PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Prospective quantitative gene expression analysis of kallikrein-related peptidase KLK10 as a diagnostic biomarker for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
items: Taxonomic and functional alterations in the salivary microbiota of children with and without severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) at the age of 3
items: Goal adjustment and well-being after an acquired brain injury: the role of cognitive flexibility and personality traits
items: Seamens’ Sign: a novel electrocardiogram prediction tool for left ventricular hypertrophy
items: Glomerular filtration rate correlation and agreement between common predictive equations and standard 24-hour urinary creatinine clearance in medical critically ill patients
items: Quality assessment of a serum and xenofree medium for the expansion of human GMP-grade mesenchymal stromal cells
items: IL-4/IL-13 axis as therapeutic targets in allergic rhinitis and asthma
items: Too perfect to be good? An investigation of magicians’ Too Perfect Theory
items: UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase: genome-wide identification, expression and functional analyses in Gossypium hirsutum
items: Risk factors for falls in community-dwelling older people with mild cognitive impairment: a prospective one-year study

Prospective quantitative gene expression analysis of kallikrein-related peptidase KLK10 as a diagnostic biomarker for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The most common malignancy in children is acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This study aimed to explore KLK10 mRNA expression as a potential diagnostic biomarker for ALL in children and to examine the effect of chemotherapy on KLK10 mRNA expression following the induction and after three months of receiving chemotherapy. Methods In this prospective study, total RNA was extracted from blood samples of 23 pediatric ALL patients on diagnosis, after one month and three months of receiving chemotherapy. Healthy pediatric volunteers (n = 12) were selected as control individuals. After cDNA synthesis, KLK10 mRNA gene expression levels were quantified using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results KLK10 mRNA expression levels were significantly decreased in leukemic cells compared to their levels in cells of normal blood samples (p = 0.0001). KLK10 expression levels in ALL patients after one month and three months of receiving chemotherapy decreased compared to normal blood samples (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0175 respectively). The expression level of KLK10 mRNA in ALL patients after one month of chemotherapy was decreased compared to their level on diagnosis (p = 0.4413). KLK10 mRNA expression levels in ALL patients after three months of chemotherapy were increased compared to their level on diagnosis (p = 0.0602). The ROC curve illustrated that KLK10 mRNA expression could very efficiently discriminate ALL patients from normal counterparts (AUC=0.886, 95% CI [0.7720–1.000], SE = 0.0582, p = 0.0004). Conclusion KLK10 mRNA expression could serve as a potential diagnostic molecular biomarker for ALL in children.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Shwan Majid Ahmad
creator: Basima Sadq Ahmed
creator: Karzan Ghafur Khidhir
creator: Heshu Sulaiman Rahman
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Oncology
subject: Pediatrics
subject: Medical Genetics
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.13489
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Ahmad et al.
abstract: Background The most common malignancy in children is acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This study aimed to explore KLK10 mRNA expression as a potential diagnostic biomarker for ALL in children and to examine the effect of chemotherapy on KLK10 mRNA expression following the induction and after three months of receiving chemotherapy. Methods In this prospective study, total RNA was extracted from blood samples of 23 pediatric ALL patients on diagnosis, after one month and three months of receiving chemotherapy. Healthy pediatric volunteers (n = 12) were selected as control individuals. After cDNA synthesis, KLK10 mRNA gene expression levels were quantified using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results KLK10 mRNA expression levels were significantly decreased in leukemic cells compared to their levels in cells of normal blood samples (p = 0.0001). KLK10 expression levels in ALL patients after one month and three months of receiving chemotherapy decreased compared to normal blood samples (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0175 respectively). The expression level of KLK10 mRNA in ALL patients after one month of chemotherapy was decreased compared to their level on diagnosis (p = 0.4413). KLK10 mRNA expression levels in ALL patients after three months of chemotherapy were increased compared to their level on diagnosis (p = 0.0602). The ROC curve illustrated that KLK10 mRNA expression could very efficiently discriminate ALL patients from normal counterparts (AUC=0.886, 95% CI [0.7720–1.000], SE = 0.0582, p = 0.0004). Conclusion KLK10 mRNA expression could serve as a potential diagnostic molecular biomarker for ALL in children.
bibliographic citation: Ahmad et al. (2022) Prospective quantitative gene expression analysis of kallikrein-related peptidase KLK10 as a diagnostic biomarker for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. PeerJ 10:e13489 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13489
date submitted: 2022-01-21
date accepted: 2022-05-03
issued: 2022-05-31
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Ahmad
  given name: Shwan Majid
author list: Agent
  family name: Ahmed
  given name: Basima Sadq
author list: Agent
  family name: Khidhir
  given name: Karzan Ghafur
author list: Agent
  family name: Rahman
  given name: Heshu Sulaiman
doi: 10.7717/peerj.13489
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-05-31
copyright: ©2022 Ahmad et al.
attribution name: Ahmad et al.

