PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Prognostic values of GMPS, PR, CD40, and p21 in ovarian cancer
items: Impact assessment of high soil CO2 on plant growth and soil environment: a greenhouse study
items: Nonconventional opponents: a review of malaria and leishmaniasis among United States Armed Forces
items: Increased tooth brushing frequency is associated with reduced gingival pocket bacterial diversity in patients with intracranial aneurysms
items: The complete chloroplast genomes of three Betulaceae species: implications for molecular phylogeny and historical biogeography
items: New material of the ‘microsaur’ Llistrofus from the cave deposits of Richards Spur, Oklahoma and the paleoecology of the Hapsidopareiidae
items: The dynamics of grooming interactions: maintenance of partner choice and the consequences of demographic variation for female mandrills
items: Food-burying behavior in red imported fire ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
items: Effects of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis infection on egg production and the immune response of the laying duck Anas platyrhynchos
items: Sleeping mattress determinants and evaluation: a biomechanical review and critique

Prognostic values of GMPS, PR, CD40, and p21 in ovarian cancer
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Early detection and prediction of prognosis and treatment responses are all the keys in improving survival of ovarian cancer patients. This study profiled an ovarian cancer progression model to identify prognostic biomarkers for ovarian cancer patients. Mouse ovarian surface epithelial cells (MOSECs) can undergo spontaneous malignant transformation in vitro cell culture. These were used as a model of ovarian cancer progression for alterations in gene expression and signaling detected using the Illumina HiSeq2000 Next-Generation Sequencing platform and bioinformatical analyses. The differential expression of four selected genes was identified using the gene expression profiling interaction analysis (http://gepia.cancer-pku.cn/) and then associated with survival in ovarian cancer patients using the Cancer Genome Atlas dataset and the online Kaplan–Meier Plotter (http://www.kmplot.com) data. The data showed 263 aberrantly expressed genes, including 182 up-regulated and 81 down-regulated genes between the early and late stages of tumor progression in MOSECs. The bioinformatic data revealed four genes (i.e., guanosine 5′-monophosphate synthase (GMPS), progesterone receptor (PR), CD40, and p21 (cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A)) to play an important role in ovarian cancer progression. Furthermore, the Cancer Genome Atlas dataset validated the differential expression of these four genes, which were associated with prognosis in ovarian cancer patients. In conclusion, this study profiled differentially expressed genes using the ovarian cancer progression model and identified four (i.e., GMPS, PR, CD40, and p21) as prognostic markers for ovarian cancer patients. Future studies of prospective patients could further verify the clinical usefulness of this four-gene signature.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Ping Wang
creator: Zengli Zhang
creator: Yujie Ma
creator: Jun Lu
creator: Hu Zhao
creator: Shuiliang Wang
creator: Jianming Tan
creator: Bingyan Li
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Oncology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.6301
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2019 Wang et al.
abstract: Early detection and prediction of prognosis and treatment responses are all the keys in improving survival of ovarian cancer patients. This study profiled an ovarian cancer progression model to identify prognostic biomarkers for ovarian cancer patients. Mouse ovarian surface epithelial cells (MOSECs) can undergo spontaneous malignant transformation in vitro cell culture. These were used as a model of ovarian cancer progression for alterations in gene expression and signaling detected using the Illumina HiSeq2000 Next-Generation Sequencing platform and bioinformatical analyses. The differential expression of four selected genes was identified using the gene expression profiling interaction analysis (http://gepia.cancer-pku.cn/) and then associated with survival in ovarian cancer patients using the Cancer Genome Atlas dataset and the online Kaplan–Meier Plotter (http://www.kmplot.com) data. The data showed 263 aberrantly expressed genes, including 182 up-regulated and 81 down-regulated genes between the early and late stages of tumor progression in MOSECs. The bioinformatic data revealed four genes (i.e., guanosine 5′-monophosphate synthase (GMPS), progesterone receptor (PR), CD40, and p21 (cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A)) to play an important role in ovarian cancer progression. Furthermore, the Cancer Genome Atlas dataset validated the differential expression of these four genes, which were associated with prognosis in ovarian cancer patients. In conclusion, this study profiled differentially expressed genes using the ovarian cancer progression model and identified four (i.e., GMPS, PR, CD40, and p21) as prognostic markers for ovarian cancer patients. Future studies of prospective patients could further verify the clinical usefulness of this four-gene signature.
bibliographic citation: Wang et al. (2019) Prognostic values of GMPS, PR, CD40, and p21 in ovarian cancer. PeerJ 7:e6301 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.6301
date submitted: 2018-08-15
date accepted: 2018-12-14
issued: 2019-01-25
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Ping
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Zengli
author list: Agent
  family name: Ma
  given name: Yujie
author list: Agent
  family name: Lu
  given name: Jun
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhao
  given name: Hu
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Shuiliang
author list: Agent
  family name: Tan
  given name: Jianming
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Bingyan
doi: 10.7717/peerj.6301
volume: 7
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2019-01-25
copyright: ©2019 Wang et al.
attribution name: Wang et al.

