PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: The clinical association of programmed death-1/PD-L1 axis, myeloid derived suppressor cells subsets and regulatory T cells in peripheral blood of stable COPD patients
items: Changes in red blood cell parameters during incremental exercise in highly trained athletes of different sport specializations
items: Interwoven processes in fish development: microbial community succession and immune maturation
items: The contribution of estimated dead space fraction to mortality prediction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—a new proposal
items: Buffalo-bur (Solanum rostratum Dunal) invasiveness, bioactivities, and utilization: a review
items: Erythropoietin alleviates lung ischemia-reperfusion injury by activating the FGF23/FGFR4/ERK signaling pathway
items: Comprehensive analysis of the microbiome in Apis cerana honey highlights honey as a potential source for the isolation of beneficial bacterial strains
items: Species divergence in valleys: the phylogeny of Phrynocephalus forsythii complex and description of a new species
items: Physiological and biochemical effects of 24-Epibrassinolide on drought stress adaptation in maize (Zea mays L.)
items: Geographic patterns of distribution and ecological niche of the snake-necked turtle genus Hydromedusa

The clinical association of programmed death-1/PD-L1 axis, myeloid derived suppressor cells subsets and regulatory T cells in peripheral blood of stable COPD patients
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have crucial immunosuppressive role in T cell dysfunction in various disease processes. However, the role of MDSCs and their impact on Tregs in COPD have not been fully understood. The aim of the present study is to investigate the immunomodulatory role of MDSCs and their potential impact on the expansion and function of Tregs in COPD patients. Methods Peripheral blood samples were collected to analyze circulating MDSCs, Tregs, PD-1/PD-L1 expression to assess the immunomodulatory role of MDSC and their potential impact on the expansion and function of Treg in COPD. A total of 54 COPD patients and 24 healthy individuals were enrolled in our study. Flow cytometric analyses were performed to identify granulocytic MDSCs (G-MDSCs), monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSCs), Tregs, and the expression of PD-1/PD-L1(L2) on MDSCs and Tregs in peripheral blood. Results Our results revealed a significantly higher percentage of G-MDSCs and M-MDSCs (p < 0.001) in COPD patients compared to the healthy controls. Additionally, a significantly higher proportion of peripheral blood Tregs was observed in COPD patients. Furthermore, an increased expression of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) on Tregs (p < 0.01) was detected in COPD patients. The expression of PD-1 on CD4+ Tcells and Tregs, but not CD8+Tcells, was found to be increased in patients with COPD compared to controls. Furthermore, an elevated expression of PD-L1 on M-MDSCs (p < 0.01) was also observed in COPD patients. A positive correlation was observed between the accumulation of M-MDSCs and Tregs in COPD patients. Additionally, the percentage of circulating M-MDSCs is positively associated with the level of PD-1 (r = 0.51, p < 0.0001) and CTLA-4 (r = 0.42, p = 0.0014) on Tregs in COPD. Conclusion The recruitment of MDSCs, accumulation of Tregs, and up-regulation of CTLA-4 on Treg in COPD, accompanied by an increased level of PD-1/PD-L1, suggest PD-1/PD-L1 axis may be …
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Mingqiang Zhang
creator: Yinghua Wan
creator: Jie Han
creator: Jun Li
creator: Haihong Gong
creator: Xiangdong Mu
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Respiratory Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.16988
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Zhang et al.
abstract: Background Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have crucial immunosuppressive role in T cell dysfunction in various disease processes. However, the role of MDSCs and their impact on Tregs in COPD have not been fully understood. The aim of the present study is to investigate the immunomodulatory role of MDSCs and their potential impact on the expansion and function of Tregs in COPD patients. Methods Peripheral blood samples were collected to analyze circulating MDSCs, Tregs, PD-1/PD-L1 expression to assess the immunomodulatory role of MDSC and their potential impact on the expansion and function of Treg in COPD. A total of 54 COPD patients and 24 healthy individuals were enrolled in our study. Flow cytometric analyses were performed to identify granulocytic MDSCs (G-MDSCs), monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSCs), Tregs, and the expression of PD-1/PD-L1(L2) on MDSCs and Tregs in peripheral blood. Results Our results revealed a significantly higher percentage of G-MDSCs and M-MDSCs (p < 0.001) in COPD patients compared to the healthy controls. Additionally, a significantly higher proportion of peripheral blood Tregs was observed in COPD patients. Furthermore, an increased expression of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) on Tregs (p < 0.01) was detected in COPD patients. The expression of PD-1 on CD4+ Tcells and Tregs, but not CD8+Tcells, was found to be increased in patients with COPD compared to controls. Furthermore, an elevated expression of PD-L1 on M-MDSCs (p < 0.01) was also observed in COPD patients. A positive correlation was observed between the accumulation of M-MDSCs and Tregs in COPD patients. Additionally, the percentage of circulating M-MDSCs is positively associated with the level of PD-1 (r = 0.51, p < 0.0001) and CTLA-4 (r = 0.42, p = 0.0014) on Tregs in COPD. Conclusion The recruitment of MDSCs, accumulation of Tregs, and up-regulation of CTLA-4 on Treg in COPD, accompanied by an increased level of PD-1/PD-L1, suggest PD-1/PD-L1 axis may be …
bibliographic citation: Zhang et al. (2024) The clinical association of programmed death-1/PD-L1 axis, myeloid derived suppressor cells subsets and regulatory T cells in peripheral blood of stable COPD patients. PeerJ 12:e16988 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.16988
date submitted: 2023-10-02
date accepted: 2024-01-30
issued: 2024-03-27
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Mingqiang
author list: Agent
  family name: Wan
  given name: Yinghua
author list: Agent
  family name: Han
  given name: Jie
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Jun
author list: Agent
  family name: Gong
  given name: Haihong
author list: Agent
  family name: Mu
  given name: Xiangdong
doi: 10.7717/peerj.16988
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-03-27
copyright: © 2024 Zhang et al.