Taxonomic and functional alterations in the salivary microbiota of children with and without severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) at the age of 3
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Primary dental caries is the most prevalent oral disease among preschool children, which can cause severe damage to teeth and even affect the mental well-being of children. Various studies have demonstrated that the oral microbiome plays a pivotal role in the onset and development of dental caries. However, it remains uncertain about the key microbial markers associated with caries, owing to the limited evidence. Methods Fifteen S-ECC children and fifteen healthy controls were selected from three-year-old children in this study. Their clinical data and oral saliva samples were collected. Shotgun sequencing was conducted to investigate the microbial differences and the relevant functions between the two groups. Results We observed no apparent difference in oral microbial community diversity between the two groups. Still, at the genus/species levels, several characteristic genera/species such as Propionibacterium, Propionibacterium acidifaciens, Prevotella denticola, Streptococcus mutans and Actinomyces sp. oral taxon 448/414 increased significantly in S-ECC children, compared with the oral health group. Furthermore, we found that functional pathways involving glycolysis and acid production, such as starch and sucrose metabolism, fructose and mannose metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, were prominently up-regulated in the high-caries group. Conclusions Our study showed that dental caries in children were associated with the alterations in the oral microbiota at the composition and functional levels, which may potentially inspire the exploration of microbial diagnosis or therapeutic treatments.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Zhe Tang
creator: Wenyi Xu
creator: Zhifang Zhou
creator: Yanchun Qiao
creator: Shuguo Zheng
creator: Wensheng Rong
subject: Microbiology
subject: Dentistry
subject: Pediatrics
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.13529
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Tang et al.
abstract: Background Primary dental caries is the most prevalent oral disease among preschool children, which can cause severe damage to teeth and even affect the mental well-being of children. Various studies have demonstrated that the oral microbiome plays a pivotal role in the onset and development of dental caries. However, it remains uncertain about the key microbial markers associated with caries, owing to the limited evidence. Methods Fifteen S-ECC children and fifteen healthy controls were selected from three-year-old children in this study. Their clinical data and oral saliva samples were collected. Shotgun sequencing was conducted to investigate the microbial differences and the relevant functions between the two groups. Results We observed no apparent difference in oral microbial community diversity between the two groups. Still, at the genus/species levels, several characteristic genera/species such as Propionibacterium, Propionibacterium acidifaciens, Prevotella denticola, Streptococcus mutans and Actinomyces sp. oral taxon 448/414 increased significantly in S-ECC children, compared with the oral health group. Furthermore, we found that functional pathways involving glycolysis and acid production, such as starch and sucrose metabolism, fructose and mannose metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, were prominently up-regulated in the high-caries group. Conclusions Our study showed that dental caries in children were associated with the alterations in the oral microbiota at the composition and functional levels, which may potentially inspire the exploration of microbial diagnosis or therapeutic treatments.
bibliographic citation: Tang et al. (2022) Taxonomic and functional alterations in the salivary microbiota of children with and without severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) at the age of 3. PeerJ 10:e13529 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13529
date submitted: 2022-02-11
date accepted: 2022-05-11
issued: 2022-05-31
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Tang
  given name: Zhe
author list: Agent
  family name: Xu
  given name: Wenyi
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Zhifang
author list: Agent
  family name: Qiao
  given name: Yanchun
author list: Agent
  family name: Zheng
  given name: Shuguo
author list: Agent
  family name: Rong
  given name: Wensheng
doi: 10.7717/peerj.13529
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-05-31
copyright: ©2022 Tang et al.
attribution name: Tang et al.

Goal adjustment and well-being after an acquired brain injury: the role of cognitive flexibility and personality traits
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Objective The tendency to flexibly adjust goals that are hindered by chronic illness is related to indicators of wellbeing. However, cognitive flexibility is often impaired in persons with an acquired brain injury (ABI), possibly affecting the ability to flexibly adjust goals. In this study we examined whether cognitive flexibility is positively related with the ability to disengage from goals to reengage with goals in persons with ABI. Second, we explored whether goal adjustment abilities are predictive of a unique proportion of the variance inabilities are predictive of quality of life and life satisfaction after controlling for personality traits. Method Seventy-eight persons with an ABI completed a set of questionnaires. Goal disengagement and goal reengagement were assessed using the Wrosch Goal Adjustment Scale (GAS). Indicators of wellbeing were measured with the European Brain Injury Questionnaire (EBIQ) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). The percentage of perseverative errors on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) was used as an indicator of cognitive inflexibility. Big Five personality traits were assessed via the NEO Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). Four hierarchical multiple regression analyses were then conducted. The first two analyses tested the effect of cognitive flexibility on goal adjustment tendencies. The second two analyses tested whether goal adjustment has a predictive value for life satisfaction and QOL beyond personality. Results Cognitive flexibility was positively related to goal reengagement, but not to goal disengagement. Goal reengagement was positively associated with both quality of life and life satisfaction after controlling for demographic, illness characteristics and personality factors. Goal disengagement was negatively related to life satisfaction. Conclusion Flexible goal adjustment abilities have a unique explanatory value for indicators of wellbeing, beyond personality traits. The findings indicate that in perso…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Gunther Van Bost
creator: Stefaan Van Damme
creator: Geert Crombez
subject: Cognitive Disorders
subject: Neurology
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
subject: Rehabilitation
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.13531
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Van Bost et al.
