Phytotoxic effects of Acacia saligna dry leachates on germination, seedling growth, photosynthetic performance, and gene expression of economically important crops
The influence of dry leachates of Acasia saligna was tested on the seedling growth, photosynthesis, biochemical attributes, and gene expression of the economically important crops, including wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), radish (Raphanus sativus L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and arugula (Eruca sativa L.). Different concentrations (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%) of stem extract (SE) and leaf extract (LE) of A. saligna were prepared, and seedlings were allowed to grow in Petri plates for 8 days. The results showed that all plant species exhibited reduced germination rate, plant height, and fresh and dry weight due to leachates extracts of A. saligna. Moreover, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), exhibited differential regulation due to the extract treatment. The SOD was increased with increasing the concentration of extracts, while CAT and APX activities were decreased with increasing the extract concentrations. In addition, leachate extract treatment decrease chlorophyll content, photosynthesis, PSII activity, and water use efficiency, with evident effects at their higher concentrations. Furthermore, the content of proline, sugars, protein, total phenols, and flavonoids were reduced considerably due to leachates extract treatments. Furthermore, seedlings treated with high concentrations of LE increased the expression of genes. The present results lead to the conclusion that A. saligna contains significant allelochemicals that interfere with the growth and development of the tested crop species and reduced the crops biomass and negatively affected other related parameters. However, further studies are suggested to determine the isolation and purification of the active compounds present in A. saligna extracts.
Sakit ALHaithloul et al. (2022) Phytotoxic effects of Acacia saligna dry leachates on germination, seedling growth, photosynthetic performance, and gene expression of economically important crops. PeerJ 10:e13623 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13623
Effectiveness of physical activity on immunity markers and quality of life in cancer patient: a systematic review
Background Cancer is a huge group of diseases that can affect various body parts of humans but also has a psychological, societal, and economic impact. Physical activity can improve the quality of life (QOL) and immunity, while moderate intensity exercise can reduce the probability of this lethal disease. The current study aimed to determine the effect of physical activity on immune markers and QOL in cancer patients as well as to evaluate cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and its association with physical activity. Methodology Before starting the study, the study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (registration number CRD42021273292). An electronic literature search was performed by combining MeSH terminology and keywords used with the Boolean operators “OR” and “AND” to find relevant published studies on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and ScienceDirect databases. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical evaluation checklist was used to assess the quality of selected studies, while the GRADE approach was used to see the quality of evidence. Results A total of 13,931 studies were retrieved after the search on databases. After the scrutiny of studies by reading the title of articles and the inclusion/exclusion criteria, a total of 54 studies were selected for further screening by reading the full texts. In the final, a total of nine studies were selected for the current systematic review and proceeded for data extraction. The patients who were doing different exercises showed improvements in immunity, QOL, and reduction in CRF. A significant reduction in tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-8 (IL-8), IL-6, and an increase in natural killer (NK) cells levels was also observed. Conclusions The exercise program is safe and beneficial to improve the quality of life and immunity markers before, during, and after cancer treatment. Physical exercise may also help patients to overcome the adverse effects of the treatment and to reduce the chance of developing new tumours in the future.
AL-Mhanna et al. (2022) Effectiveness of physical activity on immunity markers and quality of life in cancer patient: a systematic review. PeerJ 10:e13664 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13664
Prevalence of sarcopenia was higher in women than in men: a cross-sectional study from a rural area in eastern China
Background There were limited studies specifically evaluating whether the difference of the prevalence of sarcopenia exists in men and women in older adults from rural areas in China. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of sarcopenia between men and women in a rural area in eastern China and to explore the underlying causes. Methods This study included 1,105 participants aged 60-89 years. Muscle mass was measured by bio-electrical impedance analysis. Hand grip strength was measured by Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia-2019 Consensus. Data were analyzed using log-binomial and linear regression. Results The prevalence of sarcopenia was 21.7% in women and 12.9% in men among the study cohort. After adjusting for age, education level, number of diseases, income level, smoking, drinking, and eating habits, proportion of people with sarcopenia was 1.49-fold greater in women than in men (PR = 1.49, 95% CI [1.01–2.26], P = 0.055). Conclusions The prevalence of sarcopenia in elderly women in this rural area of eastern China is higher than in men, suggesting that women in rural areas in China seem to be more vulnerable for sarcopenia, thus early screening and prevention need to be provided for them to address such gender disparity in health.
