PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Evaluation of physical activity among undergraduate students in Mogadishu Universities in the aftermath of COVID-19 restrictions
items: https://peerj.com/articles/14140
items: A conserved role of bam in maintaining metabolic homeostasis via regulating intestinal microbiota in Drosophila
items: A new bilaterally injured trilobite presents insight into attack patterns of Cambrian predators
items: Self-rated oral health among elderly patients attending a university dental hospital in Thailand: a telephone-based cross-sectional survey study
items: PLA2R-IgG4 antibody as a predictive biomarker of treatment effectiveness and prognostic evaluation in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy: a retrospective study
items: Prevalence of G6PD deficiency and G6PD variants amongst the southern Thai population
items: Location angle of second mesio-buccal canal in maxillary molars of an Indian population: an in vivo retrospective CBCT evaluation and proposal of a new classification
items: Physique and performance in male sitting volleyball players: implications for classification and training
items: Changes in whistle parameters of two common bottlenose dolphin ecotypes as a result of the physical presence of the research vessel

Evaluation of physical activity among undergraduate students in Mogadishu Universities in the aftermath of COVID-19 restrictions
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background International restrictions were enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic to limit social interaction and viral transmission. These measures had a negative impact on physical activity (PA), creating changes in students’ health and lifestyles. The present study aimed to evaluate the levels of PA among undergraduate students in three different universities in Mogadishu after the relaxation of COVID-19 lockdown using the international physical activity questionnaire-long version (IPAQ-L) and its potential associated factors. Methods This study is a multicentral study conducted at Somali International University, Horn of Africa University, and Daha International University. A total of 1,189 respondents were asked to answer the online questionnaire provided via a link shared using their social media. Results After COVID-19 restrictions approximately ≥ 150 minutes of PA per week was reported by 500 men (97.3%) and 652 women (96.6%) at work. While 7 (1.4%) of men and 20 (3%) of women participate in < 150 minutes each week, respectively. Furthermore, only seven (1.4%) of males and three (0.4%) of women reported to have not performed any PA at work. Conclusion The majority of the undergraduate students at the selected universities in Mogadishu were physically active after the relaxation of COVID-19 rules in Somalia. Such a high level of PA is a significant advantage to public health.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Sameer Badri AL-Mhanna
creator: Wan Syaheedah Wan Ghazali
creator: Mahaneem Mohamed
creator: Abdulrahman Mohammed Sheikh
creator: Abedelmalek Kalefh Tabnjh
creator: HafeezAbiola Afolabi
creator: Yahkub Babatunde Mutalub
creator: Azeez Omoniyi Adeoye
creator: Mariam Mohamed Nur
creator: Monira I. Aldhahi
subject: Kinesiology
subject: Public Health
subject: COVID-19
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.14131
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 AL-Mhanna et al.
abstract: Background International restrictions were enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic to limit social interaction and viral transmission. These measures had a negative impact on physical activity (PA), creating changes in students’ health and lifestyles. The present study aimed to evaluate the levels of PA among undergraduate students in three different universities in Mogadishu after the relaxation of COVID-19 lockdown using the international physical activity questionnaire-long version (IPAQ-L) and its potential associated factors. Methods This study is a multicentral study conducted at Somali International University, Horn of Africa University, and Daha International University. A total of 1,189 respondents were asked to answer the online questionnaire provided via a link shared using their social media. Results After COVID-19 restrictions approximately ≥ 150 minutes of PA per week was reported by 500 men (97.3%) and 652 women (96.6%) at work. While 7 (1.4%) of men and 20 (3%) of women participate in < 150 minutes each week, respectively. Furthermore, only seven (1.4%) of males and three (0.4%) of women reported to have not performed any PA at work. Conclusion The majority of the undergraduate students at the selected universities in Mogadishu were physically active after the relaxation of COVID-19 rules in Somalia. Such a high level of PA is a significant advantage to public health.
bibliographic citation: AL-Mhanna et al. (2022) Evaluation of physical activity among undergraduate students in Mogadishu Universities in the aftermath of COVID-19 restrictions. PeerJ 10:e14131 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14131
date submitted: 2022-05-25
date accepted: 2022-09-06
issued: 2022-10-10
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: AL-Mhanna
  given name: Sameer Badri
author list: Agent
  family name: Wan Ghazali
  given name: Wan Syaheedah
author list: Agent
  family name: Mohamed
  given name: Mahaneem
author list: Agent
  family name: Sheikh
  given name: Abdulrahman Mohammed
author list: Agent
  family name: Tabnjh
  given name: Abedelmalek Kalefh
author list: Agent
  family name: Afolabi
  given name: HafeezAbiola
author list: Agent
  family name: Mutalub
  given name: Yahkub Babatunde
author list: Agent
  family name: Adeoye
  given name: Azeez Omoniyi
author list: Agent
  family name: Mohamed Nur
  given name: Mariam
author list: Agent
  family name: Aldhahi
  given name: Monira I.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.14131
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-10-10
copyright: ©2022 AL-Mhanna et al.
attribution name: AL-Mhanna et al.

