PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: A small venomous reptile from the Late Triassic (Norian) of the southwestern United States
items: Mangrove afforestation as an ecological control of invasive Spartina alterniflora affects rhizosphere soil physicochemical properties and bacterial community in a subtropical tidal estuarine wetland
items: Identification of an additive interaction using parameter regularization and model selection in epidemiology
items: The relationship between functional movement patterns, dynamic balance and ice speed and agility in young elite male ice hockey players
items: Applications of dry chain technology to maintain high seed viability in tropical climates
items: Transcription factor EB, a promising therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease
items: Three new species of Talaromyces sect. Talaromyces discovered in China
items: The characteristics and associations between trait and state time perspective in adolescents with depression: a questionnaire and sandplay study
items: Spatial patterns and driving factors of plant diversity along the urban–rural gradient in the context of urbanization in Zhengzhou, China
items: Association between risk factors and bone mineral density and the development of a self-assessment tool for early osteoporosis screening in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes

A small venomous reptile from the Late Triassic (Norian) of the southwestern United States
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Reptile feeding strategies encompass a wide variety of diets and accompanying diversity in methods for subduing prey. One such strategy, the use of venom for prey capture, is found in living reptile clades like helodermatid (beaded) lizards and some groups of snakes, and venom secreting glands are also present in some monitor lizards and iguanians. The fossil record of some of these groups shows strong evidence for venom use, and this feeding strategy also has been hypothesized for a variety of extinct reptiles (e.g., archosauromorphs, anguimorphs, and a sphenodontian). However, evidence of systems for venom delivery in extinct groups and its evolutionary origins has been scarce, especially when based on more than isolated teeth. Here, we describe a potentially venomous new reptile, Microzemiotes sonselaensis gen. et sp. nov., from a partial left dentary recovered from the Sonsela Member of the Chinle Formation (middle Norian, Upper Triassic) of northeastern Arizona, U.S.A. The three dentary teeth have apices that are distally reclined relative to their bases and the tip of the posteriormost tooth curves mesially. The teeth show subthecodont implantation and are interspaced by empty sockets that terminate above the Meckelian canal, which is dorsoventrally expanded posteriorly. Replacement tooth sockets are positioned distolingually to the active teeth as in varanid-like replacement. We identify this new specimen as a diapsid reptile based on its monocuspid teeth that lack carinae and serrations. A more exclusive phylogenetic position within Diapsida is not well supported and remains uncertain. Several features of this new taxon, such as the presence of an intramandibular septum, are shared with some anguimorph squamates; however, these likely evolved independently. The teeth of the new taxon are distinctively marked by external grooves that occur on the entire length of the crown on the labial and lingual sides, as seen in the teeth of living beaded lizards. If thes…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Helen E. Burch
creator: Hannah-Marie S. Eddins
creator: Michelle R. Stocker
creator: Ben T. Kligman
creator: Adam D. Marsh
creator: William G. Parker
creator: Sterling J. Nesbitt
subject: Ecology
subject: Paleontology
subject: Taxonomy
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18279
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024
abstract: Reptile feeding strategies encompass a wide variety of diets and accompanying diversity in methods for subduing prey. One such strategy, the use of venom for prey capture, is found in living reptile clades like helodermatid (beaded) lizards and some groups of snakes, and venom secreting glands are also present in some monitor lizards and iguanians. The fossil record of some of these groups shows strong evidence for venom use, and this feeding strategy also has been hypothesized for a variety of extinct reptiles (e.g., archosauromorphs, anguimorphs, and a sphenodontian). However, evidence of systems for venom delivery in extinct groups and its evolutionary origins has been scarce, especially when based on more than isolated teeth. Here, we describe a potentially venomous new reptile, Microzemiotes sonselaensis gen. et sp. nov., from a partial left dentary recovered from the Sonsela Member of the Chinle Formation (middle Norian, Upper Triassic) of northeastern Arizona, U.S.A. The three dentary teeth have apices that are distally reclined relative to their bases and the tip of the posteriormost tooth curves mesially. The teeth show subthecodont implantation and are interspaced by empty sockets that terminate above the Meckelian canal, which is dorsoventrally expanded posteriorly. Replacement tooth sockets are positioned distolingually to the active teeth as in varanid-like replacement. We identify this new specimen as a diapsid reptile based on its monocuspid teeth that lack carinae and serrations. A more exclusive phylogenetic position within Diapsida is not well supported and remains uncertain. Several features of this new taxon, such as the presence of an intramandibular septum, are shared with some anguimorph squamates; however, these likely evolved independently. The teeth of the new taxon are distinctively marked by external grooves that occur on the entire length of the crown on the labial and lingual sides, as seen in the teeth of living beaded lizards. If thes…
bibliographic citation: Burch et al. (2024) A small venomous reptile from the Late Triassic (Norian) of the southwestern United States. PeerJ 12:e18279 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18279
date submitted: 2024-05-09
date accepted: 2024-09-18
issued: 2024-10-14
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Burch
  given name: Helen E.
author list: Agent
  family name: Eddins
  given name: Hannah-Marie S.
