PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Clinical characteristics and prognostic nomogram analysis of patients with dual primary cancers with first gastric cancer: a retrospective study in China
items: Loot box consumption by adolescents pre- and post- pandemic lockdown
items: Indoor air quality in a training centre used for sports practice
items: Identification and analysis of differentially expressed trihelix genes in maize (Zea mays) under abiotic stresses
items: Novel immune cell infiltration-related biomarkers in atherosclerosis diagnosis
items: Validation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-15 (MSISQ-15) into Spanish
items: Non-deep physiological dormancy and germination characteristics of Primula florindae (Primulaceae), a rare alpine plant in the Hengduan Mountains of southwest China
items: Nutritional status and its associated factors among commercial female sex workers in Hawassa city, south Ethiopia
items: An improved method for preparing stained ground teeth sections
items: Value of preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT and HRCT in predicting the differentiation degree of lung adenocarcinoma dominated by solid density

Clinical characteristics and prognostic nomogram analysis of patients with dual primary cancers with first gastric cancer: a retrospective study in China
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background With the improvement in diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer (GC), the survival time of patients has been gradually prolonged. However, these survivors are at increased risk for other diseases, including second primary cancers (SPCs). Currently, there remain few central studies concerning double primary cancers with first gastric cancer (DPCFGC). Thus, this study aimed to investigate these patients’ clinical characteristics and perform prognostic nomogram analysis. Methods The clinical data of 78 DPCFGC patients were retrospectively collected and analyzed through the hospital electronic medical record system. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to screen independent risk factors, based on which the prognostic nomogram was further constructed and validated using the R software package. Finally, Kaplan–Meier curves were plotted to explore the association of overall survival (OS) with prognostic factors and the model. Results The prevalence of DPCFGC was 0.86%, of which the proportions of synchronous and metachronous patients were 47.44% and 52.56% , respectively; 65.38% (51/78) and 34.62% (27/78) of patients were male and female, respectively. The median age at GC and SPC diagnosis was 63 and 65 years, respectively, and 52.57% of GC patients developed SPCs within 1 year. The top three SPCs were in the esophagus (19.24%), colon (16.67%), and rectum (15.39%). The most common features of GC and SPCs were adenocarcinoma, poorly and moderately differentiated histology, and pathological stages I and II. The radical resection rate of GC was significantly lower in synchronous patients than in metachronous patients (45.94% vs. 100.00%, P < 0.001), but no significant difference was noted in the radical resection rate of SPCs (35.13% vs. 46.34%, P = 0.315). The OS of DPCFGC patients was 31.03 ± 4.14 months. The pathological stage of GC and SPCs, whether to operate for GC, and diagnostic interval were independent risk factors. The pr…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Bing Wang
creator: Lu Liu
subject: Epidemiology
subject: Gastroenterology and Hepatology
subject: Oncology
subject: Public Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15278
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Wang and Liu
abstract: Background With the improvement in diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer (GC), the survival time of patients has been gradually prolonged. However, these survivors are at increased risk for other diseases, including second primary cancers (SPCs). Currently, there remain few central studies concerning double primary cancers with first gastric cancer (DPCFGC). Thus, this study aimed to investigate these patients’ clinical characteristics and perform prognostic nomogram analysis. Methods The clinical data of 78 DPCFGC patients were retrospectively collected and analyzed through the hospital electronic medical record system. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to screen independent risk factors, based on which the prognostic nomogram was further constructed and validated using the R software package. Finally, Kaplan–Meier curves were plotted to explore the association of overall survival (OS) with prognostic factors and the model. Results The prevalence of DPCFGC was 0.86%, of which the proportions of synchronous and metachronous patients were 47.44% and 52.56% , respectively; 65.38% (51/78) and 34.62% (27/78) of patients were male and female, respectively. The median age at GC and SPC diagnosis was 63 and 65 years, respectively, and 52.57% of GC patients developed SPCs within 1 year. The top three SPCs were in the esophagus (19.24%), colon (16.67%), and rectum (15.39%). The most common features of GC and SPCs were adenocarcinoma, poorly and moderately differentiated histology, and pathological stages I and II. The radical resection rate of GC was significantly lower in synchronous patients than in metachronous patients (45.94% vs. 100.00%, P < 0.001), but no significant difference was noted in the radical resection rate of SPCs (35.13% vs. 46.34%, P = 0.315). The OS of DPCFGC patients was 31.03 ± 4.14 months. The pathological stage of GC and SPCs, whether to operate for GC, and diagnostic interval were independent risk factors. The pr…
bibliographic citation: Wang et al. (2023) Clinical characteristics and prognostic nomogram analysis of patients with dual primary cancers with first gastric cancer: a retrospective study in China. PeerJ 11:e15278 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15278
date submitted: 2022-11-22
date accepted: 2023-04-01
issued: 2023-05-01
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Bing
