PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Development of limb bone laminarity in the homing pigeon (Columba livia)
items: Spatial ecology of little egret (Egretta garzetta) in Hong Kong uncovers preference for commercial fishponds
items: Combating SARS-CoV-2: leveraging microbicidal experiences with other emerging/re-emerging viruses
items: Overexpression of KIAA1199 is an independent prognostic marker in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma
items: Characterization of the transcriptional response of Candida parapsilosis to the antifungal peptide MAF-1A
items: https://peerj.com/articles/9845
items: Adaptations to cursoriality and digit reduction in the forelimb of the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus)
items: Demographic and genetic characterization of harvested Corbicula fluminea populations
items: Five new pseudocryptic land planarian species of Cratera (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida) unveiled through integrative taxonomy
items: Zonula occludens and nasal epithelial barrier integrity in allergic rhinitis

Development of limb bone laminarity in the homing pigeon (Columba livia)
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Birds show adaptations in limb bone shape that are associated with resisting locomotor loads. Whether comparable adaptations occur in the microstructure of avian cortical bone is less clear. One proposed microstructural adaptation is laminar bone in which the proportion of circumferentially-oriented vascular canals (i.e., laminarity) is large. Previous work on adult birds shows elevated laminarity in specific limb elements of some taxa, presumably to resist torsion-induced shear strain during locomotion. However, more recent analyses using improved measurements in adult birds and bats reveal lower laminarity than expected in bones associated with torsional loading. Even so, there may still be support for the resistance hypothesis if laminarity increases with growth and locomotor maturation. Methods Here, we tested that hypothesis using a growth series of 17 homing pigeons (15–563 g). Torsional rigidity and laminarity of limb bones were measured from histological sections sampled from midshaft. Ontogenetic trends in laminarity were assessed using principal component analysis to reduce dimensionality followed by beta regression with a logit link function. Results We found that torsional rigidity of limb bones increases disproportionately with growth, consistent with rapid structural compensation associated with locomotor maturation. However, laminarity decreases with maturity, weakening the hypothesis that high laminarity is a flight adaptation at least in the pigeon. Instead, the histological results suggest that low laminarity, specifically the relative proportion of longitudinal canals aligned with peak principal strains, may better reflect the loading history of a bone.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Rylee S. McGuire
creator: Raffi Ourfalian
creator: Kelly Ezell
creator: Andrew H. Lee
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Zoology
subject: Histology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.9878
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2020 McGuire et al.
abstract: Background Birds show adaptations in limb bone shape that are associated with resisting locomotor loads. Whether comparable adaptations occur in the microstructure of avian cortical bone is less clear. One proposed microstructural adaptation is laminar bone in which the proportion of circumferentially-oriented vascular canals (i.e., laminarity) is large. Previous work on adult birds shows elevated laminarity in specific limb elements of some taxa, presumably to resist torsion-induced shear strain during locomotion. However, more recent analyses using improved measurements in adult birds and bats reveal lower laminarity than expected in bones associated with torsional loading. Even so, there may still be support for the resistance hypothesis if laminarity increases with growth and locomotor maturation. Methods Here, we tested that hypothesis using a growth series of 17 homing pigeons (15–563 g). Torsional rigidity and laminarity of limb bones were measured from histological sections sampled from midshaft. Ontogenetic trends in laminarity were assessed using principal component analysis to reduce dimensionality followed by beta regression with a logit link function. Results We found that torsional rigidity of limb bones increases disproportionately with growth, consistent with rapid structural compensation associated with locomotor maturation. However, laminarity decreases with maturity, weakening the hypothesis that high laminarity is a flight adaptation at least in the pigeon. Instead, the histological results suggest that low laminarity, specifically the relative proportion of longitudinal canals aligned with peak principal strains, may better reflect the loading history of a bone.
bibliographic citation: McGuire et al. (2020) Development of limb bone laminarity in the homing pigeon (Columba livia). PeerJ 8:e9878 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.9878
date submitted: 2020-03-13
date accepted: 2020-08-14
issued: 2020-09-08
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: McGuire
  given name: Rylee S.
author list: Agent
  family name: Ourfalian
  given name: Raffi
author list: Agent
  family name: Ezell
  given name: Kelly
author list: Agent
  family name: Lee
  given name: Andrew H.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.9878
volume: 8
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2020-09-08
copyright: © 2020 McGuire et al.
attribution name: McGuire et al.

