title: PeerJ description: Articles published in PeerJ link: https://peerj.com/articles/index.rss3?journal=peerj&page=104 creator: info@peerj.com PeerJ errorsTo: info@peerj.com PeerJ language: en title: The role and mechanism of aerobic glycolysis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma link: https://peerj.com/articles/19213 last-modified: 2025-04-02 description: This review delves into the pivotal role and intricate mechanisms of aerobic glycolysis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). NPC, a malignancy originating from the nasopharyngeal epithelium, displays distinct geographical and clinical features. The article emphasizes the significance of aerobic glycolysis, a pivotal metabolic alteration in cancer cells, in NPC progression. Key enzymes such as hexokinase 2, lactate dehydrogenase A, phosphofructokinase 1, and pyruvate kinase M2 are discussed for their regulatory functions in NPC glycolysis through signaling pathways like PI3K/Akt and mTOR. Further, the article explores how oncogenic signaling pathways and transcription factors like c-Myc and HIF-1α modulate aerobic glycolysis, thereby affecting NPC’s proliferation, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and immune evasion. By elucidating these mechanisms, the review aims to advance research and clinical practice in NPC, informing the development of targeted therapeutic strategies that enhance treatment precision and reduce side effects. Overall, this review offers a broad understanding of the multifaceted role of aerobic glycolysis in NPC and its potential impact on therapeutic outcomes. creator: Zhiyong Pan creator: Yuyi Liu creator: Hui Li creator: Huisi Qiu creator: Pingmei Zhang creator: Zhiying Li creator: Xinyu Wang creator: Yuxiao Tian creator: Zhengfu Feng creator: Song Zhu creator: Xin Wang uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19213 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2025 Pan et al. title: A case for myoglobin-macromolecular rate theory applied to pseudo peroxidase kinetics link: https://peerj.com/articles/19205 last-modified: 2025-04-02 description: This study explores the well-known catalytic behavior of myoglobin as a pseudo-peroxidase by applying macromolecular rate theory (MMRT) to assess its temperature-dependent enzyme kinetics. While myoglobin is primarily recognized for its oxygen-binding properties in muscle tissues, with a characterized pseudo-peroxidase ability to catalyze the degradation of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of electron donors, the claim that myoglobin is actually a true peroxidase can be explored by analyzing the heat capacity changes (ΔCp‡) in the catalyzed reaction at different temperatures and fitting the results to the expanded Eyring equation (MMRT equation). This research uses the MMRT equation to compare myoglobin’s catalytic activity (a pseudo-peroxidase) with that of lactoperoxidase (a true peroxidase) and copper ions (a non-enzymatic catalyst) across a range of temperatures at pH 5, after which the biological catalysts are compared again at pH 7. By analyzing the ΔCp‡ of these catalysts, it was found that myoglobin exhibits a significant catalytic contribution at both pH levels, suggesting a structural/vibrational or some other relatively significant transition during the reaction. The study’s findings provide a new perspective into myoglobin’s enzymatic role in peroxide decomposition and highlight the utility of MMRT in quantifying the contribution of polypeptide chains in enzyme-catalyzed peroxidase reactions. Additionally, our research notes the pH-dependence of myoglobin’s catalytic efficiency compared to traditional peroxidases, offering implications for understanding its broader biological roles. creator: Collin Tuttle creator: Michael Hannesson creator: Amy Henrichsen creator: Lily Hainsworth creator: Camille Condie creator: Aj Whitesides creator: Archel Oren creator: Simeon Tanner creator: Benjamin Terry creator: Jacob Cannon creator: Jeremy Johansen creator: Alisha Bhatia creator: Daniel Scott uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19205 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2025 Tuttle et al. title: Measurements of white-to-white corneal diameter and anterior chamber parameters using the Pentacam AXL wave and their correlations in the adult Saudi population link: https://peerj.com/articles/19227 last-modified: 2025-04-01 description: BackgroundAssessment of eye parameters such as the white-to-white (WTW) corneal diameter, anterior chamber depth (ACD), and anterior chamber angle (ACA) are essential for preoperative evaluation of refractive surgery and diagnosing and managing some ocular diseases.ObjectiveTo report the distribution and association between white-to-white corneal diameter and anterior chamber parameters in the Saudi adult population.MethodsCross-sectional prospective study consisting of 82 Saudi adults. White-to-white corneal diameter, anterior chamber angle, anterior chamber depth, and axial length were collected from healthy subjects using the Pentacam AXL Wave in a tertiary eye care setting.ResultsMean white-to-white corneal diameter, anterior chamber angle, anterior chamber depth, and axial length were 11.95 ± 0.39 mm, 37.94 ± 5.01°, 2.97 ± 0.31 mm and 23.93 ± 0.97 mm, respectively. A significant moderate correlation was found between white-to-white corneal diameter and anterior chamber angle (r = 0.31, p ≤ 0.01), anterior chamber depth (r = 0.49, p ≤ 0.01), and axial length (r = 0.50, p ≤ 0.01) and between anterior chamber angle and anterior chamber depth (r = 0.71, p ≤ 0.01). Furthermore, age was moderately correlated