PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Bidirectional correlation between gastroesophageal reflux disease and sleep problems: a systematic review and meta-analysis
items: Defenses of whirligig beetles against native and invasive frogs
items: Effects of soil pH on the growth, soil nutrient composition, and rhizosphere microbiome of Ageratina adenophora
items: Marine introgressions and Andean uplift have driven diversification in neotropical Monkey tree frogs (Anura, Phyllomedusinae)
items: Association of rotating night shift work with tooth loss and severe periodontitis among permanent employees in Japan: a cross-sectional study
items: Promoting sustainable agriculture by exploiting plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to improve maize and cowpea crops
items: GPR27 expression correlates with prognosis and tumor progression in gliomas
items: Effectiveness of gamification in nursing degree education
items: Cross-sectional association between 24-hour movement guidelines and depressive symptoms in Chinese university students
items: Soil organic nitrogen variation shaped by diverse agroecosystems in a typical karst area: evidence from isotopic geochemistry

Bidirectional correlation between gastroesophageal reflux disease and sleep problems: a systematic review and meta-analysis
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Objectives Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and sleep problems are highly prevalent among the general population. Both them are associated with a variety of psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety, which is highlighting an underexplored connection between them. This meta-analysis aims to explore the association between sleep problems and GERD. Methods We conducted a comprehensive search on PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science, using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and keywords, covering articles from the inception of the databases until August 2023. Stata statistical software, version 14.0, was utilized for all statistical analyses. A fixed-effects model was applied when p > 0.1 and I2 ≤ 50%, while a random-effects model was employed for high heterogeneity (p < 0.1 and I2 > 50%). Funnel plots and Egger’s test were used to assess publication bias. Results Involving 22 studies, our meta-analysis revealed that insomnia, sleep disturbance, or short sleep duration significantly increased the risk of GERD (OR = 2.02, 95% CI [1.64–2.49], p < 0.001; I2 = 66.4%; OR = 1.98, 95% CI [1.58–2.50], p < 0.001, I2 = 50.1%; OR = 2.66, 95% CI [2.02–3.15], p < 0.001; I2 = 62.5%, respectively). GERD was associated with an elevated risk of poor sleep quality (OR = 1.47, 95% CI [1.47–1.79], p < 0.001, I2 = 72.4%), sleep disturbance (OR = 1.47, 95% CI [1.24–1.74], p < 0.001, I2 = 71.6%), or short sleep duration (OR = 1.17, 95% CI [1.12–1.21], p < 0.001, I2 = 0). Conclusion This meta-analysis establishes a bidirectional relationship between four distinct types of sleep problems and GERD. The findings offer insights for the development of innovative approaches in the treatment of both GERD and sleep problems.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Xiaolong Tan
creator: Shasha Wang
creator: Fengjie Wu
creator: Jun Zhu
subject: Evidence Based Medicine
subject: Gastroenterology and Hepatology
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
subject: Mental Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17202
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Tan et al.
abstract: Objectives Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and sleep problems are highly prevalent among the general population. Both them are associated with a variety of psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety, which is highlighting an underexplored connection between them. This meta-analysis aims to explore the association between sleep problems and GERD. Methods We conducted a comprehensive search on PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science, using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and keywords, covering articles from the inception of the databases until August 2023. Stata statistical software, version 14.0, was utilized for all statistical analyses. A fixed-effects model was applied when p > 0.1 and I2 ≤ 50%, while a random-effects model was employed for high heterogeneity (p < 0.1 and I2 > 50%). Funnel plots and Egger’s test were used to assess publication bias. Results Involving 22 studies, our meta-analysis revealed that insomnia, sleep disturbance, or short sleep duration significantly increased the risk of GERD (OR = 2.02, 95% CI [1.64–2.49], p < 0.001; I2 = 66.4%; OR = 1.98, 95% CI [1.58–2.50], p < 0.001, I2 = 50.1%; OR = 2.66, 95% CI [2.02–3.15], p < 0.001; I2 = 62.5%, respectively). GERD was associated with an elevated risk of poor sleep quality (OR = 1.47, 95% CI [1.47–1.79], p < 0.001, I2 = 72.4%), sleep disturbance (OR = 1.47, 95% CI [1.24–1.74], p < 0.001, I2 = 71.6%), or short sleep duration (OR = 1.17, 95% CI [1.12–1.21], p < 0.001, I2 = 0). Conclusion This meta-analysis establishes a bidirectional relationship between four distinct types of sleep problems and GERD. The findings offer insights for the development of innovative approaches in the treatment of both GERD and sleep problems.
bibliographic citation: Tan et al. (2024) Bidirectional correlation between gastroesophageal reflux disease and sleep problems: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PeerJ 12:e17202 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17202
date submitted: 2023-12-10
date accepted: 2024-03-15
issued: 2024-04-16
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Tan
  given name: Xiaolong
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Shasha
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Fengjie
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhu
  given name: Jun
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17202
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-16
copyright: © 2024 Tan et al.
attribution name: Tan et al.

