title: PeerJ description: Articles published in PeerJ link: https://peerj.com/articles/index.rss3?journal=peerj&page=207 creator: info@peerj.com PeerJ errorsTo: info@peerj.com PeerJ language: en title: Examining the interplay between mental health indicators and quality of life measures among first-year law students: a cross-sectional study link: https://peerj.com/articles/18245 last-modified: 2024-11-11 description: IntroductionThis research explores the intricate relationships between mental health indicators (depression, stress, and anxiety) and various dimensions of quality of life among first-year law students. The study aims to understand how affective valence, mood states, physical activity, body image perception, and social relations influence mental health outcomes.MethodsData were collected from 75 first-year law students (46 females, 29 males), a group predominantly composed of young adults with limited financial means, living in various housing situations, primarily within urban environments, and generally reporting low levels of physical activity. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess mental health and quality of life, including the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21), Feeling Scale (FS), Exercise-Induced Feeling Inventory (EIFI), Modified Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire (MBPAQ), World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), and Contour Drawing Rating Scale (CDRS). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis were employed to analyze the data.ResultsThe analysis revealed significant correlations between depression (mean = 5.97, SD = 4.21), stress (mean = 7.81, SD = 4.80), and anxiety (mean = 6.17, SD = 4.58) with affective valence (p < 0.05), mood states (p < 0.05), physical activity (p < 0.05), body image perception (p < 0.05), and social relations quality (p < 0.05). Additionally, mood states (mean = 20.73, SD = 10.60), physical activity (mean = 8.43, SD = 1.35), body image perception (mean = 4.21, SD = 1.91), and social relations quality (mean = 12.46, SD = 2.33) were identified as significant predictors of mental health outcomes (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThese findings underscore the complex interplay between mental health indicators and various dimensions of quality of life, emphasizing the necessity for a comprehensive approach to mental health care. By identifying these predictors, we have gained a clearer understanding of the factors that impact mental health in this specific population. The insights gained highlight the value of interventions aimed at improving mood, increasing physical activity, enhancing body image, and strengthening social connections. These targeted strategies could effectively address mental health issues and promote well-being among law students. Future research should further investigate these relationships and develop tailored interventions to better support students’ mental health. This study contributes to understanding the complex interplay between mental health and quality of life, offering a foundation for both practical interventions and future research. creator: Rаul-Ioаn Muntean creator: Valentina Stefanica creator: Daniel Rosu creator: Alexandru Boncu creator: Iulian Stoian creator: Mihaela Oravitan uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18245 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Muntean et al. title: Protein profile changes during priming explants to embryogenic response in Coffea canephora: identification of the RPN12 proteasome subunit involved in the protein degradation link: https://peerj.com/articles/18372 last-modified: 2024-11-11 description: Plant somatic embryogenesis encompasses somatic cells switch into embryogenic cells that can later produce somatic embryos with the ability to produce plantlets. Previously, we defined in vitro culture settings for the somatic embryogenesis process of Coffea canephora that comprise adequate plantlets with auxin plus cytokinin followed by cut-leaf explant cultivation with cytokinin, producing embryos with the ability to regenerate plantlets. Here, we confirmed that cultivating cut-leaf explants with cytokinin is sufficient to promote somatic embryos proliferation and the high yield of somatic embryos in the protocol requires adequate plantlets with auxin plus cytokinin. Two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis gels reveal auxin-plus cytokinin-dependent regulated proteins in plantlets with up and down abundance. Chitinase A class III, proteins involved in the metabolism and folding of proteins, photosynthesis, antioxidant activity, and chromatin organization were identified. The RPN12 protein, which is a subunit of the proteasome 26S, has an abundance that is not associated with