title: PeerJ description: Articles published in PeerJ link: https://peerj.com/articles/index.rss3?journal=peerj&page=294 creator: info@peerj.com PeerJ errorsTo: info@peerj.com PeerJ language: en title: Squatting biomechanics following physiotherapist-led care or hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome: a secondary analysis from a randomised controlled trial link: https://peerj.com/articles/17567 last-modified: 2024-06-24 description: BackgroundFemoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) can cause hip pain and chondrolabral damage that may be managed non-operatively or surgically. Squatting motions require large degrees of hip flexion and underpin many daily and sporting tasks but may cause hip impingement and provoke pain. Differential effects of physiotherapist-led care and arthroscopy on biomechanics during squatting have not been examined previously. This study explored differences in 12-month changes in kinematics and moments during squatting between patients with FAIS treated with a physiotherapist-led intervention (Personalised Hip Therapy, PHT) and arthroscopy.MethodsA subsample (n = 36) of participants with FAIS enrolled in a multi-centre, pragmatic, two-arm superiority randomised controlled trial underwent three-dimensional motion analysis during squatting at baseline and 12-months following random allocation to PHT (n = 17) or arthroscopy (n = 19). Changes in time-series and peak trunk, pelvis, and hip biomechanics, and squat velocity and maximum depth were explored between treatment groups.ResultsNo significant differences in 12-month changes were detected between PHT and arthroscopy groups. Compared to baseline, the arthroscopy group squatted slower at follow-up (descent: mean difference −0.04 m∙s−1 (95%CI [−0.09 to 0.01]); ascent: −0.05 m∙s−1 [−0.11 to 0.01]%). No differences in squat depth were detected between or within groups. After adjusting for speed, trunk flexion was greater in both treatment groups at follow-up compared to baseline (descent: PHT 7.50° [−14.02 to −0.98]%; ascent: PHT 7.29° [−14.69 to 0.12]%, arthroscopy 16.32° [−32.95 to 0.30]%). Compared to baseline, both treatment groups exhibited reduced anterior pelvic tilt (descent: PHT 8.30° [0.21–16.39]%, arthroscopy −10.95° [−5.54 to 16.34]%; ascent: PHT −7.98° [−0.38 to 16.35]%, arthroscopy −10.82° [3.82–17.81]%), hip flexion (descent: PHT −11.86° [1.67–22.05]%, arthroscopy −16.78° [8.55–22.01]%; ascent: PHT −12.86° [1.30–24.42]%, arthroscopy −16.53° [6.72–26.35]%), and knee flexion (descent: PHT −6.62° [0.56– 12.67]%; ascent: PHT −8.24° [2.38–14.10]%, arthroscopy −8.00° [−0.02 to 16.03]%). Compared to baseline, the PHT group exhibited more plantarflexion during squat ascent at follow-up (−3.58° [−0.12 to 7.29]%). Compared to baseline, both groups exhibited lower external hip flexion moments at follow-up (descent: PHT −0.55 N∙m/BW∙HT[%] [0.05–1.05]%, arthroscopy −0.84 N∙m/BW∙HT[%] [0.06–1.61]%; ascent: PHT −0.464 N∙m/BW∙HT[%] [−0.002 to 0.93]%, arthroscopy −0.90 N∙m/BW∙HT[%] [0.13–1.67]%).ConclusionExploratory data suggest at 12-months follow-up, neither PHT or hip arthroscopy are superior at eliciting changes in trunk, pelvis, or lower-limb biomechanics. Both treatments may induce changes in kinematics and moments, however the implications of these changes are unknown.Trial registration detailsAustralia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry reference: ACTRN12615001177549. Trial registered 2/11/2015. creator: Tamara M. Grant creator: David J. Saxby creator: Claudio Pizzolato creator: Trevor Savage creator: Kim Bennell creator: Edward Dickenson creator: Jillian Eyles creator: Nadine Foster creator: Michelle Hall creator: David Hunter creator: David Lloyd creator: Rob Molnar creator: Nicholas Murphy creator: John O’Donnell creator: Parminder Singh creator: Libby Spiers creator: Phong Tran creator: Laura E. Diamond uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17567 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Grant et al. title: Optimization of polysaccharide conditions and analysis of antioxidant capacity in the co-culture of Sanghuangporus vaninii and Pleurotus sapidus link: https://peerj.com/articles/17571 last-modified: 2024-06-24 description: Fungal polysaccharides are commonly utilized in the food industry and biomedical fields as a natural and safe immune modulator. Co-culturing is a valuable method for enhancing the production of secondary metabolites. This study used intracellular polysaccharide (IPS) content as a screening index, co-culturing seven different fungi with Sanghuangporus