Defenses of whirligig beetles against native and invasive frogs
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Many native insects have evolved defenses against native predators. However, their defenses may not protect them from non-native predators due to a limited shared history. The American bullfrog, Aquarana catesbeiana (Anura: Ranidae), which has been intentionally introduced to many countries, is believed to impact native aquatic animals through direct predation. Adults of whirligig beetles (Coleoptera: Gyrinidae), known for swimming and foraging on the water surface of ponds and streams, reportedly possess chemical defenses against aquatic predators, such as fish. Although whirligig beetles potentially encounter both bullfrogs and other frogs in ponds and lakes, the effectiveness of their defenses against frogs has been rarely studied. To assess whether whirligig beetles can defend against native and non-native frogs, we observed the behavioral responses of the native pond frog, Pelophylax nigromaculatus (Anura: Ranidae), and the invasive non-native bullfrog, A. catesbeiana, to native whirligig beetles, Gyrinus japonicus and Dineutus orientalis, in Japan. Adults of whirligig beetles were provided to frogs under laboratory conditions. Forty percent of G. japonicus and D.orientalis were rejected by P. nigromaculatus, while all whirligig beetles were easily consumed by A. catesbeiana. Chemical and other secondary defenses of G. japonicus and D. orientalis were effective for some individuals of P. nigromaculatus but not for any individuals of A. catesbeiana. These results suggest that native whirligig beetles suffer predation by invasive non-native bullfrogs in local ponds and lakes in Japan.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Shinji Sugiura
creator: Masakazu Hayashi
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Ecology
subject: Entomology
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17214
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Sugiura and Hayashi
abstract: Many native insects have evolved defenses against native predators. However, their defenses may not protect them from non-native predators due to a limited shared history. The American bullfrog, Aquarana catesbeiana (Anura: Ranidae), which has been intentionally introduced to many countries, is believed to impact native aquatic animals through direct predation. Adults of whirligig beetles (Coleoptera: Gyrinidae), known for swimming and foraging on the water surface of ponds and streams, reportedly possess chemical defenses against aquatic predators, such as fish. Although whirligig beetles potentially encounter both bullfrogs and other frogs in ponds and lakes, the effectiveness of their defenses against frogs has been rarely studied. To assess whether whirligig beetles can defend against native and non-native frogs, we observed the behavioral responses of the native pond frog, Pelophylax nigromaculatus (Anura: Ranidae), and the invasive non-native bullfrog, A. catesbeiana, to native whirligig beetles, Gyrinus japonicus and Dineutus orientalis, in Japan. Adults of whirligig beetles were provided to frogs under laboratory conditions. Forty percent of G. japonicus and D.orientalis were rejected by P. nigromaculatus, while all whirligig beetles were easily consumed by A. catesbeiana. Chemical and other secondary defenses of G. japonicus and D. orientalis were effective for some individuals of P. nigromaculatus but not for any individuals of A. catesbeiana. These results suggest that native whirligig beetles suffer predation by invasive non-native bullfrogs in local ponds and lakes in Japan.
bibliographic citation: Sugiura et al. (2024) Defenses of whirligig beetles against native and invasive frogs. PeerJ 12:e17214 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17214
date submitted: 2023-12-15
date accepted: 2024-03-19
issued: 2024-04-16
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Sugiura
  given name: Shinji
author list: Agent
  family name: Hayashi
  given name: Masakazu
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17214
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-16
copyright: ©2024 Sugiura and Hayashi
attribution name: Sugiura and Hayashi

Effects of soil pH on the growth, soil nutrient composition, and rhizosphere microbiome of Ageratina adenophora
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Ageratina adenophora is an invasive weed species found in many countries. Methods to control the spread of this weed have been largely unsuccessful. Soil pH is the most important soil factor affecting the availability of nutrients for plant and impacting its growth. Understanding the mechanisms of the influence of soil pH on the growth of A. adenophora may help to develop effective control measures. In this study, we artificially changed the soil pH in pot experiments for A. adenophora. We studied the effects of acidic (pH 5.5), weakly acidic (pH 6.5), neutral (pH 7.2), and alkaline (pH 9.0) soils on the growth, availability of soil nutrients, activity of antioxidant enzymes, levels of redox markers in the leaves, and the structure and diversity of the rhizosphere microbiome. Soil with a pH 7.2 had a higher (47.8%) below-ground height versus soils of pH 5.5 at day 10; plant had a higher (11.3%) above-ground height in pH 7.2 soils than pH 9.0 soils at day 90; no differences in the fresh and dry weights of its above- and belowground parts, plant heights, and root lengths were observed in plants growing in acid, alkaline, or neutral pH soil were observed at day 180. Correspondingly, the antioxidant enzymes SOD (superoxide dismutase), POD (peroxidase), CAT (catalase) and redox markers GSH (glutathione) and MDA (malondialdehyde) were measured in the leaves. Significant differences existed in the activities of CAT and the levels of GSH between those growing in acidic and alkaline soils and those in neutral pH soil at day 90; however, only lower (36.8%) CAT activities in those grown at pH 5.5 than those grown at pH 7.2 were found at day 180. Similarly, significant differences in available P (16.89 vs 3.04 mg Kg−1) and total K (3.67 vs 0.96 mg Kg−1), total P (0.37 vs 0.25 g Kg−1) and total N (0.45 vs 1.09 g Kg−1) concentrations were found between the rhizosphere soils of A. adenophora grown at pH 9.0 and 7.2 at day 90; no such differences were seen at day 180. High throughp…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Yun Xia
creator: Junna Feng
creator: Hongbo Zhang
creator: Deyu Xiong
creator: Lingdong Kong
creator: Robert Seviour
creator: Yunhong Kong
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Microbiology
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17231
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Xia et al.