transcript changes, suggesting post-translational regulation. creator: Evelyn A. Carrillo-Bermejo creator: Ligia Brito-Argáez creator: Rosa M. Galaz-Ávalos creator: Felipe Barredo-Pool creator: Víctor M. Loyola-Vargas creator: Victor Aguilar-Hernández uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18372 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Carrillo-Bermejo et al. title: Potential of epicatechin as antioxidant and antiaging in UV-induced BJ cells by regulating COL1A1, FGF-2, GPX-1, and MMP-1 gene, protein levels, and apoptosis link: https://peerj.com/articles/18382 last-modified: 2024-11-11 description: BackgroundOxidative stress caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light on the skin can damage deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and cause keratinocytes to undergo apoptosis. Endogenous antioxidants which play a role in trapping free radicals are also unable to overcome excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body due to UV exposure, so exogenous antioxidants are needed. Polyphenolic compounds extracted from natural ingredients such as flavonoids, quercetin, and epicatechin have quite strong antioxidant activity. This is influenced by the chemical structure of these compounds which are rich in hydroxyl groups and aromatic groups. This structure allows the compound to become an electron donor so that it can neutralize free radicals. In vitro research was used to see the potential effectiveness of epicatechin as an antiaging and antioxidant. The study aims to confirm the potential of epicatechin as an antiaging by in vitro assay.MethodsThe viability test of epicatechin on human skin fibroblast (BJ) cells was carried out using the water-soluble tetrazolium (WST) assay. BJ cells were UV-induced as a cell model of premature aging. Epicatechin 6.25, 12.5, and 25 µg/mL were administered to UV-induced BJ cells. The gene expression of Collagen I Alpha 1 (COL1A1), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), and glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPX-1) were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Elastin (ELN), hyaluronidase (HAase), cyclooxigenase-2 (COX-2), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OhdG), and melatonin (MT) protein levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The apoptosis of BJ cells was analyzed using flow cytometry.ResultsTreatment with epicatechin increased relative gene expression including COL1A1 (5.94), FGF-2 (8.34), and GPX-1 (8.09), and also decreased MMP-1 (2.90) relative gene expression compared to the UV-induced BJ cells. Epicatechin also increased levels of ELN (107.7 ng/mg protein) and MT (830 ng/mg protein) levels compared to the UV-induced BJ cells. Epicatechin treatment decreased levels of HAase (505.96 ng/mg protein), COX-2 (33.69 ng/mg protein), and 8-OHdG (97.87 ng/mg protein) compared to the UV-induced BJ cells. Epicatechin also succeeded in maintaining the percentage of live cells and reducing apoptosis, necrotic of UV-induced skin fibroblast cells.ConclusionsEpicatechin has the potential to be an antiaging agent by in vitro assay. creator: Wahyu Widowati creator: Teresa Liliana Wargasetia creator: Fanny Rahardja creator: Fen Tih creator: Philips Onggowidjaja creator: Rita Tjokropranoto creator: Fadhilah Haifa Zahiroh creator: Rizal Azis creator: Didik Priyandoko creator: Wahyu Surakusumah creator: Dhanar Septyawan Hadiprasetyo uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18382 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Widowati et al. title: Seroprevalence and silent infection rate during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic among children and adolescents in Western Pomerania: a multicenter, cross-sectional study—the COVIDKID study link: https://peerj.com/articles/18384 last-modified: 2024-11-11 description: BackgroundLimited data on SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in rural areas of northern Germany necessitate comprehensive cohort studies. We aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence, silent infection (SI) rates and risk factors for infections among children and adolescents in Western Pomerania from December 2020 to August 2022.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, serum or plasma samples from children and adolescents (6 months to 17 years) were collected during routine blood draw. SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies (S1 and nucleocapsid) and their neutralizing capacity were analyzed using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent and neutralization assays. Socio-demographic data and information about SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination were obtained. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infections and SI.ResultsA total of 1,131 blood samples were included into the study. Overall, SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was 25.1%, strongly influenced by the pandemic course, predominant virus variants, age and approval of vaccination. SI rate was 5.4% (95%-CI [3.7%–6.8%]) among unvaccinated and undiagnosed children over the entire study period with highest rates among adolescents. Main risk factor despite the time at risk for silent infections was an infected household member (Odds ratio = 9.88, 95%-CI [4.23–22.9], p < 0.001). Factors associated with overall infections (known and silent) also include the infection of a household member (Odds ratio = 17.8, 95%-CI [10.7–29.6], p < 0.001).ConclusionsWe believe that the introduction of governmental measures and systematic test strategies in schools strongly impacted on the SI rate, as we suspect that asymptomatic cases have already been identified, resulting in surprisingly low SI identified in our study. creator: Marcus Vollmer creator: Daniela Kuthning creator: Jana Gramenz creator: Arevik Scholz creator: Robin Michael creator: Nico Wittmann creator: Udo Gesser creator: Christian Niesytto creator: Antje Vogler creator: Vanda Tuxhorn creator: Ute Lenschow creator: Anja Lange creator: Kristina Linnemann creator: Holger Lode creator: Lars Kaderali creator: Almut Meyer-Bahlburg uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18384 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2024 Vollmer et al. title: Examination of optical coherence tomography findings in patients with pregabalin use disorder link: https://peerj.com/articles/18395 last-modified: 2024-11-11 description: BackgroundPregabalin abuse is a rapidly growing health problem worldwide, and little is known about the effects of prolonged high-dose use in patients with pregabalin use disorder.ObjectiveIn this study, the effects of pregabalin abuse on retinal layers were investigated in patients with pregabalin use disorder (PGUD).MethodsThis study included 35 controls and 34 patients with PGUD, according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-5 criteria. Optic coherence tomography (OCT) measurements including the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer-inner plexiform layer (GCL-IPL) and ganglion cell complex (GCC) were performed. RNFL thickness was evaluated in four quadrants (inferior, superior, nasal, temporal). GCL-IPL and GCC thickness were evaluated in six sectors (superior, superonasal, inferonasal, inferior, inferotemporal, superotemporal).ResultsGCC inferonasal (p = 0.040, r = 0.354), GCC inferior (p = 0.018, r = 0.402) GCL-IPL inferior (p = 0.031, r = 0.370) and GCL-IPL inferotemporal (p = 0.029, r = 0.376) thickness were positively correlated with the duration of pregabalin use. There was no significant sector or quadrant-wise difference between groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionOur findings emphasized the drug’s potential neuroprotective effect. It should be taken into consideration that neurodegenerative changes due to substance use disorder occur with long-term. Longitudinal prospective studies investigating dose-duration relationship are needed. creator: Osman Hasan Tahsin Kılıç creator: Zehra Nur Bayram creator: Pelin Kiyat creator: Omer Karti creator: Arzu Aral creator: Nazlı Deniz Munis creator: Berfin Gurbet Mutlu uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18395 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Kılıç et al. title: Transperineal prostate biopsy guided by which ultrasound transducer: transrectal or transperineal: a retrospective study link: https://peerj.com/articles/18424 last-modified: 2024-11-11 description: BackgroundProstate biopsies are primarily conducted using either the transrectal or transperineal approach, with the ultrasound probe positioned in the rectum to obtain a clear view of the prostate. Reports on the utilization of transperineal prostate biopsies with the ultrasound probe placed on the perineal skin are limited.MethodsA retrospective investigation was conducted on 119 patients who underwent transperineal ultrasound guided transperineal prostate biopsy (TP-TPPB). Additionally, 85 patients who underwent transrectal ultrasound guided transperineal prostate biopsy (TR-TPPB) were included as controls. The prostate cancer detection rates (PCDRs) and postoperative complication rates were compared between the two groups, and their application values were also evaluated.ResultsThe overall PCDRs were 35.3% (42/119) in the TP-TPPB and 32.9% (28/85) in the TR-TPPB group (χ2 = 0.122, p = 0.727). When categorized by PSA level, there was no significant difference between the two groups in PCDRs in any category (p > 0.05). However, the single-needle PCDRs in some regions (L4, L5, R2, and apex) showed significant