PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Association of time-averaged serum uric acid level with clinicopathological information and long-term outcomes in patients with IgA nephropathy
items: Non-significant influence between aerobic and anaerobic sample transport materials on gut (fecal) microbiota in healthy and fat-metabolic disorder Thai adults
items: Metabolome and transcriptome integration reveals insights into petals coloration mechanism of three species in Sect. Chrysantha chang
items: Relationships among barodontalgia prevalence, altitude, stress, dental care frequency, and barodontalgia awareness: a survey of Turkish pilots
items: S100A8/9 modulates perturbation and glycolysis of macrophages in allergic asthma mice
items: Carbon content and other soil properties of near-surface peats before and after peatland restoration
items: COVID-19 and malaria co-infection: a systematic review of clinical outcomes in endemic areas
items: Hand grab or noose pole? Evaluating the least stressful practice for capture of endangered Turks and Caicos Rock Iguanas Cyclura carinata
items: Preliminary study on the protective effect of remazolam against sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
items: Novel monoclonal antibodies against house dust mite allergen Der p 21 and their application to analyze allergen extracts

Association of time-averaged serum uric acid level with clinicopathological information and long-term outcomes in patients with IgA nephropathy
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Objective Whether serum uric acid (SUA) at baseline could been identiûed as a risk factor for progression in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients remains unclear, therefore, long- term SUA control levels must be monitored. We aimed to investigate the relevant factors affecting time-averaged SUA (TA-SUA) and to assess the prognostic value of TA-SUA in IgAN. Methods This retrospective study included 152 patients with IgAN. The relationships between TA-SUA and clinicopathological features and renal outcomes (defined as the doubling of the baseline serum creatinine level or end-stage renal disease) were analyzed in groups divided by quartiles of TA-SUA levels, the presence of hyperuricemia, and sex. Results Patients with high TA-SUA levels had higher levels of baseline SUA, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), triglycerides, serum C3 and serum C4 and were more likely to be male and have hypertension, proteinuria, poor renal function, and pathological injuries including high grades of tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis (T1–T2). These patients had a poorer prognosis compared with patients with low TA-SUA levels. The TA-SUA level was positively correlated with baseline age and BUN, triglycerides, serum C3, and serum C4 levels, and negatively correlated with baseline eGFR. Survival curve analysis indicated that persistent hyperuricemia was associated with significantly poorer renal outcomes than normo-uricemia in both men and women. The TA-SUA level also was an independent predictor of renal outcome in patients with IgAN, with optimal cutoû values of 451.38 µmol/L (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.934) for men and 492.83 µmol/L (AUC = 0.768) for women. Conclusions The TA-SUA level is associated with triglyceride level, complement component levels, renal function, and pathological severity of IgAN, and it may be a prognostic indicator in male and female patients with IgAN.
format: application/pdf
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creator: Mengjie Weng
creator: Binbin Fu
creator: Yongjie Zhuo
creator: Jiaqun Lin
creator: Zhenhuan Zou
creator: Yi Chen
creator: Jiong Cui
creator: Guifen Li
creator: Caiming Chen
creator: Yanfang Xu
creator: Dewen Jiang
creator: Jianxin Wan
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Immunology
subject: Nephrology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17266
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Weng et al.
abstract: Objective Whether serum uric acid (SUA) at baseline could been identiûed as a risk factor for progression in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients remains unclear, therefore, long- term SUA control levels must be monitored. We aimed to investigate the relevant factors affecting time-averaged SUA (TA-SUA) and to assess the prognostic value of TA-SUA in IgAN. Methods This retrospective study included 152 patients with IgAN. The relationships between TA-SUA and clinicopathological features and renal outcomes (defined as the doubling of the baseline serum creatinine level or end-stage renal disease) were analyzed in groups divided by quartiles of TA-SUA levels, the presence of hyperuricemia, and sex. Results Patients with high TA-SUA levels had higher levels of baseline SUA, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), triglycerides, serum C3 and serum C4 and were more likely to be male and have hypertension, proteinuria, poor renal function, and pathological injuries including high grades of tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis (T1–T2). These patients had a poorer prognosis compared with patients with low TA-SUA levels. The TA-SUA level was positively correlated with baseline age and BUN, triglycerides, serum C3, and serum C4 levels, and negatively correlated with baseline eGFR. Survival curve analysis indicated that persistent hyperuricemia was associated with significantly poorer renal outcomes than normo-uricemia in both men and women. The TA-SUA level also was an independent predictor of renal outcome in patients with IgAN, with optimal cutoû values of 451.38 µmol/L (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.934) for men and 492.83 µmol/L (AUC = 0.768) for women. Conclusions The TA-SUA level is associated with triglyceride level, complement component levels, renal function, and pathological severity of IgAN, and it may be a prognostic indicator in male and female patients with IgAN.
bibliographic citation: Weng et al. (2024) Association of time-averaged serum uric acid level with clinicopathological information and long-term outcomes in patients with IgA nephropathy. PeerJ 12:e17266 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17266
date submitted: 2023-11-24
date accepted: 2024-03-28
issued: 2024-04-19
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Weng
  given name: Mengjie
author list: Agent
  family name: Fu
  given name: Binbin
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhuo
  given name: Yongjie
author list: Agent
  family name: Lin
  given name: Jiaqun
author list: Agent
  family name: Zou
  given name: Zhenhuan
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Yi
author list: Agent
  family name: Cui
  given name: Jiong
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Guifen
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Caiming
author list: Agent
  family name: Xu
  given name: Yanfang
author list: Agent
  family name: Jiang
  given name: Dewen
author list: Agent
  family name: Wan
  given name: Jianxin
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17266
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-19
copyright: ©2024 Weng et al.
attribution name: Weng et al.