abstract: Ageratina adenophora is an invasive weed species found in many countries. Methods to control the spread of this weed have been largely unsuccessful. Soil pH is the most important soil factor affecting the availability of nutrients for plant and impacting its growth. Understanding the mechanisms of the influence of soil pH on the growth of A. adenophora may help to develop effective control measures. In this study, we artificially changed the soil pH in pot experiments for A. adenophora. We studied the effects of acidic (pH 5.5), weakly acidic (pH 6.5), neutral (pH 7.2), and alkaline (pH 9.0) soils on the growth, availability of soil nutrients, activity of antioxidant enzymes, levels of redox markers in the leaves, and the structure and diversity of the rhizosphere microbiome. Soil with a pH 7.2 had a higher (47.8%) below-ground height versus soils of pH 5.5 at day 10; plant had a higher (11.3%) above-ground height in pH 7.2 soils than pH 9.0 soils at day 90; no differences in the fresh and dry weights of its above- and belowground parts, plant heights, and root lengths were observed in plants growing in acid, alkaline, or neutral pH soil were observed at day 180. Correspondingly, the antioxidant enzymes SOD (superoxide dismutase), POD (peroxidase), CAT (catalase) and redox markers GSH (glutathione) and MDA (malondialdehyde) were measured in the leaves. Significant differences existed in the activities of CAT and the levels of GSH between those growing in acidic and alkaline soils and those in neutral pH soil at day 90; however, only lower (36.8%) CAT activities in those grown at pH 5.5 than those grown at pH 7.2 were found at day 180. Similarly, significant differences in available P (16.89 vs 3.04 mg Kg−1) and total K (3.67 vs 0.96 mg Kg−1), total P (0.37 vs 0.25 g Kg−1) and total N (0.45 vs 1.09 g Kg−1) concentrations were found between the rhizosphere soils of A. adenophora grown at pH 9.0 and 7.2 at day 90; no such differences were seen at day 180. High throughp…
bibliographic citation: Xia et al. (2024) Effects of soil pH on the growth, soil nutrient composition, and rhizosphere microbiome of Ageratina adenophora. PeerJ 12:e17231 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17231
date submitted: 2024-01-02
date accepted: 2024-03-21
issued: 2024-04-16
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Xia
  given name: Yun
author list: Agent
  family name: Feng
  given name: Junna
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Hongbo
author list: Agent
  family name: Xiong
  given name: Deyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Kong
  given name: Lingdong
author list: Agent
  family name: Seviour
  given name: Robert
author list: Agent
  family name: Kong
  given name: Yunhong
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17231
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-16
copyright: ©2024 Xia et al.
attribution name: Xia et al.

Marine introgressions and Andean uplift have driven diversification in neotropical Monkey tree frogs (Anura, Phyllomedusinae)
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The species richness in the Neotropics has been linked to environmental heterogeneity and a complex geological history. We evaluated which biogeographic processes were associated with the diversification of Monkey tree frogs, an endemic clade from the Neotropics. We tested two competing hypotheses: the diversification of Phyllomedusinae occurred either in a “south-north” or a “north-south” direction in the Neotropics. We also hypothesized that marine introgressions and Andean uplift had a crucial role in promoting their diversification. We used 13 molecular markers in a Bayesian analysis to infer phylogenetic relationships among 57 species of Phyllomedusinae and to estimate their divergence times. We estimated ancestral ranges based on 12 biogeographic units considering the landscape modifications of the Neotropical region. We found that the Phyllomedusinae hypothetical ancestor range was probably widespread throughout South America, from Western Amazon to Southern Atlantic Forest, at 29.5 Mya. The Phyllomedusines’ ancestor must have initially diverged through vicariance, generally followed by jump-dispersals and sympatric speciation. Dispersal among areas occurred mostly from Western Amazonia towards Northern Andes and the South American diagonal of dry landscapes, a divergent pattern from both "south-north" and "north-south" diversification hypotheses. Our results revealed a complex diversification process of Monkey tree frogs, occurring simultaneously with the orogeny of Northern Andes and the South American marine introgressions in the last 30 million years.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Diego Almeida-Silva
creator: Leonardo Matheus Servino
creator: Matheus Pontes-Nogueira
creator: Ricardo J. Sawaya
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Biogeography
subject: Ecology
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17232
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Almeida-Silva et al.
