PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Effectiveness of newborn infant parasympathetic evaluation (NIPE) index for guiding intraoperative fentanyl administration in children under 2 years: a randomized controlled trial
items: Efficacy and safety of intracavitary electrocardiography-guided peripherally inserted central catheters in pediatric patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
items: Population isolation in the Plains spadefoot toad: causes and conservation implications
items: Application of a reaction-based water quality model to the total dissolved solids concentration of the Pasig River
items: Genotype-specific responses to in vitro drought stress in myrtle (Myrtus communis L.): integrating machine learning techniques
items: Longitudinal relations between non-suicidal self-injury and both depression and anxiety among senior high school adolescents: a cross-lagged panel network analysis
items: Licorice-root extract and potassium sorbate spray improved the yield and fruit quality and decreased heat stress of the ‘osteen’ mango cultivar
items: A novel gene silencing strategy based on tobacco rattle virus in Hibiscus mutabilis
items: Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Intermittent Self-Catheterization Questionnaire (ISC-Q)
items: Genome-wide association study reveals genetic basis and candidate genes for chlorophyll content of leaves in maize (Zea mays L.)

Effectiveness of newborn infant parasympathetic evaluation (NIPE) index for guiding intraoperative fentanyl administration in children under 2 years: a randomized controlled trial
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Assessing pain in infants and neonates is challenging due to their inability to communicate verbally. While validated subjective tools exist, they rely on interpreting the child’s behavior, leading to potential inconsistencies and underestimation of pain. Based on heart rate variability, the newborn infant parasympathetic evaluation (NIPE) index offers a more objective approach to pain assessment in children under 2 years. Although promising, research on its effectiveness during surgery under general anesthesia remains limited and inconclusive. Objective This study compared the effectiveness of NIPE-guided fentanyl administration to traditional vital signs (heart rate and mean arterial pressure) in managing pain during surgery in children under 2 years. Methods Seventy children undergoing head, neck, or upper extremity surgery were randomized into group N (NIPE) or group C (Control) with 35 participants in each group. Both groups received standardized anesthesia and monitoring, including NIPE. Group N received fentanyl when NIPE scores fell below 50, while group C received fentanyl upon a 20% increase in heart rate or mean arterial pressure (MAP). Postoperative pain was assessed using the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) scores, alongside fentanyl consumption, sedation levels, and potential side effects. Results Both groups exhibited similar outcomes in terms of postoperative pain scores, fentanyl consumption, sedation levels, and absence of side effects (postoperative respiratory depression or nausea and vomiting). Additionally, intraoperative NIPE scores, heart rate, and MAP were comparable between the groups. There are strong correlations between both groups in terms of NIPE scores (r = 0.735, p < 0.0001), heart rate (r = 0.630, p < 0.0001), and MAP (r = 0.846, p < 0.0001). In both group C and group N, the NIPE scores reveal strong negative correlations with heart rate (r = −0.610, p < 0.0001, and r = −0.674, p < 0.0001) and MAP (r …
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Darunee Sripadungkul
creator: Sirirat Tribuddharat
creator: Thepakorn Sathitkarnmanee
creator: Pimprapa Muenpirom
creator: Panaratana Ratanasuwan
subject: Anesthesiology and Pain Management
subject: Clinical Trials
subject: Drugs and Devices
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18267
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Sripadungkul et al.
abstract: Background Assessing pain in infants and neonates is challenging due to their inability to communicate verbally. While validated subjective tools exist, they rely on interpreting the child’s behavior, leading to potential inconsistencies and underestimation of pain. Based on heart rate variability, the newborn infant parasympathetic evaluation (NIPE) index offers a more objective approach to pain assessment in children under 2 years. Although promising, research on its effectiveness during surgery under general anesthesia remains limited and inconclusive. Objective This study compared the effectiveness of NIPE-guided fentanyl administration to traditional vital signs (heart rate and mean arterial pressure) in managing pain during surgery in children under 2 years. Methods Seventy children undergoing head, neck, or upper extremity surgery were randomized into group N (NIPE) or group C (Control) with 35 participants in each group. Both groups received standardized anesthesia and monitoring, including NIPE. Group N received fentanyl when NIPE scores fell below 50, while group C received fentanyl upon a 20% increase in heart rate or mean arterial pressure (MAP). Postoperative pain was assessed using the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) scores, alongside fentanyl consumption, sedation levels, and potential side effects. Results Both groups exhibited similar outcomes in terms of postoperative pain scores, fentanyl consumption, sedation levels, and absence of side effects (postoperative respiratory depression or nausea and vomiting). Additionally, intraoperative NIPE scores, heart rate, and MAP were comparable between the groups. There are strong correlations between both groups in terms of NIPE scores (r = 0.735, p < 0.0001), heart rate (r = 0.630, p < 0.0001), and MAP (r = 0.846, p < 0.0001). In both group C and group N, the NIPE scores reveal strong negative correlations with heart rate (r = −0.610, p < 0.0001, and r = −0.674, p < 0.0001) and MAP (r …
bibliographic citation: Sripadungkul et al. (2024) Effectiveness of newborn infant parasympathetic evaluation (NIPE) index for guiding intraoperative fentanyl administration in children under 2 years: a randomized controlled trial. PeerJ 12:e18267 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18267
date submitted: 2024-06-13
date accepted: 2024-09-17
issued: 2024-10-08
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Sripadungkul
  given name: Darunee
author list: Agent
  family name: Tribuddharat
  given name: Sirirat
author list: Agent
  family name: Sathitkarnmanee
  given name: Thepakorn
author list: Agent
  family name: Muenpirom
  given name: Pimprapa
author list: Agent
  family name: Ratanasuwan
  given name: Panaratana
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18267
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-08
copyright: © 2024 Sripadungkul et al.