Spatial ecology of little egret (Egretta garzetta) in Hong Kong uncovers preference for commercial fishponds
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Many natural wetlands have been converted to human-influenced wetlands. In some instances, human-influenced wetlands could provide complementary habitats for waterbirds, compensating for the loss of natural wetlands. Inner Deep Bay in Hong Kong is composed of both natural and human-influenced wetlands and is under immense development pressure. From an ecology perspective, we need to understand if different wetland types play the same ecological role. To achieve this, we tracked nine little egrets (Egretta garzetta) using GPS loggers for 14 months to study their spatial ecology, home range, movement and habitat use. We found that over 88% of the home range of all individuals comprised of wetlands (commercial fishponds, mangrove, gei wai, channel, and intertidal mudflat). Among these wetland types, nearly all (seven of nine) individuals preferred commercial fishponds over other habitats in all seasons. Little egrets exhibited seasonal movement and habitat use among seasons, with largest home range, greatest movement, and most frequent visits to commercial fishponds in winter compared to spring and autumn. Our results highlight the significant role of commercial fishponds, providing a feeding ground for little egrets. However, other wetland types cannot be ignored, as they were also used considerably. These findings underscore the importance of maintaining a diversity of wetland types as alternative foraging and breeding habitats.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Chun-chiu Pang
creator: Yik-Hei Sung
creator: Yun-tak Chung
creator: Hak-king Ying
creator: Helen Hoi Ning Fong
creator: Yat-tung Yu
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Conservation Biology
subject: Ecology
subject: Ecosystem Science
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.9893
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2020 Pang et al.
abstract: Many natural wetlands have been converted to human-influenced wetlands. In some instances, human-influenced wetlands could provide complementary habitats for waterbirds, compensating for the loss of natural wetlands. Inner Deep Bay in Hong Kong is composed of both natural and human-influenced wetlands and is under immense development pressure. From an ecology perspective, we need to understand if different wetland types play the same ecological role. To achieve this, we tracked nine little egrets (Egretta garzetta) using GPS loggers for 14 months to study their spatial ecology, home range, movement and habitat use. We found that over 88% of the home range of all individuals comprised of wetlands (commercial fishponds, mangrove, gei wai, channel, and intertidal mudflat). Among these wetland types, nearly all (seven of nine) individuals preferred commercial fishponds over other habitats in all seasons. Little egrets exhibited seasonal movement and habitat use among seasons, with largest home range, greatest movement, and most frequent visits to commercial fishponds in winter compared to spring and autumn. Our results highlight the significant role of commercial fishponds, providing a feeding ground for little egrets. However, other wetland types cannot be ignored, as they were also used considerably. These findings underscore the importance of maintaining a diversity of wetland types as alternative foraging and breeding habitats.
bibliographic citation: Pang et al. (2020) Spatial ecology of little egret (Egretta garzetta) in Hong Kong uncovers preference for commercial fishponds. PeerJ 8:e9893 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.9893
date submitted: 2020-04-02
date accepted: 2020-08-17
issued: 2020-09-08
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Pang
  given name: Chun-chiu
author list: Agent
  family name: Sung
  given name: Yik-Hei
author list: Agent
  family name: Chung
  given name: Yun-tak
author list: Agent
  family name: Ying
  given name: Hak-king
author list: Agent
  family name: Fong
  given name: Helen Hoi Ning
author list: Agent
  family name: Yu
  given name: Yat-tung
doi: 10.7717/peerj.9893
volume: 8
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2020-09-08
copyright: ©2020 Pang et al.
attribution name: Pang et al.

Combating SARS-CoV-2: leveraging microbicidal experiences with other emerging/re-emerging viruses
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Wuhan City, China, late in December 2019 is an example of an emerging zoonotic virus that threatens public health and international travel and commerce. When such a virus emerges, there is often insufficient specific information available on mechanisms of virus dissemination from animal-to-human or from person-to-person, on the level or route of infection transmissibility or of viral release in body secretions/excretions, and on the survival of virus in aerosols or on surfaces. The effectiveness of available virucidal agents and hygiene practices as interventions for disrupting the spread of infection and the associated diseases may not be clear for the emerging virus. In the present review, we suggest that approaches for infection prevention and control (IPAC) for SARS-CoV-2 and future emerging/re-emerging viruses can be invoked based on pre-existing data on microbicidal and hygiene effectiveness for related and unrelated enveloped viruses.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: M. Khalid Ijaz
creator: Syed A. Sattar
creator: Joseph R. Rubino
creator: Raymond W. Nims
creator: Charles P. Gerba
subject: Microbiology
subject: Virology
subject: Infectious Diseases
subject: Public Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.9914
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2020 Ijaz et al.
