PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) crop adaptation to residual moisture stress: conserved water use and canopy temperature modulation are better adaptive mechanisms
items: Identification of quality markers for Cyanotis arachnoidea and analysis of its physiological mechanism based on chemical pattern recognition, network pharmacology, and experimental validation
items: Spawning aggregations of checkered snapper (Lutjanus decussatus) and blackspot snapper (L. fulviflamma): seasonality, lunar-phase periodicity and spatial distribution within spawning ground
items: From the perspective of rumen microbiome and host metabolome, revealing the effects of feeding strategies on Jersey Cows on the Tibetan Plateau
items: The value of lymphocyte to monocyte ratio in the prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a meta-analysis
items: Pramipexole has a neuroprotective effect in spinal cord injury and upregulates D2 receptor expression in the injured spinal cord tissue in rats
items: Effect of apatinib on the pharmacokinetics of tramadol and O-desmethyltramadol in rats
items: Physical activity and health-related quality of life among adults living in Jeddah city Saudi Arabia
items: Evaluating the Turkish validity and reliability of the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire in periodontal diseases
items: Protective effect of astaxanthin nanoemulsion on mammalian inner ear hair cells

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) crop adaptation to residual moisture stress: conserved water use and canopy temperature modulation are better adaptive mechanisms
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Oilseeds with high productivity and tolerance to various environmental stresses are in high demand in the food and industrial sectors. Safflower, grown under residual moisture in the semi-arid tropics, is adapted to moisture stress at certain levels. However, a substantial reduction in soil moisture has a significant impact on its productivity. Therefore, assessing genetic variation for water use efficiency traits like transpiration efficiency (TE), water uptake, and canopy temperature depression (CTD) is essential for enhancing crop adaptation to drought. The response of safflower genotypes (n = 12) to progressive soil moisture depletion was studied in terms of water uptake, TE, and CTD under a series of pot and field experiments. The normalised transpiration rate (NTR) in relation to the fraction of transpirable soil water (FTSW) varied significantly among genotypes. The genotypes A-1, Bhima, GMU-2347, and CO-1 had higher NTR-FTSW threshold values of 0.79 (R2 = 0.92), 0.74 (R2 = 0.96), 0.71 (R2 = 0.96), and 0.71 (R2 = 0.91), respectively, whereas GMU-2644 had the lowest 0.38 (R2 = 0.93). TE was high in genotype GMU-2347, indicating that it could produce maximum biomass per unit of water transpired. At both the vegetative and reproductive stages, significant positive relationships between TE, SPAD chlorophyll metre reading (SCMR) (p < 0.01) and CTD (p < 0.01) were observed under field conditions by linear regression. The genotypes with high FTSW-NTR thresholds, high SCMR, and low CTD may be useful clues in identifying a genotype’s ability to adapt to moisture stress. The findings showed that the safflower genotypes A-1, Bhima, GMU-2347, and CO-1 exhibited an early decline and regulated water uptake by conserving it for later growth stages under progressive soil water depletion.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Chennamsetti Manikanta
creator: Ratnakumar Pasala
creator: Sivasakthi Kaliamoorthy
creator: P. S. Basavaraj
creator: Brij Bihari Pandey
creator: Dinesh Rahul Vadlamudi
creator: Mukta Nidamarty
creator: Arti Guhey
creator: Palchamy Kadirvel
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15928
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Manikanta et al.
abstract: Oilseeds with high productivity and tolerance to various environmental stresses are in high demand in the food and industrial sectors. Safflower, grown under residual moisture in the semi-arid tropics, is adapted to moisture stress at certain levels. However, a substantial reduction in soil moisture has a significant impact on its productivity. Therefore, assessing genetic variation for water use efficiency traits like transpiration efficiency (TE), water uptake, and canopy temperature depression (CTD) is essential for enhancing crop adaptation to drought. The response of safflower genotypes (n = 12) to progressive soil moisture depletion was studied in terms of water uptake, TE, and CTD under a series of pot and field experiments. The normalised transpiration rate (NTR) in relation to the fraction of transpirable soil water (FTSW) varied significantly among genotypes. The genotypes A-1, Bhima, GMU-2347, and CO-1 had higher NTR-FTSW threshold values of 0.79 (R2 = 0.92), 0.74 (R2 = 0.96), 0.71 (R2 = 0.96), and 0.71 (R2 = 0.91), respectively, whereas GMU-2644 had the lowest 0.38 (R2 = 0.93). TE was high in genotype GMU-2347, indicating that it could produce maximum biomass per unit of water transpired. At both the vegetative and reproductive stages, significant positive relationships between TE, SPAD chlorophyll metre reading (SCMR) (p < 0.01) and CTD (p < 0.01) were observed under field conditions by linear regression. The genotypes with high FTSW-NTR thresholds, high SCMR, and low CTD may be useful clues in identifying a genotype’s ability to adapt to moisture stress. The findings showed that the safflower genotypes A-1, Bhima, GMU-2347, and CO-1 exhibited an early decline and regulated water uptake by conserving it for later growth stages under progressive soil water depletion.
bibliographic citation: Manikanta et al. (2023) Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) crop adaptation to residual moisture stress: conserved water use and canopy temperature modulation are better adaptive mechanisms. PeerJ 11:e15928 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15928
date submitted: 2023-02-07
date accepted: 2023-07-30
issued: 2023-09-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Manikanta
  given name: Chennamsetti
author list: Agent
  family name: Pasala
  given name: Ratnakumar
author list: Agent
  family name: Kaliamoorthy
  given name: Sivasakthi
author list: Agent
  family name: Basavaraj
  given name: P. S.
author list: Agent
  family name: Pandey
  given name: Brij Bihari
author list: Agent
  family name: Vadlamudi
  given name: Dinesh Rahul
author list: Agent
  family name: Nidamarty
  given name: Mukta
author list: Agent
  family name: Guhey
  given name: Arti
author list: Agent
  family name: Kadirvel
  given name: Palchamy
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15928
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-09-11
copyright: © 2023 Manikanta et al.
attribution name: Manikanta et al.

