The leukocyte telomere length, single nucleotide polymorphisms near TERC gene and risk of COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by irreversible airflow obstruction and is associated with chronic local and systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. The enhanced oxidative stress and inflammation have been reported to affect telomere length (TL). Furthermore, a number of SNPs at loci encoding the main components of the telomerase genes, TERT and TERC have been shown to correlate with TL. We aimed to explore the leukocyte TL and genotypes for single nucleotide polymorphisms, rs12696304 (C > G) and rs10936599 (C > T) near TERC in COPD cases and matched healthy controls using q-PCR technologies. Successful assessment of TL was performed for 91 patients and 88 controls. The patients had shorter TL (17919.36 ± 1203.01 bp) compared to controls (21 271.48 ± 1891.36 bp) although not significant (p = 0.137). The TL did not associate with the gender, age, spirometric indexes, smoking habits but tended to correlate negatively with BMI (Rho = − 0.215, p = 0.076) in the controls, but not in COPD patients. The genotype frequencies of the SNPs rs12696304 and rs10936599 were compared between patients and controls and the odds ratios (OR) for developing COPD were calculated. The carriers of the common homozygous (CC) genotypes of the SNPs had higher risk for COPD, compared to carriers of the variants alleles (rs12696304 CG+GG vs. CC; OR: 0.615, 95% CI [0.424–0.894], p = 0.011 and for rs10936599 CT+TT vs. CC OR = 0.668, 95% CI [0.457–0.976], p = 0.044). Analysis on the combined effects of the TERC rs12696304 (C > G) and rs10936599 (C > T) genotypes, CC/CC genotype combination was associated with higher risk for COPD (p < 0.0001) and marginally lower FEV1% pr. in patients with GOLD II (p = 0.052). There was no association between the SNP genotypes and TL. In summary, our results suggest that COPD patients may have shorter TL, and rs12696304 and rs10936599 near TERC may affect the risk of COPD independently of TL.
Tacheva et al. (2021) The leukocyte telomere length, single nucleotide polymorphisms near TERC gene and risk of COPD. PeerJ 9:e12190 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12190
Prevalence of depression and its associated factors among adolescents in China during the early stage of the COVID-19 outbreak
Background The outbreak of the 2019 coronavirus disease outbreak (COVID-19) had a detrimental impact on adolescents’ daily life and studying, which could increase the risk of depression. This study examined the prevalence of depressive symptoms (depression hereafter) among Chinese adolescents and its associated factors. Methods An online survey was conducted during the COVID-19 outbreak in China. Adolescents aged 11–20 years who currently lived in China were invited to participate in the study. Data were collected with the “SurveyStar” platform using the Snowball Sampling method. Depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Results A total of 9,554 adolescents participated in the study. The prevalence of depression was 36.6% (95% CI [35.6%–37.6%]); the prevalence of mild and moderate-severe depression was 9.2% (95% CI [8.9%–9.5%]) and 27.4% (95% CI [26.9%–27.9%]), respectively. Female gender (OR = 1.235, P < 0.001), senior secondary school grade (OR = 1.513, P < 0.001), sleep duration of <6 h/day (OR = 2.455, P < 0.001), and living in Hubei province (total number of infected cases > 10,000) (OR = 1.245, P = 0.038) were significantly associated with higher risk of depression. Concern about COVID-19 (OR = 0.632, P < 0.001), participating in distance learning (OR = 0.728, P = 0.001), sleep duration of >8 h/day (OR = 0.726, P < 0.001), exercise of >30 min/day, and study duration of ≥4 h/day (OR = 0.835, P < 0.001) were associated with lower risk of depression. Conclusion Depression was common among adolescents in China during the COVID-19 outbreak. Considering the negative impact of depression on daily life and health outcomes, timely screening and appropriate interventions are urgently needed for depressed adolescents during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Qi et al. (2021) Prevalence of depression and its associated factors among adolescents in China during the early stage of the COVID-19 outbreak. PeerJ 9:e12223 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12223
Hypertension care cascade in the Ingwavuma rural community, uMkhanyakude District, KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa
Background Treatment and control of hypertension are associated with a substantial reduction in adverse cardiovascular disease outcomes. Although South Africa aims to reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases, there is limited evidence on the hypertension care cascade (HCC) performance in rural areas where stroke and hypertension are high. This study estimated HCC performance and identified predictors of hypertension screening among adults in the Ingwavuma community of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. Data were collected using the WHO STEPwise approach to surveillance (STEPS) questionnaire from 400 adult participants, excluding pregnant women and those with physical or cognitive impairments. Three hundred and ninety-three participants had complete data, and 131 had high blood pressure. We calculated progression rates for screening, diagnosis, treatment and control of hypertension from the sub-sample of participants with high blood pressure and assessed the bivariate association between HCC stages and participant characteristics and their effect sizes. We used binary and multivariable logistic regression to identify predictors of hypertension screening. Results Eighty-eight per cent of participants reported prior screening for hypertension. However, only 53.5% of patients under pharmacological treatment for hypertension had controlled blood pressure. In bivariate regression, employed participants were 80.3% (COR = 0.197, 95% CI [0.042–0.921]) more likely to be screened. In multivariable regression, the likelihood of hypertension screening was 82.4% (AOR = 0.176, 95% CI [0.047–0.655]) lower among participants in a cohabiting union than single participants. Similarly, employed participants were 87.4% (AOR = 0.129, 95% CI [0.017–0.952]) less likely to be screened than their unemployed counterparts. Conclusions The considerable attrition from the HCC across socio-demographic categories indicates a need for community-wide interventions. Empowering health care workers for community-based health promotion and hypertension management through point-of-care diagnostic tools could improve HCC performance. Efforts to improve the HCC should also focus on social determinants of health, notably gender and formal educational attainment.
Chikafu et al. (2021) Hypertension care cascade in the Ingwavuma rural community, uMkhanyakude District, KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. PeerJ 9:e12372 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12372
Adding pieces to the puzzle: insights into diversity and distribution patterns of Cumacea (Crustacea: Peracarida) from the deep North Atlantic to the Arctic Ocean
The Nordic Seas have one of the highest water-mass diversities in the world, yet large knowledge gaps exist in biodiversity structure and biogeographical distribution patterns of the deep macrobenthic fauna. This study focuses on the marine bottom-dwelling peracarid crustacean taxon Cumacea from northern waters, using a combined approach of morphological and molecular techniques to present one of the first insights into genetic variability of this taxon. In total, 947 specimens were assigned to 77 morphologically differing species, representing all seven known families from the North Atlantic. A total of 131 specimens were studied genetically (16S rRNA) and divided into 53 putative species by species delimitation methods (GMYC and ABGD). In most cases, morphological and molecular-genetic delimitation was fully congruent, highlighting the overall success and high quality of both approaches. Differences were due to eight instances resulting in either ecologically driven morphological diversification of species or morphologically cryptic species, uncovering hidden diversity. An interspecific genetic distance of at least 8% was observed with a clear barcoding gap for molecular delimitation of cumacean species. Combining these findings with data from public databases and specimens collected during different international expeditions revealed a change in the composition of taxa from a Northern Atlantic-boreal to an Arctic community. The Greenland-Iceland-Scotland-Ridge (GIS-Ridge) acts as a geographical barrier and/or predominate water masses correspond well with cumacean taxa dominance. A closer investigation on species level revealed occurrences across multiple ecoregions or patchy distributions within defined ecoregions.
