PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Prediction study of prognostic nutrition index on the quality of life of patients with cervical cancer undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy
items: Predictive value of immunoglobulin G, activated partial thromboplastin time, platelet, and indirect bilirubin for delayed viral clearance in patients infected with the Omicron variant
items: Blood cells and hematological parameters of Chiala Mountain Salamander, Batrachuperus karlschmidti (Urodela, Hynobiidae)
items: Kukri snakes Oligodon Fitzinger, 1826 of the Western Palearctic with the resurrection of Contia transcaspica Nikolsky, 1902 (Reptilia, Squamata, Colubridae)
items: Characterization of gut microbiota in adults with coronary atherosclerosis
items: GC-MS-based untargeted metabolic profiling of malignant mesothelioma plasma
items: Hyperoside alleviates doxorubicin-induced myocardial cells apoptosis by inhibiting the apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1/p38 pathway
items: The Zoige pioneer plant Leymus secalinus has different endophytic bacterial community structures to adapt to environmental conditions
items: Major ion compositions, sources and risk assessment of karst stream under the influence of anthropogenic activities, Guizhou Province, Southwest China
items: Effects of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation vs. conventional therapy in the management of carpal tunnel syndrome: a pilot randomized controlled trial

Prediction study of prognostic nutrition index on the quality of life of patients with cervical cancer undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Objective To assess the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and quality of life (QOL) of patients with cervical cancer (CC) who underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy and to reveal the effect of PNI on QOL and its prognostic value. Methods A total of 138 CC patients who underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from January 2020 to October 2022 were selected as the study subjects via convenient sampling. According to the PNI cut-off value of 48.8, they were divided into a high-PNI group and a low-PNI group, and the quality of life of the two groups was compared. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw the survival curve, and the Log-Rank test was employed to compare the survival rates of the two groups. Results The scores of physical functioning and overall QOL in the high-PNI group were significantly higher than those in the low-PNI group (P < 0.05). The scores of fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain and diarrhea were higher than those in the low-PNI group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The objective response rates were 96.77% and 81.25% in the high-PNI group and the low-PNI group, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.045). The 1-year survival rates of patients with high PNI and low PNI were 92.55% and 72.56% in the high-PNI group and the low-PNI group, respectively; the difference in survival rates was statistically significant (P = 0.006). Conclusion The overall quality of life of CC patients with low PNI receiving radiotherapy and chemotherapy is lower than that of patients with high PNI. Low PNI reduces the tolerance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy and the objective response rate, which can be used as a prognostic indicator for cervical cancer patients.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Ying Chen
creator: Bifen Huang
creator: Jianqing Zheng
creator: Fangjie He
subject: Drugs and Devices
subject: Oncology
subject: Women’s Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15442
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Chen et al.
abstract: Objective To assess the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and quality of life (QOL) of patients with cervical cancer (CC) who underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy and to reveal the effect of PNI on QOL and its prognostic value. Methods A total of 138 CC patients who underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from January 2020 to October 2022 were selected as the study subjects via convenient sampling. According to the PNI cut-off value of 48.8, they were divided into a high-PNI group and a low-PNI group, and the quality of life of the two groups was compared. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw the survival curve, and the Log-Rank test was employed to compare the survival rates of the two groups. Results The scores of physical functioning and overall QOL in the high-PNI group were significantly higher than those in the low-PNI group (P < 0.05). The scores of fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain and diarrhea were higher than those in the low-PNI group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The objective response rates were 96.77% and 81.25% in the high-PNI group and the low-PNI group, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.045). The 1-year survival rates of patients with high PNI and low PNI were 92.55% and 72.56% in the high-PNI group and the low-PNI group, respectively; the difference in survival rates was statistically significant (P = 0.006). Conclusion The overall quality of life of CC patients with low PNI receiving radiotherapy and chemotherapy is lower than that of patients with high PNI. Low PNI reduces the tolerance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy and the objective response rate, which can be used as a prognostic indicator for cervical cancer patients.
bibliographic citation: Chen et al. (2023) Prediction study of prognostic nutrition index on the quality of life of patients with cervical cancer undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy. PeerJ 11:e15442 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15442
date submitted: 2023-02-24
date accepted: 2023-04-30
issued: 2023-05-19
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Ying
author list: Agent
  family name: Huang
  given name: Bifen
author list: Agent
  family name: Zheng
  given name: Jianqing
author list: Agent
  family name: He
  given name: Fangjie
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15442
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-05-19
copyright: © 2023 Chen et al.
attribution name: Chen et al.

