title: PeerJ description: Articles published in PeerJ link: https://peerj.com/articles/index.rss3?journal=peerj&page=312 creator: info@peerj.com PeerJ errorsTo: info@peerj.com PeerJ language: en title: The impact of history of depression and access to weapons on suicide risk assessment: a comparison of ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4 link: https://peerj.com/articles/17468 last-modified: 2024-05-29 description: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4 in incorporating critical risk factors, namely history of depression and access to weapons, into suicide risk assessments. Both models assessed suicide risk using scenarios that featured individuals with and without a history of depression and access to weapons. The models estimated the likelihood of suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, serious suicide attempts, and suicide-related mortality on a Likert scale. A multivariate three-way ANOVA analysis with Bonferroni post hoc tests was conducted to examine the impact of the forementioned independent factors (history of depression and access to weapons) on these outcome variables. Both models identified history of depression as a significant suicide risk factor. ChatGPT-4 demonstrated a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between depression, access to weapons, and suicide risk. In contrast, ChatGPT-3.5 displayed limited insight into this complex relationship. ChatGPT-4 consistently assigned higher severity ratings to suicide-related variables than did ChatGPT-3.5. The study highlights the potential of these two models, particularly ChatGPT-4, to enhance suicide risk assessment by considering complex risk factors. creator: Shiri Shinan-Altman creator: Zohar Elyoseph creator: Inbar Levkovich uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17468 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Shinan-Altman et al. title: SlZIP11 mediates zinc accumulation and sugar storage in tomato fruits link: https://peerj.com/articles/17473 last-modified: 2024-05-29 description: BackgroundZinc (Zn) is a vital micronutrient essential for plant growth and development. Transporter proteins of the ZRT/IRT-like protein (ZIP) family play crucial roles in maintaining Zn homeostasis. Although the acquisition, translocation, and intracellular transport of Zn are well understood in plant roots and leaves, the genes that regulate these pathways in fruits remain largely unexplored. In this study, we aimed to investigate the function of SlZIP11 in regulating tomato fruit development.MethodsWe used Solanum lycopersicum L. ‘Micro-Tom’ SlZIP11 (Solanum lycopersicum) is highly expressed in tomato fruit, particularly in mature green (MG) stages. For obtaining results, we employed reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), yeast two-hybrid assay, bimolecular fluorescent complementation, subcellular localization assay, virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS), SlZIP11 overexpression, determination of Zn content, sugar extraction and content determination, and statistical analysis.ResultsRT-qPCR analysis showed elevated SlZIP11 expression in MG tomato fruits. SlZIP11 expression was inhibited and induced by Zn deficiency and toxicity treatments, respectively. Silencing SlZIP11 via the VIGS technology resulted in a significant increase in the Zn content of tomato fruits. In contrast, overexpression of SlZIP11 led to reduced Zn content in MG fruits. Moreover, both silencing and overexpression of SlZIP11 caused alterations in the fructose and glucose contents of tomato fruits. Additionally, SlSWEEET7a interacted with SlZIP11. The heterodimerization between SlSWEET7a and SlZIP11 affected subcellular targeting, thereby increasing the amount of intracellularly localized oligomeric complexes. Overall, this study elucidates the role of SlZIP11 in mediating Zn accumulation and sugar transport during tomato fruit ripening. These findings underscore the significance of SlZIP11 in regulating Zn levels and sugar content, providing insights into its potential implications for plant physiology and agricultural practices. creator: Jiaqi Sun creator: Manning Wang creator: Xinsheng Zhang creator: Xin Liu creator: Jing Jiang uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17473 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Sun et al. title: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy efficacy and prognosis in HER2-low and HER2-zero breast cancer patients by HR status: a retrospective study in China link: https://peerj.com/articles/17492 last-modified: 2024-05-29 description: BackgroundThe promising efficacy of novel anti-HER2 antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) in HER2-low breast cancer has made HER2-low a research hotspot. However, controversy remains regarding the neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) efficacy, prognosis, and the relationship with hormone receptor (HR) status of HER2-low.