PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: The dinosaurs that weren’t: osteohistology supports giant ichthyosaur affinity of enigmatic large bone segments from the European Rhaetian
items: Integration of temporal & spatial properties of dynamic functional connectivity based on two-directional two-dimensional principal component analysis for disease analysis
items: Reappraisal of sauropod dinosaur diversity in the Upper Cretaceous Winton Formation of Queensland, Australia, through 3D digitisation and description of new specimens
items: IGF-1 rs6218 polymorphisms modulate the susceptibility to age-related cataract
items: The role of echinacoside-based cross-linker nanoparticles in the treatment of osteoporosis
items: Heterogeneity of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of Metabolic Syndrome onset at a Japanese campus
items: HSP90B1 regulates autophagy via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling, mediating HNSC biological behaviors
items: Recombinant hirudin attenuates pulmonary hypertension and thrombosis in acute pulmonary embolism rat model
items: Self-reported side effects of COVID-19 vaccines among health professions students in India
items: Exogenous melatonin improves germination rate in buckwheat under high temperature stress by regulating seed physiological and biochemical characteristics

The dinosaurs that weren’t: osteohistology supports giant ichthyosaur affinity of enigmatic large bone segments from the European Rhaetian
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Very large unidentified elongate and rounded fossil bone segments of uncertain origin recovered from different Rhaetian (Late Triassic) fossil localities across Europe have been puzzling the paleontological community since the second half of the 19th century. Different hypotheses have been proposed regarding the nature of these fossils: (1) giant amphibian bones, (2) dinosaurian or other archosaurian long bone shafts, and (3) giant ichthyosaurian jaw bone segments. We call the latter proposal the ‘Giant Ichthyosaur Hypothesis’ and test it using bone histology. In presumable ichthyosaur specimens from SW England (Lilstock), France (Autun), and indeterminate cortical fragments from Germany (Bonenburg), we found a combination of shared histological features in the periosteal cortex: an unusual woven-parallel complex of strictly longitudinal primary osteons set in a novel woven-fibered matrix type with intrinsic coarse collagen fibers (IFM), and a distinctive pattern of Haversian substitution in which secondary osteons often form within primary ones. The splenial and surangular of the holotype of the giant ichthyosaur Shastasaurus sikanniensis from Canada were sampled for comparison. The results of the sampling indicate a common osteohistology with the European specimens. A broad histological comparison is provided to reject alternative taxonomic affinities aside from ichthyosaurs of the very large bone segment. Most importantly, we highlight the occurrence of shared peculiar osteogenic processes in Late Triassic giant ichthyosaurs, reflecting special ossification strategies enabling fast growth and achievement of giant size and/or related to biomechanical properties akin to ossified tendons.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Marcello Perillo
creator: P Martin Sander
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Marine Biology
subject: Paleontology
subject: Histology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17060
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Perillo and Sander
abstract: Very large unidentified elongate and rounded fossil bone segments of uncertain origin recovered from different Rhaetian (Late Triassic) fossil localities across Europe have been puzzling the paleontological community since the second half of the 19th century. Different hypotheses have been proposed regarding the nature of these fossils: (1) giant amphibian bones, (2) dinosaurian or other archosaurian long bone shafts, and (3) giant ichthyosaurian jaw bone segments. We call the latter proposal the ‘Giant Ichthyosaur Hypothesis’ and test it using bone histology. In presumable ichthyosaur specimens from SW England (Lilstock), France (Autun), and indeterminate cortical fragments from Germany (Bonenburg), we found a combination of shared histological features in the periosteal cortex: an unusual woven-parallel complex of strictly longitudinal primary osteons set in a novel woven-fibered matrix type with intrinsic coarse collagen fibers (IFM), and a distinctive pattern of Haversian substitution in which secondary osteons often form within primary ones. The splenial and surangular of the holotype of the giant ichthyosaur Shastasaurus sikanniensis from Canada were sampled for comparison. The results of the sampling indicate a common osteohistology with the European specimens. A broad histological comparison is provided to reject alternative taxonomic affinities aside from ichthyosaurs of the very large bone segment. Most importantly, we highlight the occurrence of shared peculiar osteogenic processes in Late Triassic giant ichthyosaurs, reflecting special ossification strategies enabling fast growth and achievement of giant size and/or related to biomechanical properties akin to ossified tendons.