Yang et al. (2022) Prevalence of sarcopenia was higher in women than in men: a cross-sectional study from a rural area in eastern China. PeerJ 10:e13678 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13678
Differential gene expression analysis after DAPK1 knockout in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Background The mechanism through which death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) causes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to identify key proteins that were altered after DAPK1 knockout. Methods Stable DAPK1 knockout HCC cell lines were established, then the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of HCC were screened using the NetworkAnalyst database and enriched using the Metascape software. Protein-protein interaction networks (PPIs) were analyzed and visualized using the STRING database expansion. Results In total, 732 differentially expressed genes were identified, including 415 upregulated genes and 317 downregulated genes. Through Cytoscape software scoring, 10 pivotal genes were found to be closely related to changes in DAPK1 expression; Kininogen-1 (KNG1), Complement C3 (C3), Metalloproteinase inhibitor 1 (TIMP1), and Alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein (AHSG) were the most strongly associated with DAPK1 expression changes. Moreover, western blot analysis results revealed that changes in the levels of proteins encoded by the four key genes after DAPK1 knockout were consistent with those seen in the database screening. Conclusions These results provide a direction for further studies on the DAPK1 gene and on the mechanism through which DAPK1 leads to hepatocellular carcinoma development.
Li et al. (2022) Differential gene expression analysis after DAPK1 knockout in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. PeerJ 10:e13711 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13711
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii) from the Upper Jurassic (Oxfordian) of the Atacama Desert, Northern Chile
This contribution presents novel records of ray-finned fishes from the Oxfordian of Cerritos Bayos, northern Chile. This includes a Pachycormiformes diversity represented by macropredatory forms (aff. Hypsocormus sp. and a still indeterminate form) and by suspension-feeding forms (Leedsichthys sp). The assemblage also includes the first Upper Jurassic local record of a Lepisosteidae, the latter being the oldest known to date in Gondwana. This diversity is complemented by new material of the lepidotid genus Scheenstia. The ray-finned fish assemblage from the Oxfordian of Cerritos Bayos is dominated by Lepisosteiformes and Pachycormiformes, complementing previous local coeval records from El Profeta Formation (ca. 250 km south from the localities here studied), mostly comprised by small Teleostei (e.g., Protoclupea chilensis, Varasichthys ariasi, Chongichthys dentatus, among others), indeterminate Pachycormiformes and Pycnodontiformes (Gyrodus sp.). The new records extend the known actinopterygian diversity from the Upper Jurassic of southeastern Panthalassa.
Otero (2022) Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii) from the Upper Jurassic (Oxfordian) of the Atacama Desert, Northern Chile. PeerJ 10:e13739 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13739
Clinical characteristics of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 omicron variant compared with the delta variant: a retrospective case-control study of 318 outpatients from a single sight institute in Japan
Background Clinical characteristics, including laboratory parameters, of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant have been limited. Methods This retrospective case-control study was conducted in a single hospital. Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who visited the Asahikawa City Hospital outpatient department as new patients and underwent blood tests were included in this study. We analyzed the data from January 2022 to April 2022 during the Omicron phase and from April 2021 to October 2021 during the Delta phase. Patients who were treated at other hospitals after visiting our hospital were excluded. All blood tests were performed before treatment for COVID-19 was initiated. Demographic information, laboratory data, and clinical courses were extracted from electronic medical records. We matched the two groups by age and comorbidities and compared their characteristics. We also analyzed factors associated with pneumonia in the Omicron phase. Results A total of 151 Omicron patients and 167 delta patients were analyzed in this study. The mean age, rate of comorbidities, and vaccination were significantly higher in the Omicron group. The number of patients with pneumonia or those requiring oxygen, admissions, or both was significantly lower in the Omicron group. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) levels were significantly lower in the Omicron group. Compared with the mild symptom and pneumonia groups in the Omicron group, older age, higher body mass index (BMI), higher non-vaccination, higher LDH, and higher CRP levels were associated with the pneumonia group. Conclusion The Omicron variant is associated with a reduction in hospitalization and the risk of pneumonia compared to the delta variant in a real-life clinical setting. In the Omicron variant, the risk of pneumonia is related to high-risk factors, laboratory data such as LDH and CRP levels, and no vaccination.
