Determining the capacity for effort and recovery of the elite soccer players specialized in different playing positions
Background The capacity for effort and recovery in performance sports can be increased by means of modern methodological strategies. This capacity to recover after intense matches and training helps to determine the performance in soccer. Using the Yumeiho technique will accelerate the exercise capacity recovery of the soccer players specialized in central zone positions. Methods The research was conducted with the C.S. Internațional Bălești team, formed of 16 players, aged 19–37 years, divided into two groups: experimental group A, n = 8 with central area players and control group B, n = 8 with players from side zones. Measurement and assessment tests: determining lactic acid level (LAC) in blood; 60 m sprinting speed motor test (ST); anaerobic lactic exercise; Gacon Test for evaluating the aerobic power; VO2max test; Dorgo Test for determining the individual recovery capacity; Sleep Quality and Efficiency Index (PSQI) and sleep duration. Means used in the recovery strategy: easy running, static stretching, cryotherapy; Yumeiho therapy was applied only to group A to accelerate the recovery. Results The anaerobic lactic capacity was evaluated by 60 m sprint test at the beginning and the end of the research. The results highlight the increase of the sprinting speed by 0.08 s in group A (p < 0.001). The aerobic capacity evaluated by means of Gacon Test in both groups shows the value 23.7%, namely a well-prepared level (p < 0.001). VO2max value in the soccer players of group A shows 87.5% good aerobic power, while the players of group B have 50% good aerobic power (p < 0.001). The concentration of LAC after exercise has a higher value in group A (p > 0.05). The level of recovery after exercise is improved in both groups, with larger differences in group A (very good level, p < 0.001). The PSQI grew by 20.37% in group A and by 11% in group B. The sleep duration increased in both groups (p < 0.001). The results of the correlation analysis in the soccer players of group A highlight strong connections of 14.8% while in group B the value is 12.5%. Conclusion The assessment of effort capacity in soccer players specialized in different playing positions at the beginning and the end of the research highlights the increase of the anaerobic lactic effort and aerobic effort. This assessment also shows the improvement of the individual recovery capacity. A higher PSQI and the increase of sleep duration in both groups, with greater differences of group A were found, which determined their level of capacity for effort and recovery. The use of the Yumeiho technique in the program of post-exercise recovery accelerates the aerobic and anaerobic lactic effort capacity of the soccer players specialized in the central zone positions. It positively influences exercise capacity recovery in general.
Mihailescu et al. (2023) Determining the capacity for effort and recovery of the elite soccer players specialized in different playing positions. PeerJ 11:e15477 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15477
Cytogenetic screening of chromosomal abnormalities and genetic analysis of FSH receptor Ala307Thr and Ser680Asn genes in amenorrheic patients
Objective Amenorrhea is a rare reproductive medical condition defined by the absence of menstruation during puberty or later life. This study aims to establish the frequency and pattern of chromosomal abnormalities (CA) in both primary amenorrhea (PA) and secondary amenorrhea (SA), and further to detect the genetic changes in exon 10 at nucleotide positions 919 and 2039 of the genotypes Thr307Ala, and Asn680Ser, respectively. Design, settings and patients This cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of seventy amenorrhoeic women according to the Helsinki declaration rules of medical ethics, as divided into 40 (57.14%) with PA and 30 (42.86%) with SA, and 30 healthy women with normal menstruation as the control. The chromosomal karyotyping was performed according to the ISCN, 2020. PCR products were submitted to RFLP and Sanger sequencing for women with normal karyotype and high FSH serum levels. Results The classical Turner Syndrome was the most common CA in PA, followed by isochromosome X [46, Xi(X)(q10)], mosaicism of Turner and isochromosome X [45, X /46, Xi(X)(q10)], sex reversal (46, XY) and (46, XX,-3,+der3,-19,del 19 p). Abnormal SA cases were characterized by mosaicism Turner syndrome (45,X/46,XX) and (46,XX,-3,+der3,X,+derX). The homozygous genotypes AA and GG of Ala307Thr (rs6165) in the FSHR gene are most common in PA, while the homozygous genotype AA is more common in SA. GG and AG genotypes of Ser680Asn (rs6166) are more frequent in Iraqi patients with PA and SA compared to the healthy control women. Both PCR-RFLP and Sanger sequencing indicated a marked matching between genotypes. Conclusions The study emphasizes the need for cytogenetic analysis to determine the genetic basis of PA and SA. Further, genotyping for women with normal karyotype and high FSH serum concentrations via PCR-RFLP should be considered for the precise diagnosis and development of appropriate management of and counselling for these patients.