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 975 patients with HER2-negative breast cancer undergoing NAC at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, evaluating pathological complete response (pCR) rate and prognosis between HER2-low and HER2-zero in the overall cohort and subgroups.ResultsOverall, 579 (59.4%) and 396 (40.6%) patients were HER2-low and HER2-zero disease, respectively. Compared with HER2-zero, the HER2-low cohort consists of more postmenopausal patients, with lower histological grade and higher HR positivity. In the HR-positive subgroup, HER2-low cases remain to exhibit lower histological grade, while in the HR-negative subgroup, they show higher grade. The HER2-low group had lower pCR rates than the HER2-zero group (16.4% vs. 24.0%). In the HR-positive subgroup, HER2-low consistently showed lower pCR rate (8.1% vs. 15.5%), and served as an independent suppressive factor for the pCR rate. However, no significant difference was observed in the pCR rates between HER2-low and HER2-zero in the HR-negative breast cancer. In the entire cohort and in stratified subgroups based on HR and pCR statuses, no difference in disease-free survival were observed between HER2-low and HER2-zero.ConclusionsIn the Chinese population, HER2-low breast cancer exhibits distinct characteristics and efficacy of NAC in different HR subgroups. Its reduced pCR rate in HR-positive subgroup is particularly important for clinical decisions. However, HER2-low is not a reliable factor for assessing long-term survival outcomes. creator: Shaorong Zhao creator: Yuyun Wang creator: Angxiao Zhou creator: Xu Liu creator: Yi Zhang creator: Jin Zhang uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17492 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Zhao et al. title: Genome-wide identification and characterization of SPXdomain-containing genes family in eggplant link: https://peerj.com/articles/17341 last-modified: 2024-05-28 description: Phosphorus is one of the lowest elements absorbed and utilized by plants in the soil. SPX domain-containing genes family play an important role in plant response to phosphate deficiency signaling pathway, and related to seed development, disease resistance, absorption and transport of other nutrients. However, there are no reports on the mechanism of SPX domain-containing genes in response to phosphorus deficiency in eggplant. In this study, the whole genome identification and functional analysis of SPX domain-containing genes family in eggplant were carried out. Sixteen eggplant SPX domain-containing genes were identified and divided into four categories. Subcellular localization showed that these proteins were located in different cell compartments, including nucleus and membrane system. The expression patterns of these genes in different tissues as well as under phosphate deficiency with auxin were explored. The results showed that SmSPX1, SmSPX5 and SmSPX12 were highest expressed in roots. SmSPX1, SmSPX4, SmSPX5 and SmSPX14 were significantly induced by phosphate deficiency and may be the key candidate genes in response to phosphate starvation in eggplant. Among them, SmSPX1 and SmSPX5 can be induced by auxin under phosphate deficiency. In conclusion, our study preliminary identified the SPX domain genes in eggplant, and the relationship between SPX domain-containing genes and auxin was first analyzed in response to phosphate deficiency, which will provide theoretical basis for improving the absorption of phosphorus in eggplants through molecular breeding technology. creator: Li Zhuomeng creator: Tuo Ji creator: Qi Chen creator: Chenxiao Xu creator: Yuqing Liu creator: Xiaodong Yang creator: Jing Li creator: Fengjuan Yang uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17341 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2024 Zhuomeng et al. title: Single-cell transcriptome reveals the heterogeneity of malignant ductal cells and the prognostic value of REG4 and SPINK1 in primary pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma link: https://peerj.com/articles/17350 last-modified: 2024-05-28 description: BackgroundPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, with very limited therapeutic options available. This study aims to comprehensively depict the heterogeneity and identify prognostic targets for PDAC with single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis.MethodsScRNA-seq analysis was performed on 16 primary PDAC and three adjacent lesions. A series of analytical methods were applied for analysis in cell clustering, gene profiling, lineage trajectory analysis and cell-to-cell interactions. In vitro experiments including colony formation, wound healing and sphere formation assay were performed to assess the role of makers.ResultsA total of 32,480 cells were clustered into six major populations, among which the ductal cell cluster expressing high copy number variants (CNVs) was defined as malignant cells. Malignant cells were further subtyped into five subgroups which exhibited specific features in immunologic and metabolic activities. Pseudotime trajectory analysis indicated that components of various oncogenic pathways were differentially expressed along tumor progression. Furthermore, intensive substantial crosstalk between ductal cells and stromal cells was identified. Finally, genes (REG4 and SPINK1) screened out of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were upregulated in PDAC cell lines. Silencing either of them significantly impaired proliferation, invasion, migration and stemness of PDAC cells.ConclusionsOur findings offer a valuable resource for deciphering the heterogeneity of malignant ductal cells in PDAC. REG4 and SPINK1 are expected to be promising targets for PDAC therapy. creator: Yutian Ji creator: Qianhui Xu creator: Weilin Wang uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17350 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2024 Ji et al. title: Multimodal sensorimotor assessment of hand and forearm asymmetries: a reliability and correlational study link: https://peerj.com/articles/17403 