PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Evaluating spatial patterns of seasonal ozone exposure and incidence of respiratory emergency room visits in Dallas-Fort Worth
items: Genome-wide investigation of the AP2/ERF superfamily and their expression under salt stress in Chinese willow (Salix matsudana)
items: Evolution and extinction can occur rapidly: a modeling approach
items: Retrospective study on admission trends of Californian hummingbirds found in urban habitats (1991–2016)
items: The prevalence of fatigue among Chinese nursing students in post-COVID-19 era
items: Cisplatin-resistant HepG2 cell-derived exosomes transfer cisplatin resistance to cisplatin-sensitive cells in HCC
items: Influence of hunting strategy on foraging efficiency in Galapagos sea lions
items: Identification of a ferroptosis-related gene signature (FRGS) for predicting clinical outcome in lung adenocarcinoma
items: Motor expertise and performance in sport-specific priming tasks: a systematic review and meta-analysis
items: Assessment of hand function in women with lymphadenopathy after radical mastectomy

Evaluating spatial patterns of seasonal ozone exposure and incidence of respiratory emergency room visits in Dallas-Fort Worth
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background In urban environments, environmental air pollution poses significant risks to respiratory health. Moreover, the seasonal spatial variability of the air pollutant ozone, and respiratory illness within Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) is not well understood. We examine the relationships between spatial patterns of long-term ozone exposure and respiratory illness to better understand impacts on health outcomes. We propose that this study will establish an enhanced understanding of the spatio-temporal characteristics of ozone concentrations and respiratory emergency room visits (ERV) incidence. Methods Air pollution data (ozone) and ERV incidence data from DFW was used to evaluate the relationships between exposures and outcomes using three steps: (1) develop a geostatistical model to produce quarterly maps of ozone exposure for the DFW area; (2) use spatial analysis techniques to identify clusters of zip codes with high or low values of ozone exposure and respiratory ERV incidence; and (3) use concentration-response curves to evaluate the relationships between respiratory ERV incidence and ozone exposure. Results Respiratory ERV incidence was highest in quarters 1 and 4, while ozone exposure was highest in quarters 2 and 3. Extensive statistically significant spatial clusters of ozone regions were identified. Although the maps revealed that there was no regional association between the spatial patterns of high respiratory ERV incidence and ozone exposure, the concentration-response analysis suggests that lower levels of ozone exposure may still contribute to adverse respiratory outcomes.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Kari Northeim
creator: Constant Marks
creator: Chetan Tiwari
subject: Public Health
subject: Respiratory Medicine
subject: Environmental Impacts
subject: Spatial and Geographic Information Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.11066
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2021 Northeim et al.
abstract: Background In urban environments, environmental air pollution poses significant risks to respiratory health. Moreover, the seasonal spatial variability of the air pollutant ozone, and respiratory illness within Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) is not well understood. We examine the relationships between spatial patterns of long-term ozone exposure and respiratory illness to better understand impacts on health outcomes. We propose that this study will establish an enhanced understanding of the spatio-temporal characteristics of ozone concentrations and respiratory emergency room visits (ERV) incidence. Methods Air pollution data (ozone) and ERV incidence data from DFW was used to evaluate the relationships between exposures and outcomes using three steps: (1) develop a geostatistical model to produce quarterly maps of ozone exposure for the DFW area; (2) use spatial analysis techniques to identify clusters of zip codes with high or low values of ozone exposure and respiratory ERV incidence; and (3) use concentration-response curves to evaluate the relationships between respiratory ERV incidence and ozone exposure. Results Respiratory ERV incidence was highest in quarters 1 and 4, while ozone exposure was highest in quarters 2 and 3. Extensive statistically significant spatial clusters of ozone regions were identified. Although the maps revealed that there was no regional association between the spatial patterns of high respiratory ERV incidence and ozone exposure, the concentration-response analysis suggests that lower levels of ozone exposure may still contribute to adverse respiratory outcomes.
bibliographic citation: Northeim et al. (2021) Evaluating spatial patterns of seasonal ozone exposure and incidence of respiratory emergency room visits in Dallas-Fort Worth. PeerJ 9:e11066 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11066
date submitted: 2020-08-13
date accepted: 2021-02-15
issued: 2021-04-13
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Northeim
  given name: Kari
author list: Agent
  family name: Marks
  given name: Constant
author list: Agent
  family name: Tiwari
  given name: Chetan
doi: 10.7717/peerj.11066
volume: 9
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2021-04-13
copyright: © 2021 Northeim et al.
attribution name: Northeim et al.

