Epidemiological profiles and pathogenicity of Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium clinical isolates in Taiwan
The emerging Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE-fm) is an opportunistic pathogen causing nosocomial infections. The identification of VRE-fm is important for successful prevention and control in healthcare settings. VRE-fm clinical isolates obtained from regional hospitals in northern Taiwan were characterized for antimicrobial susceptibility, virulence genes and biofilm production. Most isolates exhibited multi-drug resistance and carried the virulence genes, esp and hyl. While all isolates produce biofilms, those isolates that carried esp exhibited greater biofilm production. Isolates with different virulence gene carriages were examined for pathogenicity by using a nematode model, Caenorhabditis elegans, for determining microbial-host interactions. The survival assay showed that C. elegans was susceptible to Linezolid-resistant VRE-fm isolates with hyl. Combining the molecular epidemiological profiles regarding pathogenesis in C. elegans can serve as a guide for physicians in limiting opportunistic infections caused by VRE-fm.
Lin et al. (2023) Epidemiological profiles and pathogenicity of Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium clinical isolates in Taiwan. PeerJ 11:e14859 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14859
High-throughput sequencing approach for the identification of lncRNA biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma and revealing the effect of ZFAS1/miR-150-5p on hepatocellular carcinoma progression
Aims To screen abnormal lncRNAs and diagnostic biomarkers in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma through high-throughput sequencing and explore the underlying mechanisms of abnormal lncRNAs in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods The transcriptome sequencing was used to analyze the RNA expression profile and identify differentially expressed RNAs. Hub lncRNAs were screened by combining (WGCNA, ceRNA regulatory network, PPI, GO and KEGG analyses, Kaplan-Meier curve analysis, Cox analysis, risk model construction and qPCR). Thereafter, the correlation between the expression of hub lncRNAs and tumor clinicopathological parameters was analyzed, and the hub lncRNAs were analyzed by GSEA. Finally, the effects of hub RNAs on the proliferation, migration and invasion of HepG2 cells were investigated in vitro. Results Compared with the control group, a total of 610 lncRNAs, 2,593 mRNAs and 26 miRNAs were screened in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Through miRNA target prediction and WGCNA, a ceRNA was constructed, comprising 324 nodes and 621 edges. Enrichment analysis showed that mRNAs in ceRNA were involved mainly in cancer development progression. Then, the ZFAS1/miR-150-5p interaction pair was screened out by Kaplan Meier curve analysis, Cox analysis and qPCR analysis. Its expression was related to tumor stage, TNM stage and patient age. ROC curve analysis showed that it has a good predictive value for the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. GSEA showed that ZFAS1 was also enriched in the regulation of immune response, cell differentiation and proliferation. Loss-of-function experiments revealed that ZFAS1 inhibition could remarkably suppress HepG2 cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro. Bioinformatic analysis and luciferase reporter assays revealed that ZFAS1 directly interacted with miR-150-5p. Rescue experiments showed that a miR-150-5p inhibitor reversed the cell proliferation, migration and invasion functions of ZFAS1 knockdown in vitro. Conclusion ZFAS1 is associated with the malignant status and prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, and the ZFAS1/miR-150-5p axis is involved in hepatocellular carcinoma progression.
