title: PeerJ description: Articles published in PeerJ link: https://peerj.com/articles/index.rss3?journal=peerj&page=331 creator: info@peerj.com PeerJ errorsTo: info@peerj.com PeerJ language: en title: Physical activity and sedentary behavior among school-going adolescents in low- and middle-income countries: insights from the global school-based health survey link: https://peerj.com/articles/17097 last-modified: 2024-04-24 description: BackgroundThe Global School Student Health Survey (GSHS) is being carried out by students in various countries across the globe to advance improved health programs for youth. However, in comparison to high-income countries, adolescents in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are generally at an early stage of understanding regarding physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB), often exhibiting low levels of PA and high levels of SB. Furthermore, there is limited evidence connecting PA and SB in school-going adolescents from LMICs.PurposeThe objective of this review was to synthesize the available evidence regarding PA and sedentary behavior among school-going adolescents in LMICs using data from the GSHS.MethodOn March 18, 2023, a systematic literature search was performed across four electronic databases, namely Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and EBSCO with n odaterestrictions. Studies were eligible if they: (1) utilization of data sourced from the Global Student-based Health Survey; (2) exploration of physical activity; (3) specific focus on adolescents; (4) conducted in low- and middle-income countries; (5) study design encompassing observational; (6) published as English journal articles.ResultsAmong the 29 studies included in the analysis, the majority revealed elevated levels of sedentary behavior and diminished levels of PA in low- and middle-income countries. Furthermore, notable disparities in physical engagement and sedentary behavior were noted between male and female adolescents (p < 0.001). Augmented PA among teenagers was observed to correlate with higher consumption of vegetables and fruits (AOR = 1.30; 95% CI [1.13–1.50]; p < 0.001), decreased alcohol consumption, and a reduced prevalence of loneliness and depression (aOR 1.37, 95% CI [1.18–1.59]).ConclusionsThe results of this review affirm that in contrast to high-income countries, adolescents in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are in the early stages of comprehending physical activity, marked by low levels of PA. Physical activity and sedentary behavior in school-going adolescents from LMICs appear to be influenced by factors such as policies, cultural norms, socioeconomic conditions, as well as gender, and age. creator: Hui Li creator: Wenyu Zhang creator: Jin Yan uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17097 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Li et al. title: Rate dependent neural responses of interaural-time-difference cues in fine-structure and envelope link: https://peerj.com/articles/17104 last-modified: 2024-04-24 description: Advancements in cochlear implants (CIs) have led to a significant increase in bilateral CI users, especially among children. Yet, most bilateral CI users do not fully achieve the intended binaural benefit due to potential limitations in signal processing and/or surgical implant positioning. One crucial auditory cue that normal hearing (NH) listeners can benefit from is the interaural time difference (ITD), i.e., the time difference between the arrival of a sound at two ears. The ITD sensitivity is thought to be heavily relying on the effective utilization of temporal fine structure (very rapid oscillations in sound). Unfortunately, most current CIs do not transmit such true fine structure. Nevertheless, bilateral CI users have demonstrated sensitivity to ITD cues delivered through envelope or interaural pulse time differences, i.e., the time gap between the pulses delivered to the two implants. However, their ITD sensitivity is significantly poorer compared to NH individuals, and it further degrades at higher CI stimulation rates, especially when the rate exceeds 300 pulse per second. The overall purpose of this research thread is to improve spatial hearing abilities in bilateral CI users. This study aims to develop electroencephalography (EEG) paradigms that can be used with clinical settings to assess and optimize the delivery of ITD cues, which are crucial for spatial hearing in everyday life. The research objective of this article was to determine the effect of CI stimulation pulse rate on the ITD sensitivity, and to characterize the rate-dependent degradation in ITD perception using EEG measures. To develop protocols for bilateral CI studies, EEG responses were obtained from NH listeners using sinusoidal-amplitude-modulated (SAM) tones and filtered clicks with changes in either fine structure ITD (ITDFS) or envelope ITD (ITDENV). Multiple EEG responses were analyzed, which included the subcortical auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs) and cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) elicited by stimuli onset, offset, and changes. Results indicated that acoustic change complex (ACC) responses elicited by ITDENV changes were significantly smaller or absent compared to those elicited by ITDFS changes. The ACC morphologies evoked by ITDFS changes were similar to onset and offset CAEPs, although the peak latencies were longest for ACC responses and shortest for offset CAEPs. The high-frequency stimuli clearly elicited subcortical ASSRs, but smaller than those evoked by lower carrier frequency SAM tones. The 40-Hz ASSRs decreased with increasing carrier frequencies. Filtered clicks elicited larger ASSRs compared to high-frequency SAM tones, with