title: PeerJ description: Articles published in PeerJ link: https://peerj.com/articles/index.rss3?journal=peerj&page=159 creator: info@peerj.com PeerJ errorsTo: info@peerj.com PeerJ language: en title: Association between hand grip strength and quality of life in children with cerebral palsy: a cross-sectional study link: https://peerj.com/articles/18679 last-modified: 2024-12-16 description: BackgroundCerebral palsy (CP) covers a wide range of causes and symptoms. It is characterized by persistent motor and postural dysfunction caused by a non-progressing pathological lesion of the immature brain. Development of fine motor skills, such as the ability to manipulate objects with smaller muscles, is crucial for a child’s development. It is evident that there is a lack of hand grip strength (HGS) and quality of life (QoL) data in children with CP compared to typically developed (TD) children. Understanding the relationship between these factors might help facilitate healthcare provision and provide insight into rehabilitation programs. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between HGS and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children with CP compared to TD children.MethodsAn experimental cross-sectional study was conducted and 60 children (30 CP and 30 TD) were chosen; age, gender, height, weight, body mass index, preferred hand, number of siblings, school attendance, and housing type data were collected. HGS was measured using a standard hand dynamometer, and HRQoL was measured using the KIDSCREEN-10 item questionnaire.ResultsThere was a statistically significant main effect of gender on the average HGS, F (1, 56) = 24.09, p < 0.001, and the KIDSCREEN-10 sum score, F (1, 56) = 8.66, p < 0.001, and the main effect of group on the KIDSCREEN-10 sum score, F (1, 56) = 17.64, p < 0.001. A significant correlation between HGS and the KIDSCREEN-10 sum score in the CP group (r = 0.35, p = 0.03), and the TD group (r = 0.56, p = 0.001).ConclusionHGS was lower in children with CP, and girls had significantly lower HGS compared to boys in both groups, CP and TD children. HRQoL was significantly lower in children with CP, with boys reporting higher HRQoL on the KIDSCREEN-10 questionnaire compared to girls. Our data showed that the higher the KIDSCREEN-10 sum score is, the stronger the HGS of children in both groups. The results of this study indicate that hand grip strength may significantly impact the QoL of children with CP. A correlation between HGS and HRQoL points to the importance of improving strength in children with CP through interventions and directed rehabilitation programs. creator: Mshari Alghadier creator: Nada Almasoud creator: Dalia Alharthi creator: Omar Alrashdi creator: Reem Albesher uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18679 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Alghadier et al. title: Ontogenetic feeding shifts in two thresher shark species in the Galapagos Marine Reserve link: https://peerj.com/articles/18681 last-modified: 2024-12-16 description: BackgroundThe morphology and hunting behavior of thresher sharks make them easily distinguishable. These species are distributed across the Tropical Pacific Ocean feeding on squid and small fish. However, ontogenetic changes in their feeding strategies and habitat use are still unknown in this region.MethodsWe examined the δ13C and δ15N signatures in vertebral collagen from populations of Alopias pelagicus and Alopias superciliosus inhabiting the Galapagos Marine Reserve, focusing on three maturity stages: neonate, juvenile and adult. The vertebrae samples were taken from the seizure of illegal fishing activities carried out by a foreign fleet within the Galapagos archipelago. A total of thirty-three vertebrae from A. pelagicus and twenty-one from A. superciliosus were analyzed.ResultsBoth species displayed significant differences in their δ15N values (p < 0.001), but not in δ13C (p = 0.230), suggesting a similar habitat use, but different prey consumption. Throughout their ontogeny, A. pelagicus displayed isotopic differences (p < 0.001), where neonates showed lower δ13C values and higher δ15N values compared to juveniles, probably because they still reflect the isotopic signatures of their mothers even after the first year of life. This study highlights trophic differences between both species, accompanied by an ontogenetic variation in A. pelagicus, aspects that allow us to understand the role of these species within the dynamics of the Eastern Tropical Pacific ecosystem. creator: Camila Arnés-Urgellés creator: Felipe Galván-Magaña creator: Fernando R. Elorriaga-Verplancken creator: Antonio Delgado-Huertas creator: Diego Páez-Rosas uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18681 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Arnés-Urgellés et al. title: Analysis of the current status of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among stroke-related healthcare professionals in the treatment of shoulder pain in