attribution name: Sripadungkul et al.

Efficacy and safety of intracavitary electrocardiography-guided peripherally inserted central catheters in pediatric patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of intracavitary electrocardiography (IC-ECG)-guided peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placements in pediatric patients, emphasizing improvements over traditional placement methods. Methods A literature search was conducted in April 2024 across PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE. Studies focusing on pediatric patients and reporting the efficacy and safety of IC-ECG-guided PICC placement via the upper extremity were included. This study was registered with the PROSPERO database (CRD42024549037) in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Results Eleven studies were included, comprising five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and six quasi-experimental studies. The pooled analysis showed that IC-ECG had an applicability and feasibility of 97% and 98%, respectively. The first puncture success rate was 91%, and the overall success rate was 98%. Sensitivity and specificity were 97% and 80%, respectively. IC-ECG significantly reduced overall complications compared to traditional methods (RR: 0.31, 95% CI [0.20–0.46], p < 0.00001), particularly in phlebitis (RR: 0.25, 95% CI [0.11–0.57], p = 0.001) and arrhythmias (RR: 0.09, 95% CI [0.01–0.70], p = 0.021). Similar results were observed in neonates. Only one case of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) was reported, and no arrhythmia events were noted. Conclusion IC-ECG-guided PICC placement is a highly effective and safe method for pediatric patients, including neonates, offering significant advantages over traditional techniques. Further high-quality studies are needed to standardize procedural techniques and explore cost-effectiveness.
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creator: Li Zhang
creator: Min Wang
creator: Mingjia Zhao
creator: Siyi Pu
creator: Jiao Zhao
creator: Ge Zhu
creator: Qin Zhang
creator: Dan Li
subject: Cardiology
subject: Nursing
subject: Pediatrics
subject: Surgery and Surgical Specialties
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18274
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Zhang et al.
abstract: Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of intracavitary electrocardiography (IC-ECG)-guided peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placements in pediatric patients, emphasizing improvements over traditional placement methods. Methods A literature search was conducted in April 2024 across PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE. Studies focusing on pediatric patients and reporting the efficacy and safety of IC-ECG-guided PICC placement via the upper extremity were included. This study was registered with the PROSPERO database (CRD42024549037) in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Results Eleven studies were included, comprising five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and six quasi-experimental studies. The pooled analysis showed that IC-ECG had an applicability and feasibility of 97% and 98%, respectively. The first puncture success rate was 91%, and the overall success rate was 98%. Sensitivity and specificity were 97% and 80%, respectively. IC-ECG significantly reduced overall complications compared to traditional methods (RR: 0.31, 95% CI [0.20–0.46], p < 0.00001), particularly in phlebitis (RR: 0.25, 95% CI [0.11–0.57], p = 0.001) and arrhythmias (RR: 0.09, 95% CI [0.01–0.70], p = 0.021). Similar results were observed in neonates. Only one case of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) was reported, and no arrhythmia events were noted. Conclusion IC-ECG-guided PICC placement is a highly effective and safe method for pediatric patients, including neonates, offering significant advantages over traditional techniques. Further high-quality studies are needed to standardize procedural techniques and explore cost-effectiveness.
bibliographic citation: Zhang et al. (2024) Efficacy and safety of intracavitary electrocardiography-guided peripherally inserted central catheters in pediatric patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PeerJ 12:e18274 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18274
date submitted: 2024-06-17
date accepted: 2024-09-18
issued: 2024-10-08
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Li
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Min
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhao
  given name: Mingjia
author list: Agent
  family name: Pu
  given name: Siyi
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhao
  given name: Jiao
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhu
  given name: Ge
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Qin
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Dan
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18274
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-08
copyright: © 2024 Zhang et al.
attribution name: Zhang et al.

