The impact of functional excess of footwear on the foot shape of 7-year-old girls and boys
Background Properly fitted shoes can support the development of growing feet and prevent problems and pathologies, not only in childhood, but also in adulthood. This points to the need to conduct research on the impact of shoe fitting on the structure of the foot in order to raise awareness and importance of this problem, to enable proper decisions regarding the purchase and use of shoes. The aim of this study was to analyze indoor footwear fit and its impact on foot structure in 7-year-old schoolchildren. Methods The CQ-ST podoscope and the Clevermess device were used for measurements. The analysis was carried out using the Mann Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Chi-square test, regression analysis. Results About 40% of girls and boys had shoes that were incorrectly fitted in length, while as many as 74% of girls and 66% of boys wore shoes that were incorrectly fitted in width. Regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant influence of the footwear length on longitudinal arch of the right and left foot and the transverse arch of the right foot. In boys, the length of the shoes shows associations with the right and left hallux valgus angle. Conclusion A significant percentage of the studied 7-year-olds, regardless of gender, wears inappropriately fitted shoes. In both sexes, the length of the footwear influenced the longitudinal arch of the right and left foot and the transverse arch of the right foot. Due to the deformity of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, the boys with hallux valgus require footwear which is wider and therefore their shoes need to be bigger in size.
Puszczalowska-Lizis et al. (2021) The impact of functional excess of footwear on the foot shape of 7-year-old girls and boys. PeerJ 9:e11277 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11277
Anti-atherosclerotic vaccination against Porphyromonas gingivalis as a potential comparator of statin in mice
Background Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) is an oral anaerobe which damages teeth and periodontal tissues. Its body infection is known to cause chronic inflammation, thereby inducing an early stage of atherosclerosis through humoral immune actions. Hence, vaccination by immunizing the proteins of P. gingivalis (Pg) post sonication with heating may prevent atherosclerosis. This study aimed to compare the effect of its vaccination with statin, which effectively prevents atherosclerosis by lowering lipids. Methods The vaccine was produced by sonicating P. gingivalis through heating, and a total of 32 male APOE-/-mice (8-week old) were subjected Western diet for 8 weeks, in order to induce atherosclerosis in a physiological manner. Then, the mice were grouped to undergo four treatment conditions (i.e., no treatment, pitavastatin, vaccine, or pitavastatin with vaccine). Vaccination was conducted through nasal immunization and confirmed by a Pg-specific humoral immune reaction. Then, half of the mice in each group were orally injected with P. gingivalis for the next 5 weeks while the other half remained uninfected, generating a total of eight groups (n = 4/group). The mice were sacrificed at 3 weeks after the last injection. After harvesting the aorta, Oil Red O staining of en face was conducted with imaging and image analysis, and plaque formation was quantitatively determined. Results Compared to no treatment, the vaccination through nasal immunization significantly reduced the atherosclerotic plaque sizes in APOE -/- mice under Western diet to the comparable level of statin group. When both vaccine and statin were used, no clear synergistic effect was observed as opposed to expectation. Conclusions This study revealed that nasal immunization of heat shock P. gingivalis has a significant impact on the prevention of arteriosclerosis and acts as a potential comparator of statin.