author list: Agent
  family name: Stocker
  given name: Michelle R.
author list: Agent
  family name: Kligman
  given name: Ben T.
author list: Agent
  family name: Marsh
  given name: Adam D.
author list: Agent
  family name: Parker
  given name: William G.
author list: Agent
  family name: Nesbitt
  given name: Sterling J.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18279
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-14

Mangrove afforestation as an ecological control of invasive Spartina alterniflora affects rhizosphere soil physicochemical properties and bacterial community in a subtropical tidal estuarine wetland
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The planting of mangroves is extensively used to control the invasive plant Spartina alterniflora in coastal wetlands. Different plant species release diverse sets of small organic compounds that affect rhizosphere conditions and support high levels of microbial activity. The root-associated microbial community is crucial for plant health and soil nutrient cycling, and for maintaining the stability of the wetland ecosystem. Methods High-throughput sequencing was used to assess the structure and function of the soil bacterial communities in mudflat soil and in the rhizosphere soils of S. alterniflora, mangroves, and native plants in the Oujiang estuarine wetland, China. A distance-based redundancy analysis (based on Bray–Curtis metrics) was used to identify key soil factors driving bacterial community structure. Results S. alterniflora invasion and subsequent mangrove afforestation led to the formation of distinct bacterial communities. The main soil factors driving the structure of bacterial communities were electrical conductivity (EC), available potassium (AK), available phosphorus (AP), and organic matter (OM). S. alterniflora obviously increased EC, OM, available nitrogen (AN), and NO3−-N contents, and consequently attracted copiotrophic Bacteroidates to conduct invasion in the coastal areas. Mangroves, especially Kandelia obovata, were suitable pioneer species for restoration and recruited beneficial Desulfobacterota and Bacilli to the rhizosphere. These conditions ultimately increased the contents of AP, available sulfur (AS), and AN in soil. The native plant species Carex scabrifolia and Suaeda glauca affected coastal saline soil primarily by decreasing the EC, rather than by increasing nutrient contents. The predicted functions of bacterial communities in rhizosphere soils were related to active catabolism, whereas those of the bacterial community in mudflat soil were related to synthesis and resistance to environmental factors. Conclusions Ecolog…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jinwang Wang
creator: Xi Lin
creator: Xia An
creator: Shuangshuang Liu
creator: Xin Wei
creator: Tianpei Zhou
creator: Qianchen Li
creator: Qiuxia Chen
creator: Xing Liu
subject: Ecology
subject: Genomics
subject: Microbiology
subject: Plant Science
subject: Soil Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18291
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Wang et al.
abstract: Background The planting of mangroves is extensively used to control the invasive plant Spartina alterniflora in coastal wetlands. Different plant species release diverse sets of small organic compounds that affect rhizosphere conditions and support high levels of microbial activity. The root-associated microbial community is crucial for plant health and soil nutrient cycling, and for maintaining the stability of the wetland ecosystem. Methods High-throughput sequencing was used to assess the structure and function of the soil bacterial communities in mudflat soil and in the rhizosphere soils of S. alterniflora, mangroves, and native plants in the Oujiang estuarine wetland, China. A distance-based redundancy analysis (based on Bray–Curtis metrics) was used to identify key soil factors driving bacterial community structure. Results S. alterniflora invasion and subsequent mangrove afforestation led to the formation of distinct bacterial communities. The main soil factors driving the structure of bacterial communities were electrical conductivity (EC), available potassium (AK), available phosphorus (AP), and organic matter (OM). S. alterniflora obviously increased EC, OM, available nitrogen (AN), and NO3−-N contents, and consequently attracted copiotrophic Bacteroidates to conduct invasion in the coastal areas. Mangroves, especially Kandelia obovata, were suitable pioneer species for restoration and recruited beneficial Desulfobacterota and Bacilli to the rhizosphere. These conditions ultimately increased the contents of AP, available sulfur (AS), and AN in soil. The native plant species Carex scabrifolia and Suaeda glauca affected coastal saline soil primarily by decreasing the EC, rather than by increasing nutrient contents. The predicted functions of bacterial communities in rhizosphere soils were related to active catabolism, whereas those of the bacterial community in mudflat soil were related to synthesis and resistance to environmental factors. Conclusions Ecolog…
bibliographic citation: Wang et al. (2024) Mangrove afforestation as an ecological control of invasive Spartina alterniflora affects rhizosphere soil physicochemical properties and bacterial community in a subtropical tidal estuarine wetland. PeerJ 12:e18291 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18291
date submitted: 2024-05-28
date accepted: 2024-09-20
issued: 2024-10-14
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Jinwang
author list: Agent
  family name: Lin
  given name: Xi
author list: Agent
  family name: An
  given name: Xia
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Shuangshuang
author list: Agent
  family name: Wei
  given name: Xin
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Tianpei
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Qianchen
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Qiuxia
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Xing
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18291
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-14
copyright: © 2024 Wang et al.
attribution name: Wang et al.

