Effects of Tetranychus urticae infection on phyllosphere microbial community assembly of Vigna unguiculata
Tetranychus urticae are among the most important leaf-damaging plant-pests, causing severe crop losses worldwide. The plant phyllosphere microbe plays fundamental roles in plant growth and health. However, little is known about how T. urticae and phyllosphere microbes interact to impact plant health. In this study, we used amplicon sequencing to explore the changes in phyllosphere microbes between infected and uninfected Vigna unguiculata leaves by T. urticae. The results showed that the diversity of epiphytic bacteria and endophytic fungi can be significantly decreased, influenced the community structure of the phyllosphere microbe, and decreased co-occurrence network connectivity and complexity of phyllosphere microbes after infection of T. urticae. After infection by T. urticae, V. unguiculata recruited some beneficial microbes (Rickettsia, Naganishia, Brevundimonas, and Aspergillus) to the phyllosphere. PICRUSt and FUNGuild predictive analysis indicated that infection of T. urticae can cause the changes of the function of the phyllosphere fungi. Null model analysis indicated that assembly of epiphytic and endophytic fungal community changed from deterministic processes to stochastic processes after infection of T. urticae, while assembly of epiphytic and endophytic bacterial community changed from stochastic processes to deterministic processes. Our findings provided new insights into interactions among phyllosphere microbes-pest-plants.
Chen et al. (2025) Effects of Tetranychus urticae infection on phyllosphere microbial community assembly of Vigna unguiculata. PeerJ 13:e20389 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20389
Comparative analysis of tensiomyographic and isokinetic assessments of the rectus abdominis and erector spinae in bodybuilding trainees with nonspecific low back pain
Background Bodybuilding training places a significant load on the lumbar region, making it prone to nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP). This study aimed to examine the associations between tensiomyography (TMG) parameters—contraction time (Tc), relaxation time (Tr), delay time (Td), maximum displacement (Dm), and sustain time (Ts)—and isokinetic dynamometric measures, including peak torque (PT) and work per repetition (WR), in trunk muscles of bodybuilding trainees with NSLBP. Methods A total of 150 participants were allocated to a control group (n = 60) and the NSLBP group (n = 90). Pain severity from NSLBP was evaluated using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire. Daily calorie intake, assessed using an artificial intelligence (AI) camera, and physical activity levels, calculated through a standardized equation website, were averaged weekly and analyzed monthly. The muscle function of the rectus femoris and erector spinae was first assessed using TMG, followed by a 30-minute rest period before performing trunk flexion and extension tests with an isokinetic dynamometer. Results This study revealed that the parameters assessed using TMG and isokinetic equipment were lower or indicated greater weakness in the NSLBP group compared to the control group. Tc, Tr, and Td showed negative correlations with PT and WR, whereas Dm and Ts were positively associated. The NSLBP group demonstrated significantly longer Tc, Tr, and Td, along with lower Dm, Ts, PT, and WR values. These findings suggest that TMG variables, which assess muscle function at rest, are associated with the torque parameters measured by isokinetic dynamometry during movement. Bodybuilding trainees with a history of NSLBP exhibit impairments in both static and dynamic muscle function, indicating the need for stability-focused interventions during training.
Kim et al. (2025) Comparative analysis of tensiomyographic and isokinetic assessments of the rectus abdominis and erector spinae in bodybuilding trainees with nonspecific low back pain. PeerJ 13:e20309 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20309
Transcriptomic analyses reveal the potential regulators of the storage root skin color in sweet potato
Background Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) is an important storage root crop exhibiting diverse storage root skin and flesh colors across varieties. The storage root skin color (SRSC) is a vital commercial trait which significantly influences the marketability and consumer preference of sweet potato. Methods To clarify the regulatory mechanism of SRSC, the sweet potato storage root of two clones derived from a common origin, designed as M1-125 (red skin and yellow flesh) and M1-125T (yellow skin and yellow flesh), were sampled and transcriptomic sequenced in this study. Results Comparative analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the root skin were predominantly enriched in flavonoid and anthocyanin biosynthesis pathways. Key structural genes, including chalcone synthase (CHS), chalcone-favanone isomerase (CHI), favanone 3-hydroxylase (F3H) and dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR), exhibited higher expression levels in the root skin of M1-125. Notably, a subset of myeloblastosis (MYB) transcription factors showed significant expression changes between two genotypes. Based on the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, phylogenetic analysis and expression pattern, IbMYB75, IbMYB3, IbMYB6 and IbMYB4 were thought to be the cooperative regulators of root skin color. These findings provide valuable insights and foundation for further elucidating the molecular mechanisms governing skin color of sweet potato storage root.