Non-significant influence between aerobic and anaerobic sample transport materials on gut (fecal) microbiota in healthy and fat-metabolic disorder Thai adults
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The appropriate sample handling for human fecal microbiota studies is essential to prevent changes in bacterial composition and quantities that could lead to misinterpretation of the data. Methods This study firstly identified the potential effect of aerobic and anaerobic fecal sample collection and transport materials on microbiota and quantitative microbiota in healthy and fat-metabolic disorder Thai adults aged 23–43 years. We employed metagenomics followed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and 16S rRNA gene qPCR, to analyze taxonomic composition, alpha diversity, beta diversity, bacterial quantification, Pearson’s correlation with clinical factors for fat-metabolic disorder, and the microbial community and species potential metabolic functions. Results Our study successfully obtained microbiota results in percent and quantitative compositions. Each sample exhibited quality sequences with a >99% Good’s coverage index, and a relatively plateau rarefaction curve. Alpha diversity indices showed no statistical difference in percent and quantitative microbiota OTU richness and evenness, between aerobic and anaerobic sample transport materials. Obligate and facultative anaerobic species were analyzed and no statistical difference was observed. Supportively, the beta diversity analysis by non-metric multidimensional scale (NMDS) constructed using various beta diversity coefficients showed resembling microbiota community structures between aerobic and anaerobic sample transport groups (P = 0.86). On the other hand, the beta diversity could distinguish microbiota community structures between healthy and fat-metabolic disorder groups (P = 0.02), along with Pearson’s correlated clinical parameters (i.e., age, liver stiffness, GGT, BMI, and TC), the significantly associated bacterial species and their microbial metabolic functions. For example, genera such as Ruminococcus and Bifidobacterium in healthy human gut provide functions in metabolisms of cofactors and vitamins…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Naruemon Tunsakul
creator: Lampet Wongsaroj
creator: Kantima Janchot
creator: Krit Pongpirul
creator: Naraporn Somboonna
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Microbiology
subject: Gastroenterology and Hepatology
subject: Obesity
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17270
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Tunsakul et al.
abstract: Background The appropriate sample handling for human fecal microbiota studies is essential to prevent changes in bacterial composition and quantities that could lead to misinterpretation of the data. Methods This study firstly identified the potential effect of aerobic and anaerobic fecal sample collection and transport materials on microbiota and quantitative microbiota in healthy and fat-metabolic disorder Thai adults aged 23–43 years. We employed metagenomics followed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and 16S rRNA gene qPCR, to analyze taxonomic composition, alpha diversity, beta diversity, bacterial quantification, Pearson’s correlation with clinical factors for fat-metabolic disorder, and the microbial community and species potential metabolic functions. Results Our study successfully obtained microbiota results in percent and quantitative compositions. Each sample exhibited quality sequences with a >99% Good’s coverage index, and a relatively plateau rarefaction curve. Alpha diversity indices showed no statistical difference in percent and quantitative microbiota OTU richness and evenness, between aerobic and anaerobic sample transport materials. Obligate and facultative anaerobic species were analyzed and no statistical difference was observed. Supportively, the beta diversity analysis by non-metric multidimensional scale (NMDS) constructed using various beta diversity coefficients showed resembling microbiota community structures between aerobic and anaerobic sample transport groups (P = 0.86). On the other hand, the beta diversity could distinguish microbiota community structures between healthy and fat-metabolic disorder groups (P = 0.02), along with Pearson’s correlated clinical parameters (i.e., age, liver stiffness, GGT, BMI, and TC), the significantly associated bacterial species and their microbial metabolic functions. For example, genera such as Ruminococcus and Bifidobacterium in healthy human gut provide functions in metabolisms of cofactors and vitamins…
bibliographic citation: Tunsakul et al. (2024) Non-significant influence between aerobic and anaerobic sample transport materials on gut (fecal) microbiota in healthy and fat-metabolic disorder Thai adults. PeerJ 12:e17270 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17270
date submitted: 2023-10-13
date accepted: 2024-03-29
issued: 2024-04-19
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Tunsakul
  given name: Naruemon
author list: Agent
  family name: Wongsaroj
  given name: Lampet
author list: Agent
  family name: Janchot
  given name: Kantima
author list: Agent
  family name: Pongpirul
  given name: Krit
author list: Agent
  family name: Somboonna
  given name: Naraporn
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17270
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-19
copyright: © 2024 Tunsakul et al.
attribution name: Tunsakul et al.