Genome-wide investigation of the AP2/ERF superfamily and their expression under salt stress in Chinese willow (Salix matsudana)
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: AP2/ERF transcription factors (TFs) play indispensable roles in plant growth, development, and especially in various abiotic stresses responses. The AP2/ERF TF family has been discovered and classified in more than 50 species. However, little is known about the AP2/ERF gene family of Chinese willow (Salix matsudana), which is a tetraploid ornamental tree species that is widely planted and is also considered as a species that can improve the soil salinity of coastal beaches. In this study, 364 AP2/ERF genes of Salix matsudana (SmAP2/ERF) were identified depending on the recently produced whole genome sequencing data of Salix matsudana. These genes were renamed according to the chromosomal location of the SmAP2/ERF genes. The SmAP2/ERF genes included three major subfamilies: AP2 (55 members), ERF (301 members), and RAV (six members) and two Soloist genes. Genes’ structure and conserved motifs were analyzed in SmAP2/ERF family members, and introns were not found in most genes of the ERF subfamily, some unique motifs were found to be important for the function of SmAP2/ERF genes. Syntenic relationships between the SmAP2/ERF genes and AP2/ERF genes from Populus trichocarpa and Salix purpurea showed that Salix matsudana is genetically more closely related to Populus trichocarpa than to Salix purpurea. Evolution analysis on paralog gene pairs suggested that progenitor of S. matsudana originated from hybridization between two different diploid salix germplasms and underwent genome duplication not more than 10 Mya. RNA sequencing results demonstrated the differential expression patterns of some SmAP2/ERF genes under salt stress and this information can help reveal the mechanism of salt tolerance regulation in Salix matsudana.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jian Zhang
creator: Shi zheng Shi
creator: Yuna Jiang
creator: Fei Zhong
creator: Guoyuan Liu
creator: Chunmei Yu
creator: Bolin Lian
creator: Yanhong Chen
subject: Genomics
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.11076
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2021 Zhang et al.
abstract: AP2/ERF transcription factors (TFs) play indispensable roles in plant growth, development, and especially in various abiotic stresses responses. The AP2/ERF TF family has been discovered and classified in more than 50 species. However, little is known about the AP2/ERF gene family of Chinese willow (Salix matsudana), which is a tetraploid ornamental tree species that is widely planted and is also considered as a species that can improve the soil salinity of coastal beaches. In this study, 364 AP2/ERF genes of Salix matsudana (SmAP2/ERF) were identified depending on the recently produced whole genome sequencing data of Salix matsudana. These genes were renamed according to the chromosomal location of the SmAP2/ERF genes. The SmAP2/ERF genes included three major subfamilies: AP2 (55 members), ERF (301 members), and RAV (six members) and two Soloist genes. Genes’ structure and conserved motifs were analyzed in SmAP2/ERF family members, and introns were not found in most genes of the ERF subfamily, some unique motifs were found to be important for the function of SmAP2/ERF genes. Syntenic relationships between the SmAP2/ERF genes and AP2/ERF genes from Populus trichocarpa and Salix purpurea showed that Salix matsudana is genetically more closely related to Populus trichocarpa than to Salix purpurea. Evolution analysis on paralog gene pairs suggested that progenitor of S. matsudana originated from hybridization between two different diploid salix germplasms and underwent genome duplication not more than 10 Mya. RNA sequencing results demonstrated the differential expression patterns of some SmAP2/ERF genes under salt stress and this information can help reveal the mechanism of salt tolerance regulation in Salix matsudana.
bibliographic citation: Zhang et al. (2021) Genome-wide investigation of the AP2/ERF superfamily and their expression under salt stress in Chinese willow (Salix matsudana). PeerJ 9:e11076 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11076
date submitted: 2020-10-14
date accepted: 2021-02-17
issued: 2021-04-13
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Jian
author list: Agent
  family name: Shi
  given name: Shi zheng
author list: Agent
  family name: Jiang
  given name: Yuna
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhong
  given name: Fei
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Guoyuan
author list: Agent
  family name: Yu
  given name: Chunmei
author list: Agent
  family name: Lian
  given name: Bolin
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Yanhong
doi: 10.7717/peerj.11076
volume: 9
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2021-04-13
copyright: ©2021 Zhang et al.
attribution name: Zhang et al.

Evolution and extinction can occur rapidly: a modeling approach
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Fossil record of Earth describing the last 500 million years is characterized by evolution discontinuity as well as recurring global extinctions of some species and their replacement by new types, the causes of which are still debate. We developed a model of evolutionary self-development of a large ecosystem. This model of biota evolution based on the universal laws of living systems functioning: reproduction, dependence of reproduction efficiency and mortality on biota density, mutational variability in the process of reproduction and selection of the most adapted individuals. We have shown that global extinctions and phases of rapid growth and biodiversity stasis can be a reflection of the emergence of bistability in a self-organizing system, which is the Earth’s biota. Bistability was found to be characteristic only for ecosystems with predominant sexual reproduction. The reason for the transition from one state to another is the selection of the most adapted individuals. That is, we explain the characteristics of the Earth’s fossil record during the last 500 million years by the internal laws of Earth’s ecosystem functioning, which appeared at a certain stage of evolution as a result of the emergence of life forms with an increased adaptive diversification associated with sexual dimorphism.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Vitaly A. Likhoshvai
creator: Tamara M. Khlebodarova
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Mathematical Biology
subject: Computational Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.11130
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2021 Likhoshvai and Khlebodarova
abstract: Fossil record of Earth describing the last 500 million years is characterized by evolution discontinuity as well as recurring global extinctions of some species and their replacement by new types, the causes of which are still debate. We developed a model of evolutionary self-development of a large ecosystem. This model of biota evolution based on the universal laws of living systems functioning: reproduction, dependence of reproduction efficiency and mortality on biota density, mutational variability in the process of reproduction and selection of the most adapted individuals. We have shown that global extinctions and phases of rapid growth and biodiversity stasis can be a reflection of the emergence of bistability in a self-organizing system, which is the Earth’s biota. Bistability was found to be characteristic only for ecosystems with predominant sexual reproduction. The reason for the transition from one state to another is the selection of the most adapted individuals. That is, we explain the characteristics of the Earth’s fossil record during the last 500 million years by the internal laws of Earth’s ecosystem functioning, which appeared at a certain stage of evolution as a result of the emergence of life forms with an increased adaptive diversification associated with sexual dimorphism.