differences (p < 0.05). There was no difference in postoperative complication rates between the groups.ConclusionThe PCDRs and the postoperative complication rates of TP-TPPB and TR-TPPB are similar. However, TP-TPPB requires simpler equipment and does not require intestinal preparation, which is especially useful for patients with rectal contraindications, such as those with severe hemorrhoids and rectal/anal diseases. creator: Yang Xiao creator: Lina Han creator: Han Wang creator: Guorong Lyu creator: Shilin Li uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18424 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2024 Xiao et al. title: CAF-derived miR-642a-3p supports migration, invasion, and EMT of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting SERPINE1 link: https://peerj.com/articles/18428 last-modified: 2024-11-11 description: BackgroundCancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells interact to promote HCC progression, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Serpin family E member 1 (SERPINE1) has conflicting roles in HCC, and microRNAs (miRNAs) are known to regulate tumor progression through intercellular communication. Therefore, we investigated the potential involvement of miRNA/SERPINE1 axis in crosstalk between CAFs and HCC cells.MethodsIn this study, candidate miRNAs targeting SERPINE1 3′ UTR were predicted using multiple miRNA databases. The miRNAs and SERPINE1 mRNA expression in Huh7 cells was assessed after co-culture with CAFs using RT-qPCR. Huh7 cell proliferation and invasion were detected after SERPINE1 siRNA. The functions of the CAF-derived miR-642a-3p/SERPINE1 axis in HCC cells were examined using CCK-8, wound healing, transwell assays, western blot, and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Moreover, a orthotopic xenograft model was used to investigate the contribution of miR-642a-3p knockdown in HCC.ResultsSERPINE1 mRNA expression decreased, while miR-642a-3p expression increased in Huh7 cells co-cultured with CAFs. SERPINE1 knockdown enhanced Huh7 cell proliferation and invasion as well as miR-642a-3p expression. miR-642a-3p overexpression promoted migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in Huh7 cells by targeting SERPINE1, while miR-642a-3p knockdown yielded the opposite effect. Rescue experiments confirmed that SERPINE1 knockdown attenuated the inhibitory effects of miR-642a-3p knockdown on migration, invasion, and EMT in Huh7 cells. Importantly, miR-642a-3p knockdown suppressed growth and EMT in orthotopic liver tumors.ConclusionCAF-derived miR-642a-3p/SERPINE1 axis facilitated migration, invasion, and EMT in the HCC cells, suggesting miR-642a-3p/SERPINE1 axis can be a potential therapeutic target for HCC. creator: Shuo Zhang creator: Gang Cao creator: Shuijie Shen creator: Yu Wu creator: Xiying Tan creator: Xiaoyan Jiang uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18428 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2024 Zhang et al. title: Relationship between tooth macrowear and jaw morphofunctional traits in representative hypercarnivores link: https://peerj.com/articles/18435 last-modified: 2024-11-11 description: The mammalian adult dentition is a non-renewable resource. Tooth attrition and disease must be accommodated by individuals using behavioral, physiological, and/or musculoskeletal shifts to minimize impact on masticatory performance. From a biomechanical perspective, the musculoskeletal system becomes less efficient at producing bite force for a given amount of muscle input force over an individual’s life, because tooth-food contact area increases as cusps wear. In this study we ask the question: does mandibular biomechanical performance show evidence of compensation with increasing tooth wear? We use representative taxa of three carnivoran ecomorphologies (meat specialist, scavenger, bone cracker) as a study system to compare morphofunctional data on tooth macrowear, jaw depth, bite mechanical efficiency, and jaw stress during biting. No significant shifts in adult mandibular corpus dimensions occurs in the sampled taxa as canine and carnassial teeth wear. In bone cracking spotted hyenas carnassial biting mechanical efficiency increases significantly with increasing tooth wear, with no significant change in mandibular stress. Analyses of the fossil carnivore Hyaenodon suggests an increase in canine biting efficiency with increased tooth wear, but this may reflect interspecific variation or phylogenetic contingency rather than a life history shift. Overall, these findings indicate that scavenging hyaenids and felid meat specialists do not exhibit morphofunctional compensation for the decreased mechanical capability of worn and dull teeth. Behavioral modifications, rather than musculoskeletal adjustments, may