abstract: Objective The tendency to flexibly adjust goals that are hindered by chronic illness is related to indicators of wellbeing. However, cognitive flexibility is often impaired in persons with an acquired brain injury (ABI), possibly affecting the ability to flexibly adjust goals. In this study we examined whether cognitive flexibility is positively related with the ability to disengage from goals to reengage with goals in persons with ABI. Second, we explored whether goal adjustment abilities are predictive of a unique proportion of the variance inabilities are predictive of quality of life and life satisfaction after controlling for personality traits. Method Seventy-eight persons with an ABI completed a set of questionnaires. Goal disengagement and goal reengagement were assessed using the Wrosch Goal Adjustment Scale (GAS). Indicators of wellbeing were measured with the European Brain Injury Questionnaire (EBIQ) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). The percentage of perseverative errors on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) was used as an indicator of cognitive inflexibility. Big Five personality traits were assessed via the NEO Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). Four hierarchical multiple regression analyses were then conducted. The first two analyses tested the effect of cognitive flexibility on goal adjustment tendencies. The second two analyses tested whether goal adjustment has a predictive value for life satisfaction and QOL beyond personality. Results Cognitive flexibility was positively related to goal reengagement, but not to goal disengagement. Goal reengagement was positively associated with both quality of life and life satisfaction after controlling for demographic, illness characteristics and personality factors. Goal disengagement was negatively related to life satisfaction. Conclusion Flexible goal adjustment abilities have a unique explanatory value for indicators of wellbeing, beyond personality traits. The findings indicate that in perso…
bibliographic citation: Van Bost et al. (2022) Goal adjustment and well-being after an acquired brain injury: the role of cognitive flexibility and personality traits. PeerJ 10:e13531 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13531
date submitted: 2022-01-03
date accepted: 2022-05-12
issued: 2022-05-31
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Van Bost
  given name: Gunther
author list: Agent
  family name: Van Damme
  given name: Stefaan
author list: Agent
  family name: Crombez
  given name: Geert
doi: 10.7717/peerj.13531
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-05-31
copyright: © 2022 Van Bost et al.
attribution name: Van Bost et al.

Seamens’ Sign: a novel electrocardiogram prediction tool for left ventricular hypertrophy
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Introduction Patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) diagnosed by electrocardiogram (ECG) have increased mortality and higher risk for life-threatening cardiovascular disease. ECGs offer an opportunity to identify patients with increased risk for potential risk-modifying therapy. We developed a novel, quick, easy to use ECG screening criterion (Seamens’ Sign) for LVH. This new criterion was defined as the presence of QRS complexes touching or overlapping in two contiguous precordial leads. Methods This study was a retrospective chart review of 2,184 patient records of patients who had an ECG performed in the emergency department and a transthoracic echocardiogram performed within 90 days. The primary outcome was whether Seamens’ Sign was noninferior in confirming LVH compared to other common diagnostic criteria. Test characteristics were calculated for each of the LVH criteria. Inter-rater agreement was assessed on a random sample using Cohen’s Kappa. Results Median age was 63, 52% of patients were male and there was a 35% prevalence of LVH by transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). Nine percent were positive for LVH on ECG based on Seamens’ Sign. Seamens’ Sign had a specificity of 0.92. Tests assessing noninferiority indicated Seamens’ Sign was non-inferior to all criteria (p < 0.001) except for Cornell criterion for women (p = 0.98). Seamens’ Sign had 90% (0.81–1.00) inter-rater agreement, the highest of all criteria in this study. Conclusion When compared to both the Sokolow-Lyon criteria and the Cornell criterion for men, Seamens’ Sign is noninferior in ruling in LVH on ECG. Additionally, Seamens’ Sign has higher inter-rater agreement compared to both Sokolow-Lyon criteria as well as the Cornell criteria for men and women, perhaps related to its ease of use.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Philip Walker
creator: Cathy A. Jenkins
creator: Jeremy Hatcher
creator: Clifford Freeman
creator: Nickolas Srica
creator: Bryant Rosell
creator: Eriny Hanna
creator: Cooper March
creator: Charles Seamens
creator: Alan Storrow
creator: Nicole McCoin
subject: Cardiology
subject: Emergency and Critical Care
subject: Internal Medicine
subject: Radiology and Medical Imaging
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.13548
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Walker et al.