Zhu et al. (2023) High-throughput sequencing approach for the identification of lncRNA biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma and revealing the effect of ZFAS1/miR-150-5p on hepatocellular carcinoma progression. PeerJ 11:e14891 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14891
Emergence of colistin resistance and characterization of antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors of Aeromonas hydrophila, Salmonella spp., and Vibrio cholerae isolated from hybrid red tilapia cage culture
Background Tilapia is a primary aquaculture fish in Thailand, but little is known about the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Aeromonas hydrophila, Salmonella spp., and Vibrio cholerae colonizing healthy tilapia intended for human consumption and the co-occurrence of these AMR bacteria in the cultivation water. Methods This study determined the phenotype and genotype of AMR, extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production, and virulence factors of A. hydrophila, Salmonella spp., and V. cholerae isolated from hybrid red tilapia and cultivation water in Thailand. Standard culture methods such as USFDA’s BAM or ISO procedures were used for the original isolation, with all isolates confirmed by biochemical tests, serotyping, and species-specific gene detection based on PCR. Results A total of 278 isolates consisting of 15 A. hydrophila, 188 Salmonella spp., and 75 V. cholerae isolates were retrieved from a previous study. All isolates of A. hydrophila and Salmonella isolates were resistance to at least one antimicrobial, with 26.7% and 72.3% of the isolates being multidrug resistant (MDR), respectively. All A. hydrophila isolates were resistant to ampicillin (100%), followed by oxytetracycline (26.7%), tetracycline (26.7%), trimethoprim (26.7%), and oxolinic acid (20.0%). The predominant resistance genes in A. hydrophila were mcr-3 (20.0%), followed by 13.3% of isolates having floR, qnrS, sul1, sul2, and dfrA1. Salmonella isolates also exhibited a high prevalence of resistance to ampicillin (79.3%), oxolinic acid (75.5%), oxytetracycline (71.8%), chloramphenicol (62.8%), and florfenicol (55.3%). The most common resistance genes in these Salmonella isolates were qnrS (65.4%), tetA (64.9%), blaTEM (63.8%), and floR (55.9%). All V. cholerae isolates were susceptible to all antimicrobials tested, while the most common resistance gene was sul1 (12.0%). One isolate of A. hydrophila was positive for int1, while all isolates of Salmonella and V. cholerae isolates were negative for integrons and intSXT. None of the bacterial isolates in this study were producing ESBL. The occurrence of mcr-3 (20.0%) in these isolates from tilapia aquaculture may signify a serious occupational and consumer health risk given that colistin is a last resort antimicrobial for treatment of Gram-negative bacteria infections. Conclusions Findings from this study on AMR bacteria in hybrid red tilapia suggest that aquaculture as practiced in Thailand can select for ubiquitous AMR pathogens, mobile genetic elements, and an emerging reservoir of mcr and colistin-resistant bacteria. Resistant and pathogenic bacteria, such as resistance to ampicillin and tetracycline, or MDR Salmonella circulating in aquaculture, together highlight the public health concerns and foodborne risks of zoonotic pathogens in humans from cultured freshwater fish.
Thaotumpitak et al. (2023) Emergence of colistin resistance and characterization of antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors of Aeromonas hydrophila, Salmonella spp., and Vibrio cholerae isolated from hybrid red tilapia cage culture. PeerJ 11:e14896 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14896
Association between coronary artery disease and incident cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies
Objective Coronary artery disease (CAD) and cancer are the two leading causes of death worldwide. Evidence suggests the existence of shared mechanisms for these two diseases. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigateassociation between CAD and incident cancer risk. Methods We searched Cochrane, PubMed, and Embase from inception until October 20, 2021, without language restrictions. Observational cohort studies were used to investigate the association between CAD and incident cancer risk. Using random-effects models, the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. We utilized subgroup and sensitivity analyses to determine the potential sources of heterogeneity and explore the association between CAD and specific cancers. This study was conducted under a pre-established, registered protocol on PROSPERO (CRD42022302507). Results We initially examined 8,533 articles, and included 14 cohort studies in our review, 11 of which were eligible for meta-analysis. Patients with CAD had significantly higher odds of cancer risk than those without CAD (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = [1.08–1.22], I2 = 66%). Subgroup analysis revealed that the incident cancer risk was significantly higher in both sexes and patients with CAD with or without myocardial infarction. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the risk remained higher in patients with CAD even after >1 year of follow-up (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = [1.08–1.39], I2 = 76%). Regarding the specific outcome, the incident risk for colorectal and lung cancers was significantly higher (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = [1.03–1.10], I2 = 10%, and OR = 1.36, 95% CI = [1.15–1.60], I2 = 90%, respectively) and that for breast cancer was lower (OR = 0.86, 95% CI = [0.77–0.97], I2 = 57%) in patients with CAD than in those without CAD. Conclusion CAD may be associated with incident cancer risk, particularly for lung and colorectal cancers, in men and women as well as patients with or without myocardial infarction. Early detection of new-onset cancer and detailed cancer surveillance programs should be implemented in patients with CAD to reduce cancer-related morbidity and mortality.