Metabolome and transcriptome integration reveals insights into petals coloration mechanism of three species in Sect. Chrysantha chang
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Sect. Chrysantha Chang, belonging to the Camellia genus, is one of the rare and precious ornamental plants distinguished by a distinctive array of yellow-toned petals. However, the variation mechanisms of petal color in Sect. Chrysantha Chang remains largely unclear. Methods We conducted an integrated analysis of metabolome and transcriptome to reveal petal coloration mechanism in three species, which have different yellow tones petals, including C. chuongtsoensis (CZ, golden yellow), C. achrysantha (ZD, light yellow), and C. parvipetala (XB, milk white). Results A total of 356 flavonoid metabolites were detected, and 295 differential metabolites were screened. The contents of 74 differential metabolites showed an upward trend and 19 metabolites showed a downward trend, among which 11 metabolites were annotated to the KEGG pathway database. We speculated that 10 metabolites were closely related to the deepening of the yellowness. Transcriptome analysis indicated that there were 2,948, 14,018 and 13,366 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between CZ vs. ZD, CZ vs. XB and ZD vs. XB, respectively. Six key structural genes (CcCHI, CcFLS, CcDFR1, CcDFR2, CcDFR3, and CcCYP75B1) and five candidate transcription factors (MYB22, MYB28, MYB17, EREBP9, and EREBP13) were involved in the regulation of flavonoid metabolites. The findings indicate that flavonoid compounds influence the color intensity of yellow-toned petals in Sect. Chrysantha Chang. Our results provide a new perspective on the molecular mechanisms underlying flower color variation and present potential candidate genes for Camellia breeding.
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format: text/html
creator: Yadan Yan
creator: Ye Wang
creator: Yafeng Wen
creator: Yu Huang
creator: Minhuan Zhang
creator: Jiadi Huang
creator: Xinyu Li
creator: Chuncheng Wang
creator: Dangqing Xu
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17275
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Yan et al.
abstract: Background Sect. Chrysantha Chang, belonging to the Camellia genus, is one of the rare and precious ornamental plants distinguished by a distinctive array of yellow-toned petals. However, the variation mechanisms of petal color in Sect. Chrysantha Chang remains largely unclear. Methods We conducted an integrated analysis of metabolome and transcriptome to reveal petal coloration mechanism in three species, which have different yellow tones petals, including C. chuongtsoensis (CZ, golden yellow), C. achrysantha (ZD, light yellow), and C. parvipetala (XB, milk white). Results A total of 356 flavonoid metabolites were detected, and 295 differential metabolites were screened. The contents of 74 differential metabolites showed an upward trend and 19 metabolites showed a downward trend, among which 11 metabolites were annotated to the KEGG pathway database. We speculated that 10 metabolites were closely related to the deepening of the yellowness. Transcriptome analysis indicated that there were 2,948, 14,018 and 13,366 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between CZ vs. ZD, CZ vs. XB and ZD vs. XB, respectively. Six key structural genes (CcCHI, CcFLS, CcDFR1, CcDFR2, CcDFR3, and CcCYP75B1) and five candidate transcription factors (MYB22, MYB28, MYB17, EREBP9, and EREBP13) were involved in the regulation of flavonoid metabolites. The findings indicate that flavonoid compounds influence the color intensity of yellow-toned petals in Sect. Chrysantha Chang. Our results provide a new perspective on the molecular mechanisms underlying flower color variation and present potential candidate genes for Camellia breeding.
bibliographic citation: Yan et al. (2024) Metabolome and transcriptome integration reveals insights into petals coloration mechanism of three species in Sect. Chrysantha chang. PeerJ 12:e17275 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17275
date submitted: 2023-09-07
date accepted: 2024-04-01
issued: 2024-04-19
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Yan
  given name: Yadan
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Ye
author list: Agent
  family name: Wen
  given name: Yafeng
author list: Agent
  family name: Huang
  given name: Yu
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Minhuan
author list: Agent
  family name: Huang
  given name: Jiadi
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Xinyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Chuncheng
author list: Agent
  family name: Xu
  given name: Dangqing
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17275
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-19
copyright: © 2024 Yan et al.
attribution name: Yan et al.

Relationships among barodontalgia prevalence, altitude, stress, dental care frequency, and barodontalgia awareness: a survey of Turkish pilots
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Gas expansion in body cavities due to pressure changes at high altitudes can cause barodontalgia. This condition may compromise flight safety. Aim To investigate relationships among barodontalgia awareness, dental visit frequency, and barodontalgia prevalence in civilian and military pilots operating at high altitudes. Materials and Methods Civilian pilots from Turkish Airlines and military pilots from the Turkish Air Force, flying between November 2022 and January 2023, participated in this study. A 20-question survey was administered to 750 pilots, covering topics such as barodontalgia awareness, dental visit frequency, breaks after dental treatments, in-flight pain, and pain type and severity. The voluntary surveys were distributed by email. Results Of the 750 pilots, 526 completed the survey; 61% were aware of barodontalgia, and 81% of pilots who had experienced it reported pain at altitudes <2000 feet. The study revealed higher barodontalgia awareness among pilots who had experienced it, with the highest prevalence among jet pilots. Pilots with barodontalgia also showed a higher frequency of dental visits (p < 0.001). Additionally, this group reported more frequent interruption of flight due to dental treatment (IFDT), more problems experienced in flights after treatment (PFAT), and higher instances of bruxism or teeth clenching during flight, suggesting stress and anxiety (p < 0.05). Conclusions Barodontalgia, a type of pain linked to stress, significantly impacts pilot performance, and can threaten flight safety, even at lower altitudes. Thus, there is a need to educate pilots about stress management, barodontalgia awareness, and the importance of regular dental check-ups.