attribution name: Zhang et al.

Changes in red blood cell parameters during incremental exercise in highly trained athletes of different sport specializations
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background During physical exercise, the level of hematological parameters change depending on the intensity and duration of exercise and the individual’s physical fitness. Research results, based on samples taken before and after exercise, suggest that hematological parameters increase during incremental exercise. However, there is no data confirming this beyond any doubt. This study examined how red blood cell (RBC) parameters change during the same standard physical exertion in athletes representing different physiological training profiles determined by sport discipline. Methods The study included 39 highly trained male members of national teams: 13 futsal players, 12 sprinters, and 14 triathletes. We used multiple blood sampling to determine RBC, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit value (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) before, during (every 3 min), and after (5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 min) an incremental treadmill exercise test until exhaustion. Results There were no significant exercise-induced differences in RBC parameters between athletic groups. No significant changes were recorded in RBC parameters during the low-intensity phase of exercise. RBC, Hb, and Hct increased significantly during incremental physical exercise, and rapidly returned to resting values upon test termination. Conclusions The general pattern of exercise-induced changes in RBC parameters is universal regardless of the athlete’s physiological profile. The changes in RBC parameters are proportional to the intensity of exercise during the progressive test. The increase in hemoglobin concentration associated with the intensity of exercise is most likely an adaptation to the greater demand of tissues, mainly skeletal muscles, for oxygen.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Monika Ciekot-Sołtysiak
creator: Krzysztof Kusy
creator: Tomasz Podgórski
creator: Barbara Pospieszna
creator: Jacek Zieliński
subject: Hematology
subject: Kinesiology
subject: Sports Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17040
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Ciekot-Sołtysiak et al.
abstract: Background During physical exercise, the level of hematological parameters change depending on the intensity and duration of exercise and the individual’s physical fitness. Research results, based on samples taken before and after exercise, suggest that hematological parameters increase during incremental exercise. However, there is no data confirming this beyond any doubt. This study examined how red blood cell (RBC) parameters change during the same standard physical exertion in athletes representing different physiological training profiles determined by sport discipline. Methods The study included 39 highly trained male members of national teams: 13 futsal players, 12 sprinters, and 14 triathletes. We used multiple blood sampling to determine RBC, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit value (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) before, during (every 3 min), and after (5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 min) an incremental treadmill exercise test until exhaustion. Results There were no significant exercise-induced differences in RBC parameters between athletic groups. No significant changes were recorded in RBC parameters during the low-intensity phase of exercise. RBC, Hb, and Hct increased significantly during incremental physical exercise, and rapidly returned to resting values upon test termination. Conclusions The general pattern of exercise-induced changes in RBC parameters is universal regardless of the athlete’s physiological profile. The changes in RBC parameters are proportional to the intensity of exercise during the progressive test. The increase in hemoglobin concentration associated with the intensity of exercise is most likely an adaptation to the greater demand of tissues, mainly skeletal muscles, for oxygen.
bibliographic citation: Ciekot-Sołtysiak et al. (2024) Changes in red blood cell parameters during incremental exercise in highly trained athletes of different sport specializations. PeerJ 12:e17040 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17040
date submitted: 2023-12-06
date accepted: 2024-02-12
issued: 2024-03-27
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Ciekot-Sołtysiak
  given name: Monika
author list: Agent
  family name: Kusy
  given name: Krzysztof
author list: Agent
  family name: Podgórski
  given name: Tomasz
author list: Agent
  family name: Pospieszna
  given name: Barbara
author list: Agent
  family name: Zieliński
  given name: Jacek
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17040
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-03-27
copyright: ©2024 Ciekot-Sołtysiak et al.
attribution name: Ciekot-Sołtysiak et al.