with anterior chamber angle (r = 0.44, p 0.01) and anterior chamber depth (r = 0.39, p 0.01) and weakly correlated with white-to-white corneal diameter (r =0.17, p = 0.12). Males had a significantly (p < 0.01) higher white-to-white corneal diameter (12.12 ± 0.38 mm) than females (11.84 ± 0.36.mm).ConclusionReference values for white-to-white corneal diameter and anterior chamber parameters would help eye care professionals choose the right lenses for cataract and refractive surgeries as well as in diagnosing glaucoma and corneal disorders. creator: Wafa M. Alotaibi creator: Naveen Challa creator: Saif Hassan Alrasheed creator: Rahaf Nasser Abanmi uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19227 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2025 Alotaibi et al. title: Comparative larval morphology of four Pteroptyx (Coleoptera, Lampyridae, Luciolinae) species in Thailand link: https://peerj.com/articles/19190 last-modified: 2025-04-01 description: BackgroundFireflies in the genus Pteroptyx are renowned for their significance in firefly tourism initiatives. Their occurrence and abundance have been extensively studied to facilitate sustainable utilization and conservation of their populations. As a group of highly charismatic insects, Pteroptyx fireflies play an important role in raising awareness and advocating for the conservation of mangrove forests. Previous taxonomic studies on these fireflies have primarily focused on adult while the larvae remain limited. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the larval morphology of four Pteroptyx species found in Thailand.MethodsThe characteristics of the larvae were examined under a microscope, and the species were identified by rearing the larvae to adult and comparing the adult males with previously identified male specimens. Additionally, morphometric analysis of the protergites was conducted to support identification efforts.ResultsLarval descriptions and an identification key for four Pteroptyx species were developed through the comparison of larval morphology, focusing on tergite texture, protergum shape, color patterns, mouthparts, and the holdfast organ (pygopod). Among the species, P. valida is uniquely characterized by lacking tubercles on the thoracic tergites and has a holdfast organ composed of more than 10 retractable filaments, clearly distinguishing it from the other three Pteroptyx species. Most species have a protergum length much longer than its width, except P. tener. An overview description of Pteroptyx larvae is provided with supplementary files summarizing the key characteristics of these four Pteroptyx larvae.DiscussionSpecies-specific traits are evident among the four species, likely reflecting their specific biological and ecological requirements. Pteroptyx valida Olivier, 1909 displays distinct morphological characteristics, including features of the holdfast organ. creator: Suparada Boonloi creator: Parichart Laksanawimol creator: Soraya Jaikla creator: Marc A. Branham creator: Anchana Thancharoen uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19190 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Boonloi et al. title: Untangling the taxonomic knot of Croton anomalus (Euphorbiaceae), a Neotropical dry forest shrub link: https://peerj.com/articles/19176 last-modified: 2025-04-01 description: Croton anomalus was described by Henri Pittier in 1930 from a collection made in Estado Lara, Venezuela, and the use of the name has so far been restricted to several states in this country. A reevaluation of the species has led to its recircumscription and recognition in several other countries, including Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Mexico, and Suriname. Previously, it was confused with species referred to here as the “Croton anomalus group”, namely C. acapulcensis, C. blanchetianus, C. chiapensis, C. jacobinensis (=C. sonderianus), and C. stahelianus. We integrated morphological, phylogenetic, and ecological evidence to understand species limits and relationships within the Croton anomalus group. We first studied ca. 650 herbarium specimens covering the geographic range of the group, and we inferred species phylogenetic relationships using DNA sequences from the nuclear and plastid regions (ITS and trnL-F). We also used ecological niche modeling to infer potential suitable areas for the occurrence of the studied species and to determine the variables that most contribute to their distribution model. Both morphological and phylogenetic data provide evidence for the synonymization of C. acapulcensis, C. chiapensis, and C. stahelianus under C. anomalus. On the other hand, our results support the recognition of C. blanchetianus and C. jacobinensis as two independent lineages, both distinct from C. anomalus. An emended description of C. anomalus is provided, as well as the designation of lectotypes, illustrations, updates of distribution data, and morphological comparisons with closely related species. Regarding niche modeling, annual precipitation and the precipitation of the warmest quarter were the most important variables explaining species distributions. Croton anomalus showed suitable areas in most seasonally dry tropical forests in the Neotropics, while C. blanchetianus and C. jacobinensis had their most suitable areas restricted to the Caatinga Dry Forest (Brazil), and Caatinga + northern South America, respectively. Our study shows the importance of taxonomic revisions using integrative approaches to disentangling species boundaries and to elucidate their biogeography and conservation status. creator: Yuri Rossine creator: Ricarda Riina creator: Otávio