Kanaan et al. (2023) Cytogenetic screening of chromosomal abnormalities and genetic analysis of FSH receptor Ala307Thr and Ser680Asn genes in amenorrheic patients. PeerJ 11:e15267 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15267
Liver proteomic analysis reveals the key proteins involved in host immune response to sepsis
Background Sepsis is a serious infection-induced response in the host, which can result in life-threatening organ dysfunction. It is of great importance to unravel the relationship between sepsis and host immune response and its mechanisms of action. Liver is one of the most vulnerable organs in sepsis, however, the specific pathogenesis of septic liver injury has not been well understood at the protein level. Methods A total of 12 healthy Sprague–Dawley (SD) male rats aged from 6 to 8 weeks were adaptively housed in individual cages in the specific pathogen free animal room. These lab rats were grouped into two groups: treatment (N = 9) and control (N = 3) groups; only three mice from the treatment group survived and were used for subsequent experiments. A TMT-based proteomic analysis for liver tissue was performed in the septic rat model. Results A total of 37,012 unique peptides were identified, and then 6,166 proteins were determined, among which 5,701 were quantifiable. Compared to the healthy control group, the septic rat group exhibited 162 upregulated and 103 downregulated differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). The upregulated and downregulated DEPs were the most significantly enriched into the complement and coagulation cascades and metabolic pathways. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis further revealed that the upregulated and downregulated DEPs each clustered in a PPI network. Several highly connected upregulated and downregulated DEPs were also enriched into the complement and coagulation cascades pathways and metabolic pathways, respectively. The parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) results of the selected DEPs were consistent with the results of the TMT analysis, supporting the proteomic data. Conclusion Our findings highlight the roles of complement and coagulation cascades and metabolic pathways that may play vital roles in the host immune response. The DEPs may serve as clinically potential treatment targets for septic liver injury.
Chen et al. (2023) Liver proteomic analysis reveals the key proteins involved in host immune response to sepsis. PeerJ 11:e15294 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15294
The relationship between ethylene-induced autophagy and reactive oxygen species in Arabidopsis root cells during the early stages of waterlogging stress
The response of plants to waterlogging stress is a complex process, with ethylene playing a crucial role as a signaling molecule. However, it remains unclear how ethylene is initially triggered in response to waterlogging stress when plants are continuously waterlogged for less than 12 hours. Here, we have shown that ethylene-induced autophagy leads to the degradation of damaged mitochondria (the main organelles producing reactive oxygen species (ROS)) to reduce ROS production during oxidative stress in Arabidopsis thaliana, which improves the survival rate of root cells in the early stages of waterlogging stress. Waterlogging stress activated ethylene-related genes, including ACO2, ACS2, ERF72, ERF73, and EIN3, and ethylene content of plants increased significantly within 24 h of continuous waterlogging. As stress duration increased, increased amounts of ROS accumulated in Arabidopsis thaliana roots, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes initially increased and then decreased. Concurrently, the level of ethylene-induced autophagy, which participates in antioxidant defense, is higher in wild-type plants than in the octuple acs mutant cs16651 (acs2-1/acs4-1/acs5-2/acs6-1/acs7-1/acs9-1/amiRacs8acs11). Exogenous application of 1-aminocyclopropanecarboxylic acid (ACC), resulted in a more pronounced manifestation of autophagy in the stele of Arabidopsis roots. Compared with the waterlogging treatment group or the ACC treatment group, the waterlogging + ACC treatment can induce autophagy to occur earlier and expand the autophagic range to the epidermis of Arabidopsis thaliana roots. Overall, our results provide insight into the important role of ethylene-induced autophagy in enhancing the antioxidative capacity of Arabidopsis thaliana during the early stages of waterlogging stress. Furthermore, we suggest ethylene as a potential candidate for mitigating the deleterious effects caused by waterlogging in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Zheng et al. (2023) The relationship between ethylene-induced autophagy and reactive oxygen species in Arabidopsis root cells during the early stages of waterlogging stress. PeerJ 11:e15404 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15404