Interwoven processes in fish development: microbial community succession and immune maturation
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Fishes are hosts for many microorganisms that provide them with beneficial effects on growth, immune system development, nutrition and protection against pathogens. In order to avoid spreading of infectious diseases in aquaculture, prevention includes vaccinations and routine disinfection of eggs and equipment, while curative treatments consist in the administration of antibiotics. Vaccination processes can stress the fish and require substantial farmer’s investment. Additionally, disinfection and antibiotics are not specific, and while they may be effective in the short term, they have major drawbacks in the long term. Indeed, they eliminate beneficial bacteria which are useful for the host and promote the raising of antibiotic resistance in beneficial, commensal but also in pathogenic bacterial strains. Numerous publications highlight the importance that plays the diversified microbial community colonizing fish (i.e., microbiota) in the development, health and ultimately survival of their host. This review targets the current knowledge on the bidirectional communication between the microbiota and the fish immune system during fish development. It explores the extent of this mutualistic relationship: on one hand, the effect that microbes exert on the immune system ontogeny of fishes, and on the other hand, the impact of critical steps in immune system development on the microbial recruitment and succession throughout their life. We will first describe the immune system and its ontogeny and gene expression steps in the immune system development of fishes. Secondly, the plurality of the microbiotas (depending on host organism, organ, and development stage) will be reviewed. Then, a description of the constant interactions between microbiota and immune system throughout the fish’s life stages will be discussed. Healthy microbiotas allow immune system maturation and modulation of inflammation, both of which contribute to immune homeostasis. Thus, immune equilibrium is …
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Lisa Zoé Auclert
creator: Mousumi Sarker Chhanda
creator: Nicolas Derome
subject: Aquaculture, Fisheries and Fish Science
subject: Ecology
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Microbiology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17051
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Auclert et al.
abstract: Fishes are hosts for many microorganisms that provide them with beneficial effects on growth, immune system development, nutrition and protection against pathogens. In order to avoid spreading of infectious diseases in aquaculture, prevention includes vaccinations and routine disinfection of eggs and equipment, while curative treatments consist in the administration of antibiotics. Vaccination processes can stress the fish and require substantial farmer’s investment. Additionally, disinfection and antibiotics are not specific, and while they may be effective in the short term, they have major drawbacks in the long term. Indeed, they eliminate beneficial bacteria which are useful for the host and promote the raising of antibiotic resistance in beneficial, commensal but also in pathogenic bacterial strains. Numerous publications highlight the importance that plays the diversified microbial community colonizing fish (i.e., microbiota) in the development, health and ultimately survival of their host. This review targets the current knowledge on the bidirectional communication between the microbiota and the fish immune system during fish development. It explores the extent of this mutualistic relationship: on one hand, the effect that microbes exert on the immune system ontogeny of fishes, and on the other hand, the impact of critical steps in immune system development on the microbial recruitment and succession throughout their life. We will first describe the immune system and its ontogeny and gene expression steps in the immune system development of fishes. Secondly, the plurality of the microbiotas (depending on host organism, organ, and development stage) will be reviewed. Then, a description of the constant interactions between microbiota and immune system throughout the fish’s life stages will be discussed. Healthy microbiotas allow immune system maturation and modulation of inflammation, both of which contribute to immune homeostasis. Thus, immune equilibrium is …
bibliographic citation: Auclert et al. (2024) Interwoven processes in fish development: microbial community succession and immune maturation. PeerJ 12:e17051 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17051
date submitted: 2023-07-06
date accepted: 2024-02-13
issued: 2024-03-27
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Auclert
  given name: Lisa Zoé
author list: Agent
  family name: Chhanda
  given name: Mousumi Sarker
author list: Agent
  family name: Derome
  given name: Nicolas
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17051
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-03-27
copyright: ©2024 Auclert et al.
attribution name: Auclert et al.

The contribution of estimated dead space fraction to mortality prediction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—a new proposal
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Mortality due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is increasing. However, dead space fractions at rest (VD/VTrest) and peak exercise (VD/VTpeak) and variables affecting survival have not been evaluated. This study aimed to investigate these issues. Methods This retrospective observational cohort study was conducted from 2010–2020. Patients with COPD who smoked, met the Global Initiatives for Chronic Lung Diseases (GOLD) criteria, had available demographic, complete lung function test (CLFT), medication, acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD), Charlson Comorbidity Index, and survival data were enrolled. VD/VTrest and VD/VTpeak were estimated (estVD/VTrest and estVD/VTpeak). Univariate and multivariable Cox regression with stepwise variable selection were performed to estimate hazard ratios of all-cause mortality. Results Overall, 14,910 patients with COPD were obtained from the hospital database, and 456 were analyzed after excluding those without CLFT or meeting the lung function criteria during the follow-up period (median (IQR) 597 (331–934.5) days). Of the 456 subjects, 81% had GOLD stages 2 and 3, highly elevated dead space fractions, mild air-trapping and diffusion impairment. The hospitalized AECOPD rate was 0.60 ± 2.84/person/year. Forty-eight subjects (10.5%) died, including 30 with advanced cancer. The incidence density of death was 6.03 per 100 person-years. The crude risk factors for mortality were elevated estVD/VTrest, estVD/VTpeak, ≥2 hospitalizations for AECOPD, advanced age, body mass index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m2, and cancer (hazard ratios (95% C.I.) from 1.03 [1.00–1.06] to 5.45 [3.04–9.79]). The protective factors were high peak expiratory flow%, adjusted diffusing capacity%, alveolar volume%, and BMI 24–26.9 kg/m2. In stepwise Cox regression analysis, after adjusting for all selected factors except cancer, estVD/VTrest and BMI <18.5 kg/m2 were risk factors, whereas BMI 24–26.9 kg/m2 was protective. Cancer was the main cause of all-c…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Ming-Lung Chuang
creator: Yu Hsun Wang
creator: I-Feng Lin
subject: Allergy and Clinical Immunology
subject: Emergency and Critical Care
subject: Evidence Based Medicine
subject: Respiratory Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17081
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Chuang et al.