hemiplegic patients link: https://peerj.com/articles/18684 last-modified: 2024-12-16 description: ObjectiveTo investigate the current status of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of healthcare professionals in stroke-related departments of primary-level tertiary hospitals regarding the prevention and treatment of hemiplegic shoulder pain, and to analyze influencing factors. This aims to provide a reference for further training, guidance, and management of hemiplegic shoulder pain.MethodsA total of 123 healthcare professionals from stroke-related departments of two tertiary hospitals in a county-level city in Zhejiang province were selected as the research subjects from March 6, 2023, to March 14, 2023. Written informed consent was obtained from all study participants prior to their inclusion in the study. A questionnaire survey was conducted to assess their KAP status on the prevention and treatment of hemiplegic shoulder pain, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 23.ResultsThe scores for knowledge (29.97 ± 9.94), attitude (27.7 ± 2.81), and behavior (29.86 ± 7.86) among the 123 healthcare professionals indicated that department and position were influencing factors for KAP (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe overall KAP of healthcare professionals in stroke-related departments of primary hospitals regarding the prevention and treatment of hemiplegic shoulder pain needs improvement. Strengthening relevant knowledge and skills training is necessary to reduce the incidence of hemiplegic shoulder pain and improve patients’ quality of life. creator: Bin Huang creator: Feng Gao uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18684 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Huang and Gao title: Prevalence of Theileria ovis in sheep and goats in northwestern Saudi Arabia with notes on potential vectors link: https://peerj.com/articles/18687 last-modified: 2024-12-16 description: The prevalence of Theileria spp. infecting sheep and goats were investigated in two cities and surroundings in northwest Saudi Arabia. Blood samples from 403 sheep and goats from Madina (n = 201) and Tabuk (n = 202) cities (177 from sheep and 226 from goats) were investigated. Blood samples were examined microscopically for the presence of intraerythrocytic bodies suggestive of Theileria as well as they were investigated using molecular techniques. DNA was extracted from blood and ticks and subjected to polymerase chain reaction amplification using specific primers. The primers used amplified a fragment of the 18S rRNA region (450 bp) targeting the hypervariable region IV. A total of 63 ticks belonging to five species were collected from sheep and goats for determination of their involvement of lifecycle of Theileria. Ticks were identified morphologically and confirmed molecularly utilizing cytochrome oxidase C subunit 1 gene (COXI) amplification. The results indicated that: microscopic examination revealed 24 (6%) of the samples investigated showed intraerythrocytic bodies suggestive of Theileria. Positive samples were only obtained from sheep whereas goats yielded negative results. A total of 33 (18.6%) sheep samples were positive for Theileria infection using polymerase chain reaction targeting the partial 18S rDNA and DNA sequencing. Theileria infection was more prevalent in animals that were less than 2 years of age compared with older animals. There was no difference in the prevalence of the infection between male and female sheep in both cities. All positive sheep were detected during the summer and none of the samples collected during the winter were positive. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the sequences obtained from Theileria species reported in the present study grouped with sequences from Theileria ovis from different countries. Ticks were identified as Hyalomma dromedarii, Hyalomma, marginatum, Hyalomma impeltatum and Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum. T. ovis DNA was detected from Hyalomma dromedarii and Hyalomma impeltatum suggesting that they are potential vectors of this piroplasm in sheep from Madina and Tabuk cities. This report is considered the first report of T. ovis infecting sheep from Madina and Tabuk, furthermore, it is the first report determining the vectors responsible for transmission of the infection in sheep in northwest Saudi Arabia. The data generated from this study will undoubtedly pave the way for the detection and control of ovine and caprine theileriosis in Madina and Tabuk regions. creator: Ruoa S. Almahallawi creator: Sawsan A. Omer creator: Esam M. Al-Shaebi creator: Nawal Al-Hoshani creator: Esam S. Al-Malki creator: Rewaida Abdel-Gaber creator: Osama B. Mohammed uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18687 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Almahallawi et al. title: Analysis of the characteristic patterns and risk factors impacting the severity of intraoperative hypothermia in neonates link: https://peerj.com/articles/18702 last-modified: 2024-12-16 description: BackgroundAlthough maintaining a stable body temperature during the perioperative period is crucial for the recovery of neonates, hypothermia frequently occurs during surgical procedures in this vulnerable population. A comprehensive analysis of intraoperative details, including medical history and monitoring, is therefore essential for understanding temperature variations and identifying risk factors for severe hypothermia.ObjectiveIn this study, we delineated the characteristic patterns of intraoperative temperature fluctuations in neonates and determined the risk factors impacting the severity of hypothermia.