bibliographic citation: Likhoshvai et al. (2021) Evolution and extinction can occur rapidly: a modeling approach. PeerJ 9:e11130 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11130
date submitted: 2020-11-04
date accepted: 2021-02-27
issued: 2021-04-13
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Likhoshvai
  given name: Vitaly A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Khlebodarova
  given name: Tamara M.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.11130
volume: 9
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2021-04-13
copyright: ©2021 Likhoshvai and Khlebodarova
attribution name: Likhoshvai and Khlebodarova

Retrospective study on admission trends of Californian hummingbirds found in urban habitats (1991–2016)
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Hummingbirds are frequently presented to California wildlife rehabilitation centers for medical care, accounting for approximately 5% of overall admissions. Age, sex, and reason for admission could impact hummingbird survivability, therefore identification of these factors could help maximize rehabilitation efforts. Methods Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to identify specific threats to the survival of 6908 hummingbirds (1645 nestlings and 5263 non-nestlings) consisting of five species (Calypte anna, Calypte costa, Selasphorus rufus, Selasphorus sasin, Archilochus alexandri), found in urban settings, and admitted to California wildlife rehabilitation centers over 26 years. Results In total, 36% of birds survived and were transferred to flight cage facilities for further rehabilitation and/or release. Nestlings were more likely to be transferred and/or released compared to adult hummingbirds. After accounting for age, birds rescued in spring and summer were twice as likely to be released compared to birds rescued in the fall. A high number of nestlings were presented to the rehabilitation centers during spring, which coincides with the nesting season for hummingbirds in California, with the lowest number of nestlings presented in fall. Reasons for presentation to rehabilitation centers included several anthropogenic factors such as window collisions (9.6%) and interactions with domesticated animals (12.9%). Survival odds were lower if a hummingbird was rescued in a “torpor-like state” and were higher if rescued for “nest-related” reasons. Evaluation of treatment regimens administered at wildlife rehabilitation centers identified supportive care, including providing commercial nutrient-rich nectar plus solution, to significantly increase hummingbird survivability. Discussion Our results provide evidence of threats to hummingbirds in urban habitats, based on reasons for rescue and presentation to rehabilitation centers. Reasons for humming…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Pranav S. Pandit
creator: Ruta R. Bandivadekar
creator: Christine K. Johnson
creator: Nicole Mikoni
creator: Michelle Mah
creator: Guthrum Purdin
creator: Elaine Ibarra
creator: Duane Tom
creator: Allison Daugherty
creator: Max W. Lipman
creator: Krystal Woo
creator: Lisa A. Tell
subject: Conservation Biology
subject: Ecology
subject: Veterinary Medicine
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.11131
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2021 Pandit et al.
abstract: Background Hummingbirds are frequently presented to California wildlife rehabilitation centers for medical care, accounting for approximately 5% of overall admissions. Age, sex, and reason for admission could impact hummingbird survivability, therefore identification of these factors could help maximize rehabilitation efforts. Methods Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to identify specific threats to the survival of 6908 hummingbirds (1645 nestlings and 5263 non-nestlings) consisting of five species (Calypte anna, Calypte costa, Selasphorus rufus, Selasphorus sasin, Archilochus alexandri), found in urban settings, and admitted to California wildlife rehabilitation centers over 26 years. Results In total, 36% of birds survived and were transferred to flight cage facilities for further rehabilitation and/or release. Nestlings were more likely to be transferred and/or released compared to adult hummingbirds. After accounting for age, birds rescued in spring and summer were twice as likely to be released compared to birds rescued in the fall. A high number of nestlings were presented to the rehabilitation centers during spring, which coincides with the nesting season for hummingbirds in California, with the lowest number of nestlings presented in fall. Reasons for presentation to rehabilitation centers included several anthropogenic factors such as window collisions (9.6%) and interactions with domesticated animals (12.9%). Survival odds were lower if a hummingbird was rescued in a “torpor-like state” and were higher if rescued for “nest-related” reasons. Evaluation of treatment regimens administered at wildlife rehabilitation centers identified supportive care, including providing commercial nutrient-rich nectar plus solution, to significantly increase hummingbird survivability. Discussion Our results provide evidence of threats to hummingbirds in urban habitats, based on reasons for rescue and presentation to rehabilitation centers. Reasons for humming…
bibliographic citation: Pandit et al. (2021) Retrospective study on admission trends of Californian hummingbirds found in urban habitats (1991–2016). PeerJ 9:e11131 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11131
date submitted: 2020-12-12
date accepted: 2021-03-01
issued: 2021-04-13
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Pandit
  given name: Pranav S.
author list: Agent
  family name: Bandivadekar
  given name: Ruta R.
author list: Agent
  family name: Johnson
  given name: Christine K.
author list: Agent
  family name: Mikoni
  given name: Nicole
author list: Agent
  family name: Mah
  given name: Michelle
author list: Agent
  family name: Purdin
  given name: Guthrum
author list: Agent
  family name: Ibarra
  given name: Elaine
author list: Agent
  family name: Tom
  given name: Duane
author list: Agent
  family name: Daugherty
  given name: Allison
author list: Agent
  family name: Lipman
  given name: Max W.
author list: Agent
  family name: Woo
  given name: Krystal
author list: Agent
  family name: Tell
  given name: Lisa A.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.11131
volume: 9
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2021-04-13
copyright: © 2021 Pandit et al.
attribution name: Pandit et al.