abstract: Background Mortality due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is increasing. However, dead space fractions at rest (VD/VTrest) and peak exercise (VD/VTpeak) and variables affecting survival have not been evaluated. This study aimed to investigate these issues. Methods This retrospective observational cohort study was conducted from 2010–2020. Patients with COPD who smoked, met the Global Initiatives for Chronic Lung Diseases (GOLD) criteria, had available demographic, complete lung function test (CLFT), medication, acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD), Charlson Comorbidity Index, and survival data were enrolled. VD/VTrest and VD/VTpeak were estimated (estVD/VTrest and estVD/VTpeak). Univariate and multivariable Cox regression with stepwise variable selection were performed to estimate hazard ratios of all-cause mortality. Results Overall, 14,910 patients with COPD were obtained from the hospital database, and 456 were analyzed after excluding those without CLFT or meeting the lung function criteria during the follow-up period (median (IQR) 597 (331–934.5) days). Of the 456 subjects, 81% had GOLD stages 2 and 3, highly elevated dead space fractions, mild air-trapping and diffusion impairment. The hospitalized AECOPD rate was 0.60 ± 2.84/person/year. Forty-eight subjects (10.5%) died, including 30 with advanced cancer. The incidence density of death was 6.03 per 100 person-years. The crude risk factors for mortality were elevated estVD/VTrest, estVD/VTpeak, ≥2 hospitalizations for AECOPD, advanced age, body mass index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m2, and cancer (hazard ratios (95% C.I.) from 1.03 [1.00–1.06] to 5.45 [3.04–9.79]). The protective factors were high peak expiratory flow%, adjusted diffusing capacity%, alveolar volume%, and BMI 24–26.9 kg/m2. In stepwise Cox regression analysis, after adjusting for all selected factors except cancer, estVD/VTrest and BMI <18.5 kg/m2 were risk factors, whereas BMI 24–26.9 kg/m2 was protective. Cancer was the main cause of all-c…
bibliographic citation: Chuang et al. (2024) The contribution of estimated dead space fraction to mortality prediction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—a new proposal. PeerJ 12:e17081 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17081
date submitted: 2023-11-24
date accepted: 2024-02-19
issued: 2024-03-27
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Chuang
  given name: Ming-Lung
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Yu Hsun
author list: Agent
  family name: Lin
  given name: I-Feng
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17081
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-03-27
copyright: © 2024 Chuang et al.
attribution name: Chuang et al.

Buffalo-bur (Solanum rostratum Dunal) invasiveness, bioactivities, and utilization: a review
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Solanum rostratum Dunal, belongs to the Solanaceae family and has drawn attention for its intricate interplay of invasiveness, phytochemical composition, and potential bioactivities. Notably invasive, S. rostratum employs adaptive mechanisms during senescence, featuring thorn formation on leaves, fruits, and stems seed self-propulsion, and resistance to drought. This adaptability has led to its proliferation in countries such as China, Canada, and Australia, extending beyond its Mexican origin. Despite its invasive historical reputation, recent studies unveil a rich array of phytochemicals in S. rostratum, suggesting untapped economic potential due to under-exploration. This review delves into exploring the potential uses of S. rostratum while elucidating the bioactive compounds associated with diverse identified bioactivities. In terms of phytochemistry, S. rostratum reveals an abundance of various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, and glycosides. These compounds confer a range of beneficial bioactivities, encompassing antioxidant, antifungal, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, phytotoxic, and pesticidal properties. This positions S. rostratum as a reservoir of valuable chemical constituents with potential applications, particularly in medicine and agriculture. The review provides comprehensive insights into the phytochemistry, bioactivities, and bioactivity-guided fractionation of S. rostratum. In this review, we focus on the potential utilization of S. rostratum by emphasizing its phytochemical profile, which holds promise for diverse applications. This review is the first that advocates for further exploration and research to unlock the plant’s full potential for both economic and environmental benefit.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Sandra Amarachi Ozuzu
creator: Rizvi Syed Arif Hussain
creator: Nigora Kuchkarova
creator: Gift Donu Fidelis
creator: Shixing Zhou
creator: Théogène Habumugisha
creator: Hua Shao
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Plant Science
subject: Pharmacology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17112
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Ozuzu et al.
