PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Reproductive strategies in loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta: polyandry and polygyny in a Southwest Atlantic rookery
items: Recognising depression in non-human primates: a narrative review of reported signs of depression
items: Trunk muscle behaviors during the full-cycle stoop and squat lifting tasks
items: Antimicrobial activity of Lactobacillus spp. isolated from fermented foods and their inhibitory effect against foodborne pathogens
items: Contact zone of slow worms Anguis fragilis Linnaeus, 1758 and Anguis colchica (Nordmann, 1840) in Poland
items: Research progress on the impact of climate change on wheat production in China
items: Reproductive management: conditioning, spawning and development of Peruvian grunt Anisotremus scapularis in southern Peru
items: A novel nomogram based on the patient’s clinical data and CT signs to predict poor outcomes in AIS patients
items: Comparative analysis of volume growth processes of Masson pine and Chinese fir forests in different regions of southern China
items: Responses of fungal communities at different soil depths to grazing intensity in a desert steppe

Reproductive strategies in loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta: polyandry and polygyny in a Southwest Atlantic rookery
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Sea turtles are highly migratory and predominantly inhabit oceanic environments, which poses significant challenges to the study of their life cycles. Research has traditionally focused on nesting females, utilizing nest counts and mark-recapture methods, while male behavior remains understudied. To address this gap, previous studies have analyzed the genotypes of females and hatchlings to indirectly infer male genotypes and evaluate the extent of multiple paternity within populations. Our research aimed to investigate the presence of multiple paternity in loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) nests for the first time in Brazil. We analyzed 534 hatchlings from 43 nests associated with 42 females during the 2017/18 to 2019/20 nesting seasons, using four highly polymorphic, species-specific microsatellite markers (nDNA). Parentage tests were conducted to reconstruct paternal genotypes and determine the rates of multiple paternity within clutches. Our results revealed that 72.09% of clutches were sired by multiple males, with contributions ranging from one to six males per clutch. Additionally, seven out of 88 males (7.95%) were found to have sired clutches from multiple females, with some males contributing to more than one clutch within and across breeding seasons. The breeding sex ratio (BSR) was calculated to be 2.09 males per female. While multiple paternity is a common phenomenon among sea turtles, this study is the first to document polyandry in loggerheads in Brazil and the first to provide evidence of polygyny in this species globally. This research establishes a crucial database for future studies in Brazil, with a focus on the BSR of the Southwest Atlantic subpopulation, offering essential insights for developing effective management strategies for this vulnerable population.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Laís Amorim
creator: Lara Chieza
creator: Jake A. Lasala
creator: Sarah de Souza Alves Teodoro
creator: Wesley D. Colombo
creator: Ana Carolina Barcelos
creator: Paula Rodrigues Lopes Guimarães
creator: João Luiz Guedes da Fonseca
creator: Ana Claudia Jorge Marcondes
creator: Alexsandro Santos
creator: Sarah Vargas
subject: Conservation Biology
subject: Genetics
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18714
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Amorim et al.
abstract: Sea turtles are highly migratory and predominantly inhabit oceanic environments, which poses significant challenges to the study of their life cycles. Research has traditionally focused on nesting females, utilizing nest counts and mark-recapture methods, while male behavior remains understudied. To address this gap, previous studies have analyzed the genotypes of females and hatchlings to indirectly infer male genotypes and evaluate the extent of multiple paternity within populations. Our research aimed to investigate the presence of multiple paternity in loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) nests for the first time in Brazil. We analyzed 534 hatchlings from 43 nests associated with 42 females during the 2017/18 to 2019/20 nesting seasons, using four highly polymorphic, species-specific microsatellite markers (nDNA). Parentage tests were conducted to reconstruct paternal genotypes and determine the rates of multiple paternity within clutches. Our results revealed that 72.09% of clutches were sired by multiple males, with contributions ranging from one to six males per clutch. Additionally, seven out of 88 males (7.95%) were found to have sired clutches from multiple females, with some males contributing to more than one clutch within and across breeding seasons. The breeding sex ratio (BSR) was calculated to be 2.09 males per female. While multiple paternity is a common phenomenon among sea turtles, this study is the first to document polyandry in loggerheads in Brazil and the first to provide evidence of polygyny in this species globally. This research establishes a crucial database for future studies in Brazil, with a focus on the BSR of the Southwest Atlantic subpopulation, offering essential insights for developing effective management strategies for this vulnerable population.
bibliographic citation: Amorim et al. (2025) Reproductive strategies in loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta: polyandry and polygyny in a Southwest Atlantic rookery. PeerJ 13:e18714 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18714
date submitted: 2024-09-20
date accepted: 2024-11-24
issued: 2025-01-07
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Amorim
  given name: Laís
author list: Agent
  family name: Chieza
  given name: Lara
author list: Agent
  family name: Lasala
  given name: Jake A.