https://peerj.com/articles/14140
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
title: Impact of ventilator settings during venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation on clinical outcomes in influenza-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome: a multicenter retrospective cohort study
description: Background Patients with influenza-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) requiring venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vv-ECMO) support have a high mortality rate. Ventilator settings have been known to have a substantial impact on outcomes. However, the optimal settings of mechanical ventilation during vv-ECMO are still unknown. Methods This multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted in the intensive care units (ICUs) of three tertiary referral hospitals in Taiwan between July 2009 and December 2019. It aims to describe the effect of ventilator settings during vv-ECMO on patient outcomes. Results A total of 93 patients with influenza receiving ECMO were screened. Patients were excluded if they: were receiving venoarterial ECMO, died within three days of vv-ECMO initiation, or were transferred to the tertiary referral hospital >24 hours after vv-ECMO initiation. A total of 62 patients were included in the study, and 24 (39%) died within six months. During the first three days of ECMO, there were no differences in tidal volume (5.1 vs. 5.2 mL/kg, p = 0.833), dynamic driving pressure (15 vs. 14 cmH2O, p = 0.146), and mechanical power (11.3 vs. 11.8 J/min, p = 0.352) between survivors and non-survivors. However, respiratory rates were significantly higher in non-survivors compared with survivors (15 vs. 12 breaths/min, p = 0.013). After adjustment for important confounders, a higher mean respiratory rate of >12 breaths/min was still associated with higher mortality (adjusted hazard ratio = 3.31, 95% confidence interval = 1.10–9.97, p = 0.034). Conclusions In patients with influenza-associated ARDS receiving vv-ECMO support, we found that a higher respiratory rate was associated with higher mortality. Respiratory rate might be a modifiable factor to improve outcomes in this patient population.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Ting-Yu Liao
creator: Sheng-Yuan Ruan
creator: Chien-Heng Lai
creator: Li-Jung Tseng
creator: Li-Ta Keng
creator: You-Yi Chen
creator: Chih-Hsien Wang
creator: Jung-Yien Chien
creator: Huey-Dong Wu
creator: Yih-Sharng Chen
creator: Chong-Jen Yu
subject: Emergency and Critical Care
subject: Respiratory Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.14140
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Liao et al.
abstract: Background Patients with influenza-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) requiring venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vv-ECMO) support have a high mortality rate. Ventilator settings have been known to have a substantial impact on outcomes. However, the optimal settings of mechanical ventilation during vv-ECMO are still unknown. Methods This multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted in the intensive care units (ICUs) of three tertiary referral hospitals in Taiwan between July 2009 and December 2019. It aims to describe the effect of ventilator settings during vv-ECMO on patient outcomes. Results A total of 93 patients with influenza receiving ECMO were screened. Patients were excluded if they: were receiving venoarterial ECMO, died within three days of vv-ECMO initiation, or were transferred to the tertiary referral hospital >24 hours after vv-ECMO initiation. A total of 62 patients were included in the study, and 24 (39%) died within six months. During the first three days of ECMO, there were no differences in tidal volume (5.1 vs. 5.2 mL/kg, p = 0.833), dynamic driving pressure (15 vs. 14 cmH2O, p = 0.146), and mechanical power (11.3 vs. 11.8 J/min, p = 0.352) between survivors and non-survivors. However, respiratory rates were significantly higher in non-survivors compared with survivors (15 vs. 12 breaths/min, p = 0.013). After adjustment for important confounders, a higher mean respiratory rate of >12 breaths/min was still associated with higher mortality (adjusted hazard ratio = 3.31, 95% confidence interval = 1.10–9.97, p = 0.034). Conclusions In patients with influenza-associated ARDS receiving vv-ECMO support, we found that a higher respiratory rate was associated with higher mortality. Respiratory rate might be a modifiable factor to improve outcomes in this patient population.
bibliographic citation: Liao et al. (2022) Impact of ventilator settings during venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation on clinical outcomes in influenza-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome: a multicenter retrospective cohort study. PeerJ 10:e14140 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14140
date submitted: 2022-04-20
date accepted: 2022-09-06
issued: 2022-10-10
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Liao
  given name: Ting-Yu
author list: Agent
  family name: Ruan
  given name: Sheng-Yuan
author list: Agent
  family name: Lai
  given name: Chien-Heng
author list: Agent
  family name: Tseng
  given name: Li-Jung
author list: Agent
  family name: Keng
  given name: Li-Ta
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: You-Yi
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Chih-Hsien
author list: Agent
  family name: Chien
  given name: Jung-Yien
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Huey-Dong
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Yih-Sharng
author list: Agent
  family name: Yu
  given name: Chong-Jen
doi: 10.7717/peerj.14140
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-10-10
copyright: ©2022 Liao et al.
attribution name: Liao et al.

