title: PeerJ
description:  Articles published in PeerJ
link: https://peerj.com/articles/index.rss3?journal=peerj&page=299
creator: info@peerj.com PeerJ
errorsTo: info@peerj.com PeerJ
language: en

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.

title: Path for recovery: an ecological overview of the Jambato Harlequin Toad (Bufonidae: Atelopus ignescens) in its last known locality, Angamarca Valley, Ecuador
link: https://peerj.com/articles/17344
last-modified: 2024-06-21
description: The Jambato Harlequin toad (Atelopus ignescens), a formerly abundant species in the Andes of Ecuador, faced a dramatic population decline in the 1980s, with its last recorded sighting in 1988. The species was considered Extinct by the IUCN until 2016, when a fortuitous discovery of one Jambato by a local boy reignited hope. In this study, we present findings from an investigation conducted in the Angamarca parish, focusing on distribution, abundance, habitat preferences, ecology, disease susceptibility, and dietary habits of the species. In one year we identified 71 individuals at different stages of development in various habitats, with a significant presence in agricultural mosaic areas and locations near water sources used for crop irrigation, demonstrating the persistence of the species in a complex landscape, with considerable human intervention. The dietary analysis based on fecal samples indicated a diverse prey selection, primarily comprising arthropods such as Acari, Coleoptera, and ants. Amphibian declines have been associated with diseases and climate change; notably, our study confirmed the presence of the pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), but, surprisingly, none of the infected Jambatos displayed visible signs of illness. When analyzing climatic patterns, we found that there are climatic differences between historical localities and Angamarca; the temporal analysis also exposes a generalized warming trend. Finally, in collaboration with the local community, we developed a series of management recommendations for terrestrial and aquatic environments occupied by the Jambato.
creator: Mateo A. Vega-Yánez
creator: Amanda B. Quezada-Riera
creator: Blanca Rios-Touma
creator: María del Carmen Vizcaíno-Barba
creator: William Millingalli
creator: Orlando Ganzino
creator: Luis A. Coloma
creator: Elicio E. Tapia
creator: Nadine Dupérré
creator: Mónica Páez-Vacas
creator: David Parra-Puente
creator: Daniela Franco-Mena
creator: Gabriela Gavilanes
creator: David Salazar-Valenzuela
creator: Carlos A. Valle
creator: Juan M. Guayasamin
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17344
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: ©2024 Vega-Yánez et al.

title: Taxon-dependent diversity response along a temperate elevation gradient covered by grassland
link: https://peerj.com/articles/17375
last-modified: 2024-06-21
description: Elevational gradients constitute excellent systems for understanding the mechanisms that generate and maintain global biodiversity patterns. Climatic gradients associated with elevation show strong influence on species distribution in mountains. The study of mountains covered by the same habitat type is an ideal scenario to compare alternatives to the energy hypotheses. Our aim was to investigate how changes in climatic conditions along the elevational gradient drive α- and β-diversity of four taxa in a mountain system located within a grassland biome. We sampled ants, spiders, birds and plants, and measured climatic variables at six elevational bands (with 10 sampling sites each) established between 470 and 1,000 masl on a mountain from the Ventania Mountain System, Argentina. Species richness per site and β-diversity (turnover and nestedness) between the lowest band and upper sites were estimated. For most taxa, species richness declined at high elevations and energy, through temperature, was the major driver of species richness for ants, plants and birds, prevailing over productivity and water availability. The major β-diversity component was turnover for plants, spiders and birds, and nestedness for ants. The unique environmental conditions of the upper bands could favour the occurrence of specialist and endemic species.
creator: Santiago Santoandré
creator: Carolina Samanta Ramos
creator: Pablo Picca
creator: Julieta Filloy
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17375
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: ©2024 Santoandré et al.

