, it disturbed the entire agriculture supply chain due to a shortage of labor, travel restrictions, and changes in demand during lockdowns. Consequently, the world population faced food insecurity due to a reduction in food production and booming food prices. Low-income households face food security challenges because of limited income generation during the pandemic. Thus, there is a need to understand comprehensive strategies to meet the complex challenges faced by the food industry and marginalized people in developing countries. This research is intended to review the agricultural supply chain, global food security, and environmental dynamics of COVID-19 by exploring the most significant literature in this domain. Due to lockdowns and reduced industrial production, positive environmental effects are achieved through improved air and water quality and reduced noise pollution globally. However, negative environmental effects emerged due to increasing medical waste, packaging waste, and plastic pollution due to disruptions in recycling operations. There is extensive literature on the effects of COVID-19 on the environment and food security. This study is an effort to review the existing literature to understand the net effects of the pandemic on the environment and food security. The literature suggested adopting innovative policies and strategies to protect the global food supply chain and achieve economic recovery with environmental sustainability. For instance, food productivity should be increased by using modern agriculture technologies to ensure food security. The government should provide food to vulnerable populations during the pandemic. Trade restrictions should be removed for food trade to improve international collaboration for food security. On the environmental side, the government should increase recycling plants during the pandemic to cont…
bibliographic citation: Mahmood et al. (2024) The effects of COVID-19 on agriculture supply chain, food security, and environment: a review. PeerJ 12:e17281 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17281
date submitted: 2024-02-27
date accepted: 2024-04-01
issued: 2024-04-23
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Mahmood
  given name: Haider
author list: Agent
  family name: Furqan
  given name: Maham
author list: Agent
  family name: Meraj
  given name: Gowhar
author list: Agent
  family name: Shahid Hassan
  given name: Muhammad
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17281
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-23
copyright: ©2024 Mahmood et al.
attribution name: Mahmood et al.

Insights into soil nematode diversity and bacterial community of Thai jasmine rice rhizosphere from different paddy fields in Thailand
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Globally, phytonematodes cause significant crop losses. Understanding the functions played by the plant rhizosphere soil microbiome during phytonematodes infection is crucial. This study examined the distribution of phytonematodes in the paddy fields of five provinces in Thailand, as well as determining the keystone microbial taxa in response to environmental factors that could be considered in the development of efficient biocontrol tactics in agriculture. The results demonstrated that Meloidogyne graminicola and Hirschmanniella spp. were the major and dominant phytonematodes distributed across the paddy fields of Thailand. Soil parameters (total P, Cu, Mg, and Zn) were the important factors affecting the abundance of both nematodes. Illumina next-generation sequencing demonstrated that the levels of bacterial diversity among all locations were not significantly different. The Acidobacteriota, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota, Myxococcota, Chloroflexi, Verrucomicrobiota, Bacteroidota, Gemmatimonadota, and Desulfobacterota were the most abundant bacterial phyla observed at all sites. The number of classes of the Acidobacteriae, Clostridia, Bacilli, and Bacteroidia influenced the proportions of Hirschmanniella spp., Tylenchorhynchus spp., and free-living nematodes in the sampling dirt, whereas the number of classes of the Polyangia and Actinobacteria affected the amounts of Pratylenchus spp. in both roots and soils. Soil organic matter, N, and Mn were the main factors that influenced the structure of the bacterial community. Correlations among rhizosphere microbiota, soil nematodes, and soil properties will be informative data in considering phytonematode management in a rice production system.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Pongrawee Nimnoi
creator: Patawee Pirankham
creator: Kittipong Srimuang
creator: Pornthip Ruanpanun
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Environmental Sciences
subject: Microbiology
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17289
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Nimnoi et al.
abstract: Globally, phytonematodes cause significant crop losses. Understanding the functions played by the plant rhizosphere soil microbiome during phytonematodes infection is crucial. This study examined the distribution of phytonematodes in the paddy fields of five provinces in Thailand, as well as determining the keystone microbial taxa in response to environmental factors that could be considered in the development of efficient biocontrol tactics in agriculture. The results demonstrated that Meloidogyne graminicola and Hirschmanniella spp. were the major and dominant phytonematodes distributed across the paddy fields of Thailand. Soil parameters (total P, Cu, Mg, and Zn) were the important factors affecting the abundance of both nematodes. Illumina next-generation sequencing demonstrated that the levels of bacterial diversity among all locations were not significantly different. The Acidobacteriota, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota, Myxococcota, Chloroflexi, Verrucomicrobiota, Bacteroidota, Gemmatimonadota, and Desulfobacterota were the most abundant bacterial phyla observed at all sites. The number of classes of the Acidobacteriae, Clostridia, Bacilli, and Bacteroidia influenced the proportions of Hirschmanniella spp., Tylenchorhynchus spp., and free-living nematodes in the sampling dirt, whereas the number of classes of the Polyangia and Actinobacteria affected the amounts of Pratylenchus spp. in both roots and soils. Soil organic matter, N, and Mn were the main factors that influenced the structure of the bacterial community. Correlations among rhizosphere microbiota, soil nematodes, and soil properties will be informative data in considering phytonematode management in a rice production system.