A conserved role of bam in maintaining metabolic homeostasis via regulating intestinal microbiota in Drosophila
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Previous studies have proven that bag-of-marbles (bam) plays a pivotal role in promoting early germ cell differentiation in Drosophila ovary. However, whether it functions in regulating the metabolic state of the host remains largely unknown. Methods We utilized GC-MS, qPCR, and some classical kits to examine various metabolic profiles and gut microbial composition in bam loss-of-function mutants and age-paired controls. We performed genetic manipulations to explore the tissue/organ-specific role of bam in regulating energy metabolism in Drosophila. The DSS-induced mouse colitis was generated to identify the role of Gm114, the mammalian homolog of bam, in modulating intestinal homeostasis. Results We show that loss of bam leads to an increased storage of energy in Drosophila. Silence of bam in intestines results in commensal microbial dysbiosis and metabolic dysfunction of the host. Moreover, recovery of bam expression in guts almost rescues the obese phenotype in bam loss-of-function mutants. Further examinations of mammalian Gm114 imply a similar biological function in regulating the intestinal homeostasis and energy storage with its Drosophila homolog bam. Conclusion Our studies uncover a novel biological function of bam/Gm114 in regulating the host lipid homeostasis.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jiale Wang
creator: Yangyang Zhu
creator: Chao Zhang
creator: Renjie Duan
creator: Fanrui Kong
creator: Xianrui Zheng
creator: Yongzhi Hua
subject: Genomics
subject: Molecular Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.14145
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Wang et al.
abstract: Background Previous studies have proven that bag-of-marbles (bam) plays a pivotal role in promoting early germ cell differentiation in Drosophila ovary. However, whether it functions in regulating the metabolic state of the host remains largely unknown. Methods We utilized GC-MS, qPCR, and some classical kits to examine various metabolic profiles and gut microbial composition in bam loss-of-function mutants and age-paired controls. We performed genetic manipulations to explore the tissue/organ-specific role of bam in regulating energy metabolism in Drosophila. The DSS-induced mouse colitis was generated to identify the role of Gm114, the mammalian homolog of bam, in modulating intestinal homeostasis. Results We show that loss of bam leads to an increased storage of energy in Drosophila. Silence of bam in intestines results in commensal microbial dysbiosis and metabolic dysfunction of the host. Moreover, recovery of bam expression in guts almost rescues the obese phenotype in bam loss-of-function mutants. Further examinations of mammalian Gm114 imply a similar biological function in regulating the intestinal homeostasis and energy storage with its Drosophila homolog bam. Conclusion Our studies uncover a novel biological function of bam/Gm114 in regulating the host lipid homeostasis.
bibliographic citation: Wang et al. (2022) A conserved role of bam in maintaining metabolic homeostasis via regulating intestinal microbiota in Drosophila. PeerJ 10:e14145 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14145
date submitted: 2022-06-01
date accepted: 2022-09-07
issued: 2022-10-10
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Jiale
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhu
  given name: Yangyang
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Chao
author list: Agent
  family name: Duan
  given name: Renjie
author list: Agent
  family name: Kong
  given name: Fanrui
author list: Agent
  family name: Zheng
  given name: Xianrui
author list: Agent
  family name: Hua
  given name: Yongzhi
doi: 10.7717/peerj.14145
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-10-10
copyright: ©2022 Wang et al.
attribution name: Wang et al.

A new bilaterally injured trilobite presents insight into attack patterns of Cambrian predators
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Durophagous predation in the Cambrian is typically recorded as malformed shells and trilobites, with rarer evidence in the form of coprolites and shelly gut contents. Reporting novel evidence for shell-crushing further expands the understanding of where and when in the Cambrian durophagy was present. To expand the current documentation and present new records of malformed trilobites from the Cambrian of China, we present an injured Redlichia (Pteroredlichia) chinensis from the lower Cambrian Balang Formation, western Hunan, South China. The specimen has two distinct injuries along the thorax. The injuries show different degrees of regeneration, suggesting that the specimen was attacked twice. We propose that the individual may have been targeted more readily for the second attack. This predatory approach would have been highly energy efficient, maximizing net energy gain during the attack.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Ruiwen Zong
creator: Russell D.C. Bicknell
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Ecology
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Paleontology
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.14185
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Zong and Bicknell
abstract: Durophagous predation in the Cambrian is typically recorded as malformed shells and trilobites, with rarer evidence in the form of coprolites and shelly gut contents. Reporting novel evidence for shell-crushing further expands the understanding of where and when in the Cambrian durophagy was present. To expand the current documentation and present new records of malformed trilobites from the Cambrian of China, we present an injured Redlichia (Pteroredlichia) chinensis from the lower Cambrian Balang Formation, western Hunan, South China. The specimen has two distinct injuries along the thorax. The injuries show different degrees of regeneration, suggesting that the specimen was attacked twice. We propose that the individual may have been targeted more readily for the second attack. This predatory approach would have been highly energy efficient, maximizing net energy gain during the attack.