Zhang et al. (2025) Transcriptomic analyses reveal the potential regulators of the storage root skin color in sweet potato. PeerJ 13:e20231 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20231
Prevalence and association testing of antinuclear antibodies and inflammatory bowel disease in Taiwan
Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), which are autoantibodies directed against nuclear components, are commonly present in various autoimmune disorders. We investigated the prevalence and clinical significance of ANAs in Taiwanese patients with IBD. Methods From January 2017 to December 2024, ANA status was checked at initial diagnosis of IBD in patients from a medical center in central Taiwan. Risk factors for ANA positivity were evaluated. Results Of the 166 patients in this study, 57 had CD and 109 had UC. ANA test results were positive (titers of ≥ 1:160) in 26 patients (15.7%). Older age at disease diagnosis (p < 0.05) and a diagnosis of UC (p < 0.05) were statistically significant risk factors for ANA positivity. Gender (p = 0.31), use of advanced therapy (p = 0.66), and the presence of extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) (p = 0.14) were not associated with ANA positivity. The response to anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy did not differ between ANA-positive and ANA-negative patients (p = 0.34). The most frequent ANA staining patterns were AC1, AC3, and AC4. Conclusions These findings suggest that although ANA positivity is relatively common among Taiwanese patients with IBD, particularly among older UC patients. Further validation is required to explore the clinical implications of ANA positivity in Asian population.
Yang et al. (2025) Prevalence and association testing of antinuclear antibodies and inflammatory bowel disease in Taiwan. PeerJ 13:e20474 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20474
A new species of Ampharete Malmgren, 1866 (Annelida: Ampharetidae) from Washington and redescription of A. cirrata Webster & Benedict, 1887 and A. labrops Hartman, 1961
Ampharete acutifrons (Grube, 1860), originally described from Greenland, has long been considered a widely distributed arctic-boreal species. However, recent morphological re-assessment of the holotype indicates that most previous records of A. acutifrons were misidentifications, and molecular sequence data also suggest that A. acutifrons is a multispecies complex. This study focuses on specimens of the A. acutifrons species complex from Washington, USA, with publicly available cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequence data. Specimens from Washington belonging to the Invertebrate Zoology Collection of the Florida Museum of Natural History were examined. Additional specimens were examined for morphological comparison, including type material of A. cirrata Webster & Benedict, 1887, and A. labrops Hartman, 1961. Detailed morphological descriptions of specimens and photographs of the diagnostic characters were made. The molecular analysis includes 37 published COI sequences of Ampharete and Anobothrus species sourced from public databases. Redescriptions of type material of A. cirrata and A. labrops are provided. Ampharete paulayi n. sp. is described as a new species from Washington, USA, based on morphological and COI sequences data. Photographs of living specimens are presented, a hypothesis on the development of buccal tentacles in Ampharete species is proposed, and the use of Methyl green stain is recommended as a standard practice in future descriptions of ampharetids.
Chávez-López (2025) A new species of Ampharete Malmgren, 1866 (Annelida: Ampharetidae) from Washington and redescription of A. cirrata Webster & Benedict, 1887 and A. labrops Hartman, 1961. PeerJ 13:e20457 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20457
Identification and characterization of novel SUMO genes in bread wheat
The small-ubiquitin-like-modifier (SUMO), composed of approximately 100 amino acid residues, regulates the cellular activity of several proteins by posttranslational modification. Almost all plant species express a family of SUMO isoforms. Nevertheless, the SUMO genes in wheat (TaSUMOs) have not undergone complete characterization, and the roles of TaSUMOs remain unidentified. The study identified four new SUMO genes in wheat, named TaSUMO4-7, in addition to the previously known TaSUMO1-3. These genes are part of the conserved SUMO family, as indicated by phylogenetic analysis. The genes contain the characteristic SUMO-acceptor site motif and the essential C-terminal diglycine motif for processing. Expression analysis showed that TaSUMO4-7 genes are expressed in various wheat tissues. Bioinformatics analysis predicted the biochemical properties and structures of the proteins, which were found to localize in the cytoplasm and nucleus. The study confirms that the new TaSUMO4-7 genes are functional members of the wheat SUMO family and lays the groundwork for further research into their specific roles.
Ibrahim et al. (2025) Identification and characterization of novel SUMO genes in bread wheat. PeerJ 13:e20432 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20432
Understanding perceived exertion in power-aimed resistance training: the relationship between perceived exertion and muscle fatigue
Background Perceived exertion is an inevitable outcome of power-oriented resistance training. However, it remains unknown whether perceived exertion is dominated by central or peripheral responses during this type of training. This study examined the effect of neuromuscular responses on the determination of ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during power bench press (BPress) exercise. Methods Sixteen trained males performed three BPress tasks with varying volumes (low, medium, high) at 65% of their one-repetition maximum. RPE, surface electromyography, and velocity loss were assessed across all conditions. Peak root mean square (RMS) and median frequency (MDF) were calculated from the surface electromyography data. Results Significant effects were observed across experimental conditions for overall RPE, average velocity loss, and average MDF (all p < 0.001), while no significant difference was found in average RMS. As the lifting tasks progressed, significant effects of repetition were observed in all measured variables (all p < 0.001). When comparing conditions, significant differences were found among the three in RPE, velocity loss, and MDF (all p < 0.001), whereas no significant effect of condition was observed in RMS. No significant relationship was found between MDF and velocity loss. Conclusions In power BPress, higher repetitions affected RPE, velocity loss, and MDF, while peak RMS was less responsive. These findings indicate that both athletic performance and RPE are primarily influenced by peripheral fatigue. However, velocity loss should be interpreted with caution as a fatigue marker in this context.
