PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Upregulated TUBG1 expression is correlated with poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
items: Effects of saddle tilt and stirrup length on the kinetics of horseback riders
items: Prevalence, classification and dental treatment requirements of dens invaginatus by cone-beam computed tomography
items: Genome-wide identification and expression pattern analysis of quinoa BBX family
items: Identification, classification, and expression profile analysis of heat shock transcription factor gene family in Salvia miltiorrhiza
items: Chemically mediated rheotaxis of endangered tri-spine horseshoe crab: potential dispersing mechanism to vegetated nursery habitats along the coast
items: Effects of cleaning sports mouthguards with ethylene-vinyl acetate on oral bacteria
items: Efficacy and indications of tonsillectomy in patients with IgA nephropathy: a retrospective study
items: Modeling the drying process of Masson pine needle fuel beds under different packing ratios based on two-phase models in the laboratory
items: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards mosquito control and used vehicle tire dumping by median household income, in metropolitan New Orleans, Louisiana

Upregulated TUBG1 expression is correlated with poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development is a complex pathological process. Tubulin gamma 1 (TUBG1) plays an oncogenic role in several human cancers; however, its functional role in HCC tumorigenesis remains unknown. Methods Herein we first evaluated the gene expression levels of TUBG1 in HCC using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis databases. We then elucidated the association between TUBG1 gene expression levels and survival rates of patients with HCC. Cell cycle, proliferation, transwell migration, and matrigel invasion assays were used to study the effects of TUBG1 on the malignant phenotypes of HCC cells. Results Based on the data obtained from the aforementioned databases and our in vitro experiments, TUBG1 was found to be overexpressed in HCC and patients with high TUBG1 expression levels showed a remarkably poor overall survival rate. In addition, the expression of TUBG1 significantly promoted the malignant phenotypes of HCC cells in vitro. Gene ontology term enrichment analysis revealed that co-regulated genes were enriched in biological processes mainly involved in chromosome segregation, chromosomal region, and chromatin binding; moreover, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome pathway analysis showed that they were mainly involved in cell cycle, oocyte meiosis, platinum drug resistance, and the p53 signaling pathway. Conclusions We report that TUBG1 is an important oncogene in HCC. It promotes HCC progression and may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for HCC. Future studies are warranted to unveil molecular biological mechanisms underlying TUBG1 carcinogenesis.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Kainan Zhang
creator: Mengsi Yu
creator: Hui Liu
creator: Zhao Hui
creator: Ning Yang
creator: Xiaojuan Bi
creator: Li Sun
creator: RenYong Lin
creator: Guodong Lü
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Gastroenterology and Hepatology
subject: Pathology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.14415
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Zhang et al.
abstract: Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development is a complex pathological process. Tubulin gamma 1 (TUBG1) plays an oncogenic role in several human cancers; however, its functional role in HCC tumorigenesis remains unknown. Methods Herein we first evaluated the gene expression levels of TUBG1 in HCC using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis databases. We then elucidated the association between TUBG1 gene expression levels and survival rates of patients with HCC. Cell cycle, proliferation, transwell migration, and matrigel invasion assays were used to study the effects of TUBG1 on the malignant phenotypes of HCC cells. Results Based on the data obtained from the aforementioned databases and our in vitro experiments, TUBG1 was found to be overexpressed in HCC and patients with high TUBG1 expression levels showed a remarkably poor overall survival rate. In addition, the expression of TUBG1 significantly promoted the malignant phenotypes of HCC cells in vitro. Gene ontology term enrichment analysis revealed that co-regulated genes were enriched in biological processes mainly involved in chromosome segregation, chromosomal region, and chromatin binding; moreover, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome pathway analysis showed that they were mainly involved in cell cycle, oocyte meiosis, platinum drug resistance, and the p53 signaling pathway. Conclusions We report that TUBG1 is an important oncogene in HCC. It promotes HCC progression and may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for HCC. Future studies are warranted to unveil molecular biological mechanisms underlying TUBG1 carcinogenesis.
bibliographic citation: Zhang et al. (2022) Upregulated TUBG1 expression is correlated with poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. PeerJ 10:e14415 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14415
date submitted: 2022-07-22
date accepted: 2022-10-28
issued: 2022-12-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Kainan
author list: Agent
  family name: Yu
  given name: Mengsi
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Hui
author list: Agent
  family name: Hui
  given name: Zhao
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Ning
author list: Agent
  family name: Bi
  given name: Xiaojuan
author list: Agent
  family name: Sun
  given name: Li
author list: Agent
  family name: Lin
  given name: RenYong
author list: Agent
  family name: Lü
  given name: Guodong
doi: 10.7717/peerj.14415
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-12-05
copyright: ©2022 Zhang et al.
attribution name: Zhang et al.