Identification of quality markers for Cyanotis arachnoidea and analysis of its physiological mechanism based on chemical pattern recognition, network pharmacology, and experimental validation
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Cyanotis arachnoidea C. B. Clarke is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that has a limited clinical use in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) in minority areas of Guizhou in China. However, few prior reports are available on the quality control of Cyanotis arachnoidea, and its quality markers and hypoglycemic mechanism are still unclear. The purpose of this study is to explore the quality markers (Q-markers) of Cyanotis arachnoidea and predict its hypoglycemic mechanism. In this study, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) fingerprint combined with chemical pattern recognition were performed, and four differential components were screened out as quality markers, including 20-Hydroxyecdysone, 3-O-acetyl-20-hydroxyecdysone, Ajugasterone C, and 2-O-acetyl-20-hydroxyecdysone. Network pharmacology analysis revealed 107 therapeutic target genes of Cyanotis arachnoidea in DM treatment, and the key targets were Akt1, TNF, IL-6, MAPK3, and JUN. The hypoglycemic mode of action of Cyanotis arachnoidea may be mediated by tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling, cancer, insulin resistance, and JAK-STAT pathways. Molecular docking analysis disclosed that the foregoing quality markers effectively bound their key target genes. An in vitro experiment conducted on pancreatic islet β-cells indicated that the forenamed active components of Cyanotis arachnoidea had hypoglycemic efficacy by promoting PI3K/Akt and inhibiting MAPK signaling. UHPLC also accurately quantified the quality markers. The identification and analysis of quality markers for Cyanotis arachnoidea is expected to provide references for the establishment of a quality control evaluation system and clarify the material basis and hypoglycemic mechanisms of this traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jingnan Hu
creator: Yu Feng
creator: Baolin Li
creator: Fengxia Wang
creator: Qi Qian
creator: Wei Tian
creator: Liying Niu
creator: Xinguo Wang
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Computational Biology
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Pharmacology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15948
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Hu et al.
abstract: Cyanotis arachnoidea C. B. Clarke is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that has a limited clinical use in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) in minority areas of Guizhou in China. However, few prior reports are available on the quality control of Cyanotis arachnoidea, and its quality markers and hypoglycemic mechanism are still unclear. The purpose of this study is to explore the quality markers (Q-markers) of Cyanotis arachnoidea and predict its hypoglycemic mechanism. In this study, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) fingerprint combined with chemical pattern recognition were performed, and four differential components were screened out as quality markers, including 20-Hydroxyecdysone, 3-O-acetyl-20-hydroxyecdysone, Ajugasterone C, and 2-O-acetyl-20-hydroxyecdysone. Network pharmacology analysis revealed 107 therapeutic target genes of Cyanotis arachnoidea in DM treatment, and the key targets were Akt1, TNF, IL-6, MAPK3, and JUN. The hypoglycemic mode of action of Cyanotis arachnoidea may be mediated by tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling, cancer, insulin resistance, and JAK-STAT pathways. Molecular docking analysis disclosed that the foregoing quality markers effectively bound their key target genes. An in vitro experiment conducted on pancreatic islet β-cells indicated that the forenamed active components of Cyanotis arachnoidea had hypoglycemic efficacy by promoting PI3K/Akt and inhibiting MAPK signaling. UHPLC also accurately quantified the quality markers. The identification and analysis of quality markers for Cyanotis arachnoidea is expected to provide references for the establishment of a quality control evaluation system and clarify the material basis and hypoglycemic mechanisms of this traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
bibliographic citation: Hu et al. (2023) Identification of quality markers for Cyanotis arachnoidea and analysis of its physiological mechanism based on chemical pattern recognition, network pharmacology, and experimental validation. PeerJ 11:e15948 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15948
date submitted: 2023-01-03
date accepted: 2023-08-01
issued: 2023-09-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Hu
  given name: Jingnan
author list: Agent
  family name: Feng
  given name: Yu
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Baolin
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Fengxia
author list: Agent
  family name: Qian
  given name: Qi
author list: Agent
  family name: Tian
  given name: Wei
author list: Agent
  family name: Niu
  given name: Liying
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Xinguo
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15948
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-09-11
copyright: © 2023 Hu et al.
attribution name: Hu et al.