title: Interlimb and trunk asymmetry in the frontal plane of table tennis female players
link: https://peerj.com/articles/17526
last-modified: 2024-06-21
description: BackgroundAn interesting and little-reported problem in the literature is the scale of asymmetry in table tennis players, the magnitude of which should perhaps be treated as a risk for injury. Determining the degree of asymmetry in table tennis players can indicate the need to appropriately manage the training process, including compensatory or corrective exercises in the training program, especially since recent studies confirm that training interventions can reduce sporting asymmetries and improve performance. This study aimed to assess the amount of asymmetry in the trunk regarding the frontal plane and the difference between limb circumferences in female table tennis players compared to the control group (non-athletes).MethodsTwenty-two women took part in the study. Ten of them were table tennis professionals with an average training experience of 7 ± 4.3 years (the exclusion criterion of the study was a minimum of 3 years of training experience). As a comparison group, the study included 12 female students who did not participate in competitive sports. Body posture was assessed in all subjects using equipment for computer analysis of asymmetry in the torso using the photogrammetric method. Additionally, all the subjects had their upper and lower limb circumferences measured.ResultsThe results of the conducted research showed asymmetry in the frontal plane in the table tennis player group. As many as six parameters—regarding the pelvic rotation angle, angle of trunk inclination, the height of the angles of the lower shoulder blades and their distance from the spine, as well as the waist triangles, difference in the width and height of the waist triangles and the angle of trunk inclination—indicated asymmetry in this group but significantly differed from the control group (p ≤ 0.05) only in the first parameter given above. The calculated differences in circumference between the right and left sides in the individual groups were statistically different in several cases (p ≤ 0.05). This concerned the circumferences of the arms, forearms, elbows, and knees of table tennis players.ConclusionsThe research carried out in this study allowed us to determine the occurrence of asymmetry in the frontal plane of the trunk and between the limbs of table tennis players. According to some studies, this may be a risk factor for injury. However, despite the lack of uniform views in the literature on the importance and threats resulting from asymmetries, it appears that, if only for aesthetic reasons, table tennis would require compensatory or corrective training aimed at developing symmetry of the body structure.
creator: Ziemowit Bańkosz
creator: Arletta Hawrylak
creator: Małgorzata Kołodziej
creator: Lenka Murinova
creator: Katarzyna Barczyk-Pawelec
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17526
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: ©2024 Bańkosz et al.

title: Decrease in the usual walking speed and body fat percentage associated with a deterioration in long-term care insurance certification levels
link: https://peerj.com/articles/17529
last-modified: 2024-06-21
description: BackgroundIn Japan, the number of older adults requiring long-term care insurance (LTCI) is increasing and the cost is becoming a social problem. In these fields, the role of geriatric rehabilitation includes maintaining the physical function and LTCI certification levels. The prevalence of sarcopenia is high among older adults requiring LTCI certification, and there are many opportunities to assess the handgrip strength, walking speed, and muscle mass. This study aimed to identify sarcopenia-related assessments sensitive to transitions in LTCI certification levels and determine cut-off values to predict them.MethodsThis prospective cohort study analyzed 98 daycare users (mean age ± standard error: 78.5 ± 0.8 years) between March 2019 and 2023. The participants received LTCI certification before the study, and their levels were renewed between baseline and follow-up (six months later). The measurements included handgrip strength, usual walking speed, body composition, and SARC-F score. Participants were classified into maintenance, deterioration, and improvement groups according to the changes in their LTCI certification levels. We identified factors contributing to the deterioration of LTCI certification levels using baseline and before and after comparisons, multivariate analyses, and receiver operating characteristic analyses.ResultsNo significant differences were observed in the baseline data among the groups. Only the deterioration group showed significant changes in the usual walking speed (baseline: 0.64 ± 0.25 m/s, follow-up: 0.53 ± 0.21 m/s, P = 0.008) and body fat percentage (baseline: 29.2 ± 9.9%, follow-up: 27.7 ± 10.3%, P = 0.047). Binomial logistic regression showed that changes in usual walking speed (P = 0.042) and body fat percentage (P = 0.011) were significantly associated with the deterioration of LTCI certification levels, even after adjustment. The cutoff values of change to discriminate the deterioration of LTCI certification levels were −0.14 m/s at the usual walking speed (P = 0.047) and −1.0% for body fat percentage (P = 0.029).ConclusionsDecreases in usual walking speed and body fat percentage may predict worse certification levels in older adults requiring LTCI.
creator: Yohei Sawaya
creator: Tamaki Hirose
creator: Takahiro Shiba
creator: Ryo Sato
creator: Lu Yin
creator: Akira Kubo
creator: Tomohiko Urano
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17529
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: ©2024 Sawaya et al.

