PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Hand grip strength is inversely associated with total daily insulin dose requirement in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study
items: Effectiveness of a modified Balint group process on empathy and psychological skills employing Kirkpatrick’s evaluation framework
items: Early root phenotyping in sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) uncovers insights into root system architecture variability
items: Description and phylogenetic relationships of a new species of Torvoneustes (Crocodylomorpha, Thalattosuchia) from the Kimmeridgian of Switzerland
items: Clustering U-14 Portuguese regional team football players by lower limb strength, power, dynamic balance, speed and change of direction: understanding the field position factor
items: In silico identification and in vitro assessment of a potential anti-breast cancer activity of antimicrobial peptide retrieved from the ATMP1 Anabas testudineus fish peptide
items: Effects of salt stress on seed germination and respiratory metabolism in different Flueggea suffruticosa genotypes
items: Whistle characterization of long-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis bairdii) in La Paz Bay, Gulf of California
items: Investigating the relationship between inbreeding and life expectancy in dogs: mongrels live longer than pure breeds
items: Difference in the recruitment of intrinsic foot muscles in the elderly under static and dynamic postural conditions

Hand grip strength is inversely associated with total daily insulin dose requirement in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Short-term (2 weeks to 3 months) insulin intensive therapy using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) can improve islet beta cell function and prolong glycemic remission in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the total daily insulin dose (TDD, IU/kg/d) required to achieve near-normoglycemic control with CSII still needs to be frequently adjusted based on blood glucose monitoring. Although real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM), which measures the interstitial fluid glucose concentration continuously without much difficulty, facilitates the adjustment of insulin dosage, its adoption in the T2DM population is strictly limited by insurance coverage and lack of awareness of rtCGM among clinicians. Thus, it is of clinical significance to identify easy-to-use parameters that may allow a more rapid and accurate prediction of TDD requirement. This study aimed to explore the association between hand grip strength (HGS) and TDD requirement in patients with T2DM receiving CSII therapy. Methods A total of 180 eligible patients with T2DM were enrolled in the study and divided into three groups based on their HGS: low (L), medium (M), and high (H). The TDD requirement was calculated on day 7 or 8 of CSII treatment. Anthropometric parameters, including HGS, skeletal muscle mass, skeletal muscle index (SMI) and 6-m gait speed, and laboratory data, were collected on the morning of the second day after admission, within the first 24 h of CSII therapy. These parameters were used to identify significant predictors of TDD requirement using Pearson or Spearman correlation test, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. Results There were no significant differences in age, duration of T2DM, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, liver function, estimated glomerular filtration rate, triglyceride, total cholesterol, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resist…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Da-shuang Chen
creator: Yun-qing Zhu
creator: Wen-ji Ni
creator: Yu-jiao Li
creator: Guo-ping Yin
creator: Zi-yue Shao
creator: Jian Zhu
subject: Diabetes and Endocrinology
subject: Drugs and Devices
subject: Metabolic Sciences
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15761
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Chen et al.
abstract: Background Short-term (2 weeks to 3 months) insulin intensive therapy using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) can improve islet beta cell function and prolong glycemic remission in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the total daily insulin dose (TDD, IU/kg/d) required to achieve near-normoglycemic control with CSII still needs to be frequently adjusted based on blood glucose monitoring. Although real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM), which measures the interstitial fluid glucose concentration continuously without much difficulty, facilitates the adjustment of insulin dosage, its adoption in the T2DM population is strictly limited by insurance coverage and lack of awareness of rtCGM among clinicians. Thus, it is of clinical significance to identify easy-to-use parameters that may allow a more rapid and accurate prediction of TDD requirement. This study aimed to explore the association between hand grip strength (HGS) and TDD requirement in patients with T2DM receiving CSII therapy. Methods A total of 180 eligible patients with T2DM were enrolled in the study and divided into three groups based on their HGS: low (L), medium (M), and high (H). The TDD requirement was calculated on day 7 or 8 of CSII treatment. Anthropometric parameters, including HGS, skeletal muscle mass, skeletal muscle index (SMI) and 6-m gait speed, and laboratory data, were collected on the morning of the second day after admission, within the first 24 h of CSII therapy. These parameters were used to identify significant predictors of TDD requirement using Pearson or Spearman correlation test, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. Results There were no significant differences in age, duration of T2DM, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, liver function, estimated glomerular filtration rate, triglyceride, total cholesterol, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resist…
bibliographic citation: Chen et al. (2023) Hand grip strength is inversely associated with total daily insulin dose requirement in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study. PeerJ 11:e15761 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15761
date submitted: 2022-05-10
date accepted: 2023-06-27
issued: 2023-07-20
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Da-shuang
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhu
  given name: Yun-qing
author list: Agent
  family name: Ni
  given name: Wen-ji
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Yu-jiao
author list: Agent
  family name: Yin
  given name: Guo-ping
author list: Agent
  family name: Shao
  given name: Zi-yue
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhu
  given name: Jian
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15761
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-07-20
copyright: © 2023 Chen et al.
attribution name: Chen et al.