bibliographic citation: Zong et al. (2022) A new bilaterally injured trilobite presents insight into attack patterns of Cambrian predators. PeerJ 10:e14185 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14185
date submitted: 2022-07-01
date accepted: 2022-09-14
issued: 2022-10-10
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zong
  given name: Ruiwen
author list: Agent
  family name: Bicknell
  given name: Russell D.C.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.14185
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-10-10
copyright: ©2022 Zong and Bicknell
attribution name: Zong and Bicknell

Self-rated oral health among elderly patients attending a university dental hospital in Thailand: a telephone-based cross-sectional survey study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Oral health perception is an influential predictor of both current and future health among the elderly. However, limited research has focused on self-rated oral health among older patients attending tertiary dental care. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the potential factors associated with self-rated oral health among elderly patients attending a university dental hospital in Thailand. Methods This telephone-based cross-sectional study was carried out among elderly patients older than 60 years who attended at least one dental visit at the university dental hospital in 2020. Hospital numbers (HN) were used to identify eligible candidates for this study. We calculated the sample size by assuming a finite population of 70,028 elderly patients with valid telephone numbers. The minimum sample required for this study was 398 participants. Trained interviewers conducted telephone calls between July 2021 and January 2022 using the validated modified oral health questionnaire. Self-rated oral health was assessed using a conventionally used global oral health question: “How would you describe your dental health?” with three response options: good, fair, and poor. Descriptive statistics, Fisher’s exact test, and binary logistic regression were performed to analyze the data. Results A total of 836 telephone numbers were called. There were 402 (48.10%) elderly patients who agreed to and completed the telephone interview. Most of the study participants were women (61.4%) between 61–74 years of age (83.1%) with a mean age of 69.18 years. Bivariate analyses showed associations between poor self-rated oral health and lower subjective oral functions: chewing discomfort (p < 0.001) and speaking discomfort (p = 0.013). However, the multivariate regression model indicated a significant association between poor self-rated oral health and chewing discomfort (p < 0.001). Therefore, elderly patients with chewing discomfort were more likely to perceive poor oral health. Con…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Nithimar Sermsuti-anuwat
creator: Narongrit Nampikul
creator: Rawitsara Suwannimit
creator: Weerachon Panthueng
subject: Dentistry
subject: Geriatrics
subject: Public Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.14191
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Sermsuti-anuwat et al.
abstract: Background Oral health perception is an influential predictor of both current and future health among the elderly. However, limited research has focused on self-rated oral health among older patients attending tertiary dental care. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the potential factors associated with self-rated oral health among elderly patients attending a university dental hospital in Thailand. Methods This telephone-based cross-sectional study was carried out among elderly patients older than 60 years who attended at least one dental visit at the university dental hospital in 2020. Hospital numbers (HN) were used to identify eligible candidates for this study. We calculated the sample size by assuming a finite population of 70,028 elderly patients with valid telephone numbers. The minimum sample required for this study was 398 participants. Trained interviewers conducted telephone calls between July 2021 and January 2022 using the validated modified oral health questionnaire. Self-rated oral health was assessed using a conventionally used global oral health question: “How would you describe your dental health?” with three response options: good, fair, and poor. Descriptive statistics, Fisher’s exact test, and binary logistic regression were performed to analyze the data. Results A total of 836 telephone numbers were called. There were 402 (48.10%) elderly patients who agreed to and completed the telephone interview. Most of the study participants were women (61.4%) between 61–74 years of age (83.1%) with a mean age of 69.18 years. Bivariate analyses showed associations between poor self-rated oral health and lower subjective oral functions: chewing discomfort (p < 0.001) and speaking discomfort (p = 0.013). However, the multivariate regression model indicated a significant association between poor self-rated oral health and chewing discomfort (p < 0.001). Therefore, elderly patients with chewing discomfort were more likely to perceive poor oral health. Con…
bibliographic citation: Sermsuti-anuwat et al. (2022) Self-rated oral health among elderly patients attending a university dental hospital in Thailand: a telephone-based cross-sectional survey study. PeerJ 10:e14191 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14191
date submitted: 2022-05-20
date accepted: 2022-09-15
issued: 2022-10-10
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Sermsuti-anuwat
  given name: Nithimar
author list: Agent
  family name: Nampikul
  given name: Narongrit
author list: Agent
  family name: Suwannimit
  given name: Rawitsara
author list: Agent
  family name: Panthueng
  given name: Weerachon
doi: 10.7717/peerj.14191
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-10-10
copyright: ©2022 Sermsuti-anuwat et al.
attribution name: Sermsuti-anuwat et al.

