title: PeerJ description: Articles published in PeerJ link: https://peerj.com/articles/index.rss3?journal=peerj&page=592 creator: info@peerj.com PeerJ errorsTo: info@peerj.com PeerJ language: en title: A systematic analysis of anti-diabetic medicinal plants from cells to clinical trials link: https://peerj.com/articles/14639 last-modified: 2023-01-05 description: BackgroundDiabetes is one of the fastest-growing health emergencies of the 21st century, placing a severe economic burden on many countries. Current management approaches have improved diabetic care, but several limitations still exist, such as decreased efficacy, adverse effects, and the high cost of treatment, particularly for developing nations. There is, therefore, a need for more cost-effective therapies for diabetes management. The evidence-based application of phytochemicals from plants in the management of diseases is gaining traction.MethodologyVarious plants and plant parts have been investigated as antidiabetic agents. This review sought to collate and discuss published data on the cellular and molecular effects of medicinal plants and phytochemicals on insulin signaling pathways to better understand the current trend in using plant products in the management of diabetes. Furthermore, we explored available information on medicinal plants that consistently produced hypoglycemic effects from isolated cells to animal studies and clinical trials.ResultsThere is substantial literature describing the effects of a range of plant extracts on insulin action and insulin signaling, revealing a depth in knowledge of molecular detail. Our exploration also reveals effective antidiabetic actions in animal studies, and clear translational potential evidenced by clinical trials.ConclusionWe suggest that this area of research should be further exploited in the search for novel therapeutics for diabetes. creator: Simeon Omale creator: Kennedy I. Amagon creator: Titilayo O. Johnson creator: Shaun Kennedy Bremner creator: Gwyn W. Gould uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14639 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2023 Omale et al. title: Retrospective validation of bone risk stratification criteria for men with de novo metastatic hormone-naive prostate cancer in China link: https://peerj.com/articles/14500 last-modified: 2023-01-04 description: BackgroundBone metastasis has been suggested to be a significant impactor on the prognosis of newly diagnosed de novo metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC), and some risk stratification models have been proposed on the basis of this hypothesis. However, the effectiveness of these risk stratification criteria has not been fully evaluated in China. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the risk stratification models in China.MethodsA total of 140 patients who were newly diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer followed by primary androgen deprivation-based therapy from January 2008 to June 2021 at our institution were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into different groups on the basis of high- and low-volume disease (H/LVD) criteria, high-and low-risk disease (H/LRD) criteria, extremity bone metastasis criteria (EBM), and extent of disease (EOD) criteria. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to compare the validity and net benefit of these models. Using the Cox proportional hazards model, we performed univariable and multivariable analyses of the factors influencing overall survival (OS) and the time of progression to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).ResultsThe median patient age was 72 years. Most patients had a Gleason score ≥8 (102 cases, 72.9%) and clinical T stage >2 (75 cases, 53.6%). The median follow-up time was 25 months (range, 2–95 months). Ninety-two patients progressed to CRPC and fifty-seven patients died during the follow-up. The AUC of OS and CRPC showed that the EOD model had higher validity than the other risk stratification models. DCA shows that the net benefit of the EOD model on OS was better than that of the other risk stratification models. As for CRPC, the net benefit of the EOD model was second only to that of the H/LRD model when the threshold was <0.5; however, when the threshold was >0.5, the EOD model outperformed the other models. The effectiveness of EOD as an independent prognostic variable was verified through univariable and multivariable analyses.ConclusionThe EOD model yields reasonable risk stratification for use in Chinese mHSPC patients, providing further evidence supporting its role in clinical decision-making. creator: Yang Zhang creator: Li Ding creator: Yuxin Zheng creator: Kun Wang creator: Wentao Xia creator: Junqi Wang creator: Peng Ge uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14500 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2023 Zhang et al. title: Novice assessors demonstrate good intra-rater agreement and reliability when determining pressure pain thresholds; a cross-sectional study link: https://peerj.com/articles/14565 last-modified: 2023-01-04 description: BackgroundExperienced assessors show good intra-rater reproducibility (within-session and between-session agreement and reliability) when using an algometer to determine pressure pain thresholds (PPT). However, it is unknown whether novice assessors perform equally well. This study aimed to determine within and between-session agreement and reliability of PPT measurements performed by novice assessors and explored whether these parameters differed per assessor and algometer type.MethodsTen novice assessors measured PPTs over four test locations (tibialis anterior muscle, rectus femoris muscle, extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle and paraspinal muscles C5-C6) in 178 healthy participants, using either a Somedic Type II digital algometer (10 raters; 88 participants) or a Wagner Force Ten FDX 25 digital algometer (nine raters; 90 participants). Prior to the experiment, the novice assessors practiced PPTs for 3 h per algometer. Each assessor measured a different subsample of ~9 participants. For both the individual assessor and for all assessors combined (i.e., the group representing novice assessors), the standard error of measurement (SEM) and coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated to reflect within and between-session agreement. Reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC1,1).ResultsWithin-session agreement expressed as SEM ranged from 42 to 74 kPa, depending on the test location and device. Between-session agreement, expressed as SEM, ranged from 36 to 76 kPa and the CV ranged from 9–16% per body location. Individual assessors differed from the mean group results, ranging from −55 to +32 kPa or from −9.5 to +6.6 percentage points. Reliability was good to excellent (ICC1,1: 0.87 to 0.95). Results were similar for both types of algometers.ConclusionsFollowing 3 h of algometer practice, there were slight differences between assessors, but reproducibility in determining PPTs was overall good. creator: Roland R. Reezigt creator: Geranda E. C. Slager creator: Michel W. Coppieters creator: Gwendolyne G. M. Scholten-Peeters uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14565 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2023 Reezigt et al. title: Effect of oval foramen restriction and premature contraction of the arterial catheter on right heart function of fetuses and infants link: https://peerj.com/articles/14702 last-modified: 2023-01-04 description: ObjectiveThe effect of fetal oval foramen restriction and premature contraction of the arterial catheter for the right heart function of fetuses and infants was studied by evaluating the right and left ventricular (RV/LV) ratios, the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) value, and the Tei index of right heart function parameters.MethodsThis study was approved by the Ethics Committee of First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University (K20190116). We collected 257 fetuses between March 2020 and December 2021. Among these, 98 fetuses that did not have any heart abnormalities were assigned to group A, 91 fetuses with restriction of the left and right atrial channels were assigned to group B, and 68 fetuses with premature contraction of the arterial catheter were assigned to group C. The ventricular transverse diameter, the right heart TAPSE value and the Tei index of fetuses in late pregnancy and 90 days after birth were measured in the three groups, and the diagnostic value of each index for the right heart function injury was evaluated. P < 0.05 indicates significant.ResultsThe P-value of the TAPSE value and Tei index of infants in BC and AC groups and postnatal infants were less than 0.05, which was significant. In the BC group, the RV/LV ratio of fetuses was compared when P > 0.05, which was not significant; however, P < 0.05 after birth was considered significant. For fetuses and postnatal infants in the BC group, the RV/LV ratio was negatively associated with the TAPSE value. However, it was positively associated with the Tei index; Diagnostic test results. To predict impaired right heart function after birth, TAPSE had low diagnostic value, RV/LV and Tei index had high diagnostic value.ConclusionsOval foramen restriction and premature contraction of the arterial catheter may affect the right heart function after birth and be related to the degree of the right heart enlargement. Although TAPSE prediction of the fetal and postnatal right heart function is limited, the RV/LV ratio and the Tei index can be used to predict impaired right heart function after birth. creator: Hongqiang Liu creator: Jinqiu Li creator: Xiaolong Cao creator: Yicheng Wang creator: Dehui Wen creator: Fengqun Dong creator: Jing Wang creator: Tian Li uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14702 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2023 Liu et al. title: Acute physiological outcomes of high-intensity functional training: a scoping review link: https://peerj.com/articles/14493 last-modified: 2023-01-03 description: BackgroundSystematic reviews and meta-analyses related to high-intensity functional training (HIFT) have been conducted. However, due to a restricted pool of available research, these investigations are often limited in scope. As such, a scoping review investigating the present literature surrounding the acute physiological response to HIFT-based exercise was chosen as a more appropriate structured review.MethodologyA scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. Three large scale databases were searched to reveal any article pertaining to HIFT and related exercise terminology.ResultsA total of 2,241 articles were found during the initial search. Following this, titles, then abstracts, and full-texts were reviewed to determine inclusion eligibility. A total of 60 articles which investigated a combined total of 35 unique HIFT workouts were included within this review.ConclusionsA variety of physiological parameters and HIFT workouts have been examined. Markers of intensity (e.g., blood lactate concentrations, heart rate) have been most consistently assessed across all studies, and these support the idea that HIFT workouts are typically performed at high-intensity. In contrast, the inclusion of most other measures (e.g., hormonal, markers of inflammation and damage, energy expenditure, performance) has been inconsistent and has thus, limited the possibility for making generalized conclusions. Differences in study methodologies have further impacted conclusions, as different studies have varied in sample population characteristics, workouts assessed, and time points. Though it may be