Effects of saddle tilt and stirrup length on the kinetics of horseback riders
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background How the modification of saddle fitting parameters in horse riding affects rider’s kinetics is very uncertain. The aim of this study is to describe how manipulating the two main adjustments that an end-user is likely to perform (saddle tilt and stirrup length) affects the biomechanics of a horse rider on a living horse. Methods Eleven showjumpers volunteered to take part in this study. Each participant performed a 120-strides standardization trial at trot and canter, with 0° saddle tilt and stirrup length that would position the rider’s knee at 90°. Following the standardization trial, four interventions were performed, which consisted of 60 strides with 60 mm shorter stirrups, 60 mm longer stirrups, 4° forward tilted saddle and 4° backward tilted saddle. Stirrup and rein tension forces were measured with tension loadcells. A symmetry index was calculated. Acceleration was measured with inertial measuring units at the helmet and back of the rider and shock attenuation was calculated. Results Shortening the stirrups and adjusting saddle tilt significantly enhanced shock attenuation at canter and increased force on the stirrups at trot and canter (p < 0.05). Lowering the stirrups reduced rein tension forces (p = 0.01). At trot, adjusting saddle tilt and stirrup length enhanced symmetry index on the bit (p < 0.05). These results allowed for general guidelines to be proposed, although individualization became an evident part of any saddle setup design due to a high inter-subject variability.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Marc Elmeua González
creator: Nejc Šarabon
subject: Kinesiology
subject: Biomechanics
subject: Sports Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.14438
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Elmeua González and Šarabon
abstract: Background How the modification of saddle fitting parameters in horse riding affects rider’s kinetics is very uncertain. The aim of this study is to describe how manipulating the two main adjustments that an end-user is likely to perform (saddle tilt and stirrup length) affects the biomechanics of a horse rider on a living horse. Methods Eleven showjumpers volunteered to take part in this study. Each participant performed a 120-strides standardization trial at trot and canter, with 0° saddle tilt and stirrup length that would position the rider’s knee at 90°. Following the standardization trial, four interventions were performed, which consisted of 60 strides with 60 mm shorter stirrups, 60 mm longer stirrups, 4° forward tilted saddle and 4° backward tilted saddle. Stirrup and rein tension forces were measured with tension loadcells. A symmetry index was calculated. Acceleration was measured with inertial measuring units at the helmet and back of the rider and shock attenuation was calculated. Results Shortening the stirrups and adjusting saddle tilt significantly enhanced shock attenuation at canter and increased force on the stirrups at trot and canter (p < 0.05). Lowering the stirrups reduced rein tension forces (p = 0.01). At trot, adjusting saddle tilt and stirrup length enhanced symmetry index on the bit (p < 0.05). These results allowed for general guidelines to be proposed, although individualization became an evident part of any saddle setup design due to a high inter-subject variability.
bibliographic citation: Elmeua González et al. (2022) Effects of saddle tilt and stirrup length on the kinetics of horseback riders. PeerJ 10:e14438 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14438
date submitted: 2022-04-14
date accepted: 2022-10-31
issued: 2022-12-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Elmeua González
  given name: Marc
author list: Agent
  family name: Šarabon
  given name: Nejc
doi: 10.7717/peerj.14438
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-12-05
copyright: ©2022 Elmeua González and Šarabon
attribution name: Elmeua González and Šarabon

Prevalence, classification and dental treatment requirements of dens invaginatus by cone-beam computed tomography
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background This study aimed the evaluation of the prevalence, characteristics, types of dens invaginatus (DI) and co-observed dental anomalies to understand dental treatment requirements in anterior teeth that are susceptible to developmental anomalies by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods In this retrospective study, the anterior teeth of 958 patients were evaluated by using CBCT for the presence of DI. The demographic features, types of DI and treatment requirements were also recorded. The association between sex and the presence of DI was evaluated using chi-squared test. Results Seventy-three DI anomalies were detected in the anterior teeth of 49 patients (18 females, 31 males). The frequency of DI was 5.11% and the most frequently involved teeth were lateral (57.53%). Forty-six teeth were classified as Type I (63.01%), 24 as Type II (32.87%), and three as Type III (4.10%). Apical pathosis was found to be 20.54% in all DIs detected and accounted for all Type III and one-third of Type II. Conclusions CBCT imaging can be effective in the detection of dental anomalies such as DI and planning for root canal therapy and surgical treatments. Prophylactic interventions might be possible to prevent apical pathosis with the data obtained from CBCT images.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Turgut Yagmur Yalcin
creator: Kıvanç Bektaş Kayhan
creator: Ayca Yilmaz
creator: Sevde Göksel
creator: İlknur Ozcan
creator: Dilek Helvacioglu Yigit
subject: Dentistry
subject: Epidemiology
subject: Radiology and Medical Imaging
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.14450
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Yalcin et al.