Population isolation in the Plains spadefoot toad: causes and conservation implications
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Range disjunctions appear to be common in nature, although they may be caused by various factors. They may simply be an artefact of inadequate sampling. If real, they may be the result of colonization events or habitat change. With natural habitats showing increasing fragmentation because of human activity, understanding the cause of a disjunction can have important conservation implications. We investigate the geographical range of the Plains spadefoot toad, Spea bombifrons, a widely distributed species in the midwestern and southwestern United States, with a putative disjunct population in southern Texas. We combine GIS mapping, species distribution modeling, and population genetic analysis to investigate this putative disjunction. We establish that this southern Texas population is truly geographically disjunct and genetically distinct. Further, using climate projections we show that this unique population is at high risk of local extinction.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Amanda J. Chunco
creator: Emma Nault
creator: Rebecca F. Silverman
creator: Sarah Midolo
creator: Hanna Harper
creator: Amber M. Rice
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Biogeography
subject: Conservation Biology
subject: Ecology
subject: Population Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17968
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Chunco et al.
abstract: Range disjunctions appear to be common in nature, although they may be caused by various factors. They may simply be an artefact of inadequate sampling. If real, they may be the result of colonization events or habitat change. With natural habitats showing increasing fragmentation because of human activity, understanding the cause of a disjunction can have important conservation implications. We investigate the geographical range of the Plains spadefoot toad, Spea bombifrons, a widely distributed species in the midwestern and southwestern United States, with a putative disjunct population in southern Texas. We combine GIS mapping, species distribution modeling, and population genetic analysis to investigate this putative disjunction. We establish that this southern Texas population is truly geographically disjunct and genetically distinct. Further, using climate projections we show that this unique population is at high risk of local extinction.
bibliographic citation: Chunco et al. (2024) Population isolation in the Plains spadefoot toad: causes and conservation implications. PeerJ 12:e17968 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17968
date submitted: 2023-07-12
date accepted: 2024-08-02
issued: 2024-10-07
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Chunco
  given name: Amanda J.
author list: Agent
  family name: Nault
  given name: Emma
author list: Agent
  family name: Silverman
  given name: Rebecca F.
author list: Agent
  family name: Midolo
  given name: Sarah
author list: Agent
  family name: Harper
  given name: Hanna
author list: Agent
  family name: Rice
  given name: Amber M.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17968
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-07
copyright: © 2024 Chunco et al.
attribution name: Chunco et al.

Application of a reaction-based water quality model to the total dissolved solids concentration of the Pasig River
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: With the goal to support effective water resource management, water quality models have gained popularity as tools for evaluating the distributions of pollutants and sediments. This work focuses on the application of the numerical solution of an advection-dispersion-reaction (ADR) water quality model for rivers and streams to a major Philippine waterway, the Pasig River. The water quality constituent is described by a system of reaction and advection-dispersion-reaction equations. The model and method are based on a previously used strategy where Guass-Jordan decomposition is applied to the matrix system and the resulting conservative form of the model is solved numerically using the fully implicit scheme and finite element method. The methodology is demonstrated by a case study in Pasig River involving the concentrations of total dissolved solids (TDS) obtained from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the Pasig River Unified Monitoring Stations (PRUMS) report. Sensitivity analysis and parameter estimation are also applied to the model to assess which parameters influence the model output the most.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Crisanto L. Abas
creator: Arrianne Crystal Velasco
creator: Carlene Arceo
subject: Mathematical Biology
subject: Computational Science
subject: Freshwater Biology
subject: Environmental Contamination and Remediation
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18076
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Abas et al.
abstract: With the goal to support effective water resource management, water quality models have gained popularity as tools for evaluating the distributions of pollutants and sediments. This work focuses on the application of the numerical solution of an advection-dispersion-reaction (ADR) water quality model for rivers and streams to a major Philippine waterway, the Pasig River. The water quality constituent is described by a system of reaction and advection-dispersion-reaction equations. The model and method are based on a previously used strategy where Guass-Jordan decomposition is applied to the matrix system and the resulting conservative form of the model is solved numerically using the fully implicit scheme and finite element method. The methodology is demonstrated by a case study in Pasig River involving the concentrations of total dissolved solids (TDS) obtained from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the Pasig River Unified Monitoring Stations (PRUMS) report. Sensitivity analysis and parameter estimation are also applied to the model to assess which parameters influence the model output the most.
bibliographic citation: Abas et al. (2024) Application of a reaction-based water quality model to the total dissolved solids concentration of the Pasig River. PeerJ 12:e18076 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18076
date submitted: 2024-04-18
date accepted: 2024-08-20
issued: 2024-10-07
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Abas
  given name: Crisanto L.
author list: Agent
  family name: Velasco
  given name: Arrianne Crystal
author list: Agent
  family name: Arceo
  given name: Carlene
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18076
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-07
copyright: © 2024 Abas et al.
attribution name: Abas et al.