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Lu
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15278
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-05-01
copyright: ©2023 Wang and Liu
attribution name: Wang and Liu

Loot box consumption by adolescents pre- and post- pandemic lockdown
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Loot boxes are virtual items that can be redeemed to receive randomly selected other virtual items, and have been criticized for being similar to gambling. The presence of loot boxes in video games has dramatically increased since 2010, with little evidence available for the current prevalence rate of loot box purchasing in the general population, particularly during and following the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. This study uses data from representative samples of American youth to estimate prevalence rates for video game play and loot box consumption before the pandemic (2019) and after the pandemic lockdowns (2022) to examine whether the pandemic has affected loot box usage in the general population and among gamers. The results suggest that youth loot box consumption has increased, rising from 24.9% in 2019 to 31.6% in 2022 among 8th grade (age 13–14) youth. The increase over this time period was larger for girls, though boys are still more likely to purchase loot boxes overall.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Whitney DeCamp
creator: Kevin Daly
subject: Pediatrics
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
subject: Human-Computer Interaction
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15287
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 DeCamp and Daly
abstract: Loot boxes are virtual items that can be redeemed to receive randomly selected other virtual items, and have been criticized for being similar to gambling. The presence of loot boxes in video games has dramatically increased since 2010, with little evidence available for the current prevalence rate of loot box purchasing in the general population, particularly during and following the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. This study uses data from representative samples of American youth to estimate prevalence rates for video game play and loot box consumption before the pandemic (2019) and after the pandemic lockdowns (2022) to examine whether the pandemic has affected loot box usage in the general population and among gamers. The results suggest that youth loot box consumption has increased, rising from 24.9% in 2019 to 31.6% in 2022 among 8th grade (age 13–14) youth. The increase over this time period was larger for girls, though boys are still more likely to purchase loot boxes overall.
bibliographic citation: DeCamp et al. (2023) Loot box consumption by adolescents pre- and post- pandemic lockdown. PeerJ 11:e15287 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15287
date submitted: 2023-02-03
date accepted: 2023-04-04
issued: 2023-05-01
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: DeCamp
  given name: Whitney
author list: Agent
  family name: Daly
  given name: Kevin
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15287
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-05-01
copyright: ©2023 DeCamp and Daly
attribution name: DeCamp and Daly

Indoor air quality in a training centre used for sports practice
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background One of the measures for controlling the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was the mass closure of gyms. This measure leads us to determine the differences between indoor and outdoor air quality. That is why the objective of this study was to analyse the indoor air quality of a sports centre catering to small groups and rehabilitation. Methods The study was conducted in a single training centre, where 26 measurements were taken in two spaces (indoors and outdoors). The air quality index, temperature, relative humidity, total volatile compounds, carbon monoxide, ozone, formaldehyde, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter were measured indoors and outdoors using the same protocol and equipment. These measurements were taken twice, once in the morning and once in the afternoon, with all measurements made at the same time, 10 am and 6 pm, respectively. Additionally, four determinations of each variable were collected during each shift, and the number of people who had trained in the room and the number of trainers were counted. Results In the different variables analysed, the results show that CO2 and RH levels are higher indoors than outdoors in both measurement shifts. Temperatures are higher outside than inside and, in the evening, than in the morning. TVOC, AQI and PM show less variation, although they are higher outdoors in the morning. CO is highest indoors. HCHO levels are almost negligible and do not vary significantly, except for a slight increase in the afternoon outside. Ozone levels are not significant. All the variables showed practically perfect reliability in all the measurements, except for ozone measured outside in the morning. On the other hand, the variables exhibit variations between indoors and outdoors during the morning and afternoon, except for the three types of PM. Also, the data show that all the main variables measured inside the sports training centre are similar between morning and afternoon. However, outside, temperatu…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Victoria Mazoteras-Pardo
creator: Marta Elena Losa-Iglesias
creator: Israel Casado-Hernández
creator: César Calvo-Lobo
creator: Ángel Morales-Ponce
creator: Alfredo Medrano-Soriano
creator: Sergio Coco-Villanueva
creator: Ricardo Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo
subject: Respiratory Medicine
subject: Atmospheric Chemistry
subject: Environmental Health
subject: COVID-19
subject: Sports Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15298
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Mazoteras-Pardo et al.