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format: text/html
creator: Celalettin Topbaş
creator: Dursun Ali Şirin
creator: Hilal Gezeravcı
creator: Fatih Özçelik
creator: Yelda Erdem Hepşenoğlu
creator: Şeyda Erşahan
subject: Dentistry
subject: Public Health
subject: Biomechanics
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17290
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Topbaş et al.
abstract: Background Gas expansion in body cavities due to pressure changes at high altitudes can cause barodontalgia. This condition may compromise flight safety. Aim To investigate relationships among barodontalgia awareness, dental visit frequency, and barodontalgia prevalence in civilian and military pilots operating at high altitudes. Materials and Methods Civilian pilots from Turkish Airlines and military pilots from the Turkish Air Force, flying between November 2022 and January 2023, participated in this study. A 20-question survey was administered to 750 pilots, covering topics such as barodontalgia awareness, dental visit frequency, breaks after dental treatments, in-flight pain, and pain type and severity. The voluntary surveys were distributed by email. Results Of the 750 pilots, 526 completed the survey; 61% were aware of barodontalgia, and 81% of pilots who had experienced it reported pain at altitudes <2000 feet. The study revealed higher barodontalgia awareness among pilots who had experienced it, with the highest prevalence among jet pilots. Pilots with barodontalgia also showed a higher frequency of dental visits (p < 0.001). Additionally, this group reported more frequent interruption of flight due to dental treatment (IFDT), more problems experienced in flights after treatment (PFAT), and higher instances of bruxism or teeth clenching during flight, suggesting stress and anxiety (p < 0.05). Conclusions Barodontalgia, a type of pain linked to stress, significantly impacts pilot performance, and can threaten flight safety, even at lower altitudes. Thus, there is a need to educate pilots about stress management, barodontalgia awareness, and the importance of regular dental check-ups.
bibliographic citation: Topbaş et al. (2024) Relationships among barodontalgia prevalence, altitude, stress, dental care frequency, and barodontalgia awareness: a survey of Turkish pilots. PeerJ 12:e17290 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17290
date submitted: 2023-12-29
date accepted: 2024-04-02
issued: 2024-04-19
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Topbaş
  given name: Celalettin
author list: Agent
  family name: Şirin
  given name: Dursun Ali
author list: Agent
  family name: Gezeravcı
  given name: Hilal
author list: Agent
  family name: Özçelik
  given name: Fatih
author list: Agent
  family name: Erdem Hepşenoğlu
  given name: Yelda
author list: Agent
  family name: Erşahan
  given name: Şeyda
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17290
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-19
copyright: ©2024 Topbaş et al.
attribution name: Topbaş et al.

S100A8/9 modulates perturbation and glycolysis of macrophages in allergic asthma mice
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Allergic asthma is the most prevalent asthma phenotype and is associated with the disorders of immune cells and glycolysis. Macrophages are the most common type of immune cells in the lungs. Calprotectin (S100A8 and S100A9) are two pro-inflammatory molecules that target the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and are substantially increased in the serum of patients with severe asthma. This study aimed to determine the effects of S100A8/A9 on macrophage polarization and glycolysis associated with allergic asthma. Methods To better understand the roles of S100A8 and S100A9 in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma, we used ovalbumin (OVA)-induced MH-S cells, and OVA-sensitized and challenged mouse models (wild-type male BALB/c mice). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, flow cytometry, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and western blotting were performed. The glycolysis inhibitor 3-bromopyruvate (3-BP) was used to observe changes in glycolysis in mice. Results We found knockdown of S100A8 or S100A9 in OVA-induced MH-S cells inhibited inflammatory cytokines, macrophage polarization biomarker expression, and pyroptosis cell proportion, but increased anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 mRNA; also, glycolysis was inhibited, as evidenced by decreased lactate and key enzyme expression; especially, knockdown of S100A8 or S100A9 inhibited the activity of TLR4/myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88)/Nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Intervention with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) abolished the beneficial effects of S100A8 and S100A9 knockdown. The observation of OVA-sensitized and challenged mice showed that S100A8 or S100A9 knockdown promoted respiratory function, improved lung injury, and inhibited inflammation; knockdown of S100A8 or S100A9 also suppressed macrophage polarization, glycolysis levels, and activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in the lung. Conversely, S100A9 overex…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Xiaoyi Ji
creator: Chunhua Nie
creator: Yuan Yao
creator: Yu Ma
creator: Huafei Huang
creator: Chuangli Hao
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Immunology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17106
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Ji et al.