bibliographic citation: Perillo et al. (2024) The dinosaurs that weren’t: osteohistology supports giant ichthyosaur affinity of enigmatic large bone segments from the European Rhaetian. PeerJ 12:e17060 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17060
date submitted: 2023-08-17
date accepted: 2024-02-15
issued: 2024-04-09
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Perillo
  given name: Marcello
author list: Agent
  family name: Sander
  given name: P Martin
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17060
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-09
copyright: ©2024 Perillo and Sander
attribution name: Perillo and Sander

Integration of temporal & spatial properties of dynamic functional connectivity based on two-directional two-dimensional principal component analysis for disease analysis
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Dynamic functional connectivity, derived from resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), has emerged as a crucial instrument for investigating and supporting the diagnosis of neurological disorders. However, prevalent features of dynamic functional connectivity predominantly capture either temporal or spatial properties, such as mean and global efficiency, neglecting the significant information embedded in the fusion of spatial and temporal attributes. In addition, dynamic functional connectivity suffers from the problem of temporal mismatch, i.e., the functional connectivity of different subjects at the same time point cannot be matched. To address these problems, this article introduces a novel feature extraction framework grounded in two-directional two-dimensional principal component analysis. This framework is designed to extract features that integrate both spatial and temporal properties of dynamic functional connectivity. Additionally, we propose to use Fourier transform to extract temporal-invariance properties contained in dynamic functional connectivity. Experimental findings underscore the superior performance of features extracted by this framework in classification experiments compared to features capturing individual properties.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Feng Zhao
creator: Ke Lv
creator: Shixin Ye
creator: Xiaobo Chen
creator: Hongyu Chen
creator: Sizhe Fan
creator: Ning Mao
creator: Yande Ren
subject: Neuroscience
subject: Neurology
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
subject: Radiology and Medical Imaging
subject: Computational Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17078
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Zhao et al.
abstract: Dynamic functional connectivity, derived from resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), has emerged as a crucial instrument for investigating and supporting the diagnosis of neurological disorders. However, prevalent features of dynamic functional connectivity predominantly capture either temporal or spatial properties, such as mean and global efficiency, neglecting the significant information embedded in the fusion of spatial and temporal attributes. In addition, dynamic functional connectivity suffers from the problem of temporal mismatch, i.e., the functional connectivity of different subjects at the same time point cannot be matched. To address these problems, this article introduces a novel feature extraction framework grounded in two-directional two-dimensional principal component analysis. This framework is designed to extract features that integrate both spatial and temporal properties of dynamic functional connectivity. Additionally, we propose to use Fourier transform to extract temporal-invariance properties contained in dynamic functional connectivity. Experimental findings underscore the superior performance of features extracted by this framework in classification experiments compared to features capturing individual properties.
bibliographic citation: Zhao et al. (2024) Integration of temporal & spatial properties of dynamic functional connectivity based on two-directional two-dimensional principal component analysis for disease analysis. PeerJ 12:e17078 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17078
date submitted: 2023-10-26
date accepted: 2024-02-19
issued: 2024-04-09
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhao
  given name: Feng
author list: Agent
  family name: Lv
  given name: Ke
author list: Agent
  family name: Ye
  given name: Shixin
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Xiaobo
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Hongyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Fan
  given name: Sizhe
author list: Agent
  family name: Mao
  given name: Ning
author list: Agent
  family name: Ren
  given name: Yande
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17078
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-09
copyright: ©2024 Zhao et al.
attribution name: Zhao et al.

Reappraisal of sauropod dinosaur diversity in the Upper Cretaceous Winton Formation of Queensland, Australia, through 3D digitisation and description of new specimens
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Skeletal remains of sauropod dinosaurs have been known from Australia for over 100 years. Unfortunately, the classification of the majority of these specimens to species level has historically been impeded by their incompleteness. This has begun to change in the last 15 years, primarily through the discovery and description of several partial skeletons from the Cenomanian–lower Turonian (lower Upper Cretaceous) Winton Formation in central Queensland, with four species erected to date: Australotitan cooperensis, Diamantinasaurus matildae, Savannasaurus elliottorum, and Wintonotitan wattsi. The first three of these appear to form a clade (Diamantinasauria) of early diverging titanosaurs (or close relatives of titanosaurs), whereas Wintonotitan wattsi is typically recovered as a distantly related non-titanosaurian somphospondylan. Through the use of 3D scanning, we digitised numerous specimens of Winton Formation sauropods, facilitating enhanced comparison between type and referred specimens, and heretofore undescribed specimens. We present new anatomical information on the holotype specimen of Diamantinasaurus matildae, and describe new remains pertaining to twelve sauropod individuals. Firsthand observations and digital analysis enabled previously proposed autapomorphic features of all four named Winton Formation sauropod species to be identified in the newly described specimens, with some specimens exhibiting putative autapomorphies of more than one species, prompting a reassessment of their taxonomic validity. Supported by a specimen-level phylogenetic analysis, we suggest that Australotitan cooperensis is probably a junior synonym of Diamantinasaurus matildae, but conservatively regard it herein as an indeterminate diamantinasaurian, meaning that the Winton Formation sauropod fauna now comprises three (rather than four) valid diamantinasaurian species: Diamantinasaurus matildae, Savannasaurus elliottorum, and Wintonotitan wattsi, with the latter robustly supported…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Samantha L. Beeston
creator: Stephen F. Poropat
creator: Philip D. Mannion
creator: Adele H. Pentland
creator: Mackenzie J. Enchelmaier
creator: Trish Sloan
creator: David A. Elliott
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Paleontology
subject: Taxonomy
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17180
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Beeston et al.
