Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy versus chemotherapy or radiotherapy in advanced endometrial cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Background Endometrial cancer is one of the most common gynecological cancer in the world. However, the available adjuvant therapies, chemotherapy (CT) and radiotherapy (RT), demonstrated several limitations when used alone. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the clinical effectiveness of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) based on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Methods A literature search was performed on five databases and one clinical trial registry to obtain all relevant articles. Search for studies was completed on September 9, 2021. A meta-analysis was conducted to determine the overall hazard ratio with the 95% Confidence Interval. Results A total of 17 articles with 23,975 patients in the CRT vs RT group and 50,502 patients in the CRT vs CT group were included. The OS Hazard Ratios (HR) of CRT compared to RT was 0.66 (95% CI [0.59–0.75]; P < 0.00001). Compared to CT, the OS HR was 0.70 (95% CI [0.64–0.78]; P < 0.00001). CRT also significantly improved the DFS compared to CT only (HR 0.79, 95% CI [0.64–0.97]; P = 0.02) However, CRT did not improve the DFS compared to RT only, with HR of 0.71 (95% CI [0.46–1.09]; P = 0.12). Conclusion Adjuvant CRT can significantly improve OS compared to CT or RT alone and improve the DFS compared to CT alone in patients with advanced endometrial cancer. Further research is needed to identify the optimal CRT regimen, and to whom CRT will be most beneficial.
Winarto et al. (2022) Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy versus chemotherapy or radiotherapy in advanced endometrial cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PeerJ 10:e14420 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14420
A new species and new records species of Pluteus from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China embraces a unique geographical and ecological environment, and the macrofungi represent a rich resource. However, few studies on the genus Pluteus have been reported from Xinjiang. In 2021, the macrofungal resources in Xinjiang were surveyed, and 10 specimens belonging to the genus Pluteus were collected. Based on the morphological study and molecular analysis, three species were recognized, P. aletaiensis, P. brunneidiscus, and P. hongoi. Pluteus aletaiensis is proposed as a new species. It is characterized by its bright yellow lamellae and stipe, brittle texture, subfusiform to vesicular pleurocystidia, with short pedicels to broadly lageniform to obtuse at apices, a hymeniderm pileipellis, containing dark brown intracellular pigment, and it grows on the ground. Pluteus brunneidiscus, a new record to China, is characterized by uneven, smooth, grayish brown to brown pileus, with an entire margin, and pointed or flatter apices intermediate cystidia, without apical hooks. Pluteus hongoi, a new record to Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China, is characterized by the apical hook’s structure (commonly bifid) of pleurocystidia. The nuclear internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1-a) region were used for the molecular analysis. Phylogenetic trees were constructed using both the maximum likelihood analysis (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI). Detailed descriptions of the three species are presented herein. Finally, a key to the list of eight species of the genus Pluteus knew from Xinjiang is provided.
Qi et al. (2022) A new species and new records species of Pluteus from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. PeerJ 10:e14298 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14298
The triglycerides-glucose index and the triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio are both effective predictors of in-hospital death in non-diabetic patients with AMI
Background The triglycerides-glucose index (TyG) and the triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) are simple indicators for assessing insulin resistance in epidemiological studies. We aimed to clarify the relationship between indicators of insulin resistance and prognosis in non-diabetic acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. Methods A total of 1,648 AMI patients without diabetes were enrolled from the Department of Cardiology, Zhongda Hospital, between 2012.03 and 2018.12. The medical history, laboratory and imaging data of patients were collected through the medical record system, and all-cause death events were recorded. Pearson analysis was used to study the correlation among different variables. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the predictive effect of TyG and TG/HDL-C in in-hospital death of AMI patients. Results 1. In AMI group, the TyG index was significantly increased in death groups compared to no-death groups (P = 0.025). TG/HDL-C was not significantly increased in the death group of AMI patients (P = 0.588). The patients were respectively divided into Q1-Q4 groups and T1-T4 groups according to the quartiles of TyG and TG/HDL-C. The trends of in-hospital mortality in the Q4 group of TyG and T4 group of TG/HDL-C were higher than in other groups, although these differences were not significant. 2. Pearson correlation analysis showed that TyG was positively correlated with lipid-related markers, including ApoB (r = 0.248, P < 0.001), total cholesterol (TC) (r = 0.270, P < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (r = 0.238, P < 0.001). Spearman analysis showed that TG/HDL-C was also positively associated with TC (r = 0.107, P < 0.001), ApoB (r = 0.180, P < 0.001) and LDL-C (r = 0.164, P < 0.001). 3. Logistic regression analysis showed that TyG (OR = 3.106, 95% CI [2.122–4.547], P < 0.001) and TG/HDL-C (OR = 1.167, 95% CI [1.062–1.282], P = 0.001) were both important factors to predict the in-hospital death of AMI patients without diabetes. Conclusions TyG index and TG/HDL-C, as emerged simple markers of insulin resistance, were both important predictors of in-hospital death in AMI patients without diabetes.