abstract: The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Wuhan City, China, late in December 2019 is an example of an emerging zoonotic virus that threatens public health and international travel and commerce. When such a virus emerges, there is often insufficient specific information available on mechanisms of virus dissemination from animal-to-human or from person-to-person, on the level or route of infection transmissibility or of viral release in body secretions/excretions, and on the survival of virus in aerosols or on surfaces. The effectiveness of available virucidal agents and hygiene practices as interventions for disrupting the spread of infection and the associated diseases may not be clear for the emerging virus. In the present review, we suggest that approaches for infection prevention and control (IPAC) for SARS-CoV-2 and future emerging/re-emerging viruses can be invoked based on pre-existing data on microbicidal and hygiene effectiveness for related and unrelated enveloped viruses.
bibliographic citation: Ijaz et al. (2020) Combating SARS-CoV-2: leveraging microbicidal experiences with other emerging/re-emerging viruses. PeerJ 8:e9914 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.9914
date submitted: 2020-05-28
date accepted: 2020-08-19
issued: 2020-09-08
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Ijaz
  given name: M. Khalid
author list: Agent
  family name: Sattar
  given name: Syed A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Rubino
  given name: Joseph R.
author list: Agent
  family name: Nims
  given name: Raymond W.
author list: Agent
  family name: Gerba
  given name: Charles P.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.9914
volume: 8
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2020-09-08
copyright: © 2020 Ijaz et al.
attribution name: Ijaz et al.

Overexpression of KIAA1199 is an independent prognostic marker in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background KIAA1199 is a recently identified novel gene that is upregulated in various human cancers with poor survival, but its role and the underlying mechanisms in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) remain unknown. Here, we collected tissues from 105 cases of LSCC to investigate the relationships between KIAA1199 protein expression and clinical factors. Methods Western blotting and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) were used for detect the protein and mRNA expression of KIAA1199 in LSCC tissue. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was used to detect the expression of KIAA1199. Patient clinical information, for instance sex, age, pathological differentiation, clinical region, T stage, N stage, clinical stage, operation type, neck lymph dissection, smoking status, and drinking status were recorded. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox analysis were applied to identify the relationship between KIAA1199 and LSCC. Results Western blotting results showed KIAA1199 protein was significantly higher in tumor tissues vs. adjacent non-cancerous tissues (0.9385 ± 0.1363 vs. 1.838 ± 0.3209, P = 0.04). The KIAA1199 mRNA expression was considerably higher in tumor tissues (P < 0.001) than in adjacent non-cancerous tissues by RT-PCR. IHC results showed up-regulated KIAA1199 expression was related with some severe clinicopathological parameters: pathologic differentiation (P = 0.002), T stage (P < 0.001), N stage (P < 0.001), clinical stage (P < 0.001), survival time (P = 0.008) and survival status (P < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that patients with high KIAA1199 protein expression had poor overall survival (OS) (P < 0.05). Cox analysis suggested that the KIAA1199 protein expression constituted an independent prognostic marker for LSCC patients (P < 0.001). Conclusion Our findings revealed that KIAA1199 protein expression may be used to predict LSCC patient outcome.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Meixiang Huang
creator: Feifei Liao
creator: Yexun Song
creator: Gang Zuo
creator: Guolin Tan
creator: Ling Chu
creator: Tiansheng Wang
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Otorhinolaryngology
subject: Surgery and Surgical Specialties
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.9637
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2020 Huang et al.
abstract: Background KIAA1199 is a recently identified novel gene that is upregulated in various human cancers with poor survival, but its role and the underlying mechanisms in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) remain unknown. Here, we collected tissues from 105 cases of LSCC to investigate the relationships between KIAA1199 protein expression and clinical factors. Methods Western blotting and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) were used for detect the protein and mRNA expression of KIAA1199 in LSCC tissue. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was used to detect the expression of KIAA1199. Patient clinical information, for instance sex, age, pathological differentiation, clinical region, T stage, N stage, clinical stage, operation type, neck lymph dissection, smoking status, and drinking status were recorded. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox analysis were applied to identify the relationship between KIAA1199 and LSCC. Results Western blotting results showed KIAA1199 protein was significantly higher in tumor tissues vs. adjacent non-cancerous tissues (0.9385 ± 0.1363 vs. 1.838 ± 0.3209, P = 0.04). The KIAA1199 mRNA expression was considerably higher in tumor tissues (P < 0.001) than in adjacent non-cancerous tissues by RT-PCR. IHC results showed up-regulated KIAA1199 expression was related with some severe clinicopathological parameters: pathologic differentiation (P = 0.002), T stage (P < 0.001), N stage (P < 0.001), clinical stage (P < 0.001), survival time (P = 0.008) and survival status (P < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that patients with high KIAA1199 protein expression had poor overall survival (OS) (P < 0.05). Cox analysis suggested that the KIAA1199 protein expression constituted an independent prognostic marker for LSCC patients (P < 0.001). Conclusion Our findings revealed that KIAA1199 protein expression may be used to predict LSCC patient outcome.