Effectiveness of a modified Balint group process on empathy and psychological skills employing Kirkpatrick’s evaluation framework
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background To evaluate, using Kirkpatrick’s evaluation model, a modified Balint group (BG) by adding 5–10 min at the end of the session, where the facilitators will debrief the residents about critical themes mentioned in the session. Methods A quasi-experimental study with a mixed-method design was conducted among family medicine residents over 1 year, using focus groups and validated tools filled by residents and their corresponding patients. The residents’ empathy through self and patient evaluation, psychological skills, and satisfaction with the educational activity were measured. Results The focus group revealed that the residents were aware of the change and considered it a closure to the encounter, helping decrease some uncertainty. Most of the residents did not consider the change helpful. Using validated instruments, BG was ineffective at improving the residents’ empathy and psychological skills. There was a statistically significant main effect of time on Psychological Medicine Inventory (PMI) scores, F (1,13) = 7.709, p = 0.016. Conclusion Debriefing at the end of BG by the facilitators about key themes may help give the residents closure, decrease the uncertainty, and make them more aware of their feelings. Nevertheless, Balint groups are still not very well accepted by the residents, and they prefer direct feedback and support groups.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jumana Antoun
creator: Beatrice Khater
creator: Hala Itani
creator: Jihane Naous
creator: Maya Romani
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
subject: Science and Medical Education
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15279
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Antoun et al.
abstract: Background To evaluate, using Kirkpatrick’s evaluation model, a modified Balint group (BG) by adding 5–10 min at the end of the session, where the facilitators will debrief the residents about critical themes mentioned in the session. Methods A quasi-experimental study with a mixed-method design was conducted among family medicine residents over 1 year, using focus groups and validated tools filled by residents and their corresponding patients. The residents’ empathy through self and patient evaluation, psychological skills, and satisfaction with the educational activity were measured. Results The focus group revealed that the residents were aware of the change and considered it a closure to the encounter, helping decrease some uncertainty. Most of the residents did not consider the change helpful. Using validated instruments, BG was ineffective at improving the residents’ empathy and psychological skills. There was a statistically significant main effect of time on Psychological Medicine Inventory (PMI) scores, F (1,13) = 7.709, p = 0.016. Conclusion Debriefing at the end of BG by the facilitators about key themes may help give the residents closure, decrease the uncertainty, and make them more aware of their feelings. Nevertheless, Balint groups are still not very well accepted by the residents, and they prefer direct feedback and support groups.
bibliographic citation: Antoun et al. (2023) Effectiveness of a modified Balint group process on empathy and psychological skills employing Kirkpatrick’s evaluation framework. PeerJ 11:e15279 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15279
date submitted: 2022-11-29
date accepted: 2023-04-03
issued: 2023-07-19
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Antoun
  given name: Jumana
author list: Agent
  family name: Khater
  given name: Beatrice
author list: Agent
  family name: Itani
  given name: Hala
author list: Agent
  family name: Naous
  given name: Jihane
author list: Agent
  family name: Romani
  given name: Maya
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15279
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-07-19
copyright: © 2023 Antoun et al.
attribution name: Antoun et al.

Early root phenotyping in sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) uncovers insights into root system architecture variability
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background We developed a novel, non-destructive, expandable, ebb and flow soilless phenotyping system to deliver a capable way to study early root system architectural traits in stem-derived adventitious roots of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.). The platform was designed to accommodate up to 12 stems in a relatively small area for root screening. This platform was designed with inexpensive materials and equipped with an automatic watering system. Methods To test this platform, we designed a screening experiment for root traits using two contrasting sweetpotato genotypes, ‘Covington’ and ‘NC10-275’. We monitored and imaged root growth, architecture, and branching patterns every five days up to 20 days. Results We observed significant differences in both architectural and morphological root traits for both genotypes tested. After 10 days, root length, surface root area, and root volume were higher in ‘NC10-275’ compared to ‘Covington’. However, average root diameter and root branching density were higher in ‘Covington’. Conclusion These results validated the effective and efficient use of this novel root phenotyping platforming for screening root traits in early stem-derived adventitious roots. This platform allowed for monitoring and 2D imaging of root growth over time with minimal disturbance and no destructive root sampling. This platform can be easily tailored for abiotic stress experiments, and permit root growth mapping and temporal and dynamic root measurements of primary and secondary adventitious roots. This phenotyping platform can be a suitable tool for examining root system architecture and traits of clonally propagated material for a large set of replicates in a relatively small space.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Luis O. Duque
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15448
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Duque
abstract: Background We developed a novel, non-destructive, expandable, ebb and flow soilless phenotyping system to deliver a capable way to study early root system architectural traits in stem-derived adventitious roots of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.). The platform was designed to accommodate up to 12 stems in a relatively small area for root screening. This platform was designed with inexpensive materials and equipped with an automatic watering system. Methods To test this platform, we designed a screening experiment for root traits using two contrasting sweetpotato genotypes, ‘Covington’ and ‘NC10-275’. We monitored and imaged root growth, architecture, and branching patterns every five days up to 20 days. Results We observed significant differences in both architectural and morphological root traits for both genotypes tested. After 10 days, root length, surface root area, and root volume were higher in ‘NC10-275’ compared to ‘Covington’. However, average root diameter and root branching density were higher in ‘Covington’. Conclusion These results validated the effective and efficient use of this novel root phenotyping platforming for screening root traits in early stem-derived adventitious roots. This platform allowed for monitoring and 2D imaging of root growth over time with minimal disturbance and no destructive root sampling. This platform can be easily tailored for abiotic stress experiments, and permit root growth mapping and temporal and dynamic root measurements of primary and secondary adventitious roots. This phenotyping platform can be a suitable tool for examining root system architecture and traits of clonally propagated material for a large set of replicates in a relatively small space.