vaninii. The seed pre-culture liquid culture time was selected through screening, and conditions were assessed using single factor experimentation, a Plackett-Burman (PB) design, and response surface methodology (RSM) optimization. RSM optimization was conducted, leading to the measurement of antioxidant capacity. Results indicated that the co-culture of S. vaninii and Pleurotus sapidus exhibited the most effective outcome. Specifically, pre-culturing S. vaninii and P. sapidus seed cultures for 2 days and 0 days, respectively, followed by co-culturing, significantly increased IPS content compared to single-strain culturing. Further optimization of co-culture conditions revealed that yeast extract concentration, liquid volume, and S. vaninii inoculum ratio notably influenced IPS content in the order of yeast extract concentration > liquid volume > S. vaninii inoculum ratio. Under the optimal conditions, IPS content reached 69.9626 mg/g, a 17.04% increase from pre-optimization co-culture conditions. Antioxidant capacity testing demonstrated that co-cultured IPS exhibited greater scavenging abilities for DPPH and ABTS free radicals compared to single strain cultures. These findings highlight the potential of co-culturing S. vaninii and P. sapidus to enhance IPS content and improve antioxidant capacity, presenting an effective strategy for increasing fungal polysaccharide production. creator: Yuantian Lu creator: Di Liu uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17571 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Lu and Liu title: Mammalian lures monitored with time-lapse cameras increase detection of pythons and other snakes link: https://peerj.com/articles/17577 last-modified: 2024-06-24 description: BackgroundEnhancing detection of cryptic snakes is critical for the development of conservation and management strategies; yet, finding methods that provide adequate detection remains challenging. Issues with detecting snakes can be particularly problematic for some species, like the invasive Burmese python (Python bivittatus) in the Florida Everglades.MethodsUsing multiple survey methods, we predicted that our ability to detect pythons, larger snakes and all other snakes would be enhanced with the use of live mammalian lures (domesticated rabbits; Oryctolagus cuniculus). Specifically, we used visual surveys, python detection dogs, and time-lapse game cameras to determine if domesticated rabbits were an effective lure.ResultsTime-lapse game cameras detected almost 40 times more snakes (n = 375, treatment = 245, control = 130) than visual surveys (n = 10). We recorded 21 independent detections of pythons at treatment pens (with lures) and one detection at a control pen (without lures). In addition, we found larger snakes, and all other snakes were 165% and 74% more likely to be detected at treatment pens compared to control pens, respectively. Time-lapse cameras detected almost 40 times more snakes than visual surveys; we did not detect any pythons with python detection dogs.ConclusionsOur study presents compelling evidence that the detection of snakes is improved by coupling live mammalian lures with time-lapse game cameras. Although the identification of smaller snake species was limited, this was due to pixel resolution, which could be improved by changing the camera focal length. For larger snakes with individually distinctive patterns, this method could potentially be used to identify unique individuals and thus allow researchers to estimate population dynamics. creator: Marina McCampbell creator: McKayla Spencer creator: Kristen Hart creator: Gabrielle Link creator: Andrew Watson creator: Robert McCleery uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17577 license: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ rights: title: Unraveling the complexities of drought stress in cotton: a multifaceted analysis of selection criteria and breeding approaches link: https://peerj.com/articles/17584 last-modified: 2024-06-24 description: Abiotic stress tolerance breeding programs present a spectrum of perspectives, yet definitive solutions remain elusive, with each approach carrying its own set of advantages and disadvantages. This study systematically evaluates extant methodologies, comparing plant performance across varied genotypes and selection traits under optimal and stress conditions. The objective is to elucidate prevailing ambiguities. Ten homozygous lines (F8 generation) were assessed using a randomized block design alongside five control varieties, with four replicates cultivated under well-watered and deficit