abstract: Solanum rostratum Dunal, belongs to the Solanaceae family and has drawn attention for its intricate interplay of invasiveness, phytochemical composition, and potential bioactivities. Notably invasive, S. rostratum employs adaptive mechanisms during senescence, featuring thorn formation on leaves, fruits, and stems seed self-propulsion, and resistance to drought. This adaptability has led to its proliferation in countries such as China, Canada, and Australia, extending beyond its Mexican origin. Despite its invasive historical reputation, recent studies unveil a rich array of phytochemicals in S. rostratum, suggesting untapped economic potential due to under-exploration. This review delves into exploring the potential uses of S. rostratum while elucidating the bioactive compounds associated with diverse identified bioactivities. In terms of phytochemistry, S. rostratum reveals an abundance of various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, and glycosides. These compounds confer a range of beneficial bioactivities, encompassing antioxidant, antifungal, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, phytotoxic, and pesticidal properties. This positions S. rostratum as a reservoir of valuable chemical constituents with potential applications, particularly in medicine and agriculture. The review provides comprehensive insights into the phytochemistry, bioactivities, and bioactivity-guided fractionation of S. rostratum. In this review, we focus on the potential utilization of S. rostratum by emphasizing its phytochemical profile, which holds promise for diverse applications. This review is the first that advocates for further exploration and research to unlock the plant’s full potential for both economic and environmental benefit.
bibliographic citation: Ozuzu et al. (2024) Buffalo-bur (Solanum rostratum Dunal) invasiveness, bioactivities, and utilization: a review. PeerJ 12:e17112 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17112
date submitted: 2023-09-11
date accepted: 2024-02-26
issued: 2024-03-27
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Ozuzu
  given name: Sandra Amarachi
author list: Agent
  family name: Hussain
  given name: Rizvi Syed Arif
author list: Agent
  family name: Kuchkarova
  given name: Nigora
author list: Agent
  family name: Fidelis
  given name: Gift Donu
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Shixing
author list: Agent
  family name: Habumugisha
  given name: Théogène
author list: Agent
  family name: Shao
  given name: Hua
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17112
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-03-27
copyright: ©2024 Ozuzu et al.
attribution name: Ozuzu et al.

Erythropoietin alleviates lung ischemia-reperfusion injury by activating the FGF23/FGFR4/ERK signaling pathway
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of erythropoietin (EPO) on lung ischemia-reperfusion injury (LIRI). Methods Sprague Dawley rats and BEAS-2B cells were employed to construct an ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced model in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Afterward, I/R rats and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)-induced cells were treated with different concentrations of EPO. Furthermore, 40 patients with LIRI and healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Results It was observed that lung tissue damage, cell apoptosis and the expression of BAX and caspase-3 were higher in the LIRI model in vivo and in vitro than in the control group, nevertheless, the Bcl-2, FGF23 and FGFR4 expression level was lower than in the control group. EPO administration significantly reduced lung tissue damage and cell apoptosis while also up-regulating the expression of FGF23 and FGFR4. Rescue experiments indicated that EPO exerted a protective role associated with the FGF23/FGFR4/p-ERK1/2 signal pathway. Notably, the expression of serum EPO, FGF23, FGFR4 and Bcl-2 was decreased in patients with LIRI, while the expression of caspase-3 and BAX was higher. Conclusion EPO could effectively improve LIRI, which might be related to the activation of the FGF23/FGFR4/p-ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Xiaosheng Jin
creator: Weijing Jin
creator: Guoping Li
creator: Jisheng Zheng
creator: Xianrong Xu
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Pharmacology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17123
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Jin et al.
abstract: Background The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of erythropoietin (EPO) on lung ischemia-reperfusion injury (LIRI). Methods Sprague Dawley rats and BEAS-2B cells were employed to construct an ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced model in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Afterward, I/R rats and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)-induced cells were treated with different concentrations of EPO. Furthermore, 40 patients with LIRI and healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Results It was observed that lung tissue damage, cell apoptosis and the expression of BAX and caspase-3 were higher in the LIRI model in vivo and in vitro than in the control group, nevertheless, the Bcl-2, FGF23 and FGFR4 expression level was lower than in the control group. EPO administration significantly reduced lung tissue damage and cell apoptosis while also up-regulating the expression of FGF23 and FGFR4. Rescue experiments indicated that EPO exerted a protective role associated with the FGF23/FGFR4/p-ERK1/2 signal pathway. Notably, the expression of serum EPO, FGF23, FGFR4 and Bcl-2 was decreased in patients with LIRI, while the expression of caspase-3 and BAX was higher. Conclusion EPO could effectively improve LIRI, which might be related to the activation of the FGF23/FGFR4/p-ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
bibliographic citation: Jin et al. (2024) Erythropoietin alleviates lung ischemia-reperfusion injury by activating the FGF23/FGFR4/ERK signaling pathway. PeerJ 12:e17123 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17123
date submitted: 2023-09-07
date accepted: 2024-02-26
issued: 2024-03-27
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Jin
  given name: Xiaosheng
author list: Agent
  family name: Jin
  given name: Weijing
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Guoping
author list: Agent
  family name: Zheng
  given name: Jisheng
author list: Agent
  family name: Xu
  given name: Xianrong
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17123
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-03-27
copyright: ©2024 Jin et al.
attribution name: Jin et al.