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective, single-center study, enrolling 648 subjects who underwent surgery under general anesthesia and collected demographic, perioperative, and intraoperative data.ResultsIntraoperative hypothermia occurred in 79.17% of the neonates. Significant risk factors for severe hypothermia included surgery type (OR, 1.183; 95%, CI [1.028–1.358]; p = 0.018), preoperative weight (OR, 0.556; 95% CI [0.412–0.748]; p < 0.01), infusion and transfusion volume (mL/kg) (OR, 1.011; 95% CI [1.001–1.022]; p = 0.018), and duration of hypothermia (OR, 1.011; 95% CI [1.007–1.014]; p < 0.01). Preterm neonates experienced a greater temperature drop than did full-term neonates. The nadir of intraoperative temperature occurred approximately 90 min after surgery, followed by a brief stabilization period and a slow recovery process.ConclusionThe significant incidence of intraoperative hypothermia in neonates highlights the need for efficient strategies that reduce both the frequency and severity of this condition. creator: Kun Dai creator: Yuanling Liu creator: Lijiao Qin creator: Jiaxuan Mai creator: Jingjing Xiao creator: Jing Ruan uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18702 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Dai et al. title: Insights and progress on the biosynthesis, metabolism, and physiological functions of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA): a review link: https://peerj.com/articles/18712 last-modified: 2024-12-16 description: GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) is a non-protein amino acid that occurs naturally in the human brain, animals, plants and microorganisms. It is primarily produced by the irreversible action of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) on the α-decarboxylation of L-glutamic acid. As a major neurotransmitter in the brain, GABA plays a crucial role in behavior, cognition, and the body’s stress response. GABA is mainly synthesized through the GABA shunt and the polyamine degradation pathways. It works through three receptors (GABAA, GABAB, and GABAC), each exhibiting different pharmacological and physiological characteristics. GABA has a variety of physiological roles and applications. In plants, it regulates growth, development and stress responses. In mammals, it influences physiological functions such as nervous system regulation, blood pressure equilibrium, liver and kidneys enhancement, hormone secretion regulation, immunity enhancement, cancer prevention, as well as anti-aging effects. As a biologically active ingredient, GABA possesses unique physiological effects and medicinal value, leading to its widespread application and substantially increased market demand in the food and pharmaceutical industries. GABA is primarily produced through chemical synthesis, plant enrichment and microbial fermentation. In this review, we first make an overview of GABA, focusing on its synthesis, metabolism, GABA receptors and physiological functions. Next, we describe the industrial production methods of GABA. Finally, we discuss the development of ligands for the GABA receptor binding site, the prospects of GABA production and application, as well as its clinical trials in potential drugs or compounds targeting GABA for the treatment of epilepsy. The purpose of this review is to attract researchers from various fields to focus on GABA research, promote multidisciplinary communications and collaborations, break down disciplinary barriers, stimulate innovative research ideas and methods, and advance the development and application of GABA in medicine, agriculture, food and other fields. creator: Qingli Zhang creator: Lei Zhu creator: Hailong Li creator: Qu Chen creator: Nan Li creator: Jiansheng Li creator: Zichu Zhao creator: Di Xiao creator: Tingting Tang creator: Chunhua Bi creator: Yan Zhang creator: Haili Zhang creator: Guizhen Zhang creator: Mingyang Li creator: Yanli Zhu creator: Jingjing Zhang creator: Jingjing Kong uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18712 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Zhang et al. title: Diversity and habitat preferences of bdelloid rotifers in mosses and liverworts from beach forest along sand dunes in Thailand link: https://peerj.com/articles/18721 last-modified: 2024-12-16 description: Microscopic animals are often thought to be widely distributed due to their small size and specific adaptations. However, evidences show that bdelloid rotifers in bryophytes exhibit habitat specialization, with species composition varying by microhabitat. This indicates that their distribution is influenced by complex ecological processes, warranting further research, particularly at the microscale. In this study, we tested whether species richness and composition of bdelloid rotifers differ across bryophyte species, forms, characteristics, and seasons to understand their ecological distribution and habitat preferences in limnoterrestrial environments. Bdelloid rotifers were identified and counted from bryophyte samples collected in April (low rainfall), August (moderate rainfall), and December 2022 (high rainfall) at Bang Burd Beach Forest, Chumphon Province, Thailand. The results revealed high bdelloid diversity, with 22 species identified, 14 of which are new records for Thailand, raising the known number to 30. However, species richness did not vary across bryophyte variables or seasons, with substantial overlap in species composition across these variables. Additionally, there was no strong habitat preference between bdelloid rotifers and bryophyte species. These results confirm a low degree of habitat specialization of bdelloid rotifers in tropical limnoterrestrial environments. creator: Sittikron Jattupan creator: Rapeepan Jaturapruek creator: Phannee Sa-ardrit creator: Janejaree Inuthai creator: Chatchai Ngernsaengsaruay creator: Supiyanit Maiphae uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18721 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Jattupan et al. title: Beeswax waste improves the mycelial growth, fruiting body yield, and quality of oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) link: https://peerj.com/articles/18726 last-modified: 2024-12-16 description: Heilongjiang Province has the third largest bee population in China, producing over 2,000 tons of beeswax waste (BW) each year. Most of this BW is discarded or burned. Therefore, we urgently need to find sustainable applications of BW. Pleurotus ostreatus mushrooms, commonly referred to as oyster mushrooms, are cultivated for both food and medicine. The substrate used to grow P. ostreatus mushrooms often contains wheat bran as a nitrogen source. The goal of this study was to explore the feasibility of substituting this wheat bran with BW to cultivate P. ostreatus mushrooms. Five treatments were established, with BW making up 0%, 3%, 5%, 7%, and 9% of the total substrate, and the effects on the mycelial growth and development, biological efficiency (BE), and yield were evaluated along with changes in the chemical biomass composition of the fruiting bodies. Adding BW increased the number of days needed for primordia initiation and the number of days between flushes of P. ostreatus mushrooms. With increasing BW, the total fresh weight of P. ostreatus mushrooms first increased and then decreased. The 5% BW treatment resulted in the highest yield and biological efficiency (BE) of 1,478.96 ± 9.61 g bag−1 and 92.43 ± 0.60%, respectively, which exceeded the values of the control by 4.14% (control: 1,420.15 ± 9.53 g bag−1 and 88.76 ± 0.60%, respectively). The 5% BW treatment also resulted in the highest mushroom crude protein content (23.47 ± 0.18 g 100 g−1), which was 28.18% higher compared with the control (18.31 ± 0.05 g 100 g−1). The 9% BW treatment resulted in the highest crude polysaccharide content (10.33 ± 0.76 g 100 g−1), which was 2.42-fold that of the control (4.26 ± 0.30 g 100 g−1). This study suggests that BW could serve as an effective source of nitrogen to cultivate P. ostreatus. BW is a promising, cost-effective, and efficient additive to mushroom substrate, improving the yield and quality of P. ostreatus mushrooms while providing a sustainable use for an otherwise difficult to dispose of waste product. creator: Chunlei Pan creator: Chunge Sheng creator: Kang Wang creator: Yi Zhang creator: Chunguang Liu creator: Zhihao Zhang creator: Liang Tao creator: Yang Lv creator: Fuchao Gao uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18726 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Pan et al. title: Correlation between hematological indicators in acclimatized high-altitude individuals and acute mountain sickness link: https://peerj.com/articles/18738 last-modified: 2024-12-16 description: BackgroundThe impact of acute mountain sickness (AMS) on individuals ascending to plateaus, soon after exposure to high altitudes, is well-documented. However, the specific relationship between AMS and alterations in blood parameters remains unclear.MethodsA total of 40 healthy volunteers were recruited. Following their arrival at an altitude of 3,300 m, an AMS questionnaire survey was administered 48 h later. Based on the AMS scores obtained, participants were categorized into three groups: non-AMS, mild AMS, and moderate/severe AMS (encompassing both