Predictive value of immunoglobulin G, activated partial thromboplastin time, platelet, and indirect bilirubin for delayed viral clearance in patients infected with the Omicron variant
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Omicron is the recently emerged highly transmissible severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 variant that has caused a dramatic increase in coronavirus disease-2019 infection cases worldwide. This study was to investigate the association between demographic and laboratory findings, and the duration of Omicron viral clearance. Methods Approximately 278 Omicron cases at the Ruijin Hospital Luwan Branch, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine were retrospectively analyzed between August 11 and August 31, 2022. Demographic and laboratory data were also collected. The association between demographics, laboratory findings, and duration of Omicron viral clearance was analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis and univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results Univariate logistic regression analyses showed that a prolonged viral clearance time was significantly associated with older age and lower immunoglobulin (Ig) G and platelet (PLT) levels. Using multinomial logistic regression analyses, direct bilirubin, IgG, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and PLT were independent factors for longer viral shedding duration. The model combining direct bilirubin, IgG, APTT, and PLT identifies patients infected with Omicron whose viral clearance time was ≥7 days with 62.7% sensitivity and 83.4% specificity. Conclusion These findings suggest that direct bilirubin, IgG, PLT, and APTT are significant risk factors for a longer viral shedding duration in patients infected with Omicron. Measuring levels of direct bilirubin, IgG, PLT, and APTT is advantageous to identify patients infected with Omicron with longer viral shedding duration.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Lina Zhang
creator: Shucai Xie
creator: Feng Lyu
creator: Chun Liu
creator: Chunhui Li
creator: Wei Liu
creator: Xinhua Ma
creator: Jieyu Zhou
creator: Xinyu Qian
creator: Yong Lu
creator: Zhaoxin Qian
subject: Emergency and Critical Care
subject: Public Health
subject: COVID-19
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15443
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Zhang et al.
abstract: Background Omicron is the recently emerged highly transmissible severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 variant that has caused a dramatic increase in coronavirus disease-2019 infection cases worldwide. This study was to investigate the association between demographic and laboratory findings, and the duration of Omicron viral clearance. Methods Approximately 278 Omicron cases at the Ruijin Hospital Luwan Branch, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine were retrospectively analyzed between August 11 and August 31, 2022. Demographic and laboratory data were also collected. The association between demographics, laboratory findings, and duration of Omicron viral clearance was analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis and univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results Univariate logistic regression analyses showed that a prolonged viral clearance time was significantly associated with older age and lower immunoglobulin (Ig) G and platelet (PLT) levels. Using multinomial logistic regression analyses, direct bilirubin, IgG, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and PLT were independent factors for longer viral shedding duration. The model combining direct bilirubin, IgG, APTT, and PLT identifies patients infected with Omicron whose viral clearance time was ≥7 days with 62.7% sensitivity and 83.4% specificity. Conclusion These findings suggest that direct bilirubin, IgG, PLT, and APTT are significant risk factors for a longer viral shedding duration in patients infected with Omicron. Measuring levels of direct bilirubin, IgG, PLT, and APTT is advantageous to identify patients infected with Omicron with longer viral shedding duration.
bibliographic citation: Zhang et al. (2023) Predictive value of immunoglobulin G, activated partial thromboplastin time, platelet, and indirect bilirubin for delayed viral clearance in patients infected with the Omicron variant. PeerJ 11:e15443 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15443
date submitted: 2023-01-17
date accepted: 2023-05-01
issued: 2023-05-19
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Lina
author list: Agent
  family name: Xie
  given name: Shucai
author list: Agent
  family name: Lyu
  given name: Feng
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Chun
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Chunhui
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Wei
author list: Agent
  family name: Ma
  given name: Xinhua
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Jieyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Qian
  given name: Xinyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Lu
  given name: Yong
author list: Agent
  family name: Qian
  given name: Zhaoxin
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15443
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-05-19
copyright: © 2023 Zhang et al.
attribution name: Zhang et al.

Blood cells and hematological parameters of Chiala Mountain Salamander, Batrachuperus karlschmidti (Urodela, Hynobiidae)
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Hematological parameters are essential indices for assessing the function of blood and reflecting not only the health status of animal but also their physiological adaptation to the environment. Herein, the composition of blood cells and the hematological parameters of wild Batrachuperus karlschmidti were examined for the first time, and the effects of sex, body size, body mass, and age on the hematological parameters were explored. The morphology and morphometric data of the blood cells, as well as the hematological parameters, of B. karlschmidti were slightly differ from those of its congener. However, hematological differences between sexes were only found in erythrocyte and leukocyte count, and mean cell volume (MCV), which possibly reflecting the need for better oxygen distribution and stronger immune protection for reproduction. Hematocrit (Hct) and mean cell hemoglobin (MCH) were strongly dependent on body mass. These also might have been attributed to higher oxygen requirements with larger body masses. This is a pilot project exploring the hematology of this species that may help establish hematological parameters in future for supporting species protection and monitoring studies, as well as help understanding the physiological adaptation of this species.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Xiuying Liu
creator: Zhangqiang You
creator: Wei Luo
creator: Jianli Xiong
creator: Guangli Wang
subject: Aquaculture, Fisheries and Fish Science
subject: Ecology
subject: Zoology
subject: Freshwater Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15446
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Liu et al.
abstract: Hematological parameters are essential indices for assessing the function of blood and reflecting not only the health status of animal but also their physiological adaptation to the environment. Herein, the composition of blood cells and the hematological parameters of wild Batrachuperus karlschmidti were examined for the first time, and the effects of sex, body size, body mass, and age on the hematological parameters were explored. The morphology and morphometric data of the blood cells, as well as the hematological parameters, of B. karlschmidti were slightly differ from those of its congener. However, hematological differences between sexes were only found in erythrocyte and leukocyte count, and mean cell volume (MCV), which possibly reflecting the need for better oxygen distribution and stronger immune protection for reproduction. Hematocrit (Hct) and mean cell hemoglobin (MCH) were strongly dependent on body mass. These also might have been attributed to higher oxygen requirements with larger body masses. This is a pilot project exploring the hematology of this species that may help establish hematological parameters in future for supporting species protection and monitoring studies, as well as help understanding the physiological adaptation of this species.