The prevalence of fatigue among Chinese nursing students in post-COVID-19 era
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, all teaching activities in nursing schools were suspended in China, and many nursing students were summoned to work in hospitals to compensate for the shortage of manpower. This study examined the prevalence of fatigue and its association with quality of life (QOL) among nursing students during the post-COVID-19 era in China. Methods This was a multicenter, cross-sectional study. Nursing students in five Chinese universities were invited to participate. Fatigue, depressive and anxiety symptoms, pain and QOL were measured using standardized instruments. Results A total of 1,070 nursing students participated. The prevalence of fatigue was 67.3% (95% CI [64.4–70.0]). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that male gender (P = 0.003, OR = 1.73, 95% CI [1.20–2.49]), and being a senior nursing student (second year: OR = 2.20, 95% CI [1.46–3.33], P < 0.001; third year: OR = 3.53, 95% CI [2.31–5.41], P < 0.001; and fourth year OR = 3.59, 95% CI [2.39–5.40], P < 0.001) were significantly associated with more severe fatigue. In addition, moderate economic loss during the COVID-19 pandemic (OR = 1.48, 95% CI [1.08–3.33], P < 0.015; compared to low loss), participants with more severe depressive (OR = 1.48, 95% CI [1.22–1.78], P < 0.001) and anxiety symptoms (OR = 1.12, 95% CI [1.05–1.20], P = 0.001), and more severe pain (OR = 1.67, 95%CI [1.46–1.91], P < 0.001) were significantly associated with reported more severe fatigue. After controlling for covariates, nursing students with fatigue had a lower overall QOL score compared to those without (F(1, 1070) = 31.4, P < 0.001). Conclusion Fatigue was common among nursing students in the post-COVID-19 era. Considering the negative impact of fatigue on QOL and daily functioning, routine physical and mental health screening should be conducted for nursing students. Effective stress-reduction measures should be enforced to assist this subpopulation to combat fatigue and restore optima…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Shou Liu
creator: Hai-Tao Xi
creator: Qian-Qian Zhu
creator: Mengmeng Ji
creator: Hongyan Zhang
creator: Bing-Xiang Yang
creator: Wei Bai
creator: Hong Cai
creator: Yan-Jie Zhao
creator: Li Chen
creator: Zong-Mei Ge
creator: Zhiwen Wang
creator: Lin Han
creator: Pan Chen
creator: Shuo Liu
creator: Teris Cheung
creator: Brian J. Hall
creator: Feng-Rong An
creator: Yu-Tao Xiang
subject: Nursing
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.11154
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2021 Liu et al.
abstract: Background Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, all teaching activities in nursing schools were suspended in China, and many nursing students were summoned to work in hospitals to compensate for the shortage of manpower. This study examined the prevalence of fatigue and its association with quality of life (QOL) among nursing students during the post-COVID-19 era in China. Methods This was a multicenter, cross-sectional study. Nursing students in five Chinese universities were invited to participate. Fatigue, depressive and anxiety symptoms, pain and QOL were measured using standardized instruments. Results A total of 1,070 nursing students participated. The prevalence of fatigue was 67.3% (95% CI [64.4–70.0]). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that male gender (P = 0.003, OR = 1.73, 95% CI [1.20–2.49]), and being a senior nursing student (second year: OR = 2.20, 95% CI [1.46–3.33], P < 0.001; third year: OR = 3.53, 95% CI [2.31–5.41], P < 0.001; and fourth year OR = 3.59, 95% CI [2.39–5.40], P < 0.001) were significantly associated with more severe fatigue. In addition, moderate economic loss during the COVID-19 pandemic (OR = 1.48, 95% CI [1.08–3.33], P < 0.015; compared to low loss), participants with more severe depressive (OR = 1.48, 95% CI [1.22–1.78], P < 0.001) and anxiety symptoms (OR = 1.12, 95% CI [1.05–1.20], P = 0.001), and more severe pain (OR = 1.67, 95%CI [1.46–1.91], P < 0.001) were significantly associated with reported more severe fatigue. After controlling for covariates, nursing students with fatigue had a lower overall QOL score compared to those without (F(1, 1070) = 31.4, P < 0.001). Conclusion Fatigue was common among nursing students in the post-COVID-19 era. Considering the negative impact of fatigue on QOL and daily functioning, routine physical and mental health screening should be conducted for nursing students. Effective stress-reduction measures should be enforced to assist this subpopulation to combat fatigue and restore optima…
bibliographic citation: Liu et al. (2021) The prevalence of fatigue among Chinese nursing students in post-COVID-19 era. PeerJ 9:e11154 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11154
date submitted: 2021-01-08
date accepted: 2021-03-04
issued: 2021-04-13
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Shou
author list: Agent
  family name: Xi
  given name: Hai-Tao
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhu
  given name: Qian-Qian
author list: Agent
  family name: Ji
  given name: Mengmeng
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Hongyan
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Bing-Xiang
author list: Agent
  family name: Bai
  given name: Wei
author list: Agent
  family name: Cai
  given name: Hong
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhao
  given name: Yan-Jie
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Li
author list: Agent
  family name: Ge
  given name: Zong-Mei
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Zhiwen
author list: Agent
  family name: Han
  given name: Lin
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Pan
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Shuo
author list: Agent
  family name: Cheung
  given name: Teris
author list: Agent
  family name: Hall
  given name: Brian J.
author list: Agent
  family name: An
  given name: Feng-Rong
author list: Agent
  family name: Xiang
  given name: Yu-Tao
doi: 10.7717/peerj.11154
volume: 9
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2021-04-13
copyright: © 2021 Liu et al.
attribution name: Liu et al.