Identification of an additive interaction using parameter regularization and model selection in epidemiology
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background In epidemiology, indicators such as the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), attributable proportion (AP), and synergy index (S) are commonly used to assess additive interactions between two variables. However, the results of these indicators are sometimes inconsistent in real world applications and it may be difficult to draw conclusions from them. Method Based on the relationship between the RERI, AP, and S, we propose a method with consistent results, which are achieved by constraining $e^{\theta_3}-e^{\theta_1}-e^{\theta_2}+1=0$eθ3−eθ1−eθ2+1=0 , and the interpretation of the results is simple and clear. We present two pathways to achieve this end: one is to complete the constraint by adding a regular penalty term to the model likelihood function; the other is to use model selection. Result Using simulated and real data, our proposed methods effectively identified additive interactions and proved to be applicable to real-world data. Simulations were used to evaluate the performance of the methods in scenarios with and without additive interactions. The penalty term converged to 0 with increasing λ, and the final models matched the expected interaction status, demonstrating that regularized estimation could effectively identify additive interactions. Model selection was compared with classical methods (delta and bootstrap) across various scenarios with different interaction strengths, and the additive interactions were closely observed and the results aligned closely with bootstrap results. The coefficients in the model without interaction adhered to a simplifying equation, reinforcing that there was no significant interaction between smoking and alcohol use on oral cancer risk. Conclusion In summary, the model selection method based on the Hannan-Quinn criterion (HQ) appears to be a competitive alternative to the bootstrap method for identifying additive interactions. Furthermore, when using RERI, AP, and S to assess the additive interaction…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Chanchan Hu
creator: Zhifeng Lin
creator: Zhijian Hu
creator: Shaowei Lin
subject: Epidemiology
subject: Statistics
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18304
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Hu et al.
abstract: Background In epidemiology, indicators such as the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), attributable proportion (AP), and synergy index (S) are commonly used to assess additive interactions between two variables. However, the results of these indicators are sometimes inconsistent in real world applications and it may be difficult to draw conclusions from them. Method Based on the relationship between the RERI, AP, and S, we propose a method with consistent results, which are achieved by constraining $e^{\theta_3}-e^{\theta_1}-e^{\theta_2}+1=0$eθ3−eθ1−eθ2+1=0 , and the interpretation of the results is simple and clear. We present two pathways to achieve this end: one is to complete the constraint by adding a regular penalty term to the model likelihood function; the other is to use model selection. Result Using simulated and real data, our proposed methods effectively identified additive interactions and proved to be applicable to real-world data. Simulations were used to evaluate the performance of the methods in scenarios with and without additive interactions. The penalty term converged to 0 with increasing λ, and the final models matched the expected interaction status, demonstrating that regularized estimation could effectively identify additive interactions. Model selection was compared with classical methods (delta and bootstrap) across various scenarios with different interaction strengths, and the additive interactions were closely observed and the results aligned closely with bootstrap results. The coefficients in the model without interaction adhered to a simplifying equation, reinforcing that there was no significant interaction between smoking and alcohol use on oral cancer risk. Conclusion In summary, the model selection method based on the Hannan-Quinn criterion (HQ) appears to be a competitive alternative to the bootstrap method for identifying additive interactions. Furthermore, when using RERI, AP, and S to assess the additive interaction…
bibliographic citation: Hu et al. (2024) Identification of an additive interaction using parameter regularization and model selection in epidemiology. PeerJ 12:e18304 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18304
date submitted: 2024-06-21
date accepted: 2024-09-23
issued: 2024-10-14
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Hu
  given name: Chanchan
author list: Agent
  family name: Lin
  given name: Zhifeng
author list: Agent
  family name: Hu
  given name: Zhijian
author list: Agent
  family name: Lin
  given name: Shaowei
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18304
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-14
copyright: © 2024 Hu et al.
attribution name: Hu et al.