abstract: Background One of the measures for controlling the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was the mass closure of gyms. This measure leads us to determine the differences between indoor and outdoor air quality. That is why the objective of this study was to analyse the indoor air quality of a sports centre catering to small groups and rehabilitation. Methods The study was conducted in a single training centre, where 26 measurements were taken in two spaces (indoors and outdoors). The air quality index, temperature, relative humidity, total volatile compounds, carbon monoxide, ozone, formaldehyde, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter were measured indoors and outdoors using the same protocol and equipment. These measurements were taken twice, once in the morning and once in the afternoon, with all measurements made at the same time, 10 am and 6 pm, respectively. Additionally, four determinations of each variable were collected during each shift, and the number of people who had trained in the room and the number of trainers were counted. Results In the different variables analysed, the results show that CO2 and RH levels are higher indoors than outdoors in both measurement shifts. Temperatures are higher outside than inside and, in the evening, than in the morning. TVOC, AQI and PM show less variation, although they are higher outdoors in the morning. CO is highest indoors. HCHO levels are almost negligible and do not vary significantly, except for a slight increase in the afternoon outside. Ozone levels are not significant. All the variables showed practically perfect reliability in all the measurements, except for ozone measured outside in the morning. On the other hand, the variables exhibit variations between indoors and outdoors during the morning and afternoon, except for the three types of PM. Also, the data show that all the main variables measured inside the sports training centre are similar between morning and afternoon. However, outside, temperatu…
bibliographic citation: Mazoteras-Pardo et al. (2023) Indoor air quality in a training centre used for sports practice. PeerJ 11:e15298 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15298
date submitted: 2023-02-09
date accepted: 2023-04-04
issued: 2023-05-01
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Mazoteras-Pardo
  given name: Victoria
author list: Agent
  family name: Losa-Iglesias
  given name: Marta Elena
author list: Agent
  family name: Casado-Hernández
  given name: Israel
author list: Agent
  family name: Calvo-Lobo
  given name: César
author list: Agent
  family name: Morales-Ponce
  given name: Ángel
author list: Agent
  family name: Medrano-Soriano
  given name: Alfredo
author list: Agent
  family name: Coco-Villanueva
  given name: Sergio
author list: Agent
  family name: Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo
  given name: Ricardo
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15298
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-05-01
copyright: © 2023 Mazoteras-Pardo et al.
attribution name: Mazoteras-Pardo et al.

Identification and analysis of differentially expressed trihelix genes in maize (Zea mays) under abiotic stresses
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Trihelix transcription factors play important roles in triggering plant growth and imparting tolerance against biotic and abiotic stresses. However, a systematical analysis of the trihelix transcription factor family under heat and drought stresses in maize has not been reported. Methods PlantTFDB and TBtools were employed to identify the trihelix domain-containing genes in the maize genome. The heat-regulated transcriptome data for maize were obtained from NCBI to screen differentially expressed ZmTHs genes through statistical analysis. The basic protein sequences, chromosomal localization, and subcellular localization were analyzed using Maize GDB, Expasy, SOMPA, TBtools, and Plant-mPLoc. The conserved motifs, evolutionary relationships, and cis-elements, were analyzed by MEME, MEGA7.0 and PlantCARE software, respectively. The tissue expression patterns of ZmTHs and their expression profiles under heat and drought stress were detected using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results A total of 44 trihelix family members were discovered, and members were distributed over 10 chromosomes in the maize genome. A total of 11 genes were identified that were regulated by heat stress; these were unevenly distributed on chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 5, and 10. ZmTHs encoded a total of 16 proteins, all of which were located in the nucleus; however, ZmTH04.1 was also distributed in the chloroplast. The protein length varied from 206 to 725 amino acids; the molecular weight ranged from 22.63 to 76.40 kD; and the theoretical isoelectric point (pI) ranged from 5.24 to 11.2. The protein’s secondary structures were mainly found to be random coils and α-helices, with fewer instances of elongation chains and β-rotations. Phylogenetic relationship analysis showed that these can be divided into five sub-groups. The conserved domain of ZmTHs was GT1 or MyB_DNA-Bind_4. The protein and gene structure of ZmTHs differed greatly among the subfamilies, while the structures within the su…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Dongbo Zhao
creator: Fengju Gao
creator: Peiyan Guan
creator: Jiansheng Gao
creator: Zhihui Guo
creator: Jianjun Guo
creator: Huini Cui
creator: Yongjun Li
creator: Guijun Zhang
creator: Zhao Li
creator: Lianghai Guo
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15312
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Zhao et al.