abstract: Background Allergic asthma is the most prevalent asthma phenotype and is associated with the disorders of immune cells and glycolysis. Macrophages are the most common type of immune cells in the lungs. Calprotectin (S100A8 and S100A9) are two pro-inflammatory molecules that target the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and are substantially increased in the serum of patients with severe asthma. This study aimed to determine the effects of S100A8/A9 on macrophage polarization and glycolysis associated with allergic asthma. Methods To better understand the roles of S100A8 and S100A9 in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma, we used ovalbumin (OVA)-induced MH-S cells, and OVA-sensitized and challenged mouse models (wild-type male BALB/c mice). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, flow cytometry, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and western blotting were performed. The glycolysis inhibitor 3-bromopyruvate (3-BP) was used to observe changes in glycolysis in mice. Results We found knockdown of S100A8 or S100A9 in OVA-induced MH-S cells inhibited inflammatory cytokines, macrophage polarization biomarker expression, and pyroptosis cell proportion, but increased anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 mRNA; also, glycolysis was inhibited, as evidenced by decreased lactate and key enzyme expression; especially, knockdown of S100A8 or S100A9 inhibited the activity of TLR4/myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88)/Nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Intervention with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) abolished the beneficial effects of S100A8 and S100A9 knockdown. The observation of OVA-sensitized and challenged mice showed that S100A8 or S100A9 knockdown promoted respiratory function, improved lung injury, and inhibited inflammation; knockdown of S100A8 or S100A9 also suppressed macrophage polarization, glycolysis levels, and activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in the lung. Conversely, S100A9 overex…
bibliographic citation: Ji et al. (2024) S100A8/9 modulates perturbation and glycolysis of macrophages in allergic asthma mice. PeerJ 12:e17106 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17106
date submitted: 2023-11-22
date accepted: 2024-02-22
issued: 2024-04-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Ji
  given name: Xiaoyi
author list: Agent
  family name: Nie
  given name: Chunhua
author list: Agent
  family name: Yao
  given name: Yuan
author list: Agent
  family name: Ma
  given name: Yu
author list: Agent
  family name: Huang
  given name: Huafei
author list: Agent
  family name: Hao
  given name: Chuangli
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17106
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-18
copyright: ©2024 Ji et al.
attribution name: Ji et al.

Carbon content and other soil properties of near-surface peats before and after peatland restoration
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Peatland restoration usually aims at restarting the peatlands’ function to store carbon within peat. The soil properties of the near-surface peat can give a first understanding of this process. Therefore, we sampled pH value, total organic carbon content (TOC), total nitrogen content (TN), C/N ratio as well as dry bulk density (BD), and describe the structure of near-surface peats in six restored fens in North-East Germany before (2002–2004) and after (2019–2021) restoration. Before restoration, the study sites showed peat degradation to various extents in their near-surface peats. pH values remained relatively stable over time. Comparing the degraded peat horizons, TOC increased significantly in four study sites, ranging from 35.7% to 47.8% in 2002–2004 and from 42.5% to 54.0% in 2019–2021. TN varied from 1.5% to 3.5% in 2002–2004 and from 1.8% to 3.2% in 2019–2021, but changes were only significant in one site, showing a slight decrease. In three sites, the increase in C/N ratio was significant, indicating lower nutrient availability. BD ranged from 0.08 to 0.48 g/cm3 in 2002–2004 and from 0.10 to 0.16 g/cm3 in 2019–2021, decreasing significantly in four sites. The structure of the degraded peat horizons changed after restoration to a more homogenous, sludge mass with larger re-aggregates. In three sites, new peat moss peat layers above the degraded soil horizon were present in 2019–2021, with a mean thickness of 6.8 to 36.1 cm. The structure was comparable to typical, slightly decomposed peat moss peat. Our findings suggest that within about 17 years after fen restoration, and thereby a water table rise close to surface, TOC of the near-surface peats increased to values that are typical for undisturbed peatlands. This indicates that restoration can lead to the re-establishment of peatlands as potential carbon sinks, with TOC within the near-surface peat as one key factor in this process. Further, we assume that the decrease in nutrient availability, decrease of B…
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format: text/html
creator: Jenny Hammerich
creator: Corinna Schulz
creator: Robert Probst
creator: Thomas Lüdicke
creator: Vera Luthardt
subject: Ecosystem Science
subject: Soil Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17113
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Hammerich et al.
abstract: Peatland restoration usually aims at restarting the peatlands’ function to store carbon within peat. The soil properties of the near-surface peat can give a first understanding of this process. Therefore, we sampled pH value, total organic carbon content (TOC), total nitrogen content (TN), C/N ratio as well as dry bulk density (BD), and describe the structure of near-surface peats in six restored fens in North-East Germany before (2002–2004) and after (2019–2021) restoration. Before restoration, the study sites showed peat degradation to various extents in their near-surface peats. pH values remained relatively stable over time. Comparing the degraded peat horizons, TOC increased significantly in four study sites, ranging from 35.7% to 47.8% in 2002–2004 and from 42.5% to 54.0% in 2019–2021. TN varied from 1.5% to 3.5% in 2002–2004 and from 1.8% to 3.2% in 2019–2021, but changes were only significant in one site, showing a slight decrease. In three sites, the increase in C/N ratio was significant, indicating lower nutrient availability. BD ranged from 0.08 to 0.48 g/cm3 in 2002–2004 and from 0.10 to 0.16 g/cm3 in 2019–2021, decreasing significantly in four sites. The structure of the degraded peat horizons changed after restoration to a more homogenous, sludge mass with larger re-aggregates. In three sites, new peat moss peat layers above the degraded soil horizon were present in 2019–2021, with a mean thickness of 6.8 to 36.1 cm. The structure was comparable to typical, slightly decomposed peat moss peat. Our findings suggest that within about 17 years after fen restoration, and thereby a water table rise close to surface, TOC of the near-surface peats increased to values that are typical for undisturbed peatlands. This indicates that restoration can lead to the re-establishment of peatlands as potential carbon sinks, with TOC within the near-surface peat as one key factor in this process. Further, we assume that the decrease in nutrient availability, decrease of B…
bibliographic citation: Hammerich et al. (2024) Carbon content and other soil properties of near-surface peats before and after peatland restoration. PeerJ 12:e17113 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17113
date submitted: 2023-05-22
date accepted: 2024-02-26
issued: 2024-04-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Hammerich
  given name: Jenny
author list: Agent
  family name: Schulz
  given name: Corinna
author list: Agent
  family name: Probst
  given name: Robert
author list: Agent
  family name: Lüdicke
  given name: Thomas
author list: Agent
  family name: Luthardt
  given name: Vera
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17113
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-18
copyright: © 2024 Hammerich et al.