bibliographic citation: Huang et al. (2020) Overexpression of KIAA1199 is an independent prognostic marker in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. PeerJ 8:e9637 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.9637
date submitted: 2020-01-30
date accepted: 2020-07-09
issued: 2020-09-07
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Huang
  given name: Meixiang
author list: Agent
  family name: Liao
  given name: Feifei
author list: Agent
  family name: Song
  given name: Yexun
author list: Agent
  family name: Zuo
  given name: Gang
author list: Agent
  family name: Tan
  given name: Guolin
author list: Agent
  family name: Chu
  given name: Ling
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Tiansheng
doi: 10.7717/peerj.9637
volume: 8
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2020-09-07
copyright: © 2020 Huang et al.
attribution name: Huang et al.

Characterization of the transcriptional response of Candida parapsilosis to the antifungal peptide MAF-1A
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Candida parapsilosis is a major fungal pathogen that leads to sepsis. New and more effective antifungal agents are required due to the emergence of resistant fungal strains. MAF-1A is a cationic antifungal peptide isolated from Musca domestica that is effective against a variety of Candida species. However, the mechanism(s) of its antifungal activity remains undefined. Here, we used RNA-seq to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Candida parapsilosis following MAF-1A exposure. The early (6 h) response included 1,122 upregulated and 1,065 downregulated genes. Late (18 h) responses were associated with the increased expression of 101 genes and the decreased expression of 151 genes. Upon MAF-1A treatment for 18 h, 42 genes were upregulated and 25 genes were downregulated. KEGG enrichment showed that the DEGs in response to MAF-1A were mainly involved in amino acid synthesis and metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, sterol synthesis, and apoptosis. These results indicate that MAF-1A exerts antifungal activity through interference with Candida parapsilosis cell membrane integrity and organelle function. This provides new insight into the interaction between Candida parapsilosis and this antimicrobial peptide and serves as a reference for future Candida parapsilosis therapies.
format: application/pdf
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creator: Rong Cheng
creator: Wei Li
creator: Klarke M. Sample
creator: Qiang Xu
creator: Lin Liu
creator: Fuxun Yu
creator: Yingjie Nie
creator: Xiangyan Zhang
creator: Zhenhua Luo
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Genomics
subject: Microbiology
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Mycology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.9767
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2020 Cheng et al.
abstract: Candida parapsilosis is a major fungal pathogen that leads to sepsis. New and more effective antifungal agents are required due to the emergence of resistant fungal strains. MAF-1A is a cationic antifungal peptide isolated from Musca domestica that is effective against a variety of Candida species. However, the mechanism(s) of its antifungal activity remains undefined. Here, we used RNA-seq to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Candida parapsilosis following MAF-1A exposure. The early (6 h) response included 1,122 upregulated and 1,065 downregulated genes. Late (18 h) responses were associated with the increased expression of 101 genes and the decreased expression of 151 genes. Upon MAF-1A treatment for 18 h, 42 genes were upregulated and 25 genes were downregulated. KEGG enrichment showed that the DEGs in response to MAF-1A were mainly involved in amino acid synthesis and metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, sterol synthesis, and apoptosis. These results indicate that MAF-1A exerts antifungal activity through interference with Candida parapsilosis cell membrane integrity and organelle function. This provides new insight into the interaction between Candida parapsilosis and this antimicrobial peptide and serves as a reference for future Candida parapsilosis therapies.
bibliographic citation: Cheng et al. (2020) Characterization of the transcriptional response of Candida parapsilosis to the antifungal peptide MAF-1A. PeerJ 8:e9767 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.9767
date submitted: 2020-02-10
date accepted: 2020-07-29
issued: 2020-09-07
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Cheng
  given name: Rong
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Wei
author list: Agent
  family name: Sample
  given name: Klarke M.
author list: Agent
  family name: Xu
  given name: Qiang
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Lin
author list: Agent
  family name: Yu
  given name: Fuxun
author list: Agent
  family name: Nie
  given name: Yingjie
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Xiangyan
author list: Agent
  family name: Luo
  given name: Zhenhua
doi: 10.7717/peerj.9767
volume: 8
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2020-09-07
copyright: ©2020 Cheng et al.
attribution name: Cheng et al.