abstract: The species richness in the Neotropics has been linked to environmental heterogeneity and a complex geological history. We evaluated which biogeographic processes were associated with the diversification of Monkey tree frogs, an endemic clade from the Neotropics. We tested two competing hypotheses: the diversification of Phyllomedusinae occurred either in a “south-north” or a “north-south” direction in the Neotropics. We also hypothesized that marine introgressions and Andean uplift had a crucial role in promoting their diversification. We used 13 molecular markers in a Bayesian analysis to infer phylogenetic relationships among 57 species of Phyllomedusinae and to estimate their divergence times. We estimated ancestral ranges based on 12 biogeographic units considering the landscape modifications of the Neotropical region. We found that the Phyllomedusinae hypothetical ancestor range was probably widespread throughout South America, from Western Amazon to Southern Atlantic Forest, at 29.5 Mya. The Phyllomedusines’ ancestor must have initially diverged through vicariance, generally followed by jump-dispersals and sympatric speciation. Dispersal among areas occurred mostly from Western Amazonia towards Northern Andes and the South American diagonal of dry landscapes, a divergent pattern from both "south-north" and "north-south" diversification hypotheses. Our results revealed a complex diversification process of Monkey tree frogs, occurring simultaneously with the orogeny of Northern Andes and the South American marine introgressions in the last 30 million years.
bibliographic citation: Almeida-Silva et al. (2024) Marine introgressions and Andean uplift have driven diversification in neotropical Monkey tree frogs (Anura, Phyllomedusinae). PeerJ 12:e17232 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17232
date submitted: 2023-10-19
date accepted: 2024-03-21
issued: 2024-04-16
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Almeida-Silva
  given name: Diego
author list: Agent
  family name: Servino
  given name: Leonardo Matheus
author list: Agent
  family name: Pontes-Nogueira
  given name: Matheus
author list: Agent
  family name: Sawaya
  given name: Ricardo J.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17232
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-16
copyright: © 2024 Almeida-Silva et al.
attribution name: Almeida-Silva et al.

Association of rotating night shift work with tooth loss and severe periodontitis among permanent employees in Japan: a cross-sectional study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The modern 24/7 society demands night shift work, which is a possible risk factor for chronic diseases. This study aimed to examine the associations of rotating night shift work duration with tooth loss and severe periodontitis. Methods This cross-sectional study used data from a self-administered questionnaire survey conducted among 3,044 permanent employees aged 20–64 years through a Japanese web research company in 2023. The duration of rotating night shift work was assessed using a question from the Nurses’ Health Study. Tooth loss was assessed based on self-reported remaining natural teeth count. Severe periodontitis was assessed using a validated screening questionnaire comprising four questions related to gum disease, loose tooth, bone loss, and bleeding gums. We employed linear regression models for tooth loss and Poisson regression models for severe periodontitis, adjusting for demographic, health and work-related variables and socioeconomic status. Results Among participants included, 10.9% worked in rotating night shifts for 1–5 years, while 11.0% worked in such shifts for ≥6 years. In fully adjusted models, rotating night shift work duration of 1–5 years was associated with tooth loss (beta −0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) [−1.55 to 0.08]) and severe periodontitis (prevalence ratio 1.80, 95% CI [1.33–2.43]); however, the association with tooth loss was not statistically significant. Conclusions This study supports that employees who work short-term rotating night shifts may experience poor oral conditions. Further research is needed to determine whether long-term rotating night shift work is associated with deteriorated oral health.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Yukihiro Sato
creator: Eiji Yoshioka
creator: Yasuaki Saijo
subject: Dentistry
subject: Epidemiology
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
subject: Public Health
subject: Mental Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17253
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Sato et al.