Cisplatin-resistant HepG2 cell-derived exosomes transfer cisplatin resistance to cisplatin-sensitive cells in HCC
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Backgrounds Cancer cell resistance to chemotherapy drugs such as Gemcitabine, Oxaliplatin, Cisplatin, Doxorubicin, and 5-fluorouracil account for the main reason of chemotherapy failure for HCC patients, especially for those with advanced HCC or metastasis patients. This emerging resistance limits the effectiveness and clinical application of these chemotherapy drugs. Previous studies reported that drug-resistant tumor cell-derived exosomes could transfer their resistance property to tumor sensitive cells in some cancer, including lung and gastric cancer. This study sought to explore whether HepG2/DDP cell-derived exosomes transmit cisplatin (DDP) resistance to HepG2 and other HCC sensitive cells, and provide considerable guidance for HCC nursing with Cisplatin DDP clinically. Methods The HepG2 DDP-resistant cell line (HepG2/DDP) was established, and the exosomes from both HepG2/DDP and HepG2 cells were isolated and named ES-2, ES-1, respectively. HepG2 or SMMC-7721 or Huh7 cells were treated with DDP or DDP + ES-2, and HepG2/DDP cells were treated with ES-1. Then, the activation of drug resistance via HepG2/DDP exosomes transfer to HepG2, SMMC-7721 and Huh7 cells were assessed by cell viability assay and ROS formation. Moreover, the relative expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) was measured by western blot analysis. Results HepG2/DDP cell-derived exosomes were successfully isolated from cisplatin-resistant HepG2 cells, and named ES-2. Cell viability of HepG2 or SMMC-7721 or Huh7 cells treated with DDP + ES-2 was enhanced compared with that of DDP treatment group. Also, the concentration of ROS generated in cells under DDP or DDP + ES-2 treatment was strongly increased compared with that of control, although the concentration of ROS was clearly smaller in DDP + ES-2 treatment group compared with DDP treatment. At the same time, the expression of P-gp was upregulated on the ES-2 surface. Conclusion The results mentioned above clarified that HepG2/DDP cell-derived exos…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Zuxiong Tang
creator: Jun He
creator: Jiayue Zou
creator: Shufei Yu
creator: Xiaoming Sun
creator: Lei Qin
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Oncology
subject: Pharmacology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.11200
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2021 Tang et al.
abstract: Backgrounds Cancer cell resistance to chemotherapy drugs such as Gemcitabine, Oxaliplatin, Cisplatin, Doxorubicin, and 5-fluorouracil account for the main reason of chemotherapy failure for HCC patients, especially for those with advanced HCC or metastasis patients. This emerging resistance limits the effectiveness and clinical application of these chemotherapy drugs. Previous studies reported that drug-resistant tumor cell-derived exosomes could transfer their resistance property to tumor sensitive cells in some cancer, including lung and gastric cancer. This study sought to explore whether HepG2/DDP cell-derived exosomes transmit cisplatin (DDP) resistance to HepG2 and other HCC sensitive cells, and provide considerable guidance for HCC nursing with Cisplatin DDP clinically. Methods The HepG2 DDP-resistant cell line (HepG2/DDP) was established, and the exosomes from both HepG2/DDP and HepG2 cells were isolated and named ES-2, ES-1, respectively. HepG2 or SMMC-7721 or Huh7 cells were treated with DDP or DDP + ES-2, and HepG2/DDP cells were treated with ES-1. Then, the activation of drug resistance via HepG2/DDP exosomes transfer to HepG2, SMMC-7721 and Huh7 cells were assessed by cell viability assay and ROS formation. Moreover, the relative expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) was measured by western blot analysis. Results HepG2/DDP cell-derived exosomes were successfully isolated from cisplatin-resistant HepG2 cells, and named ES-2. Cell viability of HepG2 or SMMC-7721 or Huh7 cells treated with DDP + ES-2 was enhanced compared with that of DDP treatment group. Also, the concentration of ROS generated in cells under DDP or DDP + ES-2 treatment was strongly increased compared with that of control, although the concentration of ROS was clearly smaller in DDP + ES-2 treatment group compared with DDP treatment. At the same time, the expression of P-gp was upregulated on the ES-2 surface. Conclusion The results mentioned above clarified that HepG2/DDP cell-derived exos…
bibliographic citation: Tang et al. (2021) Cisplatin-resistant HepG2 cell-derived exosomes transfer cisplatin resistance to cisplatin-sensitive cells in HCC. PeerJ 9:e11200 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11200
date submitted: 2020-12-21
date accepted: 2021-03-10
issued: 2021-04-13
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Tang
  given name: Zuxiong
author list: Agent
  family name: He
  given name: Jun
author list: Agent
  family name: Zou
  given name: Jiayue
author list: Agent
  family name: Yu
  given name: Shufei
author list: Agent
  family name: Sun
  given name: Xiaoming
author list: Agent
  family name: Qin
  given name: Lei
doi: 10.7717/peerj.11200
volume: 9
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2021-04-13
copyright: ©2021 Tang et al.
attribution name: Tang et al.