https://peerj.com/articles/9845
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
title: A pilot feasibility randomized controlled trial on combining mind-body physical exercise, cognitive training, and nurse-led risk factor modification to reduce cognitive decline among older adults with mild cognitive impairment in primary care
description: Objectives To examine the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of (1) combining cognitive training, mind-body physical exercise, and nurse-led risk factor modification (CPR), (2) nurse-led risk factor modification (RFM), and (3) health advice (HA) on reducing cognitive decline among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods It was a 3-arm open-labeled pilot randomized controlled trial in the primary care setting in Hong Kong. Nineteen older adults with MCI were randomized to either CPR (n = 6), RFM (n = 7), or HA (n = 6) for 6 months. The primary outcome was the feasibility of the study. Secondary outcomes included the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Hong Kong version (HK-MoCA), the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), the Disability Assessment for Dementia (DAD), quality of life, depression, anxiety, physical activity, health service utilization, and diet. Results Nineteen out the 98 potential patients were recruited, with a recruitment rate of 19% (95% CI [12–29]%, P = 0.243). The adherence rate of risk factor modification was 89% (95% CI [65–98]%, P = 0.139) for CPR group and 86% (95% CI [63–96]%, P = 0.182) for RFM group. In the CPR group, 53% (95% CI [36–70]%, P = 0.038) of the Tai Chi exercise sessions and 54% (95% CI [37–71]%, P = 0.051) of cognitive sessions were completed. The overall dropout rate was 11% (95% CI [2–34]%, P = 0.456). Significant within group changes were observed in HK-MoCA in RFM (4.50 ± 2.59, P = 0.008), cost of health service utilization in CPR (−4000, quartiles: −6800 to −200, P = 0.043), fish and seafood in HA (−1.10 ± 1.02, P = 0.047), and sugar in HA (2.69 ± 1.80, P = 0.015). Group × time interactions were noted on HK-MoCA favoring the RFM group (P = 0.000), DAD score favoring CPR group (P = 0.027), GAS-20 favoring CPR group (P = 0.026), number of servings of fish and seafood (P = 0.004), and sugar (P < 0.001) ate per day. Conclusions In this pilot…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Zijun Xu
creator: Dexing Zhang
creator: Allen T.C. Lee
creator: Regina W.S. Sit
creator: Carmen Wong
creator: Eric K.P. Lee
creator: Benjamin H.K. Yip
creator: Jennifer Y.S. Tiu
creator: Linda C.W. Lam
creator: Samuel Y.S. Wong
subject: Clinical Trials
subject: Cognitive Disorders
subject: Geriatrics
subject: Neurology
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.9845
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2020 Xu et al.
abstract: Objectives To examine the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of (1) combining cognitive training, mind-body physical exercise, and nurse-led risk factor modification (CPR), (2) nurse-led risk factor modification (RFM), and (3) health advice (HA) on reducing cognitive decline among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods It was a 3-arm open-labeled pilot randomized controlled trial in the primary care setting in Hong Kong. Nineteen older adults with MCI were randomized to either CPR (n = 6), RFM (n = 7), or HA (n = 6) for 6 months. The primary outcome was the feasibility of the study. Secondary outcomes included the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Hong Kong version (HK-MoCA), the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), the Disability Assessment for Dementia (DAD), quality of life, depression, anxiety, physical activity, health service utilization, and diet. Results Nineteen out the 98 potential patients were recruited, with a recruitment rate of 19% (95% CI [12–29]%, P = 0.243). The adherence rate of risk factor modification was 89% (95% CI [65–98]%, P = 0.139) for CPR group and 86% (95% CI [63–96]%, P = 0.182) for RFM group. In the CPR group, 53% (95% CI [36–70]%, P = 0.038) of the Tai Chi exercise sessions and 54% (95% CI [37–71]%, P = 0.051) of cognitive sessions were completed. The overall dropout rate was 11% (95% CI [2–34]%, P = 0.456). Significant within group changes were observed in HK-MoCA in RFM (4.50 ± 2.59, P = 0.008), cost of health service utilization in CPR (−4000, quartiles: −6800 to −200, P = 0.043), fish and seafood in HA (−1.10 ± 1.02, P = 0.047), and sugar in HA (2.69 ± 1.80, P = 0.015). Group × time interactions were noted on HK-MoCA favoring the RFM group (P = 0.000), DAD score favoring CPR group (P = 0.027), GAS-20 favoring CPR group (P = 0.026), number of servings of fish and seafood (P = 0.004), and sugar (P < 0.001) ate per day. Conclusions In this pilot…
bibliographic citation: Xu et al. (2020) A pilot feasibility randomized controlled trial on combining mind-body physical exercise, cognitive training, and nurse-led risk factor modification to reduce cognitive decline among older adults with mild cognitive impairment in primary care. PeerJ 8:e9845 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.9845
date submitted: 2020-06-04
date accepted: 2020-08-11
issued: 2020-09-07
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Xu
  given name: Zijun
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Dexing
author list: Agent
  family name: Lee
  given name: Allen T.C.
author list: Agent
  family name: Sit
  given name: Regina W.S.
author list: Agent
  family name: Wong
  given name: Carmen
author list: Agent
  family name: Lee
  given name: Eric K.P.
author list: Agent
  family name: Yip
  given name: Benjamin H.K.
author list: Agent
  family name: Tiu
  given name: Jennifer Y.S.
author list: Agent
  family name: Lam
  given name: Linda C.W.
author list: Agent
  family name: Wong
  given name: Samuel Y.S.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.9845
volume: 8
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2020-09-07
copyright: ©2020 Xu et al.
attribution name: Xu et al.