Impact assessment of high soil CO2 on plant growth and soil environment: a greenhouse study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: To ensure the safety of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, insight into the potential impacts of CO2 leakage on the ecosystem is necessary. We conducted a greenhouse experiment to investigate the effects of high soil CO2 on plant growth and the soil environment. Treatments comprised 99.99% CO2 injection (CG), 99.99% N2injection (NG), and no injection (BG). NG treatment was employed to differentiate the effects of O2 depletion from those of CO2 enrichment. Soil CO2 and O2 concentrations were maintained at an average of 53% and 11%, respectively, under CG treatment. We verified that high soil CO2 had negative effects on root water absorption, chlorophyll, starch content and total biomass. Soil microbial acid phosphatase activity was affected by CG treatment. These negative effects were attributed to high soil CO2 instead of low O2 or low pH. Our results indicate that high soil CO2 affected the root system, which in turn triggered further changes in aboveground plant tissues and rhizospheric soil water conditions. A conceptual diagram of CO2 toxicity to plants and soil is suggested to act as a useful guideline for impact assessment of CCS technology.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Wenmei He
creator: Gayoung Yoo
creator: Mohammad Moonis
creator: Youjin Kim
creator: Xuanlin Chen
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Ecosystem Science
subject: Plant Science
subject: Soil Science
subject: Environmental Impacts
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.6311
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2019 He et al.
abstract: To ensure the safety of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, insight into the potential impacts of CO2 leakage on the ecosystem is necessary. We conducted a greenhouse experiment to investigate the effects of high soil CO2 on plant growth and the soil environment. Treatments comprised 99.99% CO2 injection (CG), 99.99% N2injection (NG), and no injection (BG). NG treatment was employed to differentiate the effects of O2 depletion from those of CO2 enrichment. Soil CO2 and O2 concentrations were maintained at an average of 53% and 11%, respectively, under CG treatment. We verified that high soil CO2 had negative effects on root water absorption, chlorophyll, starch content and total biomass. Soil microbial acid phosphatase activity was affected by CG treatment. These negative effects were attributed to high soil CO2 instead of low O2 or low pH. Our results indicate that high soil CO2 affected the root system, which in turn triggered further changes in aboveground plant tissues and rhizospheric soil water conditions. A conceptual diagram of CO2 toxicity to plants and soil is suggested to act as a useful guideline for impact assessment of CCS technology.
bibliographic citation: He et al. (2019) Impact assessment of high soil CO2 on plant growth and soil environment: a greenhouse study. PeerJ 7:e6311 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.6311
date submitted: 2018-10-11
date accepted: 2018-12-19
issued: 2019-01-25
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: He
  given name: Wenmei
author list: Agent
  family name: Yoo
  given name: Gayoung
author list: Agent
  family name: Moonis
  given name: Mohammad
author list: Agent
  family name: Kim
  given name: Youjin
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Xuanlin
doi: 10.7717/peerj.6311
volume: 7
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2019-01-25
copyright: ©2019 He et al.
attribution name: He et al.

Nonconventional opponents: a review of malaria and leishmaniasis among United States Armed Forces
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: As the United States military engage with different countries and cultures throughout the world, personnel become exposed to new biospheres as well. There are many infectious pathogens that are not endemic to the US, but two of particular importance are Plasmodium and Leishmania, which respectively cause malaria and leishmaniasis. These parasites are both known to cause significant disease burden in their endemic locales, and thus pose a threat to military travelers. This review introduces readers to basic life cycle and disease mechanisms for each. Local and military epidemiology are described, as are the specific actions taken by the US military for prevention and treatment purposes. Complications of such measures with regard to human health are also discussed, including possible chemical toxicities. Additionally, poor recognition of these diseases upon an individual’s return leading to complications and treatment delays in the United States are examined. Information about canine leishmaniasis, poorly studied relative to its human manifestation, but of importance due to the utilization of dogs in military endeavors is presented. Future implications for the American healthcare system regarding malaria and leishmaniasis are also presented.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Kaylin J. Beiter
creator: Zachariah J. Wentlent
creator: Adrian R. Hamouda
creator: Bolaji N. Thomas
subject: Parasitology
subject: Epidemiology
subject: Global Health
subject: Public Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.6313
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2019 Beiter et al.