The relationship between functional movement patterns, dynamic balance and ice speed and agility in young elite male ice hockey players
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Understanding the relationship between the functional state of the musculoskeletal system and skating performance in ice hockey players is essential, as it can provide valuable insights for the development of training programs tailored to the specific needs of athletes. This study investigated the relationship between functional movement patterns, dynamic balance, and ice speed and agility in young elite male ice hockey players. Methods The study involved sixty elite male ice hockey players aged 14 to 18 years, with an average age of 15.9 ± 0.85 years and training experience ranging from 7 to 9 years. Functional movement patterns were evaluated using the Functional Movement Screen™ (FMSTM). Dynamic balance was assessed using the lower quarter Y-Balance test (YBT-LQ). Fitness tests on ice were conducted using a professional Smart Speed measurement system. Results Negative correlations were found between the in-line lunge and the results of the 5-m forward (rho = −0.31, p = 0.018) and 5-m backward (rho = −0.27, p = 0.040), as well as between the hurdle step and the 30-m forward skating test result (rho = −0.26, p = 0.043). Positive correlations were observed between shoulder mobility and both forward (5-m: rho = 0.27, p = 0.035) and backward skating results (5-m: rho = 0.35, p = 0.006; 30-m: rho = 0.26, p = 0.047), and between active straight leg rise and both the 5-m forward skating (rho = 0.38, p = 0.002) and agility tests (rho = 0.39, p = 0.002). The study also revealed positive correlations between the magnitude of asymmetries in the anterior reach distance of the right and left legs and the results of 5-m forward (rho = 0.34, p = 0.009) and backward skating (rho = 0.32, p = 0.013). Additionally, a positive correlation was found between the agility test and the magnitude of asymmetries in the posteromedial reach distance (r = 0.32, p = 0.012) as well as the composite YBT score (r = 0.28, p = 0.031). Negative correlations were found between normalized re…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Małgorzata Grabara
creator: Anna Bieniec
subject: Kinesiology
subject: Biomechanics
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18092
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Grabara and Bieniec
abstract: Background Understanding the relationship between the functional state of the musculoskeletal system and skating performance in ice hockey players is essential, as it can provide valuable insights for the development of training programs tailored to the specific needs of athletes. This study investigated the relationship between functional movement patterns, dynamic balance, and ice speed and agility in young elite male ice hockey players. Methods The study involved sixty elite male ice hockey players aged 14 to 18 years, with an average age of 15.9 ± 0.85 years and training experience ranging from 7 to 9 years. Functional movement patterns were evaluated using the Functional Movement Screen™ (FMSTM). Dynamic balance was assessed using the lower quarter Y-Balance test (YBT-LQ). Fitness tests on ice were conducted using a professional Smart Speed measurement system. Results Negative correlations were found between the in-line lunge and the results of the 5-m forward (rho = −0.31, p = 0.018) and 5-m backward (rho = −0.27, p = 0.040), as well as between the hurdle step and the 30-m forward skating test result (rho = −0.26, p = 0.043). Positive correlations were observed between shoulder mobility and both forward (5-m: rho = 0.27, p = 0.035) and backward skating results (5-m: rho = 0.35, p = 0.006; 30-m: rho = 0.26, p = 0.047), and between active straight leg rise and both the 5-m forward skating (rho = 0.38, p = 0.002) and agility tests (rho = 0.39, p = 0.002). The study also revealed positive correlations between the magnitude of asymmetries in the anterior reach distance of the right and left legs and the results of 5-m forward (rho = 0.34, p = 0.009) and backward skating (rho = 0.32, p = 0.013). Additionally, a positive correlation was found between the agility test and the magnitude of asymmetries in the posteromedial reach distance (r = 0.32, p = 0.012) as well as the composite YBT score (r = 0.28, p = 0.031). Negative correlations were found between normalized re…
bibliographic citation: Grabara et al. (2024) The relationship between functional movement patterns, dynamic balance and ice speed and agility in young elite male ice hockey players. PeerJ 12:e18092 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18092
date submitted: 2024-04-27
date accepted: 2024-08-23
issued: 2024-10-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Grabara
  given name: Małgorzata
author list: Agent
  family name: Bieniec
  given name: Anna
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18092
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-11
copyright: © 2024 Grabara and Bieniec
attribution name: Grabara and Bieniec

Applications of dry chain technology to maintain high seed viability in tropical climates
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Seed storage life in tropical areas is shortened by high humidity and temperature and the general inaccessibility to dehumidifying and refrigeration systems, resulting in rapid decreases in seed viability in storage as well as a high incidence of fungal and insect infestations. The dry chain, based on rapid and deep drying of seeds after harvest followed by packaging in moisture-proof containers, has been proposed as an effective method to maintain seed quality during medium-term storage in humid climates, even without refrigeration. In addition, seed drying with zeolite drying beads can be more effective and economical than sun or heated-air drying under these warm, humid conditions. In this paper, we review recent published literature regarding the dry chain, considering different crop species, storage environments and seed traits. In addition, we provide new original data on the application of dry chain methods and their implementation at larger scales in South Asia, Latin America and Pacific Island Countries. The clear conclusion is that the combination of reusable drying beads and waterproof storage containers enables the implementation of the dry chain in tropical climates, enhancing seed viability and quality in storage of many crop species. The dry chain approach can therefore significantly enhance seed security for farmers in many tropical countries. Finally, we propose actions and strategies that could guide further scaling-up implementation of this technology.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Filippo Guzzon
creator: Denise E. Costich
creator: Irfan Afzal
creator: Luis Barboza Barquero
creator: Andrés Antonio Monge Vargas
creator: Ester Vargas Ramírez
creator: Pedro Bello
creator: Peetambar Dahal
creator: César Sánchez Cano
creator: Cristian Zavala Espinosa
creator: Shakeel Imran
creator: Soane Patolo
creator: Tevita Ngaloafe Tukia
creator: Johan Van Asbrouck
creator: Elina Nabubuniyaka-Young
creator: Maraeva Gianella
creator: Kent J. Bradford
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Conservation Biology
subject: Food Science and Technology
subject: Plant Science
subject: Natural Resource Management
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18146
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Guzzon et al.