author list: Agent
  family name: de Souza Alves Teodoro
  given name: Sarah
author list: Agent
  family name: Colombo
  given name: Wesley D.
author list: Agent
  family name: Barcelos
  given name: Ana Carolina
author list: Agent
  family name: Guimarães
  given name: Paula Rodrigues Lopes
author list: Agent
  family name: Guedes da Fonseca
  given name: João Luiz
author list: Agent
  family name: Marcondes
  given name: Ana Claudia Jorge
author list: Agent
  family name: Santos
  given name: Alexsandro
author list: Agent
  family name: Vargas
  given name: Sarah
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18714
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-01-07
copyright: © 2025 Amorim et al.
attribution name: Amorim et al.

Recognising depression in non-human primates: a narrative review of reported signs of depression
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Major depressive disorder (depression) is a highly heterogenous human mental disorder that may have equivalents in non-human animals. Research into non-human depression teaches us about human depression and can contribute to enhance welfare of non-human animals. Here, we narratively review how signs of depression in non-human primates (NHPs) can be observed based on symptoms of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Furthermore, we propose diagnostic criteria of NHP depression and we review reports on signs of depression in NHPs. We diagnose an NHP with depression when it shows a core sign (depressed mood or anhedonia) alongside at least three other DSM-5-derived signs of depression. Results show that four out of six observable signs of depression are present in NHPs, occasionally lasting for months. However, only a group of six NHPs in one study met our proposed criteria for a diagnosis of depression. We call for more research into the co-occurrence of depressive symptoms in individual NHPs to establish the prevalence of depression in NHPs.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jonas C. P. van Oosten
creator: Annemie Ploeger
creator: Elisabeth H. M. Sterck
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Veterinary Medicine
subject: Zoology
subject: Cognitive Disorders
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18766
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 van Oosten et al.
abstract: Major depressive disorder (depression) is a highly heterogenous human mental disorder that may have equivalents in non-human animals. Research into non-human depression teaches us about human depression and can contribute to enhance welfare of non-human animals. Here, we narratively review how signs of depression in non-human primates (NHPs) can be observed based on symptoms of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Furthermore, we propose diagnostic criteria of NHP depression and we review reports on signs of depression in NHPs. We diagnose an NHP with depression when it shows a core sign (depressed mood or anhedonia) alongside at least three other DSM-5-derived signs of depression. Results show that four out of six observable signs of depression are present in NHPs, occasionally lasting for months. However, only a group of six NHPs in one study met our proposed criteria for a diagnosis of depression. We call for more research into the co-occurrence of depressive symptoms in individual NHPs to establish the prevalence of depression in NHPs.
bibliographic citation: van Oosten et al. (2025) Recognising depression in non-human primates: a narrative review of reported signs of depression. PeerJ 13:e18766 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18766
date submitted: 2024-05-10
date accepted: 2024-12-04
issued: 2025-01-07
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: van Oosten
  given name: Jonas C. P.
author list: Agent
  family name: Ploeger
  given name: Annemie
author list: Agent
  family name: Sterck
  given name: Elisabeth H. M.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18766
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-01-07
copyright: © 2025 van Oosten et al.
attribution name: van Oosten et al.

Trunk muscle behaviors during the full-cycle stoop and squat lifting tasks
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Lifting is generally considered as a risk factor for low back pain. A thorough investigation of the muscle function during lifting is essential for a better assessment of the potential risk of muscle impairment and towards improvements in lifting strategy. We aimed to compare the activities of the trunk muscles between the stoop and the squat lifting tasks. Methods A surface electromyography device was used to measure the muscle activity during the full-cycle squat and the stoop lifting tasks of a 5-kg weight. Each task was divided into four stages: stage 1 was bending forward to reach the weight, stage 2 was lifting the weight up, stage 3 was lowering the weight down, and stage 4 was returning to the upright position. The maximum electromyographic (EMG) activities among different tasks and different stages were compared. Eighteen males aged 20–35 years without low back pain were included, with a mean age of 26.55 ± 2.12 years, body height of 175.18 ± 4.29 cm, body weight of 69.27 ± 4.29 kg, and BMI of 22.56 ± 0.87 kg/m2. Results During stoop lifting, the median values of the absolute EMG of the left multifidus were 53.96, 70.32, 51.08 and 64.14 uV from stage 1 to stage 4, which were all non-significantly lower than those during squat lifting for 79.84, 103.64, 71.72 and 95.72, respectively (P > 0.05). The absolute EMG was greatest during stage 2, then during stage 4, stages 1 and 3 came next (Effect size = 0.879, P < 0.001). The median values of the normalized EMG of each muscle during stoop lifting were also non-significantly lower than those during squat lifting at each stage (P > 0.05). The normalized EMG was also greatest during stage 2, then during stage 4, and was lowest during stages 1 and 3 (Effect size = 0.932, P < 0.001). Conclusion The trunk muscles were similarly activated during squat and stoop lifting. During lowering the weight down, the trunk muscles were less activated than during extension to the upright position without weight in hands…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Fumin Pan
creator: Wei Wang
creator: Chao Kong
creator: Shibao Lu
subject: Orthopedics
subject: Biomechanics
subject: Rehabilitation
subject: Sports Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18797
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Pan et al.