abstract: Skeletal remains of sauropod dinosaurs have been known from Australia for over 100 years. Unfortunately, the classification of the majority of these specimens to species level has historically been impeded by their incompleteness. This has begun to change in the last 15 years, primarily through the discovery and description of several partial skeletons from the Cenomanian–lower Turonian (lower Upper Cretaceous) Winton Formation in central Queensland, with four species erected to date: Australotitan cooperensis, Diamantinasaurus matildae, Savannasaurus elliottorum, and Wintonotitan wattsi. The first three of these appear to form a clade (Diamantinasauria) of early diverging titanosaurs (or close relatives of titanosaurs), whereas Wintonotitan wattsi is typically recovered as a distantly related non-titanosaurian somphospondylan. Through the use of 3D scanning, we digitised numerous specimens of Winton Formation sauropods, facilitating enhanced comparison between type and referred specimens, and heretofore undescribed specimens. We present new anatomical information on the holotype specimen of Diamantinasaurus matildae, and describe new remains pertaining to twelve sauropod individuals. Firsthand observations and digital analysis enabled previously proposed autapomorphic features of all four named Winton Formation sauropod species to be identified in the newly described specimens, with some specimens exhibiting putative autapomorphies of more than one species, prompting a reassessment of their taxonomic validity. Supported by a specimen-level phylogenetic analysis, we suggest that Australotitan cooperensis is probably a junior synonym of Diamantinasaurus matildae, but conservatively regard it herein as an indeterminate diamantinasaurian, meaning that the Winton Formation sauropod fauna now comprises three (rather than four) valid diamantinasaurian species: Diamantinasaurus matildae, Savannasaurus elliottorum, and Wintonotitan wattsi, with the latter robustly supported…
bibliographic citation: Beeston et al. (2024) Reappraisal of sauropod dinosaur diversity in the Upper Cretaceous Winton Formation of Queensland, Australia, through 3D digitisation and description of new specimens. PeerJ 12:e17180 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17180
date submitted: 2024-01-08
date accepted: 2024-03-11
issued: 2024-04-09
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Beeston
  given name: Samantha L.
author list: Agent
  family name: Poropat
  given name: Stephen F.
author list: Agent
  family name: Mannion
  given name: Philip D.
author list: Agent
  family name: Pentland
  given name: Adele H.
author list: Agent
  family name: Enchelmaier
  given name: Mackenzie J.
author list: Agent
  family name: Sloan
  given name: Trish
author list: Agent
  family name: Elliott
  given name: David A.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17180
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-09
copyright: © 2024 Beeston et al.
attribution name: Beeston et al.

IGF-1 rs6218 polymorphisms modulate the susceptibility to age-related cataract
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), as the most abundant form of DNA variation in the human genome, contribute to age-related cataracts (ARC) development. Apoptosis of lens epithelial cells (LECs) is closely related to ARC formation. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) contributes to cell apoptosis regulation. Moreover, IGF1 was indicated to exhibit a close association with cataract formation. Afterward, an investigation was conducted to examine the correlation between polymorphisms in IGF1 and the susceptibility to ARC. Methods The present investigation was a case-control study. Venous blood draws were collected from the participants for DNA genotyping. Lens capsule samples were collected to detect mRNA and apoptosis. TaqMan RT-PCR was used to detect IGF1 polymorphism genotypes and qRT PCR was used to detect IGF1 mRNA levels in LECs. LEC apoptosis was evaluated through flow cytometry. The chi-square test was used to compare differences between ARCs and controls of each SNP. Results We found that the G allele frequency in the IGF1-rs6218 was higher in the ARCs than in the controls. Furthermore, it was observed that the rs6218 GG genotype exhibited a positive correlation to elevated levels of IGF1 mRNA in LECs. The IGF1 mRNA in the LECs and the apoptosis of LECs in nuclear type of ARCs (ARNC) was higher than the controls. Conclusion The susceptibility to ARC was related to IGF1-rs6218 polymorphism, and this polymorphism is associated with IGF1 expression at the mRNA level. Moreover, apoptosis in LECs of ARNCs was found to be increased.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Xi Zou
creator: Jun Zhang
creator: Yong Wang
creator: Dong Zhou
creator: Guohua Deng
creator: Zhinan Liu
subject: Genetics
subject: Genomics
subject: Geriatrics
subject: Ophthalmology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17220
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Zou et al.