PLA2R-IgG4 antibody as a predictive biomarker of treatment effectiveness and prognostic evaluation in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy: a retrospective study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) 2021 guidelines recommend Rituximab (RTX) as the first-line therapy and phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) antibody as a biomarker for remission and prognosis in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN). Methods This study was a retrospective analysis of 70 patients with IMN treated with either rituximab (RTX) or cyclophosphamide (CTX) and steroid. Quantitative detection of PLA2R-IgG and PLA2R-IgG4 antibodies at sixth month after treatment, determined using time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (TRFIA), were used for treatment effectiveness analysis and prognostic evaluation in patients with IMN. Results After 12 months of therapy, the remission rate of proteinuria, including complete remission (CR) and partial remission (PR) in the RTX group and the CTX group, were 74% versus 67.5% (P = 0.114), respectively. Both PLA2R-IgG and PLA2R-IgG4 levels were decreased in patients with remission of proteinuria after 6 months of therapy. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curve analysis exhibited that the AUC of PLA2R-IgG4 and the PLA2R-IgG as laboratory criteria for proteinuria remission were 0.970 versus 0.886 (P = 0.0516), respectively, after 6 months of treatment. The cut-off value of PLA2R-IgG4 was 7.67 RU/mL and the sensitivity and specificity of remission rate at 6th month were 90.9% and 100%, respectively. Furthermore, the AUC of the PLA2R-IgG4 and PLA2R-IgG to predict the outcome after 12 months of treatment were 0.922 versus 0.897 (P = 0.3270), respectively. With the cut-off value of PLA2R-IgG4 being 22.985 RU/mL, the sensitivity and specificity of remission rate at 12th month were 100% and 87.1%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the PLA2R-IgG4 level (P = 0.023), the rate of decrease of PLA2R-IgG4 level (P = 0.034), and eGFR level (P = 0.012) were significantly associated with remission. Conclusions We found that the patients in the RTX group and CTX group achiev…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Yiqing Huang
creator: Junyi Zhou
creator: Kezhi Zhou
creator: Biao Huang
creator: Jing Xue
creator: Xiran Zhang
creator: Bin Liu
creator: Zhijian Zhang
creator: Leting Zhou
creator: Ting Cai
creator: Yi Zhang
creator: Zhigang Hu
creator: Liang Wang
creator: Xiaobin Liu
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Drugs and Devices
subject: Epidemiology
subject: Immunology
subject: Nephrology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.14193
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Huang et al.
abstract: Background The Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) 2021 guidelines recommend Rituximab (RTX) as the first-line therapy and phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) antibody as a biomarker for remission and prognosis in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN). Methods This study was a retrospective analysis of 70 patients with IMN treated with either rituximab (RTX) or cyclophosphamide (CTX) and steroid. Quantitative detection of PLA2R-IgG and PLA2R-IgG4 antibodies at sixth month after treatment, determined using time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (TRFIA), were used for treatment effectiveness analysis and prognostic evaluation in patients with IMN. Results After 12 months of therapy, the remission rate of proteinuria, including complete remission (CR) and partial remission (PR) in the RTX group and the CTX group, were 74% versus 67.5% (P = 0.114), respectively. Both PLA2R-IgG and PLA2R-IgG4 levels were decreased in patients with remission of proteinuria after 6 months of therapy. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curve analysis exhibited that the AUC of PLA2R-IgG4 and the PLA2R-IgG as laboratory criteria for proteinuria remission were 0.970 versus 0.886 (P = 0.0516), respectively, after 6 months of treatment. The cut-off value of PLA2R-IgG4 was 7.67 RU/mL and the sensitivity and specificity of remission rate at 6th month were 90.9% and 100%, respectively. Furthermore, the AUC of the PLA2R-IgG4 and PLA2R-IgG to predict the outcome after 12 months of treatment were 0.922 versus 0.897 (P = 0.3270), respectively. With the cut-off value of PLA2R-IgG4 being 22.985 RU/mL, the sensitivity and specificity of remission rate at 12th month were 100% and 87.1%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the PLA2R-IgG4 level (P = 0.023), the rate of decrease of PLA2R-IgG4 level (P = 0.034), and eGFR level (P = 0.012) were significantly associated with remission. Conclusions We found that the patients in the RTX group and CTX group achiev…
bibliographic citation: Huang et al. (2022) PLA2R-IgG4 antibody as a predictive biomarker of treatment effectiveness and prognostic evaluation in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy: a retrospective study. PeerJ 10:e14193 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14193
date submitted: 2022-06-24
date accepted: 2022-09-15
issued: 2022-10-10
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Huang
  given name: Yiqing
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Junyi
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Kezhi
author list: Agent
  family name: Huang
  given name: Biao
author list: Agent
  family name: Xue
  given name: Jing
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Xiran
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Bin
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Zhijian
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Leting
author list: Agent
  family name: Cai
  given name: Ting
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Yi
author list: Agent
  family name: Hu
  given name: Zhigang
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Liang
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Xiaobin
doi: 10.7717/peerj.14193
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-10-10
copyright: ©2022 Huang et al.
attribution name: Huang et al.

Prevalence of G6PD deficiency and G6PD variants amongst the southern Thai population
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an enzyme essential for NADPH production and protecting cells, especially red blood cells, from free radicals. The oxidative stress from drugs, chemicals, and infections can induce red blood cell hemolysis in G6PD deficiency patients, causing a genetic disorder. Objectives This study aims to provide more information on G6PD deficiency prevalence and the G6PD variants in the southern Thai population. Methods Five hundred and twenty healthy subjects in 14 provinces in the southern part of Thailand participated in the study. EDTA-blood samples were collected for a hematological parameters study, G6PD deficiency screening, and a molecular study for G6PD mutation. G6PD deficiency screening was tested using a fluorescent spot test. The types of G6PD mutation were identified by the allele-specific PCR method. Results The prevalence of G6PD deficiency in southern Thailand was 6.1% (14/228) in males and 9.6% (28/292) in females. Two homozygous and 26 heterozygous G6PD deficiencies were found in females. G6PD Viangchan (871G>A) was the most common variant with 43%, followed by G6PD Mahidol (487G>A), 24% with an allele frequency of 0.025 and 0.012, respectively. Uncharacterized mutations existed in three samples. The study volunteers had anemia in 36.6% (107/292) females and 7.5% (17/228) males. Among G6PD deficiency subjects, only ten partial G6PD deficiency females had mild anemia. Conclusions This study suggests that the prevalence of G6PD deficiency in southern Thailand aligns with that of other parts of Thailand. Newborn screening for G6PD deficiency is recommended for personal information and medical reference to prevent acute hemolysis from oxidative stressors.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Manit Nuinoon
creator: Rungnapha Krithong
creator: Suputcha Pramtong
creator: Piyawit Sasuk
creator: Chompunuch Ngeaiad
creator: Sathanan Chaimusik
creator: Jiraporn Kanboonma
creator: Orawan Sarakul
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Hematology
subject: Medical Genetics
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.14208
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Nuinoon et al.
