PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Forage yields and nutritive values of oat and triticale pastures for grazing sheep in early spring
items: Achilles tendon thickness and serum asprosin level significantly increases in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
items: Polyandry contributes to Gonipterus platensis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) rearing
items: Inter-subspecies diversity of maize to drought stress with physio-biochemical, enzymatic and molecular responses
items: Kinesiophobia among health professionals’ interventions: a scoping review
items: Rapid estimation of soil water content based on hyperspectral reflectance combined with continuous wavelet transform, feature extraction, and extreme learning machine
items: Holobiont dysbiosis or acclimatation? Shift in the microbial taxonomic diversity and functional composition of a cosmopolitan sponge subjected to chronic pollution in a Patagonian bay
items: Validation of PozQoL scale in Turkish population living with HIV: a cross-cultural adaptation study
items: Focused ultrasound-induced cell apoptosis for the treatment of tumours
items: Use of an age-simulation suit as an empathy-building method for dental students: a pre-post study

Forage yields and nutritive values of oat and triticale pastures for grazing sheep in early spring
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Small-grain winter cereals can be utilized as early spring pastures in temperate climates to relieve grazing pressure and potentially mitigate feed shortages. This study was conducted to determine the effects of triticale and oat cereal pastures grazed by sheep during early spring on forage yields, nutritive values, and nutritional requirements of sheep. Methods The research was carried out over three consecutive years, from 2015 to 2017, at the Sheep Research Institute in Bandırma-Balıkesir, located in the Marmara region of Türkiye. The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized block design, with the two forage species, triticale and oat, randomized within each of three blocks. The animal material for the study consisted of 24 Karacabey Merino sheep, each 2 years old, with an average live weight of 57.6 ± 0.5 kg, all in the late lactation stage. In each replication, four sheep were included, resulting in a total of 12 sheep grazing in each of the triticale and oat pastures. The sheep grazed exclusively on the cereal pastures without any additional feed, and had unrestricted access to water throughout the entire period of the experiment. The dry matter yields (DMY), dry matter intakes (DMI), nutritive values, and mineral contents of the cereal species were determined. Results The DMY showed significant differences over the years (P < 0.05). No differences in DMY were observed between pastures, with oats yielding 11.99 t ha−1 and triticale yielding 11.08 t ha−1. During the grazing period, the change in DMY was significant in all years (P < 0.05). The average DMI of the sheep was 2,003.5 g d−1 for triticale and 2,156.6 g d−1 for oat, respectively, and DMI exhibited no significant differences across pastures. Although there was no difference in DMI between 2015 and 2016, the lowest consumption occurred in 2017 (P < 0.05). Additionally, while DMI showed different trends each year based on the periods, it generally decreased by the end of the grazing…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Hülya Hanoğlu Oral
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Ecology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17840
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Hanoğlu Oral
abstract: Background Small-grain winter cereals can be utilized as early spring pastures in temperate climates to relieve grazing pressure and potentially mitigate feed shortages. This study was conducted to determine the effects of triticale and oat cereal pastures grazed by sheep during early spring on forage yields, nutritive values, and nutritional requirements of sheep. Methods The research was carried out over three consecutive years, from 2015 to 2017, at the Sheep Research Institute in Bandırma-Balıkesir, located in the Marmara region of Türkiye. The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized block design, with the two forage species, triticale and oat, randomized within each of three blocks. The animal material for the study consisted of 24 Karacabey Merino sheep, each 2 years old, with an average live weight of 57.6 ± 0.5 kg, all in the late lactation stage. In each replication, four sheep were included, resulting in a total of 12 sheep grazing in each of the triticale and oat pastures. The sheep grazed exclusively on the cereal pastures without any additional feed, and had unrestricted access to water throughout the entire period of the experiment. The dry matter yields (DMY), dry matter intakes (DMI), nutritive values, and mineral contents of the cereal species were determined. Results The DMY showed significant differences over the years (P < 0.05). No differences in DMY were observed between pastures, with oats yielding 11.99 t ha−1 and triticale yielding 11.08 t ha−1. During the grazing period, the change in DMY was significant in all years (P < 0.05). The average DMI of the sheep was 2,003.5 g d−1 for triticale and 2,156.6 g d−1 for oat, respectively, and DMI exhibited no significant differences across pastures. Although there was no difference in DMI between 2015 and 2016, the lowest consumption occurred in 2017 (P < 0.05). Additionally, while DMI showed different trends each year based on the periods, it generally decreased by the end of the grazing…
bibliographic citation: Hanoğlu Oral (2024) Forage yields and nutritive values of oat and triticale pastures for grazing sheep in early spring. PeerJ 12:e17840 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17840
date submitted: 2024-01-08
date accepted: 2024-07-09
issued: 2024-08-22
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
author list: Agent
  family name: Hanoğlu Oral
  given name: Hülya
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17840
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-08-22
copyright: ©2024 Hanoğlu Oral
attribution name: Hanoğlu Oral