Genotype-specific responses to in vitro drought stress in myrtle (Myrtus communis L.): integrating machine learning techniques
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.), native to the Mediterranean region of Türkiye, is a valuable plant with applications in traditional medicine, pharmaceuticals, and culinary practices. Understanding how myrtle responds to water stress is essential for sustainable cultivation as climate change exacerbates drought conditions. Methods This study investigated the performance of selected myrtle genotypes under in vitro drought stress by employing tissue culture techniques, rooting trials, and acclimatization processes. Genotypes were tested under varying polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentrations (1%, 2%, 4%, and 6%). Machine learning (ML) algorithms, including Gaussian process (GP), support vector machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), were utilized to model and predict micropropagation and rooting efficiency. Results The research revealed a genotype-dependent response to drought stress. Black-fruited genotypes exhibited higher micropropagation rates compared to white-fruited ones under stress conditions. The application of ML models successfully predicted micropropagation and rooting efficiency, providing insights into genotype performance. Conclusions The findings suggest that selecting drought-tolerant genotypes is crucial for enhancing myrtle cultivation. The results underscore the importance of genotype selection and optimization of cultivation practices to address climate change impacts. Future research should explore the molecular mechanisms of stress responses to refine breeding strategies and improve resilience in myrtle and similar economically important crops.
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creator: Ümit Bektaş
creator: Musab A. Isak
creator: Taner Bozkurt
creator: Dicle Dönmez
creator: Tolga İzgü
creator: Mehmet Tütüncü
creator: Özhan Simsek
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Plant Science
subject: Data Mining and Machine Learning
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18081
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Bektaş et al.
abstract: Background Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.), native to the Mediterranean region of Türkiye, is a valuable plant with applications in traditional medicine, pharmaceuticals, and culinary practices. Understanding how myrtle responds to water stress is essential for sustainable cultivation as climate change exacerbates drought conditions. Methods This study investigated the performance of selected myrtle genotypes under in vitro drought stress by employing tissue culture techniques, rooting trials, and acclimatization processes. Genotypes were tested under varying polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentrations (1%, 2%, 4%, and 6%). Machine learning (ML) algorithms, including Gaussian process (GP), support vector machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), were utilized to model and predict micropropagation and rooting efficiency. Results The research revealed a genotype-dependent response to drought stress. Black-fruited genotypes exhibited higher micropropagation rates compared to white-fruited ones under stress conditions. The application of ML models successfully predicted micropropagation and rooting efficiency, providing insights into genotype performance. Conclusions The findings suggest that selecting drought-tolerant genotypes is crucial for enhancing myrtle cultivation. The results underscore the importance of genotype selection and optimization of cultivation practices to address climate change impacts. Future research should explore the molecular mechanisms of stress responses to refine breeding strategies and improve resilience in myrtle and similar economically important crops.
bibliographic citation: Bektaş et al. (2024) Genotype-specific responses to in vitro drought stress in myrtle (Myrtus communis L.): integrating machine learning techniques. PeerJ 12:e18081 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18081
date submitted: 2024-04-22
date accepted: 2024-08-20
issued: 2024-10-07
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Bektaş
  given name: Ümit
author list: Agent
  family name: Isak
  given name: Musab A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Bozkurt
  given name: Taner
author list: Agent
  family name: Dönmez
  given name: Dicle
author list: Agent
  family name: İzgü
  given name: Tolga
author list: Agent
  family name: Tütüncü
  given name: Mehmet
author list: Agent
  family name: Simsek
  given name: Özhan
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18081
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-07
copyright: © 2024 Bektaş et al.
attribution name: Bektaş et al.

Longitudinal relations between non-suicidal self-injury and both depression and anxiety among senior high school adolescents: a cross-lagged panel network analysis
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Comorbidity between non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and depression and anxiety was common. In the framework of network theory, the examination of directionality and gender differences in longitudinal relationships at the symptom level made a significant contribution to the understanding of comorbidity. Therefore, this study employed cross-lagged panel network analysis to investigate the longitudinal interrelations between NSSI and depression and anxiety in Chinese adolescents, with a focus on gender differences. Method The study was conducted with a sample of 884 senior high school students (F/M: 481/403; mean age: 15.19 ± 0.48 years) from Jinchang City, Gansu Province, China. All respondents completed the Adolescent Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Assessment Questionnaire and the two subscales (depression and anxiety) of the Brief Symptom Inventory at two intervals. The data were estimated in R 4.2.0 to construct the cross-lagged panel network (CLPN). Results The CLPN results uncovered the gender differences. For boys, self-hitting and feeling scared emerged as central symptoms. Cutting predicted subsequent feelings of sadness (β = − 0.57), tension (β = − 0.52) and indifference (β = − 0.49), potentially serving as a bridge connecting NSSI to depression and anxiety. For girls, biting themselves and feeling scared were central symptoms. Carving and skin rubbing predicted subsequent feelings of indifference (β = − 0.31, −0.21), bridging NSSI to depression and anxiety. In addition, feeling scared emerged as the key bridge symptom connecting depression and anxiety. Conclusion The findings showed the gender-specific developmental characteristics of the directional relations between NSSI and depression and anxiety at the symptom level. They provided new insights into the comorbidity of NSSI and depression and anxiety, carrying important implications for the screening and intervention of adolescent NSSI.