abstract: As the United States military engage with different countries and cultures throughout the world, personnel become exposed to new biospheres as well. There are many infectious pathogens that are not endemic to the US, but two of particular importance are Plasmodium and Leishmania, which respectively cause malaria and leishmaniasis. These parasites are both known to cause significant disease burden in their endemic locales, and thus pose a threat to military travelers. This review introduces readers to basic life cycle and disease mechanisms for each. Local and military epidemiology are described, as are the specific actions taken by the US military for prevention and treatment purposes. Complications of such measures with regard to human health are also discussed, including possible chemical toxicities. Additionally, poor recognition of these diseases upon an individual’s return leading to complications and treatment delays in the United States are examined. Information about canine leishmaniasis, poorly studied relative to its human manifestation, but of importance due to the utilization of dogs in military endeavors is presented. Future implications for the American healthcare system regarding malaria and leishmaniasis are also presented.
bibliographic citation: Beiter et al. (2019) Nonconventional opponents: a review of malaria and leishmaniasis among United States Armed Forces. PeerJ 7:e6313 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.6313
date submitted: 2018-09-10
date accepted: 2018-12-19
issued: 2019-01-25
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Beiter
  given name: Kaylin J.
author list: Agent
  family name: Wentlent
  given name: Zachariah J.
author list: Agent
  family name: Hamouda
  given name: Adrian R.
author list: Agent
  family name: Thomas
  given name: Bolaji N.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.6313
volume: 7
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2019-01-25
copyright: ©2019 Beiter et al.
attribution name: Beiter et al.

Increased tooth brushing frequency is associated with reduced gingival pocket bacterial diversity in patients with intracranial aneurysms
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Objectives The objective of this study was to investigate the association of tooth brushing frequency and bacterial communities of gingival crevicular fluid in patients subjected to preoperative dental examination prior to operative treatment for unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Methods Gingival crevicular fluid samples were taken from their deepest gingival pocket from a series of hospitalized neurosurgical patients undergoing preoperative dental screening (n = 60). The patients were asked whether they brushed their teeth two times a day, once a day, or less than every day. Total bacterial DNA was isolated and the V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplificated. Sequencing was performed with Illumina’s 16S metagenomic sequencing library preparation protocol and data were analyzed with QIIME (1.9.1) and R statistical software (3.3.2). Results Bacterial diversity (Chao1 index) in the crevicular fluid reduced along with reported tooth brushing frequency (p = 0.0002; R2 = 34%; p (adjusted with age and sex) = 0.09; R2 = 11%) showing that patients who reported brushing their teeth twice a day had the lowest bacterial diversity. According to the differential abundant analysis between the tooth brushing groups, tooth brushing associated with two phyla of fusobacteria [p = 0.0001; p = 0.0007], and one bacteroidetes (p = 0.004) by reducing their amounts. Conclusions Tooth brushing may reduce the gingival bacterial diversity and the abundance of periodontal bacteria maintaining oral health and preventing periodontitis, and thus it is highly recommended for neurosurgical patients.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Mikko J. Pyysalo
creator: Pashupati P. Mishra
creator: Kati Sundström
creator: Terho Lehtimäki
creator: Pekka J. Karhunen
creator: Tanja Pessi
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Microbiology
subject: Dentistry
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.6316
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2019 Pyysalo et al.
abstract: Objectives The objective of this study was to investigate the association of tooth brushing frequency and bacterial communities of gingival crevicular fluid in patients subjected to preoperative dental examination prior to operative treatment for unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Methods Gingival crevicular fluid samples were taken from their deepest gingival pocket from a series of hospitalized neurosurgical patients undergoing preoperative dental screening (n = 60). The patients were asked whether they brushed their teeth two times a day, once a day, or less than every day. Total bacterial DNA was isolated and the V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplificated. Sequencing was performed with Illumina’s 16S metagenomic sequencing library preparation protocol and data were analyzed with QIIME (1.9.1) and R statistical software (3.3.2). Results Bacterial diversity (Chao1 index) in the crevicular fluid reduced along with reported tooth brushing frequency (p = 0.0002; R2 = 34%; p (adjusted with age and sex) = 0.09; R2 = 11%) showing that patients who reported brushing their teeth twice a day had the lowest bacterial diversity. According to the differential abundant analysis between the tooth brushing groups, tooth brushing associated with two phyla of fusobacteria [p = 0.0001; p = 0.0007], and one bacteroidetes (p = 0.004) by reducing their amounts. Conclusions Tooth brushing may reduce the gingival bacterial diversity and the abundance of periodontal bacteria maintaining oral health and preventing periodontitis, and thus it is highly recommended for neurosurgical patients.
bibliographic citation: Pyysalo et al. (2019) Increased tooth brushing frequency is associated with reduced gingival pocket bacterial diversity in patients with intracranial aneurysms. PeerJ 7:e6316 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.6316
date submitted: 2018-06-07
date accepted: 2018-12-19
issued: 2019-01-25
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Pyysalo
  given name: Mikko J.
author list: Agent
  family name: Mishra
  given name: Pashupati P.
author list: Agent
  family name: Sundström
  given name: Kati
author list: Agent
  family name: Lehtimäki
  given name: Terho
author list: Agent
  family name: Karhunen
  given name: Pekka J.
author list: Agent
  family name: Pessi
  given name: Tanja
doi: 10.7717/peerj.6316
volume: 7
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2019-01-25
copyright: ©2019 Pyysalo et al.
attribution name: Pyysalo et al.