Ha et al. (2021) Anti-atherosclerotic vaccination against Porphyromonas gingivalis as a potential comparator of statin in mice. PeerJ 9:e11293 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11293
Characteristics of craniofacial morphology and factors affecting them in patients with isolated cleft palate
Background Myriad maxillo-mandibular occlusal relationships are observed in patients with isolated cleft palate (ICP), unlike in patients with other cleft types, such as cleft lip and palate. Objectives This study aimed to categorise the characteristics of craniofacial morphology in patients with ICP, and investigate the clinical factors affecting these categorised morphological characteristics. Methods Thirty-six girls with ICP (age (mean ± SD): 5.36 ± 0.36 years) underwent cephalometric measurement. Their craniofacial morphology was categorised using cluster analysis. Profilograms were created and superimposed onto the standard Japanese profilograms to visualise the morphological characteristics of each group (cluster). The mean values and variations in the linear and angular measurements of each group were compared with the Japanese standards and statistically analysed using Dunnett’s test after the analysis of variance. Fisher’s exact test was used to analyse the differences between the cleft types (cleft in the hard and/or soft palate) and skills of the operating surgeons in the groups. Results Cluster analysis of craniofacial morphologies in patients with ICP resulted in the formation of three categories: the first cluster exhibited a relatively harmonious anteroposterior relationship between the maxilla and the mandible (22.2%); the second cluster exhibited crossbite owing to a significantly smaller maxilla (33.3%); and the third cluster exhibited a smaller mandible with posterior rotation showing skeletal class II malocclusion (44.4%). Differences in cleft types and surgeons were not associated with the distribution of patients in each cluster. Conclusions Patients with ICP exhibited characteristic morphological patterns, such as bimaxillary retrusion or severe mandibular retrusion, besides the anterior crossbite frequently found in patients with cleft lip and palate . Understanding the typical morphological characteristics could enable better diagnostic categorisation of patients with ICP, which may eventually improve orthodontic treatment planning.
Tsuji et al. (2021) Characteristics of craniofacial morphology and factors affecting them in patients with isolated cleft palate. PeerJ 9:e11297 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11297
Identification and comparison of circular RNAs in preeclampsia
Background Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific syndrome, belongs to the gestational hypertension diseases category and is considered among the causes of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. However, the pathogenesis of PE is still vague. Methods In the present study, the circular RNA (circRNA) expression patterns of normal pregnant women and PE patients were investigated using whole RNA sequencing. Results A total of 151 differential expressed circRNAs were identified including 121 upregulated and 30 downregulated ones. Functional and pathway enrichment analysis was conducted on the differentially expressed circRNAs using Gene Ontology and KEGG databases. The results of this analysis indicated that several crucial biological processes and pathways were enriched in PE patients. circRNA–microRNA (miRNA) interaction analysis indicated that the reported differentially expresse circRNAs may be associated with some regulatory functions through miRNAs in PE patients. Two ceRNAs networks were constructed according to the targeting relationship between circRNAs/miRNAs and miRNAs/mRNAs. One sub-network contained one upregulated circRNA, four downregulated miRNAs and five upregulated mRNAs, and another sub-network contained 10 downregulated circRNAs, 21 upregulated miRNAs and 15 downregulated mRNAs. Conclusion CircRNA expression patterns have been investigated and this analysis revealed their potential regulatory mechanisms in PE patients. We constructed the ceRNAs (competing endogenous RNA) to reveal the potential molecular roles of dysregulated circRNAs in the PE patients using RNA sequencing data. circRNA_13301 was the only one upregulated circRNA in ceRNA being targeted by four miRNAs.
Ping et al. (2021) Identification and comparison of circular RNAs in preeclampsia. PeerJ 9:e11299 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11299
Sexual dimorphism and skull size and shape in the highly specialized snake species, Aipysurus eydouxii (Elapidae: Hydrophiinae)
Background Snakes exhibit sexual dimorphism in both head size and shape. Such differences are often attributed to different reproductive roles and feeding habits. We aim to investigate how sexual dimorphism is displayed in the highly specialised fish-egg-eating snake, Aipysurus eydouxii, by analysing two complementary features: body size and skull morphology. Methods We used data on body length, weight, and skull shape from 27 measurements of 116 males and females of A. eydouxii. We investigated both sexual dimorphism and allometric (multivariate and bi-variate) properties of skull growth in the analysed data set. Results We found that although there was female-biased sexual size dimorphism in body length, females were not heavier than males, contrary to what is commonly observed pattern among snakes. Moreover, females tend to possess relatively smaller heads than males. However, we only found very subtle differences in skull shape reflected in nasal width, mandibular fossa, quadrate crest and quadrate length. Discussion We suggest that the feeding specialisation in A. eydouxii does not allow for an increase in body thickness and the size of the head above a certain threshold. Our results may be interpreted as support for prey-size divergence as a factor driving skull dimorphism since such species in which the sexes do not differ in prey size also shows very subtle or no differences in skull morphology.