Achilles tendon thickness and serum asprosin level significantly increases in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Aim In our study, we aimed to investigate the Achilles tendon thickness (ATT) and asprosin levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to evaluate the relationship of these parameters, which may be related to cardio-metabolic diseases. Methods In our prospective cross-sectional study, 45 female patients with PCOS and 30 female healthy individuals similar in age were included. Serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), total testosterone, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and asprosin levels were measured using appropriate kits and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), luteinizing hormone (LH) to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio was calculated. ATT measurements were performed by two radiologists using a high-resolution ultrasound doppler system. Results Serum DHEAS, total testosterone, AMH and asprosin levels, HOMA-IR value, LF/FSH ratio, and ATT values were higher in patients with PCOS compared to healthy controls. Correlation analysis was performed between ATT and other parameters in patients with PCOS. In univariate analysis, parameters associated with ATT were detected as asprosin, DHEAS and AMH. In the linear regression analysis performed with significant parameters, asprosin and DHEAS levels were found to be associated with ATT. Conclusion ATT values and serum asprosin levels were found to be significantly increased in patients with PCOS, and there is a very close positive relationship between ATT and serum asprosin levels. For this reason, it was thought that ATT measurement could be a cheap, simple and non-invasive monitoring parameter that can be used in the routine cardiometabolic follow-up of patients with PCOS.
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format: text/html
creator: Huseyin Ali Ozturk
creator: Fatih Necip Arici
subject: Anatomy and Physiology
subject: Cardiology
subject: Diabetes and Endocrinology
subject: Gynecology and Obstetrics
subject: Metabolic Sciences
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17905
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Ozturk and Arici
abstract: Aim In our study, we aimed to investigate the Achilles tendon thickness (ATT) and asprosin levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to evaluate the relationship of these parameters, which may be related to cardio-metabolic diseases. Methods In our prospective cross-sectional study, 45 female patients with PCOS and 30 female healthy individuals similar in age were included. Serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), total testosterone, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and asprosin levels were measured using appropriate kits and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), luteinizing hormone (LH) to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio was calculated. ATT measurements were performed by two radiologists using a high-resolution ultrasound doppler system. Results Serum DHEAS, total testosterone, AMH and asprosin levels, HOMA-IR value, LF/FSH ratio, and ATT values were higher in patients with PCOS compared to healthy controls. Correlation analysis was performed between ATT and other parameters in patients with PCOS. In univariate analysis, parameters associated with ATT were detected as asprosin, DHEAS and AMH. In the linear regression analysis performed with significant parameters, asprosin and DHEAS levels were found to be associated with ATT. Conclusion ATT values and serum asprosin levels were found to be significantly increased in patients with PCOS, and there is a very close positive relationship between ATT and serum asprosin levels. For this reason, it was thought that ATT measurement could be a cheap, simple and non-invasive monitoring parameter that can be used in the routine cardiometabolic follow-up of patients with PCOS.
bibliographic citation: Ozturk et al. (2024) Achilles tendon thickness and serum asprosin level significantly increases in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. PeerJ 12:e17905 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17905
date submitted: 2024-02-27
date accepted: 2024-07-22
issued: 2024-08-22
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Ozturk
  given name: Huseyin Ali
author list: Agent
  family name: Arici
  given name: Fatih Necip
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17905
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-08-22
copyright: © 2024 Ozturk and Arici
attribution name: Ozturk and Arici

Polyandry contributes to Gonipterus platensis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) rearing
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Gonipterus platensis Marelli, 1926 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is one of the main defoliating beetles in Eucalyptus plantations. Biological control with egg parasitoids is one of the main control strategies for this pest and a constant supply of fresh host eggs is required to rear the parasitoids. Polyandry can influence Gonipterus oviposition by increasing female fecundity and fertility; however, the high density of individuals in laboratory colonies can lead to male harassment, resulting in lower reproduction rate. The aim of this study was to measure the effects of monoandry and polyandry on the reproduction of G. platensis and the effects of male harassment on laboratory rearing conditions. Methods Reproductive parameters were compared between three treatments: monoandry, where the female was allowed to mate daily with the same male; no choice polyandry, where the female was allowed to mate daily with a different male; and polyandry with choice, where the female was allowed to mate daily, but with a choice between five different males. Another experiment varying the density of males was conducted to evaluate the effect of male harassment. Results Polyandry with choice resulted in the longest period of oviposition, highest fecundity and highest number of eggs per egg capsules when compared to monoandrous females. No negative effect related to male harassment in the laboratory, such as decreased fertility, fecundity, or number of eggs per egg capsule, was detected. Conclusion Polyandry contributes to mass rearing as it increases fecundity and oviposition period on females and there is no evidence of male harassment on G. platensis.