bibliographic citation: Duque (2023) Early root phenotyping in sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) uncovers insights into root system architecture variability. PeerJ 11:e15448 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15448
date submitted: 2023-02-09
date accepted: 2023-05-03
issued: 2023-07-19
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Duque
  given name: Luis O.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15448
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-07-19
copyright: ©2023 Duque
attribution name: Duque

Description and phylogenetic relationships of a new species of Torvoneustes (Crocodylomorpha, Thalattosuchia) from the Kimmeridgian of Switzerland
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Metriorhynchids are marine crocodylomorphs found across Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous deposits of Europe and Central and South America. Despite being one of the oldest fossil families named in paleontology, the phylogenetic relationships within Metriorhynchidae have been subject to many revisions over the past 15 years. Herein, we describe a new metriorhynchid from the Kimmeridgian of Porrentruy, Switzerland. The material consists of a relatively complete, disarticulated skeleton preserving pieces of the skull, including the frontal, prefrontals, right postorbital, nasals, maxillae, right premaxillae and nearly the entire mandible, and many remains of the axial and appendicular skeleton such as cervical, dorsal, and caudal vertebrae, ribs, the left ischium, the right femur, and the right fibula. This new specimen is referred to the new species Torvoneustes jurensis sp. nov. as part of the large-bodied macrophagous tribe Geosaurini. Torvoneustes jurensis presents a unique combination of cranial and dental characters including a smooth cranium, a unique frontal shape, acute ziphodont teeth, an enamel ornamentation made of numerous apicobasal ridges shifting to small ridges forming an anastomosed pattern toward the apex of the crown and an enamel ornamentation touching the carina. The description of this new species allows to take a new look at the currently proposed evolutionary trends within the genus Torvoneustes and provides new information on the evolution of this clade.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Léa C. Girard
creator: Sophie De Sousa Oliveira
creator: Irena Raselli
creator: Jeremy E. Martin
creator: Jérémy Anquetin
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Paleontology
subject: Taxonomy
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15512
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Girard et al.
abstract: Metriorhynchids are marine crocodylomorphs found across Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous deposits of Europe and Central and South America. Despite being one of the oldest fossil families named in paleontology, the phylogenetic relationships within Metriorhynchidae have been subject to many revisions over the past 15 years. Herein, we describe a new metriorhynchid from the Kimmeridgian of Porrentruy, Switzerland. The material consists of a relatively complete, disarticulated skeleton preserving pieces of the skull, including the frontal, prefrontals, right postorbital, nasals, maxillae, right premaxillae and nearly the entire mandible, and many remains of the axial and appendicular skeleton such as cervical, dorsal, and caudal vertebrae, ribs, the left ischium, the right femur, and the right fibula. This new specimen is referred to the new species Torvoneustes jurensis sp. nov. as part of the large-bodied macrophagous tribe Geosaurini. Torvoneustes jurensis presents a unique combination of cranial and dental characters including a smooth cranium, a unique frontal shape, acute ziphodont teeth, an enamel ornamentation made of numerous apicobasal ridges shifting to small ridges forming an anastomosed pattern toward the apex of the crown and an enamel ornamentation touching the carina. The description of this new species allows to take a new look at the currently proposed evolutionary trends within the genus Torvoneustes and provides new information on the evolution of this clade.
bibliographic citation: Girard et al. (2023) Description and phylogenetic relationships of a new species of Torvoneustes (Crocodylomorpha, Thalattosuchia) from the Kimmeridgian of Switzerland. PeerJ 11:e15512 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15512
date submitted: 2022-12-23
date accepted: 2023-05-15
issued: 2023-07-19
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Girard
  given name: Léa C.
author list: Agent
  family name: De Sousa Oliveira
  given name: Sophie
author list: Agent
  family name: Raselli
  given name: Irena
author list: Agent
  family name: Martin
  given name: Jeremy E.
author list: Agent
  family name: Anquetin
  given name: Jérémy
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15512
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-07-19
copyright: © 2023 Girard et al.
attribution name: Girard et al.