Adaptations to cursoriality and digit reduction in the forelimb of the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus)
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), an endangered canid native to southern and eastern Africa, is distinct among canids in being described as entirely tetradactyl and in its nomadic lifestyle and use of exhaustive predation to capture its prey instead of speed, strength, or stealth. These behavioral and morphological traits suggest a potentially unique set of adaptations. Methods Here, we dissected the forelimbs of an adult male L. pictus specimen and performed detailed descriptions and quantitative analyses of the musculoskeletal anatomy. Results Statistical comparisons of muscle masses and volumes revealed that L. pictus has relatively smaller wrist rotators (mm. pronator teres, pronator quadratus, supinator) than any other included carnivoran taxon, suggesting adaptive pressures for antebrachial stability over rotatory movement in the carpus of L. pictus. While a complete digit I is absent in L. pictus, a vestigial first metacarpal was discovered, resulting in changes to insertions of mm. extensor digiti I et II, abductor (et opponens) digiti I and flexor digiti I brevis. Mm. anconeus, brachialis and flexor carpi ulnaris caput ulnare all have more extensive origins in L. pictus than other canids suggesting an emphasis on posture and elbow stability. M. triceps brachii caput laterale has a larger origin in L. pictus and m. triceps brachii caput longum has an additional accessory head. Electromyographic studies have shown this muscle is active during the stance phase of trotting and galloping and is important for storing elastic energy during locomotion. We interpret these differences in size and attachments of muscles in L. pictus as adaptations for long distance running in this highly cursorial species, likely important for exhaustive predation. Absence of a full digit I in L. pictus may increase speed and stride length; however, the retention of a vestigial digit permits the attachment of reduced pollical muscles which may provide additional stabili…
format: application/pdf
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creator: Heather F. Smith
creator: Brent Adrian
creator: Rahul Koshy
creator: Ryan Alwiel
creator: Aryeh Grossman
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Ecology
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.9866
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2020 Smith et al.
abstract: Background The African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), an endangered canid native to southern and eastern Africa, is distinct among canids in being described as entirely tetradactyl and in its nomadic lifestyle and use of exhaustive predation to capture its prey instead of speed, strength, or stealth. These behavioral and morphological traits suggest a potentially unique set of adaptations. Methods Here, we dissected the forelimbs of an adult male L. pictus specimen and performed detailed descriptions and quantitative analyses of the musculoskeletal anatomy. Results Statistical comparisons of muscle masses and volumes revealed that L. pictus has relatively smaller wrist rotators (mm. pronator teres, pronator quadratus, supinator) than any other included carnivoran taxon, suggesting adaptive pressures for antebrachial stability over rotatory movement in the carpus of L. pictus. While a complete digit I is absent in L. pictus, a vestigial first metacarpal was discovered, resulting in changes to insertions of mm. extensor digiti I et II, abductor (et opponens) digiti I and flexor digiti I brevis. Mm. anconeus, brachialis and flexor carpi ulnaris caput ulnare all have more extensive origins in L. pictus than other canids suggesting an emphasis on posture and elbow stability. M. triceps brachii caput laterale has a larger origin in L. pictus and m. triceps brachii caput longum has an additional accessory head. Electromyographic studies have shown this muscle is active during the stance phase of trotting and galloping and is important for storing elastic energy during locomotion. We interpret these differences in size and attachments of muscles in L. pictus as adaptations for long distance running in this highly cursorial species, likely important for exhaustive predation. Absence of a full digit I in L. pictus may increase speed and stride length; however, the retention of a vestigial digit permits the attachment of reduced pollical muscles which may provide additional stabili…
bibliographic citation: Smith et al. (2020) Adaptations to cursoriality and digit reduction in the forelimb of the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus). PeerJ 8:e9866 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.9866
date submitted: 2020-06-19
date accepted: 2020-08-13
issued: 2020-09-07
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Smith
  given name: Heather F.
author list: Agent
  family name: Adrian
  given name: Brent
author list: Agent
  family name: Koshy
  given name: Rahul
author list: Agent
  family name: Alwiel
  given name: Ryan
author list: Agent
  family name: Grossman
  given name: Aryeh
doi: 10.7717/peerj.9866
volume: 8
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2020-09-07
copyright: © 2020 Smith et al.
attribution name: Smith et al.