L.M. Silva creator: Rafael Louzada uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19176 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Rossine et al. title: Association of metallic elements with telomere length in children with autism spectrum disorder link: https://peerj.com/articles/19174 last-modified: 2025-04-01 description: BackgroundImbalances in metal elements have been identified as a potential risk factor for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and shortened telomere length (TL) is commonly observed in children with ASD. Metal elements may influence telomere homeostasis through oxidative stress, which could contribute to the pathogenesis of autism. However, studies examining the combined effects of metal elements on TL in children with ASD are limited. To fill the gaps in the current literature, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between six metallic elements: manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and iron (Fe), and TL in the whole blood of children with ASD.MethodsA total of 83 children with ASD and 95 typically developing children were recruited. TL was measured using digital PCR, while metal concentrations were assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Linear regression analysis was first conducted to explore the correlations between metal elements and TL in both groups. Additionally, Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) was used to further examine the combined effects and potential interactions of these metals on TL in the ASD group.ResultsIn the ASD group, Ca was found to have a protective effect on TL (β = 0.07, 95% CI [0.01–0.13], P = 0.027). In contrast, Mg showed a protective effect on TL in the control group (β = 0.10, 95% CI [0.01–0.18], P = 0.027). The BKMR model revealed a significant positive combined effect of the metal mixtures on TL in the ASD group, with Ca having the largest individual effect (PIP = 0.45). Further analysis indicated that increases in Zn and Mn concentrations from the 25th to the 75th percentile were negatively correlated with TL, while higher concentrations of Cu, Ca, Mg, and Fe were positively associated with TL. No significant interactions among the metals were observed.ConclusionsThis study suggests a potential link between metallic elements and TL in children with ASD, with Ca having the greatest effect. Our findings highlight the potential benefits of appropriate calcium supplementation as a protective strategy for lengthening telomeres in children with ASD, emphasizing the importance of early nutritional interventions to improve their overall health. creator: Qiuyan Zhu creator: Tong Zhang creator: Yanan Sun creator: Jinming Liu creator: Zizi Liu creator: Fengxiang Wei creator: Yu Jin uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19174 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2025 Zhu et al. title: A cross-sectional study on the effects of bedtime administration of selective α1 adrenoceptor antagonists on nocturnal blood pressure in elderly patients with benign prostate hyperplasia link: https://peerj.com/articles/19165 last-modified: 2025-04-01 description: BackgroundIt remains uncertain whether a bedtime dose of selective α1 adrenoceptor antagonist could result in nocturnal hypotension in elderly patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).MethodsA total of 253 older men with BPH who had taken selective α1 adrenoceptor antagonists before sleep were consecutively recruited from the Geriatric Department of Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital. A total of 221 patients were finally included in the analysis with qualified data including office blood pressure examinations, biochemical tests of blood, and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Nocturnal hypotension was defined according to the nighttime average systolic blood pressure of ambulatory blood pressure ≤ 100 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≤ 60 mmHg. Explore the presence of night hypotension, compare the characteristics of the two groups with or without nocturnal hypotension, and analyze the related risk factors.ResultsAmong all 221 patients included in the analysis, nocturnal hypotension occurred in 38 patients (17.2%). Compared with those without, patients with nocturnal hypotension were older, had less body mass index, lower office diastolic blood pressure, and lower ambulatory blood pressure in a 24 hour day, and night systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and were less likely to have hypertension. Age (OR 1.064, 95% CI [1.012–1.118], P = 0.015) and no hypertension (OR 2.548, 95% CI [1.211–5.359], P = 0.014) were independently associated with the presence of nocturnal hypotension.DiscussionNocturnal hypotension was common in men 60 years and older with BPH treated with selective α1 adrenoceptor antagonists before sleep. Age and no hypertension were independently associated with nocturnal hypotension positively. Related factors may help clinicians identify hypotension tendencies in the elderly when prescribing such drugs. creator: Chao-Ting Chen creator: Shao-Jun Ma creator: Hai-Ya Wang creator: Hai-Jun Yao uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19165 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Chen et al. title: Multimodal dataset for sensor fusion in fall detection link: https://peerj.com/articles/19004 last-modified: 2025-04-01 description: The necessity for effective automatic fall detection mechanisms in older adults is driven by the growing demographic of elderly individuals who are at substantial health risk from falls, particularly when