title: Construction of a nomogram for predicting catheter-related bladder discomfort in patients with end-stage renal disease after renal transplantation: a retrospective study
link: https://peerj.com/articles/17530
last-modified: 2024-06-21
description: BackgroundThe incidence of catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) is relatively high in the end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients who underwent renal transplantation (RT). This study was designed to establish a nomogram for predicting CRBD after RT among ESRD patients.MethodsIn this retrospective study, we collected 269 ESRD patients who underwent RT between September 2019 and August 2023 in our hospital. The patients were divided into training set (n = 215) and test set (n = 54) based on a ratio of 8:2. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were utilized to identify the risk factors associated with CRBD after RT, and then a nomogram model was constructed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and calibration curve were used to evaluate the predicting efficiency of the established nomogram.ResultsMultivariate logistic regression analysis showed that aberrant body mass index (BMI) (underweight: OR = 5.25; 95% CI [1.25–22.15], P = 0.024; overweight: OR = 2.75; 95% CI [1.17–6.49], P = 0.021), anuria (OR = 2.86; 95% CI [1.33–5.88]) and application of double J (DJ) stent with a diameter of >5Fr (OR = 15.88; 95% CI [6.47–39.01], P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for CRBD after RT. In contrast, sufentanil utilization (>100 µg) [OR = 0.39; 95% CI [0.17–0.88], P = 0.023] was associated with decreased incidence of CRBD. A nomogram was then established based on these parameters for predicting the occurrence of CRBD after RT. Area under the ROC curve (AUC) values and calibration curves confirmed the prediction efficiency of the nomogram.ConclusionA nomogram was established for predicting CRBD after RT in ESRD patients, which showed good prediction efficiency based on AUC and calibration curves.
creator: Kao Liu
creator: Shengli Liu
creator: Zhiguo Peng
creator: Na Li
creator: Huaibin Sun
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17530
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: ©2024 Liu et al.

title: The relationship between low energy availability, injuries, and bone health in recreational female athletes
link: https://peerj.com/articles/17533
last-modified: 2024-06-21
description: BackgroundLow energy availability (LEA) causes pathophysiology of the female athlete’s body affecting the bone and reproductive health and was observed to have a high prevalence in recreational female athletes previously. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between low energy availability in females questionnaire (LEAF-Q), bone mineral density (BMD), and postural stability in recreational athletes.MethodsRecreational female athletes (n = 24, age: 23.71 ± 2.94, Tier I) completed LEAF-Q, postural stability measurement during quiet stance (Zebris platform FDM; GmbH) and their BMD was measured using DXA (Hologic QDR Horizon A). Non-parametric statistical tests were used to analyse the relationships between LEAF-Q, BMD, and postural stability and to compare differences between participants divided by the LEAF-Q score and its subscales.ResultsRisk of LEA was observed in 50% of recreational athletes participating in this study. Up to 46% of participants perceived menstrual bleeding changes related to training and 37.50% experienced menstrual dysfunction. Body composition and body weight fluctuations were observed to affect postural stability and BMD. With the risk score for LEA, the BMD and postural stability were not negatively affected in recreational athletes. However, the high number of recreational athletes in the risk score for LEA and menstrual dysfunctions highlights the need for public health programs aimed to increase awareness of LEA and its health consequences and for open communication about the menstrual cycle. Future longitudinal studies observing LEA, BMD, menstrual function, postural stability, and their interrelationship in female athletes are needed to increase the knowledge of this topic.
creator: Marta Gimunová
creator: Michal Bozděch
creator: Martina Bernaciková
creator: Romulo Fernandes
creator: Michal Kumstát
creator: Ana Paludo
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17533
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: © 2024 Gimunová et al.

title: Efficacy and safety of Brolucizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a systematic review and meta-analysis
link: https://peerj.com/articles/17561
last-modified: 2024-06-21
description: BackgroundTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of Brolucizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (n-AMD) through a systematic review and meta-analysis.Materials and MethodsCochrane, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were comprehensively searched for relevant studies. Stata and RevMan5.4 were applied for meta-analysis and risk of bias assessment. Data on the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield thickness (CSFT), presence of intraretinal fluid (IRF) and/or subretinal fluid (SRF), participants with ≥1 serious adverse events, and participants with ≥1 adverse events were analyzed.ResultsSix studies were finally included. Meta-analysis showed statistical differences in BCVA [SMD = −0.65, 95% CI [−0.17 to −0.23], P < 0.05], the presence of IRF and/or SRF [RR = 0.67, 95% CI [0.56–0.79], P < 0.05], and the safety of participants with ≥1 serious adverse events [RR = 0.57, 95% CI [0.39–0.84], P < 0.05] between the experimental group and the control group. However, no statistical differences were observed in CSFT [SMD = −1.16, 95% CI [−2.79 to 0.47], P > 0.05] or the safety of participants with ≥1 adverse events [RR = 1.07, 95% CI [0.97–1.17], P > 0.05].ConclusionsCompared to other anti-VEGF drugs such as Aflibercept and Ranibizumab, intravitreal injection of 6 mg Brolucizumab is more effective and safer for n-AMD, especially in the presence of IRF and/or SRF, and for participants with ≥1 serious adverse events.
creator: Ran Dou
creator: Jian Jiang
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17561
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: © 2024 Dou and Jiang