last-modified: 2024-05-28 description: BackgroundEffective rehabilitation of upper limb musculoskeletal disorders requires multimodal assessment to guide clinicians’ decision-making. Furthermore, a comprehensive assessment must include reliable tests. Nevertheless, the interrelationship among various upper limb tests remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of easily applicable upper extremity assessments, including absolute values and asymmetries of muscle mechanical properties, pressure pain threshold, active range of motion, maximal isometric strength, and manual dexterity. A secondary aim was to explore correlations between different assessment procedures to determine their interrelationship.MethodsThirty healthy subjects participated in two experimental sessions with 1 week between sessions. Measurements involved using a digital myotonometer, algometer, inclinometer, dynamometer, and the Nine-Hole Peg test. Intraclass correlation coefficients, standard error of the mean, and minimum detectable change were calculated as reliability indicators. Pearson’s correlation was used to assess the interrelationship between tests.ResultsFor the absolute values of the dominant and nondominant sides, reliability was ‘good’ to ‘excellent’ for muscle mechanical properties, pressure pain thresholds, active range of motion, maximal isometric strength, and manual dexterity. Similarly, the reliability for asymmetries ranged from ‘moderate’ to ‘excellent’ across the same parameters. Faster performance in the second session was consistently found for the Nine-Hole Peg test. No systematic inter-session errors were identified for the values of the asymmetries. No significant correlations were found between tests, indicating test independence.ConclusionThese findings indicate that the sensorimotor battery of tests is reliable, while monitoring asymmetry changes may offer a more conservative approach to effectively tracking recovery of upper extremity injuries. creator: Pablo Bellosta-López creator: Julia Blasco-Abadía creator: Lars L. Andersen creator: Jonas Vinstrup creator: Sebastian V. Skovlund creator: Víctor Doménech-García uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17403 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Bellosta-López et al. title: Gene expression and immune infiltration analysis comparing lesioned and preserved subchondral bone in osteoarthritis link: https://peerj.com/articles/17417 last-modified: 2024-05-28 description: BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease requiring additional research. This study compared gene expression and immune infiltration between lesioned and preserved subchondral bone. The results were validated using multiple tissue datasets and experiments.MethodsDifferentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the lesioned and preserved tibial plateaus of OA patients were identified in the GSE51588 dataset. Moreover, functional annotation and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analyses were performed on the lesioned and preserved sides to explore potential therapeutic targets in OA subchondral bones. In addition, multiple tissues were used to screen coexpressed genes, and the expression levels of identified candidate DEGs in OA were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Finally, an immune infiltration analysis was conducted.ResultsA total of 1,010 DEGs were identified, 423 upregulated and 587 downregulated. The biological process (BP) terms enriched in the upregulated genes included “skeletal system development”, “sister chromatid cohesion”, and “ossification”. Pathways were enriched in “Wnt signaling pathway” and “proteoglycans in cancer”. The BP terms enriched in the downregulated genes included “inflammatory response”, “xenobiotic metabolic process”, and “positive regulation of inflammatory response”. The enriched pathways included “neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction” and “AMP-activated protein kinase signaling”. JUN, tumor necrosis factor α, and interleukin-1β were the hub genes in the PPI network. Collagen XI A1 and leucine-rich repeat-containing 15 were screened from multiple datasets and experimentally validated. Immune infiltration analyses showed fewer infiltrating adipocytes and endothelial cells in the lesioned versus preserved samples.ConclusionOur findings provide valuable information for future studies on the pathogenic mechanism of OA and potential therapeutic and diagnostic targets. creator: Gang Zhang creator: Jinwei Qin creator: Wenbo Xu creator: Meina Liu creator: Rilige Wu creator: Yong Qin uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17417 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2024 Zhang et al. title: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG improves cognitive impairments in mice with sepsis link: https://peerj.com/articles/17427 last-modified: 2024-05-28 description: BackgroundSurvivors of sepsis may encounter cognitive impairment following their recovery from critical condition. At present, there is no standardized treatment for addressing sepsis-associated encephalopathy. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is a prevalent bacterium found in the gut microbiota and is an active component of probiotic supplements. LGG has demonstrated to be associated with cognitive improvement. This study explored whether LGG administration prior to and following induced sepsis could ameliorate cognitive deficits, and explored potential mechanisms.MethodsFemale C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups: sham surgery, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and CLP+LGG. Cognitive behavior was assessed longitudinally at 7-9d, 14-16d, and 21-23d after surgery using an open field test and novel object recognition test. The impact of LGG treatment on pathological changes, the expression level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and the phosphorylation level of the TrkB receptor (p-TrkB) in the hippocampus of mice at two weeks post-CLP (16d) were evaluated using histological, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and western blot analyses.ResultsThe CLP surgery induced and sustained cognitive impairment in mice with sepsis for a minimum of three weeks following the surgery. Compared to mice subjected to CLP alone, the administration of LGG improved the survival of mice with sepsis and notably enhanced their cognitive functioning. Moreover, LGG supplementation significantly alleviated the decrease in hippocampal BDNF expression and p-TrkB phosphorylation levels caused by sepsis, preserving neuronal survival and mitigating the pathological changes within the hippocampus of mice with sepsis. LGG supplementation mitigates sepsis-related cognitive impairment in mice and preserves BDNF expression and p-TrkB levels in the hippocampus. creator: Linxiao Wang creator: Rui Zhao creator: Xuemei Li creator: Pei Shao creator: Jiangang Xie creator: Xiangni Su creator: Sijia Xu creator: Yang Huang creator: Shanbo Hu uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17427 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2024 Wang et al. title: Erector spinae plane block versus paravertebral block on postoperative quality of recovery in obese patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a randomized controlled trial link: https://peerj.com/articles/17431 last-modified: 2024-05-28 description: PurposeTo compare the impact of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and paravertebral block (PVB) on the quality of postoperative recovery (QoR) of patients following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).MethodsA total of 110 patients who underwent elective LSG under general anesthesia were randomly assigned to receive either ultrasound-guided bilateral ESPB or PVB at T8 levels. Before anesthesia induction, 40 mL of 0.33% ropivacaine was administered. The primary outcome was the QoR-15 score at 24 hours postoperatively.ResultsAt 24 hours postoperatively, the QoR-15 score was comparable between the ESPB and PVB groups (131 (112–140) vs. 124 (111–142.5), P = 0.525). Consistently, there was no significant difference in QoR-15 scores at 48 hours postoperatively, numerical rating scale (NRS) pain scores at any postoperative time points, time to first ambulation, time to first anal exhaust, postoperative cumulative oxycodone consumption, and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) between the two groups (all P > 0.05). No nerve block-related complications were observed in either group.ConclusionIn patients undergoing LSG, preoperative bilateral ultrasound-guided ESPB yields comparable postoperative recovery to preoperative bilateral ultrasound-guided PVB. creator: Guanyu Yang creator: Pengfei Wang creator: Yue Yin creator: Huan Qu creator: Xin Zhao creator: Xiaogao Jin creator: Qinjun Chu uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17431 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2024 Yang et al. title: Linking patient-reported oral and general health-related quality of life link: https://peerj.com/articles/17440 last-modified: 2024-05-28 description: BackgroundThe relationship between oral and overall health is of interest to health care professionals and patients alike. This study investigated the correlation between oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a general adult population.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used a convenience sample of adult participants (N = 607) attending the 2022 Minnesota County and State fairs in USA, the 5-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-5) assessed OHRQoL, and the 10-item PROMIS v.1.2 Global Health Instrument assessed HRQoL. Spearman and Pearson correlations were used to summarize the bivariable relationship between OHRQoL and HRQoL (both physical and mental health dimensions). A structural equation model determined OHRQoL-HRQoL correlations (r). Correlations’ magnitude was interpreted according to Cohen’s guidelines (r = 0.10, 0.30, and 0.50 to demarcate “small,” “medium,” and “large” effects, respectively).ResultsOHRQoL and HRQoL correlated with r = 0.52 (95% confidence interval, CI: [0.50–0.55]), indicating that the two constructs shared 27% of their information. According to Cohen, this was a “large” effect. OHRQoL, and the physical and mental HRQoL dimensions correlated with r = 0.55 (95% CI: [0.50–0.59]) and r = 0.43 (95% CI: [0.40–0.46]), respectively, indicating a “large” and a “medium” effect. OHRQoL and HRQoL were substantially correlated in an adult population.ConclusionUsing OHIP-5 to assess their dental patients’ oral health impact allows dental professionals to gain insights into patients’ overall health-related wellbeing. creator: Danna R. Paulson creator: Phonsuda Chanthavisouk creator: Mike T. John creator: Leah Feuerstahler creator: Xing Chen creator: Aparna Ingleshwar uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17440 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Paulson et al.