Trajectory patterns and factors influencing perinatal fatigue among Chinese women from late pregnancy to 6 months after delivery
Background Perinatal fatigue among women is related to the clinical outcomes of mothers and infants. Perinatal fatigue changes over time, and the trajectory varies according to the predictors and outcomes of the mothers. This, however, has not been documented in any study. Objectives This study aimed to identify and characterize the trajectory patterns of perinatal fatigue among women from late pregnancy to 6 months after delivery. Methods We used growth mixture modeling to estimate the trajectory of perinatal fatigue at 28 gestational weeks (T0), 37 gestational weeks (T1), 3 days (T2), 1 week (T3), 6 weeks (T4), and 6 months (T5) after delivery with (n = 1,030). The Mann-Whitney U test and binary logistic regression were used to tie the selected trajectory classes to predictors and outcomes. Results There were two distinct patterns of perinatal fatigue in women: “persistently high” (11.1%, n = 114) and “persistently low” (88.9%, n = 916). Levels of perinatal fatigue among women in the “persistently high” group were higher than those in the “persistently low” group across the six measurements. Complications, fatigue at T0, and employment status in late pregnancy were all significant predictors of trajectories. Additionally, the “persistently high” group had a greater prevalence of difficult baby care and weight retention and a lower prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusions Our study proved the heterogeneity and characteristics of perinatal fatigue among women. Future research should concentrate on developing intervention packages targeted at specific individuals in order to alleviate perinatal fatigue in women.
Zhu et al. (2022) Trajectory patterns and factors influencing perinatal fatigue among Chinese women from late pregnancy to 6 months after delivery. PeerJ 10:e13387 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13387
Development of a bead-based assay for detection of three banana-infecting viruses
Background Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV), cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and banana streak virus (BSV) are important banana viruses, there are possible infections frequently with several viruses in field. Since the viruses are readily trasmitted in vegetative propagules, which pose a threat to banana production in banana-growing areas. Methods A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol combined with LiquiChip analysis to identify BSV, BBTV, and CMV, with consistent amplification of plant ubiquitin (UBQ), the banana plant messenger RNA used as a procedural control. Multiplex reverse transcription (RT)-PCR amplicons were extended by allele-specific primers, followed by hybridization with carboxylated microspheres containing unique fluorescent oligonucleotides, which were detected using the LiquiChip 200 workstation. Results In this study, we aimed to develop a rapid, sensitive, and simultaneous detection method for BSV, BBTV, and CMV using a bead-based multiplex assay that can be applied in routine diagnosis. We demonstrated that this detection system was extremely efficient and highly specialized for differentiating individual in a mixture of viruses while being ten times more sensitive than traditional RT-PCR. The development of this method makes it feasible to detect banana viruses in field collected leaf samples.
Kuan et al. (2022) Development of a bead-based assay for detection of three banana-infecting viruses. PeerJ 10:e13409 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13409
Dementia-related user-based collaborative filtering for imputing missing data and generating a reliability scale on clinical test scores
Medical doctors may struggle to diagnose dementia, particularly when clinical test scores are missing or incorrect. In case of any doubts, both morphometrics and demographics are crucial when examining dementia in medicine. This study aims to impute and verify clinical test scores with brain MRI analysis and additional demographics, thereby proposing a decision support system that improves diagnosis and prognosis in an easy-to-understand manner. Therefore, we impute the missing clinical test score values by unsupervised dementia-related user-based collaborative filtering to minimize errors. By analyzing succession rates, we propose a reliability scale that can be utilized for the consistency of existing clinical test scores. The complete base of 816 ADNI1-screening samples was processed, and a hybrid set of 603 features was handled. Moreover, the detailed parameters in use, such as the best neighborhood and input features were evaluated for further comparative analysis. Overall, certain collaborative filtering configurations outperformed alternative state-of-the-art imputation techniques. The imputation system and reliability scale based on the proposed methodology are promising for supporting the clinical tests.
