The performance of body mass component indices in detecting risk of musculoskeletal injuries in physically active young men and women
Background Body composition indices can be related to musculoskeletal injuries (MI), particularly in physically active groups. However, little is known about the accuracy of these diagnoses as potential predictors of musculoskeletal injuries. Therefore, this study aims to indicate the cut-off points of relative body mass (BMI), fat mass index (FMI), skeletal muscle mass (SMI), and muscle to fat ratio (MFR) and establish its reliability in injury prediction for physically active men and women. Methods The sample included 119 physically active individuals aged 23.72 ± 1.12 (66 men body height 1.79 ± 0.07 (m); body weight 80.51 ± 9.85 (kg) and 53 women body height 1.67 ± 0.08 (m); body weight 62 ± 10.72 (kg)), students at university of physical education in Poland. The participants’ physical activity was measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The relevance of body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI), skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), and muscle to fat ratio (MFR) in detecting injury risk was examined. Musculoskeletal injuries during 1 year before examination were registered using a self-reporting questionnaire. The areas under the curve (AUC) and Youden Index in the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) were calculated. Results The cut-off points used to classify the indices among men were BMI = 24.38; FMI = 3.74; SMI = 16.40; MFR = 3.70; and for women BMI = 20.90; FMI = 4.17; SMI = 8.96; MFR = 1.67. Results suggested the greatest reliability in the prediction of musculoskeletal injuries among men had BMI (AUC = 0.623; Youden = 0.30) and SMI (AUC = 0.608; Youden = 0.23) whereas among women, MFR (AUC = 0.628; Youden = 0.29) and FMI (AUC = 0.614; Youden = 0.32). Conclusion BMI and SMI are the most appropriate indices to predict the risk of musculoskeletal injury in physically active men, whereas in women, MFR and FMI are more reliable. These results indicate that the indices with more muscle mass meaning are better in predicting injury among men. In contrast, indices with a higher contribution of fat are better for women. It indicates sex differentiation of injury risk conditions. Men should focus on developing muscle mass, whereas women should reduce body fat to decrease injury risk. However, widespread use seemed to be limited to the specific examined group. Therefore, cut-off points should be used with caution, and calculated values should be verified and confirmed in subsequent studies.
Domaradzki et al. (2022) The performance of body mass component indices in detecting risk of musculoskeletal injuries in physically active young men and women. PeerJ 10:e12745 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12745
Comparison of the bleaching susceptibility of coral species by using minimal samples of live corals
In massive bleaching events (losing symbiotic algae from corals), more sensitive corals are bleached earlier than other corals. To perform a comparison of bleaching susceptibility within and across coral species, a simple quantitative method is required. Accordingly, we present a laboratory-based method for comparing the bleaching susceptibility of various coral species by using a standardized image analysis protocol. Coral fragments were sampled from the colonies of five species selected from Kenting, southern Taiwan, and maintained in the same aquarium tank with circulating seawater; 2 seawater temperature regimes were used (i.e., fast-heating program (FHP), with a heating rate of 1 °C per day; and slow-heating program (SHP), with a heating rate of 1 °C per 3 days). Each coral fragment was photographed periodically, and the colored images were subsequently converted to grayscale images and then digitally analyzed to determine the standardized grayscale values (G0) by comparing with that of standard color strip. The G0 of a sample at each time of photographing during bleaching was divided by the difference of G0 between the acclimating and the same but completely bleached fragment to derive the relative grayscale (RG%) at a particular stage of bleaching; this is done for each coral fragment of a colony. The smaller the RG% of a coral fragment the closer it is approaching completely bleached condition. The level of decrease in RG% within a time series of images in each heating regime was used to establish a bleaching time index (BTI). The lower the BTI, the sooner to reach a defined bleaching level (e.g., 30%), this indicates the coral is more sensitive to thermal bleaching. In the experiment, we compared the bleaching susceptibility of the five species. Based on the proposed BTI, the five species were ranked in terms of bleaching susceptibility, and the rankings were identical between the two temperature regimes; three species in Pocilloporidae had lower BTI, whereas the hydrocoral Millepora species had the highest BTI. Within each heating regime, the BTI of different species were ranked and used to indicate susceptibility. In the FHP, the three Pocilloporidae species could be divided into two groups in terms of bleaching susceptibility. FHP not only displayed a higher differentiating capability on coal bleaching susceptibility than SHP, but also had a faster completion time, thus reducing the likelihood of unforeseen complications during the tank experiments. Our color-based method is easier and less effort-intensive than methods involving the assessment of zooxanthellae densities. Moreover, it requires much fewer replicates and all samples in one large tank (e.g., 300 L) for the studies considering multiple species comparisons. This method opens opportunities for studying the effects of species types, acclimatization (e.g., seasons), and environmental factors other than temperature on coral bleaching.