Influence of hunting strategy on foraging efficiency in Galapagos sea lions
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The endangered Galapagos sea lion (GSL, Zalophus wollebaeki) exhibits a range of foraging strategies utilising various dive types including benthic, epipelagic and mesopelagic dives. In the present study, potential prey captures (PPC), prey energy consumption and energy expenditure in lactating adult female GSLs (n = 9) were examined to determine their foraging efficiency relative to the foraging strategy used. Individuals displayed four dive types: (a) epipelagic (<100 m; EP); or (b) mesopelagic (>100 m; MP) with a characteristic V-shape or U-shape diving profile; and (c) shallow benthic (<100 m; SB) or (d) deep benthic (>100 m; DB) with square or flat-bottom dive profiles. These dive types varied in the number of PPC, assumed prey types, and the energy expended. Prey items and their energetic value were assumed from previous GSL diet studies in combination with common habitat and depth ranges of the prey. In comparison to pelagic dives occurring at similar depths, when diving benthically, GSLs had both higher prey energy consumption and foraging energy expenditure whereas PPC rate was lower. Foraging efficiency varied across dive types, with benthic dives being more profitable than pelagic dives. Three foraging trip strategies were identified and varied relative to prey energy consumed, energy expended, and dive behaviour. Foraging efficiency did not significantly vary among the foraging trip strategies suggesting that, while individuals may diverge into different foraging habitats, they are optimal within them. These findings indicate that these three strategies will have different sensitivities to habitat-specific fluctuations due to environmental change.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jessica-Anne Blakeway
creator: John P.Y. Arnould
creator: Andrew J. Hoskins
creator: Patricia Martin-Cabrera
creator: Grace J. Sutton
creator: Luis A. Huckstadt
creator: Daniel P. Costa
creator: Diego Páez-Rosas
creator: Stella Villegas-Amtmann
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Ecology
subject: Marine Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.11206
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2021 Blakeway et al.
abstract: The endangered Galapagos sea lion (GSL, Zalophus wollebaeki) exhibits a range of foraging strategies utilising various dive types including benthic, epipelagic and mesopelagic dives. In the present study, potential prey captures (PPC), prey energy consumption and energy expenditure in lactating adult female GSLs (n = 9) were examined to determine their foraging efficiency relative to the foraging strategy used. Individuals displayed four dive types: (a) epipelagic (<100 m; EP); or (b) mesopelagic (>100 m; MP) with a characteristic V-shape or U-shape diving profile; and (c) shallow benthic (<100 m; SB) or (d) deep benthic (>100 m; DB) with square or flat-bottom dive profiles. These dive types varied in the number of PPC, assumed prey types, and the energy expended. Prey items and their energetic value were assumed from previous GSL diet studies in combination with common habitat and depth ranges of the prey. In comparison to pelagic dives occurring at similar depths, when diving benthically, GSLs had both higher prey energy consumption and foraging energy expenditure whereas PPC rate was lower. Foraging efficiency varied across dive types, with benthic dives being more profitable than pelagic dives. Three foraging trip strategies were identified and varied relative to prey energy consumed, energy expended, and dive behaviour. Foraging efficiency did not significantly vary among the foraging trip strategies suggesting that, while individuals may diverge into different foraging habitats, they are optimal within them. These findings indicate that these three strategies will have different sensitivities to habitat-specific fluctuations due to environmental change.
bibliographic citation: Blakeway et al. (2021) Influence of hunting strategy on foraging efficiency in Galapagos sea lions. PeerJ 9:e11206 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11206
date submitted: 2020-10-21
date accepted: 2021-03-12
issued: 2021-04-13
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Blakeway
  given name: Jessica-Anne
author list: Agent
  family name: Arnould
  given name: John P.Y.
author list: Agent
  family name: Hoskins
  given name: Andrew J.
author list: Agent
  family name: Martin-Cabrera
  given name: Patricia
author list: Agent
  family name: Sutton
  given name: Grace J.
author list: Agent
  family name: Huckstadt
  given name: Luis A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Costa
  given name: Daniel P.
author list: Agent
  family name: Páez-Rosas
  given name: Diego
author list: Agent
  family name: Villegas-Amtmann
  given name: Stella
doi: 10.7717/peerj.11206
volume: 9
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2021-04-13
copyright: ©2021 Blakeway et al.
attribution name: Blakeway et al.

Identification of a ferroptosis-related gene signature (FRGS) for predicting clinical outcome in lung adenocarcinoma
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common pathological subtype of lung cancer. Ferroptosis, an oxidative, iron-dependent form of necrotic cell death, is highly associated with tumorigenesis and cancer progression. However, the prognostic value of ferroptosis progress in LUAD was still rarely be investigated. Methods Herein, we collected three mRNA expression profiles and 85 ferroptosis-related genes from public databases. The “limma” package was used to identify ferroptosis-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Univariate Cox regression analysis and LASSO regression analysis were applied to screen and develop a ferroptosis-related gene signature (FRGS) and a formula to calculate the risk score. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was implemented to determine independent prognostic predictors of overall survival (OS). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calibration plot were used to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the FRGS and nomogram. Results We developed a FRGS with five genes (CYBB, CISD1, FADD, SAT2, VDAC2). The AUC of the FRGS in TCGA cohort was 0.777 at 1-year, 0.721 at 3-year and 0.725 at 5-year, significantly superior to the AUC of TNM stage (1-year: 0.701, 3-year: 0.691, 5-year: 0.686). A similar phenomenon was observed in GEO cohort 1 and 2. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicted TNM stage and risk score were independent prognostic predictors. Finally, we built a nomogram with TNM stage and FRGS, the AUCs of which markedly higher than that of FRGS or TNM stage alone. Conclusion We constructed a prognostic FRGS with five ferroptosis-related genes and a nomogram for predicting the 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rate of LUAD patients, which may provide a new understanding of the prognostic value of ferroptosis progress in LUAD and will benefit prognosis assessment of LUAD patients.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Sheng Wang
creator: Chunlei Wu
creator: Dehua Ma
creator: Quanteng Hu
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Oncology
subject: Respiratory Medicine
subject: Medical Genetics
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.11233
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2021 Wang et al.