moderate and severe cases). Blood routine tests were performed on all groups at 3-, 7-, and 30-days post-arrival at the plateau, with blood oxygen saturation tests conducted at 3 and 30 days after rapidly entering the plateau.ResultsIn the current investigation, a total of 40 participants were stratified into non-AMS (n = 24), mild-AMS (n = 8), and moderate/severe-AMS (n = 8) cohorts subsequent to rapid ascension to an altitude of 3,300 m. The incidence of AMS in this study was 40%. Noteworthy elevations in red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (HCT) levels were noted at the 3-day mark post-ascent across all delineated groups. By the 7th day, the moderate/severe-AMS cohort displayed sustained increments in Hb and HCT levels, whereas solely HCT levels rose in the mild-AMS and non-AMS cohorts. Upon reaching the 30-day milestone, the moderate/severe-AMS group demonstrated a reduction in RBC, Hb, and HCT levels, while only HCT levels decreased in the mild-AMS and non-AMS groups. Furthermore, it was observed that all groups exhibited notable reductions in oxygen saturation (SpO2) at 3 days post-ascent, followed by a partial recovery at 30 days, albeit remaining below baseline levels. The correlation analysis results indicated that RBC, Hb, and HCT exhibited a positive correlation with the severity of AMS after a 7-day acclimatization period at high altitude. Conversely, SpO2 demonstrated a negative correlation with the severity of AMS following the same duration at high altitude. The findings of the study suggest a strong association between alterations in RBC, Hb, and HCT levels and AMS, particularly among individuals in the moderate/severe-AMS category who displayed more significant fluctuations in these parameters.ConclusionIndividuals suffering from moderate to severe AMS demonstrated increased levels of RBC, Hb, and HCT, as well as reduced SpO2, indicating a greater need for oxygen adaptation to high-altitude hypoxia. These findings emphasize the physiological adjustments to high altitudes and their potential implications for the treatment of AMS. creator: Zhicai Li creator: Jun Xiao creator: Cuiying Li creator: Xiaowei Li creator: Daoju Ren uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18738 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Li et al. title: The association between fibroblast growth factor 21 with diabetes retinopathy among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression link: https://peerj.com/articles/18308 last-modified: 2024-12-13 description: BackgroundDiabetic retinopathy (DR), a leading cause of vision loss worldwide, is a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) driven by chronic hyperglycemia and microvascular damage. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is crucial in blood sugar regulation and has been linked to DR incidence and severity. While some studies suggest that FGF21 levels may contribute to the DR incidence, others propose a protective role. This discrepancy necessitates further analysis, prompting this study to evaluate the association between FGF21 levels and DR incidence and severity in T2DM patients.MethodsA systematic search was conducted through MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase up to May 2024 for studies evaluating the association between FGF21 and DR incidence and severity. A random-effect model meta-analysis was performed to calculate the pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). A univariate meta-regression was performed to analyze factors influencing pooled size estimates. All statistical analyses were performed using STATA 17 software.ResultThis systematic review and meta-analysis of 5,852 participants revealed that FGF21 was positively correlated with DR (SMD 3.11; 95% CI [0.92–5.30], p = 0.005) and sight-threatening DR (STDR) incidence (SMD 3.61; 95% CI [0.82–6.41], p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in FGF21 levels in DR vs STDR (p = 0.79). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant difference in DR incidence between LDL groups, with higher DR incidence in the group with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels >100 (P < 0.00001). Meta-regression revealed no variables significantly influenced the pooled size estimates.ConclusionA higher level of FGF21 was associated with higher DR and STDR incidence among T2DM patients, highlighting its potential utilization as a biomarker for DR detection and enabling the exploration of FGF21-based treatment strategies. However, variables independently predicting DR among patients with elevated FGF21 levels shall be explored further.PROSPERO IDCRD42024559142. creator: Herni Basir creator: Annisa Salsabilla Dwi Nugrahani creator: Andi Makbul Aman creator: Syakib Bakri creator: Haerani Rasyid creator: Husaini Umar creator: Faridin H. P. creator: Andi Muhammad Ichsan creator: Andi Alfian Zainuddin uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18308 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Basir et al.