Guo et al. (2022) The triglycerides-glucose index and the triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio are both effective predictors of in-hospital death in non-diabetic patients with AMI. PeerJ 10:e14346 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14346
Reliability of kettlebell swing one and five repetition maximum
Background Research into the kettlebell swing has increased in the last decade. There has been a paucity of literature assessing an individual’s ability to perform the kettlebell swing exercise. The purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of the one and five repetition maximum (1RM and 5RM) kettlebell swing. Materials & Methods Twenty four recreational resistance-trained participants performed an isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) and two familiarization sessions followed by three test sessions for each RM load approximately one week apart, using a custom-built plate-loaded kettlebell. On each test occasion, subjects completed a series of warm-up sets followed by 3–4 progressively heavier kettlebell swings to a standardized height until 1RM or 5RM was reached. Test-retest reliability was calculated using the intra-class correlation (ICC) and typical error was represented as the coefficient of variation (CV%) with 90% confidence limits (90% CL). The smallest worthwhile change (SWC%) representing the smallest change of practical importance, was calculated as 0.2 × between-subject standard deviation. The relationship of kettlebell swing performance and maximum strength was determined by Pearson correlation with ±90% CL between the absolute peak force recorded during IMTP and 1RM or 5RM. Results Results demonstrated a high test-retest reliability for both the 1RM (ICC = 0.97, 90% CL [0.95–0.99]; CV = 2.7%, 90% CL [2.2–3.7%]) and 5RM (ICC = 0.98, 90% CL [0.96–0.99]; CV = 2.4%, 90% CL [1.9–3.3%]), respectively. The CV% was lower than the SWC for both the 1RM (SWC = 2.8%, 90% CL [1.9–3.5]) and 5RM (SWC = 2.9%, 90% CL [1.9–3.6]) kettlebell swing. The correlation between IMTP absolute peak force and the 1RM (r = 0.69, 90% CL 0.43–0.83) was large and very large for the 5RM (r = 0.75, 90% CL [0.55–0.87]). Conclusions These results demonstrate the stability of 1RM and 5RM kettlebell swing performance after two familiarization sessions. Practitioners can be confident that changes in kettlebell swing 1RM and 5RM performance of >3.6 kg represent a practically important difference, which is the upper limit of the 90% CL.
Ross et al. (2022) Reliability of kettlebell swing one and five repetition maximum. PeerJ 10:e14370 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14370
Comparative genome-wide methylation analysis reveals epigenetic regulation of muscle development in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) fed with whole faba bean
Crisp grass carp (CGC), the most representative improved varieties of grass carp (GC), features higher muscle hardness after feeding faba bean (Vicia faba L.) for 90–120 days. DNA methylation, a most widely studied epigenetic modification, plays an essential role in muscle development. Previous studies have identified numerous differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between CGC and GC. However, it remains unknown if the expression levels of these DEGs are influenced by DNA methylation. In the present study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of DNA methylation profiles between CGC and GC, and identified important candidate genes related to muscle development coupled with the transcriptome sequencing data. A total of 9,318 differentially methylated genes (DMGs) corresponding to 155,760 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified between the two groups under the CG context in promoter regions. Combined with the transcriptome sequencing data, 14 key genes related to muscle development were identified, eight of which (gsk3b, wnt8a, wnt11, axin2, stat1, stat2, jak2, hsp90) were involved in muscle fiber hyperplasia, six of which (tgf-β1, col1a1, col1a2, col1a3, col4a1, col18a1) were associated with collagen synthesis in crisp grass carp. The difference of methylation levels in the key genes might lead to the expression difference, further resulting in the increase of muscle hardness in crisp grass carp. Overall, this study can help further understand how faba bean modulates muscle development by the epigenetic modifications, providing novel insights into the texture quality improvement in other aquaculture fish species by nutritional programming.
