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: Functional variation among mesenchymal stem cells derived from different tissue sources link: https://peerj.com/articles/17616 last-modified: 2024-06-28 description: BackgroundMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are increasingly recognized for their regenerative potential. However, their clinical application is hindered by their inherent variability, which is influenced by various factors, such as the tissue source, culture conditions, and passage number.MethodsMSCs were sourced from clinically relevant tissues, including adipose tissue-derived MSCs (ADMSCs, n = 2), chorionic villi-derived MSCs (CMMSCs, n = 2), amniotic membrane-derived MSCs (AMMSCs, n = 3), and umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UCMSCs, n = 3). Passages included the umbilical cord at P0 (UCMSCP0, n = 2), P3 (UCMSCP3, n = 2), and P5 (UCMSCP5, n = 2) as well as the umbilical cord at P5 cultured under low-oxygen conditions (UCMSCP5L, n = 2).ResultsWe observed that MSCs from different tissue origins clustered into six distinct functional subpopulations, each with varying proportions. Notably, ADMSCs exhibited a higher proportion of subpopulations associated with vascular regeneration, suggesting that they are beneficial for applications in vascular regeneration. Additionally, CMMSCs had a high proportion of subpopulations associated with reproductive processes. UCMSCP5 and UCMSCP5L had higher proportions of subpopulations related to female reproductive function than those for earlier passages. Furthermore, UCMSCP5L, cultured under low-oxygen (hypoxic) conditions, had a high proportion of subpopulations associated with pro-angiogenic characteristics, with implications for optimizing vascular regeneration.ConclusionsThis study revealed variation in the distribution of MSC subpopulations among different tissue sources, passages, and culture conditions, including differences in functions related to vascular and reproductive system regeneration. These findings hold promise for personalized regenerative medicine and may lead to more effective clinical treatments across a spectrum of medical conditions. creator: Ning Yi creator: Qiao Zeng creator: Chunbing Zheng creator: Shiping Li creator: Bo Lv creator: Cheng Wang creator: Chanyi Li creator: Wenjiao Jiang creator: Yun Liu creator: Yuan Yang creator: Tenglong Yan creator: Jinfeng Xue creator: Zhigang Xue uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17616 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0 rights: © 2024 Yi et al. title: Andrographolide induces protective autophagy and targeting DJ-1 triggers reactive oxygen species-induced cell death in pancreatic cancer link: https://peerj.com/articles/17619 last-modified: 2024-06-28 description: BackgroundAndrographolide (Andro), an extract of Andrographis paniculate (Burm.f.) Wall. ex Nees (Acanthaceae), possesses diverse biologically active properties. However, the precise mechanisms and effects of Andro on pancreatic cancer (PC) remain unclear.MethodsThe cytotoxic potential of Andro and underlying mechanism towards PC cells was investigated through in vitro experiments and a xenograft mouse model. PC cells were first subjected to varying concentrations of Andro. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) was assessed using flow cytometry and DCFH-DA staining. The apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry. Additionally, western blot was applied to evaluate the expression levels of cleaved-caspase-3, DJ-1, LC3-I, LC3-II, and p62. To further elucidate the involvement of ROS accumulation and autophagy, we employed N-acetylcysteine as a scavenger of ROS and 3-Methyladenine as an inhibitor of autophagy.ResultsAndro demonstrated potent anti-proliferative effects on PC cells and induced apoptosis, both in vitro and in vivo. The cytotoxicity of Andro on PC cells was counteracted by DJ-1 overexpression. The reduction in DJ-1 expression caused by Andro led to ROS accumulation, subsequently inhibiting the growth of PC cells. Furthermore, Andro stimulated cytoprotective autophagy, thus weakening the antitumor effect. Pharmacological blockade of autophagy further enhanced the antitumor efficacy of Andro.ConclusionOur study indicated that ROS accumulation induced by the DJ-1 reduction played a key role in Andro-mediated PC cell inhibition. Furthermore, the protective autophagy induced by the Andro in PC cells is a mechanism that needs to be addressed in future studies. creator: Zhaohong Wang creator: Hui Chen creator: Xufan Cai creator: Heqi Bu creator: Shengzhang Lin uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17619 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2024 Wang et al. title: Microbial fungicides can positively affect aubergine photosynthetic properties, soil enzyme activity and microbial community structure link: https://peerj.com/articles/17620 