abstract: Background Lifting is generally considered as a risk factor for low back pain. A thorough investigation of the muscle function during lifting is essential for a better assessment of the potential risk of muscle impairment and towards improvements in lifting strategy. We aimed to compare the activities of the trunk muscles between the stoop and the squat lifting tasks. Methods A surface electromyography device was used to measure the muscle activity during the full-cycle squat and the stoop lifting tasks of a 5-kg weight. Each task was divided into four stages: stage 1 was bending forward to reach the weight, stage 2 was lifting the weight up, stage 3 was lowering the weight down, and stage 4 was returning to the upright position. The maximum electromyographic (EMG) activities among different tasks and different stages were compared. Eighteen males aged 20–35 years without low back pain were included, with a mean age of 26.55 ± 2.12 years, body height of 175.18 ± 4.29 cm, body weight of 69.27 ± 4.29 kg, and BMI of 22.56 ± 0.87 kg/m2. Results During stoop lifting, the median values of the absolute EMG of the left multifidus were 53.96, 70.32, 51.08 and 64.14 uV from stage 1 to stage 4, which were all non-significantly lower than those during squat lifting for 79.84, 103.64, 71.72 and 95.72, respectively (P > 0.05). The absolute EMG was greatest during stage 2, then during stage 4, stages 1 and 3 came next (Effect size = 0.879, P < 0.001). The median values of the normalized EMG of each muscle during stoop lifting were also non-significantly lower than those during squat lifting at each stage (P > 0.05). The normalized EMG was also greatest during stage 2, then during stage 4, and was lowest during stages 1 and 3 (Effect size = 0.932, P < 0.001). Conclusion The trunk muscles were similarly activated during squat and stoop lifting. During lowering the weight down, the trunk muscles were less activated than during extension to the upright position without weight in hands…
bibliographic citation: Pan et al. (2025) Trunk muscle behaviors during the full-cycle stoop and squat lifting tasks. PeerJ 13:e18797 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18797
date submitted: 2024-07-22
date accepted: 2024-12-11
issued: 2025-01-07
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Pan
  given name: Fumin
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Wei
author list: Agent
  family name: Kong
  given name: Chao
author list: Agent
  family name: Lu
  given name: Shibao
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18797
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-01-07
copyright: © 2025 Pan et al.
attribution name: Pan et al.

Antimicrobial activity of Lactobacillus spp. isolated from fermented foods and their inhibitory effect against foodborne pathogens
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), known for their health benefits, exhibit antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties. This study investigated the cell-free supernatant (CFS) of Lactobacillus spp., particularly L. plantarum KR3, against the common foodborne pathogens S. aureus, E. coli and Salmonella spp. Lactobacillus strains were isolated from cheese, pickles and yoghurt. They were then identified by morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics and confirmed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Culture supernatants from seven lactobacilli isolates showed varying inhibitory activities. Notably, L. plantarum KR3 and L. pentosus had the highest bacteriocin gene counts. L. plantarum KR3 CFS demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones of 20 ± 0.34 mm for S. aureus, 23 ± 1.64 mm for E. coli, and 17.1 ± 1.70 mm for Salmonella spp. The CFS also exhibited substantial antibiofilm activity, with 59.12 ± 0.03% against S. aureus, 83.50 ± 0.01% against E. coli, and 60. ± 0.04% against Salmonella spp., which were enhanced at the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). These results highlighted the potential of L. plantarum KR3 in antimicrobial applications, however, further research is needed to evaluate its viability and functional properties for probiotic use. Additionally, the CFS demonstrated exceptional thermal stability, reinforcing its promise as an antimicrobial agent.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Athraa Oudah Hussein
creator: Khalida Khalil
creator: Nurul Aqilah Mohd Zaini
creator: Ahmed Khassaf Al Atya
creator: Wan Syaidatul Aqma
subject: Food Science and Technology
subject: Genetics
subject: Microbiology
subject: Molecular Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18541
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Hussein et al.