abstract: Background This study aimed the evaluation of the prevalence, characteristics, types of dens invaginatus (DI) and co-observed dental anomalies to understand dental treatment requirements in anterior teeth that are susceptible to developmental anomalies by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods In this retrospective study, the anterior teeth of 958 patients were evaluated by using CBCT for the presence of DI. The demographic features, types of DI and treatment requirements were also recorded. The association between sex and the presence of DI was evaluated using chi-squared test. Results Seventy-three DI anomalies were detected in the anterior teeth of 49 patients (18 females, 31 males). The frequency of DI was 5.11% and the most frequently involved teeth were lateral (57.53%). Forty-six teeth were classified as Type I (63.01%), 24 as Type II (32.87%), and three as Type III (4.10%). Apical pathosis was found to be 20.54% in all DIs detected and accounted for all Type III and one-third of Type II. Conclusions CBCT imaging can be effective in the detection of dental anomalies such as DI and planning for root canal therapy and surgical treatments. Prophylactic interventions might be possible to prevent apical pathosis with the data obtained from CBCT images.
bibliographic citation: Yalcin et al. (2022) Prevalence, classification and dental treatment requirements of dens invaginatus by cone-beam computed tomography. PeerJ 10:e14450 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14450
date submitted: 2022-05-02
date accepted: 2022-11-01
issued: 2022-12-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Yalcin
  given name: Turgut Yagmur
author list: Agent
  family name: Bektaş Kayhan
  given name: Kıvanç
author list: Agent
  family name: Yilmaz
  given name: Ayca
author list: Agent
  family name: Göksel
  given name: Sevde
author list: Agent
  family name: Ozcan
  given name: İlknur
author list: Agent
  family name: Helvacioglu Yigit
  given name: Dilek
doi: 10.7717/peerj.14450
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-12-05
copyright: ©2022 Yalcin et al.
attribution name: Yalcin et al.

Genome-wide identification and expression pattern analysis of quinoa BBX family
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: BBX is a transcription factor encoding zinc finger protein that plays a key role in plant growth and development as well as in responding to abiotic stresses. However, in quinoa, which is known as a “super grain” and has extremely high nutritional value, this gene family has not yet been thoroughly studied. In this study, in order to fully understand the family function of the BBX in quinoa, a total of 31 BBX members were identified by bioinformatics methods. These BBX members were mainly acidic proteins, and most of their secondary structures were random coil s, 31 CqBBX members were unevenly distributed on 17 chromosomes, and the analysis of replication events found that quinoa BBX genes produced a total of 14 pairs of gene replication. The BBX genes were divided into five subfamilies according to phylogenetics, and its gene structure and conserved motif were basically consistent with the classification of its phylogenetic tree. In addition, a total of 43 light response elements, hormone response elements, tissue-specific expression response elements, and abiotic stress response elements were found in the promoter region, involving stress elements such as drought and low temperature. Finally, the expression patterns of CqBBX genes in different tissues and abiotic stresses were studied by combining transcriptome data and qRT-PCR , and all 13 genes responded to drought, salt, and low-temperature stress to varying degrees. This study is the first comprehensive study of the BBX family of quinoa, and its results provide important clues for further analysis of the function of the abiotic stress response.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Du Xuefen
creator: Xiaohong Wei
creator: Baoqiang Wang
creator: Zhu Xiaolin
creator: Wang Xian
creator: Luo Jincheng
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Genetics
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.14463
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Xuefen et al.
abstract: BBX is a transcription factor encoding zinc finger protein that plays a key role in plant growth and development as well as in responding to abiotic stresses. However, in quinoa, which is known as a “super grain” and has extremely high nutritional value, this gene family has not yet been thoroughly studied. In this study, in order to fully understand the family function of the BBX in quinoa, a total of 31 BBX members were identified by bioinformatics methods. These BBX members were mainly acidic proteins, and most of their secondary structures were random coil s, 31 CqBBX members were unevenly distributed on 17 chromosomes, and the analysis of replication events found that quinoa BBX genes produced a total of 14 pairs of gene replication. The BBX genes were divided into five subfamilies according to phylogenetics, and its gene structure and conserved motif were basically consistent with the classification of its phylogenetic tree. In addition, a total of 43 light response elements, hormone response elements, tissue-specific expression response elements, and abiotic stress response elements were found in the promoter region, involving stress elements such as drought and low temperature. Finally, the expression patterns of CqBBX genes in different tissues and abiotic stresses were studied by combining transcriptome data and qRT-PCR , and all 13 genes responded to drought, salt, and low-temperature stress to varying degrees. This study is the first comprehensive study of the BBX family of quinoa, and its results provide important clues for further analysis of the function of the abiotic stress response.
bibliographic citation: Xuefen et al. (2022) Genome-wide identification and expression pattern analysis of quinoa BBX family. PeerJ 10:e14463 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14463
date submitted: 2022-07-27
date accepted: 2022-11-03
issued: 2022-12-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Xuefen
  given name: Du
author list: Agent
  family name: Wei
  given name: Xiaohong
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Baoqiang
author list: Agent
  family name: Xiaolin
  given name: Zhu
author list: Agent
  family name: Xian
  given name: Wang
author list: Agent
  family name: Jincheng
  given name: Luo
doi: 10.7717/peerj.14463
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-12-05
copyright: ©2022 Xuefen et al.
attribution name: Xuefen et al.