last-modified: 2024-06-28 description: BackgroundThis study examined the effects of microbial agents on the enzyme activity, microbial community construction and potential functions of inter-root soil of aubergine (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.). This study also sought to clarify the adaptability of inter-root microorganisms to environmental factors to provide a theoretical basis for the stability of the microbiology of inter-root soil of aubergine and for the ecological preservation of farmland soil.MethodsEggplant inter-root soils treated with Bacillus subtilis (QZ_T1), Bacillus subtilis (QZ_T2), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (QZ_T3), Verticillium thuringiensis (QZ_T4) and Verticillium purpureum (QZ_T5) were used to analyse the effects of different microbial agents on the inter-root soils of aubergine compared to the untreated control group (QZ_CK). The effects of different microbial agents on the characteristics and functions of inter-root soil microbial communities were analysed using 16S rRNA and ITS (internal transcribed spacer region) high-throughput sequencing techniques.ResultsThe bacterial diversity index and fungal diversity index of the aubergine inter-root soil increased significantly with the application of microbial fungicides; gas exchange parameters and soil enzyme activities also increased. The structural and functional composition of the bacterial and fungal communities in the aubergine inter-root soil changed after fungicide treatment compared to the control, with a decrease in the abundance of phytopathogenic fungi and an increase in the abundance of beneficial fungi in the soil. Enhancement of key community functions, reduction of pathogenic fungi, modulation of environmental factors and improved functional stability of microbial communities were important factors contributing to the microbial stability of fungicide-treated aubergine inter-root soils. creator: Longxue Wei creator: Jinying Zhu creator: Dongbo Zhao creator: Yanting Pei creator: Lianghai Guo creator: Jianjun Guo creator: Zhihui Guo creator: Huini Cui creator: Yongjun Li creator: Jiansheng Gao uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17620 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2024 Wei et al. title: The effect of a spinal thrust manipulation’s audible pop on brain wave activity: a quasi-experimental repeated measure design link: https://peerj.com/articles/17622 last-modified: 2024-06-28 description: IntroductionHigh velocity thrust manipulation is commonly used when managing joint dysfunctions. Often, these thrust maneuvers will elicit an audible pop. It has been unclear what conclusively causes this audible sound and its clinical meaningfulness. This study sought to identify the effect of the audible pop on brainwave activity directly following a prone T7 thrust manipulation in asymptomatic/healthy subjects.MethodsThis was a quasi-experimental repeated measure study design in which 57 subjects completed the study protocol. Brain wave activity was measured with the Emotiv EPOC+, which collects data with a frequency of 128 HZ and has 14 electrodes. Testing was performed in a controlled environment with minimal electrical interference (as measured with a Gauss meter), temperature variance, lighting variance, sound pollution, and other variable changes that could have influenced or interfered with pure EEG data acquisition. After accommodation each subject underwent a prone T7 posterior-anterior thrust manipulation. Immediately after the thrust manipulation the brainwave activity was measured for 10 seconds.ResultsThe non-audible group (N = 20) consisted of 55% males, and the audible group (N = 37) consisted of 43% males. The non-audible group EEG data revealed a significant change in brain wave activity under some of the electrodes in the frontal, parietal, and the occipital lobes. In the audible group, there was a significant change in brain wave activity under all electrodes in the frontal lobes, the parietal lobe, and the occipital lobes but not the temporal lobes.ConclusionThe audible sounds caused by a thoracic high velocity thrust manipulation did not affect the activity in the audible centers in the temporal brain region. The results support the hypothesis that thrust manipulation with or without audible sound results in a generalized relaxation immediately following the manipulation. The absence of a significant difference in brainwave activity in the frontal lobe in this study might indicate that the audible pop does not produce a “placebo” mechanism. creator: Rob Sillevis creator: Joshua Unum creator: Valerie Weiss creator: Eric Shamus creator: Francisco Selva-Sarzo uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17622 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2024 Sillevis et al. title: Dragon boat exercise reshapes the temporal-spatial dynamics