The complete chloroplast genomes of three Betulaceae species: implications for molecular phylogeny and historical biogeography
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Previous phylogenetic conclusions on the family Betulaceae were based on either morphological characters or traditional single loci, which may indicate some limitations. The chloroplast genome contains rich polymorphism information, which is very suitable for phylogenetic studies. Thus, we sequenced the chloroplast genome sequences of three Betulaceae species and performed multiple analyses to investigate the genome variation, resolve the phylogenetic relationships, and clarify the divergence history. Methods Chloroplast genomes were sequenced using the high-throughput sequencing. A comparative genomic analysis was conducted to examine the global genome variation and screen the hotspots. Three chloroplast partitions were used to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference approaches. Then, molecular dating and biogeographic inferences were conducted based on the whole chloroplast genome data. Results Betulaceae chloroplast genomes consisted of a small single-copy region and a large single copy region, and two copies of inverted repeat regions. Nine hotspots can be used as potential DNA barcodes for species delimitation. Phylogenies strongly supported the division of Betulaceae into two subfamilies: Coryloideae and Betuloideae. The phylogenetic position of Ostryopsis davidiana was controversial among different datasets. The divergence time between subfamily Coryloideae and Betuloideae was about 70.49 Mya, and all six extant genera were inferred to have diverged fully by the middle Oligocene. Betulaceae ancestors were probably originated from the ancient Laurasia. Discussions This research elucidates the potential of chloroplast genome sequences in the application of developing molecular markers, studying evolutionary relationships and historical dynamic of Betulaceae.It also reveals the advantages of using chloroplast genome data to illuminate those phylogenies that have not been well solved yet by traditional…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Zhen Yang
creator: Guixi Wang
creator: Qinghua Ma
creator: Wenxu Ma
creator: Lisong Liang
creator: Tiantian Zhao
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Genomics
subject: Taxonomy
subject: Forestry
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.6320
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2019 Yang et al.
abstract: Background Previous phylogenetic conclusions on the family Betulaceae were based on either morphological characters or traditional single loci, which may indicate some limitations. The chloroplast genome contains rich polymorphism information, which is very suitable for phylogenetic studies. Thus, we sequenced the chloroplast genome sequences of three Betulaceae species and performed multiple analyses to investigate the genome variation, resolve the phylogenetic relationships, and clarify the divergence history. Methods Chloroplast genomes were sequenced using the high-throughput sequencing. A comparative genomic analysis was conducted to examine the global genome variation and screen the hotspots. Three chloroplast partitions were used to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference approaches. Then, molecular dating and biogeographic inferences were conducted based on the whole chloroplast genome data. Results Betulaceae chloroplast genomes consisted of a small single-copy region and a large single copy region, and two copies of inverted repeat regions. Nine hotspots can be used as potential DNA barcodes for species delimitation. Phylogenies strongly supported the division of Betulaceae into two subfamilies: Coryloideae and Betuloideae. The phylogenetic position of Ostryopsis davidiana was controversial among different datasets. The divergence time between subfamily Coryloideae and Betuloideae was about 70.49 Mya, and all six extant genera were inferred to have diverged fully by the middle Oligocene. Betulaceae ancestors were probably originated from the ancient Laurasia. Discussions This research elucidates the potential of chloroplast genome sequences in the application of developing molecular markers, studying evolutionary relationships and historical dynamic of Betulaceae.It also reveals the advantages of using chloroplast genome data to illuminate those phylogenies that have not been well solved yet by traditional…
bibliographic citation: Yang et al. (2019) The complete chloroplast genomes of three Betulaceae species: implications for molecular phylogeny and historical biogeography. PeerJ 7:e6320 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.6320
date submitted: 2018-10-16
date accepted: 2018-12-20
issued: 2019-01-25
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Zhen
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Guixi
author list: Agent
  family name: Ma
  given name: Qinghua
author list: Agent
  family name: Ma
  given name: Wenxu
author list: Agent
  family name: Liang
  given name: Lisong
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhao
  given name: Tiantian
doi: 10.7717/peerj.6320
volume: 7
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2019-01-25
copyright: ©2019 Yang et al.
attribution name: Yang et al.