abstract: Introduction Patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) diagnosed by electrocardiogram (ECG) have increased mortality and higher risk for life-threatening cardiovascular disease. ECGs offer an opportunity to identify patients with increased risk for potential risk-modifying therapy. We developed a novel, quick, easy to use ECG screening criterion (Seamens’ Sign) for LVH. This new criterion was defined as the presence of QRS complexes touching or overlapping in two contiguous precordial leads. Methods This study was a retrospective chart review of 2,184 patient records of patients who had an ECG performed in the emergency department and a transthoracic echocardiogram performed within 90 days. The primary outcome was whether Seamens’ Sign was noninferior in confirming LVH compared to other common diagnostic criteria. Test characteristics were calculated for each of the LVH criteria. Inter-rater agreement was assessed on a random sample using Cohen’s Kappa. Results Median age was 63, 52% of patients were male and there was a 35% prevalence of LVH by transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). Nine percent were positive for LVH on ECG based on Seamens’ Sign. Seamens’ Sign had a specificity of 0.92. Tests assessing noninferiority indicated Seamens’ Sign was non-inferior to all criteria (p < 0.001) except for Cornell criterion for women (p = 0.98). Seamens’ Sign had 90% (0.81–1.00) inter-rater agreement, the highest of all criteria in this study. Conclusion When compared to both the Sokolow-Lyon criteria and the Cornell criterion for men, Seamens’ Sign is noninferior in ruling in LVH on ECG. Additionally, Seamens’ Sign has higher inter-rater agreement compared to both Sokolow-Lyon criteria as well as the Cornell criteria for men and women, perhaps related to its ease of use.
bibliographic citation: Walker et al. (2022) Seamens’ Sign: a novel electrocardiogram prediction tool for left ventricular hypertrophy. PeerJ 10:e13548 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13548
date submitted: 2022-02-28
date accepted: 2022-05-16
issued: 2022-05-31
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Walker
  given name: Philip
author list: Agent
  family name: Jenkins
  given name: Cathy A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Hatcher
  given name: Jeremy
author list: Agent
  family name: Freeman
  given name: Clifford
author list: Agent
  family name: Srica
  given name: Nickolas
author list: Agent
  family name: Rosell
  given name: Bryant
author list: Agent
  family name: Hanna
  given name: Eriny
author list: Agent
  family name: March
  given name: Cooper
author list: Agent
  family name: Seamens
  given name: Charles
author list: Agent
  family name: Storrow
  given name: Alan
author list: Agent
  family name: McCoin
  given name: Nicole
doi: 10.7717/peerj.13548
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-05-31
copyright: ©2022 Walker et al.
attribution name: Walker et al.

Glomerular filtration rate correlation and agreement between common predictive equations and standard 24-hour urinary creatinine clearance in medical critically ill patients
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Determining kidney function in critically ill patients is paramount for the dose adjustment of several medications. When assessing kidney function, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is generally estimated either by calculating urine creatinine clearance (UCrCl) or using a predictive equation. Unfortunately, all predictive equations have been derived for medical outpatients. Therefore, the validity of predictive equations is of concern when compared with that of the UCrCl method, particularly in medical critically ill patients. Therefore, we conducted this study to assess the agreement of the estimated GFR (eGFR) using common predictive equations and UCrCl in medical critical care setting. Methods This was the secondary analysis of a nutrition therapy study. Urine was collected from participating patients over 24 h for urine creatinine, urine nitrogen, urine volume, and serum creatinine measurements on days 1, 3, 5, and 14 of the study. Subsequently, we calculated UCrCl and eGFR using four predictive equations, the Cockcroft–Gault (CG) formula, the four and six-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study (MDRD-4 and MDRD-6) equations, and the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. The correlation and agreement between eGFR and UCrCl were determined using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient and Bland–Altman plot with multiple measurements per subject, respectively. The performance of each predictive equation for estimating GFR was reported as bias, precision, and absolute percentage error (APE). Results A total of 49 patients with 170 urine samples were included in the final analysis. Of 49 patients, the median age was 74 (21–92) years-old and 49% was male. All patients were hemodynamically stable with mean arterial blood pressure of 82 (65–108) mmHg. Baseline serum creatinine was 0.93 (0.3–4.84) mg/dL and baseline UCrCl was 46.69 (3.40–165.53) mL/min. The eGFR from all the predictive equations showed modest …
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Suwikran Wongpraphairot
creator: Attamon Thongrueang
creator: Rungsun Bhurayanontachai
subject: Emergency and Critical Care
subject: Internal Medicine
subject: Nephrology
subject: Urology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.13556
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Wongpraphairot et al.