Wang et al. (2022) Comparison of the bleaching susceptibility of coral species by using minimal samples of live corals. PeerJ 10:e12840 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12840
Potential impacts from simulated vessel noise and sonar on commercially important invertebrates
Human usage of coastal water bodies continues to increase and many invertebrates face a broad suite of anthropogenic stressors (e.g., warming, pollution, acidification, fishing pressure). Underwater sound is a stressor that continues to increase in coastal areas, but the potential impact on invertebrates is not well understood. In addition to masking natural sound cues which may be important for behavioral interactions, there is a small but increasing body of scientific literature indicating sublethal physiological stress may occur in invertebrates exposed to high levels of underwater sound, particularly low frequency sounds such as vessel traffic, construction noise, and some types of sonar. Juvenile and sub-adult blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) and American lobsters (Homarus americanus) were exposed to simulated low-frequency vessel noise (a signal was low-pass filtered below 1 kHz to ensure low-frequency content only) and mid-frequency sonar (a 1-s 1.67 kHz continuous wave pulse followed by a 2.5 to 4.0 kHz 1-s linear frequency modulated chirp) and behavioral response (the animal’s activity level) was quantified during and after exposure using EthoVision XT™ from overhead video recordings. Source noise was quantified by particle acceleration and pressure. Physiological response to the insults (stress and recovery) were also quantified by measuring changes in hemolymph heat shock protein (HSP27) and glucose over 7 days post-exposure. In general, physiological indicators returned to baseline levels within approximately 48 h, and no observable difference in mortality between treatment and control animals was detected. However, there was a consistent amplified hemolymph glucose signal present 7 days after exposure for those animals exposed to mid-frequency sound and there were changes to C. sapidus competitive behavior within 24 h of exposure to sound. These results stress the importance of considering the impacts of underwater sound among the suite of stressors facing marine and estuarine invertebrates, and in the discussion of management actions such as protected areas, impact assessments, and marine spatial planning efforts.
Hudson et al. (2022) Potential impacts from simulated vessel noise and sonar on commercially important invertebrates. PeerJ 10:e12841 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12841
Isolation, identification and characterization of nitrogen fixing endophytic bacteria and their effects on cassava production
Background Cassava (Manibot esculenta Crantz) is one of the most important among tuber crops. The amount of nitrogen fertilizer used for cassava production is relatively high (400 kg ha−1), but there are few studies on biological nitrogen fixation in this crop. Therefore, it is particularly important to study whether cassava and microorganisms have the associated nitrogen-fixing and other promoting effects of endophytic bacteria. Methods We screened 10 endophytic bacteria using the nitrogen-free culture method from the roots of seven cassava cultivars, and the nitrogenase activity of the A02 strain was the highest 95.81 nmol mL−1 h−1. The A02 strain was confirmed as Microbacteriaceae, Curtobacterium using 16S rRNA sequence alignment. The biological and morphological characteristics of strain A02 were further analyzed. Results The experimental results showed that the biomass of roots, stems, and leaves of cassava inoculated with A02 increased by 17.6%, 12.6%, and 10.3%, respectively, compared to that of the control (without A02 inoculation). These results were not only related to the secretion of auxin (IAA) and solubilization of phosphate but also in the promotion of biological nitrogen fixation of cassava leaves by strain A02. Moreover, the highest 95.81 nmol mL−1h−1 of nitrogenase activity was reported in strain A02, and thus more nitrogen fixation was observed in strain A02. In conclusion, A02 is a newly discovered endophytic nitrogen-fixing bacteria in cassava that can be further used in the research of biological bacterial fertilizers.