abstract: Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), known for their health benefits, exhibit antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties. This study investigated the cell-free supernatant (CFS) of Lactobacillus spp., particularly L. plantarum KR3, against the common foodborne pathogens S. aureus, E. coli and Salmonella spp. Lactobacillus strains were isolated from cheese, pickles and yoghurt. They were then identified by morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics and confirmed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Culture supernatants from seven lactobacilli isolates showed varying inhibitory activities. Notably, L. plantarum KR3 and L. pentosus had the highest bacteriocin gene counts. L. plantarum KR3 CFS demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones of 20 ± 0.34 mm for S. aureus, 23 ± 1.64 mm for E. coli, and 17.1 ± 1.70 mm for Salmonella spp. The CFS also exhibited substantial antibiofilm activity, with 59.12 ± 0.03% against S. aureus, 83.50 ± 0.01% against E. coli, and 60. ± 0.04% against Salmonella spp., which were enhanced at the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). These results highlighted the potential of L. plantarum KR3 in antimicrobial applications, however, further research is needed to evaluate its viability and functional properties for probiotic use. Additionally, the CFS demonstrated exceptional thermal stability, reinforcing its promise as an antimicrobial agent.
bibliographic citation: Hussein et al. (2025) Antimicrobial activity of Lactobacillus spp. isolated from fermented foods and their inhibitory effect against foodborne pathogens. PeerJ 13:e18541 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18541
date submitted: 2024-09-09
date accepted: 2024-10-27
issued: 2025-01-06
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Hussein
  given name: Athraa Oudah
author list: Agent
  family name: Khalil
  given name: Khalida
author list: Agent
  family name: Mohd Zaini
  given name: Nurul Aqilah
author list: Agent
  family name: Al Atya
  given name: Ahmed Khassaf
author list: Agent
  family name: Aqma
  given name: Wan Syaidatul
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18541
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-01-06
copyright: ©2025 Hussein et al.
attribution name: Hussein et al.

Contact zone of slow worms Anguis fragilis Linnaeus, 1758 and Anguis colchica (Nordmann, 1840) in Poland
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Legless lizards, the slow worms of the genus Anguis, are forming secondary contact zones within their Europe-wide distribution. Methods We examined 35 populations of A. fragilis and A. colchica to identify the level of morphological and genetic divergence in Poland. We applied a conventional study approach using metric, meristic, and categorial (coloration) features for a phenotype analysis, and two standard molecular markers, a mitochondrial (NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase chain 2; ND2) and a nuclear (V(D)J recombination-activating protein 1; RAG1) one. Results We found clear differences between A. fragilis and A. colchica in molecular markers and phenotype—in meristic features, e.g., ear opening, number of scales rows around the body, and higher than so far known diversity in ND2 and RAG1 haplotypes. The presence of five hybrids was detected in three populations in the Polish part of the European contact zone. In all hybrids, homozygous alleles of RAG1 were detected, which suggests a back-crossing within the genus. Conclusions The ability to produce fertile offspring by A. fragilis x A. colchica hybrids shows inefficient mechanisms of reproductive isolation of the two legless lizards. The hybrids were indistinguishable from parental species in head proportions (principal components and discriminant analyses) but more resembling A. colchica in meristic traits.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Grzegorz Skórzewski
creator: Bartosz Borczyk
creator: Stanisław Bury
creator: Daniel Kulik
creator: Jan Kotusz
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Taxonomy
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18563
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Skórzewski et al.
abstract: Background Legless lizards, the slow worms of the genus Anguis, are forming secondary contact zones within their Europe-wide distribution. Methods We examined 35 populations of A. fragilis and A. colchica to identify the level of morphological and genetic divergence in Poland. We applied a conventional study approach using metric, meristic, and categorial (coloration) features for a phenotype analysis, and two standard molecular markers, a mitochondrial (NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase chain 2; ND2) and a nuclear (V(D)J recombination-activating protein 1; RAG1) one. Results We found clear differences between A. fragilis and A. colchica in molecular markers and phenotype—in meristic features, e.g., ear opening, number of scales rows around the body, and higher than so far known diversity in ND2 and RAG1 haplotypes. The presence of five hybrids was detected in three populations in the Polish part of the European contact zone. In all hybrids, homozygous alleles of RAG1 were detected, which suggests a back-crossing within the genus. Conclusions The ability to produce fertile offspring by A. fragilis x A. colchica hybrids shows inefficient mechanisms of reproductive isolation of the two legless lizards. The hybrids were indistinguishable from parental species in head proportions (principal components and discriminant analyses) but more resembling A. colchica in meristic traits.
bibliographic citation: Skórzewski et al. (2025) Contact zone of slow worms Anguis fragilis Linnaeus, 1758 and Anguis colchica (Nordmann, 1840) in Poland. PeerJ 13:e18563 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18563
date submitted: 2024-05-08
date accepted: 2024-10-31
issued: 2025-01-06
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Skórzewski
  given name: Grzegorz
author list: Agent
  family name: Borczyk
  given name: Bartosz
author list: Agent
  family name: Bury
  given name: Stanisław
author list: Agent
  family name: Kulik
  given name: Daniel
author list: Agent
  family name: Kotusz
  given name: Jan
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18563
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-01-06
copyright: ©2025 Skórzewski et al.
attribution name: Skórzewski et al.