Uhlir et al. (2021) Adding pieces to the puzzle: insights into diversity and distribution patterns of Cumacea (Crustacea: Peracarida) from the deep North Atlantic to the Arctic Ocean. PeerJ 9:e12379 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12379
Temperature-induced changes in egg white antimicrobial concentrations during pre-incubation do not influence bacterial trans-shell penetration but do affect hatchling phenotype in Mallards
Microbiome formation and assemblage are essential processes influencing proper embryonal and early-life development in neonates. In birds, transmission of microbes from the outer environment into the egg’s interior has been found to shape embryo viability and hatchling phenotype. However, microbial transmission may be affected by egg-white antimicrobial proteins (AMPs), whose concentration and antimicrobial action are temperature-modulated. As both partial incubation and clutch covering with nest-lining feathers during the pre-incubation period can significantly alter temperature conditions acting on eggs, we experimentally investigated the effects of these behavioural mechanisms on concentrations of both the primary and most abundant egg-white AMPs (lysozyme and avidin) using mallard (Anas platyrhychos) eggs. In addition, we assessed whether concentrations of egg-white AMPs altered the probability and intensity of bacterial trans-shell penetration, thereby affecting hatchling morphological traits in vivo. We observed higher concentrations of lysozyme in partially incubated eggs. Clutch covering with nest-lining feathers had no effect on egg-white AMP concentration and we observed no association between concentration of egg-white lysozyme and avidin with either the probability or intensity of bacterial trans-shell penetration. The higher egg-white lysozyme concentration was associated with decreased scaled body mass index of hatchlings. These outcomes demonstrate that incubation prior to clutch completion in precocial birds can alter concentrations of particular egg-white AMPs, though with no effect on bacterial transmission into the egg in vivo. Furthermore, a higher egg white lysozyme concentration compromised hatchling body condition, suggesting a potential growth-regulating role of lysozyme during embryogenesis in precocial birds.
Svobodová et al. (2021) Temperature-induced changes in egg white antimicrobial concentrations during pre-incubation do not influence bacterial trans-shell penetration but do affect hatchling phenotype in Mallards. PeerJ 9:e12401 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12401
Habitat connectivity and resource selection in an expanding bobcat (Lynx rufus) population
Terrestrial carnivores are among the most imperiled species worldwide, yet some species are resilient and are recovering in human-dominated landscapes after decades or centuries of absence. Bobcat (Lynx rufus) populations were extirpated from much of Midwestern US in the mid-1800’s, and are currently expanding and recolonizing their former range. In this study, we investigated multi-scale habitat selection for Ohio’s expanding bobcat population, and examined habitat connectivity in order to evaluate the conduits for dispersal statewide. We used citizen observations collected between 1978 and 2019 and logistic regression to evaluate population-level habitat selection, and GPS telemetry data for 20 individuals collected between 2012 and 2014 and a distribution-weighted exponential Resource Selection Function to evaluate individual-level habitat selection within home ranges. At the population level, bobcats selected for higher amounts of forest and pasture (at a 50 km2 scale) and herbaceous vegetation (at 15–50 50 km2 scales), thus overall heterogeneous forested habitat. At individual (home range) level, bobcats selected for forested habitats with low road density and farther away from high traffic roads; they also showed weak selection for open habitat at the home range level. Male home ranges were significantly greater than female home ranges. Lastly, we used the population-level spatial outputs (i.e. habitat suitability map) to parameterize habitat connectivity models using circuit theory in the program Circuitscape. We tested three relationships between habitat suitability and resistance to movement and used a subset of data on potential dispersing individuals to evaluate which relationship performed best. All three relationships performed almost equally well, and we calculated a weighted averaged connectivity map as our final map. Habitat was highly permeable to movements between core areas of two genetically distinct subpopulations located in southeastern Ohio. We also identified potential dispersal corridors from the core areas to other regions of Ohio dominated by agriculture and suburban development via forested riparian corridors. Overall, our analysis offers new information on habitat selection and connectivity in a rebounding felid population and offers important ecological information for wildlife management strategies. We recommend that the suitability and connectivity models should be periodically updated until the population reaches an equilibrium, and be integrated with data from neighboring states for a comprehensive assessment of a conservation success story.