Zhao et al. (2025) Understanding perceived exertion in power-aimed resistance training: the relationship between perceived exertion and muscle fatigue. PeerJ 13:e20426 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20426
Parasites influence the physiology and personality in a small mammal (Ochotona curzoniae)
Background Parasites are prevalent in animals and have coexisted with their hosts over long evolutionary periods. However, the link between individual behavioral variations and parasitic infections remains unclear. Plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae) is a keystone species on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau that is commonly infected with Eimeria spp., an intestinal parasite. Methods In this study, 30 adult pikas were assigned to three groups: infected with Eimeria spp. (PA+), administered normal saline (Ctrl), and treated with an anticoccidial drug (PA−). We examined changes in boldness, exploration, and docility, as well as variations in triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), resting metabolic rate (RMR), and fecal cortisol (CORT) levels. Results The PA+ group exhibited significantly higher parasite load. Pikas showed increased boldness, exploration, and docility on day 5, when Eimeria spp. numbers were high. The T3 and T4 levels declined as parasite loads increased, whereas the CORT and RMR levels fluctuated at different experimental stages. These results suggest that parasite infection influences host behavior and physiology, providing insights into parasite-host interactions. Conclusion This study provides evidence that Eimeria spp. load modulates the behavior and physiology of plateau pikas. The specific behavioral shifts coinciding with peak infection, coupled with the suppression of thyroid hormones and metabolic responses, reveal a complex and integrated host adaptation strategy. As a keystone species on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the behavior-physiology coupling mechanism in plateau pikas not only provides new evidence for host-parasite coevolution, but also offers critical insights into understanding the stability of regional ecosystems.
Wang et al. (2025) Parasites influence the physiology and personality in a small mammal (Ochotona curzoniae). PeerJ 13:e20420 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20420
Biochemical and molecular responses of maize to low and high temperatures in symbiosis with mixed arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi cultures
In this study, changes in mineral element concentrations, physiological parameters, and gene expression of heat shock proteins were investigated in maize plants subjected to mycorrhiza under low and high temperature stress. The application of seven different temperatures (5 °C, 10 °C, 15 °C, 25 °C, 35 °C, 40 °C, and 45 °C) under five different mixed arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) culture treatments (M0, M1, M2, M3, and M4) constituted the factors of the experiment. With the application of mycorrhiza, the plant dry weight was found to be the highest at 25 °C, and the M3 group was applied. The highest values in mineral element concentrations were detected at 25 °C in the maize plant, where M4 had N, P, K, Ca, and Fe concentrations; M3 had Cu and Mn concentrations; and M2 had Mg and Zn concentrations. Lipid peroxidation gradually increased with temperature changes in all the applications, and the protective effect of proline was more pronounced at high temperatures than at low temperatures. Antioxidant enzyme activities were altered by applications of mycorrhiza and temperature. For all mycorrhiza applications, the expression of HSP70 and HSP90 reached a maximum at 10 °C, 40 °C, and 45 °C. It has been revealed that low- and high-temperature applications in maize plants cause serious changes in the mycorrhizal symbiosis on the basis of investigated parameters, and these changes occur at different levels depending on the temperature changes and the differences between mixed AMF cultures. However, it can be said that the M3 application has the capacity to facilitate the growth of maize even in conditions of low (−10 °C) and high (45 °C) temperature.
Turudu et al. (2025) Biochemical and molecular responses of maize to low and high temperatures in symbiosis with mixed arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi cultures. PeerJ 13:e20419 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20419
Evaluation of water quality and soil fertility in remediated farmland for protection of wetland ecology by planting different crops
Enhancements in water quality and soil characteristics of wetlands can improve the ecological environment of the area and enrich its biodiversity. The present study examined the effects of five distinct crops (i.e.: colza oil, mustard, Chinese cabbage, wheat, barley) cultivated in remediation plots, and evaluated their impact on water quality and soil fertility. The water quality within the remediated farmland was categorized as Class III (moderately polluted). The soil exhibited low total nitrogen and organic matter levels (the mean values were respectively 0.032% and 10.84 g/kg), and high readily available phosphorus and potassium concentration (the mean values were respectively 75.71 and 247.64 mg/kg). The soil fertility was comprehensively categorized as Class III (moderately polluted). Subsequently, the different components of bird droppings in the soil were investigated for their potential effects on soil fertility. The present research demonstrated that the remediation of farmland had the potential to enhance the quality of water and soil fertility in wetland. This, in turn, might result in an increased number of migratory birds inhabiting the area.
Environmental Contamination and Remediation
Liu et al. (2025) Evaluation of water quality and soil fertility in remediated farmland for protection of wetland ecology by planting different crops. PeerJ 13:e20406 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20406