abstract: Background Determining kidney function in critically ill patients is paramount for the dose adjustment of several medications. When assessing kidney function, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is generally estimated either by calculating urine creatinine clearance (UCrCl) or using a predictive equation. Unfortunately, all predictive equations have been derived for medical outpatients. Therefore, the validity of predictive equations is of concern when compared with that of the UCrCl method, particularly in medical critically ill patients. Therefore, we conducted this study to assess the agreement of the estimated GFR (eGFR) using common predictive equations and UCrCl in medical critical care setting. Methods This was the secondary analysis of a nutrition therapy study. Urine was collected from participating patients over 24 h for urine creatinine, urine nitrogen, urine volume, and serum creatinine measurements on days 1, 3, 5, and 14 of the study. Subsequently, we calculated UCrCl and eGFR using four predictive equations, the Cockcroft–Gault (CG) formula, the four and six-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study (MDRD-4 and MDRD-6) equations, and the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. The correlation and agreement between eGFR and UCrCl were determined using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient and Bland–Altman plot with multiple measurements per subject, respectively. The performance of each predictive equation for estimating GFR was reported as bias, precision, and absolute percentage error (APE). Results A total of 49 patients with 170 urine samples were included in the final analysis. Of 49 patients, the median age was 74 (21–92) years-old and 49% was male. All patients were hemodynamically stable with mean arterial blood pressure of 82 (65–108) mmHg. Baseline serum creatinine was 0.93 (0.3–4.84) mg/dL and baseline UCrCl was 46.69 (3.40–165.53) mL/min. The eGFR from all the predictive equations showed modest …
bibliographic citation: Wongpraphairot et al. (2022) Glomerular filtration rate correlation and agreement between common predictive equations and standard 24-hour urinary creatinine clearance in medical critically ill patients. PeerJ 10:e13556 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13556
date submitted: 2022-03-02
date accepted: 2022-05-17
issued: 2022-05-31
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Wongpraphairot
  given name: Suwikran
author list: Agent
  family name: Thongrueang
  given name: Attamon
author list: Agent
  family name: Bhurayanontachai
  given name: Rungsun
doi: 10.7717/peerj.13556
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-05-31
copyright: ©2022 Wongpraphairot et al.
attribution name: Wongpraphairot et al.

Quality assessment of a serum and xenofree medium for the expansion of human GMP-grade mesenchymal stromal cells
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Cell-based therapies are emerging as a viable modality to treat challenging diseases, resulting in an increasing demand for their large-scale, high-quality production. Production facilities face the issue of batch-to-batch consistency while producing a safe and efficient cell-based product. Controlling culture conditions and particularly media composition is a key factor of success in this challenge. Serum and Xeno-Free Media (SXFM) represent an interesting option to achieve this goal. By reducing batch to batch variability, they increase Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)-compliance and safety regarding xenogenic transmission, as compared to fetal bovine serum (FBS) supplemented-media or human platelet lysate supplemented medium. Methods In this study, the isolation, expansion and characteristics including the anti-inflammatory function of human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are compared after culture in MEMα supplemented with human Concentrate Platelet Lysate (hCPL, reference medium) or in MSC-Brew GMP Medium. The latter is a GMP SXFM manufactured in bags under strictly controlled conditions in volumes suitable for expansion to a clinical scale and does not require neither pre-coating of the cell culture units nor the addition of blood derivatives at the isolation step. Results We showed that MSC derived from human bone-marrow and adipose tissue can be successfully isolated and expanded in this SXFM. Number and size of Colony-Forming Unit fibroblast (CFU-F) is increased compared to cells cultivated in hCPL medium. All cells retained a CD90+, CD73+, CD105+, HLADR−, CD34−, CD45− phenotype. Furthermore, the osteogenic and adipocyte potentials as well as the anti-inflammatory activity were comparable between culture conditions. All cells reached the release criteria established in our production facility to treat inflammatory pathologies. Conclusions The use of MSC-Brew GMP Medium can therefore be considered for clinical bioprocesses as a safe and efficie…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Clotilde Aussel
creator: Elodie Busson
creator: Helene Vantomme
creator: Juliette Peltzer
creator: Christophe Martinaud
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Molecular Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.13391
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Aussel et al.