attribution name: Hammerich et al.

COVID-19 and malaria co-infection: a systematic review of clinical outcomes in endemic areas
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background COVID-19 and malaria cause significant morbidity and mortality globally. Co-infection of these diseases can worsen their impact on public health. This review aims to synthesize literature on the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 and malaria co-infection to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted using MeSH terms and keywords from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to January 2023. The review included original articles on COVID-19 and malaria co-infection, evaluating their methodological quality and certainty of evidence. It was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023393562). Results Out of 1,596 screened articles, 19 met the inclusion criteria. These studies involved 2,810 patients, 618 of whom had COVID-19 and malaria co-infection. Plasmodium falciparum and vivax were identified as causative organisms in six studies. Hospital admission ranged from three to 18 days. Nine studies associated co-infection with severe disease, ICU admission, assisted ventilation, and related complications. One study reported 6% ICU admission, and mortality rates of 3%, 9.4%, and 40.4% were observed in four studies. Estimated crude mortality rates were 10.71 and 5.87 per 1,000 person-days for patients with and without concurrent malaria, respectively. Common co-morbidities included Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory disorders. Conclusion Most patients with COVID-19 and malaria co-infection experienced short-term hospitalization and mild to moderate disease severity. However, at presentation, co-morbidities and severe malaria were significantly associated with higher mortality or worse clinical outcomes. These findings emphasize the importance of early detection, prompt treatment, and close monitoring of patients with COVID-19 and malaria co-infection.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Amal H. Mohamed
creator: Ebtihal Eltyeb
creator: Badria Said
creator: Raga Eltayeb
creator: Abdullah Algaissi
creator: Didier Hober
creator: Abdulaziz H. Alhazmi
subject: Global Health
subject: Infectious Diseases
subject: Public Health
subject: COVID-19
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17160
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Mohamed et al.
abstract: Background COVID-19 and malaria cause significant morbidity and mortality globally. Co-infection of these diseases can worsen their impact on public health. This review aims to synthesize literature on the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 and malaria co-infection to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted using MeSH terms and keywords from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to January 2023. The review included original articles on COVID-19 and malaria co-infection, evaluating their methodological quality and certainty of evidence. It was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023393562). Results Out of 1,596 screened articles, 19 met the inclusion criteria. These studies involved 2,810 patients, 618 of whom had COVID-19 and malaria co-infection. Plasmodium falciparum and vivax were identified as causative organisms in six studies. Hospital admission ranged from three to 18 days. Nine studies associated co-infection with severe disease, ICU admission, assisted ventilation, and related complications. One study reported 6% ICU admission, and mortality rates of 3%, 9.4%, and 40.4% were observed in four studies. Estimated crude mortality rates were 10.71 and 5.87 per 1,000 person-days for patients with and without concurrent malaria, respectively. Common co-morbidities included Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory disorders. Conclusion Most patients with COVID-19 and malaria co-infection experienced short-term hospitalization and mild to moderate disease severity. However, at presentation, co-morbidities and severe malaria were significantly associated with higher mortality or worse clinical outcomes. These findings emphasize the importance of early detection, prompt treatment, and close monitoring of patients with COVID-19 and malaria co-infection.
bibliographic citation: Mohamed et al. (2024) COVID-19 and malaria co-infection: a systematic review of clinical outcomes in endemic areas. PeerJ 12:e17160 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17160
date submitted: 2023-07-27
date accepted: 2024-03-04
issued: 2024-04-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Mohamed
  given name: Amal H.
author list: Agent
  family name: Eltyeb
  given name: Ebtihal
author list: Agent
  family name: Said
  given name: Badria
author list: Agent
  family name: Eltayeb
  given name: Raga
author list: Agent
  family name: Algaissi
  given name: Abdullah
author list: Agent
  family name: Hober
  given name: Didier
author list: Agent
  family name: Alhazmi
  given name: Abdulaziz H.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17160
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-18
copyright: © 2024 Mohamed et al.
attribution name: Mohamed et al.