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creator: Murilo Fonseca Ribeiro
creator: Gabriela Cavallini
creator: Gabriel Negri Solce
creator: Ana Laura Favoreto
creator: José Raimundo De Souza Passos
creator: Brett Hurley
creator: Carlos Frederico Wilcken
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Entomology
subject: Forestry
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17929
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Ribeiro et al.
abstract: Background Gonipterus platensis Marelli, 1926 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is one of the main defoliating beetles in Eucalyptus plantations. Biological control with egg parasitoids is one of the main control strategies for this pest and a constant supply of fresh host eggs is required to rear the parasitoids. Polyandry can influence Gonipterus oviposition by increasing female fecundity and fertility; however, the high density of individuals in laboratory colonies can lead to male harassment, resulting in lower reproduction rate. The aim of this study was to measure the effects of monoandry and polyandry on the reproduction of G. platensis and the effects of male harassment on laboratory rearing conditions. Methods Reproductive parameters were compared between three treatments: monoandry, where the female was allowed to mate daily with the same male; no choice polyandry, where the female was allowed to mate daily with a different male; and polyandry with choice, where the female was allowed to mate daily, but with a choice between five different males. Another experiment varying the density of males was conducted to evaluate the effect of male harassment. Results Polyandry with choice resulted in the longest period of oviposition, highest fecundity and highest number of eggs per egg capsules when compared to monoandrous females. No negative effect related to male harassment in the laboratory, such as decreased fertility, fecundity, or number of eggs per egg capsule, was detected. Conclusion Polyandry contributes to mass rearing as it increases fecundity and oviposition period on females and there is no evidence of male harassment on G. platensis.
bibliographic citation: Ribeiro et al. (2024) Polyandry contributes to Gonipterus platensis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) rearing. PeerJ 12:e17929 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17929
date submitted: 2024-02-08
date accepted: 2024-07-25
issued: 2024-08-22
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Ribeiro
  given name: Murilo Fonseca
author list: Agent
  family name: Cavallini
  given name: Gabriela
author list: Agent
  family name: Solce
  given name: Gabriel Negri
author list: Agent
  family name: Favoreto
  given name: Ana Laura
author list: Agent
  family name: Passos
  given name: José Raimundo De Souza
author list: Agent
  family name: Hurley
  given name: Brett
author list: Agent
  family name: Wilcken
  given name: Carlos Frederico
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17929
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-08-22
copyright: © 2024 Ribeiro et al.
attribution name: Ribeiro et al.

Inter-subspecies diversity of maize to drought stress with physio-biochemical, enzymatic and molecular responses
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Drought is the most significant factor limiting maize production, given that maize is a crop with a high water demand. Therefore, studies investigating the mechanisms underlying the drought tolerance of maize are of great importance. There are no studies comparing drought tolerance among economically important subspecies of maize. This study aimed to reveal the differences between the physio-biochemical, enzymatic, and molecular mechanisms of drought tolerance in dent (Zea mays indentata), popcorn (Zea mays everta), and sugar (Zea mays saccharata) maize under control (no-stress), moderate, and severe drought stress. Methods Three distinct irrigation regimes were employed to assess the impact of varying levels of drought stress on maize plants at the V14 growth stage. These included normal irrigation (80% field capacity), moderate drought (50% field capacity), and severe drought (30% field capacity). All plants were grown under controlled conditions. The following parameters were analyzed: leaf relative water content (RWC), loss of turgidity (LOT), proline (PRO) and soluble protein (SPR) contents, membrane durability index (MDI), malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content, the antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and catalase (CAT). Additionally, the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) was examined at the transcriptional and translational levels. Results The effects of severe drought were more pronounced in sugar maize, which had a relatively high loss of RWC and turgor, membrane damage, enzyme activities, and HSP90 gene expression. Dent maize, which is capable of maintaining its RWC and turgor in both moderate and severe droughts, and employs its defense mechanism effectively by maintaining antioxidant enzyme activities at a certain level despite less MDA and H2O2 accumulation, exhibited relatively high drought tolerance. Despite the high levels of MDA and H2O2 in popcorn maize, the…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Gokhan Eskikoy
creator: Imren Kutlu
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17931
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Eskikoy and Kutlu