residing alone. Despite the existence of numerous fall detection systems (FDSs) that utilize machine learning and predictive modeling, accurately distinguishing between everyday activities and genuine falls continues to pose significant challenges, exacerbated by the varied nature of residential settings. Adaptable solutions are essential to cater to the diverse conditions under which falls occur. In this context, sensor fusion emerges as a promising solution, harnessing the unique physical properties of falls. The success of developing effective detection algorithms is dependent on the availability of comprehensive datasets that integrate data from multiple synchronized sensors. Our research introduces a novel multisensor dataset designed to support the creation and evaluation of advanced multisensor fall detection algorithms. This dataset was compiled from simulations of ten different fall types by ten participants, ensuring a wide array of scenarios. Data were collected using four types of sensors: a mobile phone equipped with a single-channel, three-dimensional accelerometer; a far infrared (FIR) thermal camera; an $8×8$ LIDAR; and a 60–64 GHz radar. These sensors were selected for their combined effectiveness in capturing detailed aspects of fall events while mitigating privacy issues linked to visual recordings. Characterization of the dataset was undertaken using two key metrics: the instantaneous norm of the signal and the temporal difference between consecutive frames. This analysis highlights the distinct variations between fall and non-fall events across different sensors and signal characteristics. Through the provision of this dataset, our objective is to facilitate the development of sensor fusion algorithms that surpass the accuracy and reliability of traditional single-sensor FDSs. creator: Carla Taramasco creator: Miguel Pineiro creator: Pablo Ormeño-Arriagada creator: Diego Robles creator: David Araya uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19004 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0 rights: ©2025 Taramasco et al. title: Triple negative breast cancer cells acquire lymphocyte proteins and genomic DNA during trogocytosis with T cells link: https://peerj.com/articles/19236 last-modified: 2025-03-31 description: Trogocytosis is the process by which a recipient cell siphons small membrane fragments and proteins from a donor cell and can be utilized by cancer cells to avoid immune detection. We observed lymphocyte specific protein expressed by triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells via immunofluorescence imaging of patient samples. Image analysis of Cluster of Differentiation 45RA (CD45RA) expression, a naïve T cell specific protein, revealed that all stages of TNBCs express CD45RA. Flow cytometry revealed TNBC cells trogocytose CD45 protein from T cells. We also showed that the acquisition of these lymphoid markers is contact dependent. Confocal and super-resolution imaging further revealed CD45+ spherical structures containing T cell genomic DNA inside TNBC cells after co-culture. Trogocytosis between T cells and TNBC cells altered tumor cell expression of PTPRC, the gene that encodes for CD45. Our results revealed that CD45 is obtained by TNBC cells from T cells via trogocytosis and that TNBC cells express CD45 intracellularly and on the membrane. creator: Anutr Sivakoses creator: Haley Q. Marcarian creator: Anika M. Arias creator: Alice R. Lam creator: Olivia C. Ihedioha creator: Juan A. Santamaria-Barria creator: Geoffrey C. Gurtner creator: Alfred L. M. Bothwell uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19236 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2025 Sivakoses et al. title: Effects of different light intensities on lettuce growth, yield, and energy consumption optimization under uniform lighting conditions link: https://peerj.com/articles/19229 last-modified: 2025-03-31 description: Vertical farming is an advanced form of modern agriculture, but it involves high energy consumption when providing supplemental lighting for crops. The research designed an automated lighting detection device and explored its application in vertical farms. It comprehensively investigated the effects of different red-blue light intensities on two lettuces (Lactuca sativa L. cv. ‘Spanish green’ and ‘Butterhead’) varieties under highly uniform supplemental lighting conditions. The research encompasses investigations into lettuce morphological parameters, photosynthetic physiology, productivity, and energy consumption. The experimental light quality and photoperiod were set at (R/B = 4, 16 h/d), with light intensity ranging from 125 to 300 μmol/m2/s. The experiment indicates that with the increase in light intensity, the yield of both lettuce varieties also increases. Furthermore, lettuce exhibits a significant increase in leaf amplitude from day 20 to day 25 of growth. At 300 μmol/m2/s, Butterhead lettuce demonstrates optimal fresh weight and productivity ratio. As for Spanish green lettuce, the productivity ratio at 200 μmol/m2/s is only 2.11% lower than at 300 μmol/m2/s. Under the cultivation conditions of R/B = 4 and 16 h/d, a light intensity of 300 μmol/m2/s is suitable for the production of Butterhead lettuce, in comparison, a light intensity of 200 μmol/m2/s is suitable for the production of Spanish green lettuce. creator: Jun Zou creator: Shipeng Luo creator: Mingming Shi creator: Dawei Wang creator: Wenbin Liu creator: Yan Shen creator: Xiaotao Ding creator: Yuping Jiang uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19229 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2025 Zou et al.