abstract: Seed storage life in tropical areas is shortened by high humidity and temperature and the general inaccessibility to dehumidifying and refrigeration systems, resulting in rapid decreases in seed viability in storage as well as a high incidence of fungal and insect infestations. The dry chain, based on rapid and deep drying of seeds after harvest followed by packaging in moisture-proof containers, has been proposed as an effective method to maintain seed quality during medium-term storage in humid climates, even without refrigeration. In addition, seed drying with zeolite drying beads can be more effective and economical than sun or heated-air drying under these warm, humid conditions. In this paper, we review recent published literature regarding the dry chain, considering different crop species, storage environments and seed traits. In addition, we provide new original data on the application of dry chain methods and their implementation at larger scales in South Asia, Latin America and Pacific Island Countries. The clear conclusion is that the combination of reusable drying beads and waterproof storage containers enables the implementation of the dry chain in tropical climates, enhancing seed viability and quality in storage of many crop species. The dry chain approach can therefore significantly enhance seed security for farmers in many tropical countries. Finally, we propose actions and strategies that could guide further scaling-up implementation of this technology.
bibliographic citation: Guzzon et al. (2024) Applications of dry chain technology to maintain high seed viability in tropical climates. PeerJ 12:e18146 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18146
date submitted: 2024-02-27
date accepted: 2024-08-30
issued: 2024-10-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Guzzon
  given name: Filippo
author list: Agent
  family name: Costich
  given name: Denise E.
author list: Agent
  family name: Afzal
  given name: Irfan
author list: Agent
  family name: Barboza Barquero
  given name: Luis
author list: Agent
  family name: Monge Vargas
  given name: Andrés Antonio
author list: Agent
  family name: Vargas Ramírez
  given name: Ester
author list: Agent
  family name: Bello
  given name: Pedro
author list: Agent
  family name: Dahal
  given name: Peetambar
author list: Agent
  family name: Sánchez Cano
  given name: César
author list: Agent
  family name: Zavala Espinosa
  given name: Cristian
author list: Agent
  family name: Imran
  given name: Shakeel
author list: Agent
  family name: Patolo
  given name: Soane
author list: Agent
  family name: Tukia
  given name: Tevita Ngaloafe
author list: Agent
  family name: Van Asbrouck
  given name: Johan
author list: Agent
  family name: Nabubuniyaka-Young
  given name: Elina
author list: Agent
  family name: Gianella
  given name: Maraeva
author list: Agent
  family name: Bradford
  given name: Kent J.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18146
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-11
copyright: ©2024 Guzzon et al.
attribution name: Guzzon et al.

Transcription factor EB, a promising therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the major cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. Transcription factor EB (TFEB) is a master regulator of lysosome biogenesis and autophagy. Emerging studies revealed that TFEB also mediates cellular adaptation responses to various stimuli, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, pathogen infection and metabolic toxin. Based on its significant capability to modulate the autophagy-lysosome process (ALP), TFEB plays a critical role in the development of CVD. In this review, we briefly summarize that TFEB regulates cardiac dysfunction mainly through ameliorating lysosomal and mitochondrial dysfunction and reducing inflammation.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Xin Yan
creator: Li Yang
creator: Xiaolei Fu
creator: Xin Luo
creator: Chengming Wang
creator: Qiu Ping Xie
creator: Fan OuYang
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Cardiology
subject: Internal Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18209
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Yan et al.
abstract: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the major cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. Transcription factor EB (TFEB) is a master regulator of lysosome biogenesis and autophagy. Emerging studies revealed that TFEB also mediates cellular adaptation responses to various stimuli, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, pathogen infection and metabolic toxin. Based on its significant capability to modulate the autophagy-lysosome process (ALP), TFEB plays a critical role in the development of CVD. In this review, we briefly summarize that TFEB regulates cardiac dysfunction mainly through ameliorating lysosomal and mitochondrial dysfunction and reducing inflammation.
bibliographic citation: Yan et al. (2024) Transcription factor EB, a promising therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease. PeerJ 12:e18209 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18209
date submitted: 2024-06-12
date accepted: 2024-09-10
issued: 2024-10-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
author list: Agent
  family name: Yan
  given name: Xin
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Li
author list: Agent
  family name: Fu
  given name: Xiaolei
author list: Agent
  family name: Luo
  given name: Xin
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Chengming
author list: Agent
  family name: Xie
  given name: Qiu Ping
author list: Agent
  family name: OuYang
  given name: Fan
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18209
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-11
copyright: ©2024 Yan et al.
attribution name: Yan et al.