Popescu et al. (2021) Habitat connectivity and resource selection in an expanding bobcat (Lynx rufus) population. PeerJ 9:e12460 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12460
Environmental changes in Yellow River Delta with terrace construction and agricultural cropping
Background Crude flats in delta areas are often saline–alkaline and unsuitable for agricultural cropping. In the 1990s, people residing in the Yellow River delta constructed terraces on the flats for agricultural development. Herein, we investigated environmental changes resulting from this agricultural development and evaluated whether the current land use is effective and sustainable. Methods We sampled soil and weeds from croplands, terrace slopes, and crude flats within the delta terrace landscape. The measured soil properties included soil salinity, pH, total N, total P, and organic matter in different lands and soil layers: 0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm. The surveyed weed characteristics were the biomass of roots and rhizomes, species composition, life form, cover and height. These indices were statistically verified by different land types and soil layers. Results Soil salinity in the terrace crop lands was found to have reduced to <4 g·kg−1, whereas in the crude flats, remained >6 g·kg−1. Soil pH in the terrace croplands was surprisingly increased to >9 ; meanwhile, organic matter content decreased drastically, which is significantly different from that observed in the case of terrace slopes and crude flats. Total N and P content in the terrace crop lands were seemingly unchanged on averages but at the depths >20 cm, they reduced unavoidably. Plant underground organs were relatively scarcer in the croplands than in the other lands. Weeds grew well on the terrace slopes but were insufficient in the croplands. Overall, terrace construction is effective for developing coastal saline flats for agricultural use, but the traditional land use in the Yellow River delta has caused chronic soil degradation that is against a sustainable productive industry.
He et al. (2021) Environmental changes in Yellow River Delta with terrace construction and agricultural cropping. PeerJ 9:e12469 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12469
Lower limb kinetic comparisons between the chasse step and one step footwork during stroke play in table tennis
Background Biomechanical footwork research during table tennis performance has been the subject of much interest players and exercise scientists. The purpose of this study was to investigate the lower limb kinetic characteristics of the chasse step and one step footwork during stroke play using traditional discrete analysis and one-dimensional statistical parameter mapping. Methods Twelve national level 1 table tennis players (Height: 172 ± 3.80 cm, Weight: 69 ± 6.22 kg, Age: 22 ± 1.66 years, Experience: 11 ± 1.71 year) from Ningbo University volunteered to participate in the study. The kinetic data of the dominant leg during the chasse step and one step backward phase (BP) and forward phase (FP) was recorded by instrumented insole systems and a force platform. Paired sample T tests were used to analyze maximum plantar force, peak pressure of each plantar region, the force time integral and the pressure time integral. For SPM analysis, the plantar force time series curves were marked as a 100% process. A paired-samples T-test in MATLAB was used to analyze differences in plantar force. Results One step produced a greater plantar force than the chasse step during 6.92–11.22% BP (P = 0.039). The chasse step produced a greater plantar force than one step during 53.47–99.01% BP (P < 0.001). During the FP, the chasse step showed a greater plantar force than the one step in 21.06–84.06% (P < 0.001). The one step produced a higher maximum plantar force in the BP (P = 0.032) and a lower maximum plantar force in the FP (P = 0) compared with the chasse step. The one step produced greater peak pressure in the medial rearfoot (P = 0) , lateral rearfoot (P = 0) and lateral forefoot (P = 0.042) regions than the chasse step during BP. In FP, the chasse step showed a greater peak pressure in the Toe (P = 0) than the one step. The one step had a lower force time integral (P = 0) and greater pressure time integral (P = 0) than the chasse step in BP, and the chasse step produced a greater force time integral (P = 0) and pressure time integral (P = 0.001) than the one step in the FP. Conclusion The findings indicate that athletes can enhance plantarflexion function resulting in greater weight transfer, facilitating a greater momentum during the 21.06–84.06% of FP. This is in addition to reducing the load on the dominant leg during landing by utilizing a buffering strategy. Further to this, consideration is needed to enhance the cushioning capacity of the sole heel and the stiffness of the toe area.