Zhang et al. (2022) Isolation, identification and characterization of nitrogen fixing endophytic bacteria and their effects on cassava production. PeerJ 10:e12677 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12677
Diversity and structure of the microbial community in rhizosphere soil of Fritillaria ussuriensis at different health levels
Fritillaria wilt is a kind of soil-borne disease that causes a large reduction in the yield of Fritillaria ussuriensis. The diversity and structure of the soil microbial community are important factors affecting the health of Fritillaria ussuriensis. The analysis of the microbial community in the diseased and healthy soils provided a theoretical basis for revealing the pathological mechanism and prevention of Fritillaria wilt disease. In the present study, we sequenced the soil microorganisms from healthy (H), pathology (P) and blank (B) soil samples by Illumina MiSeq. Determined the soil physicochemical properties respectively, analyzed the soil microbial diversity and structure, and constructed single factor co-correlation networks among microbial genera. The results showed that Ascomycota (48.36%), Mortierellomycota (23.06%), Basidiomycota (19.00%), Proteobacteria (31.74%), and Acidobacteria (20.95%) were dominant in the soil. The diversity of healthy soil was significantly greater than that of diseased soil samples (P and B) (P < 0.05). The populations of Fusarium and Humicola significantly increased in the diseased soil sample (P and B) (P < 0.05). RB41 (4.74%) and Arthrobacter (3.30%) were the most abundant genera in the healthy soil. Total nitrogen (TN), available nitrogen (AN), total potassium (TK), available potassium (AK), and inorganic salt (salt) were significantly correlated with soil microbial communities (P < 0.05). The relationship between fungi and the plant was mostly positive, whereas bacteria showed the opposite trend. In conclusion, the diversity and structure of the soil microbial community were closely related to the health level of Fritillaria ussuriensis. Fusarium and Humicola affect the severity of Fritillaria wilt disease, while RB41 and Arthrobacter are the important indicators for maintaining the health of Fritillaria ussuriensis. Moreover, environmental factors greatly affect the abundance and formation of soil microbial community. The interactions in microbial communities also influence the healthy growth of Fritillaria ussuriensis.
Jiao et al. (2022) Diversity and structure of the microbial community in rhizosphere soil of Fritillaria ussuriensis at different health levels. PeerJ 10:e12778 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12778
A newly recognized theropod assemblage from the Lewisville Formation (Woodbine Group; Cenomanian) and its implications for understanding Late Cretaceous Appalachian terrestrial ecosystems
While the terrestrial fossil record of the mid-Cretaceous interval (Aptian to Cenomanian) in North America has been poorly studied, the recent focus on fossil localities from the western United States has offered a more detailed picture of vertebrate diversity, ecosystem dynamics and faunal turnover that took place on the western landmass of Laramidia. This is in stark contrast to the terrestrial record from the eastern landmass of Appalachia, where vertebrate fossils are rare and consist mostly of isolated and fragmentary remains. However, a detailed understanding of these fossil communities during this interval is necessary for comparison of the faunal patterns that developed during the opening of the Western Interior Seaway (WIS). The Woodbine Group of Texas is a Cenomanian age (95–100 mya) deposit consisting of shallow marine, deltaic, and terrestrial communities, which were only recently separated from their western counterparts. These deposits have yielded a wealth of vertebrate remains, yet non-avian theropods are still largely unknown. Recently, multiple localities in the Lewisville Formation of the Woodbine Group have yielded new non-avian theropod material, including numerous isolated teeth and postcranial remains. While largely fragmentary, this material is sufficiently diagnostic to identify the following taxa: a large-bodied carcharodontosaur, a mid-sized tyrannosauroid, a large ornithomimosaur, a large dromaeosaurine, a small dromaeosaurid, a small troodontid, and a small coelurosaur. Some of these groups represent the first occurrence for Appalachia and provide a broader understanding of a newly expanded faunal diversity for the Eastern landmass. The Lewisville Formation theropod fauna is similar in taxonomic composition to contemporaneous deposits in Laramidia, confirming that these groups were widespread across the continent prior to extension of the WIS. The Lewisville Formation documents the transitional nature of Cenomanian coastal ecosystems in Texas while providing additional details on the evolution of Appalachian communities shortly after WIS extension.