Identification, classification, and expression profile analysis of heat shock transcription factor gene family in Salvia miltiorrhiza
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: In response to abiotic stresses, transcription factors are essential. Heat shock transcription factors (HSFs), which control gene expression, serve as essential regulators of plant growth, development, and stress response. As a model medicinal plant, Salvia miltiorrhiza is a crucial component in the treatment of cardiovascular illnesses. But throughout its growth cycle, S.miltiorrhiza is exposed to a series of abiotic challenges, including heat and drought. In this study, 35 HSF genes were identified based on genome sequencing of Salvia miltiorrhiza utilizing bioinformatics techniques. Additionally, 35 genes were classified into three groups by phylogeny and gene structural analysis, comprising 22 HSFA, 11 HSFB, and two HSFC. The distribution and sequence analysis of motif showed that SmHSFs were relatively conservative. In SmHSF genes, analysis of the promoter region revealed the presence of many cis-acting elements linked to stress, hormones, and growth and development, suggesting that these factors have regulatory roles. The majority of SmHSFs were expressed in response to heat and drought stress, according to combined transcriptome and real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses. In conclusion, this study looked at the SmHSF gene family using genome-wide identification, evolutionary analysis, sequence characterization, and expression analysis. This research serves as a foundation for further investigations into the role of HSF genes and their molecular mechanisms in plant stress responses.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Rui Liu
creator: Peijin Zou
creator: Zhu-Yun Yan
creator: Xin Chen
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Genomics
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.14464
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Liu et al.
abstract: In response to abiotic stresses, transcription factors are essential. Heat shock transcription factors (HSFs), which control gene expression, serve as essential regulators of plant growth, development, and stress response. As a model medicinal plant, Salvia miltiorrhiza is a crucial component in the treatment of cardiovascular illnesses. But throughout its growth cycle, S.miltiorrhiza is exposed to a series of abiotic challenges, including heat and drought. In this study, 35 HSF genes were identified based on genome sequencing of Salvia miltiorrhiza utilizing bioinformatics techniques. Additionally, 35 genes were classified into three groups by phylogeny and gene structural analysis, comprising 22 HSFA, 11 HSFB, and two HSFC. The distribution and sequence analysis of motif showed that SmHSFs were relatively conservative. In SmHSF genes, analysis of the promoter region revealed the presence of many cis-acting elements linked to stress, hormones, and growth and development, suggesting that these factors have regulatory roles. The majority of SmHSFs were expressed in response to heat and drought stress, according to combined transcriptome and real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses. In conclusion, this study looked at the SmHSF gene family using genome-wide identification, evolutionary analysis, sequence characterization, and expression analysis. This research serves as a foundation for further investigations into the role of HSF genes and their molecular mechanisms in plant stress responses.
bibliographic citation: Liu et al. (2022) Identification, classification, and expression profile analysis of heat shock transcription factor gene family in Salvia miltiorrhiza. PeerJ 10:e14464 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14464
date submitted: 2022-08-16
date accepted: 2022-11-03
issued: 2022-12-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Rui
author list: Agent
  family name: Zou
  given name: Peijin
author list: Agent
  family name: Yan
  given name: Zhu-Yun
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Xin
doi: 10.7717/peerj.14464
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-12-05
copyright: ©2022 Liu et al.
attribution name: Liu et al.