Chen et al. (2023) Association between coronary artery disease and incident cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. PeerJ 11:e14922 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14922
Genetic differentiation and genetic structure of mixed-ploidy Camellia hainanica populations
Camellia hainanica, which is common in China’s Hainan Province, is an important woody olive tree species. Due to many years of geographic isolation, C. hainanica has not received the attention it deserves, which limits the exploitation of germplasm resources. Therefore, it is necessary to study population genetic characteristics for further utilization and conservation of C. hainanica. In this study, 96 individuals in six wild Camellia hainanica populations were used for ploidy analysis of the chromosome number, and the genetic diversity and population structure were investigated using 12 pairs of SSR primers. The results show complex ploidy differentiation in C. hainanica species. The ploidy of wild C. hainanica includes tetraploid, pentaploid, hexaploid, heptaploid, octoploid and decaploid species. Genetic analysis shows that genetic diversity and genetic differentiation among populations are low. Populations can be divided into two clusters based on their genetic structure, which matches their geographic location. Finally, to further maintain the genetic diversity of C. hainanica, ex-situ cultivation and in-situ management measures should be considered to protect it in the future.
Tong et al. (2023) Genetic differentiation and genetic structure of mixed-ploidy Camellia hainanica populations. PeerJ 11:e14756 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14756
Retrospective screening of serum IgG glycosylation biomarker for primary Sjögren’s syndrome using lectin microarray
Background Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (PSS) is a systemic autoimmune disease resulting in significant loss of systemic gland secretory function. IgG glycosylation abnormalities had been found to play important roles in autoimmune diseases. Here, we aim to explore the specific changes of IgG glycosylation in PSS patient serum that could serve as potential biomarkers for disease diagnosis and differential diagnosis. Method From 2012 to 2018, patients diagnosed with PSS or primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) admitted consecutively to the department of Rheumatology at Peking Union Medical College Hospital were retrospectively included in this study. Glycan profiles of serum IgG from 40 PSS patients, 50 PBC patients, and 38 healthy controls were detected with lectin microarray containing 56 lectins. Lectins with significantly different signal intensity among groups were selected and validated by lectin blot assay. Results Lectin microarray analysis revealed that binding levels of Amaranthus Caudatus Lectin (ACL, prefers glycan Galβ3GalNAc, P = 0.011), Morniga M Lectin (MNA-M, prefers glycan mannose. P = 0.013), and Lens Culinaris Agglutinin (LCA, prefers glycan fucose) were significantly increased, while Salvia sclarea Agglutinin (SSA, prefers glycan sialylation, P = 0.001) was significantly decreased in PSS patients compared to PBC group. Compared to healthy controls, MNA-M (P = 0.001) and LCA (P = 0.028) were also significantly increased, while Phaseolus Vulgaris Erythroagglutinin and Phaseolus Vulgaris Leucoagglutinin (PHA-E and PHA-L, prefer glycan galactose, P = 0.004 and 0.006) were significantly decreased in PSS patients. The results of LCA and MNA-M were further confirmed using lectin blot assay. Conclusion Changes in serum IgG glycosylation in PSS increased binding levels of LCA and MNA-M lectins using microarray techniques compared to PBC patients and healthy controls, which could provide potential diagnostic value. Increased core fucose and mannose alteration of IgG may play important roles in PSS disease.