abstract: Background Cell-based therapies are emerging as a viable modality to treat challenging diseases, resulting in an increasing demand for their large-scale, high-quality production. Production facilities face the issue of batch-to-batch consistency while producing a safe and efficient cell-based product. Controlling culture conditions and particularly media composition is a key factor of success in this challenge. Serum and Xeno-Free Media (SXFM) represent an interesting option to achieve this goal. By reducing batch to batch variability, they increase Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)-compliance and safety regarding xenogenic transmission, as compared to fetal bovine serum (FBS) supplemented-media or human platelet lysate supplemented medium. Methods In this study, the isolation, expansion and characteristics including the anti-inflammatory function of human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are compared after culture in MEMα supplemented with human Concentrate Platelet Lysate (hCPL, reference medium) or in MSC-Brew GMP Medium. The latter is a GMP SXFM manufactured in bags under strictly controlled conditions in volumes suitable for expansion to a clinical scale and does not require neither pre-coating of the cell culture units nor the addition of blood derivatives at the isolation step. Results We showed that MSC derived from human bone-marrow and adipose tissue can be successfully isolated and expanded in this SXFM. Number and size of Colony-Forming Unit fibroblast (CFU-F) is increased compared to cells cultivated in hCPL medium. All cells retained a CD90+, CD73+, CD105+, HLADR−, CD34−, CD45− phenotype. Furthermore, the osteogenic and adipocyte potentials as well as the anti-inflammatory activity were comparable between culture conditions. All cells reached the release criteria established in our production facility to treat inflammatory pathologies. Conclusions The use of MSC-Brew GMP Medium can therefore be considered for clinical bioprocesses as a safe and efficie…
bibliographic citation: Aussel et al. (2022) Quality assessment of a serum and xenofree medium for the expansion of human GMP-grade mesenchymal stromal cells. PeerJ 10:e13391 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13391
date submitted: 2021-01-05
date accepted: 2022-04-15
issued: 2022-05-30
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Aussel
  given name: Clotilde
author list: Agent
  family name: Busson
  given name: Elodie
author list: Agent
  family name: Vantomme
  given name: Helene
author list: Agent
  family name: Peltzer
  given name: Juliette
author list: Agent
  family name: Martinaud
  given name: Christophe
doi: 10.7717/peerj.13391
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-05-30
copyright: ©2022 Aussel et al.
attribution name: Aussel et al.

IL-4/IL-13 axis as therapeutic targets in allergic rhinitis and asthma
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common disorder of the upper airway, while asthma is a disease affecting the lower airway and both diseases are usually comorbid. Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 are critical cytokines in the induction of the pathogenic Th2 responses in AR and asthma. Targeting the IL-4/IL-13 axis at various levels of its signaling pathway has emerged as promising targeted therapy in both AR and asthma patient populations. In this review, we discuss the biological characteristics of IL-4 and IL-13, their signaling pathways, and therapeutic antibodies against each cytokine as well as their receptors. In particular, the pleiotropic roles of IL-4 and IL-13 in orchestrating Th2 responses in AR and asthma patients indicate that dual IL-4/IL-13 blockade is a promising therapeutic strategy for both diseases.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Siti Muhamad Nur Husna
creator: Norasnieda Md Shukri
creator: Noor Suryani Mohd Ashari
creator: Kah Keng Wong
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Allergy and Clinical Immunology
subject: Immunology
subject: Otorhinolaryngology
subject: Respiratory Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.13444
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Nur Husna et al.
abstract: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common disorder of the upper airway, while asthma is a disease affecting the lower airway and both diseases are usually comorbid. Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 are critical cytokines in the induction of the pathogenic Th2 responses in AR and asthma. Targeting the IL-4/IL-13 axis at various levels of its signaling pathway has emerged as promising targeted therapy in both AR and asthma patient populations. In this review, we discuss the biological characteristics of IL-4 and IL-13, their signaling pathways, and therapeutic antibodies against each cytokine as well as their receptors. In particular, the pleiotropic roles of IL-4 and IL-13 in orchestrating Th2 responses in AR and asthma patients indicate that dual IL-4/IL-13 blockade is a promising therapeutic strategy for both diseases.
bibliographic citation: Nur Husna et al. (2022) IL-4/IL-13 axis as therapeutic targets in allergic rhinitis and asthma. PeerJ 10:e13444 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13444
date submitted: 2022-01-10
date accepted: 2022-04-25
issued: 2022-05-30
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Nur Husna
  given name: Siti Muhamad
author list: Agent
  family name: Md Shukri
  given name: Norasnieda
author list: Agent
  family name: Mohd Ashari
  given name: Noor Suryani
author list: Agent
  family name: Wong
  given name: Kah Keng
doi: 10.7717/peerj.13444
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-05-30
copyright: ©2022 Nur Husna et al.
attribution name: Nur Husna et al.