Spawning aggregations of checkered snapper (Lutjanus decussatus) and blackspot snapper (L. fulviflamma): seasonality, lunar-phase periodicity and spatial distribution within spawning ground
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Snappers (family Lutjanidae) are important fisheries target species and some species are known to form spawning aggregations at particular spawning grounds. The present study investigated the ecological characteristics of fish aggregations of two snapper species (checkered snapper Lutjanus decussatus and blackspot snapper L. fulviflamma) that form at a particular site. Specifically, the aims were to clarify (1) seasonality and lunar-phase periodicity of fish aggregation formation, (2) fine-scale spatial distribution of fish density (spatial variations of fish density at intervals of several-tens meters) within the aggregation site, (3) size and age frequency distributions of fishes in the aggregation site, (4) gonad development, (5) to compare fish abundance between inside and outside the aggregation site, and (6) to verify that fish aggregations of the two snapper species were spawning aggregation. Underwater observations using a 600 m × 5 m transect revealed that greater fish abundance of Lutjanus decussatus was found monthly between May and October, and clear positive peaks in the fish abundance were found only around the last-quarter moon. This lunar-related periodicity in the increase of fish abundance was confirmed by a time-series analysis (correlogram). Within the aggregation site, L. decussatus showed a relatively uniform distribution. In contrast, greater fish abundance of L. fulviflamma was found monthly between April and October, and clear positive peaks in the fish abundance were found around the last-quarter moon (April, May, June and October) or new moon (July, August and September). This lunar-related periodicity was also confirmed by correlogram. Lutjanus fulviflamma showed a relatively clumped distribution within the aggregation site. Most females of the two species in the aggregation site had hydrated eggs, indicating that the two species form aggregations for reproduction. The two species, although occurring simultaneously, are considered to form…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Atsushi Nanami
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Aquaculture, Fisheries and Fish Science
subject: Conservation Biology
subject: Ecology
subject: Marine Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15991
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Nanami
abstract: Snappers (family Lutjanidae) are important fisheries target species and some species are known to form spawning aggregations at particular spawning grounds. The present study investigated the ecological characteristics of fish aggregations of two snapper species (checkered snapper Lutjanus decussatus and blackspot snapper L. fulviflamma) that form at a particular site. Specifically, the aims were to clarify (1) seasonality and lunar-phase periodicity of fish aggregation formation, (2) fine-scale spatial distribution of fish density (spatial variations of fish density at intervals of several-tens meters) within the aggregation site, (3) size and age frequency distributions of fishes in the aggregation site, (4) gonad development, (5) to compare fish abundance between inside and outside the aggregation site, and (6) to verify that fish aggregations of the two snapper species were spawning aggregation. Underwater observations using a 600 m × 5 m transect revealed that greater fish abundance of Lutjanus decussatus was found monthly between May and October, and clear positive peaks in the fish abundance were found only around the last-quarter moon. This lunar-related periodicity in the increase of fish abundance was confirmed by a time-series analysis (correlogram). Within the aggregation site, L. decussatus showed a relatively uniform distribution. In contrast, greater fish abundance of L. fulviflamma was found monthly between April and October, and clear positive peaks in the fish abundance were found around the last-quarter moon (April, May, June and October) or new moon (July, August and September). This lunar-related periodicity was also confirmed by correlogram. Lutjanus fulviflamma showed a relatively clumped distribution within the aggregation site. Most females of the two species in the aggregation site had hydrated eggs, indicating that the two species form aggregations for reproduction. The two species, although occurring simultaneously, are considered to form…
bibliographic citation: Nanami (2023) Spawning aggregations of checkered snapper (Lutjanus decussatus) and blackspot snapper (L. fulviflamma): seasonality, lunar-phase periodicity and spatial distribution within spawning ground. PeerJ 11:e15991 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15991
date submitted: 2023-04-27
date accepted: 2023-08-08
issued: 2023-09-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Nanami
  given name: Atsushi
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15991
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-09-11
copyright: ©2023 Nanami
attribution name: Nanami

From the perspective of rumen microbiome and host metabolome, revealing the effects of feeding strategies on Jersey Cows on the Tibetan Plateau
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Previous studies have discussed the effects of grazing and house feeding on yaks during the cold season when forage is in short supply, but there is limited information on the effects of these feeding strategies on Jersey cows introduced to the Tibetan Plateau. The objective of this study was to use genomics and metabolomics analyses to examine changes in rumen microbiology and organism metabolism of Jersey cows with different feeding strategies. Methods We selected 12 Jersey cows with similar body conditions and kept them for 60 days under grazing (n = 6) and house-feeding (n = 6) conditions. At the end of the experiment, samples of rumen fluid and serum were collected from Jersey cows that had been fed using different feeding strategies. The samples were analyzed for rumen fermentation parameters, rumen bacterial communities, serum antioxidant and immunological indices, and serum metabolomics. The results of the study were examined to find appropriate feeding strategies for Jersey cows during the cold season on the Tibetan plateau. Results The results of rumen fermentation parameters showed that concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, and ammonia nitrogen in the house-feeding group (Group B) were significantly higher than in the grazing group (Group G) (P < 0.05). In terms of the rumen bacterial community 16S rRNA gene, the Chao1 index was significantly higher in Group G than in Group B (P = 0.038), while observed species, Shannon and Simpson indices were not significantly different from the above-mentioned groups (P > 0.05). Beta diversity analysis revealed no significant differences in the composition of the rumen microbiota between the two groups. Analysis of serum antioxidant and immune indices showed no significant differences in total antioxidant capacity between Group G and Group B (P > 0.05), while IL-6, Ig-M , and TNF-α were significantly higher in Group G than in Group B (P < 0.05). LC–MS metabolomics analysis of serum showed that a tot…
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format: text/html
creator: Niuniu Yuan
creator: Yicui Wang
creator: Qihao Pan
creator: Li Zhao
creator: Xiao Qi
creator: Shihao Sun
creator: Quji Suolang
creator: Luobu Ciren
creator: Luosang Danzeng
creator: Yanxin Liu
creator: Liyang Zhang
creator: Tengyun Gao
creator: Zhuza Basang
creator: Hongxia Lian
creator: Yu Sun
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.16010
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Yuan et al.