Research progress on the impact of climate change on wheat production in China
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: It is crucial to elucidate the impact of climate change on wheat production in China. This article provides a review of the current climate change scenario and its effects on wheat cultivation in China, along with an examination of potential future impacts and possible response strategies. Against the backdrop of climate change, several key trends emerge: increasing temperature during the wheat growing season, raising precipitation, elevated CO2 concentration, and diminished radiation. Agricultural disasters primarily stem from oscillations in temperature and precipitation, with the northern wheat region being mostly affected. The impact on wheat production is manifested in a reduction in the area under cultivation, with the most rapid reduction in spring wheat, and a shift in the center of cultivation to the west. Furthermore, climate change accelerates the nutritional stage and shortens phenology. Climate change has also led to an increase in yields in the Northeast spring wheat region, the Northern spring wheat region, the Northwest spring wheat region, and the North China winter wheat region, and a decrease in yields in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River winter wheat region, the Southwest winter wheat region, and the South China winter wheat region. To cope with climate change, Chinese wheat can adopt adaptation strategies and measures such as breeding different wheat varieties for different wheat-growing regions, implementing differentiated farmland management measures, promoting regional ecological farmland construction, and establishing scientific monitoring and early warning systems. While future climate change may stimulate wheat yield potential, it could cause climate-induced issues such as weeds, diseases, and pests worsen, thereby posing challenges to the sustainability of farmland. Moreover, it is essential to conduct comprehensive research on pivotal areas such as the microscopic mechanism of climate change and wheat growth, the comprehe…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Yu-chen Fan
creator: Ya-qi Yuan
creator: Ya-chao Yuan
creator: Wen-jing Duan
creator: Zhi-qiang Gao
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Ecology
subject: Plant Science
subject: Climate Change Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18569
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Fan et al.
abstract: It is crucial to elucidate the impact of climate change on wheat production in China. This article provides a review of the current climate change scenario and its effects on wheat cultivation in China, along with an examination of potential future impacts and possible response strategies. Against the backdrop of climate change, several key trends emerge: increasing temperature during the wheat growing season, raising precipitation, elevated CO2 concentration, and diminished radiation. Agricultural disasters primarily stem from oscillations in temperature and precipitation, with the northern wheat region being mostly affected. The impact on wheat production is manifested in a reduction in the area under cultivation, with the most rapid reduction in spring wheat, and a shift in the center of cultivation to the west. Furthermore, climate change accelerates the nutritional stage and shortens phenology. Climate change has also led to an increase in yields in the Northeast spring wheat region, the Northern spring wheat region, the Northwest spring wheat region, and the North China winter wheat region, and a decrease in yields in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River winter wheat region, the Southwest winter wheat region, and the South China winter wheat region. To cope with climate change, Chinese wheat can adopt adaptation strategies and measures such as breeding different wheat varieties for different wheat-growing regions, implementing differentiated farmland management measures, promoting regional ecological farmland construction, and establishing scientific monitoring and early warning systems. While future climate change may stimulate wheat yield potential, it could cause climate-induced issues such as weeds, diseases, and pests worsen, thereby posing challenges to the sustainability of farmland. Moreover, it is essential to conduct comprehensive research on pivotal areas such as the microscopic mechanism of climate change and wheat growth, the comprehe…
bibliographic citation: Fan et al. (2025) Research progress on the impact of climate change on wheat production in China. PeerJ 13:e18569 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18569
date submitted: 2024-06-14
date accepted: 2024-10-31
issued: 2025-01-06
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Fan
  given name: Yu-chen
author list: Agent
  family name: Yuan
  given name: Ya-qi
author list: Agent
  family name: Yuan
  given name: Ya-chao
author list: Agent
  family name: Duan
  given name: Wen-jing
author list: Agent
  family name: Gao
  given name: Zhi-qiang
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18569
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-01-06
copyright: © 2025 Fan et al.
attribution name: Fan et al.