Li et al. (2022) Comparative genome-wide methylation analysis reveals epigenetic regulation of muscle development in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) fed with whole faba bean. PeerJ 10:e14403 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14403
Chemical composition, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Monarda didyma L. essential oil
In the present study, Monarda didyma L. essential oil (isolated from the flowering aerial parts of the plant) was examined to characterize its chemotype and to evaluate, in addition to the quali-quantitative chemical analysis, the associated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The plants were grown in central Italy, Urbino (PU), Marche region. Different analyses (TLC, GC-FID, GC-MS and 1H-NMR) allowed the identification of twenty compounds among which carvacrol, p-cymene and thymol were the most abundant. On this basis, the chemotype examined in the present study was indicated as Monarda didyma ct. carvacrol. The antioxidant effect was assessed by DPPH assay. Moreover, this chemotype was investigated for the anti-inflammatory effect in an in vitro setting (i.e., LPS-stimulated U937 cells). The decreased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and the increased expression of miR-146a are suggestive of the involvement of the Toll-like receptor-4 signaling pathway. Although further studies are needed to better investigate the action mechanism/s underlying the results observed in the experimental setting, our findings show that M. didyma essential oil is rich in bioactive compounds (mainly aromatic monoterpenes and phenolic monoterpenes) which are most likely responsible for its beneficial effect.
Fraternale et al. (2022) Chemical composition, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Monarda didyma L. essential oil. PeerJ 10:e14433 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14433
The effects of viewing cute images on the performance of simple computerized tasks in dog owners and non-dog owners
Background Viewing cute images of puppies or kittens can improve the performance of various motor tasks due to increased behavioral carefulness. It is possible, however, that this effect can be moderated by the affinity of individuals towards specific cute stimuli. The purpose of this pre-registered study was to examine whether dog ownership moderates the effect of viewing cute images of puppies on two computerized RT-based tasks. Methods One-hundred and sixty-four participants were covertly recruited and randomly assigned to four groups: (1) dog owners viewing puppies’ images (n = 35), (2) dog owners viewing adult dogs’ images (n = 36), (3) non-dog owners viewing puppies’ images (n = 48), and (4) non-dog owners viewing adult dogs’ images (n = 45). The participants performed a Simon task and an alternate task-switching task before and after viewing seven images of puppies/adult dogs based on group affiliation. After performing the tasks, the participants rated each image on five characteristics: cuteness, infantility, pleasantness, excitability, and wanting to get closer. Results The participants who viewed images of puppies rated those characteristics (e.g., cuter, more infantile, etc.) as higher than the participants who viewed images of adult dogs. There were no differences in the performance of the two tasks between participants who viewed images puppies and participants who viewed images of adult dogs. However, dog owners reacted faster than non-dog owners in the post-test of the alternate task-switching task. It is possible that showing images of dogs to dog owners increased their motivation and attention to the task.
Fox et al. (2022) The effects of viewing cute images on the performance of simple computerized tasks in dog owners and non-dog owners. PeerJ 10:e14439 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14439
Ear your heart: transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on heart rate variability in healthy young participants
Background Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) stimulating the auricular branch of the vagus nerve along a well-defined neuroanatomical pathway, has promising therapeutic efficacy. Potentially, taVNS can modulate autonomic responses. Specifically, taVNS can induce more consistent parasympathetic activation and may lead to increased heart rate variability (HRV). However, the effects of taVNS on HRV remain inconclusive. Here, we investigated changes in HRV due to brief alteration periods of parasympathetic-vagal cardiac activity produced by taVNS on the cymba as opposed to control administration via the helix. Materials and Methods We compared the effect of 10 min of active stimulation (i.e., cymba conchae) to sham stimulation (i.e., helix) on peripheral cardiovascular response, in 28 healthy young adults. HRV was estimated in the time domain and frequency domain during the overall stimulation. Results Although active-taVNS and sham-taVNS stimulation did not differ in subjective intensity ratings, the active stimulation of the cymba led to vagally mediated HRV increases in both the time and frequency domains. Differences were significant between active-taVNS and both sham-taVNS and resting conditions in the absence of stimulation for various HRV parameters, but not for the low-frequency index of HRV, where no differences were found between active-taVNS and sham-taVNS conditions. Conclusion This work supports the hypothesis that taVNS reliably induces a rapid increase in HRV parameters when auricular stimulation is used to recruit fibers in the cymba compared to stimulation at another site. The results suggest that HRV can be used as a physiological indicator of autonomic tone in taVNS for research and potential therapeutic applications, in line with the established effects of invasive VNS. Knowledge of the physiological effect of taVNS short sessions in modulating cardiovagal processing is essential for enhancing its clinical use.