abstract: Background Drought is the most significant factor limiting maize production, given that maize is a crop with a high water demand. Therefore, studies investigating the mechanisms underlying the drought tolerance of maize are of great importance. There are no studies comparing drought tolerance among economically important subspecies of maize. This study aimed to reveal the differences between the physio-biochemical, enzymatic, and molecular mechanisms of drought tolerance in dent (Zea mays indentata), popcorn (Zea mays everta), and sugar (Zea mays saccharata) maize under control (no-stress), moderate, and severe drought stress. Methods Three distinct irrigation regimes were employed to assess the impact of varying levels of drought stress on maize plants at the V14 growth stage. These included normal irrigation (80% field capacity), moderate drought (50% field capacity), and severe drought (30% field capacity). All plants were grown under controlled conditions. The following parameters were analyzed: leaf relative water content (RWC), loss of turgidity (LOT), proline (PRO) and soluble protein (SPR) contents, membrane durability index (MDI), malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content, the antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and catalase (CAT). Additionally, the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) was examined at the transcriptional and translational levels. Results The effects of severe drought were more pronounced in sugar maize, which had a relatively high loss of RWC and turgor, membrane damage, enzyme activities, and HSP90 gene expression. Dent maize, which is capable of maintaining its RWC and turgor in both moderate and severe droughts, and employs its defense mechanism effectively by maintaining antioxidant enzyme activities at a certain level despite less MDA and H2O2 accumulation, exhibited relatively high drought tolerance. Despite the high levels of MDA and H2O2 in popcorn maize, the…
bibliographic citation: Eskikoy et al. (2024) Inter-subspecies diversity of maize to drought stress with physio-biochemical, enzymatic and molecular responses. PeerJ 12:e17931 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17931
date submitted: 2024-06-28
date accepted: 2024-07-25
issued: 2024-08-22
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Eskikoy
  given name: Gokhan
author list: Agent
  family name: Kutlu
  given name: Imren
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17931
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-08-22
copyright: © 2024 Eskikoy and Kutlu
attribution name: Eskikoy and Kutlu

Kinesiophobia among health professionals’ interventions: a scoping review
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Health professionals are regularly confronted with patients suffering from a fear of movement-related pain (unknown as kinesiophobia). The fear-avoidance attitudes and beliefs of healthcare professionals are likely to play a key role in their patients’ therapeutic approach. However, kinesiophobia among health professionals is a relatively young topic. This scoping review aims to explore and catalogue the extent of scientific research that identifies the causes and consequences of kinesiophobia among health professionals while they perform their interventions. The review was based on the Joanna Briggs Institute manual and the PRISMA method for a scoping review. The research was conducted in May 2024 using CINHAL, Medline and Sportdiscus databases with the search terms “fear-avoidance”, ”kinesiophobia“, “pain-related” and “physical therapist”. Out of 2,162 potential studies, thirteen articles were included. No study directly mentioned kinesiophobia among health professionals, but it was studied through fear-avoidance beliefs. Two-thirds of the articles indicate that professionals with fear-avoidance beliefs tend to refer their patients to other specialists less frequently and limit their patients’ activity, despite treatment guidelines. Most of the studies found were physiotherapists’ interventions for chronic back pain patients. The current review emphasizes the need for additional studies involving more healthcare professionals and diverse health conditions.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Lilian Doutre
creator: Maryse Beaumier
creator: Andrée-Anne Parent
creator: Sébastien Talbot
creator: Mathieu Tremblay
subject: Anesthesiology and Pain Management
subject: Kinesiology
subject: Mental Health
subject: Healthcare Services
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17935
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Doutre et al.
abstract: Health professionals are regularly confronted with patients suffering from a fear of movement-related pain (unknown as kinesiophobia). The fear-avoidance attitudes and beliefs of healthcare professionals are likely to play a key role in their patients’ therapeutic approach. However, kinesiophobia among health professionals is a relatively young topic. This scoping review aims to explore and catalogue the extent of scientific research that identifies the causes and consequences of kinesiophobia among health professionals while they perform their interventions. The review was based on the Joanna Briggs Institute manual and the PRISMA method for a scoping review. The research was conducted in May 2024 using CINHAL, Medline and Sportdiscus databases with the search terms “fear-avoidance”, ”kinesiophobia“, “pain-related” and “physical therapist”. Out of 2,162 potential studies, thirteen articles were included. No study directly mentioned kinesiophobia among health professionals, but it was studied through fear-avoidance beliefs. Two-thirds of the articles indicate that professionals with fear-avoidance beliefs tend to refer their patients to other specialists less frequently and limit their patients’ activity, despite treatment guidelines. Most of the studies found were physiotherapists’ interventions for chronic back pain patients. The current review emphasizes the need for additional studies involving more healthcare professionals and diverse health conditions.
bibliographic citation: Doutre et al. (2024) Kinesiophobia among health professionals’ interventions: a scoping review. PeerJ 12:e17935 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17935
date submitted: 2023-09-15
date accepted: 2024-07-26
issued: 2024-08-22
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Doutre
  given name: Lilian
author list: Agent
  family name: Beaumier
  given name: Maryse
author list: Agent
  family name: Parent
  given name: Andrée-Anne
author list: Agent
  family name: Talbot
  given name: Sébastien
author list: Agent
  family name: Tremblay
  given name: Mathieu
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17935
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-08-22
copyright: ©2024 Doutre et al.
attribution name: Doutre et al.