Suzuki et al. (2022) Clinical characteristics of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 omicron variant compared with the delta variant: a retrospective case-control study of 318 outpatients from a single sight institute in Japan. PeerJ 10:e13762 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13762
Digital technology for orthognathic surgery training promotion: a randomized comparative study
Background This study aims to investigate whether a systematic digital training system can improve the learning efficiency of residents in the first-year orthognathic surgery training course and evaluate its effectiveness in teaching orthognathic surgery. Methods A digital training system was applied, and a comparative research approach was adopted. 24 first-year orthognathic surgery residents participated in the experiment as part of their professional skill training. The Experimental group was required to use a digital training system, and the Control group was trained in lectures without digital technologies. Three indicators, including theoretical knowledge and clinical operation, were assessed in tests, and evaluations from instructors were analyzed to evaluate learning efficiency. Results The results showed that the scores in theoretical tests, practical operations, and teacher evaluations, the Experimental groups were all higher than the Control group (P = 0.002 for anatomy, P = 0.000 for operation theory) after using digital technology, except for the understanding of complications (P = 0.771). In addition, the questionnaire survey results showed that the study interest (P = 0.001), self-confidence (P = 0.001), satisfaction (P = 0.002), and academic performance (P = 0.001) of the residents of the Experimental group were higher than those of the Control group. Conclusions The outcomes indicated that the digital training system could benefit orthognathic residents’ learning efficiency, and learning interest and teaching satisfaction will also improve.
Su et al. (2022) Digital technology for orthognathic surgery training promotion: a randomized comparative study. PeerJ 10:e13810 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13810
Hydrological and lock operation conditions associated with paddlefish and bigheaded carp dam passage on a large and small scale in the Upper Mississippi River (Pools 14–18)
Movement and dispersal of migratory fish species is an important life-history characteristics that can be impeded by navigation dams. Although habitat fragmentation may be detrimental to native fish species, it might act as an effective and economical barrier for controlling the spread of invasive species in riverine systems. Various technologies have been proposed as potential fish deterrents at locks and dams to reduce bigheaded carp (i.e., silver carp and bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys spp.)) range expansion in the Upper Mississippi River (UMR). Lock and Dam (LD) 15 is infrequently at open-river condition (spillway gates completely open; hydraulic head across the dam <0.4 m) and has been identified as a potential location for fish deterrent implementation. We used acoustic telemetry to evaluate paddlefish passage at UMR dams and to evaluate seasonal and diel movement of paddlefish and bigheaded carp relative to environmental conditions and lock operations at LD 15. We observed successful paddlefish passage at all dams, with the highest number of passages occurring at LDs 17 and 16. Paddlefish residency events in the downstream lock approach of LD 15 occurred more frequently and for longer durations than residency events of bigheaded carp. We documented upstream passages completed by two individual paddlefish through the lock chamber at LD 15, and a single bighead carp completed upstream passage through the lock chamber during two separate years of this study. We identified four bigheaded carp and 19 paddlefish that made upstream passages through the spillway gates at LD 15 during this study. The majority of the upstream passages through the spillway gates for both species occurred during open river conditions. When hydraulic head was approximately 1-m or greater, we observed these taxa opt for upstream passage through the lock chamber more often than the dam gates. In years with infrequent open-river condition, a deterrent placed in the downstream lock approach may assist in meeting the management goal of reducing upstream passage of bigheaded carps but could also potentially affect paddlefish residency and passage. Continued study to understand the effects of deterrents on native fish could be beneficial for implementing an integrated bigheaded carp control strategy. Understanding fish behavior at UMR dams is a critical information need for river managers as they evaluate potential tools or technologies to control upstream expansion of bigheaded carp in the UMR.