abstract: Background Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), as the most abundant form of DNA variation in the human genome, contribute to age-related cataracts (ARC) development. Apoptosis of lens epithelial cells (LECs) is closely related to ARC formation. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) contributes to cell apoptosis regulation. Moreover, IGF1 was indicated to exhibit a close association with cataract formation. Afterward, an investigation was conducted to examine the correlation between polymorphisms in IGF1 and the susceptibility to ARC. Methods The present investigation was a case-control study. Venous blood draws were collected from the participants for DNA genotyping. Lens capsule samples were collected to detect mRNA and apoptosis. TaqMan RT-PCR was used to detect IGF1 polymorphism genotypes and qRT PCR was used to detect IGF1 mRNA levels in LECs. LEC apoptosis was evaluated through flow cytometry. The chi-square test was used to compare differences between ARCs and controls of each SNP. Results We found that the G allele frequency in the IGF1-rs6218 was higher in the ARCs than in the controls. Furthermore, it was observed that the rs6218 GG genotype exhibited a positive correlation to elevated levels of IGF1 mRNA in LECs. The IGF1 mRNA in the LECs and the apoptosis of LECs in nuclear type of ARCs (ARNC) was higher than the controls. Conclusion The susceptibility to ARC was related to IGF1-rs6218 polymorphism, and this polymorphism is associated with IGF1 expression at the mRNA level. Moreover, apoptosis in LECs of ARNCs was found to be increased.
bibliographic citation: Zou et al. (2024) IGF-1 rs6218 polymorphisms modulate the susceptibility to age-related cataract. PeerJ 12:e17220 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17220
date submitted: 2023-11-07
date accepted: 2024-03-20
issued: 2024-04-09
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zou
  given name: Xi
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Jun
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Yong
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Dong
author list: Agent
  family name: Deng
  given name: Guohua
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Zhinan
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17220
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-09
copyright: © 2024 Zou et al.
attribution name: Zou et al.

The role of echinacoside-based cross-linker nanoparticles in the treatment of osteoporosis
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Current drugs for treating osteoporosis may lead to toxic side effects. Echinacoside (ECH) is a natural small molecule drug. This study examined and compared the therapeutic effects of cross-linker (CL)-ECH and ECH-free nanoparticles on osteoporosis. Methods Echinocandin-based CL-ECH nanoparticles were prepared, and the nanoparticle size and drug loading were optimized and characterized by adjusting the ratio. The antioxidant effect of CL-ECH nanoparticles on bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) was analyzed using flow cytometry, immunofluorescence staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs)-based detection of bone-producing effects was conducted using alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Alizarin Red S (ARS) and qRT-PCR. TRAP, phalloidin staining, and qRT-PCR was performed to detect osteogenesis-inhibiting effect on BMDMs. CL-ECH nanoparticles were applied to treat an ovariectomized (OVX) mouse model at low doses. Results Compared to ECH, CL-ECH nanoparticles suppressed oxidative stress in BMDMs by promoting NRF-2 nuclear translocation, which inhibited the production of both reactive oxygen species (ROS) and osteoclast production through downregulating NF-κB expression, with limited effect on the osteogenesis of BMSCs. In vivo studies showed that low-dose CL-ECH nanoparticles markedly improved bone trabecular loss compared to ECH administration in the treatment of osteoporosis. Conclusions The current discoveries provided a solid theoretical foundation for the development of a new generation of anti-bone resorption drugs and antiosteoporosis drugs.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Dandan Hu
creator: Chunan Cheng
creator: Zhen Bian
creator: Yubo Xu
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Orthopedics
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17229
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Hu et al.
abstract: Background Current drugs for treating osteoporosis may lead to toxic side effects. Echinacoside (ECH) is a natural small molecule drug. This study examined and compared the therapeutic effects of cross-linker (CL)-ECH and ECH-free nanoparticles on osteoporosis. Methods Echinocandin-based CL-ECH nanoparticles were prepared, and the nanoparticle size and drug loading were optimized and characterized by adjusting the ratio. The antioxidant effect of CL-ECH nanoparticles on bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) was analyzed using flow cytometry, immunofluorescence staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs)-based detection of bone-producing effects was conducted using alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Alizarin Red S (ARS) and qRT-PCR. TRAP, phalloidin staining, and qRT-PCR was performed to detect osteogenesis-inhibiting effect on BMDMs. CL-ECH nanoparticles were applied to treat an ovariectomized (OVX) mouse model at low doses. Results Compared to ECH, CL-ECH nanoparticles suppressed oxidative stress in BMDMs by promoting NRF-2 nuclear translocation, which inhibited the production of both reactive oxygen species (ROS) and osteoclast production through downregulating NF-κB expression, with limited effect on the osteogenesis of BMSCs. In vivo studies showed that low-dose CL-ECH nanoparticles markedly improved bone trabecular loss compared to ECH administration in the treatment of osteoporosis. Conclusions The current discoveries provided a solid theoretical foundation for the development of a new generation of anti-bone resorption drugs and antiosteoporosis drugs.
bibliographic citation: Hu et al. (2024) The role of echinacoside-based cross-linker nanoparticles in the treatment of osteoporosis. PeerJ 12:e17229 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17229
date submitted: 2023-12-29
date accepted: 2024-03-21
issued: 2024-04-09
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Hu
  given name: Dandan
author list: Agent
  family name: Cheng
  given name: Chunan
author list: Agent
  family name: Bian
  given name: Zhen
author list: Agent
  family name: Xu
  given name: Yubo
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17229
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-09
copyright: ©2024 Hu et al.
attribution name: Hu et al.