Hand grab or noose pole? Evaluating the least stressful practice for capture of endangered Turks and Caicos Rock Iguanas Cyclura carinata
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: As the analysis of blood metabolites has become more readily accessible thanks to the use of point-of-care analyzers, it is now possible to evaluate stress level of wild animals directly in the field. Lactate is receiving much attention as a good stress level proxy in individuals subjected to capture, manual restraint, and data sampling in the wild, and appropriate protocols to maintain lactate values low should be preferred. In this study we compare how two different capture methodologies, hand grab vs. noose pole, affect the variation of blood lactate values in Cyclura carinata iguanas when captured for sampling. We used blood lactate concentration, measured immediately upon- and 15 min after-capture, as a proxy for stress level. While the primary goal of this work is to determine the least stressful capture methodology to be favored when sampling this and other wild iguanas, we also evaluated additional baseline physiological parameters relevant to the health and disease monitoring for this species. Our results show that while initial lactate values level-out in sampled individuals after 15 min in captivity, regardless of the capture methodology, rock iguanas captured by noose pole showed significantly higher lactate concentration and increased heartbeat rate immediately after capture. While the overall health evaluation determined that all analyzed individuals were in good health, based on our results we recommend that, when possible, hand capture should be preferred over noose pole when sampling wild individuals.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Giuliano Colosimo
creator: Gwyneth Montemuro
creator: Gregory A. Lewbart
creator: Gabriele Gentile
creator: Glenn P. Gerber
subject: Conservation Biology
subject: Veterinary Medicine
subject: Zoology
subject: Population Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17171
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Colosimo et al.
abstract: As the analysis of blood metabolites has become more readily accessible thanks to the use of point-of-care analyzers, it is now possible to evaluate stress level of wild animals directly in the field. Lactate is receiving much attention as a good stress level proxy in individuals subjected to capture, manual restraint, and data sampling in the wild, and appropriate protocols to maintain lactate values low should be preferred. In this study we compare how two different capture methodologies, hand grab vs. noose pole, affect the variation of blood lactate values in Cyclura carinata iguanas when captured for sampling. We used blood lactate concentration, measured immediately upon- and 15 min after-capture, as a proxy for stress level. While the primary goal of this work is to determine the least stressful capture methodology to be favored when sampling this and other wild iguanas, we also evaluated additional baseline physiological parameters relevant to the health and disease monitoring for this species. Our results show that while initial lactate values level-out in sampled individuals after 15 min in captivity, regardless of the capture methodology, rock iguanas captured by noose pole showed significantly higher lactate concentration and increased heartbeat rate immediately after capture. While the overall health evaluation determined that all analyzed individuals were in good health, based on our results we recommend that, when possible, hand capture should be preferred over noose pole when sampling wild individuals.
bibliographic citation: Colosimo et al. (2024) Hand grab or noose pole? Evaluating the least stressful practice for capture of endangered Turks and Caicos Rock Iguanas Cyclura carinata. PeerJ 12:e17171 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17171
date submitted: 2023-10-08
date accepted: 2024-03-07
issued: 2024-04-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Colosimo
  given name: Giuliano
author list: Agent
  family name: Montemuro
  given name: Gwyneth
author list: Agent
  family name: Lewbart
  given name: Gregory A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Gentile
  given name: Gabriele
author list: Agent
  family name: Gerber
  given name: Glenn P.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17171
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-18
copyright: © 2024 Colosimo et al.
attribution name: Colosimo et al.

Preliminary study on the protective effect of remazolam against sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Sepsis can disrupt immune regulation and lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) frequently. Remazolam, a fast-acting hypnotic drug with superior qualities compared to other drugs, was investigated for its potential protective effects against sepsis-induced ARDS. Methods Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups, including the sepsis + saline group, sham operation + saline group, sham operation + remazolam group and the sepsis + remazolam group. Lung tissues of rats were extracted for HE staining to assess lung damage, and the wet weight to dry weight (W/D) ratio was calculated. The levels of proinflammatory factors, anti-inflammatory factors, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood, MDA, MPO, and ATP in the lung tissue were measured by using ELISA. Western blotting was performed to determine the protein expression of HMGB1 in lung tissues. Results In comparison to the sham operation + saline and sham operation + remazolam groups, the sepsis + saline group exhibited significantly higher values for W/D ratio, lung damage score, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, PCT, CRP, MDP and MPO, while exhibiting lower levels of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, PaO2, PCO2, and ATP. The rats in the sepsis + saline group displayed ruptured alveolar walls and evident interstitial lung edema. However, the rats in the sepsis + remazolam group showed improved alveolar structure. Furthermore, the HMGB1 protein expression in the sepsis + remazolam group was lower than the sepsis + saline group. Conclusion Remazolam can alleviate the inflammatory response in infected rats, thereby alleviating lung injury and improving immune function, which may be attributed to the reduction in HMGB1 protein expression.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Xiaoxin Gao
creator: Rujun Zhang
creator: Zhenzhou Wang
creator: Qingan Chen
creator: Zhenlin Lei
creator: Yanan Yang
creator: Jia Tian
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Pathology
subject: Histology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17205
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Gao et al.
