Evaluation of film stimuli for the assessment of social-emotional processing: a pilot study
Background Difficulties in top-down and bottom-up emotion generation have been proposed to play a key role in the progression of psychiatric disorders. The aim of the current study was to develop more ecologically valid measures of top-down interpretation biases and bottom-up evoked emotional responses. Methods A total of 124 healthy female participants aged 18–25 took part in the study. We evaluated two sets of 18 brief film clips. The first set of film clips presented ambiguous social situations designed to examine interpretation biases. Participants provided written interpretations of each ambiguous film clip which were subjected to sentiment analysis. We compared the films in terms of the valence of participants interpretations. The second set of film clips presented neutral and emotionally provoking social scenarios designed to elicit subjective and facial emotional responses. While viewing these film clips participants mood ratings and facial affect were recorded and analysed using exploratory factor analyses. Results Most of the 18 ambiguous film clips were interpreted in the expected manner while still retaining some ambiguity. However, participants were more attuned to the negative cues in the ambiguous film clips and three film clips were identified as unambiguous. These films clips were deemed unsuitable for assessing interpretation bias. The exploratory factor analyses of participants’ mood ratings and evoked facial affect showed that the positive and negative emotionally provoking film clips formed their own factors as expected. However, there was substantial cross-loading of the neutral film clips when participants’ facial expression data was analysed. Discussion A subset of the film clips from the two tasks could be used to assess top-down interpretation biases and bottom-up evoked emotional responses. Ambiguous negatively valenced film clips should have more subtle negative cues to avoid ceiling effects and to ensure there is enough room for interpretation.
Leppanen et al. (2022) Evaluation of film stimuli for the assessment of social-emotional processing: a pilot study. PeerJ 10:e14160 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14160
Comprehensive proteomic and metabolomic analysis uncover the response of okra to drought stress
The response of okra to drought stress is very complicated, and the molecular mechanisms underlying this process remains ambiguous up to now. In this study, different degrees of water-stress responses of okra leaf were explained by using transcriptomics and metabolomic approaches. The photosynthesis and glycometabolism in okra leaf were both adversely affected by drought stress, leading to inhibition of the carbohydrate metabolic process, and then influencing the secondary plant metabolism. Further, drought stress disturbed amino acid metabolism, especially for the tyrosine-derived pathway as well as arginine and proline metabolism, which have been shown to be significantly enriched under water withholding conditions based on multi-omics conjoint analysis (transcriptome, proteome and metabolome). In-depth analysis of the internal linkages between differentially expressed transcripts, proteins, and metabolites decidedly indicate that tyrosine metabolism could confer tolerance to drought stress by influencing carbon and nitrogen metabolism. These findings provide a whole framework of the regulation and relationships of major transcripts and peptides related to secondary metabolism, particularly, the role of critical proteins and metabolite involved in the change of amino acid metabolism in response to drought stress.
Wang et al. (2022) Comprehensive proteomic and metabolomic analysis uncover the response of okra to drought stress. PeerJ 10:e14312 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14312
Targeting fibroblast growth factor receptors causes severe craniofacial malformations in zebrafish larvae
Background and Objective A key pathway controlling skeletal development is fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and FGF receptor (FGFR) signaling. Major regulatory functions of FGF signaling are chondrogenesis, endochondral and intramembranous bone development. In this study we focus on fgfr2, as mutations in this gene are found in patients with craniofacial malformations. The high degree of conservation between FGF signaling of human and zebrafish (Danio rerio) tempted us to investigate effects of the mutated fgfr2sa10729 allele in zebrafish on cartilage and bone formation. Methods We stained cartilage and bone in 5 days post fertilization (dpf) zebrafish larvae and compared mutants with wildtypes. We also determined the expression of genes related to these processes. We further investigated whether pharmacological blocking of all FGFRs with the inhibitor BGJ398, during 0–12 and 24–36 h post fertilization (hpf), affected craniofacial structure development at 5 dpf. Results We found only subtle differences in craniofacial morphology between wildtypes and mutants, likely because of receptor redundancy. After exposure to BGJ398, we found dose-dependent cartilage and bone malformations, with more severe defects in fish exposed during 0–12 hpf. These results suggest impairment of cranial neural crest cell survival and/or differentiation by FGFR inhibition. Compensatory reactions by upregulation of fgfr1a, fgfr1b, fgfr4, sp7 and dlx2a were found in the 0–12 hpf group, while in the 24–36 hpf group only upregulation of fgf3 was found together with downregulation of fgfr1a and fgfr2. Conclusions Pharmacological targeting of FGFR1-4 kinase signaling causes severe craniofacial malformations, whereas abrogation of FGFR2 kinase signaling alone does not induce craniofacial skeletal abnormalities. These findings enhance our understanding of the role of FGFRs in the etiology of craniofacial malformations.