Heterogeneity of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of Metabolic Syndrome onset at a Japanese campus
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak began in China in December 2019, with the World Health Organization declaring a state of emergency in January 2020. Worldwide implementation of lockdown measures to slow the spread of the virus led to reduced physical activity, disrupted eating habits, mental health issues, and sleep disturbances, which increased the risk of lifestyle-related diseases such as metabolic syndrome (MetS). During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers, especially intensive care workers, experienced longer working hours and burnout, which further increased the risk of lifestyle-related diseases. Accordingly, it is important to identify individuals at a risk of new-onset MetS during a pandemic, which could direct preventive interventions. This study aimed to assess the heterogeneous impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of new-onset MetS based on the conditional average treatment effect (CATE) and to identify at-risk populations. Methods This study analyzed health checkup data obtained from Okayama University Shikata Campus workers using paired baseline and follow-up years. Baseline data encompassed 2017 to 2019, with respective follow-up data from 2018 to 2020. Furthermore, as the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan began in January 2020, workers who underwent follow-up health checkups in 2018 to 2019 and 2020 were considered as “unexposed” and “exposed,” respectively. As the Shikata campus has several departments, comparisons among departments were made. The primary outcome was new-onset MetS at follow-up. Predictor variables included baseline health checkup results, sex, age, and department (administrative, research, medical, or intensive care department). X-learner was used to calculate the CATE. Results This study included 3,572 eligible individuals (unexposed, n = 2,181; exposed, n = 1,391). Among them, 1,544 (70.8%) and 866 (62.3%) participants in the unexposed and exposed groups, respectively, were females. The mean …
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Toshiharu Mitsuhashi
subject: Epidemiology
subject: Public Health
subject: Metabolic Sciences
subject: Obesity
subject: COVID-19
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17013
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Mitsuhashi
abstract: Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak began in China in December 2019, with the World Health Organization declaring a state of emergency in January 2020. Worldwide implementation of lockdown measures to slow the spread of the virus led to reduced physical activity, disrupted eating habits, mental health issues, and sleep disturbances, which increased the risk of lifestyle-related diseases such as metabolic syndrome (MetS). During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers, especially intensive care workers, experienced longer working hours and burnout, which further increased the risk of lifestyle-related diseases. Accordingly, it is important to identify individuals at a risk of new-onset MetS during a pandemic, which could direct preventive interventions. This study aimed to assess the heterogeneous impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of new-onset MetS based on the conditional average treatment effect (CATE) and to identify at-risk populations. Methods This study analyzed health checkup data obtained from Okayama University Shikata Campus workers using paired baseline and follow-up years. Baseline data encompassed 2017 to 2019, with respective follow-up data from 2018 to 2020. Furthermore, as the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan began in January 2020, workers who underwent follow-up health checkups in 2018 to 2019 and 2020 were considered as “unexposed” and “exposed,” respectively. As the Shikata campus has several departments, comparisons among departments were made. The primary outcome was new-onset MetS at follow-up. Predictor variables included baseline health checkup results, sex, age, and department (administrative, research, medical, or intensive care department). X-learner was used to calculate the CATE. Results This study included 3,572 eligible individuals (unexposed, n = 2,181; exposed, n = 1,391). Among them, 1,544 (70.8%) and 866 (62.3%) participants in the unexposed and exposed groups, respectively, were females. The mean …
bibliographic citation: Mitsuhashi (2024) Heterogeneity of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of Metabolic Syndrome onset at a Japanese campus. PeerJ 12:e17013 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17013
date submitted: 2023-09-05
date accepted: 2024-02-05
issued: 2024-04-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Mitsuhashi
  given name: Toshiharu
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17013
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-05
copyright: ©2024 Mitsuhashi
attribution name: Mitsuhashi

HSP90B1 regulates autophagy via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling, mediating HNSC biological behaviors
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Autophagy, a crucial cellular mechanism, facilitates the degradation and removal of misfolded proteins and impaired organelles. Recent research has increasingly highlighted the intimate connection between autophagy and heat shock proteins (HSPs) in the context of tumor development. However, the specific role and underlying mechanisms of heat shock protein 90 beta family member 1 (HSP90B1) in modulating autophagy within head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain elusive. Methods Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blot (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to detect the expression in HNSC cell lines and tissues. The relationship between HSP90B1 and clinicopathologic features was explored based on TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) data and IHC results. The biological functions of HSP90B1 were analyzed through in vitro and in vivo models to evaluate proliferation, migration, invasion, and autophagy. The mechanisms of HSP90B1 were studied using bioinformatics and WB. Results HSP90B1 was upregulated in HNSC cells and tissues. High HSP90B1 levels were associated with T-stage, M-stage, clinical stage, and poor prognosis in HNSC patients. Functionally, HSP90B1 promotes HNSC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and inhibits apoptosis. We discovered that HSP90B1 obstructs autophagy and advances HNSC progression through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that HSP90B1 is highly expressed in HNSC. Furthermore, HSP90B1 may regulate autophagy through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, mediating HNSC cell biological behaviors. These provide new insights into potential biomarkers and targets for HNSC therapy.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Chao Li
creator: Xiaoyu Lin
creator: Jiping Su
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Genetics
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Oncology
subject: Medical Genetics
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17028
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Li et al.