Okyay et al. (2022) Dementia-related user-based collaborative filtering for imputing missing data and generating a reliability scale on clinical test scores. PeerJ 10:e13425 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13425
Pachygenium laurense (Orchidaceae, Spiranthinae), a new orchid species from Argentina—morphological evidence and phylogenetic reconstruction
Background Pachygenium embraces a group of terrestrial species formerly placed in Pelexia sensu lato. The genus currently comprises some 60 species, most of which are known from the southern parts of Brazil and Paraguay, with few species distributed in the Andean countries—only four species have been recorded from Argentina so far. In Jujuy Province, Argentina a new species of Pachygenium was found during our fieldwork. The aim of this article was to provide morphological and molecular evidence for its membership in this genus. Methods Materials from specimens were collected in the field and examined by classical taxonomic and molecular biological techniques, e.g., PCR and sequencing DNA. Phylogenetic reconstruction was performed by maximum-likelihood and Bayesian inference. Results Pachygenium laurense from Argentina is described and illustrated based on morphological evidence and its taxonomic position was confirmed by phylogenetic analyses. A new combination for Pachygenium gutturosa is also proposed. A key for identification is provided for the Pachygenium species occurring in Argentina. Conclusion Pachygenium laurense is the fifth species of the genus recorded from Argentina.
M. Martin et al. (2022) Pachygenium laurense (Orchidaceae, Spiranthinae), a new orchid species from Argentina—morphological evidence and phylogenetic reconstruction. PeerJ 10:e13433 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13433
The impact of different feeds on DNA methylation, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis signaling pathway, and gene expression of sheep muscle
DNA methylation is an important epigenetic regulatory form that regulates gene expression and tissue development. This study compared the effects of high fiber, low protein (HFLP) and low fiber, high protein (LFHP) diets on the DNA methylation profile of twin lambs’ muscles, their effect on glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and related pathways by transcriptome and deep whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS). Results identified 1,945 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and 1,471 differentially methylated genes (DMGs). Also, 487 differentially expressed transcripts belonging to 368 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were discovered between the twin lambs under different diets. Eleven overlapped genes were detected between the DEGs and the DMGs. FKBP5 and FOXO1 were detected to be significantly different. The FOXO1 regulated cAMP and the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways. The glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and the FOXO pathways were significantly enriched. The expressions of HOMER1 and FOXO1 in the HFLP group were significantly higher than those in the LFHP group. There is a significant correlation between the upregulated gene expression and hypomethylation of HOMER1 and FOXO1 gene in HFLP group. The results showed that FOXO1 induces PDK4 expression in muscle while regulating FKBP5 activity, which stimulates glucose production by activating specific gluconeogenesis target genes. The FOXO1 was able to regulate the glucose metabolism, the cAMP and the occurrence of glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways. This study showed that feed type can affect the methylation levels of the glycolysis related gluconeogenesis genes and interaction pathways, providing new ideas for a better understanding of the regulation of muscle energy metabolism and feed development.
Song et al. (2022) The impact of different feeds on DNA methylation, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis signaling pathway, and gene expression of sheep muscle. PeerJ 10:e13455 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13455
Application of hydrophilic polymers for the preparation of tadalafil solid dispersions: micromeritics properties, release and erectile dysfunction studies in male rats