abstract: Background Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an enzyme essential for NADPH production and protecting cells, especially red blood cells, from free radicals. The oxidative stress from drugs, chemicals, and infections can induce red blood cell hemolysis in G6PD deficiency patients, causing a genetic disorder. Objectives This study aims to provide more information on G6PD deficiency prevalence and the G6PD variants in the southern Thai population. Methods Five hundred and twenty healthy subjects in 14 provinces in the southern part of Thailand participated in the study. EDTA-blood samples were collected for a hematological parameters study, G6PD deficiency screening, and a molecular study for G6PD mutation. G6PD deficiency screening was tested using a fluorescent spot test. The types of G6PD mutation were identified by the allele-specific PCR method. Results The prevalence of G6PD deficiency in southern Thailand was 6.1% (14/228) in males and 9.6% (28/292) in females. Two homozygous and 26 heterozygous G6PD deficiencies were found in females. G6PD Viangchan (871G>A) was the most common variant with 43%, followed by G6PD Mahidol (487G>A), 24% with an allele frequency of 0.025 and 0.012, respectively. Uncharacterized mutations existed in three samples. The study volunteers had anemia in 36.6% (107/292) females and 7.5% (17/228) males. Among G6PD deficiency subjects, only ten partial G6PD deficiency females had mild anemia. Conclusions This study suggests that the prevalence of G6PD deficiency in southern Thailand aligns with that of other parts of Thailand. Newborn screening for G6PD deficiency is recommended for personal information and medical reference to prevent acute hemolysis from oxidative stressors.
bibliographic citation: Nuinoon et al. (2022) Prevalence of G6PD deficiency and G6PD variants amongst the southern Thai population. PeerJ 10:e14208 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14208
date submitted: 2022-05-05
date accepted: 2022-09-19
issued: 2022-10-10
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Nuinoon
  given name: Manit
author list: Agent
  family name: Krithong
  given name: Rungnapha
author list: Agent
  family name: Pramtong
  given name: Suputcha
author list: Agent
  family name: Sasuk
  given name: Piyawit
author list: Agent
  family name: Ngeaiad
  given name: Chompunuch
author list: Agent
  family name: Chaimusik
  given name: Sathanan
author list: Agent
  family name: Kanboonma
  given name: Jiraporn
author list: Agent
  family name: Sarakul
  given name: Orawan
doi: 10.7717/peerj.14208
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-10-10
copyright: © 2022 Nuinoon et al.
attribution name: Nuinoon et al.

Location angle of second mesio-buccal canal in maxillary molars of an Indian population: an in vivo retrospective CBCT evaluation and proposal of a new classification
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The current investigation was designed for predicting the location angle of second mesio-buccal root canal in permanent maxillary (first and second) molars with the aid of proposed measuring points and line using cone beam computed tomography in an Indian population. Methods Three-hundred and twenty-four scans of permanent maxillary (first (n = 162) and second (n = 162)) molars with mesio-buccal 2 root canals and unassociated to the current evaluation were acquired. The maxillary molars were viewed with CSI imaging software. The images were captured and were further assessed using 3D Slicer. The assessment included of measuring the distance between the main mesio-buccal and mesio-buccal 2 canal and the angle at which the MB2 it is located utilizing proposed lines joining the disto-buccal and palatal canals. The data was tabulated for the incidence of various angles where the MB2 is located and MB-MB2 distance was determined. The angles denoted were either positive; I (0.1° to 1.9°), II (2° to 4°), III (>4°) or negative I (−0.1° to −1.9°), II (−2° to −4°), III (>−4°). On the data tabulated a new Banga Vhorkate and Pawar’s (BVP’s) angular classification for maxillary molars was proposed. Results The existence of positive angle III was found in 41.35% of maxillary first molars (36 right and 31 left of 162), whereas positive angle II appeared in 41.98% of maxillary second molars (32 right and 36 left of 162). The MB1–MB2 in maxillary 1st molar is seen to be 3.12–3.31 mm and this distance in maxillary 2nd molar is 2.8–3.1 mm. The disto-buccal to palatal canal orifice mean distance was 5.06–5.22 mm in maxillary first molars and 4.9–5.8 mm in maxillary second molars. Conclusion Accurate diagnosis of the location of second mesio-buccal canal increases the success rate of endodontic treatment and a better prognosis. The new proposed classification may be considerably helpful in the urge to locate the mesio-buccal 2 canal.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Kishor Vhorkate
creator: Kulvinder Banga
creator: Ajinkya M. Pawar
creator: Shugufta Mir
creator: Suraj Arora
creator: Dian Agustin Wahjuningrum
creator: Anuj Bhardwaj
creator: Alexander Maniangat Luke
subject: Anatomy and Physiology
subject: Dentistry
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.14234
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Vhorkate et al.