Rapid estimation of soil water content based on hyperspectral reflectance combined with continuous wavelet transform, feature extraction, and extreme learning machine
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Soil water content is one of the critical indicators in agricultural systems. Visible/near-infrared hyperspectral remote sensing is an effective method for soil water estimation. However, noise removal from massive spectral datasets and effective feature extraction are challenges for achieving accurate soil water estimation using this technology. Methods This study proposes a method for hyperspectral remote sensing soil water content estimation based on a combination of continuous wavelet transform (CWT) and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS). Hyperspectral data were collected from soil samples with different water contents prepared in the laboratory. CWT, with two wavelet basis functions (mexh and gaus2), was used to pre-process the hyperspectral reflectance to eliminate noise interference. The correlation analysis was conducted between soil water content and wavelet coefficients at ten scales. The feature variables were extracted from these wavelet coefficients using the CARS method and used as input variables to build linear and non-linear models, specifically partial least squares (PLSR) and extreme learning machine (ELM), to estimate soil water content. Results The results showed that the correlation between wavelet coefficients and soil water content decreased as the decomposition scale increased. The corresponding bands of the extracted wavelet coefficients were mainly distributed in the near-infrared region. The non-linear model (ELM) was superior to the linear method (PLSR). ELM demonstrated satisfactory accuracy based on the feature wavelet coefficients of CWT with the mexh wavelet basis function at a decomposition scale of 1 (CWT(mexh_1)), with R2, RMSE, and RPD values of 0.946, 1.408%, and 3.759 in the validation dataset, respectively. Overall, the CWT(mexh_1)-CARS-ELM systematic modeling method was feasible and reliable for estimating the water content of sandy clay loam.
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format: text/html
creator: Shaomin Chen
creator: Jiachen Gao
creator: Fangchuan Lou
creator: Yunfei Tuo
creator: Shuai Tan
creator: Yuyang Shan
creator: Lihua Luo
creator: Zhilin Xu
creator: Zhengfu Zhang
creator: Xiangyu Huang
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Soil Science
subject: Biogeochemistry
subject: Ecohydrology
subject: Environmental Impacts
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17954
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Chen et al.
abstract: Background Soil water content is one of the critical indicators in agricultural systems. Visible/near-infrared hyperspectral remote sensing is an effective method for soil water estimation. However, noise removal from massive spectral datasets and effective feature extraction are challenges for achieving accurate soil water estimation using this technology. Methods This study proposes a method for hyperspectral remote sensing soil water content estimation based on a combination of continuous wavelet transform (CWT) and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS). Hyperspectral data were collected from soil samples with different water contents prepared in the laboratory. CWT, with two wavelet basis functions (mexh and gaus2), was used to pre-process the hyperspectral reflectance to eliminate noise interference. The correlation analysis was conducted between soil water content and wavelet coefficients at ten scales. The feature variables were extracted from these wavelet coefficients using the CARS method and used as input variables to build linear and non-linear models, specifically partial least squares (PLSR) and extreme learning machine (ELM), to estimate soil water content. Results The results showed that the correlation between wavelet coefficients and soil water content decreased as the decomposition scale increased. The corresponding bands of the extracted wavelet coefficients were mainly distributed in the near-infrared region. The non-linear model (ELM) was superior to the linear method (PLSR). ELM demonstrated satisfactory accuracy based on the feature wavelet coefficients of CWT with the mexh wavelet basis function at a decomposition scale of 1 (CWT(mexh_1)), with R2, RMSE, and RPD values of 0.946, 1.408%, and 3.759 in the validation dataset, respectively. Overall, the CWT(mexh_1)-CARS-ELM systematic modeling method was feasible and reliable for estimating the water content of sandy clay loam.
bibliographic citation: Chen et al. (2024) Rapid estimation of soil water content based on hyperspectral reflectance combined with continuous wavelet transform, feature extraction, and extreme learning machine. PeerJ 12:e17954 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17954
date submitted: 2024-01-23
date accepted: 2024-07-31
issued: 2024-08-22
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Shaomin
author list: Agent
  family name: Gao
  given name: Jiachen
author list: Agent
  family name: Lou
  given name: Fangchuan
author list: Agent
  family name: Tuo
  given name: Yunfei
author list: Agent
  family name: Tan
  given name: Shuai
author list: Agent
  family name: Shan
  given name: Yuyang
author list: Agent
  family name: Luo
  given name: Lihua
author list: Agent
  family name: Xu
  given name: Zhilin
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Zhengfu
author list: Agent
  family name: Huang
  given name: Xiangyu
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17954
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-08-22
copyright: ©2024 Chen et al.
attribution name: Chen et al.