water conditions. It is noteworthy that six of the ten homozygous lines were cultivated exclusively under well-watered conditions (F3 to F7), while four lines experienced deficit water conditions (F3 to F7). All five control varieties underwent cultivation under both conditions. These findings underscore the necessity for tailored breeding programs attuned to specific environmental exigencies, recognizing that individual traits manifest divergent responses to varying conditions. It is evident that certain traits exhibit marked disparities under well-watered conditions, while others evince heightened differentiation under water deficit conditions. Significantly, our analysis reveals a pronounced interaction between irrigation regimes and selection traits, which serves to underscore the nuanced interplay between genotype and environmental stress. creator: Hatice Kübra Gören creator: Uğur Tan uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17584 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2024 Gören and Tan title: Genomic organization and expression profiles of nitrogen assimilation genes in Glycine max link: https://peerj.com/articles/17590 last-modified: 2024-06-24 description: BackgroundGlutamine synthetase (GS), glutamate synthase (GOGAT), and nitrate reductase (NR) are key enzymes involved in nitrogen assimilation and metabolism in plants. However, the systematic analysis of these gene families lacked reports in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), one of the most important crops worldwide.MethodsIn this study, we performed genome-wide identification and characterization of GS, GOGAT, and NR genes in soybean under abiotic and nitrogen stress conditions.ResultsWe identified a total of 10 GS genes, six GOGAT genes, and four NR genes in the soybean genome. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of multiple isoforms for each gene family, indicating their functional diversification. The distribution of these genes on soybean chromosomes was uneven, with segmental duplication events contributing to their expansion. Within the nitrogen assimilation genes (NAGs) group, there was uniformity in the exon-intron structure and the presence of conserved motifs in NAGs. Furthermore, analysis of cis-elements in NAG promoters indicated complex regulation of their expression. RT-qPCR analysis of seven soybean NAGs under various abiotic stresses, including nitrogen deficiency, drought-nitrogen, and salinity, revealed distinct regulatory patterns. Most NAGs exhibited up-regulation under nitrogen stress, while diverse expression patterns were observed under salt and drought-nitrogen stress, indicating their crucial role in nitrogen assimilation and abiotic stress tolerance. These findings offer valuable insights into the genomic organization and expression profiles of GS, GOGAT, and NR genes in soybean under nitrogen and abiotic stress conditions. The results have potential applications in the development of stress-resistant soybean varieties through genetic engineering and breeding. creator: Hind Abdelmonim Elsanosi creator: Tiantian Zhu creator: Guisheng Zhou creator: Li Song uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17590 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Elsanosi et al. title: Ecotoxicological effects of tungsten on celery (Apium graveolens L) and pepper (Capsicum spp.) link: https://peerj.com/articles/17601 last-modified: 2024-06-24 description: BackgroundTungsten (W) is an emerging heavy metal pollutant, yet research remains scarce on the biomonitor and sensitive biomarkers for W contamination.MethodsIn this study, celery and pepper were chosen as study subjects and subjected to exposure cultivation in solutions with five different levels of W. The physiological and biochemical toxicities of W on these two plants were systematically analyzed. The feasibility of utilizing celery and pepper as biomonitor organisms for W contamination was explored and indicative biomarkers were screened.ResultsThe results indicated that W could inhibit plants’ root length, shoot height, and fresh weight while concurrently promoting membrane lipid peroxidation. Additionally, W enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) to counteract oxidative damage. From a physiological perspective, pepper exhibited potential as a biomonitor for W contamination. Biochemical indicators suggested that SOD could serve as a sensitive biomarker for W in celery, while TAOC and POD were more suitable for the roots and leaves of pepper. In conclusion, our study investigated the toxic effects of W on