bibliographic citation: Liu et al. (2023) Blood cells and hematological parameters of Chiala Mountain Salamander, Batrachuperus karlschmidti (Urodela, Hynobiidae). PeerJ 11:e15446 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15446
date submitted: 2022-12-21
date accepted: 2023-05-01
issued: 2023-05-19
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Xiuying
author list: Agent
  family name: You
  given name: Zhangqiang
author list: Agent
  family name: Luo
  given name: Wei
author list: Agent
  family name: Xiong
  given name: Jianli
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Guangli
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15446
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-05-19
copyright: © 2023 Liu et al.
attribution name: Liu et al.

Kukri snakes Oligodon Fitzinger, 1826 of the Western Palearctic with the resurrection of Contia transcaspica Nikolsky, 1902 (Reptilia, Squamata, Colubridae)
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The kukri snakes of the genus Oligodon Fitzinger, 1826 reach the westernmost limits of their distribution in Middle and Southwest Asia (Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkmenistan), and the Palearctic portions of Pakistan. In this article, we review the systematics and distribution of the two species native to this region, Oligodon arnensis (Shaw, 1802) and Oligodon taeniolatus (Jerdon, 1853) based on an integrative approach combining morphological, molecular, and species distribution modeling (SDM) data. Phylogenetic analyses recover O. taeniolatus populations from Iran and Turkmenistan in a clade with the O. arnensis species complex, rendering the former species paraphyletic relative to O. taeniolatus sensu stricto on the Indian subcontinent. To correct this, we resurrect the name Contia transcaspica Nikolsky, 1902 from the synonymy of O. taeniolatus and assign it to populations in Middle–Southwest Asia. So far, Oligodon transcaspicus comb. et stat. nov. is known only from the Köpet–Dag Mountain Range of northeast Iran and southern Turkmenistan, but SDM mapping suggests it may have a wider range. Genetic samples of O. “arnensis” from northern Pakistan are nested in a clade sister to the recently described Oligodon churahensis Mirza, Bhardwaj & Patel, 2021, and are phylogenetically separate from O. arnensis sensu stricto in south India and Sri Lanka. Based on morphological similarity, the Afghanistan and Pakistan populations are assigned to Oligodon russelius (Daudin, 1803) and we synonymize O. churahensis with this species. Our investigation leads us to remove O. taeniolatus from the snake fauna of Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkmenistan, with the consequence that only Oligodon transcaspicus comb. et stat. nov. and O. russelius are present in these countries. Additional studies are needed to resolve the taxonomy of the O. taeniolatus and O. arnensis species complexes on the Indian subcontinent, and an updated key for both groups is provided.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Justin L. Lee
creator: Platon V. Yushchenko
creator: Konstantin D. Milto
creator: Mahdi Rajabizadeh
creator: Eskandar Rastegar Pouyani
creator: Daniel Jablonski
creator: Rafaqat Masroor
creator: Suranjan Karunarathna
creator: Ashok Kumar Mallik
creator: Princia Dsouza
creator: Nikolai Orlov
creator: Roman Nazarov
creator: Nikolay A. Poyarkov
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Taxonomy
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15185
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Lee et al.
abstract: The kukri snakes of the genus Oligodon Fitzinger, 1826 reach the westernmost limits of their distribution in Middle and Southwest Asia (Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkmenistan), and the Palearctic portions of Pakistan. In this article, we review the systematics and distribution of the two species native to this region, Oligodon arnensis (Shaw, 1802) and Oligodon taeniolatus (Jerdon, 1853) based on an integrative approach combining morphological, molecular, and species distribution modeling (SDM) data. Phylogenetic analyses recover O. taeniolatus populations from Iran and Turkmenistan in a clade with the O. arnensis species complex, rendering the former species paraphyletic relative to O. taeniolatus sensu stricto on the Indian subcontinent. To correct this, we resurrect the name Contia transcaspica Nikolsky, 1902 from the synonymy of O. taeniolatus and assign it to populations in Middle–Southwest Asia. So far, Oligodon transcaspicus comb. et stat. nov. is known only from the Köpet–Dag Mountain Range of northeast Iran and southern Turkmenistan, but SDM mapping suggests it may have a wider range. Genetic samples of O. “arnensis” from northern Pakistan are nested in a clade sister to the recently described Oligodon churahensis Mirza, Bhardwaj & Patel, 2021, and are phylogenetically separate from O. arnensis sensu stricto in south India and Sri Lanka. Based on morphological similarity, the Afghanistan and Pakistan populations are assigned to Oligodon russelius (Daudin, 1803) and we synonymize O. churahensis with this species. Our investigation leads us to remove O. taeniolatus from the snake fauna of Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkmenistan, with the consequence that only Oligodon transcaspicus comb. et stat. nov. and O. russelius are present in these countries. Additional studies are needed to resolve the taxonomy of the O. taeniolatus and O. arnensis species complexes on the Indian subcontinent, and an updated key for both groups is provided.
