title: PeerJ description: Articles published in PeerJ link: https://peerj.com/articles/index.rss3?journal=peerj&page=488 creator: info@peerj.com PeerJ errorsTo: info@peerj.com PeerJ language: en title: Alteration of the oral and gut microbiota in patients with Kawasaki disease link: https://peerj.com/articles/15662 last-modified: 2023-07-10 description: BackgroundKawasaki disease (KD) is a multi-systemic vasculitis that primarily affects children and has an unknown cause. Although an increasing number of studies linking the gut microbiota with KD, the unchallengeable etiology of KD is not available.MethodsHere, we obtained fecal and oral samples from KD patients and healthy controls, and then we use high-throughput sequencing to examine the diversity and composition of microbiota.ResultsResults showed that both in the gut and oral microbiota, the diversity of KD patients was significantly lower than that of the healthy controls. In the gut microbiota, a higher abundance of Enterococcus (40.12% vs less than 0.1%), Bifidobacterium (20.71% vs 3.06%), Escherichia-Shigella (17.56% vs 0.61%), Streptococcus (5.97% vs 0.11%) and Blautia (4.69% vs 0.1%) was observed in the KD patients, and enrichment of Enterococcus in the patients was observed. In terms of oral microbiota, the prevalence of Streptococcus (21.99% vs 0.1%), Rothia (3.02% vs 0.1%), and Escherichia-Shigella (0.68% vs 0.0%) were significantly higher in the KD patients, with the enrichment of Streptococcus and Escherichia-Shigella. Additionally, significant differences in microbial community function between KD patients and healthy controls in the fecal samples were also observed, which will affect the colonization and reproduction of gut microbiota.ConclusionsThese results suggested that the dysbiosis of gut and oral microbiota are both related to KD pathogenesis, of which, the prevalence of Enterococcus in the gut and higher abundance of Streptococcus and Escherichia-Shigella in the oral cavity will be a potential biomarker of the KD. Overall, this study not only confirms that the disturbance of gut microbiota is a causative trigger of KD but also provides new insight into the oral microbiota involved in KD pathogenesis. creator: Qinghuang Zeng creator: Renhe Zeng creator: Jianbin Ye uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15662 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2023 Zeng et al. title: Track cycling sprint sex differences using power data link: https://peerj.com/articles/15671 last-modified: 2023-07-10 description: ObjectivesCurrently, there are no data on sex differences in the power profiles in sprint track cycling. This cross-section study analyses retrospective data of female and male track sprint cyclists for sex differences. We hypothesized that women would exhibit lower peak power to weight than men, as well as demonstrate a different distribution of power durations related to sprint cycling performance.DesignWe used training, testing, and racing data from a publicly available online depository (www.strava.com), for 29 track sprint cyclists (eight women providing 18 datasets, and 21 men providing 54 datasets) to create sex-specific profiles. R2 was used to describe model quality, and regression indices are used to compare watts per kilogram (W/kg) for each duration for both sexes against a 1:1 relationship expected for 15-s:15-s W/kg.ResultsWe confirmed our sample were sprint cyclists, displaying higher peak and competition power than track endurance cyclists. All power profiles showed a high model quality (R2 ≥ 0.77). Regression indices for both sexes were similar for all durations, suggesting similar peak power and similar relationship between peak power and endurance level for both men and women (rejecting our hypothesis). The value of R2 for the female sprinters showed greater variation suggesting greater differences within female sprint cyclists.ConclusionThe main finding shows female sprint cyclists in this study have very similar relationships between peak power and endurance power as men. Higher variation in W/kg for women in this study than men, within these strong relationships, indicates women in this study, had greater inter-athlete variability, and may thus require more personalised training. Future work needs to be performed with larger samples, and at different levels to optimize these recommendations. creator: Hamish Ferguson creator: Chris Harnish creator: Sebastian Klich creator: Kamil Michalik creator: Anna Katharina Dunst creator: Tony Zhou creator: J Geoffrey Chase uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15671 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2023 Ferguson et al. title: Optimization of a tri-drug treatment against lung cancer using orthogonal design in preclinical studies link: https://peerj.com/articles/15672 last-modified: 2023-07-10 description: A growing body of evidence suggests that anesthetics impact the outcome of patients with cancer after surgical intervention. However, the optimal dose and underlying mechanisms of co-administered anesthetics in lung tumor therapy have been poorly studied. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of combined anesthetics propofol, sufentanil, and rocuronium in treating lung cancer using an orthogonal experimental design and to explore the optimal combination of anesthetics. First, we evaluated the effects of the three anesthetics on the proliferation and invasion of A-549 cells using Cell Counting Kit 8 and Transwell migration and invasion assays. Subsequently, we applied the orthogonal experimental design (OED) method to screen the appropriate concentrations of the combined anesthetics with the most effective antitumor activity. We found that all three agents inhibited the proliferation of A-549 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner when applied individually or in combination, with the highest differences in the magnitude of inhibition occurring 24 h after combined drug exposure. The optimal combination of the three anesthetics that achieved the strongest reduction in cell viability was 1.4 µmol/L propofol, 2 nmol/L sufentanil, and 7.83 µmol/L rocuronium. This optimal 3-drug combination produced a more beneficial result at 24 h than either single drug. Our results provide a theoretical basis for improving the efficacy of lung tumor treatment and optimizing anesthetic strategies. creator: Jing Tan creator: Lijun Wang creator: Xuming Song creator: Yijian Zhang creator: Zhenghuan Song creator: Manlin Duan uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15672 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2023 Tan et al. title: First metagenomic analysis of the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) gut microbiome reveals microbial diversity and wide resistome link: https://peerj.com/articles/15235 last-modified: 2023-07-07 description: BackgroundThe Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) is the largest scavenger in South America. This predatory bird plays a crucial role in their ecological niche by removing carcasses. We report the first metagenomic analysis of the Andean condor gut microbiome.MethodsThis work analyzed shotgun metagenomics data from a mixture of fifteen captive Chilean Andean condors. To filter eukaryote contamination, we employed BWA-MEM v0.7. Taxonomy assignment was performed using Kraken2 and MetaPhlAn v2.0 and all filtered reads were assembled using IDBA-UD v1.1.3. The two most abundant species were used to perform a genome reference-guided assembly using MetaCompass. Finally, we performed a gene prediction using Prodigal and each gene predicted was functionally annotated. InterproScan v5.31-70.0 was additionally used to detect homology based on protein domains and KEGG mapper software for reconstructing metabolic pathways.ResultsOur results demonstrate concordance with the other gut microbiome data from New World vultures. In the Andean condor, Firmicutes was the most abundant phylum present, with Clostridium perfringens, a potentially pathogenic bacterium for other animals, as dominating species in the gut microbiome. We assembled all reads corresponding to the top two species found in the condor gut microbiome, finding between 94% to 98% of completeness for Clostridium perfringens and Plesiomonas shigelloides, respectively. Our work highlights the ability of the Andean condor to act as an environmental reservoir and potential vector for critical priority pathogens which contain relevant genetic elements. Among these genetic elements, we found 71 antimicrobial resistance genes and 1,786 virulence factors that we associated with several adaptation processes. creator: J. Eduardo Martinez-Hernandez creator: Pablo Berrios creator: Rodrigo Santibáñez creator: Yesid Cuesta Astroz creator: Carolina Sanchez creator: Alberto J. M. Martin creator: Annette N. Trombert uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15235 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2023 Martinez-Hernandez et al. title: The postcranial anatomy of Gorgonops torvus (Synapsida, Gorgonopsia) from the late Permian of South Africa link: https://peerj.com/articles/15378 last-modified: 2023-07-07 description: Gorgonopsians are among the most recognizable groups of synapsids from the Permian period and have an extensive but mostly cranial fossil record. By contrast, relatively little is known about their postcranial anatomy. Here, we describe a nearly complete, semi-articulated skeleton of a gorgonopsian (identified as Gorgonops torvus) from the late Permian Endothiodon Assemblage Zone of the South African Karoo Basin and discuss its paleobiological implications. Known gorgonopsian postcrania indicate morphological conservatism in the group, but the skeletal anatomy of Gorgonops does differ from that of other gorgonopsians in some respects, such as in the triangular radiale and short terminal phalanges in the manus, and a weakly developed distinction between pubis and ischium in ventral aspect of the pelvic girdle. Similarities between the specimen described herein and a historically problematic specimen originally referred to “Scymnognathus cf. whaitsi” confirm referral of the latter specimen to Gorgonops. Since descriptions of gorgonopsian postcrania are rare, new interpretations of the lifestyle and ecology of Gorgonopsia can be drawn from our contribution. We conclude that gorgonopsians were likely ambush predators, able to chase their prey over short distances and pin them down with strong forelimbs before using their canines for the kill. This is evidenced by their different fore- and hindlimb morphology; the