New material of the ‘microsaur’ Llistrofus from the cave deposits of Richards Spur, Oklahoma and the paleoecology of the Hapsidopareiidae
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The Hapsidopareiidae is a group of “microsaurs” characterized by a substantial reduction of several elements in the cheek region that results in a prominent, enlarged temporal emargination. The clade comprises two markedly similar taxa from the early Permian of Oklahoma, Hapsidopareion lepton and Llistrofus pricei, which have been suggested to be synonymous by past workers. Llistrofus was previously known solely from the holotype found near Richards Spur, which consists of a dorsoventrally compressed skull in which the internal structures are difficult to characterize. Here, we present data from two new specimens of Llistrofus. This includes data collected through the use of neutron tomography, which revealed important new details of the palate and the neurocranium. Important questions within “Microsauria” related to the evolutionary transformations that likely occurred as part of the acquisition of the highly modified recumbirostran morphology for a fossorial ecology justify detailed reexamination of less well-studied taxa, such as Llistrofus. Although this study eliminates all but one of the previous features that differentiated Llistrofus and Hapsidopareion, the new data and redescription identify new features that justify the maintained separation of the two hapsidopareiids. Llistrofus possesses some of the adaptations for a fossorial lifestyle that have been identified in recumbirostrans but with a lesser degree of modification (e.g., reduced neurocranial ossification and mandibular modification). Incorporating the new data for Llistrofus into an existing phylogenetic matrix maintains the Hapsidopareiidae’s (Llistrofus + Hapsidopareion) position as the sister group to Recumbirostra. Given its phylogenetic position, we contextualize Llistrofus within the broader “microsaur” framework. Specifically, we propose that Llistrofus may have been fossorial but was probably incapable of active burrowing in the fashion of recumbirostrans, which had more consolidated and r…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Bryan M. Gee
creator: Joseph J. Bevitt
creator: Ulf Garbe
creator: Robert R. Reisz
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Paleontology
subject: Taxonomy
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.6327
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2019 Gee et al.
abstract: The Hapsidopareiidae is a group of “microsaurs” characterized by a substantial reduction of several elements in the cheek region that results in a prominent, enlarged temporal emargination. The clade comprises two markedly similar taxa from the early Permian of Oklahoma, Hapsidopareion lepton and Llistrofus pricei, which have been suggested to be synonymous by past workers. Llistrofus was previously known solely from the holotype found near Richards Spur, which consists of a dorsoventrally compressed skull in which the internal structures are difficult to characterize. Here, we present data from two new specimens of Llistrofus. This includes data collected through the use of neutron tomography, which revealed important new details of the palate and the neurocranium. Important questions within “Microsauria” related to the evolutionary transformations that likely occurred as part of the acquisition of the highly modified recumbirostran morphology for a fossorial ecology justify detailed reexamination of less well-studied taxa, such as Llistrofus. Although this study eliminates all but one of the previous features that differentiated Llistrofus and Hapsidopareion, the new data and redescription identify new features that justify the maintained separation of the two hapsidopareiids. Llistrofus possesses some of the adaptations for a fossorial lifestyle that have been identified in recumbirostrans but with a lesser degree of modification (e.g., reduced neurocranial ossification and mandibular modification). Incorporating the new data for Llistrofus into an existing phylogenetic matrix maintains the Hapsidopareiidae’s (Llistrofus + Hapsidopareion) position as the sister group to Recumbirostra. Given its phylogenetic position, we contextualize Llistrofus within the broader “microsaur” framework. Specifically, we propose that Llistrofus may have been fossorial but was probably incapable of active burrowing in the fashion of recumbirostrans, which had more consolidated and r…
bibliographic citation: Gee et al. (2019) New material of the ‘microsaur’ Llistrofus from the cave deposits of Richards Spur, Oklahoma and the paleoecology of the Hapsidopareiidae. PeerJ 7:e6327 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.6327
date submitted: 2018-09-24
date accepted: 2018-12-17
issued: 2019-01-25
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Gee
  given name: Bryan M.
author list: Agent
  family name: Bevitt
  given name: Joseph J.
author list: Agent
  family name: Garbe
  given name: Ulf
author list: Agent
  family name: Reisz
  given name: Robert R.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.6327
volume: 7
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2019-01-25
copyright: © 2019 Gee et al.
attribution name: Gee et al.