He et al. (2021) Lower limb kinetic comparisons between the chasse step and one step footwork during stroke play in table tennis. PeerJ 9:e12481 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12481
Current state of infection and prevalence of giardiasis in Malaysia: a review of 20 years of research
Background Giardiasis is a neglected parasitic zoonotic disease caused by Giardia duodenalis that is often overlooked despite the damage inflicted upon humans and domestic/wild animals. Lack of surveillance studies, low sensitivity of diagnostic tools, and resistance to giardiasis treatment add to the challenge in managing giardiasis, leaving a gap that continues to render giardiasis a silent threat to public health worldwide. This situation is not much different in Malaysia, where giardiasis remains a public health problem, especially in the indigenous communities. Realizing the existence of gaps in the literature and information on giardiasis in Malaysia, this review aims to revisit and update the situation of giardiasis in Malaysia based on articles published in 20 years from 2000 to 2020, providing estimates on the incidence of giardiasis in humans, animals, and the environment, which may inform efforts to prevent and control the impact of giardiasis in the country. Methodology We searched PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus using MeSH terms and text keywords “Giardia duodenalis OR Giardia intestinalis OR Giardia lamblia OR intestinal protozoa AND Malaysia”. Information was collected from all giardiasis reports published between 2000 and 2020. Results Giardiasis in Malaysia is more prevalent among the poorest segments of the population, namely the indigenous communities and people living in densely populated areas such as slums and prisons, due to low standard of personal hygiene, unsafe water resources, and improper sanitation. While the prevalence data is hugely dependent on microscopic fecal examination in epidemiological studies of giardiasis, current studies mostly focused on species identification and genotype distribution by multilocus genotyping. Thus far, the outbreak of giardiasis has not been reported in the country, but the disease was found to be significantly associated with stunting, wasting, and malnutrition among children of the indigenous communities. Surveillance studies also discovered the simultaneous presence of Giardia in the animal-environments, including wild animals, ruminants, and treated and untreated water. The data collected here will be a useful addition to the literature body on giardiasis in Malaysia, which can be exploited in efforts to prevent and control the impact of giardiasis in the country. Conclusions The last 10 years have shown that the overall mean rate of giardiasis in Malaysia is quite encouraging at 13.7%. While this figure appears to be declining, there has been a slight increase in the prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting among rural children in 2019. The fact that giardiasis is linked to long-term childhood developmental problems, indicates that addressing and providing better disease control against giardiasis should be a priority in supporting the national agenda to achieve Malaysia Global Nutrition Targets by 2025.
Roshidi et al. (2021) Current state of infection and prevalence of giardiasis in Malaysia: a review of 20 years of research. PeerJ 9:e12483 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12483
Transcriptome analysis and functional identification of GmMYB46 in soybean seedlings under salt stress
Salinity is one of the major abiotic stress that limits crop growth and productivity. We investigated the transcriptomes of salt-treated soybean seedlings versus a control using RNA-seq to better understand the molecular mechanisms of the soybean (Glycine max L.) response to salt stress. Transcriptome analysis revealed 1,235 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) under salt stress. Several important pathways and key candidate genes were identified by KEGG enrichment. A total of 116 differentially expressed transcription factors (TFs) were identified, and 17 TFs were found to belong to MYB families. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these TFs may be involved in salt stress adaptation. Further analysis revealed that GmMYB46 was up-regulated by salt and mannitol and was localized in the nucleus. The salt tolerance of transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing GmMYB46 was significantly enhanced compared to wild-type (WT). GmMYB46 activates the expression of salt stress response genes (P5CS1, SOD, POD, NCED3) in Arabidopsis under salt stress, indicating that the GmMYB46 protein mediates the salt stress response through complex regulatory mechanisms. This study provides information with which to better understand the molecular mechanism of salt tolerance in soybeans and to genetically improve the crop.
Liu et al. (2021) Transcriptome analysis and functional identification of GmMYB46 in soybean seedlings under salt stress. PeerJ 9:e12492 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12492