Too perfect to be good? An investigation of magicians’ Too Perfect Theory
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The “Too Perfect Theory” states that if a trick is too perfect, it might paradoxically become less impressive, or give away its secret method. This theory suggests that an increased impossibility results in a less magical effect. The Too Perfect Theory is often applied to magic effects, but it conflicts with recent scientific investigations showing that participants’ level of enjoyment of a magic performance is positively related to their perceived impossibility of the trick. The current article investigated whether an imperfect magic performance is more impressive than a perfect one. Across two experiments, we studied whether participants enjoy a performance more if the effect is not perfect. We also examined the different types of explanations people give to these two types of performances. The results showed that participants enjoyed a perfect performance more than an imperfect one. However, consistently with the Too Perfect Theory, participants watching the perfect performance also discovered the correct method behind the magic trick more frequently and believed the performance was staged more often. Moreover, participants’ method explanation significantly impacted their reports about the performance.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Alice Pailhès
creator: Kole Lee
creator: Gustav Kuhn
subject: Neuroscience
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.13449
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Pailhès et al.
abstract: The “Too Perfect Theory” states that if a trick is too perfect, it might paradoxically become less impressive, or give away its secret method. This theory suggests that an increased impossibility results in a less magical effect. The Too Perfect Theory is often applied to magic effects, but it conflicts with recent scientific investigations showing that participants’ level of enjoyment of a magic performance is positively related to their perceived impossibility of the trick. The current article investigated whether an imperfect magic performance is more impressive than a perfect one. Across two experiments, we studied whether participants enjoy a performance more if the effect is not perfect. We also examined the different types of explanations people give to these two types of performances. The results showed that participants enjoyed a perfect performance more than an imperfect one. However, consistently with the Too Perfect Theory, participants watching the perfect performance also discovered the correct method behind the magic trick more frequently and believed the performance was staged more often. Moreover, participants’ method explanation significantly impacted their reports about the performance.
bibliographic citation: Pailhès et al. (2022) Too perfect to be good? An investigation of magicians’ Too Perfect Theory. PeerJ 10:e13449 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13449
date submitted: 2022-03-30
date accepted: 2022-04-26
issued: 2022-05-30
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Pailhès
  given name: Alice
author list: Agent
  family name: Lee
  given name: Kole
author list: Agent
  family name: Kuhn
  given name: Gustav
doi: 10.7717/peerj.13449
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-05-30
copyright: ©2022 Pailhès et al.
attribution name: Pailhès et al.

UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase: genome-wide identification, expression and functional analyses in Gossypium hirsutum
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: In this study, a total of 66 UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (UGP) (EC 2.7.7.9) genes were identified from the genomes of four cotton species, which are the members of Pfam glycosyltransferase family (PF01702) and catalyze the reaction between glucose-1-phosphate and UTP to produce UDPG. The analysis of evolutionary relationship, gene structure, and expression provides the basis for studies on function of UGP genes in cotton. The evolutionary tree and gene structure analysis revealed that the UGP gene family is evolutionarily conserved. Collinearity and Ka/Ks analysis indicated that amplification of UGP genes is due to repetitive crosstalk generating between new family genes, while being under strong selection pressure. The analysis of cis-acting elements exhibited that UGP genes play important role in cotton growth, development, abiotic and hormonal stresses. Six UGP genes that were highly expressed in cotton fiber at 15 DPA were screened by transcriptome data and qRT-PCR analysis. The addition of low concentrations of IAA and GA3 to ovule cultures revealed that energy efficiency promoted the development of ovules and fiber clusters, and qRT-PCR showed that expression of these six UGP genes was differentially increased. These results suggest that the UGP gene may play an important role in fiber development, and provides the opportunity to plant researchers to explore the mechanisms involve in fiber development in cotton.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Zhongyang Xu
creator: Jiasen He
creator: Muhammad Tehseen Azhar
creator: Zhen Zhang
creator: Senmiao Fan
creator: Xiao Jiang
creator: Tingting Jia
creator: Haihong Shang
creator: Youlu Yuan
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Bioengineering
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.13460
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Xu et al.
abstract: In this study, a total of 66 UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (UGP) (EC 2.7.7.9) genes were identified from the genomes of four cotton species, which are the members of Pfam glycosyltransferase family (PF01702) and catalyze the reaction between glucose-1-phosphate and UTP to produce UDPG. The analysis of evolutionary relationship, gene structure, and expression provides the basis for studies on function of UGP genes in cotton. The evolutionary tree and gene structure analysis revealed that the UGP gene family is evolutionarily conserved. Collinearity and Ka/Ks analysis indicated that amplification of UGP genes is due to repetitive crosstalk generating between new family genes, while being under strong selection pressure. The analysis of cis-acting elements exhibited that UGP genes play important role in cotton growth, development, abiotic and hormonal stresses. Six UGP genes that were highly expressed in cotton fiber at 15 DPA were screened by transcriptome data and qRT-PCR analysis. The addition of low concentrations of IAA and GA3 to ovule cultures revealed that energy efficiency promoted the development of ovules and fiber clusters, and qRT-PCR showed that expression of these six UGP genes was differentially increased. These results suggest that the UGP gene may play an important role in fiber development, and provides the opportunity to plant researchers to explore the mechanisms involve in fiber development in cotton.