Clustering U-14 Portuguese regional team football players by lower limb strength, power, dynamic balance, speed and change of direction: understanding the field position factor
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Objectives The aim of this study was to cluster U-14 Portuguese regional team football players based on variables related to lower limb strength and power, dynamic balance, linear sprint, and change of direction. Method The sample consisted of 22 young male soccer players (13.83 ± 0.44 years). A set of variables related to lower limb strength and power, dynamic balance, linear sprint, and change of direction was measured. Results Overall, a non-significant field position was observed. The countermovement jump (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.73), squat jump (p < 0.001), and 30 m linear sprint (p = 0.001) were the main variables responsible for establishing the clusters. Cluster 1 was characterized by a high slalom, i.e., it took longer to complete the test (speed and change of direction) and a low composite score in the dynamic balance. Cluster 2 was characterized by high squat jump, countermovement jump, and reactive strength ratio (lower limb strength and power). Cluster 3 was characterized by low squat jump and countermovement jump (lower limb strength and power), and a high 30 m sprint, i.e., it took longer to complete the test (speed and change of direction). Based on the results of the territorial map, the clusters consisted of: (i) cluster 1: two forwards, one midfielder, and five defenders; (ii) cluster 2: three forwards, two midfielders, and two defenders, and; (iii) cluster 3: four midfielders and three defenders. Conclusions Players from different field positions composed the three clusters. There was no cluster composed exclusively of players of the same field position. The development of individualized and specific enrichment training programs should consider a cluster analysis, as the positional effect can be overlooked.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Tatiana Sampaio
creator: Daniel Marinho
creator: José Eduardo Teixeira
creator: João Oliveira
creator: Jorge Morais
subject: Biomechanics
subject: Sports Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15609
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Sampaio et al.
abstract: Objectives The aim of this study was to cluster U-14 Portuguese regional team football players based on variables related to lower limb strength and power, dynamic balance, linear sprint, and change of direction. Method The sample consisted of 22 young male soccer players (13.83 ± 0.44 years). A set of variables related to lower limb strength and power, dynamic balance, linear sprint, and change of direction was measured. Results Overall, a non-significant field position was observed. The countermovement jump (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.73), squat jump (p < 0.001), and 30 m linear sprint (p = 0.001) were the main variables responsible for establishing the clusters. Cluster 1 was characterized by a high slalom, i.e., it took longer to complete the test (speed and change of direction) and a low composite score in the dynamic balance. Cluster 2 was characterized by high squat jump, countermovement jump, and reactive strength ratio (lower limb strength and power). Cluster 3 was characterized by low squat jump and countermovement jump (lower limb strength and power), and a high 30 m sprint, i.e., it took longer to complete the test (speed and change of direction). Based on the results of the territorial map, the clusters consisted of: (i) cluster 1: two forwards, one midfielder, and five defenders; (ii) cluster 2: three forwards, two midfielders, and two defenders, and; (iii) cluster 3: four midfielders and three defenders. Conclusions Players from different field positions composed the three clusters. There was no cluster composed exclusively of players of the same field position. The development of individualized and specific enrichment training programs should consider a cluster analysis, as the positional effect can be overlooked.
bibliographic citation: Sampaio et al. (2023) Clustering U-14 Portuguese regional team football players by lower limb strength, power, dynamic balance, speed and change of direction: understanding the field position factor. PeerJ 11:e15609 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15609
date submitted: 2023-03-20
date accepted: 2023-05-31
issued: 2023-07-19
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Sampaio
  given name: Tatiana
author list: Agent
  family name: Marinho
  given name: Daniel
author list: Agent
  family name: Teixeira
  given name: José Eduardo
author list: Agent
  family name: Oliveira
  given name: João
author list: Agent
  family name: Morais
  given name: Jorge
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15609
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-07-19
copyright: © 2023 Sampaio et al.
attribution name: Sampaio et al.