of the brain link: https://peerj.com/articles/17623 last-modified: 2024-06-28 description: Although exercise training has been shown to enhance neurological function, there is a shortage of research on how exercise training affects the temporal-spatial synchronization properties of functional networks, which are crucial to the neurological system. This study recruited 23 professional and 24 amateur dragon boat racers to perform simulated paddling on ergometers while recording EEG. The spatiotemporal dynamics of the brain were analyzed using microstates and omega complexity. Temporal dynamics results showed that microstate D, which is associated with attentional networks, appeared significantly altered, with significantly higher duration, occurrence, and coverage in the professional group than in the amateur group. The transition probabilities of microstate D exhibited a similar pattern. The spatial dynamics results showed the professional group had lower brain complexity than the amateur group, with a significant decrease in omega complexity in the α (8–12 Hz) and β (13–30 Hz) bands. Dragon boat training may strengthen the attentive network and reduce the complexity of the brain. This study provides evidence that dragon boat exercise improves the efficiency of the cerebral functional networks on a spatiotemporal scale. creator: Hongke Jiang creator: Shanguang Zhao creator: Qianqian Wu creator: Yingying Cao creator: Wu Zhou creator: Youwu Gong creator: Changzhuan Shao creator: Aiping Chi uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17623 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Jiang et al. title: ULK2 suppresses ovarian cancer cell migration and invasion by elevating IGFBP3 link: https://peerj.com/articles/17628 last-modified: 2024-06-28 description: BackgroundOvarian cancer is an aggressive malignancy with high mortality known for its considerable metastatic potential. This study aimed to explore the expression and functional role of Unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 2 (ULK2) in the progression of ovarian cancer.MethodsULK2 expression patterns in ovarian cancer tissues as well as benign tumor control samples obtained from our institution were evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Cell counting kit 8 and Transwell assays were applied to assess the effects of ULK2 overexpression on cell proliferation, migration and invasion, respectively. RNA sequencing was performed to explore potential mechanisms of action of ULK2 beyond its classical autophagy modulation.ResultsOur experiments showed significant downregulation of ULK2 in ovarian cancer tissues. Importantly, low expression of ULK2 was markedly correlated with decreased overall survival. In vitro functional studies further demonstrated that overexpression of ULK2 significantly suppressed tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. RNA sequencing analysis revealed a potential regulatory role of ULK2 in the insulin signaling pathway through upregulation of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP3) in ovarian cancer cells.ConclusionsIn summary, the collective data indicated that ULK2 acted as a tumor suppressor in ovarian cancer by upregulating the expression of IGFBP3. Our study underscores the potential utility of ULK2 as a valuable prognostic marker for ovarian cancer. creator: Xiaoxi Chen creator: Changxiang Shao creator: Jing Liu creator: Huizhen Sun creator: Bingyi Yao creator: Chengbin Ma creator: Han Xu creator: Weipei Zhu uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17628 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Chen et al. title: Prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension in patient’s visiting the conservative dentistry and endodontics department: a cross-sectional study in Surabaya City link: https://peerj.com/articles/17638 last-modified: 2024-06-28 description: BackgroundThis descriptive cross-sectional study focuses on the prevalence of hypertension (HTN) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) amongst patients who visited the Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics department. Recognizing these incidence statistics is critical for improving endodontic therapy delivery and assuring high-quality dental care with positive treatment outcomes.MethodsIn advance of getting dental care, all patients visiting the department were advised to get their blood sugar and blood pressure levels checked at random. Measurements were taken with digital equipment, and individuals with high levels were encouraged to seek medical advice before undergoing dental procedures. The obtained data was imported into Excel and analyzed with IBM SPSS software (version 21).ResultsThe investigation had 1,100 participants (55.8% female and 44.2% male), with an average age of 44.58 ± 12.77 years. Of the individuals, 40.6% were referred for type 2 diabetes, 