The dynamics of grooming interactions: maintenance of partner choice and the consequences of demographic variation for female mandrills
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: A large body of evidence suggests that female Old World monkeys maintain selective long-term grooming interactions with fitness benefits. The last two decades have produced evidence that the regulation of social interactions among primates can be, in part, explained by the Biological Markets theory, with grooming behaviour as the focus of these studies. Grooming facilitates bonding between individuals, constituting an essential part of the regulation of social relationships among female cercopithecids. In contrast to the well-studied baboons (Papio spp), knowledge about the nature of grooming interactions and their regulation is generally lacking for the large, terrestrial species of mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx). We used a combination of social network analysis tools and well-established methods for assessing partner diversity and reciprocity to characterise grooming networks, partner choice and patterns of trade (be groomed, give grooming) among females in a captive group of mandrills, both within and across two separate observation periods. Our results suggest that, even though the relatively stable conditions of captivity allowed the studied females to maintain selective grooming interactions across time, small scale demographic changes affected the grooming dynamics of the group in accordance with the expectations of the Biological Markets theory. In particular, the maturation and consequent integration of a high ranking female into the group’s grooming network from one period to the next resulted in a more pronounced effect of rank on the regulation of grooming interactions. In addition, the influence of the maturation of a dependent infant on the grooming interactions of his mother were evident between periods. Our results also demonstrate that grooming networks are dynamic and that high ranking individuals are not necessarily the most central in grooming networks. Finally, we discuss the potential of social network analysis to identify cases of social exclus…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: André S. Pereira
creator: Inês D. Rebelo
creator: Catarina Casanova
creator: Phyllis C. Lee
creator: Vasilis Louca
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Anthropology
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.6332
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2019 Pereira et al.
abstract: A large body of evidence suggests that female Old World monkeys maintain selective long-term grooming interactions with fitness benefits. The last two decades have produced evidence that the regulation of social interactions among primates can be, in part, explained by the Biological Markets theory, with grooming behaviour as the focus of these studies. Grooming facilitates bonding between individuals, constituting an essential part of the regulation of social relationships among female cercopithecids. In contrast to the well-studied baboons (Papio spp), knowledge about the nature of grooming interactions and their regulation is generally lacking for the large, terrestrial species of mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx). We used a combination of social network analysis tools and well-established methods for assessing partner diversity and reciprocity to characterise grooming networks, partner choice and patterns of trade (be groomed, give grooming) among females in a captive group of mandrills, both within and across two separate observation periods. Our results suggest that, even though the relatively stable conditions of captivity allowed the studied females to maintain selective grooming interactions across time, small scale demographic changes affected the grooming dynamics of the group in accordance with the expectations of the Biological Markets theory. In particular, the maturation and consequent integration of a high ranking female into the group’s grooming network from one period to the next resulted in a more pronounced effect of rank on the regulation of grooming interactions. In addition, the influence of the maturation of a dependent infant on the grooming interactions of his mother were evident between periods. Our results also demonstrate that grooming networks are dynamic and that high ranking individuals are not necessarily the most central in grooming networks. Finally, we discuss the potential of social network analysis to identify cases of social exclus…
bibliographic citation: Pereira et al. (2019) The dynamics of grooming interactions: maintenance of partner choice and the consequences of demographic variation for female mandrills. PeerJ 7:e6332 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.6332
date submitted: 2018-07-20
date accepted: 2018-12-20
issued: 2019-01-25
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Pereira
  given name: André S.
author list: Agent
  family name: Rebelo
  given name: Inês D.
author list: Agent
  family name: Casanova
  given name: Catarina
author list: Agent
  family name: Lee
  given name: Phyllis C.
author list: Agent
  family name: Louca
  given name: Vasilis
doi: 10.7717/peerj.6332
volume: 7
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2019-01-25
copyright: ©2019 Pereira et al.
attribution name: Pereira et al.

Food-burying behavior in red imported fire ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The food-burying behavior has been reported in many mammals and birds, but was rarely observed in invertebrates. The red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta Buren, is an invasive pest in many areas of the world that usually performing food-burying during the foraging processes. However, the impacted factors and measureable patterns of this behavior is largely unknown. In the present study, food-burying vs food-transport behaviors of Solenopsis invicta were observed under laboratory and field conditions. When starved (no food was provided for 37 days) in the laboratory, food (sausage) was consumed by large numbers of ants, and few burying behaviors were observed. However, when food was provided until satiation of the colonies, food-transport was suppressed and significantly more soil particles were relocated on the food and graph paper square (where the food was placed) when compared with these colonies exposed to starved conditions. Videotapes showed that soil particles (1.47 ± 0.09 mm2) were preferentially placed adjacent to (in contact with) the food items at the beginning; and after the edges were covered, ants transported significantly smaller soil particles (1.13 ± 0.06 mm2) to cover the food. Meanwhile, larger particles (1.96 ± 0.08 mm2) were pulled/dragged around (but not in contact with) the food. Interestingly, only a small number of ants, mainly the small workers, were involved in food-burying, and the ants tended to repeatedly transport soil particles. A total of 12 patterns of particle transport were identified, and soil particles were most frequently picked from the foraging arena and subsequently placed adjacent to the food. In the field, almost all released food was actively transported by Solenopsis invicta workers, and no burying behavior was observed. Our results show that the food-burying behavior of Solenopsis invicta may be associated with the suppressed foraging activity, and the burying task may be carried out by certain groups of workers.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Wenquan Qin
creator: Xuan Chen
creator: Linda M. Hooper-Bùi
creator: Jiacheng Cai
creator: Lei Wang
creator: Zhaohui Sun
creator: Xiujun Wen
creator: Cai Wang
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Entomology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.6349
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2019 Qin et al.