Comprehensive analysis of the microbiome in Apis cerana honey highlights honey as a potential source for the isolation of beneficial bacterial strains
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Honey is a nutritious food made by bees from nectar and sweet deposits of flowering plants and has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for wound healing and other bacterial infections due to its antibacterial properties. Honey contains a diverse community of bacteria, especially probiotic bacteria, that greatly affect the health of bees and their consumers. Therefore, understanding the microorganisms in honey can help to ensure the quality of honey and lead to the identification of potential probiotic bacteria. Methods Herein, the bacteria community in honey produced by Apis cerana was investigated by applying the next-generation sequencing (NGS) method for the V3–V4 hypervariable regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. In addition, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the honey sample were also isolated and screened for in vitro antimicrobial activity. Results The results showed that the microbiota of A. cerana honey consisted of two major bacterial phyla, Firmicutes (50%; Clostridia, 48.2%) and Proteobacteria (49%; Gammaproteobacteria, 47.7%). Among the 67 identified bacterial genera, the three most predominant genera were beneficial obligate anaerobic bacteria, Lachnospiraceae (48.14%), followed by Gilliamella (26.80%), and Enterobacter (10.16%). Remarkably, among the identified LAB, Lactobacillus kunkeei was found to be the most abundant species. Interestingly, the isolated L. kunkeei strains exhibited antimicrobial activity against some pathogenic bacteria in honeybees, including Klebsiella spp., Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. This underscores the potential candidacy of L. kunkeei for developing probiotics for medical use. Taken together, our results provided new insights into the microbiota community in the A. cerana honey in Hanoi, Vietnam, highlighting evidence that honey can be an unexplored source for isolating bacterial strains with potential probiotic applications in honeybees and hu…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Pham T. Lanh
creator: Bui T.T. Duong
creator: Ha T. Thu
creator: Nguyen T. Hoa
creator: Dong Van Quyen
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Entomology
subject: Food Science and Technology
subject: Microbiology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17157
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Lanh et al.
abstract: Background Honey is a nutritious food made by bees from nectar and sweet deposits of flowering plants and has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for wound healing and other bacterial infections due to its antibacterial properties. Honey contains a diverse community of bacteria, especially probiotic bacteria, that greatly affect the health of bees and their consumers. Therefore, understanding the microorganisms in honey can help to ensure the quality of honey and lead to the identification of potential probiotic bacteria. Methods Herein, the bacteria community in honey produced by Apis cerana was investigated by applying the next-generation sequencing (NGS) method for the V3–V4 hypervariable regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. In addition, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the honey sample were also isolated and screened for in vitro antimicrobial activity. Results The results showed that the microbiota of A. cerana honey consisted of two major bacterial phyla, Firmicutes (50%; Clostridia, 48.2%) and Proteobacteria (49%; Gammaproteobacteria, 47.7%). Among the 67 identified bacterial genera, the three most predominant genera were beneficial obligate anaerobic bacteria, Lachnospiraceae (48.14%), followed by Gilliamella (26.80%), and Enterobacter (10.16%). Remarkably, among the identified LAB, Lactobacillus kunkeei was found to be the most abundant species. Interestingly, the isolated L. kunkeei strains exhibited antimicrobial activity against some pathogenic bacteria in honeybees, including Klebsiella spp., Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. This underscores the potential candidacy of L. kunkeei for developing probiotics for medical use. Taken together, our results provided new insights into the microbiota community in the A. cerana honey in Hanoi, Vietnam, highlighting evidence that honey can be an unexplored source for isolating bacterial strains with potential probiotic applications in honeybees and hu…
bibliographic citation: Lanh et al. (2024) Comprehensive analysis of the microbiome in Apis cerana honey highlights honey as a potential source for the isolation of beneficial bacterial strains. PeerJ 12:e17157 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17157
date submitted: 2023-11-16
date accepted: 2024-03-04
issued: 2024-03-27
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Lanh
  given name: Pham T.
author list: Agent
  family name: Duong
  given name: Bui T.T.
author list: Agent
  family name: Thu
  given name: Ha T.
author list: Agent
  family name: Hoa
  given name: Nguyen T.
author list: Agent
  family name: Quyen
  given name: Dong Van
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17157
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-03-27
copyright: ©2024 Lanh et al.
attribution name: Lanh et al.