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creator: Haiyan Zhao
creator: Aibao Zhou
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
subject: Public Health
subject: Mental Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18134
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Zhao and Zhou
abstract: Background Comorbidity between non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and depression and anxiety was common. In the framework of network theory, the examination of directionality and gender differences in longitudinal relationships at the symptom level made a significant contribution to the understanding of comorbidity. Therefore, this study employed cross-lagged panel network analysis to investigate the longitudinal interrelations between NSSI and depression and anxiety in Chinese adolescents, with a focus on gender differences. Method The study was conducted with a sample of 884 senior high school students (F/M: 481/403; mean age: 15.19 ± 0.48 years) from Jinchang City, Gansu Province, China. All respondents completed the Adolescent Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Assessment Questionnaire and the two subscales (depression and anxiety) of the Brief Symptom Inventory at two intervals. The data were estimated in R 4.2.0 to construct the cross-lagged panel network (CLPN). Results The CLPN results uncovered the gender differences. For boys, self-hitting and feeling scared emerged as central symptoms. Cutting predicted subsequent feelings of sadness (β = − 0.57), tension (β = − 0.52) and indifference (β = − 0.49), potentially serving as a bridge connecting NSSI to depression and anxiety. For girls, biting themselves and feeling scared were central symptoms. Carving and skin rubbing predicted subsequent feelings of indifference (β = − 0.31, −0.21), bridging NSSI to depression and anxiety. In addition, feeling scared emerged as the key bridge symptom connecting depression and anxiety. Conclusion The findings showed the gender-specific developmental characteristics of the directional relations between NSSI and depression and anxiety at the symptom level. They provided new insights into the comorbidity of NSSI and depression and anxiety, carrying important implications for the screening and intervention of adolescent NSSI.
bibliographic citation: Zhao et al. (2024) Longitudinal relations between non-suicidal self-injury and both depression and anxiety among senior high school adolescents: a cross-lagged panel network analysis. PeerJ 12:e18134 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18134
date submitted: 2024-05-08
date accepted: 2024-08-29
issued: 2024-10-07
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhao
  given name: Haiyan
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Aibao
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18134
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-07
copyright: ©2024 Zhao and Zhou
attribution name: Zhao and Zhou

Licorice-root extract and potassium sorbate spray improved the yield and fruit quality and decreased heat stress of the ‘osteen’ mango cultivar
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Heat stress, low mango yields and inconsistent fruit quality are main challenges for growers. Recently, licorice-root extract (LRE) has been utilized to enhance vegetative growth, yield, and tolerance to abiotic stresses in fruit trees. Potassium sorbate (PS) also plays a significant role in various physiological and biochemical processes that are essential for mango growth, quality and abiotic stress tolerance. This work aimed to elucidate the effects of foliar sprays containing LRE and PS on the growth, yield, fruit quality, total chlorophyll content, and antioxidant enzymes of ‘Osteen’ mango trees. The mango trees were sprayed with LRE at 0, 2, 4 and 6 g/L and PS 0, 1, 2, and 3 mM. In mid-May, the mango trees were sprayed with a foliar solution, followed by monthly applications until 1 month before harvest. The results showed that trees with the highest concentration (6 g/L) of LRE exhibited the maximum leaf area, followed by those treated with the highest concentration (3 mM) of PS. Application of LRE and PS to Osteen mango trees significantly enhanced fruit weight, number of fruits per tree, yield (kg/tree), yield increasing%, and reduced number of sun-burned fruits compared to the control. LRE and PS foliar sprays to Osteen mango trees significantly enhanced fruit total soluble solids ˚Brix, TSS/acid ratio, and vitamin C content compared to the control. Meanwhile, total acidity percentage in ‘Osteen’ mango fruits significantly decreased after both LRE and PS foliar sprays. ‘Osteen’ mango trees showed a significant increase in leaf area, total chlorophyll content, total pigments, and leaf carotenoids. Our results suggest that foliar sprays containing LRE and PS significantly improved growth parameters, yield, fruit quality, antioxidant content, and total pigment concentration in ‘Osteen’ mango trees. Moreover, the most effective treatments were 3 mM PS and 6 g/L LRE. LRE and PS foliar spray caused a significant increase in yield percentage by 305.77%, and 232.4…
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creator: Adel M. Al-Saif
creator: Haitham Ahmed El-khamissi
creator: Ibrahim Ahmed Elnaggar
creator: Mohammed Hamdy Farouk
creator: Magdy Abd El-Wahab Omar
creator: Abd El-wahed Naser Abd El-wahed
creator: Ashraf Ezzat Hamdy
creator: Hosny Fathy Abdel-Aziz
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18200
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Al-Saif et al.