Reproductive management: conditioning, spawning and development of Peruvian grunt Anisotremus scapularis in southern Peru
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The Peruvian grunt, Anisotremus scapularis, is beginning its domestication as a candidate species for marine aquaculture. The optimal management of fingerling production requires precise knowledge on early development. Herein, we report the methodology for capturing and conditioning wild specimens to find a viable broodstock. The speed of capture and transportation (about 30 min), the post capture preventive treatment (60 min with tetracycline), and the 6-days preventive antiparasitic treatment (29 ppm formalin) maximized survival and a rapid feeding adaptation. Progressive diets based on the copepod Emerita analoga, fish meal, pellets and processed feedstuff prompted the spontaneous broodstock spawning 7 months post-capture. The interannual spawning of this broodstock since September 2016 indicated the optimal control of its reproduction in captivity. The morphogenetic process of the embryo lasted 42 h at 18 °C compared to (31–41) h at 19 °C in northern Peruvian latitudes. The knowledge generated allowed us to work out broodstock and egg management protocols in southern Pacific latitudes (southern Peru and northern Chile). Such protocols would help to escalate larval and juvenile production and to alleviate fishing pressure on the overexploited Peruvian grunt population.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Renzo Pepe-Victoriano
creator: Jordan I. Huanacuni
creator: Pablo Presa
creator: Luis Antonio Espinoza-Ramos
subject: Aquaculture, Fisheries and Fish Science
subject: Marine Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18655
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Pepe-Victoriano et al.
abstract: The Peruvian grunt, Anisotremus scapularis, is beginning its domestication as a candidate species for marine aquaculture. The optimal management of fingerling production requires precise knowledge on early development. Herein, we report the methodology for capturing and conditioning wild specimens to find a viable broodstock. The speed of capture and transportation (about 30 min), the post capture preventive treatment (60 min with tetracycline), and the 6-days preventive antiparasitic treatment (29 ppm formalin) maximized survival and a rapid feeding adaptation. Progressive diets based on the copepod Emerita analoga, fish meal, pellets and processed feedstuff prompted the spontaneous broodstock spawning 7 months post-capture. The interannual spawning of this broodstock since September 2016 indicated the optimal control of its reproduction in captivity. The morphogenetic process of the embryo lasted 42 h at 18 °C compared to (31–41) h at 19 °C in northern Peruvian latitudes. The knowledge generated allowed us to work out broodstock and egg management protocols in southern Pacific latitudes (southern Peru and northern Chile). Such protocols would help to escalate larval and juvenile production and to alleviate fishing pressure on the overexploited Peruvian grunt population.
bibliographic citation: Pepe-Victoriano et al. (2025) Reproductive management: conditioning, spawning and development of Peruvian grunt Anisotremus scapularis in southern Peru. PeerJ 13:e18655 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18655
date submitted: 2024-08-01
date accepted: 2024-11-17
issued: 2025-01-06
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Pepe-Victoriano
  given name: Renzo
author list: Agent
  family name: Huanacuni
  given name: Jordan I.
author list: Agent
  family name: Presa
  given name: Pablo
author list: Agent
  family name: Espinoza-Ramos
  given name: Luis Antonio
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18655
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-01-06
copyright: © 2025 Pepe-Victoriano et al.
attribution name: Pepe-Victoriano et al.

A novel nomogram based on the patient’s clinical data and CT signs to predict poor outcomes in AIS patients
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The 2019 American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) guidelines strongly advise using non-contrast CT (NCCT) of the head as a mandatory test for all patients with suspected acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to CT’s advantages of affordability and speed of imaging. Therefore, our objective was to combine patient clinical data with head CT signs to create a nomogram to predict poor outcomes in AIS patients. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 161 patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent mechanical thrombectomy at the Guangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine from January 2019 to June 2023. All patients were randomly assigned to either the training cohort (n = 113) or the validation cohort (n = 48) at a 7:3 ratio. According to the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score 7 days after mechanical thrombectomy, the patients were divided into the good outcome group (<15) and the poor outcome group (≥15). Predictive factors were selected through univariate analyses, LASSO regression analysis, and multivariate logistic regression analysis, followed by the construction of a nomogram predictive model. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive performance of the model, and bootstrapped ROC area under the curve (AUC) estimates were calculated to provide a more stable evaluation of the model’s accuracy. The model’s calibration performance was evaluated through the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test and calibration plot, and the clinical effectiveness of the model was analyzed through decision curve analysis (DCA). Results Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign (HMCAS) (OR 9.113; 95% CI [1.945–42.708]; P = 0.005), the Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) > 6 (OR 7.707; 95% CI [2.201–26.991]; P = 0.001), NIHSS score (OR 1.085; 95% CI [1.009–1.166]; P = 0.027), age (…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jingyao Yang
creator: Fangfang Deng
creator: Qian Zhang
creator: Zhuyin Zhang
creator: Qinghua Luo
creator: Yeyu Xiao
subject: Epidemiology
subject: Neurology
subject: Radiology and Medical Imaging
subject: Surgery and Surgical Specialties
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18662
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Yang et al.