Forte et al. (2022) Ear your heart: transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on heart rate variability in healthy young participants. PeerJ 10:e14447 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14447
Increased vitamin D intake may reduce psychological anxiety and the incidence of menstrual irregularities in female athletes
Background Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with major depression and premenstrual mood symptoms, and menstrual irregularity has been correlated with mental anxiety. However, the potential effect of increased vitamin D intake on reducing the risk of menstrual irregularities by decreasing psychological anxiety is yet to be fully elucidated. The existence of such a relationship in athletes with high levels of psychological anxiety and adequate dietary intake remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of vitamin D intake on psychological anxiety levels and the risk of menstrual irregularities in healthy college-and international-level female athletes. Methods Female intercollege-level track and field and international-level rowing athletes (n = 107) aged 15–24 years were included in this study. Their nutritional intake, body mass, body fat, mental anxiety, and menstrual irregularities were investigated. A generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was used to examine the effects of several parameters on menstrual irregularities. The independent variables introduced into the GLMM were determined based on Akaike’s information criterion. Results The GLMM identified a significant interaction effect of vitamin D intake and state anxiety on menstrual irregularities, with a p-value of 0.049 and an odds ratio of 0.423. The study results suggest that increased vitamin D intake in relatively young endurance athletes may reduce mental anxiety, consequently decreasing menstrual irregularities.
Miyamoto et al. (2022) Increased vitamin D intake may reduce psychological anxiety and the incidence of menstrual irregularities in female athletes. PeerJ 10:e14456 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14456
Linking parasitism to network centrality and the impact of sampling bias in its interpretation
Group living is beneficial for individuals, but also comes with costs. One such cost is the increased possibility of pathogen transmission because increased numbers or frequencies of social contacts are often associated with increased parasite abundance or diversity. The social structure of a group or population is paramount to patterns of infection and transmission. Yet, for various reasons, studies investigating the links between sociality and parasitism in animals, especially in primates, have only accounted for parts of the group (e.g., only adults), which is likely to impact the interpretation of results. Here, we investigated the relationship between social network centrality and an estimate of gastrointestinal helminth infection intensity in a whole group of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata). We then tested the impact of omitting parts of the group on this relationship. We aimed to test: (1) whether social network centrality –in terms of the number of partners (degree), frequency of interactions (strength), and level of social integration (eigenvector) –was linked to parasite infection intensity (estimated by eggs per gram of faeces, EPG); and, (2) to what extent excluding portions of individuals within the group might influence the observed relationship. We conducted social network analysis on data collected from one group of Japanese macaques over three months on Koshima Island, Japan. We then ran a series of knock-out simulations. General linear mixed models showed that, at the whole-group level, network centrality was positively associated with geohelminth infection intensity. However, in partial networks with only adult females, only juveniles, or random subsets of the group, the strength of this relationship - albeit still generally positive - lost statistical significance. Furthermore, knock-out simulations where individuals were removed but network metrics were retained from the original whole-group network showed that these changes are partly a power issue and partly an effect of sampling the incomplete network. Our study indicates that sampling bias can thus hamper our ability to detect real network effects involving social interaction and parasitism. In addition to supporting earlier results linking geohelminth infection to Japanese macaque social networks, this work introduces important methodological considerations for research into the dynamics of social transmission, with implications for infectious disease epidemiology, population management, and health interventions.
Xu et al. (2022) Linking parasitism to network centrality and the impact of sampling bias in its interpretation. PeerJ 10:e14305 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14305