In silico identification and in vitro assessment of a potential anti-breast cancer activity of antimicrobial peptide retrieved from the ATMP1 Anabas testudineus fish peptide
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: A previous study has shown that synthetic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) derived from Anabas testudineus (ATMP1) could in-vitro inhibit the progression of breast cancer cell lines. In this study, we are interested in studying altered versions of previous synthetic AMPs to gain some insight into the peptides functions. The AMPs were altered and subjected to bioinformatics prediction using four databases (ADP3, CAMP-R3, AMPfun, and ANTICP) to select the highest anticancer activity. The bioinformatics in silico analysis led to the selection of two AMPs, which are ATMP5 (THPPTTTTTTTTTTTYTAAPATTT) and ATMP6 (THPPTTTTTTTTTTTTTAAPARTT). The in silico analysis predicted that ATMP5 and ATMP6 have anticancer activity and lead to cell death. The ATMP5 and ATMP6 were submitted to deep learning databases (ToxIBTL and ToxinPred2) to predict the toxicity of the peptides and to (AllerTOP & AllergenFP) check the allergenicity. The results of databases indicated that AMPs are non-toxic to normal human cells and allergic to human immunoglobulin. The bioinformatics findings led to select the highest active peptide ATMP5, which was synthesised and applied for in-vitro experiments using cytotoxicity assay MTT Assay, apoptosis detection using the Annexin V FTIC-A assay, and gene expression using Apoptosis PCR Array to evaluate the AMP’s anticancer activity. The antimicrobial activity is approved by the disc diffusion method. The in-vitro experiments analysis showed that ATMP5 had the activity to inhibit the growth of the breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) after 48 h and managed to arrest the cell cycle of the MDA-MB-231, apoptosis induction, and overexpression of the p53 by interaction with the related apoptotic genes. This research opened up new opportunities for developing potential and selective anticancer agents relying on antimicrobial peptide properties.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Douglas Law
creator: Ahmed Abdulkareem Najm
creator: Jia Xuan Chong
creator: Joelene Zi Ying K’ng
creator: Mas Amran
creator: Huey Lih Ching
creator: Rui Rui Wong
creator: May Ho Leong
creator: Ibrahim Mahmood Mahdi
creator: Shazrul Fazry
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Computational Biology
subject: Molecular Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15651
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Law et al.
abstract: A previous study has shown that synthetic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) derived from Anabas testudineus (ATMP1) could in-vitro inhibit the progression of breast cancer cell lines. In this study, we are interested in studying altered versions of previous synthetic AMPs to gain some insight into the peptides functions. The AMPs were altered and subjected to bioinformatics prediction using four databases (ADP3, CAMP-R3, AMPfun, and ANTICP) to select the highest anticancer activity. The bioinformatics in silico analysis led to the selection of two AMPs, which are ATMP5 (THPPTTTTTTTTTTTYTAAPATTT) and ATMP6 (THPPTTTTTTTTTTTTTAAPARTT). The in silico analysis predicted that ATMP5 and ATMP6 have anticancer activity and lead to cell death. The ATMP5 and ATMP6 were submitted to deep learning databases (ToxIBTL and ToxinPred2) to predict the toxicity of the peptides and to (AllerTOP & AllergenFP) check the allergenicity. The results of databases indicated that AMPs are non-toxic to normal human cells and allergic to human immunoglobulin. The bioinformatics findings led to select the highest active peptide ATMP5, which was synthesised and applied for in-vitro experiments using cytotoxicity assay MTT Assay, apoptosis detection using the Annexin V FTIC-A assay, and gene expression using Apoptosis PCR Array to evaluate the AMP’s anticancer activity. The antimicrobial activity is approved by the disc diffusion method. The in-vitro experiments analysis showed that ATMP5 had the activity to inhibit the growth of the breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) after 48 h and managed to arrest the cell cycle of the MDA-MB-231, apoptosis induction, and overexpression of the p53 by interaction with the related apoptotic genes. This research opened up new opportunities for developing potential and selective anticancer agents relying on antimicrobial peptide properties.
bibliographic citation: Law et al. (2023) In silico identification and in vitro assessment of a potential anti-breast cancer activity of antimicrobial peptide retrieved from the ATMP1 Anabas testudineus fish peptide. PeerJ 11:e15651 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15651
date submitted: 2023-01-19
date accepted: 2023-06-06
issued: 2023-07-19
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Law
  given name: Douglas
author list: Agent
  family name: Abdulkareem Najm
  given name: Ahmed
author list: Agent
  family name: Chong
  given name: Jia Xuan
author list: Agent
  family name: K’ng
  given name: Joelene Zi Ying
author list: Agent
  family name: Amran
  given name: Mas
author list: Agent
  family name: Ching
  given name: Huey Lih
author list: Agent
  family name: Wong
  given name: Rui Rui
author list: Agent
  family name: Leong
  given name: May Ho
author list: Agent
  family name: Mahdi
  given name: Ibrahim Mahmood
author list: Agent
  family name: Fazry
  given name: Shazrul
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15651
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-07-19
copyright: © 2023 Law et al.
attribution name: Law et al.