abstract: Background The current investigation was designed for predicting the location angle of second mesio-buccal root canal in permanent maxillary (first and second) molars with the aid of proposed measuring points and line using cone beam computed tomography in an Indian population. Methods Three-hundred and twenty-four scans of permanent maxillary (first (n = 162) and second (n = 162)) molars with mesio-buccal 2 root canals and unassociated to the current evaluation were acquired. The maxillary molars were viewed with CSI imaging software. The images were captured and were further assessed using 3D Slicer. The assessment included of measuring the distance between the main mesio-buccal and mesio-buccal 2 canal and the angle at which the MB2 it is located utilizing proposed lines joining the disto-buccal and palatal canals. The data was tabulated for the incidence of various angles where the MB2 is located and MB-MB2 distance was determined. The angles denoted were either positive; I (0.1° to 1.9°), II (2° to 4°), III (>4°) or negative I (−0.1° to −1.9°), II (−2° to −4°), III (>−4°). On the data tabulated a new Banga Vhorkate and Pawar’s (BVP’s) angular classification for maxillary molars was proposed. Results The existence of positive angle III was found in 41.35% of maxillary first molars (36 right and 31 left of 162), whereas positive angle II appeared in 41.98% of maxillary second molars (32 right and 36 left of 162). The MB1–MB2 in maxillary 1st molar is seen to be 3.12–3.31 mm and this distance in maxillary 2nd molar is 2.8–3.1 mm. The disto-buccal to palatal canal orifice mean distance was 5.06–5.22 mm in maxillary first molars and 4.9–5.8 mm in maxillary second molars. Conclusion Accurate diagnosis of the location of second mesio-buccal canal increases the success rate of endodontic treatment and a better prognosis. The new proposed classification may be considerably helpful in the urge to locate the mesio-buccal 2 canal.
bibliographic citation: Vhorkate et al. (2022) Location angle of second mesio-buccal canal in maxillary molars of an Indian population: an in vivo retrospective CBCT evaluation and proposal of a new classification. PeerJ 10:e14234 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14234
date submitted: 2022-06-22
date accepted: 2022-09-22
issued: 2022-10-10
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Vhorkate
  given name: Kishor
author list: Agent
  family name: Banga
  given name: Kulvinder
author list: Agent
  family name: Pawar
  given name: Ajinkya M.
author list: Agent
  family name: Mir
  given name: Shugufta
author list: Agent
  family name: Arora
  given name: Suraj
author list: Agent
  family name: Wahjuningrum
  given name: Dian Agustin
author list: Agent
  family name: Bhardwaj
  given name: Anuj
author list: Agent
  family name: Luke
  given name: Alexander Maniangat
doi: 10.7717/peerj.14234
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-10-10
copyright: © 2022 Vhorkate et al.
attribution name: Vhorkate et al.

Physique and performance in male sitting volleyball players: implications for classification and training
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background This study assessed whether anthropometry, physical fitness and sport-specific sprint performance vary across the three groups of sitting volleyball (SV) athletes (athletes with a disability (VS1), athletes with a minimal disability (VS2) and able-bodied SV athletes (AB)) in order to explore the validity of the current system of classification. This study also investigated how the anthropometric and physical fitness characteristics of athletes relate to their sprint performance. Methods Thirty-five SV male athletes aged 37.4 ± 10.8 years and practicing SV at a national/international level volunteered for this study. Testing consisted in the evaluation of linear anthropometry, physical fitness (body composition by-means of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and upper-body strength) and sprint performance (5-meter sprint tests, agility test and speed and endurance test). Results Athletes in the three groups differed in fat mass percentage (%FM) which was higher in VS1 versus AB at the sub-total level (+9%), in the arms (+15%) and in the non-impaired leg (+8%) regions. Greater hand span, greater length of the impaired lower leg, lower %FM at both the sub-total and regional level and a higher level of strength in the upper body are all associated with better performances in the considered sprint tests (P < 0.05 for all). These results do not confirm the validity of the current system of classification of athletes adopted in SV. Professionals dealing with SV athletes should include specific exercises aimed at improving whole-body and regional body composition and the strength of the trunk and upper limbs in their training programs.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Valentina Cavedon
creator: Chiara Brugnoli
creator: Marco Sandri
creator: Luciano Bertinato
creator: Lorenzo Giacobbi
creator: Filip Bolčević
creator: Carlo Zancanaro
creator: Chiara Milanese
subject: Kinesiology
subject: Sports Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.14013
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Cavedon et al.