bibliographic citation: Lee et al. (2023) Kukri snakes Oligodon Fitzinger, 1826 of the Western Palearctic with the resurrection of Contia transcaspica Nikolsky, 1902 (Reptilia, Squamata, Colubridae). PeerJ 11:e15185 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15185
date submitted: 2023-01-10
date accepted: 2023-03-15
issued: 2023-05-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Lee
  given name: Justin L.
author list: Agent
  family name: Yushchenko
  given name: Platon V.
author list: Agent
  family name: Milto
  given name: Konstantin D.
author list: Agent
  family name: Rajabizadeh
  given name: Mahdi
author list: Agent
  family name: Rastegar Pouyani
  given name: Eskandar
author list: Agent
  family name: Jablonski
  given name: Daniel
author list: Agent
  family name: Masroor
  given name: Rafaqat
author list: Agent
  family name: Karunarathna
  given name: Suranjan
author list: Agent
  family name: Mallik
  given name: Ashok Kumar
author list: Agent
  family name: Dsouza
  given name: Princia
author list: Agent
  family name: Orlov
  given name: Nikolai
author list: Agent
  family name: Nazarov
  given name: Roman
author list: Agent
  family name: Poyarkov
  given name: Nikolay A.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15185
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-05-18
copyright: © 2023 Lee et al.
attribution name: Lee et al.

Characterization of gut microbiota in adults with coronary atherosclerosis
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Cardiovascular disease, which is mainly caused by coronary atherosclerosis, is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Gut microbiota likely play an important role in coronary atherosclerosis. This study aims to investigate the microbiota profile of adults with coronary atherosclerosis to provide a theoretical basis for future research. Methods Fecal samples were collected from 35 adult patients diagnosed with coronary atherosclerosis and 32 healthy adults in Nanjing, China, and the V3-V4 region of 16S rDNA genes was sequenced using high-throughput sequencing. Differences in alpha diversity, beta diversity, and gut microbiota composition between the two groups were then compared. Results A beta diversity analysis revealed significant differences between adults with coronary atherosclerosis and controls, but there was no statistical difference in alpha diversity between the two groups. There were also differences in the composition of the gut microbiota between the two groups. The genera, Megamonas, Streptococcus, Veillonella, Ruminococcus_torques_group, Prevotella_2, Tyzzerella_4, were identified as potential biomarkers for coronary atherosclerosis. Conclusion There are some differences in the gut microbiota of adults with coronary atherosclerosis compared to healthy adults. The insights from this study could be used to explore microbiome-based mechanisms for coronary atherosclerosis.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Yu Dong
creator: Rui Xu
creator: Xiaowei Chen
creator: Chuanli Yang
creator: Fei Jiang
creator: Yan Shen
creator: Qiong Li
creator: Fujin Fang
creator: Yongjun Li
creator: Xiaobing Shen
subject: Genomics
subject: Cardiology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15245
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Dong et al.
abstract: Background Cardiovascular disease, which is mainly caused by coronary atherosclerosis, is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Gut microbiota likely play an important role in coronary atherosclerosis. This study aims to investigate the microbiota profile of adults with coronary atherosclerosis to provide a theoretical basis for future research. Methods Fecal samples were collected from 35 adult patients diagnosed with coronary atherosclerosis and 32 healthy adults in Nanjing, China, and the V3-V4 region of 16S rDNA genes was sequenced using high-throughput sequencing. Differences in alpha diversity, beta diversity, and gut microbiota composition between the two groups were then compared. Results A beta diversity analysis revealed significant differences between adults with coronary atherosclerosis and controls, but there was no statistical difference in alpha diversity between the two groups. There were also differences in the composition of the gut microbiota between the two groups. The genera, Megamonas, Streptococcus, Veillonella, Ruminococcus_torques_group, Prevotella_2, Tyzzerella_4, were identified as potential biomarkers for coronary atherosclerosis. Conclusion There are some differences in the gut microbiota of adults with coronary atherosclerosis compared to healthy adults. The insights from this study could be used to explore microbiome-based mechanisms for coronary atherosclerosis.
bibliographic citation: Dong et al. (2023) Characterization of gut microbiota in adults with coronary atherosclerosis. PeerJ 11:e15245 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15245
date submitted: 2022-09-26
date accepted: 2023-03-28
issued: 2023-05-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Dong
  given name: Yu
author list: Agent
  family name: Xu
  given name: Rui
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Xiaowei
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Chuanli
author list: Agent
  family name: Jiang
  given name: Fei
author list: Agent
  family name: Shen
  given name: Yan
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Qiong
author list: Agent
  family name: Fang
  given name: Fujin
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Yongjun
author list: Agent
  family name: Shen
  given name: Xiaobing
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15245
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-05-18
copyright: ©2023 Dong et al.
attribution name: Dong et al.