Gebuijs et al. (2022) Targeting fibroblast growth factor receptors causes severe craniofacial malformations in zebrafish larvae. PeerJ 10:e14338 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14338
Augmented anticancer effect and antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized by using Taxus wallichiana leaf extract
Background Taxus wallichiana is an evergreen tree species found in the Himalayan region of Pakistan. The tree possesses important secondary metabolites such as Taxol that has been implicated in treating breast, ovarian and colon cancer. Therefore keeping in view the importance of this plant species, silver nanoparticles were synthesized using Taxus wallichiana aqueous leaf extract and evaluated for their anti-bacterial and anti-cancer properties. Methods Silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized for their optical, morphological and structural features using techniques such as UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and were evaluated for their antibacterial activity and anti-cancer activity using U251 cell line. Results The study showed that the UV-absorbance peak of Ag2O NPs at 450 nm shifted to 410 nm, affirming the formation of leaf extract Ag NPs. Similarly structural studies revealed the crystalline nature of the cubic structure of the Ag crystal with an average crystallite size of 29 nm. FTIR analysis exhibited the existence of different functional elements including O-H and N-H and phenolic groups. Non-spherical glomerular shaped Taxus wallichiana Ag NPs were observed from SEM studies and EDX profile showed Ag as the main element along with constituent of biological origin. The synthesized Ag NPs showed significant antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhi, and Staphylococcus aureus. The cytotoxic activity of Ag NPs on U251 brain cancer cells showed a synergistic effect with 10 ug/mL concentration after 48 and 72 h incubation based on cell viability assay indicating promising glioblastoma drug potential.
Yousaf et al. (2022) Augmented anticancer effect and antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized by using Taxus wallichiana leaf extract. PeerJ 10:e14391 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14391
Sarcopenia and echocardiographic parameters for prediction of cardiovascular events and mortality in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis
Background Sarcopenia is prevalent and is associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular complications in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). It is unknown how skeletal muscle may be associated with aspects of myocardial structure and function. This study aimed to evaluate the association between sarcopenia and cardiac structure and function in patients undergoing MHD. We also examined the prognostic role of sarcopenia for mortality and cardiovascular events (CVE) in this population. Methods Participants from a single center underwent bioimpedance body composition analysis to measure skeletal muscle and echocardiography to assess myocardial structure and function. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria. The end points were all-cause mortality and CVE. Results Of the 158 participants, 46 (29.1%) had sarcopenia, 102 (64.6%) had left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), and 106 (67.0%) had left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Participants with sarcopenia had smaller right ventricular sizes (2.54 ± 0.77 vs 2.76 ± 0.28; P < 0.01), inter-ventricular thickness (1.07 ± 0.19 vs 1.14 ± 0.20; P = 0.039), and left ventricular posterior wall thickness (0.96, 0.89–1.10 vs 1.06, 0.95–1.20; P = 0.018). Skeletal muscle mass was strongly correlated with left ventricular mass (LVM) (r = 0.577; P < 0.0001). Furthermore, the risk of LVDD (OR: 4.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.73–13.95]) and LVH (OR: 4.88, 95% CI [1.08–21.96]) was much higher in the sarcopenic group than in the non-sarcopenic group. During a follow-up period of 18 months, 11 (6.9%) patients died, of which seven died (4.4%) of CVE, and 36 (22.8%) experienced CVE. The presence of sarcopenia (adjusted hazard ratio (HR), 6.59; 95% CI [1.08–39.91]; P = 0.041) and low skeletal muscle index (HR, 3.41; 95% CI [1.01–11.57]; P = 0.049) and handgrip strength (HR, 0.88; 95% CI [0.78–0.99]; P = 0.037) independently predicted death. Sarcopenia was a significant predictor of CVE (HR, 10.96; 95% CI [1.14–105.10]; P = 0.038). Conclusion Our findings demonstrated that sarcopenia is associated with LVDD and LVH, and is associated with a higher probability of death and CVE.