bibliographic citation: Nimnoi et al. (2024) Insights into soil nematode diversity and bacterial community of Thai jasmine rice rhizosphere from different paddy fields in Thailand. PeerJ 12:e17289 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17289
date submitted: 2023-12-21
date accepted: 2024-04-02
issued: 2024-04-23
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Nimnoi
  given name: Pongrawee
author list: Agent
  family name: Pirankham
  given name: Patawee
author list: Agent
  family name: Srimuang
  given name: Kittipong
author list: Agent
  family name: Ruanpanun
  given name: Pornthip
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17289
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-23
copyright: ©2024 Nimnoi et al.
attribution name: Nimnoi et al.

A comparison of the effects of two protocols of concurrent resistance and aerobic training on physical fitness in middle school students
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Objective This study aimed to compare the effects of two concurrent training (CT) protocols on the physical fitness of middle school students. Method A 12-week quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test study was conducted with 157 middle school students (age = 12.48 ± 0.34, n = 90 females) divided into three groups: CT group A (CT-0h) received combined resistance training (RT) and aerobic training (AT) in each physical education session, CT group B (CT-48h) received RT and AT across two separate physical education classes 48 h apart, and a control group (Con) received no training. Training occurred twice a week. Test indicators included cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) measured by estimated VO2max and 20 m shuttle run (laps), as well as muscle strength assessed through long jump, vertical jump, and handgrip strength. Results The intervention groups exhibited significant increases in estimated VO2max and muscle strength compared to their baseline values (p < 0.05). Both CT-0h and CT-48h groups demonstrated significant improvements in 20 m shuttle run (laps) (mean difference: 8.88 laps, p < 0.01; mean difference: 4.81 laps, p < 0.01, respectively), standing long jump (mean difference: 6.20 cm, p < 0.01; mean difference: 3.68 cm, p < 0.01, respectively), vertical jump (mean difference: 4.95 cm, p < 0.01; mean difference: 4.04 cm, p < 0.01, respectively), and handgrip strength (mean difference: 11.17 kg, p < 0.01; mean difference: 6.99 kg, p < 0.01, respectively). CT-0h group exhibited significantly increased estimated VO2max (mean difference: 1.47 ml/kg/min, p < 0.01) compared to the CT-48h group. Conclusion Both CT programs effectively improved adolescents’ physical fitness indicators. However, the program that integrated RT and AT within the same physical education class demonstrated superior enhancement in adolescents’ CRF.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Zhen Li
creator: Teng Ding
creator: Yanan Gao
creator: Xiaowei Han
creator: Yang Liu
creator: Zhixiong Zhou
subject: Kinesiology
subject: Pediatrics
subject: Public Health
subject: Sports Injury
subject: Sports Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17294
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Li et al.
abstract: Objective This study aimed to compare the effects of two concurrent training (CT) protocols on the physical fitness of middle school students. Method A 12-week quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test study was conducted with 157 middle school students (age = 12.48 ± 0.34, n = 90 females) divided into three groups: CT group A (CT-0h) received combined resistance training (RT) and aerobic training (AT) in each physical education session, CT group B (CT-48h) received RT and AT across two separate physical education classes 48 h apart, and a control group (Con) received no training. Training occurred twice a week. Test indicators included cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) measured by estimated VO2max and 20 m shuttle run (laps), as well as muscle strength assessed through long jump, vertical jump, and handgrip strength. Results The intervention groups exhibited significant increases in estimated VO2max and muscle strength compared to their baseline values (p < 0.05). Both CT-0h and CT-48h groups demonstrated significant improvements in 20 m shuttle run (laps) (mean difference: 8.88 laps, p < 0.01; mean difference: 4.81 laps, p < 0.01, respectively), standing long jump (mean difference: 6.20 cm, p < 0.01; mean difference: 3.68 cm, p < 0.01, respectively), vertical jump (mean difference: 4.95 cm, p < 0.01; mean difference: 4.04 cm, p < 0.01, respectively), and handgrip strength (mean difference: 11.17 kg, p < 0.01; mean difference: 6.99 kg, p < 0.01, respectively). CT-0h group exhibited significantly increased estimated VO2max (mean difference: 1.47 ml/kg/min, p < 0.01) compared to the CT-48h group. Conclusion Both CT programs effectively improved adolescents’ physical fitness indicators. However, the program that integrated RT and AT within the same physical education class demonstrated superior enhancement in adolescents’ CRF.
bibliographic citation: Li et al. (2024) A comparison of the effects of two protocols of concurrent resistance and aerobic training on physical fitness in middle school students. PeerJ 12:e17294 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17294
date submitted: 2023-07-20
date accepted: 2024-04-02
issued: 2024-04-23
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Zhen
author list: Agent
  family name: Ding
  given name: Teng
author list: Agent
  family name: Gao
  given name: Yanan
author list: Agent
  family name: Han
  given name: Xiaowei
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Yang
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Zhixiong
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17294
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-23
copyright: © 2024 Li et al.
attribution name: Li et al.