Chemically mediated rheotaxis of endangered tri-spine horseshoe crab: potential dispersing mechanism to vegetated nursery habitats along the coast
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background An enhanced understanding of larval ecology is fundamental to improve the management of locally depleted horseshoe crab populations in Asia. Recent studies in the northern Beibu Gulf, China demonstrated that nesting sites of Asian horseshoe crabs are typically close to their nursery beaches with high-density juveniles distributed around mangrove, seagrass and other structured habitats. Methods A laboratory Y-maze chamber was used to test whether the dispersal of early-stage juvenile tri-spine horseshoe crab Tachypleus tridentatus is facilitated by chemical cues to approach suitable nursery habitats. The juvenile orientation to either side of the chamber containing controlled seawater or another with various vegetation cues, as well as their movement time, the largest distance and displacement were recorded. Results The juveniles preferred to orient toward seagrass Halophila beccarii cues when the concentration reached 0.5 g l−1, but ceased at 2 g l−1. The results can be interpreted as a shelter-seeking process to get closer to the preferred settlement habitats. However, the juveniles exhibited avoidance behaviors in the presence of mangrove Avicennia marina and invasive saltmarsh cordgrass Spartina alterniflora at 2 g l−1. The juveniles also spent less time moving in the presence of the A. marina cue, as well as reduced displacement in water containing the S. alterniflora cue at 1 and 2 g l−1. These results may explain the absence of juvenile T. tridentatus within densely vegetated areas, which have generally higher organic matter and hydrogen sulfide. Conclusion Early-stage juvenile T. tridentatus are capable of detecting and responding to habitat chemical cues, which can help guide them to high-quality settlement habitats. Preserving and restoring seagrass beds in the intertidal areas should be prioritized when formulating habitat conservation and management initiatives for the declining horseshoe crab populations.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Kit Yue Kwan
creator: Xin Yang
creator: Chun-Chieh Wang
creator: Yang Kuang
creator: Yulong Wen
creator: Kian Ann Tan
creator: Peng Xu
creator: Wenquan Zhen
creator: Xueping Wang
creator: Junhua Zhu
creator: Xing Huang
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Conservation Biology
subject: Ecology
subject: Marine Biology
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.14465
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Kwan et al.
abstract: Background An enhanced understanding of larval ecology is fundamental to improve the management of locally depleted horseshoe crab populations in Asia. Recent studies in the northern Beibu Gulf, China demonstrated that nesting sites of Asian horseshoe crabs are typically close to their nursery beaches with high-density juveniles distributed around mangrove, seagrass and other structured habitats. Methods A laboratory Y-maze chamber was used to test whether the dispersal of early-stage juvenile tri-spine horseshoe crab Tachypleus tridentatus is facilitated by chemical cues to approach suitable nursery habitats. The juvenile orientation to either side of the chamber containing controlled seawater or another with various vegetation cues, as well as their movement time, the largest distance and displacement were recorded. Results The juveniles preferred to orient toward seagrass Halophila beccarii cues when the concentration reached 0.5 g l−1, but ceased at 2 g l−1. The results can be interpreted as a shelter-seeking process to get closer to the preferred settlement habitats. However, the juveniles exhibited avoidance behaviors in the presence of mangrove Avicennia marina and invasive saltmarsh cordgrass Spartina alterniflora at 2 g l−1. The juveniles also spent less time moving in the presence of the A. marina cue, as well as reduced displacement in water containing the S. alterniflora cue at 1 and 2 g l−1. These results may explain the absence of juvenile T. tridentatus within densely vegetated areas, which have generally higher organic matter and hydrogen sulfide. Conclusion Early-stage juvenile T. tridentatus are capable of detecting and responding to habitat chemical cues, which can help guide them to high-quality settlement habitats. Preserving and restoring seagrass beds in the intertidal areas should be prioritized when formulating habitat conservation and management initiatives for the declining horseshoe crab populations.
bibliographic citation: Kwan et al. (2022) Chemically mediated rheotaxis of endangered tri-spine horseshoe crab: potential dispersing mechanism to vegetated nursery habitats along the coast. PeerJ 10:e14465 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14465
date submitted: 2022-03-22
date accepted: 2022-11-04
issued: 2022-12-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Kwan
  given name: Kit Yue
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Xin
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Chun-Chieh
author list: Agent
  family name: Kuang
  given name: Yang
author list: Agent
  family name: Wen
  given name: Yulong
author list: Agent
  family name: Tan
  given name: Kian Ann
author list: Agent
  family name: Xu
  given name: Peng
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhen
  given name: Wenquan
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Xueping
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhu
  given name: Junhua
author list: Agent
  family name: Huang
  given name: Xing
doi: 10.7717/peerj.14465
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-12-05
copyright: ©2022 Kwan et al.
attribution name: Kwan et al.

Effects of cleaning sports mouthguards with ethylene-vinyl acetate on oral bacteria
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Sports mouthguards, worn in the oral cavity to prevent sports injuries, are constantly exposed to various microorganisms that cause oral infections. Hence, the optimal cleaning methods for sports mouthguards have been thoroughly examined. In this study, we evaluated the efficiency of cleaning effects with a mouthguard cleaner (MC) on microbial biofilm formation in sports mouthguards in vitro and in vivo. Methods We evaluated the cleaning effects of the discs produced by ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) on bacterial biofilms formed by the commensal bacterium Streptococcus oralis, the cariogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans, and the opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus aureus in vitro. EVA discs with biofilm were subjected to sterile distilled water (CTRL) and ultrasonic washing (UW), followed by treatment with MC and sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) as positive controls. Thereafter, the viable bacterial cell counts were determined. The bacteria adhering to the sheets before and after the treatment were observed under an electron microscope. The degree of cleanliness and measurement of viable microbial cell counts for total bacteria, Streptococci and Candida, opportunistic fungi, were evaluated on the used experimental sports mouthguards with and without UW and MC treatment in vivo. Results The number of bacterial cells significantly decreased against all the tested biofilm bacteria upon treatment with MC, compared with CTRL and UW. Electron microscopy analysis revealed the biofilm formation by all bacteria on the EVA discs before cleaning. We observed fewer bacteria on the EVA discs treated with MC than those treated with CTRL and UW. Furthermore, the degree of cleanliness of the used experimental sports mouthguards cleaned using MC was significantly higher than that of the CTRL-treated mouthguards. Moreover, the viable microbial cell counts on the used experimental sports mouthguard were considerably lower than those on the CTRL ones. Conclusion The cleaning ef…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Hiroki Hayashi
creator: Yoshikazu Naiki
creator: Masahiro Murakami
creator: Akihiro Oishi
creator: Rihoko Takeuchi
creator: Masayoshi Nakagawa
creator: Suguru Kimoto
creator: Yoshiaki Hasegawa
creator: Akizumi Araki
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Microbiology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.14480
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Hayashi et al.