Noto et al. (2022) A newly recognized theropod assemblage from the Lewisville Formation (Woodbine Group; Cenomanian) and its implications for understanding Late Cretaceous Appalachian terrestrial ecosystems. PeerJ 10:e12782 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12782
Seasonal and diel variations in the vertical distribution, composition, abundance and biomass of zooplankton in a deep Chilean Patagonian Fjord
Comau Fjord is a stratified Chilean Patagonian Fjord characterized by a shallow brackish surface layer and a >400 m layer of aragonite-depleted subsurface waters. Despite the energetic burden of low aragonite saturation levels to calcification, Comau Fjord harbours dense populations of cold-water corals (CWC). While this paradox has been attributed to a rich supply of zooplankton, supporting abundance and biomass data are so far lacking. In this study, we investigated the seasonal and diel changes of the zooplankton community over the entire water column. We used a Nansen net (100 µm mesh) to take stratified vertical hauls between the surface and the bottom (0-50-100-200-300-400-450 m). Samples were scanned with a ZooScan, and abundance, biovolume and biomass were determined for 41 taxa identified on the web-based platform EcoTaxa 2.0. Zooplankton biomass was the highest in summer (209 g dry mass m−2) and the lowest in winter (61 g dry mass m−2). Abundance, however, peaked in spring, suggesting a close correspondence between reproduction and phytoplankton spring blooms (Chl a max. 50.86 mg m−3, 3 m depth). Overall, copepods were the most important group of the total zooplankton community, both in abundance (64–81%) and biovolume (20–70%) followed by mysids and chaetognaths (in terms of biovolume and biomass), and nauplii and Appendicularia (in terms of abundance). Throughout the year, diel changes in the vertical distribution of biomass were found with a daytime maximum in the 100–200 m depth layer and a nighttime maximum in surface waters (0–50 m), associated with the diel vertical migration of the calanoid copepod family Metridinidae. Diel differences in integrated zooplankton abundance, biovolume and biomass were probably due to a high zooplankton patchiness driven by biological processes (e.g., diel vertical migration or predation avoidance), and oceanographic processes (estuarine circulation, tidal mixing or water column stratification). Those factors are considered to be the main drivers of the zooplankton vertical distribution in Comau Fjord.
Garcia-Herrera et al. (2022) Seasonal and diel variations in the vertical distribution, composition, abundance and biomass of zooplankton in a deep Chilean Patagonian Fjord. PeerJ 10:e12823 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12823
The relationship between endorsing reporting guidelines or trial registration and the impact factor or total citations in surgical journals
Background A journal’s impact factor (IF) and total citations are often used as indicators of its publication quality. Furthermore, journals that require authors to abide by reporting guidelines or conduct trial registration generally have a higher quality of reporting. In this study, we sought to explore the potential associations between the enforcement of reporting guidelines or trial registration and a surgical journal’s IF or total citations in order to find new approaches and ideas to improve journal publication quality. Methods We examined surgical journals from the 2018 Journal Citation Report’s Expanded Scientific Citation Index to quantify the use of reporting guidelines or study registration. We reviewed the “instructions for authors” from each journal and used multivariable linear regression analysis to determine which guidelines were associated with the journal IF and total citations. The dependent variable was the logarithm base 10 of the IF in 2018 or the logarithm base 10 of total citations in 2018 (the results were presented as geometric means, specifically the ratio of the “endorsed group” results to “not endorsed group” results). The independent variable was one of the requirements (endorsed and not endorsed). Models adjust for the publication region, language, start year, publisher and journal size (only used to adjust total citations). Results We included 188 surgical journals in our study. The results of multivariable linear regression analysis showed that journal IF was associated (P < 0.01) with the following requirements: randomized controlled trial (RCT) registration (geometric means ratio (GR) = 1.422, 95% CI [1.197–1.694]), Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement (1.318, [1.104–1.578]), Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement (1.390, [1.148–1.683]), Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement (1.556, [1.262–1.919]), Standards for Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy (STARD) statement (1.585, [1.216–2.070]), and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) statement (2.113, [1.422–3.133]). We found associations between the endorsement of RCT registration (GR = 1.652, 95% CI [1.268–2.153]), CONSORT (1.570, [1.199–2.061]), PRISMA (1.698, [1.271–2.270]), STROBE (2.023, [1.476–2.773]), STARD (2.173, [1.452–3.243]), and MOOSE statements (2.249, [1.219–4.150]) and the number of total citations. Conclusion The presence of reporting guidelines and trial registration was associated with higher IF or more total citations in surgical journals. If more surgical journals incorporate these policies into their submission requirements, this may improve publication quality, thus increasing their IF and total citations.