abstract: Heat stress, low mango yields and inconsistent fruit quality are main challenges for growers. Recently, licorice-root extract (LRE) has been utilized to enhance vegetative growth, yield, and tolerance to abiotic stresses in fruit trees. Potassium sorbate (PS) also plays a significant role in various physiological and biochemical processes that are essential for mango growth, quality and abiotic stress tolerance. This work aimed to elucidate the effects of foliar sprays containing LRE and PS on the growth, yield, fruit quality, total chlorophyll content, and antioxidant enzymes of ‘Osteen’ mango trees. The mango trees were sprayed with LRE at 0, 2, 4 and 6 g/L and PS 0, 1, 2, and 3 mM. In mid-May, the mango trees were sprayed with a foliar solution, followed by monthly applications until 1 month before harvest. The results showed that trees with the highest concentration (6 g/L) of LRE exhibited the maximum leaf area, followed by those treated with the highest concentration (3 mM) of PS. Application of LRE and PS to Osteen mango trees significantly enhanced fruit weight, number of fruits per tree, yield (kg/tree), yield increasing%, and reduced number of sun-burned fruits compared to the control. LRE and PS foliar sprays to Osteen mango trees significantly enhanced fruit total soluble solids ˚Brix, TSS/acid ratio, and vitamin C content compared to the control. Meanwhile, total acidity percentage in ‘Osteen’ mango fruits significantly decreased after both LRE and PS foliar sprays. ‘Osteen’ mango trees showed a significant increase in leaf area, total chlorophyll content, total pigments, and leaf carotenoids. Our results suggest that foliar sprays containing LRE and PS significantly improved growth parameters, yield, fruit quality, antioxidant content, and total pigment concentration in ‘Osteen’ mango trees. Moreover, the most effective treatments were 3 mM PS and 6 g/L LRE. LRE and PS foliar spray caused a significant increase in yield percentage by 305.77%, and 232.4…
bibliographic citation: Al-Saif et al. (2024) Licorice-root extract and potassium sorbate spray improved the yield and fruit quality and decreased heat stress of the ‘osteen’ mango cultivar. PeerJ 12:e18200 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18200
date submitted: 2024-05-22
date accepted: 2024-09-09
issued: 2024-10-07
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
author list: Agent
  family name: Al-Saif
  given name: Adel M.
author list: Agent
  family name: El-khamissi
  given name: Haitham Ahmed
author list: Agent
  family name: Elnaggar
  given name: Ibrahim Ahmed
author list: Agent
  family name: Farouk
  given name: Mohammed Hamdy
author list: Agent
  family name: Omar
  given name: Magdy Abd El-Wahab
author list: Agent
  family name: Abd El-wahed
  given name: Abd El-wahed Naser
author list: Agent
  family name: Hamdy
  given name: Ashraf Ezzat
author list: Agent
  family name: Abdel-Aziz
  given name: Hosny Fathy
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18200
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-07
copyright: © 2024 Al-Saif et al.
attribution name: Al-Saif et al.

A novel gene silencing strategy based on tobacco rattle virus in Hibiscus mutabilis
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Hibiscus mutabilis L. is a popular regional characteristic plant in China, cultivated for its attractive flower colors, extended bloom time, and medicinal properties. To enhance molecular breeding and gene function studies, we conducted transcriptome analysis and identified valuable genes in previous research. Nonetheless, the current inefficient and labor-intensive transformation techniques have hindered their applications. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) provides a precise and effective strategy for post-transcriptional down-regulation of endogenous gene expression. Methods We investigated the performance of tobacco rattle virus (TRV) as a tool for targeting and silencing the gene encoding the protein involved in chloroplast development, cloroplastos alterados 1 (altered chloroplast; CLA1), of H. mutabilis through Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated infiltration. Results By effectively suppressing the CLA1 gene associated with chloroplast development in H. mutabilis via the TRV-VIGS system, we have illustrated the inaugural implementation of VIGS in this species. Quantitative RT-PCR proved that HmCLA1 expression in agro-infiltrated plants was lower than in the mock-infiltrated (mock) and the control (CK) plants. Phenotypic observations corroborated the albino phenotype in leaves following successful HmCLA1 silencing. Conclusions Our study showcases TRV-VIGS as a potential gene silencing tool for H. mutabilis, facilitating functional genomics studies and molecular breeding efforts in this species.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Shiye Sang
creator: Yiqiong Liu
creator: Xiu Li
creator: Jiao Ma
creator: Xiaoli Liu
creator: Yuanzhao Yang
subject: Bioengineering
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18211
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Sang et al.