abstract: Background Sports mouthguards, worn in the oral cavity to prevent sports injuries, are constantly exposed to various microorganisms that cause oral infections. Hence, the optimal cleaning methods for sports mouthguards have been thoroughly examined. In this study, we evaluated the efficiency of cleaning effects with a mouthguard cleaner (MC) on microbial biofilm formation in sports mouthguards in vitro and in vivo. Methods We evaluated the cleaning effects of the discs produced by ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) on bacterial biofilms formed by the commensal bacterium Streptococcus oralis, the cariogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans, and the opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus aureus in vitro. EVA discs with biofilm were subjected to sterile distilled water (CTRL) and ultrasonic washing (UW), followed by treatment with MC and sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) as positive controls. Thereafter, the viable bacterial cell counts were determined. The bacteria adhering to the sheets before and after the treatment were observed under an electron microscope. The degree of cleanliness and measurement of viable microbial cell counts for total bacteria, Streptococci and Candida, opportunistic fungi, were evaluated on the used experimental sports mouthguards with and without UW and MC treatment in vivo. Results The number of bacterial cells significantly decreased against all the tested biofilm bacteria upon treatment with MC, compared with CTRL and UW. Electron microscopy analysis revealed the biofilm formation by all bacteria on the EVA discs before cleaning. We observed fewer bacteria on the EVA discs treated with MC than those treated with CTRL and UW. Furthermore, the degree of cleanliness of the used experimental sports mouthguards cleaned using MC was significantly higher than that of the CTRL-treated mouthguards. Moreover, the viable microbial cell counts on the used experimental sports mouthguard were considerably lower than those on the CTRL ones. Conclusion The cleaning ef…
bibliographic citation: Hayashi et al. (2022) Effects of cleaning sports mouthguards with ethylene-vinyl acetate on oral bacteria. PeerJ 10:e14480 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14480
date submitted: 2022-09-01
date accepted: 2022-11-07
issued: 2022-12-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Hayashi
  given name: Hiroki
author list: Agent
  family name: Naiki
  given name: Yoshikazu
author list: Agent
  family name: Murakami
  given name: Masahiro
author list: Agent
  family name: Oishi
  given name: Akihiro
author list: Agent
  family name: Takeuchi
  given name: Rihoko
author list: Agent
  family name: Nakagawa
  given name: Masayoshi
author list: Agent
  family name: Kimoto
  given name: Suguru
author list: Agent
  family name: Hasegawa
  given name: Yoshiaki
author list: Agent
  family name: Araki
  given name: Akizumi
doi: 10.7717/peerj.14480
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-12-05
copyright: ©2022 Hayashi et al.
attribution name: Hayashi et al.

Efficacy and indications of tonsillectomy in patients with IgA nephropathy: a retrospective study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The efficacy and indications of tonsillectomy in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) remain uncertain. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of 452 patients with primary IgAN, including 226 patients who received tonsillectomy and 226 controls selected by propensity score matching who had never undergone tonsillectomy. Study outcomes were clinical remission defined as negative hematuria and proteinuria on three consecutive visits over a 6-month period, the endpoint defined as end-stage renal disease or an irreversible 100% increase in serum creatinine from the baseline value. In addition, we further analyzed the critical level of proteinuria in the efficacy of tonsillectomy and the correlation between MEST-C score and tonsillectomy. Results Up to December 2019, the follow-up period lasted 46 ± 23 months (12–106 months). Kaplan–Meier and multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that tonsillectomy was beneficial for clinical remission and renal survival. Whether proteinuria was ≤ 1 g/24h or >1 g/24h, the clinical remission and renal survival rates were greater in patients treated with tonsillectomy than without. When the pathological damage was mild or relatively severe, tonsillectomy may be beneficial to clinical remission or renal survival. Conclusions Tonsillectomy had a favorable effect on clinical remission and delayed renal deterioration in IgAN. In addition to patients with early stage IgAN, it may also be beneficial to IgAN patients with higher levels of proteinuria and relatively severe pathological damage.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Yan Li
creator: Qi Wan
creator: Zhixin Lan
creator: Ming Xia
creator: Haiyang Liu
creator: Guochun Chen
creator: Liyu He
creator: Chang Wang
creator: Hong Liu
subject: Internal Medicine
subject: Nephrology
subject: Otorhinolaryngology
subject: Public Health
subject: Surgery and Surgical Specialties
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.14481
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Li et al.