bibliographic citation: Xu et al. (2022) UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase: genome-wide identification, expression and functional analyses in Gossypium hirsutum. PeerJ 10:e13460 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13460
date submitted: 2022-01-12
date accepted: 2022-04-27
issued: 2022-05-30
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Xu
  given name: Zhongyang
author list: Agent
  family name: He
  given name: Jiasen
author list: Agent
  family name: Tehseen Azhar
  given name: Muhammad
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Zhen
author list: Agent
  family name: Fan
  given name: Senmiao
author list: Agent
  family name: Jiang
  given name: Xiao
author list: Agent
  family name: Jia
  given name: Tingting
author list: Agent
  family name: Shang
  given name: Haihong
author list: Agent
  family name: Yuan
  given name: Youlu
doi: 10.7717/peerj.13460
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-05-30
copyright: ©2022 Xu et al.
attribution name: Xu et al.

Risk factors for falls in community-dwelling older people with mild cognitive impairment: a prospective one-year study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Objective Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered an intermediate stage between normal cognitive function and dementia. Fall risk is increased in this group, but there is limited literature exploring specific fall risk factors that may be addressed in fall prevention strategies. The aim of this study was to examine risk factors for falls in older people with MCI, focusing on cognitive, psychological and physical factors. Methods Participants (n = 266, 45% women) were community-dwelling older people aged 70–90 years who met the criteria for MCI. Cognitive, psychological, sensorimotor and physical assessments, physical activity levels, medication use, general health and disability were ascertained at baseline. Falls were monitored prospectively for 12 months. Results During follow-up, 106 (40%) participants reported one or more falls. Poorer visual contrast sensitivity, increased postural sway, lower levels of weekly walking activity, higher levels of depressive symptoms and psychotropic medication use were significantly associated with faller status (≥1 falls) in univariable analyses. Of these factors, poor visual contrast sensitivity, increased postural sway and psychotropic medication use were found to be significant independent predictors of falls in multivariable analysis while controlling for age and sex. No measures of cognitive function were associated with falls. Conclusions Poor visual contrast sensitivity, impaired balance and psychotropic medication use predicted falls in community-dwelling people with MCI. These risk factors may be amenable to intervention, so these factors could be carefully considered in fall prevention programs for this population.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Thanwarat Chantanachai
creator: Morag E. Taylor
creator: Stephen R. Lord
creator: Jasmine Menant
creator: Kim Delbaere
creator: Perminder S. Sachdev
creator: Nicole A. Kochan
creator: Henry Brodaty
creator: Daina L. Sturnieks
subject: Cognitive Disorders
subject: Geriatrics
subject: Neurology
subject: Public Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.13484
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Chantanachai et al.
abstract: Objective Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered an intermediate stage between normal cognitive function and dementia. Fall risk is increased in this group, but there is limited literature exploring specific fall risk factors that may be addressed in fall prevention strategies. The aim of this study was to examine risk factors for falls in older people with MCI, focusing on cognitive, psychological and physical factors. Methods Participants (n = 266, 45% women) were community-dwelling older people aged 70–90 years who met the criteria for MCI. Cognitive, psychological, sensorimotor and physical assessments, physical activity levels, medication use, general health and disability were ascertained at baseline. Falls were monitored prospectively for 12 months. Results During follow-up, 106 (40%) participants reported one or more falls. Poorer visual contrast sensitivity, increased postural sway, lower levels of weekly walking activity, higher levels of depressive symptoms and psychotropic medication use were significantly associated with faller status (≥1 falls) in univariable analyses. Of these factors, poor visual contrast sensitivity, increased postural sway and psychotropic medication use were found to be significant independent predictors of falls in multivariable analysis while controlling for age and sex. No measures of cognitive function were associated with falls. Conclusions Poor visual contrast sensitivity, impaired balance and psychotropic medication use predicted falls in community-dwelling people with MCI. These risk factors may be amenable to intervention, so these factors could be carefully considered in fall prevention programs for this population.
bibliographic citation: Chantanachai et al. (2022) Risk factors for falls in community-dwelling older people with mild cognitive impairment: a prospective one-year study. PeerJ 10:e13484 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13484
date submitted: 2022-02-25
date accepted: 2022-05-03
issued: 2022-05-30
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Chantanachai
  given name: Thanwarat
author list: Agent
  family name: Taylor
  given name: Morag E.
author list: Agent
  family name: Lord
  given name: Stephen R.
author list: Agent
  family name: Menant
  given name: Jasmine
author list: Agent
  family name: Delbaere
  given name: Kim
author list: Agent
  family name: Sachdev
  given name: Perminder S.
author list: Agent
  family name: Kochan
  given name: Nicole A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Brodaty
  given name: Henry
author list: Agent
  family name: Sturnieks
  given name: Daina L.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.13484
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-05-30
copyright: © 2022 Chantanachai et al.
attribution name: Chantanachai et al.

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