Three new species of Talaromyces sect. Talaromyces discovered in China
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Talaromyces species play an important role in the nutrient cycle in natural ecosystems, degradation of vegetal biomass in industries and the implications in medicine. However, the species diversity of this genus is still far from fully understood. Methods The polyphasic taxonomic approach integrating morphological comparisons and molecular phylogenetic analyses based on BenA, CaM, Rpb2 and ITS sequences was used to propose three new Talaromyces species. Results Three new species of sect. Talaromyces isolated from soil are proposed, namely, T. disparis (ex-type AS3.26221), T. funiformis (ex-type AS3.26220) and T. jianfengicus (ex-type AS3.26253). T. disparis is unique in low growth rate, velvety texture, limited to moderate sporulation, biverticillate, monoverticillate and irregular penicilli bearing a portion of abnormally large globose conidia, it has no close relatives in phylogeny. Being a member of T. pinophilus complex, T. funiformis produces mycelial funicles on Czapek yeast autolysate agar (CYA), 5% malt extract agar (MEA) and yeast extract (YES), sparse sporulation on Czapek agar (Cz), CYA, MEA and YES while abundant on oatmeal agar (OA), bearing appressed biverticillate penicilli and globose to pyriform conida with smooth to finely rough walls. T. jianfengicus belongs to T. verruculosus complex, is characterized by velvety colony texture with moderate to abundant elm-green conidia en masse, producing biverticillate penicilli, globose conidia with verrucose walls. Conclusion It is now a common practice in establishing new species of Aspergillus, Penicillium and Talaromyces based on morphological characters and phylogenetic analyses of BenA, CaM, Rpb2 and ITS sequences. The proposal of the three novelties of Talaromyces in this article is not only supported by their morphological distinctiveness, but also confirmed by the phylogenetic analyses of the concatenated BenA-CaM-Rpb2 and BenA-CaM-ITS, as well as the individual BenA, CaM, Rpb2 and ITS sequ…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Xin-Tong Ren
creator: Saifei Li
creator: Yongming Ruan
creator: Long Wang
subject: Mycology
subject: Taxonomy
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18253
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Ren et al.
abstract: Background Talaromyces species play an important role in the nutrient cycle in natural ecosystems, degradation of vegetal biomass in industries and the implications in medicine. However, the species diversity of this genus is still far from fully understood. Methods The polyphasic taxonomic approach integrating morphological comparisons and molecular phylogenetic analyses based on BenA, CaM, Rpb2 and ITS sequences was used to propose three new Talaromyces species. Results Three new species of sect. Talaromyces isolated from soil are proposed, namely, T. disparis (ex-type AS3.26221), T. funiformis (ex-type AS3.26220) and T. jianfengicus (ex-type AS3.26253). T. disparis is unique in low growth rate, velvety texture, limited to moderate sporulation, biverticillate, monoverticillate and irregular penicilli bearing a portion of abnormally large globose conidia, it has no close relatives in phylogeny. Being a member of T. pinophilus complex, T. funiformis produces mycelial funicles on Czapek yeast autolysate agar (CYA), 5% malt extract agar (MEA) and yeast extract (YES), sparse sporulation on Czapek agar (Cz), CYA, MEA and YES while abundant on oatmeal agar (OA), bearing appressed biverticillate penicilli and globose to pyriform conida with smooth to finely rough walls. T. jianfengicus belongs to T. verruculosus complex, is characterized by velvety colony texture with moderate to abundant elm-green conidia en masse, producing biverticillate penicilli, globose conidia with verrucose walls. Conclusion It is now a common practice in establishing new species of Aspergillus, Penicillium and Talaromyces based on morphological characters and phylogenetic analyses of BenA, CaM, Rpb2 and ITS sequences. The proposal of the three novelties of Talaromyces in this article is not only supported by their morphological distinctiveness, but also confirmed by the phylogenetic analyses of the concatenated BenA-CaM-Rpb2 and BenA-CaM-ITS, as well as the individual BenA, CaM, Rpb2 and ITS sequ…
bibliographic citation: Ren et al. (2024) Three new species of Talaromyces sect. Talaromyces discovered in China. PeerJ 12:e18253 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18253
date submitted: 2024-05-01
date accepted: 2024-09-16
issued: 2024-10-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Ren
  given name: Xin-Tong
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Saifei
author list: Agent
  family name: Ruan
  given name: Yongming
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Long
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18253
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-11
copyright: © 2024 Ren et al.
attribution name: Ren et al.

The characteristics and associations between trait and state time perspective in adolescents with depression: a questionnaire and sandplay study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Time perspective is strongly associated with depression. However, the characteristics and associations between trait and state time perspective in adolescents with depression remain unknown. Methods A total of 211 adolescents with depression (mean age: 14.60 ± 1.69 years) and 215 healthy controls (mean age: 14.66 ± 1.73 years) were selected and assessed using the Chinese version of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory to quantify their trait time perspective. Thirty adolescents were randomly selected from each group to create nine-grid sandplay productions to assess their state time perspective. Results (1) Regarding the trait time perspective, depressed adolescents scored significantly higher on past negative, present fatalistic, present impulsive, and deviation-balanced time perspective (p < 0.001) and significantly lower on past positive and future (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. (2) In terms of state time perspective, depressed adolescents showed a significantly higher number of squares related to past negative, present negative, and future negative in their nine-grid sandplay productions compared to the control group (p < 0.01).Conversely, they had significantly fewer squares associated with past positive, present positive, future positive than the control group (p < 0.05). (3) Past negative, present fatalistic, and deviation from balanced time perspective traits were negatively correlated with positive state time perspective and positively correlated with negative state time perspective. Past positive and future traits were positively correlated with positive state time perspective and negatively correlated with negative state time perspective. Conclusion Adolescents with depression are characterized by dwelling on the past, having a severely negative attitude toward the past, being pessimistic about the future, and having a tendency to blame fate or external forces for their problems. In the future, standardized methods for measuring s…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Hanlin Ren
creator: Qing Zhang
creator: Donghuan Rong
creator: Yating Zhang
creator: Yanzhen Ren
creator: Xiaobao Li
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
subject: Mental Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18257
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Ren et al.