abstract: Background Sepsis can disrupt immune regulation and lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) frequently. Remazolam, a fast-acting hypnotic drug with superior qualities compared to other drugs, was investigated for its potential protective effects against sepsis-induced ARDS. Methods Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups, including the sepsis + saline group, sham operation + saline group, sham operation + remazolam group and the sepsis + remazolam group. Lung tissues of rats were extracted for HE staining to assess lung damage, and the wet weight to dry weight (W/D) ratio was calculated. The levels of proinflammatory factors, anti-inflammatory factors, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood, MDA, MPO, and ATP in the lung tissue were measured by using ELISA. Western blotting was performed to determine the protein expression of HMGB1 in lung tissues. Results In comparison to the sham operation + saline and sham operation + remazolam groups, the sepsis + saline group exhibited significantly higher values for W/D ratio, lung damage score, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, PCT, CRP, MDP and MPO, while exhibiting lower levels of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, PaO2, PCO2, and ATP. The rats in the sepsis + saline group displayed ruptured alveolar walls and evident interstitial lung edema. However, the rats in the sepsis + remazolam group showed improved alveolar structure. Furthermore, the HMGB1 protein expression in the sepsis + remazolam group was lower than the sepsis + saline group. Conclusion Remazolam can alleviate the inflammatory response in infected rats, thereby alleviating lung injury and improving immune function, which may be attributed to the reduction in HMGB1 protein expression.
bibliographic citation: Gao et al. (2024) Preliminary study on the protective effect of remazolam against sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). PeerJ 12:e17205 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17205
date submitted: 2023-01-05
date accepted: 2024-03-15
issued: 2024-04-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Gao
  given name: Xiaoxin
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Rujun
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Zhenzhou
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Qingan
author list: Agent
  family name: Lei
  given name: Zhenlin
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Yanan
author list: Agent
  family name: Tian
  given name: Jia
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17205
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-18
copyright: ©2024 Gao et al.
attribution name: Gao et al.

Novel monoclonal antibodies against house dust mite allergen Der p 21 and their application to analyze allergen extracts
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Allergen extracts and recombinant allergens are used in allergy diagnostics and immunotherapy. Since allergen extracts from different manufacturers lack proper standardization regarding their composition, monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against specific allergen components can be used for their identification and quantification in allergen extracts. This study aimed to generate MAbs against allergen Der p 21 of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus for the analysis of allergen extracts. Methods Recombinant Der p 21 was expressed in E. coli and purified using affinity chromatography. MAbs against Der p 21 were generated using hybridoma technology. House dust mite (HDM) allergen extracts were analyzed using the newly developed sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blotting and microarray immunoassay. Results MAbs raised against recombinant Der p 21 were characterized in detail and proven to be reactive with natural Der p 21. Highly specific sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the quantification of Der p 21 was developed and optimized. The allergen was detected and its concentration was determined in only three of six analyzed HDM allergen extracts from different manufacturers. Conclusion HDM analysis by MAb-based immunoassays shows their differences in allergen composition. The results demonstrate the importance of allergen-specific MAbs as a tool for the characterization of allergen extracts and the need for their appropriate standardization before their use for allergy diagnostics or immunotherapy.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Vytautas Rudokas
creator: Laimis Silimavicius
creator: Indre Kucinskaite-Kodze
creator: Aiste Sliziene
creator: Milda Pleckaityte
creator: Aurelija Zvirbliene
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Allergy and Clinical Immunology
subject: Immunology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17233
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Rudokas et al.
abstract: Background Allergen extracts and recombinant allergens are used in allergy diagnostics and immunotherapy. Since allergen extracts from different manufacturers lack proper standardization regarding their composition, monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against specific allergen components can be used for their identification and quantification in allergen extracts. This study aimed to generate MAbs against allergen Der p 21 of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus for the analysis of allergen extracts. Methods Recombinant Der p 21 was expressed in E. coli and purified using affinity chromatography. MAbs against Der p 21 were generated using hybridoma technology. House dust mite (HDM) allergen extracts were analyzed using the newly developed sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blotting and microarray immunoassay. Results MAbs raised against recombinant Der p 21 were characterized in detail and proven to be reactive with natural Der p 21. Highly specific sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the quantification of Der p 21 was developed and optimized. The allergen was detected and its concentration was determined in only three of six analyzed HDM allergen extracts from different manufacturers. Conclusion HDM analysis by MAb-based immunoassays shows their differences in allergen composition. The results demonstrate the importance of allergen-specific MAbs as a tool for the characterization of allergen extracts and the need for their appropriate standardization before their use for allergy diagnostics or immunotherapy.
bibliographic citation: Rudokas et al. (2024) Novel monoclonal antibodies against house dust mite allergen Der p 21 and their application to analyze allergen extracts. PeerJ 12:e17233 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17233
date submitted: 2024-01-10
date accepted: 2024-03-22
issued: 2024-04-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Rudokas
  given name: Vytautas
author list: Agent
  family name: Silimavicius
  given name: Laimis
author list: Agent
  family name: Kucinskaite-Kodze
  given name: Indre
author list: Agent
  family name: Sliziene
  given name: Aiste
author list: Agent
  family name: Pleckaityte
  given name: Milda
author list: Agent
  family name: Zvirbliene
  given name: Aurelija
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17233
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-18
copyright: ©2024 Rudokas et al.
attribution name: Rudokas et al.

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