abstract: Background Hibiscus mutabilis L. is a popular regional characteristic plant in China, cultivated for its attractive flower colors, extended bloom time, and medicinal properties. To enhance molecular breeding and gene function studies, we conducted transcriptome analysis and identified valuable genes in previous research. Nonetheless, the current inefficient and labor-intensive transformation techniques have hindered their applications. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) provides a precise and effective strategy for post-transcriptional down-regulation of endogenous gene expression. Methods We investigated the performance of tobacco rattle virus (TRV) as a tool for targeting and silencing the gene encoding the protein involved in chloroplast development, cloroplastos alterados 1 (altered chloroplast; CLA1), of H. mutabilis through Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated infiltration. Results By effectively suppressing the CLA1 gene associated with chloroplast development in H. mutabilis via the TRV-VIGS system, we have illustrated the inaugural implementation of VIGS in this species. Quantitative RT-PCR proved that HmCLA1 expression in agro-infiltrated plants was lower than in the mock-infiltrated (mock) and the control (CK) plants. Phenotypic observations corroborated the albino phenotype in leaves following successful HmCLA1 silencing. Conclusions Our study showcases TRV-VIGS as a potential gene silencing tool for H. mutabilis, facilitating functional genomics studies and molecular breeding efforts in this species.
bibliographic citation: Sang et al. (2024) A novel gene silencing strategy based on tobacco rattle virus in Hibiscus mutabilis. PeerJ 12:e18211 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18211
date submitted: 2024-06-07
date accepted: 2024-09-10
issued: 2024-10-07
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
author list: Agent
  family name: Sang
  given name: Shiye
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Yiqiong
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Xiu
author list: Agent
  family name: Ma
  given name: Jiao
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Xiaoli
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Yuanzhao
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18211
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-07
copyright: © 2024 Sang et al.
attribution name: Sang et al.

Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Intermittent Self-Catheterization Questionnaire (ISC-Q)
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The intermittent self-catheterization questionnaire (ISC-Q) is a valid and reliable tool to assess the quality of life (QOL) in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) who engage in ISC. The aim of this research is to culturally adapt the ISC-Q and evaluate its psychometric properties within the Chinese patient population. Methods The cross-sectional research was meticulously conducted in two pivotal stages: initially, the focus was on cross-cultural adaptation, followed by an extensive phase of psychometric testing. This comprehensive analysis involved 405 Chinese patients with NLUTD who use ISC. Various analyses, including evaluations of the floor and ceiling effects, item analysis, content validity, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA and CFA), assessments of convergent, discriminant, and criterion validity. Additionally, Cronbach’s alpha was utilized to determine internal consistency, and test-retest reliability was measured using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results No floor and ceiling effects were observed. The content validity index was 0.967. The EFA identified four factors, accounting for 64.953% of the total variance, and this four-factor structure was confirmed by the CFA. The fit indices in CFA were favorable, with χ2/df = 1.999, root mean square error of approximation = 0.070, comparative fit index = 0.916, Tucker–Lewis index = 0.900, goodness-of-fit index = 0.863, and incremental fit index = 0.917. The average variance extracted for the four factors ranged from 0.466 to 0.565, with composite reliability values ranging from 0.776 to 0.859. The ISC-Q showed a positive correlation with the intermittent self-catheterization acceptance questionnaire (r = 0.557, P < 0.001). The ICC overall Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the questionnaire was 0.821, and the for test-retest reliability was 0.951 (95% CI [0.900–0.976] P < 0.001). Conclusion The validity and reliability of the Chinese version …
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Yingjie Hu
creator: Fengming Hao
creator: Ling Chen
creator: Ying Wang
creator: Laifu Wang
creator: Dan Wu
creator: Wei Ren
creator: Wenzhi Cai
subject: Nursing
subject: Urology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18226
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Hu et al.
abstract: Background The intermittent self-catheterization questionnaire (ISC-Q) is a valid and reliable tool to assess the quality of life (QOL) in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) who engage in ISC. The aim of this research is to culturally adapt the ISC-Q and evaluate its psychometric properties within the Chinese patient population. Methods The cross-sectional research was meticulously conducted in two pivotal stages: initially, the focus was on cross-cultural adaptation, followed by an extensive phase of psychometric testing. This comprehensive analysis involved 405 Chinese patients with NLUTD who use ISC. Various analyses, including evaluations of the floor and ceiling effects, item analysis, content validity, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA and CFA), assessments of convergent, discriminant, and criterion validity. Additionally, Cronbach’s alpha was utilized to determine internal consistency, and test-retest reliability was measured using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results No floor and ceiling effects were observed. The content validity index was 0.967. The EFA identified four factors, accounting for 64.953% of the total variance, and this four-factor structure was confirmed by the CFA. The fit indices in CFA were favorable, with χ2/df = 1.999, root mean square error of approximation = 0.070, comparative fit index = 0.916, Tucker–Lewis index = 0.900, goodness-of-fit index = 0.863, and incremental fit index = 0.917. The average variance extracted for the four factors ranged from 0.466 to 0.565, with composite reliability values ranging from 0.776 to 0.859. The ISC-Q showed a positive correlation with the intermittent self-catheterization acceptance questionnaire (r = 0.557, P < 0.001). The ICC overall Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the questionnaire was 0.821, and the for test-retest reliability was 0.951 (95% CI [0.900–0.976] P < 0.001). Conclusion The validity and reliability of the Chinese version …
bibliographic citation: Hu et al. (2024) Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Intermittent Self-Catheterization Questionnaire (ISC-Q). PeerJ 12:e18226 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18226
date submitted: 2023-12-29
date accepted: 2024-09-12
issued: 2024-10-07
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
author list: Agent
  family name: Hu
  given name: Yingjie
author list: Agent
  family name: Hao
  given name: Fengming
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Ling
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Ying
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Laifu
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Dan
author list: Agent
  family name: Ren
  given name: Wei
author list: Agent
  family name: Cai
  given name: Wenzhi
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18226
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-07
copyright: © 2024 Hu et al.