former stouter and more robust in comparison to the longer, more gracile, back legs. Furthermore, the completeness of the study specimen facilitates calculation of an estimated body mass of approximately 98 kg, similar to that of a modern lioness. creator: Eva-Maria Bendel creator: Christian F. Kammerer creator: Roger M. H. Smith creator: Jörg Fröbisch uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15378 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2023 Bendel et al. title: Characterizing the blood microbiota of omnivorous and frugivorous bats (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in Casanare, eastern Colombia link: https://peerj.com/articles/15169 last-modified: 2023-07-06 description: Bats are known reservoirs of seemingly-innocuous pathogenic microorganisms (including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa), which are associated with triggering disease in other zoonotic groups. The taxonomic diversity of the bats’ microbiome is likely associated with species-specific phenotypic, metabolic, and immunogenic capacities. To date, few studies have described the diversity of bat blood microbial communities. Then, this study used amplicon-based next generation sequencing of the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S-rRNA gene in blood samples from omnivorous (n = 16) and frugivorous (n = 9) bats from the department of Casanare in eastern Colombia. We found the blood microbiota in bats to be composed of, among others, Bartonella and Mycoplasma bacterial genera which are associated with various disease phenotypes in other mammals. Furthermore, our results suggest that the bats’ dietary habits might determine the composition and the persistence of some pathogens over others in their bloodstream. This study is among the first to describe the blood microbiota in bats, to reflect on co-infection rates of multiple pathogens in the same individual, and to consider the influence of diet as a factor affecting the animal’s endogenous microbial community. creator: Nicolas Luna creator: Marina Muñoz creator: Adriana Castillo-Castañeda creator: Carolina Hernandez creator: Plutarco Urbano creator: Maryia Shaban creator: Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi creator: Juan David Ramírez uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15169 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2023 Luna et al. title: CircRNA: a rising star in leukemia link: https://peerj.com/articles/15577 last-modified: 2023-07-06 description: Non-coding RNA are a class of RNA that lack the potential to encode proteins. CircRNAs, generated by a post-splicing mechanism, are a newly discovered type of non-coding RNA with multi-functional covalent loop structures. CircRNAs may play an important role in the occurrence and progression of tumors. Research has shown that circRNAs are aberrantly expressed in various types of human cancers, including leukemia. In this review, we summarize the expression and function of circRNAs and their impact on different types of leukemia. We also illustrate the function of circRNAs on immune modulation and chemoresistance in leukemia and their impact on its diagnosis and prognosis. Herein, we provide an understanding of recent advances in research that highlight the importance of circRNAs in proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and autophagy in different types of leukemia. Furthermore, circRNAs make an indispensable difference in the modulation of the immunity and chemoresistance of leukemia. Increasing evidence suggests that circRNAs may play a vital role in the diagnostic and prognostic markers of leukemia because of their prominent properties. More detailed preclinical studies on circRNAs are needed to explore effective ways in which they can serve as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of leukemia in vivo. creator: Qianan Li creator: Xinxin Ren creator: Ying Wang creator: Xiaoru Xin uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15577 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2023 Li et al. title: Some structural features of the peptide profile of myelin basic protein-hydrolyzing antibodies in schizophrenic patients link: https://peerj.com/articles/15584 last-modified: 2023-07-06 description: The antibodies of schizophrenic patients that hydrolyze myelin basic protein (MBP) have been actively studied recently, but the mechanism of the catalytic properties of immunoglobulin molecules remains unknown. Determination of specific immunoglobulin sequences associated with the high activity of MBP proteolysis will help to understand the mechanisms of abzyme catalysis. In the course of comparative mass spectrometric analysis of IgG peptides from the blood serum of patients with acute schizophrenia and healthy people, 12 sequences were identified, which were found only in antibodies that hydrolyze MBP. These sequences belong to IgG heavy chains and κ- and λ-type light chains, with eight of them belonging to variable domains. The content of peptides from the variable regions of the light chains does not correlate with the proteolytic activity of IgG to MBP in patients with schizophrenia, whereas for two sequences from the variable regions of the heavy chains (FQ(+0.98)GWVTMTR and *LYLQMN(+0.98)SLR), an increase in