abstract: Background Trihelix transcription factors play important roles in triggering plant growth and imparting tolerance against biotic and abiotic stresses. However, a systematical analysis of the trihelix transcription factor family under heat and drought stresses in maize has not been reported. Methods PlantTFDB and TBtools were employed to identify the trihelix domain-containing genes in the maize genome. The heat-regulated transcriptome data for maize were obtained from NCBI to screen differentially expressed ZmTHs genes through statistical analysis. The basic protein sequences, chromosomal localization, and subcellular localization were analyzed using Maize GDB, Expasy, SOMPA, TBtools, and Plant-mPLoc. The conserved motifs, evolutionary relationships, and cis-elements, were analyzed by MEME, MEGA7.0 and PlantCARE software, respectively. The tissue expression patterns of ZmTHs and their expression profiles under heat and drought stress were detected using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results A total of 44 trihelix family members were discovered, and members were distributed over 10 chromosomes in the maize genome. A total of 11 genes were identified that were regulated by heat stress; these were unevenly distributed on chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 5, and 10. ZmTHs encoded a total of 16 proteins, all of which were located in the nucleus; however, ZmTH04.1 was also distributed in the chloroplast. The protein length varied from 206 to 725 amino acids; the molecular weight ranged from 22.63 to 76.40 kD; and the theoretical isoelectric point (pI) ranged from 5.24 to 11.2. The protein’s secondary structures were mainly found to be random coils and α-helices, with fewer instances of elongation chains and β-rotations. Phylogenetic relationship analysis showed that these can be divided into five sub-groups. The conserved domain of ZmTHs was GT1 or MyB_DNA-Bind_4. The protein and gene structure of ZmTHs differed greatly among the subfamilies, while the structures within the su…
bibliographic citation: Zhao et al. (2023) Identification and analysis of differentially expressed trihelix genes in maize (Zea mays) under abiotic stresses. PeerJ 11:e15312 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15312
date submitted: 2022-11-11
date accepted: 2023-04-06
issued: 2023-05-01
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhao
  given name: Dongbo
author list: Agent
  family name: Gao
  given name: Fengju
author list: Agent
  family name: Guan
  given name: Peiyan
author list: Agent
  family name: Gao
  given name: Jiansheng
author list: Agent
  family name: Guo
  given name: Zhihui
author list: Agent
  family name: Guo
  given name: Jianjun
author list: Agent
  family name: Cui
  given name: Huini
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Yongjun
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Guijun
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Zhao
author list: Agent
  family name: Guo
  given name: Lianghai
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15312
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-05-01
copyright: © 2023 Zhao et al.
attribution name: Zhao et al.

Novel immune cell infiltration-related biomarkers in atherosclerosis diagnosis
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Immune cell infiltration (ICI) has a close relationship with the progression of atherosclerosis (AS). Therefore, the current study was aimed to explore the role of genes related to ICI and to investigate potential mechanisms in AS. Methods Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was applied to explore immune infiltration in AS and controls. Genes related to immune infitration were mined by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The function of those genes were analyzed by enrichment analyses of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO). The interactions among those genes were visualized in the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, followed by identification of hub genes through Cytoscape software. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) plot was generated to assess the performance of hub genes in AS diagnosis. The expressions of hub genes were measured by reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) in human leukemia monocyticcell line (THP-1) derived foam cells and macrophages, which mimic AS and control, respectively. Results We observed that the proportions of 27 immune cells were significantly elevated in AS. Subsequent integrative analyses of differential expression and WGCNA identified 99 immune cell-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between AS and control. Those DEGs were associated with tryptophan metabolism and extracellular matrix (ECM)-related functions. Moreover, by constructing the PPI network, we found 11 hub immune cell-related genes in AS. The expression pattern and receiver ROC analyses in two independent datasets showed that calsequestrin 2 (CASQ2), nexilin F-Actin binding protein (NEXN), matrix metallopeptidase 12 (MMP12), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10), phospholamban (PLN), heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1), ryanodine receptor 2 (RYR2), chitinase 3 like 1 (CHI3L1), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), actin alpha cardiac muscle 1 (ACTC1) had good …
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Ruoyu Dong
creator: Jikuan Li
creator: Guangwei Jiang
creator: Ning Han
creator: Yaochao Zhang
creator: Xiaoming Shi
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Cardiology
subject: Immunology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15341
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Dong et al.
abstract: Background Immune cell infiltration (ICI) has a close relationship with the progression of atherosclerosis (AS). Therefore, the current study was aimed to explore the role of genes related to ICI and to investigate potential mechanisms in AS. Methods Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was applied to explore immune infiltration in AS and controls. Genes related to immune infitration were mined by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The function of those genes were analyzed by enrichment analyses of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO). The interactions among those genes were visualized in the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, followed by identification of hub genes through Cytoscape software. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) plot was generated to assess the performance of hub genes in AS diagnosis. The expressions of hub genes were measured by reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) in human leukemia monocyticcell line (THP-1) derived foam cells and macrophages, which mimic AS and control, respectively. Results We observed that the proportions of 27 immune cells were significantly elevated in AS. Subsequent integrative analyses of differential expression and WGCNA identified 99 immune cell-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between AS and control. Those DEGs were associated with tryptophan metabolism and extracellular matrix (ECM)-related functions. Moreover, by constructing the PPI network, we found 11 hub immune cell-related genes in AS. The expression pattern and receiver ROC analyses in two independent datasets showed that calsequestrin 2 (CASQ2), nexilin F-Actin binding protein (NEXN), matrix metallopeptidase 12 (MMP12), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10), phospholamban (PLN), heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1), ryanodine receptor 2 (RYR2), chitinase 3 like 1 (CHI3L1), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), actin alpha cardiac muscle 1 (ACTC1) had good …
bibliographic citation: Dong et al. (2023) Novel immune cell infiltration-related biomarkers in atherosclerosis diagnosis. PeerJ 11:e15341 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15341
date submitted: 2023-02-09
date accepted: 2023-04-12
issued: 2023-05-01
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Dong
  given name: Ruoyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Jikuan
author list: Agent
  family name: Jiang
  given name: Guangwei
author list: Agent
  family name: Han
  given name: Ning
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Yaochao
author list: Agent
  family name: Shi
  given name: Xiaoming
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15341
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-05-01
copyright: © 2023 Dong et al.