GC-MS-based untargeted metabolic profiling of malignant mesothelioma plasma
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a cancer caused mainly by asbestos exposure, and is aggressive and incurable. This study aimed to identify differential metabolites and metabolic pathways involved in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma. Methods By using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), this study examined the plasma metabolic profile of human malignant mesothelioma. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses and pathway analyses to identify differential metabolites, enriched metabolism pathways, and potential metabolic targets. The area under the receiver-operating curve (AUC) criterion was used to identify possible plasma biomarkers. Results Using samples from MM (n = 19) and healthy control (n = 22) participants, 20 metabolites were annotated. Seven metabolic pathways were disrupted, involving alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism; glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism; arginine and proline metabolism; butanoate and histidine metabolism; beta-alanine metabolism; and pentose phosphate metabolic pathway. The AUC was used to identify potential plasma biomarkers. Using a threshold of AUC = 0.9, five metabolites were identified, including xanthurenic acid, (s)-3,4-hydroxybutyric acid, D-arabinose, gluconic acid, and beta-d-glucopyranuronic acid. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a plasma metabolomics analysis using GC-MS analyses of Asian MM patients. Our identification of these metabolic abnormalities is critical for identifying plasma biomarkers in patients with MM. However, additional research using a larger population is needed to validate our findings.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Ding Wang
creator: Jing Zhu
creator: Na Li
creator: Hongyang Lu
creator: Yun Gao
creator: Lei Zhuang
creator: Zhongjian Chen
creator: Weimin Mao
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Global Health
subject: Oncology
subject: Metabolic Sciences
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15302
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Wang et al.
abstract: Background Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a cancer caused mainly by asbestos exposure, and is aggressive and incurable. This study aimed to identify differential metabolites and metabolic pathways involved in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma. Methods By using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), this study examined the plasma metabolic profile of human malignant mesothelioma. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses and pathway analyses to identify differential metabolites, enriched metabolism pathways, and potential metabolic targets. The area under the receiver-operating curve (AUC) criterion was used to identify possible plasma biomarkers. Results Using samples from MM (n = 19) and healthy control (n = 22) participants, 20 metabolites were annotated. Seven metabolic pathways were disrupted, involving alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism; glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism; arginine and proline metabolism; butanoate and histidine metabolism; beta-alanine metabolism; and pentose phosphate metabolic pathway. The AUC was used to identify potential plasma biomarkers. Using a threshold of AUC = 0.9, five metabolites were identified, including xanthurenic acid, (s)-3,4-hydroxybutyric acid, D-arabinose, gluconic acid, and beta-d-glucopyranuronic acid. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a plasma metabolomics analysis using GC-MS analyses of Asian MM patients. Our identification of these metabolic abnormalities is critical for identifying plasma biomarkers in patients with MM. However, additional research using a larger population is needed to validate our findings.
bibliographic citation: Wang et al. (2023) GC-MS-based untargeted metabolic profiling of malignant mesothelioma plasma. PeerJ 11:e15302 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15302
date submitted: 2022-04-28
date accepted: 2023-04-05
issued: 2023-05-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Ding
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhu
  given name: Jing
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Na
author list: Agent
  family name: Lu
  given name: Hongyang
author list: Agent
  family name: Gao
  given name: Yun
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhuang
  given name: Lei
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Zhongjian
author list: Agent
  family name: Mao
  given name: Weimin
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15302
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-05-18
copyright: © 2023 Wang et al.
attribution name: Wang et al.

Hyperoside alleviates doxorubicin-induced myocardial cells apoptosis by inhibiting the apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1/p38 pathway
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Cardiotoxicity is a side effect of the anthracycline broad-spectrum anti-tumor agent, doxorubicin (DOX). Hyperoside, a flavonoid glycoside extracted from many herbs, has anti-apoptotic and anticancer properties. However, its impact on the alleviation of DOX-induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes remains elusive. Methods The HL-1 cell line was treated with 100 µ M hyperoside for 1 h prior to treatment with 100 µ M hyperoside and 1 µ M DOX for 24 h. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect cell viability; DCFH-DA fluorescent probe was used to detect (reactive oxygen species) ROS; biochemical methods were used to detect the activity of glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA); the degree of apoptosis following DOX insult was assessed using immunofluorescence staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated deoxy uridine triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay; the change in protein expression of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), p38, and apoptosis markers was determined using western blot. Results Hyperoside ameliorated DOX-induced oxidative stress in HL-1 cells, up-regulated GSH, SOD and CAT activity, reduced ROS production and inhibited MDA overproduction. Moreover, in addition to promoting HL-1 cell apoptosis, DOX administration also increased B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2-associated X-protein and cleaved caspase-3 protein levels and decreased Bcl-2 protein level. Hyperoside therapy, however, significantly reversed the impact of DOX on the cardiomyocytes. Mechanically, DOX treatment increased the phosphorylation of the ASK1/p38 axis whereas hyperoside treatment attenuated those changes. In a further step, hyperoside synergizes with DOX to kill MDA-MB-231 cells. Conclusions Hyperoside protects HL-1 cells from DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting the ASK1/p38 signaling pathway. Meanwhile, hyperoside maintained the cytotoxicity of DOX in MDA-MB-231 cells.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Lingxia Chen
creator: Zhi Qin
creator: Zhong-bao Ruan
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Cardiology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15315
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Chen et al.