The objective of the present study was to improve the dissolution rate and aphrodisiac activity of tadalafil by using hydrophilic polymers. Solid dispersions were prepared by solvent evaporation-Rota evaporator using Koliphore 188, Kollidon® VA64, and Kollidon® 30 polymers in a 1:1 ratio. Prepared tadalafil-solid dispersions (SDs) evaluated for yield, drug content, micromeritics properties, physicochemical characterizations, and aphrodisiac activity assessment. The optimized SDs TK188 showed size (2.175 ± 0.24 µm), percentage of content (98.89 ± 1.23%), yield (87.27 ± 3.13%), bulk density (0.496 ± 0.005 g/cm3), true density (0.646 ± 0.003 g/cm3), Carr’s index (23.25 ± 0.81), Hausner ratio (1.303 ± 0.003) and angle of repose (<25°). FTIR spectrums revealed tadalafil doesn’t chemically interact with used polymers. XRD and DSC analysis represents TK188 SDs were in the amorphous state. Drug release was 97.17 ± 2.43% for TK188, whereas it was 32.76 ± 2.65% for pure drug at the end of 2 h with 2.96-fold increase in dissolution and followed release kinetics of Korsmeyer Peppa’s model. MDT and DE were noted to be 17.48 minutes and 84.53%, respectively. Furthermore, TK188 SDs showed relative improvement in the sexual behavior of the male rats. Thus the developed SDs TK188 could be potential tadalafil carriers for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Ahmed et al. (2022) Application of hydrophilic polymers for the preparation of tadalafil solid dispersions: micromeritics properties, release and erectile dysfunction studies in male rats. PeerJ 10:e13482 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13482
Healthcare applications of single camera markerless motion capture: a scoping review
Background Single camera markerless motion capture has the potential to facilitate at home movement assessment due to the ease of setup, portability, and affordable cost of the technology. However, it is not clear what the current healthcare applications of single camera markerless motion capture are and what information is being collected that may be used to inform clinical decision making. This review aims to map the available literature to highlight potential use cases and identify the limitations of the technology for clinicians and researchers interested in the collection of movement data. Survey Methodology Studies were collected up to 14 January 2022 using Pubmed, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus using a systematic search. Data recorded included the description of the markerless system, clinical outcome measures, and biomechanical data mapped to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Framework (ICF). Studies were grouped by patient population. Results A total of 50 studies were included for data collection. Use cases for single camera markerless motion capture technology were identified for Neurological Injury in Children and Adults; Hereditary/Genetic Neuromuscular Disorders; Frailty; and Orthopaedic or Musculoskeletal groups. Single camera markerless systems were found to perform well in studies involving single plane measurements, such as in the analysis of infant general movements or spatiotemporal parameters of gait, when evaluated against 3D marker-based systems and a variety of clinical outcome measures. However, they were less capable than marker-based systems in studies requiring the tracking of detailed 3D kinematics or fine movements such as finger tracking. Conclusions Single camera markerless motion capture offers great potential for extending the scope of movement analysis outside of laboratory settings in a practical way, but currently suffers from a lack of accuracy where detailed 3D kinematics are required for clinical decision making. Future work should therefore focus on improving tracking accuracy of movements that are out of plane relative to the camera orientation or affected by occlusion, such as supination and pronation of the forearm.
Scott et al. (2022) Healthcare applications of single camera markerless motion capture: a scoping review. PeerJ 10:e13517 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13517
Prevalence of food addiction using the Yale-C scale in Mexican children with overweight and obesity
Background The prevalence of excess weight and obesity in children has increased significantly worldwide. The concept of food addiction (FA) has been associated with eating-related problems and obesity. Studies on this topic have primarily examined adult samples and little is known about addictive-like eating among Mexican children and adolescents. Methods We conducted this study to examinate the prevalence of FA in a group of 291 overweight and obese children and adolescents using YFAS scale for children (YFAS-C) in Mexico. Results According to the YFAS-C approximately 14.4% of participants met for FA diagnosis. Forty-two (14.4%) received a FA diagnosis: 14 children and 28 adolescents. The number of FA symptoms in participants who received an FA diagnosis (M = 4.35, SD = 1.07) compared to participants with no FA diagnosis (M = 1.70, SD = 1.53) was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.001). There were no statistically significant gender differences and the proportion of subjects with an FA diagnosis did not differ by age between children and adolescents. FA is a focus of interest in attempting to explain certain behaviors that may contribute to the development of obesity and explain the failure of the weight loose programs in children.