abstract: Background Previous studies have discussed the effects of grazing and house feeding on yaks during the cold season when forage is in short supply, but there is limited information on the effects of these feeding strategies on Jersey cows introduced to the Tibetan Plateau. The objective of this study was to use genomics and metabolomics analyses to examine changes in rumen microbiology and organism metabolism of Jersey cows with different feeding strategies. Methods We selected 12 Jersey cows with similar body conditions and kept them for 60 days under grazing (n = 6) and house-feeding (n = 6) conditions. At the end of the experiment, samples of rumen fluid and serum were collected from Jersey cows that had been fed using different feeding strategies. The samples were analyzed for rumen fermentation parameters, rumen bacterial communities, serum antioxidant and immunological indices, and serum metabolomics. The results of the study were examined to find appropriate feeding strategies for Jersey cows during the cold season on the Tibetan plateau. Results The results of rumen fermentation parameters showed that concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, and ammonia nitrogen in the house-feeding group (Group B) were significantly higher than in the grazing group (Group G) (P < 0.05). In terms of the rumen bacterial community 16S rRNA gene, the Chao1 index was significantly higher in Group G than in Group B (P = 0.038), while observed species, Shannon and Simpson indices were not significantly different from the above-mentioned groups (P > 0.05). Beta diversity analysis revealed no significant differences in the composition of the rumen microbiota between the two groups. Analysis of serum antioxidant and immune indices showed no significant differences in total antioxidant capacity between Group G and Group B (P > 0.05), while IL-6, Ig-M , and TNF-α were significantly higher in Group G than in Group B (P < 0.05). LC–MS metabolomics analysis of serum showed that a tot…
bibliographic citation: Yuan et al. (2023) From the perspective of rumen microbiome and host metabolome, revealing the effects of feeding strategies on Jersey Cows on the Tibetan Plateau. PeerJ 11:e16010 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.16010
date submitted: 2022-11-14
date accepted: 2023-08-10
issued: 2023-09-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Yuan
  given name: Niuniu
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Yicui
author list: Agent
  family name: Pan
  given name: Qihao
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhao
  given name: Li
author list: Agent
  family name: Qi
  given name: Xiao
author list: Agent
  family name: Sun
  given name: Shihao
author list: Agent
  family name: Suolang
  given name: Quji
author list: Agent
  family name: Ciren
  given name: Luobu
author list: Agent
  family name: Danzeng
  given name: Luosang
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Yanxin
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Liyang
author list: Agent
  family name: Gao
  given name: Tengyun
author list: Agent
  family name: Basang
  given name: Zhuza
author list: Agent
  family name: Lian
  given name: Hongxia
author list: Agent
  family name: Sun
  given name: Yu
doi: 10.7717/peerj.16010
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-09-11
copyright: ©2023 Yuan et al.
attribution name: Yuan et al.

The value of lymphocyte to monocyte ratio in the prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a meta-analysis
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Objectives Although lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) is a potential prognostic biomarker in many tumor indications, a doubt occurs around its association with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We aimed to evaluate the predictive value of LMR in patients with HNSCC. Methods We searched PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane database from inception to May 8, 2023 for systematic review and meta-analysis on LMR and outcomes related to HNSCC development. STATA software was used to estimate the correlation between LMR and prognosis. The risk ratio (hazard ratio, HR) and 95% confidence interval l (CI) for overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated, and the association between LMR and OS was further validated by subgroup analysis. The source of heterogeneity with the results of subgroup analysis was analyzed by meta-regression analysis. This meta-analysis was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42023418766). Results After a comprehensive exploration, the results of 16 selected articles containing 5,234 subjects were evaluated. A raised LMR was connected to improved OS (HR = 1.36% CI [1.14–1.62] P = 0.018), DFS (HR = 0.942, 95% CI [0.631–1.382], P = 0.02), and PFS (HR = 0.932, 95% CI [0.527–1.589], P < 0.022). Subgroup analysis indicated that patients with a low LMR level had a poor prognosis with a critical value of ≥4. The LMR was found to be prognostic for cases with an LMR of <4. The meta-regression analysis showed that the cut-off values and treatment methods were the primary sources of high heterogeneity in patients with HNSCC. Conclusions Our study suggested that an elevated LMR is a potential prognostic biomarker in patients with HNSCC and could be used to predict patient outcomes.