activity with increasing their concentration. The results suggest that these sequences may be involved in one way or another in MBP hydrolysis. creator: Maria Zavialova creator: Daria Kamaeva creator: Laura Kazieva creator: Vladlen S. Skvortsov creator: Liudmila Smirnova uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15584 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2023 Zavialova et al. title: Village dogs match pet dogs in reading human facial expressions link: https://peerj.com/articles/15601 last-modified: 2023-07-06 description: Most studies on dogs’ cognitive skills in understanding human communication have been conducted on pet dogs, making them a role model for the species. However, pet dogs are just a minor and particular sample of the total dog world population, which would instead be better represented by free-ranging dogs. Since free-ranging dogs are still facing the selective forces of the domestication process, they indeed represent an important study subject to investigate the effect that such a process has had on dogs’ behavior and cognition. Despite only a few studies on free-ranging dogs (specifically village dogs) having been conducted so far, the results are intriguing. In fact, village dogs seem to place a high value on social contact with humans and understand some aspects of humans’ communication. In this study we aimed to investigate village dogs’ ability in understanding a subtle human communicative cue: human facial expressions, and compared them with pet dogs, who have already provided evidence of this social skill. We tested whether subjects were able to distinguish between neutral, happy, and angry human facial expressions in a test mimicking a potential real-life situation, where the experimenter repeatedly performed one facial expression while eating some food, and ultimately dropped it on the ground. We found evidence that village dogs, as well as pet dogs, could distinguish between subtle human communicative cues, since they performed a higher frequency of aversive gazes (looking away) in the angry condition than in the happy condition. However, we did not find other behavioral effects of the different conditions, likely due to the low intensity of the emotional expression performed. We suggest that village dogs’ ability in distinguishing between human facial expressions could provide them with an advantage in surviving in a human-dominated environment. creator: Martina Lazzaroni creator: Joana Schär creator: Elizabeth Baxter creator: Juliette Gratalon creator: Friederike Range creator: Sarah Marshall-Pescini creator: Rachel Dale uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15601 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2023 Lazzaroni et al. title: Development of a circHIPK3-based ceRNA network and identification of mRNA signature in breast cancer patients harboring BRCA mutation link: https://peerj.com/articles/15572 last-modified: 2023-07-05 description: BackgroundExploring the regulatory network of competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) as hallmarks for breast cancer development has great significance and could provide therapeutic targets. An mRNA signature predictive of prognosis and therapy response in BRCA carriers was developed according to circular RNA homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 3 (circHIPK3)-based ceRNA network.MethodWe constructed a circHIPK3-based ceRNA network based on GSE173766 dataset and identified potential mRNAs that were associated with BRCA mutation patients within this ceRNA network. A total of 11 prognostic mRNAs and a risk model were identified and developed by univariate Cox regression analysis and the LASSO regression analysis as well as stepAIC method. Genomic landscape was treated by mutect2 and fisher. Immune characteristics was analyzed by ESTIMATE, MCP-counter. TIDE analysis was conducted to predict immunotherapy. The clinical treatment outcomes of BRCA mutation patients were assessed using a nomogram. The proliferation, migration and invasion in breast cancer cell lines were examined using CCK8 assay and transwell assay.ResultWe found 241 mRNAs within the circHIPK3-based ceRNA network. An 11 mRNA-based signature was identified for prognostic model construction. High risk patients exhibited dismal prognosis, low response to immunotherapy, less immune cell infiltration and tumor mutation burden (TMB). High-risk patients were sensitive to six anti-tumor drugs, while low-risk patient were sensitive to 47 drugs. The risk score was the most effective on evaluating patients’ survival. The robustness and good prediction performance were validated in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset and immunotherapy datasets, respectively. In addition, circHIPK3 mRNA level was upregulated, and promoted cell viability, migration and invasion in breast cancer cell lines.ConclusionThe current study could improve the understanding of mRNAs in relation to BRCA mutation and pave the way to develop mRNA-based therapeutic targets for breast cancer patients with BRCA mutation. creator: Qi-xin Lian creator: Yang Song creator: Lili Han creator: Zunxian Wang creator: Yinhui Song uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15572 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2023 Lian et al.