Demographic and genetic characterization of harvested Corbicula fluminea populations
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The freshwater clam Corbicula fluminea s.l. is an edible freshwater bivalve of economic value in Asia. The species has been particularly well studied in the invaded range. However, there is a lack of knowledge in its native range where it supports an increasing commercial harvest pressure. Among Asiatic countries, China accounts for 70% of known commercial harvest and aquaculture production. We aim to characterize here wild C. fluminea s.l populations exposed to commercial harvest pressure in Poyang Lake Basin. We found higher biomass, density and genetic diversity in lake populations compared to peripheral populations (i.e., lake tributaries). Given that lake habitats support more intense harvest pressure than peripheral habitats, we suggest that demographic and genetic differentiation among subpopulations may be influenced in some degree by different harvest pressure. In this regard, additional demographic and/or genetic changes related to increasing harvest pressure may place population at a higher risk of extirpation. Altogether, these results are especially relevant for maintaining populations at or above viable levels and must be considered in order to ensure the sustainability of the resource.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Weikai Wang
creator: Xiongjun Liu
creator: Noé Ferreira-Rodríguez
creator: Weiwei Sun
creator: Yanli Wu
creator: Shan Ouyang
creator: Chunhua Zhou
creator: Xiaoping Wu
subject: Aquaculture, Fisheries and Fish Science
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Ecology
subject: Genetics
subject: Freshwater Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.9657
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2020 Wang et al.
abstract: The freshwater clam Corbicula fluminea s.l. is an edible freshwater bivalve of economic value in Asia. The species has been particularly well studied in the invaded range. However, there is a lack of knowledge in its native range where it supports an increasing commercial harvest pressure. Among Asiatic countries, China accounts for 70% of known commercial harvest and aquaculture production. We aim to characterize here wild C. fluminea s.l populations exposed to commercial harvest pressure in Poyang Lake Basin. We found higher biomass, density and genetic diversity in lake populations compared to peripheral populations (i.e., lake tributaries). Given that lake habitats support more intense harvest pressure than peripheral habitats, we suggest that demographic and genetic differentiation among subpopulations may be influenced in some degree by different harvest pressure. In this regard, additional demographic and/or genetic changes related to increasing harvest pressure may place population at a higher risk of extirpation. Altogether, these results are especially relevant for maintaining populations at or above viable levels and must be considered in order to ensure the sustainability of the resource.
bibliographic citation: Wang et al. (2020) Demographic and genetic characterization of harvested Corbicula fluminea populations. PeerJ 8:e9657 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.9657
date submitted: 2020-02-14
date accepted: 2020-07-14
issued: 2020-09-04
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Weikai
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Xiongjun
author list: Agent
  family name: Ferreira-Rodríguez
  given name: Noé
author list: Agent
  family name: Sun
  given name: Weiwei
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Yanli
author list: Agent
  family name: Ouyang
  given name: Shan
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Chunhua
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Xiaoping
doi: 10.7717/peerj.9657
volume: 8
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2020-09-04
copyright: ©2020 Wang et al.
attribution name: Wang et al.

Five new pseudocryptic land planarian species of Cratera (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida) unveiled through integrative taxonomy
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Cratera is a genus of land planarians endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic forest. The species of this genus are distinguished from each other by a series of external and internal characters, nonetheless they represent a challenging taxonomic issue due to the extreme alikeness of the species analysed in the present work. To resolve these difficulties, we have performed morphological analyses and used three nuclear markers (ribosomal 18S and 28S, Elongation Factor, a new anonymous marker named Tnuc813) and two mitochondrial fragments (Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene, and a fragment encompasing NADH deshydrogenase subunit 4 gene, trnF and the beginning of the Cytochrome c oxidase I gene) in an integrative taxonomic study. Methods To unveil cryptic species, we applied a molecular species delimitation approach based on molecular discovery methods, followed by a validation method. The putative species so delimited were then validated on the basis of diagnostic morphological features. Results We discovered and described four new species, namely Cratera assu, C. tui, C. boja, and C. imbiri. A fifth new species, C. paraitinga was not highly supported by molecular evidence, but was described because its morphological attributes are unique. Our study documents for the genus Cratera the presence of a number of highly similar species, a situation that is present also in other genera of land planarians. The high number of poorly differentiated and presumably recent speciation events might be explained by the recent geological history of the area.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Ana Paula Goulart Araujo
creator: Fernando Carbayo
creator: Marta Riutort
creator: Marta Álvarez-Presas
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Taxonomy
subject: Zoology
subject: Histology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.9726
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2020 Araujo et al.