Turney et al. (2022) Hydrological and lock operation conditions associated with paddlefish and bigheaded carp dam passage on a large and small scale in the Upper Mississippi River (Pools 14–18). PeerJ 10:e13822 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13822
Advanced oxidation protein products induce annulus fibrosus cell senescence through a NOX4-dependent, MAPK-mediated pathway and accelerate intervertebral disc degeneration
Background Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is closely associated with senescence. Annulus fibrosus (AF) cell senescence is a crucial driver of AF tissue tearing and fissures, thereby exacerbating IVDD. Increased advanced oxidative protein products (AOPPs) were found in human degenerative discs and aged rat discs and may be involved in IVDD. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of AOPPs-induced senescence in AF cells. Methods The pathological effects of AOPPs in vivo were investigated using a rat lumbar disc persistent degeneration model and a rat caudal disc puncture model. Rat primary AF cells were selected as in vitro models, and AOPPs were used as direct stimulation to observe their pathological effects. Setanaxb (NOX1/4 inhibitor), apocynin (NADPH oxidase inhibitor) and adenovirus (ADV) packed NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) specific shRNAs were used for pathway inhibition, respectively. Finally, adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) packed with NOX4-specific blocking sequences were used to inhibit the in vivo pathway. Results AOPPs accumulated in the rat lumbar and caudal degenerative discs. Intra-discal loading of AOPPs up-regulated the expression of NOX4, p53, p21, p16, IL-1β, and TNF-α, ultimately accelerating IVDD. Exposure of AOPPs to AF primary cells up-regulated NOX4 expression, induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), triggered senescence and increased IL-1β and TNF-α. Apocynin, setanaxib, and ADV pre-cultured AF cells abrogated AOPPs-induced senescence. AAV-mediated inhibition of NOX4 expression in vivo reduced the expression of p53, p21, p16, IL-1β and TNF-α in vivo and delayed IVDD. Conclusions AOPPs induced AF cell senescence through a NOX4-dependent and MAPK-mediated pathway.
Dai et al. (2022) Advanced oxidation protein products induce annulus fibrosus cell senescence through a NOX4-dependent, MAPK-mediated pathway and accelerate intervertebral disc degeneration. PeerJ 10:e13826 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13826
Comparative transcriptome analysis of Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. provides a rich molecular resource for research on coloration mechanism
Lupinus polyphyllus is rich in color, making it a well-known horticultural ornamental plant. However, little is known about the genes related to anthocyanin and carotenoid biosynthesis in L. polyphyllus. In this study, transcriptome sequencing was performed on eight different colors of L. polyphyllus. A total of 1.13 billion clean reads were obtained and assembled into 89,124 unigenes, which were then aligned with six databases, resulting in the identification of 54,823 annotated unigenes. Among these unigenes, 76 and 101 were involved in the biosynthetic pathway of carotenoids and anthocyanins, respectively. In addition, 505 transcription factors were revealed, which belonged to the MYB, R2R3-MYB, NAC, bHLH, and WD40 families. A total of 6,700 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained by comparative transcriptome analysis. Among them, 17 candidate unigenes (four carotenoid genes, seven anthocyanin genes, and six TFs) were specifically up-regulated for one or more colors of L. polyphyllus. Eight representative candidate unigenes were analyzed by qRT-PCR. The findings enrich the transcriptome database of lupine, and provide a rich molecular resource for research on the coloration mechanism of L. polyphyllus.
Gao et al. (2022) Comparative transcriptome analysis of Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. provides a rich molecular resource for research on coloration mechanism. PeerJ 10:e13836 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13836