Li et al. (2023) Retrospective screening of serum IgG glycosylation biomarker for primary Sjögren’s syndrome using lectin microarray. PeerJ 11:e14853 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14853
The association between physical activity and musculoskeletal disorders—a cross-sectional study of teachers
Purpose Combined with insufficient physical activity (PA) prolonged and improperly performed sedentary work can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The aim of this study was (I) to evaluate the self-reported level of PA and the prevalence of MSDs in male and female teachers, and (II) to investigate the association between PA and MSDs in teachers in Polish primary and secondary schools. Methods The study included 254 teachers from primary and secondary schools from Upper Silesia, Poland, excluding physical education teachers. The level of PA was assessed using the Seven-Day Physical Activity Recall (SDPAR). A standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to assess the prevalence of MSDs. Results A similar percentage of female (80%) and male (90%) teachers met the WHO recommendations on moderate-intensity PA. The recommendations on performing vigorous-intensity PA were met by significantly (p = 0.002) less female than male teachers (50% and 75% respectively). Lower back disorders during the last 12 months and the last 7 days (57% and 45%, respectively) were the most commonly reported MSDs by teachers, followed by neck (53%, 40%), upper back (39%, 28%), and knee disorders (37%, 26%). The highest pain intensity was experienced by the teachers in the lower back and neck. Teachers with a greater number of MSDs were less likely to engage in vigorous-intensity PA and total PA than those with fewer painful areas of the body. Pain intensity in the neck, knees, upper- and lower back, and wrists/hands was negatively related to moderate and total PA. BMI negatively correlated with total PA, moderate-intensity PA vigorous-intensity PA, and high vigorous-intensity PA. Conclusions The study revealed the association between PA and MSDs in studied teachers. The most of the studied teachers met the WHO recommendation, and women were less likely to perform vigorous and high-vigorous PA than men. The lower back and neck disorders were the most common among the teachers.
Grabara (2023) The association between physical activity and musculoskeletal disorders—a cross-sectional study of teachers. PeerJ 11:e14872 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14872
Quality attributes of date and wheat flour pineapple juice blended cookies as affected by different baking temperatures
Studying the effects of temperature on cookies are necessary especially if the impact on quality attributes are to be deduced. More so, blending wheat flour, date flour, and pineapple juice could improve the nutrient quality required in modern-day cookies. This current study investigated the quality attributes of date and wheat flour pineapple juice blended cookies as affected by different baking temperatures. With pineapple juice serving as water substitute, the formulated date, and wheat flour blends adhered to the following ratios: 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, and 70:30. Baking cookies involved two different temperatures (160 °C and 180 °C) with constant time (30 min). Quality attributes determined proximate composition, micronutrients, physical and functional properties, and microbial and sensory qualities. Cookies proximate results showed moisture (6.89–7.40%), protein (8.73–10.22%), fat (14.37–15.99%), fiber (1.02–1.11%), ash (0.77–1.20%) and carbohydrate (64.85–67.71%). Various ranges appeared, from energy values (434.90–444.10 kcal), minerals (calcium = 33.18–62.45 mg/100 g; iron = 3.47–5.75 mg/100 g; potassium = 100.07–358.63 mg/100 g), vitamins (vitamin A =1.99–4.89 mg/100 g; vitamin C = 0.04–0.15 mg/100 g), physical (weight = 7.4–7.75 g; diameter = 3.50–4.01 cm; thickness = 0.99–1.20 cm; volume = 3.11–3.77 cm3; density = 2.06–2.41 g/cm3; spread ratio = 2.92–4.05 cm3), to functional (water absorption = 1.14–1.18 g/g; oil absorption capacity = 1.31–1.33 g/g; bulk density = 0.74–0.76 g/mL) properties. The microbial loads seemed somewhat acceptable as overall acceptability favoured sample WDFb (90% wheat, 10% date flour). The acceptability of cookies baked at 160 °C over those baked at 180 °C suggests the need for further studies to determine the energy requirements, and long-term environmental implications such (baking) temperatures would pose.