Salinity and pH effects on survival, growth, and reproduction of quagga mussels
Background In recent decades, invasive quagga mussels have expanded to the Western United States from the Great Lakes region of North America. Most studies that evaluate the invasion potential of quagga mussels in western water bodies have utilized physiological and life history information from zebra mussels, a related taxon. Few studies have assessed the potential for invasion using specific information from quagga mussel life history or experiments that test for their survival in the fresh and saline waters of the western United States. Methods We investigated quagga mussel survival, growth, and reproduction using semi-natural experiments under temperature and light controlled conditions across a gradient of water salinity (fresh to brackish) and pH (8.4–11). Water from Lake Mead was used as a positive control in our experiment, and water from Pyramid Lake and the Truckee River was used as brackish and freshwater treatments, respectively. The mussels used in the experiments were collected from Lake Mead. Results After 12 h in brackish water (4 ppt, pH 9.3), we observed 100% mortality of adult mussels. The swelling and disintegration of body tissues and high mortality rates indicated that high potassium, sodium, and chloride concentrations were the likely causes of death in brackish water treatments. In contrast, mussels were able to survive, grow, and reach sexual maturity in freshwater (0.1 ppt) with a low calcium concentration (17 mg L−1) after 57 days. Mussels died after 2 days at pH 11 and after 12 days at pH 10; during the 14-day monitoring period, no mortality was detected at pH 9.0, 9.3, or 9.5 and mussels did not exhibit any visual indications of stress. Understanding quagga mussel physiological and environmental tolerances appears to be essential for assessing their invasion potential in aquatic habitats.
Seitz et al. (2023) Salinity and pH effects on survival, growth, and reproduction of quagga mussels. PeerJ 11:e15450 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15450
The DNA barcode reveals cryptic diversity and a new record for the genus Leporinus (Characiformes, Anostomidae) in the hydrographic basins of central northern Brazil
Leporinus is one of the most speciose genera of the order Characiformes, with 81 valid species distributed throughout much of Central and South America. The considerable diversity of this genus has generated extensive debate on its classification and internal arrangement. In the present study, we investigated the species diversity of the genus Leporinus in central northern Brazil, and conclude that six valid species—Leporinus maculatus, Leporinus unitaeniatus, Leporinus affinis, Leporinus venerei, Leporinus cf. friderici, and Leporinus piau—are found in the hydrographic basins of the Brazilian states of Maranhão, Piauí, and Tocantins. We analyzed 182 sequences of the Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I gene, of which, 157 were obtained from Leporinus specimens collected from the basins of the Itapecuru, Mearim, Turiaçu, Pericumã, Periá, Preguiças, Parnaíba, and Tocantins rivers. The species delimitation analyses, based on the ABGD, ASAP, mPTP, bPTP, and GMYC methods, revealed the presence of four distinct molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs), identified as L. maculatus, L. unitaeniatus, L. affinis, and L. piau (from the Parnaíba River). The bPTP method restricted L. venerei to a single MOTU, and confirmed the occurrence of this species in the rivers of Maranhão for the first time. The separation of L. cf. friderici into two clades and the subsequent formation of different operational taxonomic units was consistent with polyphyly in this species, which indicates the existence of cryptic diversity. The arrangement of L. cf. friderici and L. piau in two different clades supports the conclusion that the L. piau specimens from Maranhão were misidentified, based on their morphological traits, reflecting the taxonomic inconsistencies that exist among morphologically similar species. Overall, then, the species delimitation methods employed in the present study indicated the presence of six MOTUs—L. maculatus, L. unitaenitus, L. affinis, L. cf. friderici, L. venerei, and L. piau. In the case of two other MOTUs identified in the present study, one (L. venerei) is a new record for the state of Maranhão, and we believe that the other represents a population of L. piau from the basin of the Parnaíba River.