abstract: The food-burying behavior has been reported in many mammals and birds, but was rarely observed in invertebrates. The red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta Buren, is an invasive pest in many areas of the world that usually performing food-burying during the foraging processes. However, the impacted factors and measureable patterns of this behavior is largely unknown. In the present study, food-burying vs food-transport behaviors of Solenopsis invicta were observed under laboratory and field conditions. When starved (no food was provided for 37 days) in the laboratory, food (sausage) was consumed by large numbers of ants, and few burying behaviors were observed. However, when food was provided until satiation of the colonies, food-transport was suppressed and significantly more soil particles were relocated on the food and graph paper square (where the food was placed) when compared with these colonies exposed to starved conditions. Videotapes showed that soil particles (1.47 ± 0.09 mm2) were preferentially placed adjacent to (in contact with) the food items at the beginning; and after the edges were covered, ants transported significantly smaller soil particles (1.13 ± 0.06 mm2) to cover the food. Meanwhile, larger particles (1.96 ± 0.08 mm2) were pulled/dragged around (but not in contact with) the food. Interestingly, only a small number of ants, mainly the small workers, were involved in food-burying, and the ants tended to repeatedly transport soil particles. A total of 12 patterns of particle transport were identified, and soil particles were most frequently picked from the foraging arena and subsequently placed adjacent to the food. In the field, almost all released food was actively transported by Solenopsis invicta workers, and no burying behavior was observed. Our results show that the food-burying behavior of Solenopsis invicta may be associated with the suppressed foraging activity, and the burying task may be carried out by certain groups of workers.
bibliographic citation: Qin et al. (2019) Food-burying behavior in red imported fire ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). PeerJ 7:e6349 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.6349
date submitted: 2018-10-08
date accepted: 2018-12-27
issued: 2019-01-25
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Qin
  given name: Wenquan
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Xuan
author list: Agent
  family name: Hooper-Bùi
  given name: Linda M.
author list: Agent
  family name: Cai
  given name: Jiacheng
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Lei
author list: Agent
  family name: Sun
  given name: Zhaohui
author list: Agent
  family name: Wen
  given name: Xiujun
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Cai
doi: 10.7717/peerj.6349
volume: 7
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2019-01-25
copyright: © 2019 Qin et al.
attribution name: Qin et al.

Effects of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis infection on egg production and the immune response of the laying duck Anas platyrhynchos
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Persistent colonization of the avian reproductive tract by Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE) negatively affects egg production and contaminates the egg. The immune function of the ovary and oviduct is essential for protection from infection and for the production of wholesome eggs. However, the immune response of laying ducks during SE infection is not well-understood. In this study, ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) were infected with SE and were systematically monitored for fecal shedding during a 13-week period. We also assessed bacterial distribution in the reproductive tract and classified infected ducks as resistant or susceptible based on the presence of tissue lesions and on SE isolation from fecal samples. We found that infected animals had persistent, but intermittent, bacterial shedding that resulted in the induction of carrier ducks. Laying rate and egg quality were also decreased after SE infection (P < 0.05). SE readily colonized the stroma, small follicle, isthmus, and vagina in the reproductive tracts of susceptible ducks. Immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, IgM) levels were higher in susceptible ducks compared with resistant birds (P < 0.05); T-lymphocyte subpopulations (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+) displayed the opposite trend. qRT-PCR analysis was used to examine expression profiles of immune response genes in the reproductive tract of infected ducks. The analysis revealed that immune genes, including toll-like receptors (TLR2, TLR4-5, TLR15, TLR21), NOD-like receptors (NOD1, NLRX1, NLRP12), avian β-defensins (AvβD4-5, AvβD7, AvβD12), cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, IFN-γ), and MyD88 were markedly upregulated in the reproductive tracts of SE-infected ducks (all P < 0.05); TLR3, TLR7, NLRC3, NLRC5, and TNF-α were significantly downregulated. These results revealed that SE infection promoted lower egg production and quality, and altered the expression of TLRs, NLRs, AvβDs, and cytokine family genes. These findings provide a basis for further investigation of the physiologic…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Yu Zhang
creator: Yang Chen
creator: Tiantian Gu
creator: Qi Xu
creator: Guoqiang Zhu
creator: Guohong Chen
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Microbiology
subject: Veterinary Medicine
subject: Immunology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.6359
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2019 Zhang et al.