abstract: Background Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common pathological subtype of lung cancer. Ferroptosis, an oxidative, iron-dependent form of necrotic cell death, is highly associated with tumorigenesis and cancer progression. However, the prognostic value of ferroptosis progress in LUAD was still rarely be investigated. Methods Herein, we collected three mRNA expression profiles and 85 ferroptosis-related genes from public databases. The “limma” package was used to identify ferroptosis-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Univariate Cox regression analysis and LASSO regression analysis were applied to screen and develop a ferroptosis-related gene signature (FRGS) and a formula to calculate the risk score. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was implemented to determine independent prognostic predictors of overall survival (OS). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calibration plot were used to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the FRGS and nomogram. Results We developed a FRGS with five genes (CYBB, CISD1, FADD, SAT2, VDAC2). The AUC of the FRGS in TCGA cohort was 0.777 at 1-year, 0.721 at 3-year and 0.725 at 5-year, significantly superior to the AUC of TNM stage (1-year: 0.701, 3-year: 0.691, 5-year: 0.686). A similar phenomenon was observed in GEO cohort 1 and 2. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicted TNM stage and risk score were independent prognostic predictors. Finally, we built a nomogram with TNM stage and FRGS, the AUCs of which markedly higher than that of FRGS or TNM stage alone. Conclusion We constructed a prognostic FRGS with five ferroptosis-related genes and a nomogram for predicting the 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rate of LUAD patients, which may provide a new understanding of the prognostic value of ferroptosis progress in LUAD and will benefit prognosis assessment of LUAD patients.
bibliographic citation: Wang et al. (2021) Identification of a ferroptosis-related gene signature (FRGS) for predicting clinical outcome in lung adenocarcinoma. PeerJ 9:e11233 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11233
date submitted: 2020-12-18
date accepted: 2021-03-16
issued: 2021-04-13
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Sheng
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Chunlei
author list: Agent
  family name: Ma
  given name: Dehua
author list: Agent
  family name: Hu
  given name: Quanteng
doi: 10.7717/peerj.11233
volume: 9
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2021-04-13
copyright: © 2021 Wang et al.
attribution name: Wang et al.

Motor expertise and performance in sport-specific priming tasks: a systematic review and meta-analysis
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Objective The present study aimed to summarize findings relevant to the influence of motor expertise on performance in sport-specific priming tasks and to examine potential moderators of this effect. Methodology Data were collected from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), PsychInfo, Medline, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Baidu Scholar and Sport Discus and Dissertation Abstracts Online databases from January 1999 to April 2020, supplemented by manual bibliographies and meeting minutes. Stata software was used to perform the meta-analysis. Study quality was evaluated systematically using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). Standard mean differences (SMDs) with 95% CIs were calculated with a random-effects model. The Cochrane Q test and I2 statistic were used to evaluate heterogeneity. Begg funnel plots and Egger tests were conducted to assess publication bias. Results Nine articles (including 12 studies) were ultimately included in the meta-analysis. Significant heterogeneity was observed among these studies (Q = 44.42, P < 0.001, I2 = 75.2%) according to random-effects modeling. The results showed an overall advantage in favor of motor experts in sport-specific priming tasks (SMD = −1.01, 95% CI [−1.41 to −0.61]). However, the magnitude of that effect was moderated by sport type (interceptive sports/independent sports) and prime stimulus type (subliminal stimulus/supraliminal stimulus). No publication bias was detected by the Begg and Egger tests. Conclusions In general, compared with those of nonexperts, the responses of motor experts’ responses to a target stimulus are easier and faster when the prime and target stimuli are consistent. However, the magnitude of this effect is moderated by sport type and prime stimulus type.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Ruichen Jiang
creator: Fei Xie
creator: Anmin Li
subject: Neuroscience
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
subject: Statistics
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.11243
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2021 Jiang et al.
abstract: Objective The present study aimed to summarize findings relevant to the influence of motor expertise on performance in sport-specific priming tasks and to examine potential moderators of this effect. Methodology Data were collected from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), PsychInfo, Medline, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Baidu Scholar and Sport Discus and Dissertation Abstracts Online databases from January 1999 to April 2020, supplemented by manual bibliographies and meeting minutes. Stata software was used to perform the meta-analysis. Study quality was evaluated systematically using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). Standard mean differences (SMDs) with 95% CIs were calculated with a random-effects model. The Cochrane Q test and I2 statistic were used to evaluate heterogeneity. Begg funnel plots and Egger tests were conducted to assess publication bias. Results Nine articles (including 12 studies) were ultimately included in the meta-analysis. Significant heterogeneity was observed among these studies (Q = 44.42, P < 0.001, I2 = 75.2%) according to random-effects modeling. The results showed an overall advantage in favor of motor experts in sport-specific priming tasks (SMD = −1.01, 95% CI [−1.41 to −0.61]). However, the magnitude of that effect was moderated by sport type (interceptive sports/independent sports) and prime stimulus type (subliminal stimulus/supraliminal stimulus). No publication bias was detected by the Begg and Egger tests. Conclusions In general, compared with those of nonexperts, the responses of motor experts’ responses to a target stimulus are easier and faster when the prime and target stimuli are consistent. However, the magnitude of this effect is moderated by sport type and prime stimulus type.