abstract: Background Time perspective is strongly associated with depression. However, the characteristics and associations between trait and state time perspective in adolescents with depression remain unknown. Methods A total of 211 adolescents with depression (mean age: 14.60 ± 1.69 years) and 215 healthy controls (mean age: 14.66 ± 1.73 years) were selected and assessed using the Chinese version of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory to quantify their trait time perspective. Thirty adolescents were randomly selected from each group to create nine-grid sandplay productions to assess their state time perspective. Results (1) Regarding the trait time perspective, depressed adolescents scored significantly higher on past negative, present fatalistic, present impulsive, and deviation-balanced time perspective (p < 0.001) and significantly lower on past positive and future (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. (2) In terms of state time perspective, depressed adolescents showed a significantly higher number of squares related to past negative, present negative, and future negative in their nine-grid sandplay productions compared to the control group (p < 0.01).Conversely, they had significantly fewer squares associated with past positive, present positive, future positive than the control group (p < 0.05). (3) Past negative, present fatalistic, and deviation from balanced time perspective traits were negatively correlated with positive state time perspective and positively correlated with negative state time perspective. Past positive and future traits were positively correlated with positive state time perspective and negatively correlated with negative state time perspective. Conclusion Adolescents with depression are characterized by dwelling on the past, having a severely negative attitude toward the past, being pessimistic about the future, and having a tendency to blame fate or external forces for their problems. In the future, standardized methods for measuring s…
bibliographic citation: Ren et al. (2024) The characteristics and associations between trait and state time perspective in adolescents with depression: a questionnaire and sandplay study. PeerJ 12:e18257 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18257
date submitted: 2024-06-03
date accepted: 2024-09-17
issued: 2024-10-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Ren
  given name: Hanlin
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Qing
author list: Agent
  family name: Rong
  given name: Donghuan
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Yating
author list: Agent
  family name: Ren
  given name: Yanzhen
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Xiaobao
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18257
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-11
copyright: © 2024 Ren et al.
attribution name: Ren et al.

Spatial patterns and driving factors of plant diversity along the urban–rural gradient in the context of urbanization in Zhengzhou, China
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Plant diversity is the basis for human survival and development, directly affecting the function and stability of urban ecosystems. Its distribution pattern and causes have been a central issue in ecological and landscape gardening research. Rapid urbanization in Zhengzhou City has led to the fragmentation of urban green spaces and damage to ecosystems, seriously affecting urban biodiversity conservation. Understanding the distribution pattern of plant diversity in the region and its relationship with environmental factors is crucial for maintaining and enhancing urban plant diversity. Plant data from 178 sample plots in the built-up area of Zhengzhou City were collected and combined with environmental factors, and the characteristics of plant diversity, richness patterns, and their main environmental explanations in Zhengzhou City were explored. Results showed that there were 596 plant species belonging to 357 genera and 110 families in the study area. There were five dominant families and four dominant genera. Four distinct spatial patterns of plant diversity were identified along the urban–rural gradient. Urbanization factors such as GDP per capita, house prices, and imperviousness within 500 m from the patch significantly influenced plant diversity. There was an imbalance between the spatial pattern of plant diversity and application of urban landscape greening in Zhengzhou City. Future studies should focus on the application of native plants, curb plant homogenization, and reduce anthropogenic interference, which are conducive to protecting and enhancing urban plant diversity. These results can provide a basis for understanding the distribution pattern and influence mechanism of urbanization factors on plant diversity and serve as a reference for policymakers and planners of plant diversity conservation in Zhengzhou City.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Lingling Zhang
creator: Chong Du
creator: Wenhan Li
creator: Yongjiang Liu
creator: Ge Zhang
creator: Shanshan Xie
creator: Yiping Liu
creator: Dezheng Kong
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Ecology
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18261
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Zhang et al.
abstract: Plant diversity is the basis for human survival and development, directly affecting the function and stability of urban ecosystems. Its distribution pattern and causes have been a central issue in ecological and landscape gardening research. Rapid urbanization in Zhengzhou City has led to the fragmentation of urban green spaces and damage to ecosystems, seriously affecting urban biodiversity conservation. Understanding the distribution pattern of plant diversity in the region and its relationship with environmental factors is crucial for maintaining and enhancing urban plant diversity. Plant data from 178 sample plots in the built-up area of Zhengzhou City were collected and combined with environmental factors, and the characteristics of plant diversity, richness patterns, and their main environmental explanations in Zhengzhou City were explored. Results showed that there were 596 plant species belonging to 357 genera and 110 families in the study area. There were five dominant families and four dominant genera. Four distinct spatial patterns of plant diversity were identified along the urban–rural gradient. Urbanization factors such as GDP per capita, house prices, and imperviousness within 500 m from the patch significantly influenced plant diversity. There was an imbalance between the spatial pattern of plant diversity and application of urban landscape greening in Zhengzhou City. Future studies should focus on the application of native plants, curb plant homogenization, and reduce anthropogenic interference, which are conducive to protecting and enhancing urban plant diversity. These results can provide a basis for understanding the distribution pattern and influence mechanism of urbanization factors on plant diversity and serve as a reference for policymakers and planners of plant diversity conservation in Zhengzhou City.