abstract: Background The modern 24/7 society demands night shift work, which is a possible risk factor for chronic diseases. This study aimed to examine the associations of rotating night shift work duration with tooth loss and severe periodontitis. Methods This cross-sectional study used data from a self-administered questionnaire survey conducted among 3,044 permanent employees aged 20–64 years through a Japanese web research company in 2023. The duration of rotating night shift work was assessed using a question from the Nurses’ Health Study. Tooth loss was assessed based on self-reported remaining natural teeth count. Severe periodontitis was assessed using a validated screening questionnaire comprising four questions related to gum disease, loose tooth, bone loss, and bleeding gums. We employed linear regression models for tooth loss and Poisson regression models for severe periodontitis, adjusting for demographic, health and work-related variables and socioeconomic status. Results Among participants included, 10.9% worked in rotating night shifts for 1–5 years, while 11.0% worked in such shifts for ≥6 years. In fully adjusted models, rotating night shift work duration of 1–5 years was associated with tooth loss (beta −0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) [−1.55 to 0.08]) and severe periodontitis (prevalence ratio 1.80, 95% CI [1.33–2.43]); however, the association with tooth loss was not statistically significant. Conclusions This study supports that employees who work short-term rotating night shifts may experience poor oral conditions. Further research is needed to determine whether long-term rotating night shift work is associated with deteriorated oral health.
bibliographic citation: Sato et al. (2024) Association of rotating night shift work with tooth loss and severe periodontitis among permanent employees in Japan: a cross-sectional study. PeerJ 12:e17253 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17253
date submitted: 2023-12-03
date accepted: 2024-03-26
issued: 2024-04-16
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Sato
  given name: Yukihiro
author list: Agent
  family name: Yoshioka
  given name: Eiji
author list: Agent
  family name: Saijo
  given name: Yasuaki
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17253
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-16
copyright: © 2024 Sato et al.
attribution name: Sato et al.

Promoting sustainable agriculture by exploiting plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to improve maize and cowpea crops
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Maize and cowpea are among the staple foods most consumed by most of the African population, and are of significant importance in food security, crop diversification, biodiversity preservation, and livelihoods. In order to satisfy the growing demand for agricultural products, fertilizers and pesticides have been extensively used to increase yields and protect plants against pathogens. However, the excessive use of these chemicals has harmful consequences on the environment and also on public health. These include soil acidification, loss of biodiversity, groundwater pollution, reduced soil fertility, contamination of crops by heavy metals, etc. Therefore, essential to find alternatives to promote sustainable agriculture and ensure the food and well-being of the people. Among these alternatives, agricultural techniques that offer sustainable, environmentally friendly solutions that reduce or eliminate the excessive use of agricultural inputs are increasingly attracting the attention of researchers. One such alternative is the use of beneficial soil microorganisms such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). PGPR provides a variety of ecological services and can play an essential role as crop yield enhancers and biological control agents. They can promote root development in plants, increasing their capacity to absorb water and nutrients from the soil, increase stress tolerance, reduce disease and promote root development. Previous research has highlighted the benefits of using PGPRs to increase agricultural productivity. A thorough understanding of the mechanisms of action of PGPRs and their exploitation as biofertilizers would present a promising prospect for increasing agricultural production, particularly in maize and cowpea, and for ensuring sustainable and prosperous agriculture, while contributing to food security and reducing the impact of chemical fertilizers and pesticides on the environment. Looking ahead, PGPR research should continue to deepen our…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Nadège Adoukè Agbodjato
creator: Olubukola Oluranti Babalola
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Microbiology
subject: Plant Science
subject: Soil Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.16836
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Agbodjato and Babalola
abstract: Maize and cowpea are among the staple foods most consumed by most of the African population, and are of significant importance in food security, crop diversification, biodiversity preservation, and livelihoods. In order to satisfy the growing demand for agricultural products, fertilizers and pesticides have been extensively used to increase yields and protect plants against pathogens. However, the excessive use of these chemicals has harmful consequences on the environment and also on public health. These include soil acidification, loss of biodiversity, groundwater pollution, reduced soil fertility, contamination of crops by heavy metals, etc. Therefore, essential to find alternatives to promote sustainable agriculture and ensure the food and well-being of the people. Among these alternatives, agricultural techniques that offer sustainable, environmentally friendly solutions that reduce or eliminate the excessive use of agricultural inputs are increasingly attracting the attention of researchers. One such alternative is the use of beneficial soil microorganisms such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). PGPR provides a variety of ecological services and can play an essential role as crop yield enhancers and biological control agents. They can promote root development in plants, increasing their capacity to absorb water and nutrients from the soil, increase stress tolerance, reduce disease and promote root development. Previous research has highlighted the benefits of using PGPRs to increase agricultural productivity. A thorough understanding of the mechanisms of action of PGPRs and their exploitation as biofertilizers would present a promising prospect for increasing agricultural production, particularly in maize and cowpea, and for ensuring sustainable and prosperous agriculture, while contributing to food security and reducing the impact of chemical fertilizers and pesticides on the environment. Looking ahead, PGPR research should continue to deepen our…
bibliographic citation: Agbodjato et al. (2024) Promoting sustainable agriculture by exploiting plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to improve maize and cowpea crops. PeerJ 12:e16836 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.16836