Effects of salt stress on seed germination and respiratory metabolism in different Flueggea suffruticosa genotypes
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The selection and utilization of ornamental plants that are highly tolerant to salt are helpful for landscape construction and the ecological protection of coastal and arid areas. To evaluate salt tolerance, one of the most used methods is the observation of seed germination under salt stress. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the influence of different concentrations of NaCl in water absorption, germination, and respiratory metabolism in seeds of different Flueggea suffruticosa genotypes. P2 and P27, salt-sensitive and salt-tolerant line s of F. suffruticosa, were chosen for treatment with 0, 40, 80, 120, 160, 200, and 240 mM NaCl. F. suffruticosa under salt stress exhibited inhibition of seed germination. The seeds of F. suffruticosa have different times for the physiological phases of water absorption with different NaCl concentrations. Salt stress retarded the seed water absorption process, and it depended on seed genotypes for F. suffruticosa. Soluble sugars accumulated in both P2 and P27 under salt stress. Meanwhile, the activities of hexokinase, 6-phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase, pyruvate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were overall increased in P27 after salt treatment, which caused increases in pyruvic acid and citric acid. The citrate synthase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities decreased in P2. These results suggest that the respiratory metabolism of salt-tolerant F. suffruticosa was enhanced, compared with the salt-sensitive line, to ameliorate the repression of seed germination under salt stress. The different changes in respiratory metabolism could influence the degree of salt tolerance.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Ningwei Xu
creator: Bin Lu
creator: Yang Wang
creator: Xiaoyue Yu
creator: Nan Yao
creator: Qijuan Lin
creator: Xingyou Xu
creator: Bingshe Lu
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15668
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Xu et al.
abstract: The selection and utilization of ornamental plants that are highly tolerant to salt are helpful for landscape construction and the ecological protection of coastal and arid areas. To evaluate salt tolerance, one of the most used methods is the observation of seed germination under salt stress. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the influence of different concentrations of NaCl in water absorption, germination, and respiratory metabolism in seeds of different Flueggea suffruticosa genotypes. P2 and P27, salt-sensitive and salt-tolerant line s of F. suffruticosa, were chosen for treatment with 0, 40, 80, 120, 160, 200, and 240 mM NaCl. F. suffruticosa under salt stress exhibited inhibition of seed germination. The seeds of F. suffruticosa have different times for the physiological phases of water absorption with different NaCl concentrations. Salt stress retarded the seed water absorption process, and it depended on seed genotypes for F. suffruticosa. Soluble sugars accumulated in both P2 and P27 under salt stress. Meanwhile, the activities of hexokinase, 6-phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase, pyruvate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were overall increased in P27 after salt treatment, which caused increases in pyruvic acid and citric acid. The citrate synthase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities decreased in P2. These results suggest that the respiratory metabolism of salt-tolerant F. suffruticosa was enhanced, compared with the salt-sensitive line, to ameliorate the repression of seed germination under salt stress. The different changes in respiratory metabolism could influence the degree of salt tolerance.
bibliographic citation: Xu et al. (2023) Effects of salt stress on seed germination and respiratory metabolism in different Flueggea suffruticosa genotypes. PeerJ 11:e15668 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15668
date submitted: 2023-02-15
date accepted: 2023-06-09
issued: 2023-07-19
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
author list: Agent
  family name: Xu
  given name: Ningwei
author list: Agent
  family name: Lu
  given name: Bin
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Yang
author list: Agent
  family name: Yu
  given name: Xiaoyue
author list: Agent
  family name: Yao
  given name: Nan
author list: Agent
  family name: Lin
  given name: Qijuan
author list: Agent
  family name: Xu
  given name: Xingyou
author list: Agent
  family name: Lu
  given name: Bingshe
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15668
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-07-19
copyright: ©2023 Xu et al.
attribution name: Xu et al.

Whistle characterization of long-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis bairdii) in La Paz Bay, Gulf of California
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Long-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis bairdii) distribution is limited to the Eastern North Pacific Ocean. Its whistle repertoire is poorly investigated, with no studies in the Gulf of California. The aim of the present study is to characterize the whistles of this species and compare their parameters with different populations. Acoustic monitoring was conducted in La Paz Bay, Gulf of California. Recordings were inspected in spectrogram view in Raven Pro, selecting good quality whistles (n = 270). In the software Luscinia, contours were manually traced to obtain whistle frequencies and duration. Number of steps, inflection points and contour type were visually determined. We calculated the descriptive statistics of the selected whistle parameters and we compared the results with a dolphins population from the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) was performed to test the intraspecific variation of the whistle parameters among groups. In the present study the mean values (±SD) of the whistle parameters were: maximum frequency = 14.13 ± 3.71 kHz, minimum frequency = 8.44 ± 2.58 kHz and duration = 0.44 ± 0.31 s. Whistles with the upsweep contour were the most common ones (34.44%). The coefficient of variation (CV) values for modulation parameters were high (>100%), in accordance with other studies on dolphins. Whistle parameters showed significant differences among groups. Finally, ending and maximum frequencies, duration and inflection points of the whistles recorded in the present study were lower compared with the parameters of the long-beaked common dolphins from the Eastern Pacific Ocean. This study provides the first whistle characterization of long-beaked common dolphin from the Gulf of California and it will help future passive acoustic monitoring applications in the study area.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Óscar Carlón-Beltrán
creator: Lorena Viloria-Gómora
creator: Jorge Urbán R.