abstract: Background Cardiotoxicity is a side effect of the anthracycline broad-spectrum anti-tumor agent, doxorubicin (DOX). Hyperoside, a flavonoid glycoside extracted from many herbs, has anti-apoptotic and anticancer properties. However, its impact on the alleviation of DOX-induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes remains elusive. Methods The HL-1 cell line was treated with 100 µ M hyperoside for 1 h prior to treatment with 100 µ M hyperoside and 1 µ M DOX for 24 h. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect cell viability; DCFH-DA fluorescent probe was used to detect (reactive oxygen species) ROS; biochemical methods were used to detect the activity of glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA); the degree of apoptosis following DOX insult was assessed using immunofluorescence staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated deoxy uridine triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay; the change in protein expression of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), p38, and apoptosis markers was determined using western blot. Results Hyperoside ameliorated DOX-induced oxidative stress in HL-1 cells, up-regulated GSH, SOD and CAT activity, reduced ROS production and inhibited MDA overproduction. Moreover, in addition to promoting HL-1 cell apoptosis, DOX administration also increased B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2-associated X-protein and cleaved caspase-3 protein levels and decreased Bcl-2 protein level. Hyperoside therapy, however, significantly reversed the impact of DOX on the cardiomyocytes. Mechanically, DOX treatment increased the phosphorylation of the ASK1/p38 axis whereas hyperoside treatment attenuated those changes. In a further step, hyperoside synergizes with DOX to kill MDA-MB-231 cells. Conclusions Hyperoside protects HL-1 cells from DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting the ASK1/p38 signaling pathway. Meanwhile, hyperoside maintained the cytotoxicity of DOX in MDA-MB-231 cells.
bibliographic citation: Chen et al. (2023) Hyperoside alleviates doxorubicin-induced myocardial cells apoptosis by inhibiting the apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1/p38 pathway. PeerJ 11:e15315 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15315
date submitted: 2022-11-22
date accepted: 2023-04-06
issued: 2023-05-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Lingxia
author list: Agent
  family name: Qin
  given name: Zhi
author list: Agent
  family name: Ruan
  given name: Zhong-bao
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15315
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-05-18
copyright: ©2023 Chen et al.
attribution name: Chen et al.

The Zoige pioneer plant Leymus secalinus has different endophytic bacterial community structures to adapt to environmental conditions
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Leymus secalinus is a pioneer plant grown in the Zoige desertified alpine grassland and it is also one of the dominant plant species used for environmental remediation. L. secalinus plays a large role in vegetation reconstruction in sandy land, but the abundance and diversity of its endophytes have not yet been investigated. Objectives This study was performed to investigate the changes in the endophytic bacterial community structure of L. secalinus under different ecological environments and to analyze the effects of environmental changes and different plant tissues on the L. secalinus endophytic bacteria. Methods Leaf, stem, and root tissue samples of L. secalinus were collected from Zoige Glassland (Alpine sandy land) and an open field nursery (Control). DNA was extracted and the 16S ribosomal DNA was amplified. The sequence library was sequenced on an Illumina MiSeq platform and clustered by operational taxonomic units (OTUs). α-diversity and β-diversity analyses, species diversity analyses, functional prediction, and redundancy (RDA) analyses for the soil physicochemical properties were conducted. Results α-diversity and β-diversity analyses showed that the endophytic bacteria in L. secalinus varied in different areas and tissues. The abundance of Allorhizobium-Neorhizobium-Pararhizobium-Rhizobium, which is related to nitrogen fixation, increased significantly in the L. secalinus found in the Zoige Grassland. Moreover, the abundance of nutrition metabolism and anti-stress abilities increased in functional prediction in the desert samples. The soil physicochemical properties had an insignificant influence on bacterial diversity. Conclusion The changes in the endophytic bacterial community structure in L. secalinus were significant and were caused by environmental alterations and plant choice. The endophytic bacteria in L. secalinus grown in alpine sandy land may have greater anti-stress properties and the ability to fix nitrogen, which has potential v…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Yue Xia
creator: Ruipeng He
creator: Wanru Xu
creator: Jie Zhang
subject: Ecology
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Plant Science
subject: Soil Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15363
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Xia et al.