abstract: Background Autophagy, a crucial cellular mechanism, facilitates the degradation and removal of misfolded proteins and impaired organelles. Recent research has increasingly highlighted the intimate connection between autophagy and heat shock proteins (HSPs) in the context of tumor development. However, the specific role and underlying mechanisms of heat shock protein 90 beta family member 1 (HSP90B1) in modulating autophagy within head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain elusive. Methods Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blot (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to detect the expression in HNSC cell lines and tissues. The relationship between HSP90B1 and clinicopathologic features was explored based on TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) data and IHC results. The biological functions of HSP90B1 were analyzed through in vitro and in vivo models to evaluate proliferation, migration, invasion, and autophagy. The mechanisms of HSP90B1 were studied using bioinformatics and WB. Results HSP90B1 was upregulated in HNSC cells and tissues. High HSP90B1 levels were associated with T-stage, M-stage, clinical stage, and poor prognosis in HNSC patients. Functionally, HSP90B1 promotes HNSC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and inhibits apoptosis. We discovered that HSP90B1 obstructs autophagy and advances HNSC progression through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that HSP90B1 is highly expressed in HNSC. Furthermore, HSP90B1 may regulate autophagy through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, mediating HNSC cell biological behaviors. These provide new insights into potential biomarkers and targets for HNSC therapy.
bibliographic citation: Li et al. (2024) HSP90B1 regulates autophagy via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling, mediating HNSC biological behaviors. PeerJ 12:e17028 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17028
date submitted: 2023-11-17
date accepted: 2024-02-07
issued: 2024-04-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Chao
author list: Agent
  family name: Lin
  given name: Xiaoyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Su
  given name: Jiping
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17028
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-05
copyright: ©2024 Li et al.
attribution name: Li et al.

Recombinant hirudin attenuates pulmonary hypertension and thrombosis in acute pulmonary embolism rat model
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is classified as a subset of diseases that are characterized by lung obstruction due to various types of emboli. Current clinical APE treatment using anticoagulants is frequently accompanied by high risk of bleeding complications. Recombinant hirudin (R-hirudin) has been found to have antithrombotic properties. However, the specific impact of R-hirudin on APE remains unknown. Methods Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned to five groups, with thrombi injections to establish APE models. Control and APE group rats were subcutaneously injected with equal amounts of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The APE+R-hirudin low-dose, middle-dose, and high-dose groups received subcutaneous injections of hirudin at doses of 0.25 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, and 1.0 mg/kg, respectively. Each group was subdivided into time points of 2 h, 6 h, 1 d, and 4 d, with five animals per point. Subsequently, all rats were euthanized, and serum and lung tissues were collected. Following the assessment of right ventricular pressure (RVP) and mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), blood gas analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbnent assay (ELISA), pulmonary artery vascular testing, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot experiments were conducted. Results R-hirudin treatment caused a significant reduction of mPAP, RVP, and Malondialdehyde (MDA) content, as well as H2O2 and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, while increasing pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity. R-hirudin also decreased wall area ratio and wall thickness to diameter ratio in APE rat pulmonary arteries. Serum levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and thromboxaneB2 (TXB2) decreased, while prostaglandin (6-K-PGF1α) and NO levels increased. Moreover, R-hirudin ameliorated histopathological injuries and reduced apoptotic cells and Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MM…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Xiang Wei
creator: Yanfen Zou
creator: Shunli Dong
creator: Yi Chen
creator: Guoping Li
creator: Bin Wang
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Drugs and Devices
subject: Respiratory Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17039
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Wei et al.
abstract: Background Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is classified as a subset of diseases that are characterized by lung obstruction due to various types of emboli. Current clinical APE treatment using anticoagulants is frequently accompanied by high risk of bleeding complications. Recombinant hirudin (R-hirudin) has been found to have antithrombotic properties. However, the specific impact of R-hirudin on APE remains unknown. Methods Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned to five groups, with thrombi injections to establish APE models. Control and APE group rats were subcutaneously injected with equal amounts of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The APE+R-hirudin low-dose, middle-dose, and high-dose groups received subcutaneous injections of hirudin at doses of 0.25 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, and 1.0 mg/kg, respectively. Each group was subdivided into time points of 2 h, 6 h, 1 d, and 4 d, with five animals per point. Subsequently, all rats were euthanized, and serum and lung tissues were collected. Following the assessment of right ventricular pressure (RVP) and mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), blood gas analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbnent assay (ELISA), pulmonary artery vascular testing, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot experiments were conducted. Results R-hirudin treatment caused a significant reduction of mPAP, RVP, and Malondialdehyde (MDA) content, as well as H2O2 and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, while increasing pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity. R-hirudin also decreased wall area ratio and wall thickness to diameter ratio in APE rat pulmonary arteries. Serum levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and thromboxaneB2 (TXB2) decreased, while prostaglandin (6-K-PGF1α) and NO levels increased. Moreover, R-hirudin ameliorated histopathological injuries and reduced apoptotic cells and Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MM…
bibliographic citation: Wei et al. (2024) Recombinant hirudin attenuates pulmonary hypertension and thrombosis in acute pulmonary embolism rat model. PeerJ 12:e17039 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17039
date submitted: 2023-12-27
date accepted: 2024-02-12
issued: 2024-04-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Wei
  given name: Xiang
author list: Agent
  family name: Zou
  given name: Yanfen
author list: Agent
  family name: Dong
  given name: Shunli
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Yi
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Guoping
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Bin
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17039
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-05
copyright: ©2024 Wei et al.
attribution name: Wei et al.