12.6% for hypertension, and 24.0% for both diseases. There was a significant correlation (p < 0.05) between referral status and gender. The average blood pressure and random blood sugar readings were 141.02 mmHg ± 56.28 mmHg (systolic), 79.83 mmHg ± 10.68 mmHg (diastolic), and 126.68 mg/dL ± 15.36 mg/dL, respectively. There was a substantial (p < 0.05) difference in mean systolic blood pressure between men and women. Furthermore, age was strongly connected with random blood sugar levels (p < 0.05) and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.05). There were significant (p < 0.05) variations in mean blood pressure and blood sugar levels between referred and non-referred individuals.ConclusionAge had a relationship with higher random blood sugar levels, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. Dentists should consider patient age while planning treatment, as type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension require unique techniques to emphasize patient safety and produce excellent outcomes. creator: Meet Manihar creator: Dian Agustin Wahjuningrum creator: Shreya Manihar creator: Ajinkya M. Pawar creator: Jatin Atram creator: Kulvinder Banga creator: Alexander Maniangat Luke creator: Firas Elmsmari uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17638 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2024 Manihar et al. title: Food addiction and the physical and mental health status of adults with overweight and obesity link: https://peerj.com/articles/17639 last-modified: 2024-06-28 description: BackgroundOverweight and obesity now affect more than a third of the world’s population. They are strongly associated with somatic diseases, in particular increasing the risk of many metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, but also with mental disorders. In particular, there is a strong association between obesity and depression. As a result, more attention is paid to the neurobiological, behavioural, and psychological mechanisms involved in eating. One of these is food addiction (FA). Research comparing lifestyle elements, physical and mental health problems of excess body weight and individuals with FA is limited and has focused on younger people, mainly students. There is also a lack of studies that relate actual metabolic parameters to FA. To better understand the problem of FA also in older adults, it is important to understand the specific relationships between these variables.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted with 172 adults with overweight and obesity (82% female) aged 23–85 years. The mean age of all subjects was M = 59.97 years (SD = 11.93), the mean BMI was M = 32.05 kg/m2 (SD = 4.84), and the mean body fat was M = 39.12% (SD = 6.48). The following questionnaires were used: Food Frequency Questionnaire-6 (FFQ-6), Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), Three Factor Eating Questionnaire-R18 (TFEQ-R18), Yale Food Addiction Scale 2. 0 (YFAS 2.0), Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Body composition, anthropometry, fasting glucose, lipid profile, and blood pressure were measured.ResultsA total of 22.7% of participants with overweight and obesity had symptoms of depression according to the SDS, and 18.6% met the criteria for FA according to YFAS 2.0. FA was statistically significantly more common among people up to 50 years. BMI, body fat mass, diastolic blood pressure and sedentary behaviour were statistically significantly higher in people with FA symptoms. Those who were sedentary for 301–450 min per day were significantly more likely to have depressive symptoms, and those who were sedentary for more than 450 min per day were significantly more likely to have FA symptoms.ConclusionsOur findings complement the current literature on FA, particularly in older adults and metabolic parameters, and suggest further research directions. Although our cross-sectional study design does not allow causal interpretations, increasing physical activity appears to be particularly important in the management of people with overweight or obesity and FA. This may be even more important than for people with depression alone, but future research is needed to explore these relationships further. creator: Magdalena Zielińska creator: Edyta Łuszczki creator: Anna Szymańska creator: Katarzyna Dereń uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17639 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Zielińska et al. title: Comparative in-vivo bond failure rate of orthodontic brackets when bracket base is treated with micro-abrasive blasting vs. acid etching: eighteen month randomized control trial and scanning electron microscope study link: https://peerj.com/articles/17645 last-modified: 2024-06-28 description: BackgroundThe aim of this study was threefold. Firstly, it aimed to introduce and detail a novel method for chemically etching the