impossible to comprehensively research all possible HIFT workouts, consistent adoption of population definitions and workload quantification may overcome this challenge and assist with future comparisons. creator: Jacob M. McDougle creator: Gerald T. Mangine creator: Jeremy R. Townsend creator: Adam R. Jajtner creator: Yuri Feito uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14493 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2023 McDougle et al. title: Phytoplankton diversity and chemotaxonomy in contrasting North Pacific ecosystems link: https://peerj.com/articles/14501 last-modified: 2023-01-03 description: BackgroundPhytoplankton is the base of majority of ocean ecosystems. It is responsible for half of the global primary production, and different phytoplankton taxa have a unique role in global biogeochemical cycles. In addition, phytoplankton abundance and diversity are highly susceptible to climate induced changes, hence monitoring of phytoplankton and its diversity is important and necessary.MethodsWater samples for phytoplankton and photosynthetic pigment analyses were collected in boreal winter 2017, along transect in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre (NPSG) and the California Current System (CCS). Phytoplankton community was analyzed using light and scanning electron microscopy and photosynthetic pigments by high-performance liquid chromatography. To describe distinct ecosystems, monthly average satellite data of MODIS Aqua Sea Surface temperature and Chlorophyll a concentration, as well as Apparent Visible Wavelength were used.ResultsA total of 207 taxa have been determined, mostly comprised of coccolithophores (35.5%), diatoms (25.2%) and dinoflagellates (19.5%) while cryptophytes, phytoflagellates and silicoflagellates were included in the group “others” (19.8%). Phytoplankton spatial distribution was distinct, indicating variable planktonic dispersal rates and specific adaptation to ecosystems. Dinoflagellates, and nano-scale coccolithophores dominated NPSG, while micro-scale diatoms, and cryptophytes prevailed in CCS. A clear split between CCS and NPSG is evident in dendogram visualising LINKTREE constrained binary divisive clustering analysis done on phytoplankton counts and pigment concentrations. Of all pigments determined, alloxanthin, zeaxanthin, divinyl chlorophyll b and lutein have highest correlation to phytoplankton counts.ConclusionCombining chemotaxonomy and microscopy is an optimal method to determine phytoplankton diversity on a large-scale transect. Distinct communities between the two contrasting ecosystems of North Pacific reveal phytoplankton groups specific adaptations to trophic state, and support the hypothesis of shift from micro- to nano-scale taxa due to sea surface temperatures rising, favoring stratification and oligotrophic conditions. creator: Antonija Matek creator: Sunčica Bosak creator: Luka Šupraha creator: Aimee Neeley creator: Hrvoje Višić creator: Ivona Cetinić creator: Zrinka Ljubešić uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14501 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2023 Matek et al. title: Insular holobionts: persistence and seasonal plasticity of the Balearic wall lizard (Podarcis lilfordi) gut microbiota link: https://peerj.com/articles/14511 last-modified: 2023-01-03 description: BackgroundIntegrative studies of animals and associated microbial assemblages (i.e., the holobiont) are rapidly changing our perspectives on organismal ecology and evolution. Insular vertebrates provide ideal natural systems to understand patterns of host-gut microbiota coevolution, the resilience and plasticity these microbial communities over temporal and spatial scales, and ultimately their role in the host ecological adaptation.MethodsHere we used the endemic Balearic wall lizard Podarcis lilfordi to dissect the drivers of the microbial diversity within and across host allopatric populations/islets. By focusing on three extensively studied populations/islets of Mallorca (Spain) and fecal sampling from individually identified lizards along two years (both in spring and autumn), we sorted out the effect of islet, sex, life stage, year and season on the microbiota composition. We further related microbiota diversity to host genetics, trophic ecology and expected annual metabolic changes.ResultsAll the three populations showed a remarkable conservation of the major microbial taxonomic profile, while carrying their unique microbial signature at finer level of taxonomic resolution (Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs)). Microbiota distances across populations were compatible with both host genetics (based on microsatellites) and trophic niche distances (based on stable isotopes and fecal content). Within populations, a large proportion of ASVs (30–50%) were recurrently found along the four sampling dates. The microbial diversity was strongly marked by seasonality, with no sex effect and a marginal life stage and annual effect. The microbiota showed seasonal fluctuations along the two sampled years, primarily due to changes in the relative abundances of fermentative bacteria (mostly families Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae), without any major compositional turnover.ConclusionsThese results support a large resilience of the major compositional aspects of the P. lilfordi gut microbiota over the short-term evolutionary divergence of their host allopatric populations (<10,000 years), but also indicate an undergoing process of parallel diversification of the both host and associated gut microbes. Predictable seasonal dynamics in microbiota diversity suggests a role of microbiota plasticity in the lizards’ metabolic adaptation to their resource-constrained insular environments. Overall, our study supports the need for longitudinal and integrative studies of host and associated microbes in natural systems. creator: Laura Baldo creator: Giacomo Tavecchia creator: Andreu Rotger creator: José Manuel Igual creator: Joan Lluís Riera uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14511 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2023 Baldo et al. title: Influences of oxygen and temperature interaction on the antibacterial activity, antioxidant activity, serum biochemical indices, blood indices and growth performance of crucian carp link: https://peerj.com/articles/14530 last-modified: 2023-01-03 description: The well-being of fish used in aquaculture is of great interest. Oxygen and temperature are the main factors affecting the welfare of the crucian carp (carassius); however, there are few studies on the combined effects of these on the species. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of different temperatures (18 °C, 24 °C, 30 °C) and oxygen concentrations (2.1 mgL−1, 5.4 mgL−1, 9.3 mgL−1) on serum antibacterial activity, antioxidant activity, hematological parameters and growth performance of the crucian carp. The results showed that there were greater antibacterial properties under conditions of hypoxia at 18 °C (L18) and hyperoxia at 24 °C (H24). The activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase and total superoxide dismutase were the highest at 24 °C under hypoxia and hyperoxia. In addition, the contents of glucose and total protein first increased and then decreased with the change of temperature; triglycerides were the lowest at 30 °C. The blood parameters of the carp were within a normal range at 24 °C; however, the growth rate was at its lowest under hypoxia treatment at 30 °C (L30). This study showed that high temperature impairs the antibacterial ability, antioxidant capacity and growth performance of the crucian carp, and high oxygen levels can alleviate these adverse reactions. This research provides a theoretical basis for subsequent aquaculture studies. creator: Bin Wang creator: Hanping Mao creator: Jian Zhao creator: Yong Liu creator: Yafei Wang creator: Xiaoxue Du uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14530 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2023 Wang et al. title: Epigenetic regulation of dental-derived stem cells and their application in pulp and periodontal regeneration link: https://peerj.com/articles/14550 last-modified: 2023-01-03 description: Dental-derived stem cells have excellent proliferation ability and multi-directional differentiation potential, making them an important research target in tissue engineering. An increasing number of dental-derived stem cells have been discovered recently, including dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), stem cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs), stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs), dental follicle precursor cells (DFPCs), and periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). These stem cells have significant application prospects in tissue regeneration because they are found in an abundance of sources, and they have good biocompatibility and are highly effective. The biological functions of dental-derived stem cells are regulated in many ways. Epigenetic regulation means changing the expression level and function of a gene without changing its sequence. Epigenetic regulation is involved in many biological processes, such as embryonic development, bone homeostasis, and the fate of stem cells. Existing studies have shown that dental-derived stem cells are also regulated by epigenetic modifications. Pulp and periodontal regeneration refers to the practice of replacing damaged pulp and periodontal tissue and restoring the tissue structure and function under normal physiological conditions. This treatment has better therapeutic effects than traditional treatments. This article reviews the recent research on the mechanism of epigenetic regulation of dental-derived stem cells, and the core issues surrounding the practical application and future use of pulp and periodontal regeneration. creator: Yuyang Chen creator: Xiayi Wang creator: Zhuoxuan Wu creator: Shiyu Jia creator: Mian Wan uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14550 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2023 Chen et al. title: Agricultural water allocation with climate change based on gray wolf optimization in a semi-arid region of China link: https://peerj.com/articles/14577 last-modified: 2023-01-03 description: BackgroundWe quantified and evaluated the allocation of soil and water resources in the Aksu River Basin to measure the consequences of climate change on an agricultural irrigation system.MethodsWe first simulated future climate scenarios in the Aksu River Basin by using a statistical downscaling model (SDSM). We then formulated the optimal allocation scheme of agricultural water as a multiobjective optimization problem and obtained the Pareto optimal solution using the multi-objective grey wolf optimizer (MOGWO). Finally, optimal allocations of water and land resources in the basin at different times were obtained using an analytic hierarchy process (AHP).Results(1) The SDSM is able to simulate future climate change scenarios in the Aksu River Basin. Evapotranspiration (ET0) will increase significantly with variation as will the amount of available water albeit slightly. (2) To alleviate water pressure, the area of cropland should be reduced by 127.5 km2 under RCP4.5 and 377.2 km2 under RCP8.5 scenarios. (3) To be sustainable, the allocation ratio of forest land and water body should increase to 39% of the total water resource in the Aksu River Basin by 2050. creator: Zhidong Wang creator: Xining Zhao creator: Jinglei Wang creator: Ni Song creator: Qisheng Han uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14577 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2023 Wang et al.