the order being 40 > 160 > 80> 320 Hz ASSR for both stimulus types. Wavelet analysis revealed a clear interaction between detectable transient CAEPs and 40-Hz ASSRs in the time-frequency domain for SAM tones with a low carrier frequency. creator: Hongmei Hu creator: Stephan D. Ewert creator: Birger Kollmeier creator: Deborah Vickers uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17104 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Hu et al. title: Validation for the function of protein C in mouse models link: https://peerj.com/articles/17261 last-modified: 2024-04-24 description: ObjectivesProtein C (PC) is an anticoagulant that is encoded by the PROC gene. Validation for the function of PC was carried out in mouse models.MethodsIn this study, autosomal recessive PC deficiency (PCD) was selected as the target, and the specific mutation site was chromosome 2 2q13-q14, PROC c.1198G>A (p.Gly400Ser) which targets G399S (GGT to AGC) in mouse models. To investigate the role of hereditary PC in mice models, we used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology to create a mouse model with a genetic PCD mutation.ResultsThe two F0 generation positive mice produced using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technique were chimeras, and the mice in F1 and F2 generations were heterozygous. There was no phenotype of spontaneous bleeding or thrombosis in the heterozygous mice, but some of them were blind. Blood routine results showed no significant difference between the heterozygous mice and wild-type mice (P > 0.05). Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and thrombin time (TT) were prolonged in the heterozygous mice, while the level of fibrinogen content (FIB) decreased, suggesting secondary consumptive coagulation disease. The protein C activity of heterozygous mice was significantly lower than that of wild-type mice (P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in protein C antigen levels (P > 0.05). H&E staining showed steatosis and hydrodegeneration in the liver of heterozygous mice. Necrosis and exfoliated epithelial cells could be observed in renal tubule lumen, forming cell or granular tubules. Hemosiderin deposition was found in the spleen along with splenic hemorrhage. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated significant fibrin deposition in the liver, spleen, and kidney of heterozygous mice.ConclusionIn this study, heterozygotes of the mouse model with a PC mutation were obtained. The function of PC was then validated in a mouse model through genotype, phenotype, and PC function analysis. creator: Ya Liu creator: Maoping Cai creator: Yan Chen creator: Guocai Wu creator: Songyu Li creator: Zhanghui Chen uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17261 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2024 Liu et al. title: A physical fitness–evaluation system for outstanding Chinese male boxers link: https://peerj.com/articles/17271 last-modified: 2024-04-24 description: BackgroundWe sought to create a system to evaluate the physical fitness of outstanding Chinese male boxers that included an evaluation index, fitness level criteria, and modeling. This system was then used to assess athletes’ physical fitness and development.MethodsDocumentation, expert interviews, questionnaires, measurements, and statistical analyses were used in this study.ResultsThe physical fitness evaluation system included the following three components: (1) body shape indexes (n = 4) including the backhand upper arm circumference differential, finger span height, Cottrell index, and pelvic width/shoulder width × 100; (2) body function indexes (n = 4) including relative maximum anaerobic power, relative maximal oxygen uptake, and creatine kinase and testosterone concentrations; and (3) athletic quality indexes (n = 9) including the speed strength index, the backhand straight punch strength, 3-min cumulative punching force, backhand straight punch reaction time, backhand straight punch speed, 30-m sprint, 9-min double shake jump rope, 1-min double shake jump rope, and sitting forward bend tests. A five-point grading system to evaluate physical fitness was established and an evaluation model was proposed.ConclusionsThe reference values were determined to be objective and effective using a back substitution process. Individual and differential assessments reflected the athletes’ level of physical fitness. The critical values were established under the best and worst conditions and the optimal values were found to be valid and effective. creator: Guodong Wu creator: Yuqiang Guo creator: Liqin Zhang creator: Chao Chen uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17271 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Wu et al. title: Melanella martarum sp. nov. (Gastropoda: Eulimidae): the first parasitic deep-sea snail reported for the Salas & Gomez Ridge link: https://peerj.com/articles/16932 last-modified: 2024-04-23 description: Eulimidae is a highly diverse family of gastropods that are often parasites of echinoderms. They are cosmopolitan and live from the intertidal to great depths. Despite its wide geographic and bathymetric distribution, no species of Eulimidae have been reported for the Salas & Gómez Ridge to date. In this study, we describe Melanella martarum sp. nov., which was collected during the EPIC oceanographic cruise onboard RV Mirai (JAMSTEC, Japan) in 2019. Seven specimens were collected with a modified Agassiz trawl on the summit of seamount “Pearl” (Zhemchuznaya) in the Salas & Gómez Ridge (25.59°S, 89.13°W) at 545 m depth. The morphology of M. martarum sp. nov. was compared with other Melanella species reported for the area, including Chile and Rapa Nui. DNA was extracted and partial sequences of the mitochondrial