creator: Sergio Martínez-Aguilar
creator: Simone Antichi
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Ecology
subject: Marine Biology
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15687
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Carlón-Beltrán et al.
abstract: Long-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis bairdii) distribution is limited to the Eastern North Pacific Ocean. Its whistle repertoire is poorly investigated, with no studies in the Gulf of California. The aim of the present study is to characterize the whistles of this species and compare their parameters with different populations. Acoustic monitoring was conducted in La Paz Bay, Gulf of California. Recordings were inspected in spectrogram view in Raven Pro, selecting good quality whistles (n = 270). In the software Luscinia, contours were manually traced to obtain whistle frequencies and duration. Number of steps, inflection points and contour type were visually determined. We calculated the descriptive statistics of the selected whistle parameters and we compared the results with a dolphins population from the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) was performed to test the intraspecific variation of the whistle parameters among groups. In the present study the mean values (±SD) of the whistle parameters were: maximum frequency = 14.13 ± 3.71 kHz, minimum frequency = 8.44 ± 2.58 kHz and duration = 0.44 ± 0.31 s. Whistles with the upsweep contour were the most common ones (34.44%). The coefficient of variation (CV) values for modulation parameters were high (>100%), in accordance with other studies on dolphins. Whistle parameters showed significant differences among groups. Finally, ending and maximum frequencies, duration and inflection points of the whistles recorded in the present study were lower compared with the parameters of the long-beaked common dolphins from the Eastern Pacific Ocean. This study provides the first whistle characterization of long-beaked common dolphin from the Gulf of California and it will help future passive acoustic monitoring applications in the study area.
bibliographic citation: Carlón-Beltrán et al. (2023) Whistle characterization of long-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis bairdii) in La Paz Bay, Gulf of California. PeerJ 11:e15687 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15687
date submitted: 2023-01-09
date accepted: 2023-06-14
issued: 2023-07-19
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Carlón-Beltrán
  given name: Óscar
author list: Agent
  family name: Viloria-Gómora
  given name: Lorena
author list: Agent
  family name: Urbán R.
  given name: Jorge
author list: Agent
  family name: Martínez-Aguilar
  given name: Sergio
author list: Agent
  family name: Antichi
  given name: Simone
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15687
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-07-19
copyright: ©2023 Carlón-Beltrán et al.
attribution name: Carlón-Beltrán et al.

Investigating the relationship between inbreeding and life expectancy in dogs: mongrels live longer than pure breeds
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: This study aimed to investigate the establishment of relationship between inbreeding and life expectancy in dogs. A dataset of N = 30,563 dogs sourced from the VetCompass™ Program, UK was made available by the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, containing information about breed and longevity and was subject to survival analysis. A Cox regression proportional hazards model was used to differentiate survivability in three groups of dogs (mongrel, cross-bred and pure breed). The model was found highly significant (p < 0.001) and we found that mongrel dog had the highest life expectancy, followed by cross-bred dogs with only one purebred ancestor and purebred dogs had the lowest life expectancy. A second Cox regression was also found highly significant (p < 0.001) differentiating the lifespan of different dog breed and correlating positively the hazard ratio and the Genetic Illness Severity Index for Dogs (GISID). The results show that survivability is higher in mongrel dogs followed by cross-bred with one of the ancestor only as a pure breed, and pure breed dog have the highest morbidity level. Higher morbidity is associated with higher GISID scores, and therefore, higher inbreeding coefficients. These findings have important implications for dog breeders, owners, and animal welfare organizations seeking to promote healthier, longer-lived dogs.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Fernando Mata
creator: Andreia Mata
subject: Veterinary Medicine
subject: Zoology
subject: Population Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15718
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Mata et al.
abstract: This study aimed to investigate the establishment of relationship between inbreeding and life expectancy in dogs. A dataset of N = 30,563 dogs sourced from the VetCompass™ Program, UK was made available by the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, containing information about breed and longevity and was subject to survival analysis. A Cox regression proportional hazards model was used to differentiate survivability in three groups of dogs (mongrel, cross-bred and pure breed). The model was found highly significant (p < 0.001) and we found that mongrel dog had the highest life expectancy, followed by cross-bred dogs with only one purebred ancestor and purebred dogs had the lowest life expectancy. A second Cox regression was also found highly significant (p < 0.001) differentiating the lifespan of different dog breed and correlating positively the hazard ratio and the Genetic Illness Severity Index for Dogs (GISID). The results show that survivability is higher in mongrel dogs followed by cross-bred with one of the ancestor only as a pure breed, and pure breed dog have the highest morbidity level. Higher morbidity is associated with higher GISID scores, and therefore, higher inbreeding coefficients. These findings have important implications for dog breeders, owners, and animal welfare organizations seeking to promote healthier, longer-lived dogs.
bibliographic citation: Mata et al. (2023) Investigating the relationship between inbreeding and life expectancy in dogs: mongrels live longer than pure breeds. PeerJ 11:e15718 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15718
date submitted: 2023-02-28
date accepted: 2023-06-16
issued: 2023-07-19
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Mata
  given name: Fernando
author list: Agent
  family name: Mata
  given name: Andreia
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15718
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-07-19
copyright: ©2023 Mata et al.
attribution name: Mata et al.