attribution name: Dong et al.

Validation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-15 (MSISQ-15) into Spanish
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-15 (MSISQ-15) is a valid and reliable tool to assess the sexuality of people with multiple sclerosis. The objectives of this study were: 1) to cross-culturally adapt and examine the psychometric properties of the MSISQ-15 in the Spanish context and 2) to examine the association between sexual dysfunction and other related factors. Methods We conducted a instrumental study. People diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and members of multiple sclerosis associations in Spain were included. The linguistic adaptation of the questionnaire was performed through a translation-back translation procedure. For the psychometric validation, the confirmatory factor analysis was used while the internal consistency was examined by the ordinal alpha test. The construct validity was examined by correlating the results with the Male Sexual Function (FSH), Female Sexual Function-2 (FSM-2), Dyadic Adjustment Scale-13 (EAD-13) and Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life Questionnaire (MusiQoL) questionnaires. Results A total of 208 participants were included. Both the fit of the Spanish version of the MSISQ-15 to the original scale and the internal consistency were adequate (α = 0.89). The construct validity showed correlations with the FSH, FSM-2, and MusiQoL but not with the EAD-13. Conclusions The Spanish version of the MSISQ-15 is a valid and reliable tool to assess the sexuality of people with multiple sclerosis in the Spanish context.
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format: text/html
creator: Antonio Esteve Ríos
creator: María José Cabañero-Martínez
creator: Silvia Escribano
creator: Frederick Foley
creator: Sofía García-Sanjuán
subject: Neurology
subject: Nursing
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
subject: Rehabilitation
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15138
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Esteve Ríos et al.
abstract: Background The Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-15 (MSISQ-15) is a valid and reliable tool to assess the sexuality of people with multiple sclerosis. The objectives of this study were: 1) to cross-culturally adapt and examine the psychometric properties of the MSISQ-15 in the Spanish context and 2) to examine the association between sexual dysfunction and other related factors. Methods We conducted a instrumental study. People diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and members of multiple sclerosis associations in Spain were included. The linguistic adaptation of the questionnaire was performed through a translation-back translation procedure. For the psychometric validation, the confirmatory factor analysis was used while the internal consistency was examined by the ordinal alpha test. The construct validity was examined by correlating the results with the Male Sexual Function (FSH), Female Sexual Function-2 (FSM-2), Dyadic Adjustment Scale-13 (EAD-13) and Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life Questionnaire (MusiQoL) questionnaires. Results A total of 208 participants were included. Both the fit of the Spanish version of the MSISQ-15 to the original scale and the internal consistency were adequate (α = 0.89). The construct validity showed correlations with the FSH, FSM-2, and MusiQoL but not with the EAD-13. Conclusions The Spanish version of the MSISQ-15 is a valid and reliable tool to assess the sexuality of people with multiple sclerosis in the Spanish context.
bibliographic citation: Esteve Ríos et al. (2023) Validation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-15 (MSISQ-15) into Spanish. PeerJ 11:e15138 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15138
date submitted: 2022-12-30
date accepted: 2023-03-07
issued: 2023-04-28
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Esteve Ríos
  given name: Antonio
author list: Agent
  family name: Cabañero-Martínez
  given name: María José
author list: Agent
  family name: Escribano
  given name: Silvia
author list: Agent
  family name: Foley
  given name: Frederick
author list: Agent
  family name: García-Sanjuán
  given name: Sofía
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15138
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-04-28
copyright: ©2023 Esteve Ríos et al.
attribution name: Esteve Ríos et al.