Okoyeuzu et al. (2023) Quality attributes of date and wheat flour pineapple juice blended cookies as affected by different baking temperatures. PeerJ 11:e14876 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14876
Upper-lower body super-sets vs. traditional sets for inducing chronic athletic performance improvements
Background To promote chronic adaptations, resistance training needs the manipulation of different variables, among them, the order of the exercises and sets. Specifically, for velocity-based training, paired exercises alternating upper and/or lower-body muscle groups appear to be a good choice to promote neuromuscular adaptations. Objective This study aimed to compare the effect of two velocity-based training programs only differing in the set configuration on muscle strength, muscular endurance and jump performance. Methods Moderately strength-trained men were allocated into a traditional (TS, n= 8) or alternating sets (AS, n= 9) configuration group to perform a 6-week velocity-based training program using the full squat (SQ) and bench press (BP) exercises. The TS group completed all sets of the full squat (SQ) exercise before performing the bench press (BP) sets, whereas the AS group completed the first set of each exercise in an alternating manner. Training frequency, relative load, number of sets, percentage of velocity loss (%VL) within the set and inter-set rest were matched for both groups. Countermovement jump height (CMJ), load (kg)-velocity relationship, predicted 1RM, and muscular endurance for each exercise were evaluated at pre- and post-training. Results The TS and AS groups obtained similar and non-significant improvements in CMJ (3.01 ± 4.84% and 3.77 ± 6.12%, respectively). Both groups exhibited significant and similar increases in muscle strength variables in SQ (6.19–11.55% vs. 6.90-011.76%; p = 0.033–0.044, for TS and AS, respectively), BP (6.19–13.87% and 3.99–9.58%; p = 0.036–0.049, for TS and AS group, respectively), and muscular endurance in BP (7.29 ± 7.76% and 7.72 ± 9.73%; p = 0.033, for the TS and AS group, respectively). However, the AS group showed a greater improvement in muscular endurance in SQ than the TS group (10.19 ± 15.23% vs. 2.76 ± 7.39%; p = 0.047, respectively). Total training time per session was significantly shorter (p = 0.000) for AS compared to TS group. Conclusions Training programs performing AS between SQ and BP exercises with moderate loads and %VL induce similar jump and strength improvements, but in a more time-efficient manner, than the traditional approach.
García-Orea et al. (2023) Upper-lower body super-sets vs. traditional sets for inducing chronic athletic performance improvements. PeerJ 11:e14636 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14636
Niche partitioning by sympatric civets in the Himalayan foothills of Pakistan
Niche overlap between sympatric species can indicate the extent of interspecific competition. Sympatric competing species can exhibit spatial, temporal, and dietary adjustments to reduce competition. We investigated spatial, temporal, and dietary niche overlap of sympatric Asian palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) and small Indian civet (Viverricula indica), in and around Pir Lasura National Park, Pakistan. We used remote cameras to determine the frequency and timing of detections to estimate spatial and temporal overlap, and prey remains from scats to estimate dietary overlap. We collected scat samples of Asian palm civet (n = 108) and small Indian civet (n = 44) for dietary analysis. We found low spatial (Oij = 0.32) and temporal (Δ = 0.39) overlap, but high dietary niche overlap (0.9) between these two civet species. Both civet species were detected at only 11 camera sites and small Indian civets were detected most frequently during 2:00–5:00 h and 8:00–10:00 h, whereas Asian palm civets detections were greatest during 20:00–2:00 h. The overall niche breadth of Asian palm civet was slightly narrower (L = 9.69, Lst = 0.31) than that of the small Indian civet (L = 10, Lst = 0.52). We identified 27 dietary items (15 plant, 12 animal) from scats of Asian palm civet including Himalayan pear (Pyrus pashia; 27%), Indian gerbil (Tatera indica; 10%), Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta; 4%), and insects (5%). Scat analysis of small Indian civets revealed 17 prey items (eight plant, nine animal) including Himalayan pear (24%), domestic poultry (15%), Indian gerbil (11%), and house mouse (Mus musculus; 5%). Both civet species consumed fruits of cultivated orchard species. Spatial and temporal partitioning of landscapes containing diverse foods appears to facilitate coexistence between Asian palm civets and small Indian civets.
Akrim et al. (2023) Niche partitioning by sympatric civets in the Himalayan foothills of Pakistan. PeerJ 11:e14741 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14741