abstract: Persistent colonization of the avian reproductive tract by Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE) negatively affects egg production and contaminates the egg. The immune function of the ovary and oviduct is essential for protection from infection and for the production of wholesome eggs. However, the immune response of laying ducks during SE infection is not well-understood. In this study, ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) were infected with SE and were systematically monitored for fecal shedding during a 13-week period. We also assessed bacterial distribution in the reproductive tract and classified infected ducks as resistant or susceptible based on the presence of tissue lesions and on SE isolation from fecal samples. We found that infected animals had persistent, but intermittent, bacterial shedding that resulted in the induction of carrier ducks. Laying rate and egg quality were also decreased after SE infection (P < 0.05). SE readily colonized the stroma, small follicle, isthmus, and vagina in the reproductive tracts of susceptible ducks. Immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, IgM) levels were higher in susceptible ducks compared with resistant birds (P < 0.05); T-lymphocyte subpopulations (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+) displayed the opposite trend. qRT-PCR analysis was used to examine expression profiles of immune response genes in the reproductive tract of infected ducks. The analysis revealed that immune genes, including toll-like receptors (TLR2, TLR4-5, TLR15, TLR21), NOD-like receptors (NOD1, NLRX1, NLRP12), avian β-defensins (AvβD4-5, AvβD7, AvβD12), cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, IFN-γ), and MyD88 were markedly upregulated in the reproductive tracts of SE-infected ducks (all P < 0.05); TLR3, TLR7, NLRC3, NLRC5, and TNF-α were significantly downregulated. These results revealed that SE infection promoted lower egg production and quality, and altered the expression of TLRs, NLRs, AvβDs, and cytokine family genes. These findings provide a basis for further investigation of the physiologic…
bibliographic citation: Zhang et al. (2019) Effects of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis infection on egg production and the immune response of the laying duck Anas platyrhynchos. PeerJ 7:e6359 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.6359
date submitted: 2018-08-06
date accepted: 2018-12-27
issued: 2019-01-25
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Yu
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Yang
author list: Agent
  family name: Gu
  given name: Tiantian
author list: Agent
  family name: Xu
  given name: Qi
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhu
  given name: Guoqiang
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Guohong
doi: 10.7717/peerj.6359
volume: 7
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2019-01-25
copyright: ©2019 Zhang et al.
attribution name: Zhang et al.

Sleeping mattress determinants and evaluation: a biomechanical review and critique
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Sleeping mattress parameters significantly influence sleeping comfort and health, as reflected by the extensive investigations of sleeping support biomechanics to prevent sleep-related musculoskeletal problems. Methodology Herein, we review the current trends, research methodologies, and determinants of mattress biomechanics research, summarizing evidence published since 2008. In particular, we scrutinize 18 articles dealing with the development of new designs, recommendation criteria, instruments/methods of spine alignment evaluation, and comparative evaluation of different designs. Results The review demonstrated that mattress designs have strived for customization, regional features, and real-time active control to adapt to the biomechanical features of different body builds and postures. However, the suggested threshold or target values for desirable spine alignment and body pressure distribution during sleep cannot yet be justified in view of the lack of sufficient evidence. Conclusions It is necessary to formulate standard objectives and protocols for carrying out mattress evaluation.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Duo Wai-Chi Wong
creator: Yan Wang
creator: Jin Lin
creator: Qitao Tan
creator: Tony Lin-Wei Chen
creator: Ming Zhang
subject: Kinesiology
subject: Orthopedics
subject: Science and Medical Education
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.6364
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2019 Wong et al.
abstract: Background Sleeping mattress parameters significantly influence sleeping comfort and health, as reflected by the extensive investigations of sleeping support biomechanics to prevent sleep-related musculoskeletal problems. Methodology Herein, we review the current trends, research methodologies, and determinants of mattress biomechanics research, summarizing evidence published since 2008. In particular, we scrutinize 18 articles dealing with the development of new designs, recommendation criteria, instruments/methods of spine alignment evaluation, and comparative evaluation of different designs. Results The review demonstrated that mattress designs have strived for customization, regional features, and real-time active control to adapt to the biomechanical features of different body builds and postures. However, the suggested threshold or target values for desirable spine alignment and body pressure distribution during sleep cannot yet be justified in view of the lack of sufficient evidence. Conclusions It is necessary to formulate standard objectives and protocols for carrying out mattress evaluation.
bibliographic citation: Wong et al. (2019) Sleeping mattress determinants and evaluation: a biomechanical review and critique. PeerJ 7:e6364 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.6364
date submitted: 2018-10-11
date accepted: 2018-12-30
issued: 2019-01-25
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Wong
  given name: Duo Wai-Chi
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Yan
author list: Agent
  family name: Lin
  given name: Jin
author list: Agent
  family name: Tan
  given name: Qitao
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Tony Lin-Wei
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Ming
doi: 10.7717/peerj.6364
volume: 7
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2019-01-25
copyright: © 2019 Wong et al.
attribution name: Wong et al.

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