abstract: Background The efficacy and indications of tonsillectomy in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) remain uncertain. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of 452 patients with primary IgAN, including 226 patients who received tonsillectomy and 226 controls selected by propensity score matching who had never undergone tonsillectomy. Study outcomes were clinical remission defined as negative hematuria and proteinuria on three consecutive visits over a 6-month period, the endpoint defined as end-stage renal disease or an irreversible 100% increase in serum creatinine from the baseline value. In addition, we further analyzed the critical level of proteinuria in the efficacy of tonsillectomy and the correlation between MEST-C score and tonsillectomy. Results Up to December 2019, the follow-up period lasted 46 ± 23 months (12–106 months). Kaplan–Meier and multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that tonsillectomy was beneficial for clinical remission and renal survival. Whether proteinuria was ≤ 1 g/24h or >1 g/24h, the clinical remission and renal survival rates were greater in patients treated with tonsillectomy than without. When the pathological damage was mild or relatively severe, tonsillectomy may be beneficial to clinical remission or renal survival. Conclusions Tonsillectomy had a favorable effect on clinical remission and delayed renal deterioration in IgAN. In addition to patients with early stage IgAN, it may also be beneficial to IgAN patients with higher levels of proteinuria and relatively severe pathological damage.
bibliographic citation: Li et al. (2022) Efficacy and indications of tonsillectomy in patients with IgA nephropathy: a retrospective study. PeerJ 10:e14481 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14481
date submitted: 2021-03-10
date accepted: 2022-11-08
issued: 2022-12-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Yan
author list: Agent
  family name: Wan
  given name: Qi
author list: Agent
  family name: Lan
  given name: Zhixin
author list: Agent
  family name: Xia
  given name: Ming
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Haiyang
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Guochun
author list: Agent
  family name: He
  given name: Liyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Chang
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Hong
doi: 10.7717/peerj.14481
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-12-05
copyright: ©2022 Li et al.
attribution name: Li et al.

Modeling the drying process of Masson pine needle fuel beds under different packing ratios based on two-phase models in the laboratory
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background When the moisture content of a fuel bed is higher than the fiber saturation moisture content (0.35 g g−1), the drying process is controlled by evaporation (>0.35 g g−1) and diffusion (>0.35 g g−1). Packing ratio has a significant effect on the drying process. Ignoring the impacts of packing ratio or the separate phases of the drying process is one main reason for inaccurate moisture content predictions. Method This study simulated the drying process in five Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) needle beds with different packing ratios. Using the fiber saturation moisture content as the cut-off point, we divided the drying process into two phases. The drying mechanism of each phase was different and had its own drying equation. Using a model that does not distinguish the two phases of the drying process as a comparison, the prediction effect of the two-phase model was analyzed. The influence of the fuel bed packing ratio on the drying process was also analyzed. Results We found that, regardless of any changes in packing ratio, the two-phase model could better simulate the drying process, with a mean absolute error (MAE) and mean relative error (MRE) of the two-phase model 18.4% and 25.6% less than the one-phase model, respectively. The time-lag prediction model was established with the packing ratio, and the errors were all within the allowable range, but the prediction effect of the time-lag prediction model based on the two-phase model was larger. Conclusion It was further demonstrated that considering the packing ratio of the fuel bed and distinguishing the two separate phases of the drying process could both effectively improve the prediction accuracy of the moisture content of fuel beds based on the semi-physical method.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Yunlin Zhang
subject: Ecology
subject: Plant Science
subject: Forestry
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.14484
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Zhang
abstract: Background When the moisture content of a fuel bed is higher than the fiber saturation moisture content (0.35 g g−1), the drying process is controlled by evaporation (>0.35 g g−1) and diffusion (>0.35 g g−1). Packing ratio has a significant effect on the drying process. Ignoring the impacts of packing ratio or the separate phases of the drying process is one main reason for inaccurate moisture content predictions. Method This study simulated the drying process in five Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) needle beds with different packing ratios. Using the fiber saturation moisture content as the cut-off point, we divided the drying process into two phases. The drying mechanism of each phase was different and had its own drying equation. Using a model that does not distinguish the two phases of the drying process as a comparison, the prediction effect of the two-phase model was analyzed. The influence of the fuel bed packing ratio on the drying process was also analyzed. Results We found that, regardless of any changes in packing ratio, the two-phase model could better simulate the drying process, with a mean absolute error (MAE) and mean relative error (MRE) of the two-phase model 18.4% and 25.6% less than the one-phase model, respectively. The time-lag prediction model was established with the packing ratio, and the errors were all within the allowable range, but the prediction effect of the time-lag prediction model based on the two-phase model was larger. Conclusion It was further demonstrated that considering the packing ratio of the fuel bed and distinguishing the two separate phases of the drying process could both effectively improve the prediction accuracy of the moisture content of fuel beds based on the semi-physical method.