celery and pepper, contributing to the understanding of W’s environmental toxicity. Furthermore, it provided insights for selecting biomonitor organisms and sensitive biomarkers for W contamination. creator: Qi Li creator: Xiaojun Zheng creator: Ming Chen uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17601 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2024 Li et al. title: The emerging roles of circHECTD1 in human diseases and the specific underlying regulatory mechanisms link: https://peerj.com/articles/17612 last-modified: 2024-06-24 description: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of single-stranded closed-loop RNAs that have become a popular research subject in biology. Compared to linear RNAs, they are more stable, more conserved, and more widely distributed, and they play crucial biological functions in many diseases. CircHECTD1, a newly identified member of the circRNA family, is widely distributed in humans. Recent studies have shown that circHECTD1 is abnormally expressed in various human diseases, including glioma, hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer, acute ischaemic stroke, silicosis, acute lung injury, ulcerative colitis, atherosclerosis, and hypertrophic scarring. In malignant tumours, circHECTD1 is thought to be an oncogene that promotes malignant tumour behaviours and influences tumour prognosis. In nontumour diseases, it plays a dual role, promoting disease in silicosis, stroke, and other diseases, while alleviating the disease process in ulcerative colitis, acute lung injury, and atherosclerosis. This article provides a review of the regulatory roles and mechanisms of action of circHECTD1 in different diseases. We also discuss and prospectively evaluate the clinical potential of circHECTD1 as a diagnostic biomarker and a therapeutic target for related diseases, providing new insights for developing new therapeutic strategies. creator: Yiran Yuan creator: Xiaomin Zhang creator: Xiaoxiao Wang creator: Lei Zhang creator: Jiefeng He uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17612 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0 rights: ©2024 Yuan et al. title: Evaluation of alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase ratio and high-density lipoprotein for predicting neonatal adverse outcomes associated with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy link: https://peerj.com/articles/17613 last-modified: 2024-06-24 description: BackgroundTo determine the association between lipid metabolism and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), and explore the value of maternal alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase (ALT/AST) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in predicting adverse neonatal outcomes in women with ICP.MethodsA total of 147 pregnant women with ICP admitted to The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang and 120 normal pregnant women in the same period were selected in this study. The Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-square tests were used to compare the differences in clinical data. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between ALT/AST and the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with ICP. The combined predictive value of ALT/AST and HDL was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.ResultsAmong 147 women with ICP, 122 women had total bile acid (TBA) levels of 10–39.9 µmol/L, and 25 had TBA ≥ 40 µmol/L. There was significantly lower gestational age in patients with severe ICP than in those with mild and control groups (all p < 0.05), and the weight of newborns in the maternal ICP group was significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.05). Increasing TBA levels was associated with higher AST, ALT, ALT/AST, and lower HDL level (all p < 0.05). Meanwhile, higher levels of ALT/AST was positively associated with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.019, 95% CI [1.757–9.194, p = 0.001] and cardiac injury [AOR = 3.500, 95% CI [1.535–7.987], p = 0.003]. HDL was a significant protective factor for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and cardiac injury [AOR = 0.315, 95% CI [0.126–0.788], p = 0.014; AOR = 0.134 (0.039–0.461), p = 0.001]. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for prediction of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia by ALT/AST combined with HDL was 0.668 [95% CI [56.3–77.3%], p = 0.002], and the sensitivity and specificity were 47.1% and 84.0%, respectively. To predict neonatal cardiac injury, the AUC value was 0.668 [95% CI [56.4–77.1%], p = 0.002], with sensitivity and specificity were 41.2% and 87.1%, respectively.ConclusionsThe levels of higher ALT/AST and lower HDL were significantly associated with the risk of ICP-related adverse neonatal outcomes. Moreover, ALT/AST combined with HDL has moderate clinical value in predicting the adverse outcomes of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and cardiac injury. creator: Xizhenzi Fan creator: Xia Li creator: Tianxiao Yu creator: Ruifen Jiao creator: Wenhui Song creator: Achou Su creator: Mingwei Li creator: Qing Guo uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17613 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0 rights: ©2024 Fan et al. title: Prognostic and therapeutic insights into colorectal carcinoma through immunogenic cell death gene profiling link: https://peerj.com/articles/17629 last-modified: 2024-06-24 description: While the significance of immunogenic cell death (ICD) in oncology is acknowledged, its specific impact on colorectal carcinoma remains underexplored. In this study, we delved into the role of ICD in colorectal carcinoma, a topic not yet comprehensively explored. A novel ICD quantification system was developed to forecast patient outcomes and the effectiveness of immunotherapy. Utilizing single-cell sequencing, we constructed an ICD score within the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and examined immunogenic cell death related genes (ICDRGs). Using data from TCGA and GEO, we discovered two separate molecular subcategories within 1,184 patients diagnosed with colon adenocarcinoma/rectum adenocarcinoma (COADREAD). The ICD score was established by principal component analysis (PCA), which classified patients into groups with low and high ICD scores. Further validation in three independent cohorts confirmed the model’s accuracy in predicting immunotherapy success. Patients with higher ICD scores exhibited a “hot” immune phenotype and showed increased responsiveness to immunotherapy. Key genes in the model, such as AKAP12, CALB2, CYR61, and MEIS2, were found to enhance COADREAD cell proliferation, invasion, and PD-L1 expression. These insights offered a new avenue for anti-tumor strategies by targeting ICD, marking advances in colorectal carcinoma treatment. creator: Jinglu Yu creator: Yabin Gong creator: Zhenye Xu creator: Lei Chen creator: Shuang Li creator: Yongkang Cui uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17629 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Yu et al. title: Towards the development of cost-effective point-of-care diagnostic tools for poverty-related infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa link: https://peerj.com/articles/17198 last-modified: 2024-06-21 description: In this review, we examine the current landscape of point-of-care testing (POCT) diagnostic tools designed for poverty-related infectious diseases (PRIDs) in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA) while delineating key avenues for future advancements. Our analysis encompasses both established and emerging diagnostic methods for PRIDs, addressing the persistent challenges in POCT tool development and deployment, such as cost, accessibility, and reliability. We emphasize recent advancements in POCT diagnostic tools as well as platforms poised to enhance diagnostic testing in sSA. Recognizing the urgency for affordable and widely accessible POCT diagnostic tools to detect PRIDs in sSA, we advocate for a multidisciplinary approach. This approach integrates current and emerging diagnostic methods, explicitly addressing challenges hindering point-of-care (POC) tool development. Furthermore, it recognizes the profound impact of misdiagnosis on public and global health, emphasizing the need for effective tools. To facilitate the successful development and implementation of POCT diagnostic tools in sSA, we propose strategies including the creation of multi-analyte detection POCT tools, the implementation of education and training programs, community engagement initiatives, fostering public-private collaborations, and the establishment of reliable supply chains. Through these concerted efforts, we aim to accelerate the development of POCT in the sSA region, ensuring its effectiveness and accessibility in addressing the diagnostic challenges associated with PRIDs. creator: Benedict Ofori creator: Seth Twum creator: Silas Nkansah Yeboah creator: Felix Ansah creator: Kwabena Amofa Nketia Sarpong uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17198 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Ofori et al.