Difference in the recruitment of intrinsic foot muscles in the elderly under static and dynamic postural conditions
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The effect of foot, especially intrinsic muscles, on postural control and its related mechanisms remain unclear due to the complex structure. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the activation of intrinsic foot muscles in the elderly under static and dynamic postural tasks. Methods Twenty-one elderly participants were included to perform different postural tests (sensory organization test (SOT), motor control test (MCT), limit of stability test (LOS), and unilateral stance test) by a NeuroCom Balance Manager System. The participants were instructed to maintain postural stability under conditions with combined different sensory inputs (vision, vestibular, and proprioception) in SOT as well as conditions with translation disturbance in MCT, and to perform an active weight-shifting tasks in LOS. During these tasks, muscle activation were simultaneously acquired from intrinsic foot muscles (abductor halluces (AbH) and flexor digitorum brevis (FDB)) and ankle muscles (anterior tibialis, medial head of gastrocnemius, lateral head of gastrocnemius, and peroneus longus). The root-mean-square amplitude of these muscles in postural tasks was calculated and normalized with the EMG activity in unilateral stance task. Results The activation of intrinsic foot muscles significantly differed among different SOT tasks (p < 0.001). Post-hoc tests showed that compared with that under normal condition 1 without sensory interference, EMGs increased significantly under sensory disturbance (conditions 2–6). By contrast, compared with that under the single-sensory disturbed conditions (conditions 2–4; 2 for disturbed vision, 3 for disturbed vestibular sensation, 4 for disturbed proprioception), activation was significantly greater under the dual-sensory disturbed postural tasks (conditions 5 and 6; 5 for disturbed vision and proprioception, 6 for disturbed vestibular sensation and proprioception). In MCT, EMGs of foot muscles increased significantly under different transla…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Zhangqi Lai
creator: Ruiyan Wang
creator: Bangguo Zhou
creator: Jing Chen
creator: Lin Wang
subject: Geriatrics
subject: Kinesiology
subject: Biomechanics
subject: Rehabilitation
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15719
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Lai et al.
abstract: Background The effect of foot, especially intrinsic muscles, on postural control and its related mechanisms remain unclear due to the complex structure. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the activation of intrinsic foot muscles in the elderly under static and dynamic postural tasks. Methods Twenty-one elderly participants were included to perform different postural tests (sensory organization test (SOT), motor control test (MCT), limit of stability test (LOS), and unilateral stance test) by a NeuroCom Balance Manager System. The participants were instructed to maintain postural stability under conditions with combined different sensory inputs (vision, vestibular, and proprioception) in SOT as well as conditions with translation disturbance in MCT, and to perform an active weight-shifting tasks in LOS. During these tasks, muscle activation were simultaneously acquired from intrinsic foot muscles (abductor halluces (AbH) and flexor digitorum brevis (FDB)) and ankle muscles (anterior tibialis, medial head of gastrocnemius, lateral head of gastrocnemius, and peroneus longus). The root-mean-square amplitude of these muscles in postural tasks was calculated and normalized with the EMG activity in unilateral stance task. Results The activation of intrinsic foot muscles significantly differed among different SOT tasks (p < 0.001). Post-hoc tests showed that compared with that under normal condition 1 without sensory interference, EMGs increased significantly under sensory disturbance (conditions 2–6). By contrast, compared with that under the single-sensory disturbed conditions (conditions 2–4; 2 for disturbed vision, 3 for disturbed vestibular sensation, 4 for disturbed proprioception), activation was significantly greater under the dual-sensory disturbed postural tasks (conditions 5 and 6; 5 for disturbed vision and proprioception, 6 for disturbed vestibular sensation and proprioception). In MCT, EMGs of foot muscles increased significantly under different transla…
bibliographic citation: Lai et al. (2023) Difference in the recruitment of intrinsic foot muscles in the elderly under static and dynamic postural conditions. PeerJ 11:e15719 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15719
date submitted: 2023-03-14
date accepted: 2023-06-16
issued: 2023-07-19
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Lai
  given name: Zhangqi
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Ruiyan
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Bangguo
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Jing
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Lin
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15719
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-07-19
copyright: ©2023 Lai et al.
attribution name: Lai et al.

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