Self-reported side effects of COVID-19 vaccines among health professions students in India
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Studies focusing on the safety and common side effects of vaccines play a crucial role in enhancing public acceptance of vaccination. Research is scarce regarding the usage of COVID-19 vaccines and the side effects experienced by health professions students in India and other countries. This study aimed to document self-reported side effects associated with COVID-19 vaccination among medical and dental students of six medical and dental colleges and teaching hospitals in four states (Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and West Bengal) of India. A cross-sectional survey using purposive sampling of medical and dental students was conducted from 26 April to 26 May 2021. Data was collected using a Google Forms questionnaire capturing information regarding receiving COVID-19 vaccines, side effects and symptoms, onset and duration of symptoms, use of treatment to alleviate symptoms, awareness of haematologic risks associated with vaccination, and side effects from previous (non-COVID-19) vaccinations. The majority (94.5%) of participants received both doses of the Covishield/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Among participants (n = 492), 45.3% (n = 223) reported one or more side effects. The most frequently reported side effects were soreness of the injected arm (80.3%), tiredness (78.5%), fever (71.3%), headache (64.1%), and hypersomnia (58.7%). The two most common severe symptoms were fever (14.8%) and headache (13%). Most side effects appeared on the day of vaccination: soreness of the injection site (57%), fever (43.1%), and tiredness (42.6%). Most reported symptoms persisted for one to three days–soreness of the injection site (53%), fever (47.1%), and headache (42.6%). Logistic regression showed that women were almost 85% less likely to report side effects. The study’s findings corroborate the safety of the Covishield/AstraZeneca vaccine’s first dose, evidenced by the relatively minor and transient nature of the side effects. However, the study underscores the necessi…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Md Anwarul Azim Majumder
creator: Ambadasu Bharatha
creator: Santosh Kumar
creator: Madhuri Chatterjee
creator: Subir Gupta
creator: Heather Harewood
creator: Keerti Singh
creator: WMS Johnson
creator: Archana Rajasundaram
creator: Sudeshna Banerjee Dutta
creator: Sangishetti Vijay Prasad
creator: Sayeeda Rahman
creator: Russell Kabir
creator: Ali Davod Parsa
creator: Uma Gaur
creator: Ahbab Mohammad Fazle Rabbi
creator: Kandamaran Krishnamurthy
creator: Shegufta Mohammad
creator: Vikram Chode
creator: Mainul Haque
creator: Michael H. Campbell
subject: Infectious Diseases
subject: Public Health
subject: COVID-19
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17083
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Majumder et al.
abstract: Studies focusing on the safety and common side effects of vaccines play a crucial role in enhancing public acceptance of vaccination. Research is scarce regarding the usage of COVID-19 vaccines and the side effects experienced by health professions students in India and other countries. This study aimed to document self-reported side effects associated with COVID-19 vaccination among medical and dental students of six medical and dental colleges and teaching hospitals in four states (Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and West Bengal) of India. A cross-sectional survey using purposive sampling of medical and dental students was conducted from 26 April to 26 May 2021. Data was collected using a Google Forms questionnaire capturing information regarding receiving COVID-19 vaccines, side effects and symptoms, onset and duration of symptoms, use of treatment to alleviate symptoms, awareness of haematologic risks associated with vaccination, and side effects from previous (non-COVID-19) vaccinations. The majority (94.5%) of participants received both doses of the Covishield/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Among participants (n = 492), 45.3% (n = 223) reported one or more side effects. The most frequently reported side effects were soreness of the injected arm (80.3%), tiredness (78.5%), fever (71.3%), headache (64.1%), and hypersomnia (58.7%). The two most common severe symptoms were fever (14.8%) and headache (13%). Most side effects appeared on the day of vaccination: soreness of the injection site (57%), fever (43.1%), and tiredness (42.6%). Most reported symptoms persisted for one to three days–soreness of the injection site (53%), fever (47.1%), and headache (42.6%). Logistic regression showed that women were almost 85% less likely to report side effects. The study’s findings corroborate the safety of the Covishield/AstraZeneca vaccine’s first dose, evidenced by the relatively minor and transient nature of the side effects. However, the study underscores the necessi…
bibliographic citation: Majumder et al. (2024) Self-reported side effects of COVID-19 vaccines among health professions students in India. PeerJ 12:e17083 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17083
date submitted: 2023-09-28
date accepted: 2024-02-19
issued: 2024-04-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Majumder
  given name: Md Anwarul Azim
author list: Agent
  family name: Bharatha
  given name: Ambadasu
author list: Agent
  family name: Kumar
  given name: Santosh
author list: Agent
  family name: Chatterjee
  given name: Madhuri
author list: Agent
  family name: Gupta
  given name: Subir
author list: Agent
  family name: Harewood
  given name: Heather
author list: Agent
  family name: Singh
  given name: Keerti
author list: Agent
  family name: Johnson
  given name: WMS