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format: text/html
creator: Deyou Wei
creator: Jiajia Liu
creator: Jipeng Ma
subject: Epidemiology
subject: Immunology
subject: Oncology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.16014
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Wei et al.
abstract: Objectives Although lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) is a potential prognostic biomarker in many tumor indications, a doubt occurs around its association with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We aimed to evaluate the predictive value of LMR in patients with HNSCC. Methods We searched PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane database from inception to May 8, 2023 for systematic review and meta-analysis on LMR and outcomes related to HNSCC development. STATA software was used to estimate the correlation between LMR and prognosis. The risk ratio (hazard ratio, HR) and 95% confidence interval l (CI) for overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated, and the association between LMR and OS was further validated by subgroup analysis. The source of heterogeneity with the results of subgroup analysis was analyzed by meta-regression analysis. This meta-analysis was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42023418766). Results After a comprehensive exploration, the results of 16 selected articles containing 5,234 subjects were evaluated. A raised LMR was connected to improved OS (HR = 1.36% CI [1.14–1.62] P = 0.018), DFS (HR = 0.942, 95% CI [0.631–1.382], P = 0.02), and PFS (HR = 0.932, 95% CI [0.527–1.589], P < 0.022). Subgroup analysis indicated that patients with a low LMR level had a poor prognosis with a critical value of ≥4. The LMR was found to be prognostic for cases with an LMR of <4. The meta-regression analysis showed that the cut-off values and treatment methods were the primary sources of high heterogeneity in patients with HNSCC. Conclusions Our study suggested that an elevated LMR is a potential prognostic biomarker in patients with HNSCC and could be used to predict patient outcomes.
bibliographic citation: Wei et al. (2023) The value of lymphocyte to monocyte ratio in the prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a meta-analysis. PeerJ 11:e16014 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.16014
date submitted: 2023-06-03
date accepted: 2023-08-10
issued: 2023-09-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Wei
  given name: Deyou
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Jiajia
author list: Agent
  family name: Ma
  given name: Jipeng
doi: 10.7717/peerj.16014
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-09-11
copyright: © 2023 Wei et al.
attribution name: Wei et al.

Pramipexole has a neuroprotective effect in spinal cord injury and upregulates D2 receptor expression in the injured spinal cord tissue in rats
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Spinal cord injury (SCI) has emerged as a prevalent condition with limited effective treatment options. The neuroprotective role of pramipexole (PPX) in inhibiting nerve cell apoptosis in central nervous system injuries is well established. Therefore, we investigated the effects of PPX in SCI. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups (sham, SCI, PPX-0.25, and PPX-2.0 groups) according to the PPX therapy (n = 24). Then, SCI was induced using the modified Allen method, and PPX was intravenously administered into the tail at dosages of 0.25 or 2.0 mg/kg following the injury. Motor function was evaluated using the Rivlin-modified inclined plate apparatus and the Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) workout scale. Western blotting assay was used to measure protein expression levels of DRD2, NeuN, Bax/Bcl-2, and caspase-3. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry assessed the effect of PPX on the quantity of NeuN-positive cells in the spinal cord tissue after SCI. Our findings revealed that the BBB and slanting board test scores of the PPX-treated model groups were considerably higher for the SCI group and significantly lower for the sham operation group (P < 0.001). Moreover, the PPX-2.0 group exhibited significantly higher NeuN expression levels than the SCI group (P < 0.01). Our findings indicate that PPX exerts a neuroprotective effect in secondary neuronal injury following SCI, facilitating the recovery of hind limb function by downregulating Bax/Bcl-2, caspase-3, and IL-1β.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Xuchen Liu
creator: Chengqiang Wang
creator: Qingshan Peng
creator: Birong Peng
creator: Lixin Zhu
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Histology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.16039
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Liu et al.
abstract: Spinal cord injury (SCI) has emerged as a prevalent condition with limited effective treatment options. The neuroprotective role of pramipexole (PPX) in inhibiting nerve cell apoptosis in central nervous system injuries is well established. Therefore, we investigated the effects of PPX in SCI. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups (sham, SCI, PPX-0.25, and PPX-2.0 groups) according to the PPX therapy (n = 24). Then, SCI was induced using the modified Allen method, and PPX was intravenously administered into the tail at dosages of 0.25 or 2.0 mg/kg following the injury. Motor function was evaluated using the Rivlin-modified inclined plate apparatus and the Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) workout scale. Western blotting assay was used to measure protein expression levels of DRD2, NeuN, Bax/Bcl-2, and caspase-3. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry assessed the effect of PPX on the quantity of NeuN-positive cells in the spinal cord tissue after SCI. Our findings revealed that the BBB and slanting board test scores of the PPX-treated model groups were considerably higher for the SCI group and significantly lower for the sham operation group (P < 0.001). Moreover, the PPX-2.0 group exhibited significantly higher NeuN expression levels than the SCI group (P < 0.01). Our findings indicate that PPX exerts a neuroprotective effect in secondary neuronal injury following SCI, facilitating the recovery of hind limb function by downregulating Bax/Bcl-2, caspase-3, and IL-1β.
bibliographic citation: Liu et al. (2023) Pramipexole has a neuroprotective effect in spinal cord injury and upregulates D2 receptor expression in the injured spinal cord tissue in rats. PeerJ 11:e16039 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.16039
date submitted: 2023-06-13
date accepted: 2023-08-15
issued: 2023-09-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Xuchen
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Chengqiang
author list: Agent
  family name: Peng
  given name: Qingshan
author list: Agent
  family name: Peng
  given name: Birong
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhu
  given name: Lixin
doi: 10.7717/peerj.16039
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-09-11
copyright: © 2023 Liu et al.
attribution name: Liu et al.