Borczyk et al. (2021) Sexual dimorphism and skull size and shape in the highly specialized snake species, Aipysurus eydouxii (Elapidae: Hydrophiinae). PeerJ 9:e11311 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11311
Naturally-occurring tooth wear, tooth fracture, and cranial injuries in large carnivores from Zambia
Determining the incidence and causes of craniodental damage in wild carnivores is often constrained by limited access to specimens with associated ecological data, such as prey type and abundance. We assessed dental condition and cranial injuries in lion, leopard, and spotted hyena in relation to prey and predator populations in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley, where large prey are more abundant and lion and leopard more numerous, and the Greater Kafue Ecosystem, where smaller prey species are more prevalent and lion and leopard less common. In Luangwa, lions had significantly higher rates of tooth fracture, and blunt trauma injuries attributable to prey-handling, compared to Kafue lions. In contrast, leopards in both regions had similar rates of tooth wear and breakage. Overall, lions showed a significantly higher tooth fracture rate than leopards on a per tooth basis. Spotted hyenas had the highest rates of tooth wear and fracture among all three carnivores, and greatly exceeded previously recorded rates based on historical samples. Despite larger numbers of lion and leopard in Luangwa, there was no difference in incidence of intraspecific injuries between regions. These results are consistent with a greater abundance of large prey species, especially buffalo, in the diets of Luangwa lions, and previous work showing a reliance on smaller prey species in Kafue throughout the large carnivore guild.
Van Valkenburgh et al. (2021) Naturally-occurring tooth wear, tooth fracture, and cranial injuries in large carnivores from Zambia. PeerJ 9:e11313 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11313
Geology and taphonomy of a unique tyrannosaurid bonebed from the upper Campanian Kaiparowits Formation of southern Utah: implications for tyrannosaurid gregariousness
Tyrannosaurids are hypothesized to be gregarious, possibly parasocial carnivores engaging in cooperative hunting and extended parental care. A tyrannosaurid (cf. Teratophoneus curriei) bonebed in the late Campanian age Kaiparowits Formation of southern Utah, nicknamed the Rainbows and Unicorns Quarry (RUQ), provides the first opportunity to investigate possible tyrannosaurid gregariousness in a taxon unique to southern Laramidia. Analyses of the site’s sedimentology, fauna, flora, stable isotopes, rare earth elements (REE), charcoal content and taphonomy suggest a complex history starting with the deaths and transport of tyrannosaurids into a peri-fluvial, low-energy lacustrine setting. Isotopic and REE analyses of the fossil material yields a relatively homogeneous signature indicating the assemblage was derived from the same source and represents a fauna living in a single ecospace. Subsequent drying of the lake and fluctuating water tables simultaneously overprinted the bones with pedogenic carbonate and structurally weakened them through wet-dry cycling. Abundant charcoal recovered from the primary bone layer indicate a low temperature fire played a role in the site history, possibly triggering an avulsion that exhumed and reburied skeletal material on the margin of a new channel with minimal transport. Possible causes of mortality and concentration of the tyrannosaurids include cyanobacterial toxicosis, fire, and flooding, the latter being the preferred hypothesis. Comparisons of the RUQ site with other North American tyrannosaur bonebeds (Dry Island-Alberta; Daspletosaurus horneri-Montana) suggest all formed through similar processes. Combined with ichnological evidence, these tyrannosaur mass-burial sites could be part of an emerging pattern throughout Laramidia reflecting innate tyrannosaurid behavior such as habitual gregariousness.