Holobiont dysbiosis or acclimatation? Shift in the microbial taxonomic diversity and functional composition of a cosmopolitan sponge subjected to chronic pollution in a Patagonian bay
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Dysbiosis and acclimatization are two starkly opposing outcomes of altered holobiont associations in response to environmental pollution. This study assesses whether shifts in microbial taxonomic composition and functional profiles of the cosmopolitan sponge Hymeniacidon perlevis indicate dysbiotic or acclimatized responses to water pollution. To do so, sponge and water samples were collected in a semi-enclosed environment (San Antonio Bay, Patagonia, Argentina) from variably polluted sites (i.e., eutrophication, heavy metal contamination). We found significant differences in the microbiome of H. perlevis with respect to the pollution history of the sites. Several indicators suggested that acclimatization, rather than dysbiosis, explained the microbiome response to higher pollution: 1) the distinction of the sponge microbiome from the water microbiome; 2) low similarity between the sponge and water microbiomes at the most polluted site; 3) the change in microbiome composition between sponges from the different sites; 4) a high similarity in the microbiome among sponge individuals within sites; 5) a similar ratio of common sponge microbes to opportunistic microbes between sponges at the most and least polluted sites; and 6) a distinctive functional profile of the sponge microbiome at the most polluted site. This profile indicated a more expansive metabolic repertoire, including the degradation of pollutants and the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, suggesting a relevant role of these microbial communities in the adaptation of the holobiont to organic pollution. Our results shed light on the rearrangement of the H. perlevis microbiome that could allow it to successfully colonize sites with high anthropogenic impact while resisting dysbiosis.
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format: text/html
creator: Marianela Gastaldi
creator: M. Sabrina Pankey
creator: Guillermo Svendsen
creator: Alonso Medina
creator: Fausto Firstater
creator: Maite Narvarte
creator: Mariana Lozada
creator: Michael Lesser
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Ecology
subject: Genomics
subject: Marine Biology
subject: Microbiology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17707
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Gastaldi et al.
abstract: Dysbiosis and acclimatization are two starkly opposing outcomes of altered holobiont associations in response to environmental pollution. This study assesses whether shifts in microbial taxonomic composition and functional profiles of the cosmopolitan sponge Hymeniacidon perlevis indicate dysbiotic or acclimatized responses to water pollution. To do so, sponge and water samples were collected in a semi-enclosed environment (San Antonio Bay, Patagonia, Argentina) from variably polluted sites (i.e., eutrophication, heavy metal contamination). We found significant differences in the microbiome of H. perlevis with respect to the pollution history of the sites. Several indicators suggested that acclimatization, rather than dysbiosis, explained the microbiome response to higher pollution: 1) the distinction of the sponge microbiome from the water microbiome; 2) low similarity between the sponge and water microbiomes at the most polluted site; 3) the change in microbiome composition between sponges from the different sites; 4) a high similarity in the microbiome among sponge individuals within sites; 5) a similar ratio of common sponge microbes to opportunistic microbes between sponges at the most and least polluted sites; and 6) a distinctive functional profile of the sponge microbiome at the most polluted site. This profile indicated a more expansive metabolic repertoire, including the degradation of pollutants and the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, suggesting a relevant role of these microbial communities in the adaptation of the holobiont to organic pollution. Our results shed light on the rearrangement of the H. perlevis microbiome that could allow it to successfully colonize sites with high anthropogenic impact while resisting dysbiosis.
bibliographic citation: Gastaldi et al. (2024) Holobiont dysbiosis or acclimatation? Shift in the microbial taxonomic diversity and functional composition of a cosmopolitan sponge subjected to chronic pollution in a Patagonian bay. PeerJ 12:e17707 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17707
date submitted: 2024-02-05
date accepted: 2024-06-18
issued: 2024-08-21
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Gastaldi
  given name: Marianela
author list: Agent
  family name: Pankey
  given name: M. Sabrina
author list: Agent
  family name: Svendsen
  given name: Guillermo
author list: Agent
  family name: Medina
  given name: Alonso
author list: Agent
  family name: Firstater
  given name: Fausto
author list: Agent
  family name: Narvarte
  given name: Maite
author list: Agent
  family name: Lozada
  given name: Mariana
author list: Agent
  family name: Lesser
  given name: Michael
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17707
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-08-21
copyright: © 2024 Gastaldi et al.
attribution name: Gastaldi et al.