Effect of apatinib on the pharmacokinetics of tramadol and O-desmethyltramadol in rats
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Since the combination of anticancer drugs and opioids is very common, apatinib and tramadol are likely to be used in combination clinically. This study evaluated the effects of apatinib on the pharmacokinetics of tramadol and its main metabolite O-desmethyltramadol in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and the inhibitory effects of apatinib on tramadol in rat liver microsomes (RLMs), human liver microsomes (HLMs) and recombinant human CYP2D6.1. The samples were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The in vivo results showed that compared with the control group, apatinib increased the AUC(0–t), AUC(0–∞) and Cmax values of tramadol and O-desmethyltramadol, and decreased the values of VZ/F and CLz/F. In addition, the MRT(0–t), MRT(0–∞) values of O-desmethyltramadol were increased. In vitro, apatinib inhibited the metabolism of tramadol by a mixed way with IC50 of 1.927 µM in RLMs, 2.039 µM in HLMs and 15.32 µM in CYP2D6.1. In summary, according to our findings, apatinib has a strong in vitro inhibitory effect on tramadol, and apatinib can increase the analgesic effect of tramadol and O-desmethyltramadol in rats.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Su-su Bao
creator: Peng-fei Tang
creator: Nan-yong Gao
creator: Zhong-xiang Xiao
creator: Jian-chang Qian
creator: Long Zheng
creator: Guo-xin Hu
creator: Huan-hai Xu
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Pharmacology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.16051
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Bao et al.
abstract: Since the combination of anticancer drugs and opioids is very common, apatinib and tramadol are likely to be used in combination clinically. This study evaluated the effects of apatinib on the pharmacokinetics of tramadol and its main metabolite O-desmethyltramadol in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and the inhibitory effects of apatinib on tramadol in rat liver microsomes (RLMs), human liver microsomes (HLMs) and recombinant human CYP2D6.1. The samples were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The in vivo results showed that compared with the control group, apatinib increased the AUC(0–t), AUC(0–∞) and Cmax values of tramadol and O-desmethyltramadol, and decreased the values of VZ/F and CLz/F. In addition, the MRT(0–t), MRT(0–∞) values of O-desmethyltramadol were increased. In vitro, apatinib inhibited the metabolism of tramadol by a mixed way with IC50 of 1.927 µM in RLMs, 2.039 µM in HLMs and 15.32 µM in CYP2D6.1. In summary, according to our findings, apatinib has a strong in vitro inhibitory effect on tramadol, and apatinib can increase the analgesic effect of tramadol and O-desmethyltramadol in rats.
bibliographic citation: Bao et al. (2023) Effect of apatinib on the pharmacokinetics of tramadol and O-desmethyltramadol in rats. PeerJ 11:e16051 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.16051
date submitted: 2023-04-05
date accepted: 2023-08-16
issued: 2023-09-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Bao
  given name: Su-su
author list: Agent
  family name: Tang
  given name: Peng-fei
author list: Agent
  family name: Gao
  given name: Nan-yong
author list: Agent
  family name: Xiao
  given name: Zhong-xiang
author list: Agent
  family name: Qian
  given name: Jian-chang
author list: Agent
  family name: Zheng
  given name: Long
author list: Agent
  family name: Hu
  given name: Guo-xin
author list: Agent
  family name: Xu
  given name: Huan-hai
doi: 10.7717/peerj.16051
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-09-11
copyright: © 2023 Bao et al.
attribution name: Bao et al.

Physical activity and health-related quality of life among adults living in Jeddah city Saudi Arabia
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Physical activity can improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults. However, the effect of physical activity on quality of life is unclear among the Saudi adult population. The study aimed to determine the association between physical activity and HRQoL in apparently healthy adults in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among visitors of shopping malls, walking tracks/fitness centres/gyms and governmental hospitals in Jeddah from March to September 2022. Physical activity was measured with the electronic template of the general practice physical activity questionnaire (GPPAQ), while the HRQoL was measured using the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) questionnaire. A multiple linear regression model investigated the relationship between physical activity and HRQoL. Results A total of 693 individuals participated in this study, with a mean age of 36 (±11). Individuals who fall in the active category of the physical activity level were mostly younger men (37% vs 21%), were non-smokers (30% vs 10%) and had no comorbid condition (29% vs 15%). After adjusting for covariates, men (adjusted β 4.43, 95% CI [1.44–7.41]) with higher physical activity levels (active-adjusted β 10.11, 95% CI [5.44–14.77]) had better scores on the physical component summary (PCS). Similarly, mental component summary (MCS) scores for men (adjusted β 6.51, 95% CI [3.40–9.63]) and physical activity levels (active-adjusted β 9.77, 95% CI [4.90–14.64]) were high. Conclusion The article reinforces how physical activity contributes towards each dimension of HRQoL. Physical inactivity is a growing public health challenge in Saudi Arabia, affecting all age groups. Investing in innovative strategies and establishing targeted health education programs for academic institutions and communities are required to enhance healthy habits. Additionally, constructing more local sports facilities and concession packages, especially for the females at the gyms, …
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Ola Akram Abdulrashid
creator: Hassan Bin Usman Shah
creator: Wijdan Abdulkareem Baeshen
creator: Sarah Mohammad Aljuaid
creator: Enas Awad Alasmari
creator: Rania Ali Baokbah
creator: Reema Ali Baokbah
creator: Nojoud Mohammed Alamoudi
creator: Maha Saleh Alkhelewi
creator: Amal Abdullah Turkistani
creator: Ahmed Abdullah Alharbi
creator: Abdulrehman Ahmed Alghamdi
creator: Fawaz Alharthi
creator: Mohammad Alcattan
creator: Amnah Marwan Haikal
subject: Epidemiology
subject: Health Policy
subject: Kinesiology
subject: Public Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.16059
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Abdulrashid et al.