bibliographic citation: Zhang (2022) Modeling the drying process of Masson pine needle fuel beds under different packing ratios based on two-phase models in the laboratory. PeerJ 10:e14484 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14484
date submitted: 2022-08-09
date accepted: 2022-11-08
issued: 2022-12-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Yunlin
doi: 10.7717/peerj.14484
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-12-05
copyright: ©2022 Zhang
attribution name: Zhang

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards mosquito control and used vehicle tire dumping by median household income, in metropolitan New Orleans, Louisiana
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Discarded vehicle tires are an important artificial habitat for the larvae of many container-breeding mosquito species worldwide, including in the United States. Unmanaged discarded vehicle tires create health, environmental and social costs, and with budget and staffing constraints, effective management of discarded used vehicle tires a mosquito larval habitat depends in part on the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of community residents. Objectives This study aims to examine the knowledge, attitude and practices of New Orleans, Louisiana residents toward illegally discarded vehicle tires, and larval mosquito control. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional design study was used where 422 households were selected using a two-stage cluster random sampling procedure in New Orleans, Louisiana. Heads of households or a person aged 18 years or older self-administered the survey. The questionnaire comprised five parts: screening, tire sightings, preferred communication method, knowledge, attitude and precautionary measures against mosquito control, disease risk and illegal discarding. We then statistically compared above and below median income household responses to identify likely causes of detected differences. The data were analyzed using ordinal regression models via IBM SPSS statistics V.26.0. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results Out of 290 responding households, 95.5% strongly agree or agree that mosquitoes can spread serious diseases like West Nile, Zika or Dengue. Only 2.3% of the sample had high knowledge of illegally discarded tires dumping and mosquito larval control. Those employed were 1.0 times more likely to possess good knowledge than the unemployed (p < 0.001). Despite low knowledge levels regarding mosquito breeding and polluted water in discarded tires, 29.9% of respondents had positive attitude and 20.5% reported sufficient practices. Among the socio-demographic variables, only home ownership and being employed were …
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Imelda K. Moise
creator: Ashley Archer
creator: Claudia Riegel
subject: Public Health
subject: Environmental Contamination and Remediation
subject: Environmental Impacts
subject: Environmental Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.14188
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Moise et al.
abstract: Background Discarded vehicle tires are an important artificial habitat for the larvae of many container-breeding mosquito species worldwide, including in the United States. Unmanaged discarded vehicle tires create health, environmental and social costs, and with budget and staffing constraints, effective management of discarded used vehicle tires a mosquito larval habitat depends in part on the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of community residents. Objectives This study aims to examine the knowledge, attitude and practices of New Orleans, Louisiana residents toward illegally discarded vehicle tires, and larval mosquito control. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional design study was used where 422 households were selected using a two-stage cluster random sampling procedure in New Orleans, Louisiana. Heads of households or a person aged 18 years or older self-administered the survey. The questionnaire comprised five parts: screening, tire sightings, preferred communication method, knowledge, attitude and precautionary measures against mosquito control, disease risk and illegal discarding. We then statistically compared above and below median income household responses to identify likely causes of detected differences. The data were analyzed using ordinal regression models via IBM SPSS statistics V.26.0. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results Out of 290 responding households, 95.5% strongly agree or agree that mosquitoes can spread serious diseases like West Nile, Zika or Dengue. Only 2.3% of the sample had high knowledge of illegally discarded tires dumping and mosquito larval control. Those employed were 1.0 times more likely to possess good knowledge than the unemployed (p < 0.001). Despite low knowledge levels regarding mosquito breeding and polluted water in discarded tires, 29.9% of respondents had positive attitude and 20.5% reported sufficient practices. Among the socio-demographic variables, only home ownership and being employed were …
bibliographic citation: Moise et al. (2022) Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards mosquito control and used vehicle tire dumping by median household income, in metropolitan New Orleans, Louisiana. PeerJ 10:e14188 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14188
date submitted: 2022-02-22
date accepted: 2022-09-14
issued: 2022-12-02
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Moise
  given name: Imelda K.
author list: Agent
  family name: Archer
  given name: Ashley
author list: Agent
  family name: Riegel
  given name: Claudia
doi: 10.7717/peerj.14188
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-12-02
copyright: ©2022 Moise et al.
attribution name: Moise et al.

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