genes Cytochrome Oxidase 1 (COI) and 16S rDNA, and the nuclear gene Histone 3 (H3) were sequenced. Melanella martarum sp. nov. has morphological characteristics that separate it from other species of Melanella, such as the thickness and color of the shell, and the shape of the protoconch. In addition, M. martarum sp. nov. was genetically differentiated from other Melanella spp. sequences (uncorrected p distances from 18,1–8.6% in mitochondrial COI and 16S rDNA to 3% in nuclear H3 sequences). Although there is not much molecular data available for Eulimidae, the phylogenetic analysis confirms the results obtained by morphology, placing the species found on the Salas & Gómez Ridge within the genus Melanella. The current study advances the understanding of the poorly known benthic fauna found on seamounts in the easternmost part of the Sala & Gómez ridge, a location distinguished by a high level of endemism. creator: Leonardo Santos de Souza creator: Cynthia M. Asorey creator: Javier Sellanes uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.16932 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2024 de Souza et al. title: Discovery of a peculiar insular race of Ravenna nivea (Nire, 1920) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) endemic to Yinggeling Mountain of Hainan, suggesting heterogeneous geological history of mountain formation of the island link: https://peerj.com/articles/17172 last-modified: 2024-04-23 description: A peculiar population of Ravenna nivea (Nire, 1920) was discovered from the Yinggeling Mountain Mass of central Hainan. Its wing pattern and COI barcode data show considerable distinction from other geographic populations of R. nivea, including that of Bawangling, approximately only 40 km away and also located in Hainan. The p-distance value of the COI barcode between the Yinggeling and Bawangling populations was 1.1%, considerably higher than the value (0.6%) between Bawangling population and populations in eastern China, where the subspecific name howarthi Saigusa, 1993 applies. The population is regarded as a distinct subspecies ngiunmoiae Lo & Hsu, subsp. nov. The distinctness and high degree of COI haplotype diversity of R. nivea found in Hainan and Taiwan suggest continental islands may serve as glacial refugees for the butterfly and other organisms during previous glaciations, and the presence of the relict populations of montane butterflies like R. nivea may provide useful clues towards a better understanding of the geological history of mountain formation within islands. creator: Yu-Feng Hsu creator: Yik Fui Philip Lo creator: Rung-Juen Lin uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17172 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2024 Hsu et al. title: Prognosis value of galectin-3 in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy: a meta-analysis link: https://peerj.com/articles/17201 last-modified: 2024-04-23 description: BackgroundAccurate prediction and assessment of myocardial fibrosis (MF) and adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) are crucial in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Several studies indicate that galectin-3 (gal-3) as a promising prognostic predictor in patients with DCM.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for relevant studies up to August 2023. The hazard ratios (HRs) of gal-3 for MACEs in DCM patients, and for MACEs in LGE(+) versus LGE(-) groups, were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA SE 14.0 software.ResultsSeven studies, encompassing 945 patients, met the eligibility criteria. In DCM patients, abnormally elevated gal-3 levels were indicative of an increased MACEs risk (HR = 1.10, 95% CI [1.00–1.21], I2 = 65.7%, p = 0.008). Compared with the LGE(-) group, the level of gal-3 in LGE(+) group was higher (HR = 1.12, 95% CI [1.05–1.19], I2 = 31.4%, p = 0.233), and the combination of gal-3 and LGE significantly improved the prediction of MACEs. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of all results.ConclusionsThis study’s findings suggest that elevated gal-3 levels significantly correlate with increased MACE risk in DCM, highlighting its potential as a biomarker. However, significant heterogeneity among studies necessitates further research to ascertain gal-3’s predictive and diagnostic value in DCM prognosis, particularly in conjunction with LGE.PROSPERO IDCRD42023471199. creator: Yan Xiong creator: Qing Zhang uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17201 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2024 Xiong and Zhang title: The effects of COVID-19 on agriculture supply chain, food security, and environment: a review link: https://peerj.com/articles/17281 last-modified: 2024-04-23 description: COVID-19 has a deep impact on the economic, environmental, and social life of the global population. Particularly, it disturbed the entire agriculture supply chain due to a shortage of labor, travel restrictions, and changes in demand during lockdowns. Consequently, the world population faced food insecurity due to a reduction in food production and booming food prices. Low-income households face food security challenges because of limited income generation during the pandemic. Thus, there is a need to understand comprehensive strategies to meet the complex challenges faced by the food industry and marginalized people in developing countries. This research is intended to review the agricultural supply chain, global food security, and environmental dynamics of COVID-19 by exploring the most significant literature in this domain. Due to lockdowns and reduced industrial production, positive environmental effects are achieved through improved air and water quality and reduced noise pollution globally. However, negative