abstract: Background Physical activity can improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults. However, the effect of physical activity on quality of life is unclear among the Saudi adult population. The study aimed to determine the association between physical activity and HRQoL in apparently healthy adults in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among visitors of shopping malls, walking tracks/fitness centres/gyms and governmental hospitals in Jeddah from March to September 2022. Physical activity was measured with the electronic template of the general practice physical activity questionnaire (GPPAQ), while the HRQoL was measured using the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) questionnaire. A multiple linear regression model investigated the relationship between physical activity and HRQoL. Results A total of 693 individuals participated in this study, with a mean age of 36 (±11). Individuals who fall in the active category of the physical activity level were mostly younger men (37% vs 21%), were non-smokers (30% vs 10%) and had no comorbid condition (29% vs 15%). After adjusting for covariates, men (adjusted β 4.43, 95% CI [1.44–7.41]) with higher physical activity levels (active-adjusted β 10.11, 95% CI [5.44–14.77]) had better scores on the physical component summary (PCS). Similarly, mental component summary (MCS) scores for men (adjusted β 6.51, 95% CI [3.40–9.63]) and physical activity levels (active-adjusted β 9.77, 95% CI [4.90–14.64]) were high. Conclusion The article reinforces how physical activity contributes towards each dimension of HRQoL. Physical inactivity is a growing public health challenge in Saudi Arabia, affecting all age groups. Investing in innovative strategies and establishing targeted health education programs for academic institutions and communities are required to enhance healthy habits. Additionally, constructing more local sports facilities and concession packages, especially for the females at the gyms, …
bibliographic citation: Abdulrashid et al. (2023) Physical activity and health-related quality of life among adults living in Jeddah city Saudi Arabia. PeerJ 11:e16059 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.16059
date submitted: 2023-04-11
date accepted: 2023-08-17
issued: 2023-09-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Abdulrashid
  given name: Ola Akram
author list: Agent
  family name: Shah
  given name: Hassan Bin Usman
author list: Agent
  family name: Baeshen
  given name: Wijdan Abdulkareem
author list: Agent
  family name: Aljuaid
  given name: Sarah Mohammad
author list: Agent
  family name: Alasmari
  given name: Enas Awad
author list: Agent
  family name: Baokbah
  given name: Rania Ali
author list: Agent
  family name: Baokbah
  given name: Reema Ali
author list: Agent
  family name: Alamoudi
  given name: Nojoud Mohammed
author list: Agent
  family name: Alkhelewi
  given name: Maha Saleh
author list: Agent
  family name: Turkistani
  given name: Amal Abdullah
author list: Agent
  family name: Alharbi
  given name: Ahmed Abdullah
author list: Agent
  family name: Alghamdi
  given name: Abdulrehman Ahmed
author list: Agent
  family name: Alharthi
  given name: Fawaz
author list: Agent
  family name: Alcattan
  given name: Mohammad
author list: Agent
  family name: Haikal
  given name: Amnah Marwan
doi: 10.7717/peerj.16059
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-09-11
copyright: © 2023 Abdulrashid et al.
attribution name: Abdulrashid et al.

Evaluating the Turkish validity and reliability of the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire in periodontal diseases
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (Brief IPQ) is a widely used multifactorial scale that assesses the individuals’ perceptions of illness. Although there are studies investigating the psychometric properties of the Brief IPQ in many languages, the Turkish version of Brief IPQ on periodontal diseases has not been revealed so far. This study aimed to evaluate the Turkish validity and reliability of the Brief IPQ and contribute to the literature. It is also aimed to evaluate the patients’ illness perception with periodontal disease and to reveal the possible effects of the disease on the patients’ daily life. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted with 209 patients with periodontal diseases (137 gingivitis and 72 periodontitis cases). Sociodemographic characteristics and clinical periodontal measurements of all patients were recorded. The Turkish versions of the Brief IPQ and the HAD Scale were applied to the patients via face-to-face. The construct validity was determined using confirmatory factor analysis. Test–retest reliability and internal consistency were performed using ICC test and Cronbach’s alpha, respectively. The concurrent validity was determined by using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Results The confirmatory factor analysis showed that the scale has one factor. The Spearman’s correlation coefficient results were found 0.843 and 0.854 for concurrent validity. Cronbach’s alpha value of the scale was 0.944 in the internal consistency analysis. ICC value was found to be 0.987 for test-retest reliability. Floor/ceiling effects were considered not to be present. Conclusions It was found that the Turkish version of The Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire is valid and reliable. Brief IPQ may be used to determine the illness perception in patients with periodontal diseases.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Canan Önder
creator: Batuhan Bakirarar
subject: Dentistry
subject: Infectious Diseases
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.16065
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Önder and Bakirarar
abstract: Background The Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (Brief IPQ) is a widely used multifactorial scale that assesses the individuals’ perceptions of illness. Although there are studies investigating the psychometric properties of the Brief IPQ in many languages, the Turkish version of Brief IPQ on periodontal diseases has not been revealed so far. This study aimed to evaluate the Turkish validity and reliability of the Brief IPQ and contribute to the literature. It is also aimed to evaluate the patients’ illness perception with periodontal disease and to reveal the possible effects of the disease on the patients’ daily life. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted with 209 patients with periodontal diseases (137 gingivitis and 72 periodontitis cases). Sociodemographic characteristics and clinical periodontal measurements of all patients were recorded. The Turkish versions of the Brief IPQ and the HAD Scale were applied to the patients via face-to-face. The construct validity was determined using confirmatory factor analysis. Test–retest reliability and internal consistency were performed using ICC test and Cronbach’s alpha, respectively. The concurrent validity was determined by using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Results The confirmatory factor analysis showed that the scale has one factor. The Spearman’s correlation coefficient results were found 0.843 and 0.854 for concurrent validity. Cronbach’s alpha value of the scale was 0.944 in the internal consistency analysis. ICC value was found to be 0.987 for test-retest reliability. Floor/ceiling effects were considered not to be present. Conclusions It was found that the Turkish version of The Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire is valid and reliable. Brief IPQ may be used to determine the illness perception in patients with periodontal diseases.