Zhang et al. (2022) Sarcopenia and echocardiographic parameters for prediction of cardiovascular events and mortality in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. PeerJ 10:e14429 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14429
Co-occurrence of seagrass vegetation and coral colonies supports unique fish assemblages: a microhabitat-scale perspective
Numerous studies have suggested that seagrass beds provide nursery habitats for juvenile fish in both tropical and subtropical regions. Most of these previous studies applied a landscape-scale perspective, in which seagrass beds and coral reefs are treated as independent, homogenous habitats. However, this perspective might overlook the microhabitat-scale perspective within the habitats, for example, the possibility that small-sized hard substrates (e.g., coral colonies) within seagrass beds might serve as fish nurseries. The present study aimed to examine the effects of the presence of microhabitats (small-sized coral colonies) within seagrass beds on the structure of fish assemblages. Fieldwork was conducted at Urasoko Bay, Ishigaki Island, Okinawa, Japan. Four habitat zones were selected: (1) seagrass bed with presence of massive coral colonies (SGCO), (2) seagrass bed without coral colonies (SG), (3) sandy bottom (without seagrass vegetation) with massive coral colonies (CO), and (4) sandy bottom without seagrass vegetation or coral colonies (SA). Six 20 m × 2 m line transects were established and monthly underwater observations were conducted between June and October in 2018 and 2019. A cluster analysis, analysis of similarity, and principal component analysis revealed that the fish assemblage at SGCO was significantly different from the other three habitat zones. This was because some fish species (e.g., Ostorhinchusishigakiensis and Lutjanus gibbus) were almost exclusively present at SGCO and rarely seen at CO, SG, and SA. Most individual fish belonging to these species were found on coral colonies at SGCO, suggesting that the co-occurrence of seagrass vegetation and coral colonies is essential for the habitats of these fish species. Although other fish species present at SGCO were also found at SG, three species, Parupeneus barberinus, Stethojulis strigiventer, and Lethrinus atkinsoni, were more abundant at SGCO with some found on coral colonies in this habitat zone. Several fish species that occurred at both SGCO and CO (e.g., Ostorhinchus properuptus, Cheilodispterus quinquelineatus, Chrysiptera cyanea, and Pomacentrus chrysurus) were more abundant or showed a greater size range at SGCO, suggesting greater survival rates in this habitat zone because of the co-occurrence of seagrass vegetation and coral colonies. This study demonstrated the existence of a unique fish assemblage structure at SGCO. Although the adoption of a landscape-scale perspective (three-dimensional structure of the vegetation) is necessary, a microhabitat-scale perspective that includes the presence of small hard substrates should also be considered to accurately evaluate the nursery function of seagrass beds.
Nanami (2022) Co-occurrence of seagrass vegetation and coral colonies supports unique fish assemblages: a microhabitat-scale perspective. PeerJ 10:e14466 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14466
Chronic toxicity of shrimp feed added with silver nanoparticles (Argovit-4®) in Litopenaeus vannamei and immune response to white spot syndrome virus infection
In recent years, the application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as antibacterial compounds has been widely used in human and veterinary medicine. In this work, we investigated the effects of AgNPs (Argovit-4®) as feed additives (feed-AgNPs) on shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) using three different methods: 1) chronic toxicity after 28 days of feeding, 2) Effects against white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) challenged by oral route, and 3) transcriptional responses of immune-related genes (PAP, ProPO, CTL-3, Crustin, PEN3, and PEN4) following WSSV infection. The results showed that the feed-AgNPs did not interfere with the growth and survival of shrimp. Also, mild lesions in the hepatopancreas were recorded, proportional to the frequency of the feed-AgNP supply. Challenge test versus WSSV showed that feeding every 7 days with feed-AgNPs reduced mortality, reaching a survival rate of 53%, compared to the survival rates observed in groups fed every 4 days, daily and control groups of feed-AgNPs for the 30%, 10%, and 7% groups, respectively. Feed-AgNPs negatively regulated the expression of PAP, ProPO, and Crustin genes after 28 days of treatment and altered the transcriptional responses of PAP, ProPO, CTL-3, and Crustin after WSSV exposure. The results showed that weekly feeding-AgNPs could partially prevent WSSV infection in shrimp culture. However, whether or not transcriptional responses against pathogens are advantageous remains to be elucidated.