Species divergence in valleys: the phylogeny of Phrynocephalus forsythii complex and description of a new species
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Geographic isolation caused by high-altitude valleys promotes the formation of geographic segregation of species, leading to species differentiation. The subgenus Oreosaura contains viviparous species from the Tibetan Plateau and the vicinity of the Tarim Basin, which can be divided into three species complexes according to their geographical distribution: Phrynocephalus vlangalii, Phrynocephalus theobaldi, and Phrynocephalus forsythii. However, molecular data for the P. forsythii complex are limited and the diversity of this species complex has been greatly underestimated. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the species diversity of Oreosaura and species differentiation within the P. forsythii complex. Methods We analysed the species diversity of Oreosaura by combining previous data, constructed a phylogenetic tree of the subgenus based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and 16S sequences, and estimated the divergence time. Results The results suggest significant genetic differences between the Tarim Basin populations and adjacent mountain valley populations of the P. forsythii complex and that the combination of deep valley landscapes in the high mountains and ice-age events have contributed to the differentiation of the viviparous toad-headed agama lizard, which is a key factor in the phylogenetics of the P. forsythii complex. Furthermore, we identified a population collected from Wuqia County, Xinjiang, as a new species, Phrynocephalus kangsuensis sp. nov. The results will provide data for phylogenetic studies following the P. forsythii complex and help demonstrate that valleys promote the formation of Phrynocephalus species.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Qianru Liang
creator: Lei Shi
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Biogeography
subject: Taxonomy
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17175
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Liang and Shi
abstract: Background Geographic isolation caused by high-altitude valleys promotes the formation of geographic segregation of species, leading to species differentiation. The subgenus Oreosaura contains viviparous species from the Tibetan Plateau and the vicinity of the Tarim Basin, which can be divided into three species complexes according to their geographical distribution: Phrynocephalus vlangalii, Phrynocephalus theobaldi, and Phrynocephalus forsythii. However, molecular data for the P. forsythii complex are limited and the diversity of this species complex has been greatly underestimated. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the species diversity of Oreosaura and species differentiation within the P. forsythii complex. Methods We analysed the species diversity of Oreosaura by combining previous data, constructed a phylogenetic tree of the subgenus based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and 16S sequences, and estimated the divergence time. Results The results suggest significant genetic differences between the Tarim Basin populations and adjacent mountain valley populations of the P. forsythii complex and that the combination of deep valley landscapes in the high mountains and ice-age events have contributed to the differentiation of the viviparous toad-headed agama lizard, which is a key factor in the phylogenetics of the P. forsythii complex. Furthermore, we identified a population collected from Wuqia County, Xinjiang, as a new species, Phrynocephalus kangsuensis sp. nov. The results will provide data for phylogenetic studies following the P. forsythii complex and help demonstrate that valleys promote the formation of Phrynocephalus species.
bibliographic citation: Liang et al. (2024) Species divergence in valleys: the phylogeny of Phrynocephalus forsythii complex and description of a new species. PeerJ 12:e17175 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17175
date submitted: 2023-12-11
date accepted: 2024-03-08
issued: 2024-03-27
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Liang
  given name: Qianru
author list: Agent
  family name: Shi
  given name: Lei
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17175
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-03-27
copyright: © 2024 Liang and Shi
attribution name: Liang and Shi

Physiological and biochemical effects of 24-Epibrassinolide on drought stress adaptation in maize (Zea mays L.)
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Maize production and productivity are affected by drought stress in tropical and subtropical ecologies, as the majority of the area under maize cultivation in these ecologies is rain-fed. The present investigation was conducted to study the physiological and biochemical effects of 24-Epibrassinolide (EBR) as a plant hormone on drought tolerance in maize. Two maize hybrids, Vivek hybrid 9 and Bio 9637, were grown under three different conditions: (i) irrigated, (ii) drought, and (iii) drought+EBR. A total of 2 weeks before the anthesis, irrigation was discontinued to produce a drought-like condition. In the drought+EBR treatment group, irrigation was also stopped, and in addition, EBR was applied as a foliar spray on the same day in the drought plots. It was observed that drought had a major influence on the photosynthesis rate, membrane stability index, leaf area index, relative water content, and leaf water potential; this effect was more pronounced in Bio 9637. Conversely, the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased in both hybrids under drought conditions. Specifically, Vivek hybrid 9 showed 74% higher CAT activity under drought conditions as compared to the control. Additionally, EBR application further enhanced the activity of this enzyme by 23% compared to plants under drought conditions. Both hybrids experienced a significant reduction in plant girth due to drought stress. However, it was found that exogenously applying EBR reduced the detrimental effects of drought stress on the plant, and this effect was more pronounced in Bio 9637. In fact, Bio 9637 treated with EBR showed an 86% increase in proline content and a 70% increase in glycine betaine content compared to untreated plants under drought conditions. Taken together, our results suggested EBR enhanced tolerance to drought in maize hybrids. Hence, pre-anthesis foliar application of EBR might partly overcome the adver…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Bicky Kumar
creator: Madan Pal
creator: Pranjal Yadava
creator: Krishan Kumar
creator: Sapna Langyan
creator: Abhishek Kumar Jha
creator: Ishwar Singh
subject: Plant Science
subject: Soil Science
subject: Food, Water and Energy Nexus
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17190
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Kumar et al.