Validation of PozQoL scale in Turkish population living with HIV: a cross-cultural adaptation study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The increasing number of people living with HIV requires a simple and easy-to-use quality of life (QoL) scale for people living with HIV (PLWH). This study aims to adapt the PozQoL scale into Turkish and assess its reliability and validity for the PLWH population in Turkey. Methods Translation-back-translation methodology was employed, and face-to-face interviews were conducted with 130 patients using the PozQoL, socio-demographic, and clinical data questionnaire. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were utilized to identify the underlying factor structure and examine the validity of the measurement model, respectively. Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to assess internal consistency and test-retest reliability, respectively. Results EFA revealed four factors with an eigenvalue of 0.88, explaining 62.1% of the cumulative variance. CFA indicated that the four-factor solution achieved good levels of fit. The total Cronbach’s alpha was 0.81, indicating high internal consistency. The ICC for the total score was 0.92 (95% confidence interval (CI) [0.90–0.94]; p < 0.05), demonstrating high test-retest reliability. Conclusion The Turkish version of the PozQoL was found to be a valid and reliable tool for assessing the health-related QoL of PLWH in Turkey.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Sabri Atalay
creator: Zeynep Sedef Varol
creator: Sarp Singil
creator: Ufuk Sönmez
subject: Global Health
subject: HIV
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
subject: Public Health
subject: Mental Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17873
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Atalay et al.
abstract: Background The increasing number of people living with HIV requires a simple and easy-to-use quality of life (QoL) scale for people living with HIV (PLWH). This study aims to adapt the PozQoL scale into Turkish and assess its reliability and validity for the PLWH population in Turkey. Methods Translation-back-translation methodology was employed, and face-to-face interviews were conducted with 130 patients using the PozQoL, socio-demographic, and clinical data questionnaire. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were utilized to identify the underlying factor structure and examine the validity of the measurement model, respectively. Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to assess internal consistency and test-retest reliability, respectively. Results EFA revealed four factors with an eigenvalue of 0.88, explaining 62.1% of the cumulative variance. CFA indicated that the four-factor solution achieved good levels of fit. The total Cronbach’s alpha was 0.81, indicating high internal consistency. The ICC for the total score was 0.92 (95% confidence interval (CI) [0.90–0.94]; p < 0.05), demonstrating high test-retest reliability. Conclusion The Turkish version of the PozQoL was found to be a valid and reliable tool for assessing the health-related QoL of PLWH in Turkey.
bibliographic citation: Atalay et al. (2024) Validation of PozQoL scale in Turkish population living with HIV: a cross-cultural adaptation study. PeerJ 12:e17873 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17873
date submitted: 2024-03-06
date accepted: 2024-07-16
issued: 2024-08-21
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Atalay
  given name: Sabri
author list: Agent
  family name: Varol
  given name: Zeynep Sedef
author list: Agent
  family name: Singil
  given name: Sarp
author list: Agent
  family name: Sönmez
  given name: Ufuk
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17873
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-08-21
copyright: © 2024 Atalay et al.
attribution name: Atalay et al.

Focused ultrasound-induced cell apoptosis for the treatment of tumours
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Cancer is a serious public health problem worldwide. Traditional treatments, such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, do not always yield satisfactory results; therefore, an efficient treatment for tumours is urgently needed. As a convenient and minimally invasive modality, focused ultrasound (FUS) has been used not only as a diagnostic tool but also as a therapeutic tool in an increasing number of studies. FUS can help treat malignant tumours by inducing apoptosis. This review describes the three apoptotic pathways, apoptotic cell clearance, and how FUS affects these three apoptotic pathways. This review also discusses the role of thermal and cavitation effects on apoptosis, including caspase activity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and Ca2+ elease. Finally, this article reviews various aspects of FUS combination therapy, including sensitization by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, gene expression upregulation, and the introduction of therapeutic gases, to provide new ideas for clinical tumour therapy.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Na Wang
creator: Li Luo
creator: Xinzhi Xu
creator: Hang Zhou
creator: Fang Li
subject: Oncology
subject: Radiology and Medical Imaging
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17886
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Wang et al.
abstract: Cancer is a serious public health problem worldwide. Traditional treatments, such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, do not always yield satisfactory results; therefore, an efficient treatment for tumours is urgently needed. As a convenient and minimally invasive modality, focused ultrasound (FUS) has been used not only as a diagnostic tool but also as a therapeutic tool in an increasing number of studies. FUS can help treat malignant tumours by inducing apoptosis. This review describes the three apoptotic pathways, apoptotic cell clearance, and how FUS affects these three apoptotic pathways. This review also discusses the role of thermal and cavitation effects on apoptosis, including caspase activity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and Ca2+ elease. Finally, this article reviews various aspects of FUS combination therapy, including sensitization by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, gene expression upregulation, and the introduction of therapeutic gases, to provide new ideas for clinical tumour therapy.