Nascimento et al. (2023) The DNA barcode reveals cryptic diversity and a new record for the genus Leporinus (Characiformes, Anostomidae) in the hydrographic basins of central northern Brazil. PeerJ 11:e15184 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15184
Integrative species delimitation helps to find the hidden diversity of the leaf-litter frog Ischnocnema manezinho (Garcia, 1996) (Anura, Brachycephalidae), endemic to the southern Atlantic Forest
Background The delimitation of cryptic species is a challenge for biodiversity conservation. Anurans show high cryptic diversity levels, and molecular species delimitation methods could help identify putative new species. Additionally, species delimitation approaches can provide important results for cryptic species conservation, with integrative methods adding robustness to results. Ischnocnema manezinho was described from Santa Catarina Island (SCI), southern Brazil. More recently, some inventories indicated continental populations supposedly similar in morphology to it. If these records are confirmed as I. manezinho, it would likely change its endangered status on National Red List, removing the species from conservation agendas. We investigated the threatened frog Ischnocnema manezinho, to evaluate if the continental populations belong to this species or if they form an undescribed species complex. Methods We used coalescent, distance, and allele-sharing-based species delimitation methods and integrative analyses of morphometric and bioacoustics traits to test evolutionary independence between I. manezinho from SCI, Arvoredo Island, and continental populations. Results Ischnocnema manezinho is restricted to Santa Catarina Island, while the five remaining lineages should be further investigated through a taxonomic review. Our results point to a small geographic range of Ischnocnema manezinho. Additionally, the species occurs in isolated fragments of forest in SCI surrounded by expanding urban areas, confirming its status as Endangered. Thus, the protection and monitoring of I. manezinho and the taxonomic description of the continental and Arvoredo Island candidate species should be priorities.
Oswald et al. (2023) Integrative species delimitation helps to find the hidden diversity of the leaf-litter frog Ischnocnema manezinho (Garcia, 1996) (Anura, Brachycephalidae), endemic to the southern Atlantic Forest. PeerJ 11:e15393 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15393
PFI-3 induces vasorelaxation with potency to reduce extracellular calcium influx in rat mesenteric artery
Background PFI-3 is a small-molecule inhibitor that targets the bromodomains (BRDs) of Brahma-related gene 1 (BRG1). This monomeric compound, which has high selectivity and potent cellular effects, has recently been developed. Although PFI-3 has been reported as a potential therapeutic agent targeting thrombomodulin, its role in the regulation of vascular function remains unknown. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of PFI-3 on arterial vessel tone. Methods A microvascular tension measurement device (DMT) was utilized to identify alterations in vascular tension within the mesenteric artery. To detect variations in cytosolic [Ca2+]i, a Fluo-3/AM fluorescent probe and fluorescence microscope were employed. Additionally, whole-cell patch clamp techniques were utilized to evaluate the activity of L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCCs) in cultured arterial smooth muscle cells (A10 cells). Results PFI-3 exerted a dose-dependent relaxation effect on rat mesenteric arteries with both intact and denuded endothelium after phenylephrine (PE)- and high-K+-induced constriction. PFI-3-induced vasorelaxation was not affected by the presence of L-NAME/ODQ or K+ channel blockers (Gli/TEA). PFI-3 abolished Ca2+-induced contraction on endothelium-denuded mesenteric arteries preincubated by PE in Ca2+-free solution. Incubation with TG had no impact on PFI-3-induced vasorelaxation pre-contracted by PE. PFI-3 reduced Ca2+-induced contraction on endothelium-denuded mesenteric arteries pre-incubated by KCl (60 mM) in Ca2+-free solution. PFI-3 declined extracellular calcium influx in A10 cells detected by Fluo-3/AM fluorescent probe and fluorescence microscope. Furthermore, we observed that PFI-3 decreased the current densities of L-type VDCC by whole-cell patch clamp techniques. Conclusions PFI-3 blunted PE and high K+-induced vasoconstriction independent of endothelium on rat mesenteric artery. The vasodilatory effect of PFI-3 may be attributed to its inhibition of VDCCs and receptor-operated calcium channels (ROCCs) on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).