abstract: Maize production and productivity are affected by drought stress in tropical and subtropical ecologies, as the majority of the area under maize cultivation in these ecologies is rain-fed. The present investigation was conducted to study the physiological and biochemical effects of 24-Epibrassinolide (EBR) as a plant hormone on drought tolerance in maize. Two maize hybrids, Vivek hybrid 9 and Bio 9637, were grown under three different conditions: (i) irrigated, (ii) drought, and (iii) drought+EBR. A total of 2 weeks before the anthesis, irrigation was discontinued to produce a drought-like condition. In the drought+EBR treatment group, irrigation was also stopped, and in addition, EBR was applied as a foliar spray on the same day in the drought plots. It was observed that drought had a major influence on the photosynthesis rate, membrane stability index, leaf area index, relative water content, and leaf water potential; this effect was more pronounced in Bio 9637. Conversely, the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased in both hybrids under drought conditions. Specifically, Vivek hybrid 9 showed 74% higher CAT activity under drought conditions as compared to the control. Additionally, EBR application further enhanced the activity of this enzyme by 23% compared to plants under drought conditions. Both hybrids experienced a significant reduction in plant girth due to drought stress. However, it was found that exogenously applying EBR reduced the detrimental effects of drought stress on the plant, and this effect was more pronounced in Bio 9637. In fact, Bio 9637 treated with EBR showed an 86% increase in proline content and a 70% increase in glycine betaine content compared to untreated plants under drought conditions. Taken together, our results suggested EBR enhanced tolerance to drought in maize hybrids. Hence, pre-anthesis foliar application of EBR might partly overcome the adver…
bibliographic citation: Kumar et al. (2024) Physiological and biochemical effects of 24-Epibrassinolide on drought stress adaptation in maize (Zea mays L.). PeerJ 12:e17190 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17190
date submitted: 2022-10-27
date accepted: 2024-03-12
issued: 2024-03-27
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Kumar
  given name: Bicky
author list: Agent
  family name: Pal
  given name: Madan
author list: Agent
  family name: Yadava
  given name: Pranjal
author list: Agent
  family name: Kumar
  given name: Krishan
author list: Agent
  family name: Langyan
  given name: Sapna
author list: Agent
  family name: Jha
  given name: Abhishek Kumar
author list: Agent
  family name: Singh
  given name: Ishwar
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17190
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-03-27
copyright: © 2024 Kumar et al.
attribution name: Kumar et al.

Geographic patterns of distribution and ecological niche of the snake-necked turtle genus Hydromedusa
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Biotic and abiotic factors play a crucial role in determining the distribution of species. These factors dictate the conditions that must be met for a species to thrive in a particular area. Sister species that present some degree of niche overlap can shed light on how they are distributed and coexist in their environment. This study aims to investigate the geographical distribution and ecological niche of the sister species of snake-necked turtles Hydromedusa maximiliani and H. tectifera. By analyzing their niche overlap, we aim to obtain a better understanding of how these two species coexist and which variables are determining their occurences. We applied species distribution modeling and compared the niches using the niche equivalence and similarity tests. Our findings show that the distribution of H. maximiliani is most influenced by temperature seasonality and isothermality, while H. tectifera is most affected by the temperature seasonality, precipitation of warmest quarter and mean diurnal range. In addition, our results suggest that the niche expressed by H. maximiliani retained ecological characteristics that can accurately predict the H. tectifera distribution, but the inverse is not true. In this sense, differences are not solely due to the geographic availability of environmental conditions but can reflect niche restrictions, such as competition.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Márcia M.P. Muller
creator: Diego J. Santana
creator: Henrique C. Costa
creator: Karoline Ceron
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Biogeography
subject: Ecology
subject: Zoology
subject: Freshwater Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.16712
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Muller et al.
abstract: Biotic and abiotic factors play a crucial role in determining the distribution of species. These factors dictate the conditions that must be met for a species to thrive in a particular area. Sister species that present some degree of niche overlap can shed light on how they are distributed and coexist in their environment. This study aims to investigate the geographical distribution and ecological niche of the sister species of snake-necked turtles Hydromedusa maximiliani and H. tectifera. By analyzing their niche overlap, we aim to obtain a better understanding of how these two species coexist and which variables are determining their occurences. We applied species distribution modeling and compared the niches using the niche equivalence and similarity tests. Our findings show that the distribution of H. maximiliani is most influenced by temperature seasonality and isothermality, while H. tectifera is most affected by the temperature seasonality, precipitation of warmest quarter and mean diurnal range. In addition, our results suggest that the niche expressed by H. maximiliani retained ecological characteristics that can accurately predict the H. tectifera distribution, but the inverse is not true. In this sense, differences are not solely due to the geographic availability of environmental conditions but can reflect niche restrictions, such as competition.
bibliographic citation: Muller et al. (2024) Geographic patterns of distribution and ecological niche of the snake-necked turtle genus Hydromedusa. PeerJ 12:e16712 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.16712
date submitted: 2023-05-15
date accepted: 2023-12-01
issued: 2024-03-26
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Muller
  given name: Márcia M.P.
author list: Agent
  family name: Santana
  given name: Diego J.
author list: Agent
  family name: Costa
  given name: Henrique C.
author list: Agent
  family name: Ceron
  given name: Karoline
doi: 10.7717/peerj.16712
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-03-26
copyright: ©2024 Muller et al.
attribution name: Muller et al.

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