date submitted: 2023-06-29
date accepted: 2024-01-04
issued: 2024-04-15
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Agbodjato
  given name: Nadège Adoukè
author list: Agent
  family name: Babalola
  given name: Olubukola Oluranti
doi: 10.7717/peerj.16836
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-15
copyright: © 2024 Agbodjato and Babalola
attribution name: Agbodjato and Babalola

GPR27 expression correlates with prognosis and tumor progression in gliomas
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Backgrounds Glioma is a highly aggressive type of brain tumor, and its prognosis is still poor despite recent progress in treatment strategies. G protein-coupled receptor 27 (GPR27) is a member of the G protein-coupled receptor family and has been reported to be involved in various cellular processes, including tumor progression. Nevertheless, the clinical potential and tumor-related role of GPR27 in glioma remain unknown. Here we aimed to explore the function and role of GPR27 in gliomas. Methods In the current study, we evaluated the expression and clinical significance of GPR27 in gliomas using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets. We also conducted cellular experiments to evaluate the functional role of GPR27 in glioma cell growth. Results We found that GPR27 expression level was closely associated with disease status of glioma. Of note, GPR27 was negatively correlated with WHO grade, with grade IV samples showing the lowest GPR27 levels, while grade II samples showed the highest levels. Patients with IDH mutation or 1p/19q co-deletion exhibited higher GPR27 levels. In addition, lower GPR27 levels were correlated with higher death possibilities. In cellular experiments, we confirmed that GPR27 inhibited glioma cell growth. Conclusions Our results indicate that GPR27 may function as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in gliomas. Further studies are needed to illustrate the signaling mechanism and clinical implications of GPR27 in gliomas.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Changcheng Cai
creator: Libo Hu
creator: Ke Wu
creator: Yinggang Liu
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Neuroscience
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17024
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Cai et al.
abstract: Backgrounds Glioma is a highly aggressive type of brain tumor, and its prognosis is still poor despite recent progress in treatment strategies. G protein-coupled receptor 27 (GPR27) is a member of the G protein-coupled receptor family and has been reported to be involved in various cellular processes, including tumor progression. Nevertheless, the clinical potential and tumor-related role of GPR27 in glioma remain unknown. Here we aimed to explore the function and role of GPR27 in gliomas. Methods In the current study, we evaluated the expression and clinical significance of GPR27 in gliomas using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets. We also conducted cellular experiments to evaluate the functional role of GPR27 in glioma cell growth. Results We found that GPR27 expression level was closely associated with disease status of glioma. Of note, GPR27 was negatively correlated with WHO grade, with grade IV samples showing the lowest GPR27 levels, while grade II samples showed the highest levels. Patients with IDH mutation or 1p/19q co-deletion exhibited higher GPR27 levels. In addition, lower GPR27 levels were correlated with higher death possibilities. In cellular experiments, we confirmed that GPR27 inhibited glioma cell growth. Conclusions Our results indicate that GPR27 may function as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in gliomas. Further studies are needed to illustrate the signaling mechanism and clinical implications of GPR27 in gliomas.
bibliographic citation: Cai et al. (2024) GPR27 expression correlates with prognosis and tumor progression in gliomas. PeerJ 12:e17024 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17024
date submitted: 2023-11-16
date accepted: 2024-02-06
issued: 2024-04-15
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Cai
  given name: Changcheng
author list: Agent
  family name: Hu
  given name: Libo
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Ke
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Yinggang
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17024
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-15
copyright: ©2024 Cai et al.
attribution name: Cai et al.

Effectiveness of gamification in nursing degree education
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Previous research in nursing has found favorable results from the use of teaching methodologies alternative to lectures. One of the complementary methodologies used for university teaching is gamification, or the inclusion of game elements, creating a dynamic learning environment that allows the acquisition of knowledge and the development of other skills necessary for nursing students. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a gamification session on student satisfaction and knowledge scores in nursing students in simulated laboratory practice. Methods A pre-post quasi-experimental study was conducted with 122 students from the nursing degree program who participated in the research. The evaluation consisted of four sessions of three hours each. In two sessions, participants were trained through a vertical methodology, by means of theoretical training provided by teaching staff, and two hours of clinical simulation, where the students were able to practice the techniques on professional simulators. At the other two sessions, participants received an explanation of the theoretical aspects of the session, one hour of clinical simulation, and one hour of gamification, in which they had to pass tests based on the performance of practical activities on the subject of the session. At the end of the gamification session, all the participants received a certificate as winners of the “nursing game”. Results There was an improvement in the satisfaction and the knowledge level in the gamification sessions. Both were statistically significant (P < 0.001). There was an improvement in the items related to the development of critical thinking and the mobilizing concepts from theory to practice in the gamification sessions. Conclusion The intervention was effective in improving the satisfaction of the sessions received and in knowledge development.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Sebastián Sanz-Martos
creator: Cristina Álvarez-García
creator: Carmen Álvarez-Nieto
creator: Isabel M. López-Medina
creator: María Dolores López-Franco
creator: Maria E. Fernandez-Martinez
creator: Lucía Ortega-Donaire
subject: Health Policy
subject: Nursing
subject: Science and Medical Education
subject: Healthcare Services
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17167
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Sanz-Martos et al.