Are women with endometriosis more likely to experience reduced physical performance compared to women without the condition?
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Endometriosis is a condition of the female reproductive system associated with pelvic pain. Chronic pain can affect physical performance by limiting the functional activities, thus, it is hypothesized that women with endometriosis may also present decreased functional capacity, decreased strength, and mobility. The objective of this study is to compare physical performance in women with and without endometriosis. Methods This is a cross-sectional study composed of 115 women equally divided into two groups: the endometriosis group (EG), composed of women with a confirmed diagnosis of the disease by magnetic resonance imaging, and the comparator group (CG), consisting of women without suspicion of the disease. Physical performance (dependent variable) was assessed using hand dynamometry, the 6-min walk test (6MWT), gait speed, and the chair stands test. CG participants performed the tests during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Descriptive statistics, unpaired t-tests, and chi-square tests were used to describe and compare the groups. Multiple linear regression tested the associations adjusted for covariates (age, income, education, age at menarche, and body mass index). Results The EG had worse gait speed (mean difference: −0.11; 95% CI: [−0.18 to −0.04]), weaker grip strength (mean difference: −3.32; 95% CI: [−5.30 to −1.33]), shorter distance covered in the 6MWT (mean difference: −83.46; 95% CI: [−121.38 to −45.53]), and a lower number of repetitions in the chair stands test (mean difference: −8.44; 95% CI: [−10.64 to −6.25]) than the CG, even after adjusting for covariates. Conclusion Grip strength, lower limb strength, mobility, and functional capacity were worse in women diagnosed with endometriosis. Women with endometriosis should be encouraged to engage in physical exercise, adopt healthy lifestyle habits, and participate in rehabilitation activities to control pain, with the aim of reducing functional impairments.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Tatiana Silva
creator: Maiara Oliveira
creator: Edwiges Oliveira
creator: Rayllanne Macena
creator: Gessica Taynara de Oliveira Silva
creator: Saionara M. A. Câmara
creator: Maria Micussi
subject: Gynecology and Obstetrics
subject: Kinesiology
subject: Women’s Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.16835
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Silva et al.
abstract: Background Endometriosis is a condition of the female reproductive system associated with pelvic pain. Chronic pain can affect physical performance by limiting the functional activities, thus, it is hypothesized that women with endometriosis may also present decreased functional capacity, decreased strength, and mobility. The objective of this study is to compare physical performance in women with and without endometriosis. Methods This is a cross-sectional study composed of 115 women equally divided into two groups: the endometriosis group (EG), composed of women with a confirmed diagnosis of the disease by magnetic resonance imaging, and the comparator group (CG), consisting of women without suspicion of the disease. Physical performance (dependent variable) was assessed using hand dynamometry, the 6-min walk test (6MWT), gait speed, and the chair stands test. CG participants performed the tests during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Descriptive statistics, unpaired t-tests, and chi-square tests were used to describe and compare the groups. Multiple linear regression tested the associations adjusted for covariates (age, income, education, age at menarche, and body mass index). Results The EG had worse gait speed (mean difference: −0.11; 95% CI: [−0.18 to −0.04]), weaker grip strength (mean difference: −3.32; 95% CI: [−5.30 to −1.33]), shorter distance covered in the 6MWT (mean difference: −83.46; 95% CI: [−121.38 to −45.53]), and a lower number of repetitions in the chair stands test (mean difference: −8.44; 95% CI: [−10.64 to −6.25]) than the CG, even after adjusting for covariates. Conclusion Grip strength, lower limb strength, mobility, and functional capacity were worse in women diagnosed with endometriosis. Women with endometriosis should be encouraged to engage in physical exercise, adopt healthy lifestyle habits, and participate in rehabilitation activities to control pain, with the aim of reducing functional impairments.
bibliographic citation: Silva et al. (2024) Are women with endometriosis more likely to experience reduced physical performance compared to women without the condition?. PeerJ 12:e16835 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.16835
date submitted: 2023-10-16
date accepted: 2024-01-04
issued: 2024-04-22
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Silva
  given name: Tatiana
author list: Agent
  family name: Oliveira
  given name: Maiara
author list: Agent
  family name: Oliveira
  given name: Edwiges
author list: Agent
  family name: Macena
  given name: Rayllanne
author list: Agent
  family name: de Oliveira Silva
  given name: Gessica Taynara
author list: Agent
  family name: Câmara
  given name: Saionara M. A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Micussi
  given name: Maria
doi: 10.7717/peerj.16835
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-22
copyright: © 2024 Silva et al.
attribution name: Silva et al.

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