environmental effects emerged due to increasing medical waste, packaging waste, and plastic pollution due to disruptions in recycling operations. There is extensive literature on the effects of COVID-19 on the environment and food security. This study is an effort to review the existing literature to understand the net effects of the pandemic on the environment and food security. The literature suggested adopting innovative policies and strategies to protect the global food supply chain and achieve economic recovery with environmental sustainability. For instance, food productivity should be increased by using modern agriculture technologies to ensure food security. The government should provide food to vulnerable populations during the pandemic. Trade restrictions should be removed for food trade to improve international collaboration for food security. On the environmental side, the government should increase recycling plants during the pandemic to control waste and plastic pollution. creator: Haider Mahmood creator: Maham Furqan creator: Gowhar Meraj creator: Muhammad Shahid Hassan uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17281 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2024 Mahmood et al. title: Insights into soil nematode diversity and bacterial community of Thai jasmine rice rhizosphere from different paddy fields in Thailand link: https://peerj.com/articles/17289 last-modified: 2024-04-23 description: Globally, phytonematodes cause significant crop losses. Understanding the functions played by the plant rhizosphere soil microbiome during phytonematodes infection is crucial. This study examined the distribution of phytonematodes in the paddy fields of five provinces in Thailand, as well as determining the keystone microbial taxa in response to environmental factors that could be considered in the development of efficient biocontrol tactics in agriculture. The results demonstrated that Meloidogyne graminicola and Hirschmanniella spp. were the major and dominant phytonematodes distributed across the paddy fields of Thailand. Soil parameters (total P, Cu, Mg, and Zn) were the important factors affecting the abundance of both nematodes. Illumina next-generation sequencing demonstrated that the levels of bacterial diversity among all locations were not significantly different. The Acidobacteriota, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota, Myxococcota, Chloroflexi, Verrucomicrobiota, Bacteroidota, Gemmatimonadota, and Desulfobacterota were the most abundant bacterial phyla observed at all sites. The number of classes of the Acidobacteriae, Clostridia, Bacilli, and Bacteroidia influenced the proportions of Hirschmanniella spp., Tylenchorhynchus spp., and free-living nematodes in the sampling dirt, whereas the number of classes of the Polyangia and Actinobacteria affected the amounts of Pratylenchus spp. in both roots and soils. Soil organic matter, N, and Mn were the main factors that influenced the structure of the bacterial community. Correlations among rhizosphere microbiota, soil nematodes, and soil properties will be informative data in considering phytonematode management in a rice production system. creator: Pongrawee Nimnoi creator: Patawee Pirankham creator: Kittipong Srimuang creator: Pornthip Ruanpanun uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17289 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2024 Nimnoi et al. title: A comparison of the effects of two protocols of concurrent resistance and aerobic training on physical fitness in middle school students link: https://peerj.com/articles/17294 last-modified: 2024-04-23 description: ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the effects of two concurrent training (CT) protocols on the physical fitness of middle school students.MethodA 12-week quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test study was conducted with 157 middle school students (age = 12.48 ± 0.34, n = 90 females) divided into three groups: CT group A (CT-0h) received combined resistance training (RT) and aerobic training (AT) in each physical education session, CT group B (CT-48h) received RT and AT across two separate physical education classes 48 h apart, and a control group (Con) received no training. Training occurred twice a week. Test indicators included cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) measured by estimated VO2max and 20 m shuttle run (laps), as well as muscle strength assessed through long jump, vertical jump, and handgrip strength.ResultsThe intervention groups exhibited significant increases in estimated VO2max and muscle strength compared to their baseline values (p < 0.05). Both CT-0h and CT-48h groups demonstrated significant improvements in 20 m shuttle run (laps) (mean difference: 8.88 laps, p < 0.01; mean difference: 4.81 laps, p < 0.01, respectively), standing long jump (mean difference: 6.20 cm, p < 0.01; mean difference: 3.68 cm, p < 0.01, respectively), vertical jump (mean difference: 4.95 cm, p < 0.01; mean difference: 4.04 cm, p < 0.01, respectively), and handgrip strength (mean difference: 11.17 kg, p < 0.01; mean difference: 6.99 kg, p < 0.01, respectively). CT-0h group exhibited significantly increased estimated VO2max (mean difference: 1.47 ml/kg/min, p < 0.01) compared to the CT-48h group.ConclusionBoth CT programs effectively improved adolescents’ physical fitness indicators. However, the program that integrated RT and AT within the same physical education class demonstrated superior enhancement in adolescents’ CRF. creator: Zhen Li creator: Teng Ding creator: Yanan Gao creator: Xiaowei Han creator: Yang Liu creator: Zhixiong Zhou uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17294 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2024 Li et al.