abstract: Background Previous research in nursing has found favorable results from the use of teaching methodologies alternative to lectures. One of the complementary methodologies used for university teaching is gamification, or the inclusion of game elements, creating a dynamic learning environment that allows the acquisition of knowledge and the development of other skills necessary for nursing students. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a gamification session on student satisfaction and knowledge scores in nursing students in simulated laboratory practice. Methods A pre-post quasi-experimental study was conducted with 122 students from the nursing degree program who participated in the research. The evaluation consisted of four sessions of three hours each. In two sessions, participants were trained through a vertical methodology, by means of theoretical training provided by teaching staff, and two hours of clinical simulation, where the students were able to practice the techniques on professional simulators. At the other two sessions, participants received an explanation of the theoretical aspects of the session, one hour of clinical simulation, and one hour of gamification, in which they had to pass tests based on the performance of practical activities on the subject of the session. At the end of the gamification session, all the participants received a certificate as winners of the “nursing game”. Results There was an improvement in the satisfaction and the knowledge level in the gamification sessions. Both were statistically significant (P < 0.001). There was an improvement in the items related to the development of critical thinking and the mobilizing concepts from theory to practice in the gamification sessions. Conclusion The intervention was effective in improving the satisfaction of the sessions received and in knowledge development.
bibliographic citation: Sanz-Martos et al. (2024) Effectiveness of gamification in nursing degree education. PeerJ 12:e17167 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17167
date submitted: 2023-11-22
date accepted: 2024-03-06
issued: 2024-04-15
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Sanz-Martos
  given name: Sebastián
author list: Agent
  family name: Álvarez-García
  given name: Cristina
author list: Agent
  family name: Álvarez-Nieto
  given name: Carmen
author list: Agent
  family name: López-Medina
  given name: Isabel M.
author list: Agent
  family name: López-Franco
  given name: María Dolores
author list: Agent
  family name: Fernandez-Martinez
  given name: Maria E.
author list: Agent
  family name: Ortega-Donaire
  given name: Lucía
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17167
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-15
copyright: © 2024 Sanz-Martos et al.
attribution name: Sanz-Martos et al.

Cross-sectional association between 24-hour movement guidelines and depressive symptoms in Chinese university students
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The world’s first 24-h movement guidelines for adults were released on 15 October 2020 in Canada, though evidence of their associations with health indicators in young adults is sparse. This study aimed to report the prevalence of meeting the 24-h movement guidelines and associations with depressive symptoms in a sample of Chinese university students. Methods Cross-sectional data from 1,793 Chinese university students (mean age = 20.7 years, 63.6% female) were used. Sociodemographic information, movement behaviors (physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep duration), and depressive symptoms were collected using a self-reported questionnaire. Results The prevalence of meeting the 24-h movement guidelines was 27.8% in Chinese university students. Logistic regression results show that compared to those who met the 24-h movement guidelines, odds ratio (OR) for depressive symptoms in those who met fewer recommendations contained in the 24-h movement guidelines were significantly higher (OR for none = 3.4, 95% CI [2.1–5.5], p < 0.001; OR for one = 2.7, 95% CI [2.0–3.8], p < 0.001; OR for two = 1.5, 95% CI [1.1–2.1], p = 0.013). Conclusion The prevalence of meeting the 24-h movement guidelines in Chinese university students was relatively low and should be enhanced through multiple strategies. Meeting the 24-h movement guidelines was associated with lower risk for depression in Chinese young adults. It is suggested that moving more, sitting less and sleeping well in this population may reduce the occurrence of depression.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Yanqing Zhang
creator: Xinli Chi
creator: Liuyue Huang
creator: Xingyi Yang
creator: Sitong Chen
subject: Kinesiology
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
subject: Public Health
subject: Mental Health
subject: Sports Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17217
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Zhang et al.
abstract: Background The world’s first 24-h movement guidelines for adults were released on 15 October 2020 in Canada, though evidence of their associations with health indicators in young adults is sparse. This study aimed to report the prevalence of meeting the 24-h movement guidelines and associations with depressive symptoms in a sample of Chinese university students. Methods Cross-sectional data from 1,793 Chinese university students (mean age = 20.7 years, 63.6% female) were used. Sociodemographic information, movement behaviors (physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep duration), and depressive symptoms were collected using a self-reported questionnaire. Results The prevalence of meeting the 24-h movement guidelines was 27.8% in Chinese university students. Logistic regression results show that compared to those who met the 24-h movement guidelines, odds ratio (OR) for depressive symptoms in those who met fewer recommendations contained in the 24-h movement guidelines were significantly higher (OR for none = 3.4, 95% CI [2.1–5.5], p < 0.001; OR for one = 2.7, 95% CI [2.0–3.8], p < 0.001; OR for two = 1.5, 95% CI [1.1–2.1], p = 0.013). Conclusion The prevalence of meeting the 24-h movement guidelines in Chinese university students was relatively low and should be enhanced through multiple strategies. Meeting the 24-h movement guidelines was associated with lower risk for depression in Chinese young adults. It is suggested that moving more, sitting less and sleeping well in this population may reduce the occurrence of depression.