Romo Quiñonez et al. (2022) Chronic toxicity of shrimp feed added with silver nanoparticles (Argovit-4®) in Litopenaeus vannamei and immune response to white spot syndrome virus infection. PeerJ 10:e14231 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14231
“Double whammy”: a rapid review of rural vs urban psychosocial cancer experiences and telehealth service in five countries during the COVID-19 pandemic
Background Cancer is a long-term condition with biopsychosocial components. People with cancer living in rural areas can have poorer treatment outcomes and higher rates of unmet psychosocial needs than those in urban areas. Cancer, as opposed to other chronic conditions, poses a unique challenge in this current COVID-19 pandemic context, given immunocompromised states of patients and long-term survivor treatment effects. The disaggregated impact of psychosocial issues potentiated by the pandemic on rural vs. urban cancer populations is yet to be quantified. This rapid review investigates whether (i) people with cancer are experiencing pandemic-related psychosocial impacts, (ii) these impacts are equivalent in urban and rural locations, and (iii) whether the rapid uptake of telehealth mitigates or reinforces any identified impacts. Method A rapid review was conducted for literature published between December 2019 and 13 August 2021. Results Fifteen papers were included, incorporating evidence from five countries. The available literature suggests people affected by cancer living in rural areas are evidencing disproportionate psychosocial impacts of COVID-19, compounding cancer experiences. Despite its widespread and necessary use during the pandemic, telehealth was identified as an additional challenge for rural people with cancer. Conclusions Clinicians working with rural people affected by cancer should ensure recognition of the greater risks of psychosocial concerns in their rural patients, and reduced access to health services. Whilst telehealth and other remote technologies are useful and necessary in this pandemic era, clinicians should consider whether its use benefits their rural clients or reinforces existing disparities.
Barnes et al. (2022) “Double whammy”: a rapid review of rural vs urban psychosocial cancer experiences and telehealth service in five countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. PeerJ 10:e14382 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14382
The effects of Saccharomyces boulardii on rat colonic hypermotility induced by repeated water avoidance stress and the potential mechanism
Background Saccharomyces boulardii (Sb) has been reported to have the potential to regulate gut motility. The aim of this experiment was to explore the possible function of Sb in gut hypermotility elicited by repeated water avoidance stress (WAS). Methods Adult male Wistar rats (N = 24) were divided into one of the following three groups: control (C), NS (normal saline) + WAS group (N), and Sb + WAS group (S). A diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) model in rats was induced using the WAS method. Gut motility was evaluated by stool pellet expulsion per hour. The contractile activity of the colonic muscle strips was measured using an RM6240 multichannel physiological signal instrument. qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to assess Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression in colon tissue. ELISA was used to measure the level of cytokines in the serum and colonic tissue. Also, the microbiota composition was determined using high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing. Result The results showed that oral Sb decreased the WAS-induced increased defecation and colonic hypermotility in vivo. Furthermore, Sb also decreased the contractile amplitude of colonic circular muscle (CM) and longitudinal muscle (LM) strips in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Repeated WAS increased TLR4 expression, but Sb reversed it. Sb also reduced interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels in serum and colonic tissue, while increasing IL-10 levels in colonic tissue. Meanwhile, the rats from the NS + WAS group had decreased microbiota diversity and had lower relative abundances of Patescibacteria, Epsilonbacteraeota, Cyanobacteria, and Turicibacter compared with controls. The rats in the Sb + WAS group showed a tendency to increase the relative abundance of Blautia when compared to control rats and had lower relative abundances of Acidobacteria and Anaerostipes compared with the NS + WAS group. Conclusion Our findings demonstrated that Sb improved colonic hypermotility in rats, reversed the high-expression of TLR4 in the colon caused by repeated WAS, modulated cytokines in the colon and serum, and altered the gut microbiota, indicating that Sb may be useful for IBS-D.
Liu et al. (2022) The effects of Saccharomyces boulardii on rat colonic hypermotility induced by repeated water avoidance stress and the potential mechanism. PeerJ 10:e14390 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14390
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