bibliographic citation: Jiang et al. (2021) Motor expertise and performance in sport-specific priming tasks: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PeerJ 9:e11243 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11243
date submitted: 2020-10-07
date accepted: 2021-03-17
issued: 2021-04-13
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Jiang
  given name: Ruichen
author list: Agent
  family name: Xie
  given name: Fei
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Anmin
doi: 10.7717/peerj.11243
volume: 9
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2021-04-13
copyright: © 2021 Jiang et al.
attribution name: Jiang et al.

Assessment of hand function in women with lymphadenopathy after radical mastectomy
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Breast cancer related upper limb lymphedema (BCRL) is a common complication in post-mastectomy patients. It is known to cause upper limb disability, which subsequently may affect the grip strength and hand function. There is little evidence on the objective assessment of functional activities particularly hand function in women with BCRL. Therefore, this study objectively assesses the handgrip strength and hand functions in women with BCRL. Method A cross-sectional study design was conducted on a sample of women with (n = 31) and without (n = 31) BCRL. The Handgrip strength and hand functions were measured using a dynamometer and Jebsen-Taylor hand function test, respectively. Results The results showed a significantly reduced handgrip strength in women with BCRL as compared to age-matched healthy adult women for both right and left hands (p < 0.05). Similarly, hand functions were significantly impaired in women with BCRL as compared to healthy adult women (p < 0.05). Reduction in handgrip strength and hand function in women with BCRL were clinically meaningful as indicated by moderate to large effect sizes (Cohen’s d = 0.61 to 0.99 and 0.54 to 3.02, respectively) in all outcomes except power handgrip strength in left hand (Cohen’s d = 0.38). Conclusion The results of this study indicate a significant reduction of hand grip strength and hand function in women with BCRL. Our findings suggest that objective measures of grip strength and function be included in the assessment of women with BCRL to better guide clinical decision making and patient care, which may include management of impairment associated with hand strength and function. Future studies that evaluate hand grip strength and function in a larger sample which includes a more diverse age group of women with BCRL are warranted to confirm the current findings.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Subham Mistry
creator: Taimul Ali
creator: Mohammed Qasheesh
creator: Rashid Ali Beg
creator: Mohammad Abu Shaphe
creator: Fuzail Ahmad
creator: Faizan Z. Kashoo
creator: Amr S. Shalaby
subject: Kinesiology
subject: Oncology
subject: Orthopedics
subject: Surgery and Surgical Specialties
subject: Women’s Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.11252
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2021 Mistry et al.
abstract: Background Breast cancer related upper limb lymphedema (BCRL) is a common complication in post-mastectomy patients. It is known to cause upper limb disability, which subsequently may affect the grip strength and hand function. There is little evidence on the objective assessment of functional activities particularly hand function in women with BCRL. Therefore, this study objectively assesses the handgrip strength and hand functions in women with BCRL. Method A cross-sectional study design was conducted on a sample of women with (n = 31) and without (n = 31) BCRL. The Handgrip strength and hand functions were measured using a dynamometer and Jebsen-Taylor hand function test, respectively. Results The results showed a significantly reduced handgrip strength in women with BCRL as compared to age-matched healthy adult women for both right and left hands (p < 0.05). Similarly, hand functions were significantly impaired in women with BCRL as compared to healthy adult women (p < 0.05). Reduction in handgrip strength and hand function in women with BCRL were clinically meaningful as indicated by moderate to large effect sizes (Cohen’s d = 0.61 to 0.99 and 0.54 to 3.02, respectively) in all outcomes except power handgrip strength in left hand (Cohen’s d = 0.38). Conclusion The results of this study indicate a significant reduction of hand grip strength and hand function in women with BCRL. Our findings suggest that objective measures of grip strength and function be included in the assessment of women with BCRL to better guide clinical decision making and patient care, which may include management of impairment associated with hand strength and function. Future studies that evaluate hand grip strength and function in a larger sample which includes a more diverse age group of women with BCRL are warranted to confirm the current findings.
bibliographic citation: Mistry et al. (2021) Assessment of hand function in women with lymphadenopathy after radical mastectomy. PeerJ 9:e11252 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11252
date submitted: 2020-11-20
date accepted: 2021-03-19
issued: 2021-04-13
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Mistry
  given name: Subham
author list: Agent
  family name: Ali
  given name: Taimul
author list: Agent
  family name: Qasheesh
  given name: Mohammed
author list: Agent
  family name: Beg
  given name: Rashid Ali
author list: Agent
  family name: Shaphe
  given name: Mohammad Abu
author list: Agent
  family name: Ahmad
  given name: Fuzail
author list: Agent
  family name: Kashoo
  given name: Faizan Z.
author list: Agent
  family name: Shalaby
  given name: Amr S.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.11252
volume: 9
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2021-04-13
copyright: ©2021 Mistry et al.
attribution name: Mistry et al.

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