abstract: Background Cratera is a genus of land planarians endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic forest. The species of this genus are distinguished from each other by a series of external and internal characters, nonetheless they represent a challenging taxonomic issue due to the extreme alikeness of the species analysed in the present work. To resolve these difficulties, we have performed morphological analyses and used three nuclear markers (ribosomal 18S and 28S, Elongation Factor, a new anonymous marker named Tnuc813) and two mitochondrial fragments (Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene, and a fragment encompasing NADH deshydrogenase subunit 4 gene, trnF and the beginning of the Cytochrome c oxidase I gene) in an integrative taxonomic study. Methods To unveil cryptic species, we applied a molecular species delimitation approach based on molecular discovery methods, followed by a validation method. The putative species so delimited were then validated on the basis of diagnostic morphological features. Results We discovered and described four new species, namely Cratera assu, C. tui, C. boja, and C. imbiri. A fifth new species, C. paraitinga was not highly supported by molecular evidence, but was described because its morphological attributes are unique. Our study documents for the genus Cratera the presence of a number of highly similar species, a situation that is present also in other genera of land planarians. The high number of poorly differentiated and presumably recent speciation events might be explained by the recent geological history of the area.
bibliographic citation: Araujo et al. (2020) Five new pseudocryptic land planarian species of Cratera (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida) unveiled through integrative taxonomy. PeerJ 8:e9726 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.9726
date submitted: 2020-05-18
date accepted: 2020-07-24
issued: 2020-09-04
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Araujo
  given name: Ana Paula Goulart
author list: Agent
  family name: Carbayo
  given name: Fernando
author list: Agent
  family name: Riutort
  given name: Marta
author list: Agent
  family name: Álvarez-Presas
  given name: Marta
doi: 10.7717/peerj.9726
volume: 8
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2020-09-04
copyright: ©2020 Araujo et al.
attribution name: Araujo et al.

Zonula occludens and nasal epithelial barrier integrity in allergic rhinitis
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common disease affecting 400 million of the population worldwide. Nasal epithelial cells form a barrier against the invasion of environmental pathogens. These nasal epithelial cells are connected together by tight junction (TJ) proteins including zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), ZO-2 and ZO-3. Impairment of ZO proteins are observed in AR patients whereby dysfunction of ZOs allows allergens to pass the nasal passage into the subepithelium causing AR development. In this review, we discuss ZO proteins and their impairment leading to AR, regulation of their expression by Th1 cytokines (i.e., IL-2, TNF-α and IFN-γ), Th2 cytokines (i.e., IL-4 and IL-13) and histone deacetylases (i.e., HDAC1 and HDAC2). These findings are pivotal for future development of targeted therapies by restoring ZO protein expression and improving nasal epithelial barrier integrity in AR patients.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Che Othman Siti Sarah
creator: Norasnieda Md Shukri
creator: Noor Suryani Mohd Ashari
creator: Kah Keng Wong
subject: Allergy and Clinical Immunology
subject: Immunology
subject: Otorhinolaryngology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.9834
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2020 Siti Sarah et al.
abstract: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common disease affecting 400 million of the population worldwide. Nasal epithelial cells form a barrier against the invasion of environmental pathogens. These nasal epithelial cells are connected together by tight junction (TJ) proteins including zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), ZO-2 and ZO-3. Impairment of ZO proteins are observed in AR patients whereby dysfunction of ZOs allows allergens to pass the nasal passage into the subepithelium causing AR development. In this review, we discuss ZO proteins and their impairment leading to AR, regulation of their expression by Th1 cytokines (i.e., IL-2, TNF-α and IFN-γ), Th2 cytokines (i.e., IL-4 and IL-13) and histone deacetylases (i.e., HDAC1 and HDAC2). These findings are pivotal for future development of targeted therapies by restoring ZO protein expression and improving nasal epithelial barrier integrity in AR patients.
bibliographic citation: Siti Sarah et al. (2020) Zonula occludens and nasal epithelial barrier integrity in allergic rhinitis. PeerJ 8:e9834 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.9834
date submitted: 2020-02-27
date accepted: 2020-08-07
issued: 2020-09-04
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Siti Sarah
  given name: Che Othman
author list: Agent
  family name: Md Shukri
  given name: Norasnieda
author list: Agent
  family name: Mohd Ashari
  given name: Noor Suryani
author list: Agent
  family name: Wong
  given name: Kah Keng
doi: 10.7717/peerj.9834
volume: 8
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2020-09-04
copyright: ©2020 Siti Sarah et al.
attribution name: Siti Sarah et al.

PeerJ
type: Periodical
uri: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359