Non-deep physiological dormancy and germination characteristics of Primula florindae (Primulaceae), a rare alpine plant in the Hengduan Mountains of southwest China
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Timing of seed germination is directly related to the survival probability of seedlings. For alpine plants, autumn-dispersal seeds should not germinate immediately because the cold temperature is not conducive to the survival of seedlings. Seed dormancy is a characteristic of the seed that prevents it from germinating after dispersal. Primula florindae is an alpine perennial forb endemic to eastern Tibet, SW China. We hypothesized that primary dormancy and environmental factors prevent seeds of P. florindae to germinate in autumn and allow them to germinate at the first opportunity in spring. We determined how GA3, light, temperature, dry after-ripening (DAR) and cold-wet stratification (CS) treatments affect seed germination by conducting a series of laboratory experiments. Firstly, the effects of gibberellic acid (GA3; 0, 20, and 200 mg L−1) on germination of freshly shed seeds at alternating temperatures (15/5 and 25/15 °C) were immediately investigated to characterize seed with a physiological dormancy component. Then, the fresh seeds treated with 0, 3, and 6 months of after-ripening (DAR) and cold-wet stratification (CS) were incubated at seven constant (1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 °C) and two alternating temperatures (5/1, 15/5, and 25/15 °C) at light and dark conditions. Fresh seeds were dormant, which only germinated well (>60%) at 20, 25, and 25/15 °C in light but not at ≤15 °C and to higher percentages in light than in dark. GA3 increased germination percentage of fresh seeds, and DAR or CS treatments increased final germination percentage, germination rate (speed), and widened the temperature range for germination from high to low. Moreover, CS treatments reduced the light requirement for germination. Thus, after dormancy release, seeds germinated over a wide range of constant and alternating temperatures, regardless of light conditions. Our results demonstrated that P. florindae seeds have type 2 non-deep physiological dormancy. Timing of germination sh…
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format: text/html
creator: Yingbo Qin
creator: Boyang Geng
creator: Li-E Yang
creator: Deli Peng
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Ecology
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15234
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Qin et al.
abstract: Timing of seed germination is directly related to the survival probability of seedlings. For alpine plants, autumn-dispersal seeds should not germinate immediately because the cold temperature is not conducive to the survival of seedlings. Seed dormancy is a characteristic of the seed that prevents it from germinating after dispersal. Primula florindae is an alpine perennial forb endemic to eastern Tibet, SW China. We hypothesized that primary dormancy and environmental factors prevent seeds of P. florindae to germinate in autumn and allow them to germinate at the first opportunity in spring. We determined how GA3, light, temperature, dry after-ripening (DAR) and cold-wet stratification (CS) treatments affect seed germination by conducting a series of laboratory experiments. Firstly, the effects of gibberellic acid (GA3; 0, 20, and 200 mg L−1) on germination of freshly shed seeds at alternating temperatures (15/5 and 25/15 °C) were immediately investigated to characterize seed with a physiological dormancy component. Then, the fresh seeds treated with 0, 3, and 6 months of after-ripening (DAR) and cold-wet stratification (CS) were incubated at seven constant (1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 °C) and two alternating temperatures (5/1, 15/5, and 25/15 °C) at light and dark conditions. Fresh seeds were dormant, which only germinated well (>60%) at 20, 25, and 25/15 °C in light but not at ≤15 °C and to higher percentages in light than in dark. GA3 increased germination percentage of fresh seeds, and DAR or CS treatments increased final germination percentage, germination rate (speed), and widened the temperature range for germination from high to low. Moreover, CS treatments reduced the light requirement for germination. Thus, after dormancy release, seeds germinated over a wide range of constant and alternating temperatures, regardless of light conditions. Our results demonstrated that P. florindae seeds have type 2 non-deep physiological dormancy. Timing of germination sh…
bibliographic citation: Qin et al. (2023) Non-deep physiological dormancy and germination characteristics of Primula florindae (Primulaceae), a rare alpine plant in the Hengduan Mountains of southwest China. PeerJ 11:e15234 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15234
date submitted: 2022-11-07
date accepted: 2023-03-24
issued: 2023-04-28
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Qin
  given name: Yingbo
author list: Agent
  family name: Geng
  given name: Boyang
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Li-E
author list: Agent
  family name: Peng
  given name: Deli
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15234
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-04-28
copyright: ©2023 Qin et al.
attribution name: Qin et al.