bibliographic citation: Zhang et al. (2024) Spatial patterns and driving factors of plant diversity along the urban–rural gradient in the context of urbanization in Zhengzhou, China. PeerJ 12:e18261 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18261
date submitted: 2024-05-31
date accepted: 2024-09-17
issued: 2024-10-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Lingling
author list: Agent
  family name: Du
  given name: Chong
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Wenhan
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Yongjiang
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Ge
author list: Agent
  family name: Xie
  given name: Shanshan
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Yiping
author list: Agent
  family name: Kong
  given name: Dezheng
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18261
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-11
copyright: © 2024 Zhang et al.
attribution name: Zhang et al.

Association between risk factors and bone mineral density and the development of a self-assessment tool for early osteoporosis screening in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Both diabetes and osteoporosis have developed into major global public health problems due to the increasing aging population. It is crucial to screen populations at higher risk of developing osteoporosis for disease prevention and management in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study aims to quantitatively investigate the association between risk factors and bone mineral density (BMD) and develop a self-assessment tool for early osteoporosis screening in postmenopausal women with T2D. Methods We retrospectively enrolled 1,309 postmenopausal women with T2D. Linear regression methods were used to assess the association between risk factors and BMD. Additionally, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors associated with osteoporosis. Utilizing the logistic regression machine learning algorithm, we developed an osteoporosis screening tool that categorizes the population into three risk regions based on age and body mass index (BMI), indicating low, moderate, and high prevalence of osteoporosis in the age-BMI plane. Results Older age and lower BMI were independently associated with decreased BMD. The BMD at the total hip, femur neck, and lumbar spine differed by 12.9, 10.9, and 15.5 mg/cm2 for each 1 unit increase in BMI, respectively. Both age and BMI were identified as independent predictors of osteoporosis. The osteoporosis screening tool was developed by using two straight lines with equations of BMI = 0.56 * age−4.12 and BMI = 0.56 * age−10.88; there were no significant differences in the prevalence of osteoporosis among the training, internal test, and external test datasets in the low-, moderate-, and high-risk regions. Conclusion We have successfully developed and validated a self-assessment tool for early osteoporosis screening in postmenopausal women with T2D for the first time. BMI was identified as a significant modifiable risk factor. Our study may improve awareness of osteo…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Xiaoyu Chen
creator: Xiufen Jia
creator: Junping Lan
creator: Wenjun Wu
creator: Xianwu Ni
creator: Yuguo Wei
creator: Xiangwu Zheng
creator: Jinjin Liu
subject: Diabetes and Endocrinology
subject: Global Health
subject: Orthopedics
subject: Radiology and Medical Imaging
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18283
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Chen et al.
abstract: Background Both diabetes and osteoporosis have developed into major global public health problems due to the increasing aging population. It is crucial to screen populations at higher risk of developing osteoporosis for disease prevention and management in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study aims to quantitatively investigate the association between risk factors and bone mineral density (BMD) and develop a self-assessment tool for early osteoporosis screening in postmenopausal women with T2D. Methods We retrospectively enrolled 1,309 postmenopausal women with T2D. Linear regression methods were used to assess the association between risk factors and BMD. Additionally, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors associated with osteoporosis. Utilizing the logistic regression machine learning algorithm, we developed an osteoporosis screening tool that categorizes the population into three risk regions based on age and body mass index (BMI), indicating low, moderate, and high prevalence of osteoporosis in the age-BMI plane. Results Older age and lower BMI were independently associated with decreased BMD. The BMD at the total hip, femur neck, and lumbar spine differed by 12.9, 10.9, and 15.5 mg/cm2 for each 1 unit increase in BMI, respectively. Both age and BMI were identified as independent predictors of osteoporosis. The osteoporosis screening tool was developed by using two straight lines with equations of BMI = 0.56 * age−4.12 and BMI = 0.56 * age−10.88; there were no significant differences in the prevalence of osteoporosis among the training, internal test, and external test datasets in the low-, moderate-, and high-risk regions. Conclusion We have successfully developed and validated a self-assessment tool for early osteoporosis screening in postmenopausal women with T2D for the first time. BMI was identified as a significant modifiable risk factor. Our study may improve awareness of osteo…
bibliographic citation: Chen et al. (2024) Association between risk factors and bone mineral density and the development of a self-assessment tool for early osteoporosis screening in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes. PeerJ 12:e18283 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18283
date submitted: 2024-06-10
date accepted: 2024-09-19
issued: 2024-10-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Xiaoyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Jia
  given name: Xiufen
author list: Agent
  family name: Lan
  given name: Junping
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Wenjun
author list: Agent
  family name: Ni
  given name: Xianwu
author list: Agent
  family name: Wei
  given name: Yuguo
author list: Agent
  family name: Zheng
  given name: Xiangwu
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Jinjin
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18283
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-11
copyright: © 2024 Chen et al.
attribution name: Chen et al.

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