Zhou et al. (2022) The relationship between endorsing reporting guidelines or trial registration and the impact factor or total citations in surgical journals. PeerJ 10:e12837 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12837
Identification and validation of a novel signature for prediction the prognosis and immunotherapy benefit in bladder cancer
Background Bladder cancer (BC) is a common urinary tract system tumor with high recurrence rate and different populations show distinct response to immunotherapy. Novel biomarkers that can accurately predict prognosis and therapeutic responses are urgently needed. Here, we aim to identify a novel prognostic and therapeutic responses immune-related gene signature of BC through a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. Methods The robust rank aggregation was conducted to integrate differently expressed genes (DEGs) in datasets of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the gene expression omnibus (GEO). Lasso and Cox regression analyses were performed to formulate a novel mRNA signature that could predict prognosis of BC patients. Subsequently, the prognostic value and predictive value of the signature was validated with two independent cohorts GSE13507 and IMvigor210. Finally, quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis was conducted to determine the expression of mRNAs in BC cell lines (UM-UC-3, EJ-1, SW780 and T24). Results We built a signature comprised the eight mRNAs: CNKSR1, COPZ2, CXorf57, FASN, PCOLCE2, RGS1, SPINT1 and TPST1. Our prognostic signature could be used to stratify BC population into two risk groups with distinct immune profile and responsiveness to immunotherapy. The results of qRT-PCR demonstrated that the eight mRNAs exhibited different expression levels in BC cell lines. Conclusion Our study constructed a convenient and reliable 8-mRNA gene signature, which might provide prognostic prediction and aid treatment decision making of BC patients in clinical practice.
Zhang et al. (2022) Identification and validation of a novel signature for prediction the prognosis and immunotherapy benefit in bladder cancer. PeerJ 10:e12843 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12843
Perceived physical activity during stay-at-home COVID-19 pandemic lockdown March–April 2020 in Polish adults
Background Lockdowns amid the COVID-19 pandemic drastically reduced the possibility of undertaking physical activity (PA) in gyms, swimming pools, or work-related PA, e.g., active commuting. However, the stay-at-home order could have reduced PA the most, i.e., the ban of unnecessary outdoor activities. It affected free walking, running, skiing, active tourism, etc. It is, therefore, crucial to estimate how the stay-at-home order affected PA. We estimated how the stay-at-home order affected perceived PA and sedentary behavior compared to the pre-pandemic time in Poland. Methods We used a self-reported International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Long Form (IPAQ-LF) to estimate the time (minutes per day) of vigorous and moderate PA and walking and sitting time. Results We gathered data from 320 Polish participants. Bayesian approaches, including t-test and Bayesian correlations, were used to find differences and correlations between PA before and during the stay-at-home lockdown. Our data supported the hypotheses that vigorous PA, as well as walking, declined during the lockdown. Surprisingly, our data did not support the hypothesis that moderate physical activity was reduced. We found that moderate PA during lockdown increased compared to the pre-lockdown PA. As hypothesized, our data strongly evinced that sitting time inclined during the lockdown. PA decline was not correlated with the available living space. People who had access to gardens did not demonstrate a higher PA level than those without. Discussion Walking and sitting time have drastically changed during the stay-at-home lockdown, decreasing and increasing, respectively. Given results from studies focusing on lockdowns without the stay-at-home restriction, it may be assumed that letting people go outside is crucial in keeping them more active and less sedentary. Authorities should take into account the effect the stay-at-home order may have on PA and sedentary behavior and as a result, on health. Stay-at-home orders should be the last considered restriction, given its detrimental consequences.
Czyż et al. (2022) Perceived physical activity during stay-at-home COVID-19 pandemic lockdown March–April 2020 in Polish adults. PeerJ 10:e12779 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12779