attribution name: Hu et al.

Genome-wide association study reveals genetic basis and candidate genes for chlorophyll content of leaves in maize (Zea mays L.)
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The chlorophyll content (CC) directly affects photosynthesis, growth, and yield. However, the genetic basis of CC is still unclear in maize (Zea mays L.). Here, we conducted a genome-wide association study using mixed linear model for CC of the fifth leaves at seedling stage (CCFSS) and the ear leaves at filling stage (CCEFS) for 334 maize inbred lines. The heritability estimates for CCFSS and CCEFS, obtained via variance components analysis using the lme4 package in R, were 70.84% and 78.99%, respectively, indicating that the CC of leaves is primarily controlled by genetic factors. A total of 15 CC-related SNPs and 177 candidate genes were identified with a p-value < 4.49 × 10−5, which explained 4.98–7.59% of the phenotypic variation. Lines with more favorable gene variants showed higher CC. Meanwhile, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis implied that these candidate genes were probably related to chlorophyll biosynthesis. In addition, gene-based association analyses revealed that six variants in GRMZM2G037152, GRMZM5G816561, GRMZM2G324462, and GRMZM2G064657 genes were significantly (p-value < 0.01) correlated with CC, of which GRMZM2G064657 (encodes a phosphate transporter protein) and GRMZM5G816561 (encodes a cytochrome P450 protein) were specifically highly expressed in leaves tissues. Interestingly, these candidate genes were previously reported to involve in the regulation of the contents of chlorophyll in plants or Chlamydomonas. These results may contribute to the understanding of genetic basis and molecular mechanisms of maize CC and the selection of maize varieties with improved CC.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Peng Liu
creator: Chenchaoyang Xiang
creator: Kai Liu
creator: Hong Yu
creator: Zhengqiao Liao
creator: Yaou Shen
creator: Lei Liu
creator: Langlang Ma
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Genetics
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18278
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Liu et al.
abstract: The chlorophyll content (CC) directly affects photosynthesis, growth, and yield. However, the genetic basis of CC is still unclear in maize (Zea mays L.). Here, we conducted a genome-wide association study using mixed linear model for CC of the fifth leaves at seedling stage (CCFSS) and the ear leaves at filling stage (CCEFS) for 334 maize inbred lines. The heritability estimates for CCFSS and CCEFS, obtained via variance components analysis using the lme4 package in R, were 70.84% and 78.99%, respectively, indicating that the CC of leaves is primarily controlled by genetic factors. A total of 15 CC-related SNPs and 177 candidate genes were identified with a p-value < 4.49 × 10−5, which explained 4.98–7.59% of the phenotypic variation. Lines with more favorable gene variants showed higher CC. Meanwhile, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis implied that these candidate genes were probably related to chlorophyll biosynthesis. In addition, gene-based association analyses revealed that six variants in GRMZM2G037152, GRMZM5G816561, GRMZM2G324462, and GRMZM2G064657 genes were significantly (p-value < 0.01) correlated with CC, of which GRMZM2G064657 (encodes a phosphate transporter protein) and GRMZM5G816561 (encodes a cytochrome P450 protein) were specifically highly expressed in leaves tissues. Interestingly, these candidate genes were previously reported to involve in the regulation of the contents of chlorophyll in plants or Chlamydomonas. These results may contribute to the understanding of genetic basis and molecular mechanisms of maize CC and the selection of maize varieties with improved CC.
bibliographic citation: Liu et al. (2024) Genome-wide association study reveals genetic basis and candidate genes for chlorophyll content of leaves in maize (Zea mays L.). PeerJ 12:e18278 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18278
date submitted: 2024-07-24
date accepted: 2024-09-18
issued: 2024-10-07
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Peng
author list: Agent
  family name: Xiang
  given name: Chenchaoyang
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Kai
author list: Agent
  family name: Yu
  given name: Hong
author list: Agent
  family name: Liao
  given name: Zhengqiao
author list: Agent
  family name: Shen
  given name: Yaou
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Lei
author list: Agent
  family name: Ma
  given name: Langlang
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18278
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-07
copyright: © 2024 Liu et al.
attribution name: Liu et al.

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