bibliographic citation: Önder et al. (2023) Evaluating the Turkish validity and reliability of the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire in periodontal diseases. PeerJ 11:e16065 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.16065
date submitted: 2023-06-02
date accepted: 2023-08-18
issued: 2023-09-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Önder
  given name: Canan
author list: Agent
  family name: Bakirarar
  given name: Batuhan
doi: 10.7717/peerj.16065
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-09-11
copyright: © 2023 Önder and Bakirarar
attribution name: Önder and Bakirarar

Protective effect of astaxanthin nanoemulsion on mammalian inner ear hair cells
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Aminoglycoside antibiotics are used for treating certain acute infections. However, these drugs cause ototoxicity by inducing inner ear hair cell death. Aims/Objectives We investigated the protective effect of a nanoemulsion of the carotenoid astaxanthin on mammalian inner ear hair cells against neomycin-induced ototoxicity. Material and Methods Dose-response relationship, quantification of hair cell loss, and reactive oxygen species production were assayed in response to neomycin with and without astaxanthin in cultured utricles of CBA/N mice. In addition, auditory brain response (ABR) and hair cell loss after exposure to the nanoformulation and loud noise were examined in vivo in guinea pigs. Results Astaxanthin suppressed neomycin-induced reduction of hair cells by reducing the production of hydroxy radicals. Furthermore, hair cell loss in the second rotation of the cochlea was significantly lower in the astaxanthin group than in the noise-only group. Conclusions and Significance The blood-labyrinth barrier limits the successful delivery of drugs for inner ear complications. However, in the nanoemulsion form, astaxanthin can penetrate the round window (fenestra ovale) membrane, enabling topical administration. Thus, astaxanthin nanoemulsion could be useful in treating ototoxicity in individuals with inner ear complications.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Yuki Kobayashi
creator: Kazuma Sugahara
creator: Yosuke Takemoto
creator: Junko Tsuda
creator: Yoshinobu Hirose
creator: Makoto Hashimoto
creator: Hiroshi Yamashita
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Neuroscience
subject: Otorhinolaryngology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15562
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Kobayashi et al.
abstract: Background Aminoglycoside antibiotics are used for treating certain acute infections. However, these drugs cause ototoxicity by inducing inner ear hair cell death. Aims/Objectives We investigated the protective effect of a nanoemulsion of the carotenoid astaxanthin on mammalian inner ear hair cells against neomycin-induced ototoxicity. Material and Methods Dose-response relationship, quantification of hair cell loss, and reactive oxygen species production were assayed in response to neomycin with and without astaxanthin in cultured utricles of CBA/N mice. In addition, auditory brain response (ABR) and hair cell loss after exposure to the nanoformulation and loud noise were examined in vivo in guinea pigs. Results Astaxanthin suppressed neomycin-induced reduction of hair cells by reducing the production of hydroxy radicals. Furthermore, hair cell loss in the second rotation of the cochlea was significantly lower in the astaxanthin group than in the noise-only group. Conclusions and Significance The blood-labyrinth barrier limits the successful delivery of drugs for inner ear complications. However, in the nanoemulsion form, astaxanthin can penetrate the round window (fenestra ovale) membrane, enabling topical administration. Thus, astaxanthin nanoemulsion could be useful in treating ototoxicity in individuals with inner ear complications.
bibliographic citation: Kobayashi et al. (2023) Protective effect of astaxanthin nanoemulsion on mammalian inner ear hair cells. PeerJ 11:e15562 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15562
date submitted: 2020-11-26
date accepted: 2023-05-24
issued: 2023-09-08
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Kobayashi
  given name: Yuki
author list: Agent
  family name: Sugahara
  given name: Kazuma
author list: Agent
  family name: Takemoto
  given name: Yosuke
author list: Agent
  family name: Tsuda
  given name: Junko
author list: Agent
  family name: Hirose
  given name: Yoshinobu
author list: Agent
  family name: Hashimoto
  given name: Makoto
author list: Agent
  family name: Yamashita
  given name: Hiroshi
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15562
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-09-08
copyright: ©2023 Kobayashi et al.
attribution name: Kobayashi et al.

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