abstract: Background Leymus secalinus is a pioneer plant grown in the Zoige desertified alpine grassland and it is also one of the dominant plant species used for environmental remediation. L. secalinus plays a large role in vegetation reconstruction in sandy land, but the abundance and diversity of its endophytes have not yet been investigated. Objectives This study was performed to investigate the changes in the endophytic bacterial community structure of L. secalinus under different ecological environments and to analyze the effects of environmental changes and different plant tissues on the L. secalinus endophytic bacteria. Methods Leaf, stem, and root tissue samples of L. secalinus were collected from Zoige Glassland (Alpine sandy land) and an open field nursery (Control). DNA was extracted and the 16S ribosomal DNA was amplified. The sequence library was sequenced on an Illumina MiSeq platform and clustered by operational taxonomic units (OTUs). α-diversity and β-diversity analyses, species diversity analyses, functional prediction, and redundancy (RDA) analyses for the soil physicochemical properties were conducted. Results α-diversity and β-diversity analyses showed that the endophytic bacteria in L. secalinus varied in different areas and tissues. The abundance of Allorhizobium-Neorhizobium-Pararhizobium-Rhizobium, which is related to nitrogen fixation, increased significantly in the L. secalinus found in the Zoige Grassland. Moreover, the abundance of nutrition metabolism and anti-stress abilities increased in functional prediction in the desert samples. The soil physicochemical properties had an insignificant influence on bacterial diversity. Conclusion The changes in the endophytic bacterial community structure in L. secalinus were significant and were caused by environmental alterations and plant choice. The endophytic bacteria in L. secalinus grown in alpine sandy land may have greater anti-stress properties and the ability to fix nitrogen, which has potential v…
bibliographic citation: Xia et al. (2023) The Zoige pioneer plant Leymus secalinus has different endophytic bacterial community structures to adapt to environmental conditions. PeerJ 11:e15363 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15363
date submitted: 2022-11-18
date accepted: 2023-04-16
issued: 2023-05-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Xia
  given name: Yue
author list: Agent
  family name: He
  given name: Ruipeng
author list: Agent
  family name: Xu
  given name: Wanru
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Jie
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15363
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-05-18
copyright: ©2023 Xia et al.
attribution name: Xia et al.

Major ion compositions, sources and risk assessment of karst stream under the influence of anthropogenic activities, Guizhou Province, Southwest China
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: To explore the influence of different types of anthropogenic activity on the rivers, we investigate the major ion composition, sources and risk assessment of the karst stream (Youyu stream and Jinzhong stream), which are heavily influenced by mining activities and urban sewage, respectively. The chemical compositions of the Youyu stream water, which is heavily influenced by mining activities, are dominated by Ca2+ and SO42–. However, the chemical compositions of the Jinzhong stream water, which is heavily influenced by urban sewage, are dominated by Ca2+ and HCO3–. The Ca2+, Mg2+ and HCO3– in Jinzhong stream are mainly derived from rock weathering, while the Youyu stream is affected by acid mine drainage, and sulfuric acid is involved in the weathering process. Ion sources analysis indicates that the Na+, K+, NO3–, and Cl– in the Jinzhong stream mainly derive from urban sewage discharge; but NO3– and Cl– of the Youyu stream mainly derive from agricultural activities, and Na+, K+ are mainly from natural sources. The element ratios analysis indicates the ratio of SO42–/Mg2+ in Youyu stream (4.61) polluted by coal mine is much higher than that in Jinzhong stream (1.29), and the ratio of (Na++K++Cl–)/Mg2+ in Jinzhong stream (1.81) polluted by urban sewage is higher than Youyu stream (0.64). Moreover, the ratios of NO3−/Na+, NO3−/K+, and NO3−/Cl− in the agriculturally polluted Youyu stream were higher than those in the Jinzhong stream. We can identify the impact of human activities on streams by ion ratios (SO42–/Mg2+, (Na++K++Cl–)/Mg2+, NO3−/Na+, NO3−/K+, and NO3−/Cl−). The health risk assessment shows the HQT and HQN for children and adults are higher in Jinzhong stream than in Youyu stream and the total HQ value (HQT) of children was higher than one at J1 in the Jinzhong stream, which shows that children in Jinzhong stream basin are threatened by non-carcinogenic pollutants. Each HQ value of F− and NO3− for children was higher than 0.1 in the tributaries into Aha Lake…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Tianhao Yang
creator: Qixin Wu
creator: Yanling An
creator: Jiemei Lv
subject: Coupled Natural and Human Systems
subject: Aquatic and Marine Chemistry
subject: Environmental Impacts
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15368
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Yang et al.
abstract: To explore the influence of different types of anthropogenic activity on the rivers, we investigate the major ion composition, sources and risk assessment of the karst stream (Youyu stream and Jinzhong stream), which are heavily influenced by mining activities and urban sewage, respectively. The chemical compositions of the Youyu stream water, which is heavily influenced by mining activities, are dominated by Ca2+ and SO42–. However, the chemical compositions of the Jinzhong stream water, which is heavily influenced by urban sewage, are dominated by Ca2+ and HCO3–. The Ca2+, Mg2+ and HCO3– in Jinzhong stream are mainly derived from rock weathering, while the Youyu stream is affected by acid mine drainage, and sulfuric acid is involved in the weathering process. Ion sources analysis indicates that the Na+, K+, NO3–, and Cl– in the Jinzhong stream mainly derive from urban sewage discharge; but NO3– and Cl– of the Youyu stream mainly derive from agricultural activities, and Na+, K+ are mainly from natural sources. The element ratios analysis indicates the ratio of SO42–/Mg2+ in Youyu stream (4.61) polluted by coal mine is much higher than that in Jinzhong stream (1.29), and the ratio of (Na++K++Cl–)/Mg2+ in Jinzhong stream (1.81) polluted by urban sewage is higher than Youyu stream (0.64). Moreover, the ratios of NO3−/Na+, NO3−/K+, and NO3−/Cl− in the agriculturally polluted Youyu stream were higher than those in the Jinzhong stream. We can identify the impact of human activities on streams by ion ratios (SO42–/Mg2+, (Na++K++Cl–)/Mg2+, NO3−/Na+, NO3−/K+, and NO3−/Cl−). The health risk assessment shows the HQT and HQN for children and adults are higher in Jinzhong stream than in Youyu stream and the total HQ value (HQT) of children was higher than one at J1 in the Jinzhong stream, which shows that children in Jinzhong stream basin are threatened by non-carcinogenic pollutants. Each HQ value of F− and NO3− for children was higher than 0.1 in the tributaries into Aha Lake…
bibliographic citation: Yang et al. (2023) Major ion compositions, sources and risk assessment of karst stream under the influence of anthropogenic activities, Guizhou Province, Southwest China. PeerJ 11:e15368 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15368
date submitted: 2022-12-27
date accepted: 2023-04-17
issued: 2023-05-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Tianhao
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Qixin
author list: Agent
  family name: An
  given name: Yanling
author list: Agent
  family name: Lv
  given name: Jiemei
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15368
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-05-18
copyright: © 2023 Yang et al.