Nutritional status and its associated factors among commercial female sex workers in Hawassa city, south Ethiopia
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Commercial female sex workers (CFSWs) regularly or occasionally trade sex for money. Sex work is widespread, mainly in urban areas of Ethiopia. The study on the nutritional status of CFSWs is unavailable in Ethiopia, and data are also scanty at the global level. This study aims to assess nutritional status and associated factors among CFSWs in Hawassa city, Ethiopia. Methods This cross-sectional study used facility-based mixed data collection methods (qualitative and quantitative). The study was conducted in three key population clinics in Hawassa city. A total of 297 CFSWs were randomly selected for the ‘quantitative survey,’ and twelve (n = 12) purposively selected participants were involved in the ‘qualitative study.’ Body mass index/BMI (Kg/m2) was used in assessing the nutritional status of CFSWs. Statistical software packages were used for analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data. Significant variables (P<0.05) in bivariate analysis (Chi-square test) were incorporated in the multivariable analyses. Multinomial logistic regression (MNLR) was employed where dependable variable like ‘normal BMI’ (18.5–24.9 kg/m2) was set as a reference category and simultaneously compared with ‘underweight’ (<18.5 BMI) and ’overweight/obesity’ (≥ 25 BMI) categories. Thus, two models, namely the underweight model (model-1: Underweight versus normal BMI) and the overweight/obesity model (model-2: overweight/obesity versus normal), were generated. Results The prevalence of underweight and overweight/obesity among CFSWs in Hawassa city were respectively 14.1% and 16.8%. Living alone (Adjusted odds ratio/AOR = 0.18), chewed Khat regularly (AOR = 0.23), used drugs regularly (AOR = 10.57), used drugs in exchange of sex (AOR = 4.97), and HIV positive status (AOR = 21.64) were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with underweight (model-1). In the overweight/obesity model-2, having jobs other than sex work (AOR = 0.11), higher daily mean income (AOR = 3.02), being hotel/…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Zegeye Gelan
creator: Zelalem Tafese
creator: Eskinder Yilma
creator: Mahbuba Kawser
subject: Nutrition
subject: Public Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15237
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Gelan et al.
abstract: Background Commercial female sex workers (CFSWs) regularly or occasionally trade sex for money. Sex work is widespread, mainly in urban areas of Ethiopia. The study on the nutritional status of CFSWs is unavailable in Ethiopia, and data are also scanty at the global level. This study aims to assess nutritional status and associated factors among CFSWs in Hawassa city, Ethiopia. Methods This cross-sectional study used facility-based mixed data collection methods (qualitative and quantitative). The study was conducted in three key population clinics in Hawassa city. A total of 297 CFSWs were randomly selected for the ‘quantitative survey,’ and twelve (n = 12) purposively selected participants were involved in the ‘qualitative study.’ Body mass index/BMI (Kg/m2) was used in assessing the nutritional status of CFSWs. Statistical software packages were used for analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data. Significant variables (P<0.05) in bivariate analysis (Chi-square test) were incorporated in the multivariable analyses. Multinomial logistic regression (MNLR) was employed where dependable variable like ‘normal BMI’ (18.5–24.9 kg/m2) was set as a reference category and simultaneously compared with ‘underweight’ (<18.5 BMI) and ’overweight/obesity’ (≥ 25 BMI) categories. Thus, two models, namely the underweight model (model-1: Underweight versus normal BMI) and the overweight/obesity model (model-2: overweight/obesity versus normal), were generated. Results The prevalence of underweight and overweight/obesity among CFSWs in Hawassa city were respectively 14.1% and 16.8%. Living alone (Adjusted odds ratio/AOR = 0.18), chewed Khat regularly (AOR = 0.23), used drugs regularly (AOR = 10.57), used drugs in exchange of sex (AOR = 4.97), and HIV positive status (AOR = 21.64) were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with underweight (model-1). In the overweight/obesity model-2, having jobs other than sex work (AOR = 0.11), higher daily mean income (AOR = 3.02), being hotel/…
bibliographic citation: Gelan et al. (2023) Nutritional status and its associated factors among commercial female sex workers in Hawassa city, south Ethiopia. PeerJ 11:e15237 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15237
date submitted: 2022-10-17
date accepted: 2023-03-28
issued: 2023-04-28
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Gelan
  given name: Zegeye
author list: Agent
  family name: Tafese
  given name: Zelalem
author list: Agent
  family name: Yilma
  given name: Eskinder
author list: Agent
  family name: Kawser
  given name: Mahbuba
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15237
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-04-28
copyright: ©2023 Gelan et al.
attribution name: Gelan et al.

An improved method for preparing stained ground teeth sections
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Objective In oral histopathology teaching and research, there is a need for high-quality undemineralized tooth sections that are easy to handle, have controlled thickness, allow the observation of intact microstructures, and can be preserved for long periods of time. Methods Teeth were collected under non-demineralizing conditions. Tooth sections (15–25 µm) were prepared using a diamond knife, then randomly divided into three groups: (1) stained with rosin, (2) stained with hematoxylin and eosin, or (3) not stained. The prepared tooth sections were evaluated by microscopy for clarity and microstructure visibility. Results The use of a diamond knife in the sectioning and grinding process yielded high-quality ground sections of teeth. Rosin-stained ground sections allowed better identification of microstructures within the teeth, compared with unstained or hematoxylin and eosin-stained ground sections. Conclusion The best results were obtained in the ground sections of teeth that were stained with rosin. Ground sections of teeth prepared using this staining method could be useful in oral histopathology teaching and research.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Qizhong Qin
creator: Yueheng Li
creator: Yujian Zhou
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Dentistry
subject: Histology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15240
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Qin et al.