bibliographic citation: Wang et al. (2024) Focused ultrasound-induced cell apoptosis for the treatment of tumours. PeerJ 12:e17886 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17886
date submitted: 2024-02-01
date accepted: 2024-07-18
issued: 2024-08-21
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Na
author list: Agent
  family name: Luo
  given name: Li
author list: Agent
  family name: Xu
  given name: Xinzhi
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Hang
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Fang
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17886
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-08-21
copyright: ©2024 Wang et al.
attribution name: Wang et al.

Use of an age-simulation suit as an empathy-building method for dental students: a pre-post study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The aging of the population highlights the need to establish empathetic connections with older adults. To achieve this, age simulation suits have been designed, allowing users to experience the physical limitations associated with aging. This study aimed to evaluate the experience of dental students with these devices, using psychometric tools to measure the impact on their understanding and empathy. Methods A pre/post-test study was conducted with the participation of 63 dental students from Rey Juan Carlos University who were fitted with an age simulation suit and asked to perform different tasks. Psychometric tools were used to assess specific parameters. Empathy was measured using the Jefferson Empathy Scale, emotional intelligence was assessed with the Trait Meta-Mood Scale-24 (TMMS-24), and the emotional attention dimension was analyzed using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Results The scores on the Jefferson Empathy Scale significantly improved from 88.44 ± 6.8 to 91.06 ± 10.11 after using the simulation suit (P < 0.026). Pearson’s product moment correlation analysis showed no significant positive association or correlation between age and scores from the three questionnaires. In the rest, a positive and significant correlation was observed (P < 0.0001). Conclusions Age simulation activities effectively enhance empathy among dental students. However, more studies are needed to foster positive attitudes toward aging and prevent negative stereotypes.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jesus Rodriguez-Molinero
creator: Esther Delgado-Somolinos
creator: Blanca C. Miguelañez-Medrán
creator: Rosario Ramirez-Puerta
creator: Inmaculada Corral-Liria
creator: Raquel Jiménez-Fernández
creator: Marta Elena Losa-Iglesias
creator: Antonio F. López-Sánchez
subject: Dentistry
subject: Geriatrics
subject: Science and Medical Education
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17908
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Rodriguez-Molinero et al.
abstract: Background The aging of the population highlights the need to establish empathetic connections with older adults. To achieve this, age simulation suits have been designed, allowing users to experience the physical limitations associated with aging. This study aimed to evaluate the experience of dental students with these devices, using psychometric tools to measure the impact on their understanding and empathy. Methods A pre/post-test study was conducted with the participation of 63 dental students from Rey Juan Carlos University who were fitted with an age simulation suit and asked to perform different tasks. Psychometric tools were used to assess specific parameters. Empathy was measured using the Jefferson Empathy Scale, emotional intelligence was assessed with the Trait Meta-Mood Scale-24 (TMMS-24), and the emotional attention dimension was analyzed using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Results The scores on the Jefferson Empathy Scale significantly improved from 88.44 ± 6.8 to 91.06 ± 10.11 after using the simulation suit (P < 0.026). Pearson’s product moment correlation analysis showed no significant positive association or correlation between age and scores from the three questionnaires. In the rest, a positive and significant correlation was observed (P < 0.0001). Conclusions Age simulation activities effectively enhance empathy among dental students. However, more studies are needed to foster positive attitudes toward aging and prevent negative stereotypes.
bibliographic citation: Rodriguez-Molinero et al. (2024) Use of an age-simulation suit as an empathy-building method for dental students: a pre-post study. PeerJ 12:e17908 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17908
date submitted: 2024-04-18
date accepted: 2024-07-22
issued: 2024-08-21
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Rodriguez-Molinero
  given name: Jesus
author list: Agent
  family name: Delgado-Somolinos
  given name: Esther
author list: Agent
  family name: Miguelañez-Medrán
  given name: Blanca C.
author list: Agent
  family name: Ramirez-Puerta
  given name: Rosario
author list: Agent
  family name: Corral-Liria
  given name: Inmaculada
author list: Agent
  family name: Jiménez-Fernández
  given name: Raquel
author list: Agent
  family name: Losa-Iglesias
  given name: Marta Elena
author list: Agent
  family name: López-Sánchez
  given name: Antonio F.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17908
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-08-21
copyright: ©2024 Rodriguez-Molinero et al.
attribution name: Rodriguez-Molinero et al.

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