instead play a major role in maintaining food acquisition and processing capabilities for individuals surviving into advanced ontogenetic age and tooth wear. These observations highlight the mammalian masticatory system as having a dynamic performance profile through its useful lifespan, and encourage a more nuanced understanding of past and present carnivore guilds by considering wear-dependent performance changes as a possible source of selection. creator: Z. Jack Tseng creator: Larisa R. G. DeSantis uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18435 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Tseng and DeSantis title: Cryophysiology of coral microfragments: effects of chilling and cryoprotectant toxicity link: https://peerj.com/articles/18447 last-modified: 2024-11-11 description: Coral reefs are being degraded at alarming rates and decisive intervention actions are urgently needed. One such intervention is coral cryopreservation. Although the cryopreservation of coral sperm and larvae has been achieved, preservation of coral fragments including both its tissue and skeleton, has not. The overarching aim of this study was to understand and assess the physiological stressors that might underlie coral fragment cryopreservation, understand the long-term consequences of these exposures to continued growth, and develop a health metrics scale for future research. Therefore, we assessed small fragments (~1 cm2) from the Hawaiian coral, Porites compressa, examining: (1) chill sensitivity; (2) chemical sensitivity to complex cryoprotectants; (3) methods to safely remove algal symbionts of coral for cryopreservation; (4) continued growth over time of coral fragments exposed to chilling and cryoprotectants; and (5) assessment of health and viability of coral fragments post the applied treatments. Corals were able to withstand chilling to 0 °C for 1 min and after 2 weeks were not significantly different from the live controls, whereas, corals exposed to complex cryoprotectants needed 3 weeks of recovery. Most importantly, it appears that once the coral fragments had surpassed this initial recovery, there was no difference in subsequent growth. Technological advances in cryo-technology promise to support successful coral fragment cryopreservation soon, and its success could help secure much of the genetic and biodiversity of reefs in the next decade. creator: Claire V. A. Lager creator: Riley Perry creator: Jonathan Daly creator: Christopher Page creator: Mindy Mizobe creator: Jessica Bouwmeester creator: Anthony N. Consiglio creator: Jake Carter creator: Matthew J. Powell-Palm creator: Mary Hagedorn uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18447 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Lager et al. title: Digital competence of faculty members in health sciences measured via self-reflection: current status and contextual aspects link: https://peerj.com/articles/18456 last-modified: 2024-11-11 description: This descriptive study aims to determine the digital competence level of faculty members who teach in the health sciences, empirically considering possible contextual aspects. Two data collection instruments were used: a self-reflection questionnaire to assess digital competence, and a survey querying demographics and aspects of teaching and learning context. In total, 306 health sciences faculty members from six universities voluntarily participated the study. The results revealed that a majority of the faculty members have intermediate (integrator or expert) level of digital competence, which is described as being aware of the potential use of digital technology in teaching and having a personal repertoire for its use under various circumstances. Age, digital teaching experience, perception of work environment, and previous teaching experience in fully- or partially-online courses were identified as influencing factors for digital competence. Faculty members in health sciences were able to integrate digital technologies in their teaching practices. Health education institutions may facilitate the use of digital technologies in teaching and learning environments. Moreover, institutions or stakeholders should consider that digital competence requires practice and experience in meaningfully-designed digital environments and tools. creator: Halil Ersoy creator: Cigdem Baskici creator: Aydan Aytar creator: Raimonds Strods creator: Nora Jansone Ratinika creator: António Manuel Lopes Fernandes creator: Hugo Neves creator: Aurelija Blaževičienė creator: Alina Vaškelytė creator: Camilla Wikström-Grotell creator: Heikki Paakkonen creator: Anne Söderlund creator: Johanna Fritz creator: Sultan Kav uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18456 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Ersoy et al.