abstract: Objective In oral histopathology teaching and research, there is a need for high-quality undemineralized tooth sections that are easy to handle, have controlled thickness, allow the observation of intact microstructures, and can be preserved for long periods of time. Methods Teeth were collected under non-demineralizing conditions. Tooth sections (15–25 µm) were prepared using a diamond knife, then randomly divided into three groups: (1) stained with rosin, (2) stained with hematoxylin and eosin, or (3) not stained. The prepared tooth sections were evaluated by microscopy for clarity and microstructure visibility. Results The use of a diamond knife in the sectioning and grinding process yielded high-quality ground sections of teeth. Rosin-stained ground sections allowed better identification of microstructures within the teeth, compared with unstained or hematoxylin and eosin-stained ground sections. Conclusion The best results were obtained in the ground sections of teeth that were stained with rosin. Ground sections of teeth prepared using this staining method could be useful in oral histopathology teaching and research.
bibliographic citation: Qin et al. (2023) An improved method for preparing stained ground teeth sections. PeerJ 11:e15240 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15240
date submitted: 2022-09-20
date accepted: 2023-03-28
issued: 2023-04-28
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Qin
  given name: Qizhong
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Yueheng
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Yujian
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15240
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-04-28
copyright: ©2023 Qin et al.
attribution name: Qin et al.

Value of preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT and HRCT in predicting the differentiation degree of lung adenocarcinoma dominated by solid density
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Purpose To evaluate the value of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) combined with high-resolution CT (HRCT) in determining the degree of differentiation of lung adenocarcinoma. Methods From January 2018 to January 2022, 88 patients with solid density nodules that are lung adenocarcinoma were surgically treated. All patients were examined using HRCT and PET/CT before surgery. During HRCT, two independent observers assessed the presence of lobulation, spiculation, pleural indentation, vascular convergence, and air bronchial signs (bronchial distortion and bronchial disruption). The diameter and CT value of the nodules were measured simultaneously. During PET/CT, the maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax), mean standard uptake value (SUVmean), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) of the nodules were measured. The risk factors of pathological classification were predicted by logistic regression analysis. Results All 88 patients (mean age 60 ± 8 years; 44 males and 44 females) were evaluated. The average nodule size was 2.6 ± 1.1 cm. The univariate analysis showed that carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), pleural indentation, vascular convergence, bronchial distortion, and higher SUVmax were more common in poor differentiated lung adenocarcinoma, and in the multivariate analysis, pleural indentation, vascular convergence, and SUVmax were predictive factors. The combined diagnosis using these three factors showed that the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.735. Conclusion SUVmax >6.99 combined with HRCT (pleural indentation sign and vascular convergence sign) is helpful to predict the differentiation degree of lung adenocarcinoma dominated by solid density.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Xiaolin Chen
creator: Ping Li
creator: Minghui Zhang
creator: Xuewei Wang
creator: Dalong Wang
subject: Oncology
subject: Radiology and Medical Imaging
subject: Respiratory Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15242
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Chen et al.
abstract: Purpose To evaluate the value of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) combined with high-resolution CT (HRCT) in determining the degree of differentiation of lung adenocarcinoma. Methods From January 2018 to January 2022, 88 patients with solid density nodules that are lung adenocarcinoma were surgically treated. All patients were examined using HRCT and PET/CT before surgery. During HRCT, two independent observers assessed the presence of lobulation, spiculation, pleural indentation, vascular convergence, and air bronchial signs (bronchial distortion and bronchial disruption). The diameter and CT value of the nodules were measured simultaneously. During PET/CT, the maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax), mean standard uptake value (SUVmean), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) of the nodules were measured. The risk factors of pathological classification were predicted by logistic regression analysis. Results All 88 patients (mean age 60 ± 8 years; 44 males and 44 females) were evaluated. The average nodule size was 2.6 ± 1.1 cm. The univariate analysis showed that carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), pleural indentation, vascular convergence, bronchial distortion, and higher SUVmax were more common in poor differentiated lung adenocarcinoma, and in the multivariate analysis, pleural indentation, vascular convergence, and SUVmax were predictive factors. The combined diagnosis using these three factors showed that the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.735. Conclusion SUVmax >6.99 combined with HRCT (pleural indentation sign and vascular convergence sign) is helpful to predict the differentiation degree of lung adenocarcinoma dominated by solid density.
bibliographic citation: Chen et al. (2023) Value of preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT and HRCT in predicting the differentiation degree of lung adenocarcinoma dominated by solid density. PeerJ 11:e15242 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15242
date submitted: 2022-11-11
date accepted: 2023-03-28
issued: 2023-04-28
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Xiaolin
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Ping
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Minghui
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Xuewei
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Dalong
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15242
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-04-28
copyright: ©2023 Chen et al.
attribution name: Chen et al.

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