attribution name: Yang et al.

Effects of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation vs. conventional therapy in the management of carpal tunnel syndrome: a pilot randomized controlled trial
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a prevalent entrapment neuropathy resulting in hand pain, numbness and/or weakness, which significantly impairs hand function in daily activities. Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) is a potential therapeutic option for focal peripheral nerve disease and may be beneficial for CTS treatment. We aimed to compare the effects of rPMS and conventional therapy in the management of CTS. Methods A blinded assessor randomly assigned 24 participants with electrodiagnostically-confirmed mild or moderate CTS to either rPMS or conventional therapy. Both groups were briefed on disease progression and tendon-gliding exercises. In the intervention group, the rPMS protocol, five sessions of rPMS—with a frequency of 10 Hz, 10 pulses/train, and 100 trains/session—were performed over a period of 2 weeks, with three sessions in the first week and two sessions in the second week. At baseline and the end of the second week, the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, pinch strength, and electrodiagnostic results were evaluated. Results The rPMS group demonstrated significantly greater within-group improvement in symptom severity scores (2.3 vs. 1.6, p = 0.009) and pinch strength (10.6 lbs vs. 13.8 lbs, p < 0.001). Regarding electrodiagnostic parameters, sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude was significantly increased (8.7 µV vs. 14.3 µV, p = 0.002) within the group treated with rPMS. With conventional therapy, there were no statistically significant within-group differences. Multiple linear regression models showed that there were no significant differences in other outcomes in between-group comparisons. Conclusions Five sessions of rPMS resulted in significant reduction in symptom severity, improvement in pinch strength and increase in SNAP amplitude. Future research should investigate the clinical utility of rPMS using a larger sample and longer treatment and follow-up durations.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Arachaphon Panathoop
creator: Jittima Saengsuwan
creator: Ratana Vichiansiri
subject: Anesthesiology and Pain Management
subject: Clinical Trials
subject: Drugs and Devices
subject: Neurology
subject: Rehabilitation
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15398
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Panathoop et al.
abstract: Background Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a prevalent entrapment neuropathy resulting in hand pain, numbness and/or weakness, which significantly impairs hand function in daily activities. Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) is a potential therapeutic option for focal peripheral nerve disease and may be beneficial for CTS treatment. We aimed to compare the effects of rPMS and conventional therapy in the management of CTS. Methods A blinded assessor randomly assigned 24 participants with electrodiagnostically-confirmed mild or moderate CTS to either rPMS or conventional therapy. Both groups were briefed on disease progression and tendon-gliding exercises. In the intervention group, the rPMS protocol, five sessions of rPMS—with a frequency of 10 Hz, 10 pulses/train, and 100 trains/session—were performed over a period of 2 weeks, with three sessions in the first week and two sessions in the second week. At baseline and the end of the second week, the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, pinch strength, and electrodiagnostic results were evaluated. Results The rPMS group demonstrated significantly greater within-group improvement in symptom severity scores (2.3 vs. 1.6, p = 0.009) and pinch strength (10.6 lbs vs. 13.8 lbs, p < 0.001). Regarding electrodiagnostic parameters, sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude was significantly increased (8.7 µV vs. 14.3 µV, p = 0.002) within the group treated with rPMS. With conventional therapy, there were no statistically significant within-group differences. Multiple linear regression models showed that there were no significant differences in other outcomes in between-group comparisons. Conclusions Five sessions of rPMS resulted in significant reduction in symptom severity, improvement in pinch strength and increase in SNAP amplitude. Future research should investigate the clinical utility of rPMS using a larger sample and longer treatment and follow-up durations.
bibliographic citation: Panathoop et al. (2023) Effects of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation vs. conventional therapy in the management of carpal tunnel syndrome: a pilot randomized controlled trial. PeerJ 11:e15398 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15398
date submitted: 2022-11-16
date accepted: 2023-04-20
issued: 2023-05-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Panathoop
  given name: Arachaphon
author list: Agent
  family name: Saengsuwan
  given name: Jittima
author list: Agent
  family name: Vichiansiri
  given name: Ratana
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15398
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-05-18
copyright: © 2023 Panathoop et al.
attribution name: Panathoop et al.

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