A small venomous reptile from the Late Triassic (Norian) of the southwestern United States
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 these grooves are functionally similar to those of beaded lizards, which use the grooves to deliver venom, this new taxon represents the oldest known reptile where venom-conducting teeth are preserved within a jaw. The teeth of the new species are anatomically distinct from and ~10x smaller than those of the only other known Late Triassic hypothesized venomous reptile, Uatchitodon, supporting venom use across multiple groups of different body size classes. This new species represents the third Late Triassic reptile species to possibly have used envenomation as a feeding (and/or defensive) strategy, adding to the small number of venomous reptiles known from the Mesozoic Era.
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
Mangrove afforestation as an ecological control of invasive Spartina alterniflora affects rhizosphere soil physicochemical properties and bacterial community in a subtropical tidal estuarine wetland
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 Ecological restoration using K. obovata has effectively improved a degraded coastal wetland mainly through increasing phosphorus availability and promoting the succession of the microbial community.
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
Identification of an additive interaction using parameter regularization and model selection in epidemiology
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, the results are more consistent and the results are simple and easy to understand.
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
The relationship between functional movement patterns, dynamic balance and ice speed and agility in young elite male ice hockey players
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 reach distances in the YBT-LQ and performance outcomes in both forward and backward skating, as well as in the agility test, indicating that greater reach distance corresponds to faster skating. Conclusions These findings suggest the potential impact of balance and hip mobility on skating speed and agility and emphasize the importance of symmetry for optimal performance among ice hockey players.
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
Applications of dry chain technology to maintain high seed viability in tropical climates
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.
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
Transcription factor EB, a promising therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease
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.
Yan et al. (2024) Transcription factor EB, a promising therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease. PeerJ 12:e18209 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18209
Three new species of Talaromyces sect. Talaromyces discovered in China
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 sequence matrices.
Ren et al. (2024) Three new species of Talaromyces sect. Talaromyces discovered in China. PeerJ 12:e18253 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18253
The characteristics and associations between trait and state time perspective in adolescents with depression: a questionnaire and sandplay study
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 state time perspective should be further explored, as well as the effectiveness of the nine-grid sandplay, for improving time perspective in patients with depression.
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
Spatial patterns and driving factors of plant diversity along the urban–rural gradient in the context of urbanization in Zhengzhou, China
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.
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
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
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 osteoporosis and is valuable for disease prevention and management for postmenopausal women with T2D.
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