abstract: Background This study assessed whether anthropometry, physical fitness and sport-specific sprint performance vary across the three groups of sitting volleyball (SV) athletes (athletes with a disability (VS1), athletes with a minimal disability (VS2) and able-bodied SV athletes (AB)) in order to explore the validity of the current system of classification. This study also investigated how the anthropometric and physical fitness characteristics of athletes relate to their sprint performance. Methods Thirty-five SV male athletes aged 37.4 ± 10.8 years and practicing SV at a national/international level volunteered for this study. Testing consisted in the evaluation of linear anthropometry, physical fitness (body composition by-means of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and upper-body strength) and sprint performance (5-meter sprint tests, agility test and speed and endurance test). Results Athletes in the three groups differed in fat mass percentage (%FM) which was higher in VS1 versus AB at the sub-total level (+9%), in the arms (+15%) and in the non-impaired leg (+8%) regions. Greater hand span, greater length of the impaired lower leg, lower %FM at both the sub-total and regional level and a higher level of strength in the upper body are all associated with better performances in the considered sprint tests (P < 0.05 for all). These results do not confirm the validity of the current system of classification of athletes adopted in SV. Professionals dealing with SV athletes should include specific exercises aimed at improving whole-body and regional body composition and the strength of the trunk and upper limbs in their training programs.
bibliographic citation: Cavedon et al. (2022) Physique and performance in male sitting volleyball players: implications for classification and training. PeerJ 10:e14013 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14013
date submitted: 2022-06-20
date accepted: 2022-08-15
issued: 2022-10-07
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Cavedon
  given name: Valentina
author list: Agent
  family name: Brugnoli
  given name: Chiara
author list: Agent
  family name: Sandri
  given name: Marco
author list: Agent
  family name: Bertinato
  given name: Luciano
author list: Agent
  family name: Giacobbi
  given name: Lorenzo
author list: Agent
  family name: Bolčević
  given name: Filip
author list: Agent
  family name: Zancanaro
  given name: Carlo
author list: Agent
  family name: Milanese
  given name: Chiara
doi: 10.7717/peerj.14013
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-10-07
copyright: ©2022 Cavedon et al.
attribution name: Cavedon et al.

Changes in whistle parameters of two common bottlenose dolphin ecotypes as a result of the physical presence of the research vessel
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: In the presence of vessels, dolphins have been found to change their habitat, behavior, group composition and whistle repertoire. The modification of the whistle parameters is generally considered to be a response to the engine noise. Little is known about the impact of the physical presence of vessels on dolphin acoustics. Whistle parameters of the coastal and oceanic ecotypes of common bottlenose dolphins in La Paz Bay, Mexico, were measured after the approach of the research vessel and its engine shutdown. Recordings of 10 min were made immediately after turning off the engine. For analysis, these recordings were divided from minute 0 to minute 5, and from minute 5:01 to minute 10. The whistles of the oceanic ecotype showed higher maximum, minimum and peak frequency in the second time interval compared to the first one. The whistle rate decreased in the second time interval. The whistles of the coastal ecotype showed no difference between the two time intervals. The physical presence of the research vessel could have induced a change in the whistle parameters of the oceanic dolphins until habituation to the vessel disturbance. The oceanic ecotype could increase the whistle rate and decrease the whistle frequencies to maintain acoustic contact more frequently and for longer distances. The coastal ecotype, showing no significant changes in the whistle parameters, could be more habituated to the presence of vessels and display a higher tolerance.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Simone Antichi
creator: Jorge Urbán R.
creator: Sergio Martínez-Aguilar
creator: Lorena Viloria-Gómora
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Ecology
subject: Marine Biology
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.14074
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Antichi et al.
abstract: In the presence of vessels, dolphins have been found to change their habitat, behavior, group composition and whistle repertoire. The modification of the whistle parameters is generally considered to be a response to the engine noise. Little is known about the impact of the physical presence of vessels on dolphin acoustics. Whistle parameters of the coastal and oceanic ecotypes of common bottlenose dolphins in La Paz Bay, Mexico, were measured after the approach of the research vessel and its engine shutdown. Recordings of 10 min were made immediately after turning off the engine. For analysis, these recordings were divided from minute 0 to minute 5, and from minute 5:01 to minute 10. The whistles of the oceanic ecotype showed higher maximum, minimum and peak frequency in the second time interval compared to the first one. The whistle rate decreased in the second time interval. The whistles of the coastal ecotype showed no difference between the two time intervals. The physical presence of the research vessel could have induced a change in the whistle parameters of the oceanic dolphins until habituation to the vessel disturbance. The oceanic ecotype could increase the whistle rate and decrease the whistle frequencies to maintain acoustic contact more frequently and for longer distances. The coastal ecotype, showing no significant changes in the whistle parameters, could be more habituated to the presence of vessels and display a higher tolerance.
bibliographic citation: Antichi et al. (2022) Changes in whistle parameters of two common bottlenose dolphin ecotypes as a result of the physical presence of the research vessel. PeerJ 10:e14074 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14074
date submitted: 2022-05-19
date accepted: 2022-08-27
issued: 2022-10-07
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Antichi
  given name: Simone
author list: Agent
  family name: Urbán R.
  given name: Jorge
author list: Agent
  family name: Martínez-Aguilar
  given name: Sergio
author list: Agent
  family name: Viloria-Gómora
  given name: Lorena
doi: 10.7717/peerj.14074
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-10-07
copyright: ©2022 Antichi et al.
attribution name: Antichi et al.

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