abstract: Background The 2019 American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) guidelines strongly advise using non-contrast CT (NCCT) of the head as a mandatory test for all patients with suspected acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to CT’s advantages of affordability and speed of imaging. Therefore, our objective was to combine patient clinical data with head CT signs to create a nomogram to predict poor outcomes in AIS patients. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 161 patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent mechanical thrombectomy at the Guangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine from January 2019 to June 2023. All patients were randomly assigned to either the training cohort (n = 113) or the validation cohort (n = 48) at a 7:3 ratio. According to the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score 7 days after mechanical thrombectomy, the patients were divided into the good outcome group (<15) and the poor outcome group (≥15). Predictive factors were selected through univariate analyses, LASSO regression analysis, and multivariate logistic regression analysis, followed by the construction of a nomogram predictive model. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive performance of the model, and bootstrapped ROC area under the curve (AUC) estimates were calculated to provide a more stable evaluation of the model’s accuracy. The model’s calibration performance was evaluated through the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test and calibration plot, and the clinical effectiveness of the model was analyzed through decision curve analysis (DCA). Results Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign (HMCAS) (OR 9.113; 95% CI [1.945–42.708]; P = 0.005), the Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) > 6 (OR 7.707; 95% CI [2.201–26.991]; P = 0.001), NIHSS score (OR 1.085; 95% CI [1.009–1.166]; P = 0.027), age (…
bibliographic citation: Yang et al. (2025) A novel nomogram based on the patient’s clinical data and CT signs to predict poor outcomes in AIS patients. PeerJ 13:e18662 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18662
date submitted: 2024-07-05
date accepted: 2024-11-18
issued: 2025-01-06
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Jingyao
author list: Agent
  family name: Deng
  given name: Fangfang
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Qian
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Zhuyin
author list: Agent
  family name: Luo
  given name: Qinghua
author list: Agent
  family name: Xiao
  given name: Yeyu
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18662
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-01-06
copyright: © 2025 Yang et al.
attribution name: Yang et al.

Comparative analysis of volume growth processes of Masson pine and Chinese fir forests in different regions of southern China
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) and Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.) are important coniferous species commonly found in southern China and play crucial ecological and economic roles. Understanding how regionally variable conditions influence their growth patterns can support effective forest management strategies and conservation efforts. Here, we used the Richards growth equation to comprehensively analyze their volumetric growth processes through multiple diverse regions in southern China, representing a pioneering large-scale application of unified modeling techniques. This work provides theoretical and technical knowledge to support the sustainable stewardship of these vital forest ecosystems. We found that: (1) The highest per-hectare volume accumulation occurs in southwestern China, at 97.455 m3 hm−2 for P. massoniana and 85.288 m3 hm−2 for C. lanceolata. These values are higher than in the southeastern (71.424 m3 hm−2 and 79.520 m3 hm−2, respectively) or south-central regions (70.697 m3 hm−2 and 65.647 m3 hm−2), predominantly due to varying stand maturity across these regions. (2) Both species exhibit age-dependent growth patterns in the first 100 years of forest development, characterized by rapid early growth and transitioning into slower, stable phases. The highest total volume growth for P. massoniana occurred in the southwest, followed by the southeast and south-central regions. Conversely, C. lanceolata growth is highest in the southeast, followed by south-central and the southwest. (3) Quantitative maturity for P. massoniana ranges from 27 to 29 years (average: 30 years) whereas C. lanceolata matures earlier, between 16 to 19 years (average: 20 years). Climate and soil factors significantly influence their growth dynamics, with precipitation, temperature variation, and soil characteristics driving differences in suitability and growth potential across distinct regions in southern China. Tailored management practices that align w…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: YuHui Chen
creator: Zongzheng Chai
subject: Ecology
subject: Ecosystem Science
subject: Plant Science
subject: Natural Resource Management
subject: Forestry
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18706
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Chen and Chai
abstract: Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) and Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.) are important coniferous species commonly found in southern China and play crucial ecological and economic roles. Understanding how regionally variable conditions influence their growth patterns can support effective forest management strategies and conservation efforts. Here, we used the Richards growth equation to comprehensively analyze their volumetric growth processes through multiple diverse regions in southern China, representing a pioneering large-scale application of unified modeling techniques. This work provides theoretical and technical knowledge to support the sustainable stewardship of these vital forest ecosystems. We found that: (1) The highest per-hectare volume accumulation occurs in southwestern China, at 97.455 m3 hm−2 for P. massoniana and 85.288 m3 hm−2 for C. lanceolata. These values are higher than in the southeastern (71.424 m3 hm−2 and 79.520 m3 hm−2, respectively) or south-central regions (70.697 m3 hm−2 and 65.647 m3 hm−2), predominantly due to varying stand maturity across these regions. (2) Both species exhibit age-dependent growth patterns in the first 100 years of forest development, characterized by rapid early growth and transitioning into slower, stable phases. The highest total volume growth for P. massoniana occurred in the southwest, followed by the southeast and south-central regions. Conversely, C. lanceolata growth is highest in the southeast, followed by south-central and the southwest. (3) Quantitative maturity for P. massoniana ranges from 27 to 29 years (average: 30 years) whereas C. lanceolata matures earlier, between 16 to 19 years (average: 20 years). Climate and soil factors significantly influence their growth dynamics, with precipitation, temperature variation, and soil characteristics driving differences in suitability and growth potential across distinct regions in southern China. Tailored management practices that align w…