author list: Agent
  family name: Rajasundaram
  given name: Archana
author list: Agent
  family name: Dutta
  given name: Sudeshna Banerjee
author list: Agent
  family name: Prasad
  given name: Sangishetti Vijay
author list: Agent
  family name: Rahman
  given name: Sayeeda
author list: Agent
  family name: Kabir
  given name: Russell
author list: Agent
  family name: Parsa
  given name: Ali Davod
author list: Agent
  family name: Gaur
  given name: Uma
author list: Agent
  family name: Rabbi
  given name: Ahbab Mohammad Fazle
author list: Agent
  family name: Krishnamurthy
  given name: Kandamaran
author list: Agent
  family name: Mohammad
  given name: Shegufta
author list: Agent
  family name: Chode
  given name: Vikram
author list: Agent
  family name: Haque
  given name: Mainul
author list: Agent
  family name: Campbell
  given name: Michael H.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17083
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-05
copyright: ©2024 Majumder et al.
attribution name: Majumder et al.

Exogenous melatonin improves germination rate in buckwheat under high temperature stress by regulating seed physiological and biochemical characteristics
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The germinations of three common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) varieties and two Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) varieties seeds are known to be affected by high temperature. However, little is known about the physiological mechanism affecting germination and the effect of melatonin (MT) on buckwheat seed germination under high temperature. This work studied the effects of exogenous MT on buckwheat seed germination under high temperature. MT was sprayed. The parameters, including growth, and physiological factors, were examined. The results showed that exogenous MT significantly increased the germination rate (GR), germination potential (GP), radicle length (RL), and fresh weight (FW) of these buckwheat seeds under high-temperature stress and enhanced the content of osmotic adjustment substances and enzyme activity. Comprehensive analysis revealed that under high-temperature stress during germination, antioxidant enzymes play a predominant role, while osmotic adjustment substances work synergistically to reduce the extent of damage to the membrane structure, serving as the primary key indicators for studying high-temperature resistance. Consequently, our results showed that MT had a positive protective effect on buckwheat seeds exposed to high temperature stress, providing a theoretical basis for improving the ability to adapt to high temperature environments.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Zemiao Tian
creator: Mengyu Zhao
creator: Junzhen Wang
creator: Qian Yang
creator: Yini Ma
creator: Xinlei Yang
creator: Luping Ma
creator: Yongzhi Qi
creator: Jinbo Li
creator: Muriel Quinet
creator: BaoSheng Shi
creator: Yu Meng
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17136
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Tian et al.
abstract: The germinations of three common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) varieties and two Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) varieties seeds are known to be affected by high temperature. However, little is known about the physiological mechanism affecting germination and the effect of melatonin (MT) on buckwheat seed germination under high temperature. This work studied the effects of exogenous MT on buckwheat seed germination under high temperature. MT was sprayed. The parameters, including growth, and physiological factors, were examined. The results showed that exogenous MT significantly increased the germination rate (GR), germination potential (GP), radicle length (RL), and fresh weight (FW) of these buckwheat seeds under high-temperature stress and enhanced the content of osmotic adjustment substances and enzyme activity. Comprehensive analysis revealed that under high-temperature stress during germination, antioxidant enzymes play a predominant role, while osmotic adjustment substances work synergistically to reduce the extent of damage to the membrane structure, serving as the primary key indicators for studying high-temperature resistance. Consequently, our results showed that MT had a positive protective effect on buckwheat seeds exposed to high temperature stress, providing a theoretical basis for improving the ability to adapt to high temperature environments.
bibliographic citation: Tian et al. (2024) Exogenous melatonin improves germination rate in buckwheat under high temperature stress by regulating seed physiological and biochemical characteristics. PeerJ 12:e17136 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17136
date submitted: 2023-11-10
date accepted: 2024-02-28
issued: 2024-04-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Tian
  given name: Zemiao
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhao
  given name: Mengyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Junzhen
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Qian
author list: Agent
  family name: Ma
  given name: Yini
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Xinlei
author list: Agent
  family name: Ma
  given name: Luping
author list: Agent
  family name: Qi
  given name: Yongzhi
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Jinbo
author list: Agent
  family name: Quinet
  given name: Muriel
author list: Agent
  family name: Shi
  given name: BaoSheng
author list: Agent
  family name: Meng
  given name: Yu
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17136
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-05
copyright: ©2024 Tian et al.
attribution name: Tian et al.

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