Cura-Esquivel et al. (2022) Prevalence of food addiction using the Yale-C scale in Mexican children with overweight and obesity. PeerJ 10:e13500 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13500
Ageing- and AAA-associated differentially expressed proteins identified by proteomic analysis in mice
Background Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a disease of high prevalence in old age, and its incidence gradually increases with increasing age. There were few studies about differences in the circulatory system in the incidence of AAA, mainly because younger patients with AAA are fewer and more comorbid nonatherosclerotic factors. Method We induced AAA in ApoE−/− male mice of different ages (10 or 24 weeks) and obtained plasma samples. After the top 14 most abundant proteins were detected, the plasma was analyzed by a proteomic study using the data-dependent acquisition (DDA) technique. The proteomic results were compared between different groups to identify age-related differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the circulation that contribute to AAA formation. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analyses were performed by R software. The top 10 proteins were determined with the MCC method of Cytoscape, and transcription factor (TF) prediction of the DEPs was performed with iRegulon (Cytoscape). Results The aortic diameter fold increase was higher in the aged group than in the youth group (p < 0.01). Overall, 92 DEPs related to age and involved in AAA formation were identified. GO analysis of the DEPs showed enrichment of the terms wounding healing, response to oxidative stress, regulation of body fluid levels, ribose phosphate metabolic process, and blood coagulation. The KEGG pathway analysis showed enrichment of the terms platelet activation, complement and coagulation cascades, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, carbon metabolism, biosynthesis of amino acids, and ECM-receptor interaction. The top 10 proteins were Tpi1, Eno1, Prdx1, Ppia, Prdx6, Vwf, Prdx2, Fga, Fgg, and Fgb, and the predicted TFs of these proteins were Nfe2, Srf, Epas1, Tbp, and Hoxc8. Conclusion The identified proteins related to age and involved in AAA formation were associated with the response to oxidative stress, coagulation and platelet activation, and complement and inflammation pathways, and the TFs of these proteins might be potential targets for AAA treatments. Further experimental and biological studies are needed to elucidate the role of these age-associated and AAA-related proteins in the progression of AAA.
Ren et al. (2022) Ageing- and AAA-associated differentially expressed proteins identified by proteomic analysis in mice. PeerJ 10:e13129 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13129
Exploring the perception and readiness of Pharmacists towards telepharmacy implementation; a cross sectional analysis
Background Amid the turbulent nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, telepharmacy has shifted the paradigm of patient care by leveraging digital medicine. Government mandated lockdowns and norms of social distancing have further underscored the need for telepharmacy. Many developed and developing countries implemented such initiatives where pharmacists have provided tele-pharmacy services via telecommunications. However, the implementation and utilization of tele-pharmacy services are quite negligible in resource limited settings due to financial and administrative constraints. This study was aimed to ascertain the perception and readiness of pharmacists working in various sectors of a resource limiting country. Methodology A cross sectional study was carried out in all provinces of Pakistan to explore the perceptions of pharmacists towards telepharmacy implementation through a 35-items study instrument. The collected data was analyzed descriptively and scored accordingly. The chi-square test was used for inferential analysis on pharmacist’s perception regarding implementation of tele-pharmacy with their demographics. Results Of 380 pharmacists, the mean age is 27.67 ± 3.67 years with a preponderance of male pharmacists (n = 238, 62.6%). The pharmacists (n = 321, 84.5%) perceived that telepharmacy implementation improves patient’s quality of life and decreases patients’ visits (n = 291, 76.6%). Overall, pharmacists (n = 227, 59.7%) had negative perception towards benefits of telepharmacy implementation, but pharmacists had positive perception towards eligibility (n = 258, 67.9%), regulatory issues (n = 271, 71.3%) and telepharmacy during pandemic and beyond (n = 312, 82.1%). In chi-square testing gender (p = 0.03) and age (p = 0.03) had a significant association with perception regarding regulatory issues. Among perception regarding telepharmacy during COVID-19 pandemic and beyond age had a significant association (p = 0.03). Among perception regarding eligibility job location of pharmacists had significant association (p = 0.04). Conclusion The majority of pharmacists had a positive perception regarding the eligibility of patients and regulatory issues/legal framework regarding the implementation of tele-pharmacy, as well as its use during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. The implementation of tele-pharmacy can play a major role in providing timely and better patient care to remote patient areas and may help in the prevention and treatment of different infectious diseases.
Muhammad et al. (2022) Exploring the perception and readiness of Pharmacists towards telepharmacy implementation; a cross sectional analysis. PeerJ 10:e13296 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13296