Titus et al. (2021) Geology and taphonomy of a unique tyrannosaurid bonebed from the upper Campanian Kaiparowits Formation of southern Utah: implications for tyrannosaurid gregariousness. PeerJ 9:e11013 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11013
FNDC5 expression closely correlates with muscle fiber types in porcine longissimus dorsi muscle and regulates myosin heavy chains (MyHCs) mRNA expression in C2C12 cells
Background Irisin (a glycosylated protein) is cleaved from fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5), which is expressed mainly in animal muscle tissues and has multiple metabolic regulatory activities. However, their roles in controlling myofiber types in skeletal muscle remain unclear. Methodology Two different commercial hybridized pigs, LJH (a crossed pig containing Chinese native pig genotypes) and DLY (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) were selected to analyze FNDC5 mRNA expression and the mRNA composition of four adult myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms (IIIaIIxIIb) in the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle. C2C12 myoblasts were cultured to investigate the effects of FNDC5 on the four MyHCs mRNA expressive levels, using small interfering RNA for depletion and a eukaryotic expression vector carrying FNDC5 for overexpression. ZLN005 (a small molecule activator of FNDC5’s upstream control gene PGC1α) or recombinant human irisin protein were also used. Results In LD muscle, LJH pigs had the higher FNDC5 mRNA level, and MyHC I or IIa proportion than DLY pigs (P < 0.05). For C2C12 cells in vitro, small interfering RNA (si-592) silencing of FNDC5 expression markedly reduced MyHC IIa mRNA levels (P < 0.05), while FNDC5 overexpression significantly increased MyHC IIa mRNA levels (P < 0.05). Exogenous irisin increased the mRNA levels of PGC1α (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha), FNDC5, MyHCI, MyHCIIa, NRF1 (nuclear respiratory factor 1), VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), and TFAM (mitochondrial transcription factor A,) (P < 0.05), and the enzyme activities of SDH (succinate dehydrogenase), CK (creatine kinase), and MDH (malate dehydrogenase) in C2C12 myotubes (P < 0.05). These results showed that FNDC5 mRNA expression had a significant association with the characteristics of myofiber types in porcine muscle, and participated in regulating MyHCs mRNA expression of C2C12 myogenic differentiation cells in vitro. FNDC5 could be an important factor to control muscle fiber types, which provides a new direction to investigate pork quality via muscle fiber characteristics.
Men et al. (2021) FNDC5 expression closely correlates with muscle fiber types in porcine longissimus dorsi muscle and regulates myosin heavy chains (MyHCs) mRNA expression in C2C12 cells. PeerJ 9:e11065 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11065
Diabetic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes: a review of pathogenic mechanisms, patient-related factors and therapeutic options
The global prevalence of diabetic kidney disease is rapidly accelerating due to an increasing number of people living with type 2 diabetes. It has become a significant global problem, increasing human and financial pressures on already overburdened healthcare systems. Interest in diabetic kidney disease has increased over the last decade and progress has been made in determining the pathogenic mechanisms and patient-related factors involved in the development and pathogenesis of this disease. A greater understanding of these factors will catalyse the development of novel treatments and influence current practice. This review summarises the latest evidence for the factors involved in the development and progression of diabetic kidney disease, which will inform better management strategies targeting such factors to improve therapeutic outcomes in patients living with diabetes.
Woodhams et al. (2021) Diabetic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes: a review of pathogenic mechanisms, patient-related factors and therapeutic options. PeerJ 9:e11070 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11070
Mycelial compatibility, anastomosis, and nucleus numbers of eight Mexican Hirsutella citriformis strains isolated from Diaphorina citri
Background Among entomopathogenic fungi, H. citriformis has been recognized as potential biocontrol agent against the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae). Nevertheless, this fungus is poorly characterized. Previous molecular studies have shown high sequence similarities among strains, but significant differences in Diaphorina citri virulence. Objective The aim of the present study was to determine mycelial compatibility and anastomosis, and nucleus numbers in mycelium and conidia of eight H. citriformis strains isolated from mycosed D. citri adults collected from several Mexican states. Methods Mycelial compatibility and anastomosis evaluation was performed after pairing strains, leading to 36 confrontations, and cultured in chlorate minimum medium to obtain mutants for vegetative compatibility group. Results Hypha or conidia nuclei were visualized with safranin-O and 3% KOH, and 0.05% trypan blue–lactophenol solution. H. citriformis strains showed compatibly and anastomosis events after confrontation. In addition, they showed one nucleus per conidium and mycelium section. It was not possible to obtain H. citriformis nit mutants from the chlorate concentrations tested. Conclusions To date, this is the first report demonstrating mycelial compatibility, anastomosis occurrence, and hyphae and conidia nuclei number among H. citriformis strains.
Pérez-González et al. (2021) Mycelial compatibility, anastomosis, and nucleus numbers of eight Mexican Hirsutella citriformis strains isolated from Diaphorina citri. PeerJ 9:e11080 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11080