bases of stainless-steel orthodontic brackets. Secondly, the study sought to investigate the structural alterations within the brackets’ microstructure following chemical etching compared to those with sandblasted bases, using electron microscopy analysis. Lastly, the study aimed to evaluate and compare the long-term durability and survivability of orthodontic brackets with chemically etched bases versus those with sandblasted bases, both bonded using the conventional acid etch technique with Transbond XT adhesive, over an 18-month follow-up period.MethodsThe study was a randomized clinical control trial with triple blinding and split-mouth study design and consisted of two groups. The brackets in the sandblasted group were prepared by sandblasting the intaglio surface of the base of the bracket with 50 µm SiO2 particles. Hydrofluoric acid was used to roughen the base in the acid-etched group. The bases of the brackets were viewed under an electron microscope to analyze the topographical changes.ResultsA total of 5,803 brackets (3,006 acid-etch, 2,797 sandblasted) in 310 patients were bonded, in a split-mouth design by the same operator. The patients were followed for 18 months. The failure rate of 2.59% and 2.7% was noted in an acid-etched and sandblasted group, respectively. There was a close approximation of curves in the Kaplan-Meier plot, and the survival distribution of the two groups in the log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test was insignificant; x2 = 0.062 (P value = 0.804).ConclusionAcid etching if the bases of the brackets can be used as an alternative to sandblasting furthermore acid etching can be performed on the chair side. creator: Owais Khalid Durrani creator: Ulfat Bashir Raja creator: Farooq Ahmad Chaudhary creator: Umar Hamid creator: Muhammad Qasim Javed creator: Sundus Atique creator: Syed Rashid Habib uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17645 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Durrani et al. title: Enhancing small-scale acetification processes using adsorbed Acetobacter pasteurianus UMCC 2951 on κ-carrageenan-coated luffa sponge link: https://peerj.com/articles/17650 last-modified: 2024-06-28 description: BackgroundThis study explored the utilization of luffa sponge (LS) in enhancing acetification processes. LS is known for having high porosity and specific surface area, and can provide a novel means of supporting the growth of acetic acid bacteria (AAB) to improve biomass yield and acetification rate, and thereby promote more efficient and sustainable vinegar production. Moreover, the promising potential of LS and luffa sponge coated with κ-carrageenan (LSK) means they may represent effective alternatives for the co-production of industrially valuable bioproducts, for example bacterial cellulose (BC) and acetic acid.MethodsLS and LSK were employed as adsorbents for Acetobacter pasteurianus UMCC 2951 in a submerged semi-continuous acetification process. Experiments were conducted under reciprocal shaking at 1 Hz and a temperature of 32 °C. The performance of the two systems (LS-AAB and LSK-AAB respectively) was evaluated based on cell dry weight (CDW), acetification rate, and BC biofilm formation.ResultsThe use of LS significantly increased the biomass yield during acetification, achieving a CDW of 3.34 mg/L versus the 0.91 mg/L obtained with planktonic cells. Coating LS with κ-carrageenan further enhanced yield, with a CDW of 4.45 mg/L. Acetification rates were also higher in the LSK-AAB system, reaching 3.33 ± 0.05 g/L d as opposed to 2.45 ± 0.05 g/L d for LS-AAB and 1.13 ± 0.05 g/L d for planktonic cells. Additionally, BC biofilm formation during the second operational cycle was more pronounced in the LSK-AAB system (37.0 ± 3.0 mg/L, as opposed to 25.0 ± 2.0 mg/L in LS-AAB).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that LS significantly improves the efficiency of the acetification process, particularly when enhanced with κ-carrageenan. The increased biomass yield, accelerated acetification, and enhanced BC biofilm formation highlight the potential of the LS-AAB system, and especially the LSK-AAB variant, in sustainable and effective vinegar production. These systems offer a promising approach for small-scale, semi-continuous acetification processes that aligns with eco-friendly practices and caters to specialized market needs. Finally, this innovative method facilitates the dual production of acetic acid and bacterial cellulose, with potential applications in biotechnological fields. creator: Wiramsri Sriphochanart creator: Warawut Krusong creator: Nialmas Samuela creator: Pichayada Somboon creator: Panmanas Sirisomboon creator: Jiraporn Onmankhong creator: Soisuda Pornpukdeewattana creator: Theppanya Charoenrat uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17650 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2024 Sriphochanart et al.