bibliographic citation: Chen et al. (2025) Comparative analysis of volume growth processes of Masson pine and Chinese fir forests in different regions of southern China. PeerJ 13:e18706 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18706
date submitted: 2024-09-27
date accepted: 2024-11-22
issued: 2025-01-06
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: YuHui
author list: Agent
  family name: Chai
  given name: Zongzheng
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18706
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-01-06
copyright: ©2025 Chen and Chai
attribution name: Chen and Chai

Responses of fungal communities at different soil depths to grazing intensity in a desert steppe
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Grazing can alter the physicochemical properties of soil and quickly influence the composition of microbial communities. However, the effects of grazing intensity on fungal community composition in different soil depth remain unclear. On the Inner Mongolia Plateau, we studied the effects of grazing intensity treatments including no grazing (NG), light grazing (LG), moderate grazing (MG), heavy grazing (HG), and over grazing (OG) on the physicochemical properties and fungal community composition of surface (0–20 cm) and subsurface (20–40 cm) soil layers. The α-diversity of fungi in subsurface soil decreased under the influence of grazing. The relative abundance of Ascomycota in the subsoil was higher than that in the topsoil, while the situation of Basidiomycota was the opposite. This was caused by the differences in the soil carbon (C) environment for the growth of oligotrophic and copiotrophic fungi. In the subsoil, grazing affected nutrient contents such as soil organic matter (SOM) and total nitrogen (TN), resulting in significantly lower relative abundance of Ortierellomycota under LG, HG, and OG than in the NG. HG showed much higher relative abundance of Glomeromycota. Results of a multiple regression tree (MRT) analysis revealed that TN and nitrate nitrogen affected the fungal α-diversity in top- and subsoils, respectively; the main driving factor regulating fungal community changes was soil water content (SWC) in the topsoil, while it was ammonium nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen in the subsoil. The results of our study indicate that grazing changes the soil environment by changing TN, SWC, nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, and affects the diversity and community structure of soil fungi. This provides empirical support for coping with the impact of grazing on soil microbiomes in desert steppes.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Xiangjian Tu
creator: Paul C. Struik
creator: Shixian Sun
creator: Zhang Wenbo
creator: Yong Zhang
creator: Ke Jin
creator: Zhen Wang
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Ecology
subject: Mycology
subject: Soil Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18791
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Tu et al.
abstract: Grazing can alter the physicochemical properties of soil and quickly influence the composition of microbial communities. However, the effects of grazing intensity on fungal community composition in different soil depth remain unclear. On the Inner Mongolia Plateau, we studied the effects of grazing intensity treatments including no grazing (NG), light grazing (LG), moderate grazing (MG), heavy grazing (HG), and over grazing (OG) on the physicochemical properties and fungal community composition of surface (0–20 cm) and subsurface (20–40 cm) soil layers. The α-diversity of fungi in subsurface soil decreased under the influence of grazing. The relative abundance of Ascomycota in the subsoil was higher than that in the topsoil, while the situation of Basidiomycota was the opposite. This was caused by the differences in the soil carbon (C) environment for the growth of oligotrophic and copiotrophic fungi. In the subsoil, grazing affected nutrient contents such as soil organic matter (SOM) and total nitrogen (TN), resulting in significantly lower relative abundance of Ortierellomycota under LG, HG, and OG than in the NG. HG showed much higher relative abundance of Glomeromycota. Results of a multiple regression tree (MRT) analysis revealed that TN and nitrate nitrogen affected the fungal α-diversity in top- and subsoils, respectively; the main driving factor regulating fungal community changes was soil water content (SWC) in the topsoil, while it was ammonium nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen in the subsoil. The results of our study indicate that grazing changes the soil environment by changing TN, SWC, nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, and affects the diversity and community structure of soil fungi. This provides empirical support for coping with the impact of grazing on soil microbiomes in desert steppes.
bibliographic citation: Tu et al. (2025) Responses of fungal communities at different soil depths to grazing intensity in a desert steppe. PeerJ 13:e18791 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18791
date submitted: 2024-07-16
date accepted: 2024-12-10
issued: 2025-01-06
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Tu
  given name: Xiangjian
author list: Agent
  family name: Struik
  given name: Paul C.
author list: Agent
  family name: Sun
  given name: Shixian
author list: Agent
  family name: Wenbo
  given name: Zhang
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Yong
author list: Agent
  family name: Jin
  given name: Ke
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Zhen
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18791
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-01-06
copyright: ©2025 Tu et al.
attribution name: Tu et al.

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