bibliographic citation: Zhang et al. (2024) Cross-sectional association between 24-hour movement guidelines and depressive symptoms in Chinese university students. PeerJ 12:e17217 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17217
date submitted: 2023-11-15
date accepted: 2024-03-19
issued: 2024-04-15
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Yanqing
author list: Agent
  family name: Chi
  given name: Xinli
author list: Agent
  family name: Huang
  given name: Liuyue
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Xingyi
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Sitong
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17217
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-15
copyright: ©2024 Zhang et al.
attribution name: Zhang et al.

Soil organic nitrogen variation shaped by diverse agroecosystems in a typical karst area: evidence from isotopic geochemistry
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Soil organic nitrogen (SON) levels can respond effectively to crop metabolism and are directly related to soil productivity. However, simultaneous comparisons of SON dynamics using isotopic tracing in diverse agroecosystems are lacking, especially in karst areas with fragile ecology. Methods To better understand the response of SON dynamics to environmental changes under the coupling of natural and anthropogenic disturbances, SON contents and their stable N isotope (δ15NSON) compositions were determined in abandoned cropland (AC, n = 16), grazing shrubland (GS, n = 11), and secondary forest land (SF, n = 20) from a typical karst area in southwest China. Results The SON contents in the SF (mean: 0.09%) and AC (mean: 0.10%) profiles were obviously lower than those in the GS profile (mean: 0.31%). The δ15NSON values ranged from 4.35‰–7.59‰, 3.79‰–7.23‰, and 1.87‰–7.08‰ for the SF, AC, and GS profiles, respectively. Decomposition of organic matter controlled the SON variations in the secondary forest land by the covered vegetation, and that in the grazing shrubland by goat excreta. δ15NSON ranges were controlled by the covered vegetation, and the δ15NSON fractionations during SON transformation were influenced by microorganisms in all surface soil. Conclusions The excreta of goats that contained 15N-enriched SON induced a heavier δ15NSON composition in the grazed shrubland. Long-term cultivation consumes SON, whereas moderate grazing increases SON content to reduce the risk of soil degradation. This study suggests that optimized crop-livestock production may benefit the sustainable development of agroecosystems in karst regions.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Ruiyin Han
creator: Qian Zhang
creator: Zhifang Xu
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Soil Science
subject: Coupled Natural and Human Systems
subject: Environmental Impacts
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17221
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Han et al.
abstract: Background Soil organic nitrogen (SON) levels can respond effectively to crop metabolism and are directly related to soil productivity. However, simultaneous comparisons of SON dynamics using isotopic tracing in diverse agroecosystems are lacking, especially in karst areas with fragile ecology. Methods To better understand the response of SON dynamics to environmental changes under the coupling of natural and anthropogenic disturbances, SON contents and their stable N isotope (δ15NSON) compositions were determined in abandoned cropland (AC, n = 16), grazing shrubland (GS, n = 11), and secondary forest land (SF, n = 20) from a typical karst area in southwest China. Results The SON contents in the SF (mean: 0.09%) and AC (mean: 0.10%) profiles were obviously lower than those in the GS profile (mean: 0.31%). The δ15NSON values ranged from 4.35‰–7.59‰, 3.79‰–7.23‰, and 1.87‰–7.08‰ for the SF, AC, and GS profiles, respectively. Decomposition of organic matter controlled the SON variations in the secondary forest land by the covered vegetation, and that in the grazing shrubland by goat excreta. δ15NSON ranges were controlled by the covered vegetation, and the δ15NSON fractionations during SON transformation were influenced by microorganisms in all surface soil. Conclusions The excreta of goats that contained 15N-enriched SON induced a heavier δ15NSON composition in the grazed shrubland. Long-term cultivation consumes SON, whereas moderate grazing increases SON content to reduce the risk of soil degradation. This study suggests that optimized crop-livestock production may benefit the sustainable development of agroecosystems in karst regions.
bibliographic citation: Han et al. (2024) Soil organic nitrogen variation shaped by diverse agroecosystems in a typical karst area: evidence from isotopic geochemistry. PeerJ 12:e17221 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17221
date submitted: 2023-11-07
date accepted: 2024-03-20
issued: 2024-04-15
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Han
  given name: Ruiyin
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Qian
author list: Agent
  family name: Xu
  given name: Zhifang
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17221
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-15
copyright: © 2024 Han et al.
attribution name: Han et al.

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