Li et al. (2023) PFI-3 induces vasorelaxation with potency to reduce extracellular calcium influx in rat mesenteric artery. PeerJ 11:e15407 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15407
Identifying C1QB, ITGAM, and ITGB2 as potential diagnostic candidate genes for diabetic nephropathy using bioinformatics analysis
Background Diabetic nephropathy (DN), the most intractable complication in diabetes patients, can lead to proteinuria and progressive reduction of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which seriously affects the quality of life of patients and is associated with high mortality. However, the lack of accurate key candidate genes makes diagnosis of DN very difficult. This study aimed to identify new potential candidate genes for DN using bioinformatics, and elucidated the mechanism of DN at the cellular transcriptional level. Methods The microarray dataset GSE30529 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus Database (GEO), and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened by R software. We used Gene Ontology (GO), gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis to identify the signal pathways and genes. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed using the STRING database. The GSE30122 dataset was selected as the validation set. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were applied to evaluate the predictive value of genes. An area under curve (AUC) greater than 0.85 was considered to be of high diagnostic value. Several online databases were used to predict miRNAs and transcription factors (TFs) capable of binding hub genes. Cytoscape was used for constructing a miRNA-mRNA-TF network. The online database ‘nephroseq’ predicted the correlation between genes and kidney function. The serum level of creatinine, BUN, and albumin, and the urinary protein/creatinine ratio of the DN rat model were detected. The expression of hub genes was further verified through qPCR. Data were analyzed statistically using Student’s t-test by the ‘ggpubr’ package. Results A total of 463 DEGs were identified from GSE30529. According to enrichment analysis, DEGs were mainly enriched in the immune response, coagulation cascades, and cytokine signaling pathways. Twenty hub genes with the highest connectivity and several gene cluster modules were ensured using Cytoscape. Five high diagnostic hub genes were selected and verified by GSE30122. The MiRNA-mRNA-TF network suggested a potential RNA regulatory relationship. Hub gene expression was positively correlated with kidney injury. The level of serum creatinine and BUN in the DN group was higher than in the control group (unpaired t test, t = 3.391, df = 4, p = 0.0275, r = 0.861). Meanwhile, the DN group had a higher urinary protein/creatinine ratio (unpaired t test, t = 17.23, df = 16, p < 0.001, r = 0.974). QPCR results showed that the potential candidate genes for DN diagnosis included C1QB, ITGAM, and ITGB2. Conclusions We identified C1QB, ITGAM and ITGB2 as potential candidate genes for DN diagnosis and therapy and provided insight into the mechanisms of DN development at transcriptome level. We further completed the construction of miRNA-mRNA-TF network to propose potential RNA regulatory pathways adjusting disease progression in DN.
Hu et al. (2023) Identifying C1QB, ITGAM, and ITGB2 as potential diagnostic candidate genes for diabetic nephropathy using bioinformatics analysis. PeerJ 11:e15437 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15437
A low-tech method for monitoring survival and growth of coral transplants at a boutique restoration site
Background Coral reef restoration projects are becoming a popular corporate environmental responsibility activity at hotel resorts. Such involvement of private businesses offers the potential to expand restoration into a new socioeconomic sector. However, the scarcity of user-friendly monitoring methods for hotel staff, but robust enough to detect changes over time, hinders the ability to quantify the success or failure of the restoration activity. Here, we present a monitoring method of easy application by hotel staff, without scientific training, using the standard resources available at a hotel resort. Methods Survival and growth of coral transplants were evaluated over 1 year at a boutique coral reef restoration site. The restoration was tailored to the needs of a hotel resort in Seychelles, Indian Ocean. A total of 2,015 nursery-grown corals of branching (four genera, 15 species), massive (16 genera, 23 species), and encrusting (seven genera, seven species) growth types were transplanted to a 1–3 m deep degraded patch reef. A unique cement mix was used to transplant corals onto the hard substrate. On the north side of each coral selected for monitoring, we attached an 8.2 cm × 8.2 cm reflective tile. We used reflective tiles instead of numbered tags due to the expected amount of biofouling growing on the tag surface. Every coral was recorded with top view photography (perpendicular to the plane of coral attachment), with the reflective square in the field of view. We drafted a map of the site to facilitate navigation and re-sighting of the monitored colonies. Then, we developed a simple monitoring protocol for hotel staff. Using the map, and the reflective tiles, the divers located the coral colonies, recorded status (alive, dead, bleaching), and took a photograph. We measured the two-dimensional coral planar area and the change in colony size over time using contour tissue measurements of photographs. Results The monitoring method was robust enough to detect the expected survival of coral transplants, with encrusting and massive corals outperforming branching corals. Survival of encrusting and massive corals was higher (50%–100%) than branching corals (16.6%–83.3%). The change in colony size was 10.1 cm2 ± 8.8 (SE). Branching coral survivors grew faster than massive/encrusting corals. A comprehensive approach to the boutique restoration monitoring experiment would have included comparisons with a control patch reef with a similar species composition to the coral transplants. However, the ability to monitor such a control site, in addition to the restoration site, was beyond the logistic capabilities of the hotel staff, and we were limited to monitoring survival and growth within the restoration site. We conclude that science-based boutique coral reef restoration, tailored to the needs of a hotel resort, combined with a simple monitoring method, can provide a framework for involving hotels as partners in coral reef restoration worldwide.
Frias-Torres et al. (2023) A low-tech method for monitoring survival and growth of coral transplants at a boutique restoration site. PeerJ 11:e15062 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15062