PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: HaMADS3, HaMADS7, and HaMADS8 are involved in petal prolongation and floret symmetry establishment in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
items: Investigating the lignocellulolytic gut microbiome of huhu grubs (Prionoplus reticularis) using defined diets and dietary switch
items: Diospyros rhodocalyx Kurz induces mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis via BAX, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 pathways in LNCaP human prostate cancer cell line
items: Doubling the known diversity of a remote island fauna: marine bivalves of the Juan Fernández and Desventuradas oceanic archipelagos (Southeastern Pacific Ocean)
items: Labeled-free quantitative proteomic analysis of cervical squamous cell carcinoma identifies potential protein biomarkers
items: A taxonomic revision of Rhizophora L. (Rhizophoraceae) in Thailand
items: Resistance mechanisms of cereal plants and rhizosphere soil microbial communities to chromium stress
items: Restoring South African subtropical succulent thicket using Portulacaria afra: root growth of cuttings differs depending on the harvest site during a drought
items: Combined uranium-series and electron spin resonance dating from the Pliocene fossil sites of Aves and Milo’s palaeocaves, Bolt’s Farm, Cradle of Humankind, South Africa
items: Internet addiction among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: Associations with sociodemographic and psychological distress

HaMADS3, HaMADS7, and HaMADS8 are involved in petal prolongation and floret symmetry establishment in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The development of floral organs, crucial for the establishment of floral symmetry and morphology in higher plants, is regulated by MADS-box genes. In sunflower, the capitulum is comprised of ray and disc florets with various floral organs. In the sunflower long petal mutant (lpm), the abnormal disc (ray-like) floret possesses prolongated petals and degenerated stamens, resulting in a transformation from zygomorphic to actinomorphic symmetry. In this study, we investigated the effect of MADS-box genes on floral organs, particularly on petals, using WT and lpm plants as materials. Based on our RNA-seq data, 29 MADS-box candidate genes were identified, and their roles on floral organ development, especially in petals, were explored, by analyzing the expression levels in various tissues in WT and lpm plants through RNA-sequencing and qPCR. The results suggested that HaMADS3, HaMADS7, and HaMADS8 could regulate petal development in sunflower. High levels of HaMADS3 that relieved the inhibition of cell proliferation, together with low levels of HaMADS7 and HaMADS8, promoted petal prolongation and maintained the morphology of ray florets. In contrast, low levels of HaMADS3 and high levels of HaMADS7 and HaMADS8 repressed petal extension and maintained the morphology of disc florets. Their coordination may contribute to the differentiation of disc and ray florets in sunflower and maintain the balance between attracting pollinators and producing offspring. Meanwhile, Pearson correlation analysis between petal length and expression levels of MADS-box genes further indicated their involvement in petal prolongation. Additionally, the analysis of cis-acting elements indicated that these three MADS-box genes may regulate petal development and floral symmetry establishment by regulating the expression activity of HaCYC2c. Our findings can provide some new understanding of the molecular regulatory network of petal development and floral morphology formation, as well as the differe…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Qian Wang
creator: Zhou Su
creator: Jing Chen
creator: Weiying Chen
creator: Zhuoyuan He
creator: Shuhong Wei
creator: Jun Yang
creator: Jian Zou
subject: Genetics
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17586
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Wang et al.
abstract: The development of floral organs, crucial for the establishment of floral symmetry and morphology in higher plants, is regulated by MADS-box genes. In sunflower, the capitulum is comprised of ray and disc florets with various floral organs. In the sunflower long petal mutant (lpm), the abnormal disc (ray-like) floret possesses prolongated petals and degenerated stamens, resulting in a transformation from zygomorphic to actinomorphic symmetry. In this study, we investigated the effect of MADS-box genes on floral organs, particularly on petals, using WT and lpm plants as materials. Based on our RNA-seq data, 29 MADS-box candidate genes were identified, and their roles on floral organ development, especially in petals, were explored, by analyzing the expression levels in various tissues in WT and lpm plants through RNA-sequencing and qPCR. The results suggested that HaMADS3, HaMADS7, and HaMADS8 could regulate petal development in sunflower. High levels of HaMADS3 that relieved the inhibition of cell proliferation, together with low levels of HaMADS7 and HaMADS8, promoted petal prolongation and maintained the morphology of ray florets. In contrast, low levels of HaMADS3 and high levels of HaMADS7 and HaMADS8 repressed petal extension and maintained the morphology of disc florets. Their coordination may contribute to the differentiation of disc and ray florets in sunflower and maintain the balance between attracting pollinators and producing offspring. Meanwhile, Pearson correlation analysis between petal length and expression levels of MADS-box genes further indicated their involvement in petal prolongation. Additionally, the analysis of cis-acting elements indicated that these three MADS-box genes may regulate petal development and floral symmetry establishment by regulating the expression activity of HaCYC2c. Our findings can provide some new understanding of the molecular regulatory network of petal development and floral morphology formation, as well as the differe…
bibliographic citation: Wang et al. (2024) HaMADS3, HaMADS7, and HaMADS8 are involved in petal prolongation and floret symmetry establishment in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). PeerJ 12:e17586 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17586
date submitted: 2023-08-30
date accepted: 2024-05-27
issued: 2024-07-02
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Qian
author list: Agent
  family name: Su
  given name: Zhou
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Jing
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Weiying
author list: Agent
  family name: He
  given name: Zhuoyuan
author list: Agent
  family name: Wei
  given name: Shuhong
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Jun
author list: Agent
  family name: Zou
  given name: Jian
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17586
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-07-02
copyright: © 2024 Wang et al.
attribution name: Wang et al.

Investigating the lignocellulolytic gut microbiome of huhu grubs (Prionoplus reticularis) using defined diets and dietary switch
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The huhu beetle (Prionoplus reticularis) is the largest endemic beetle found throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, and is characterised by feeding on wood during its larval stage. It has been hypothesised that its gut microbiome plays a fundamental role in the degradation of wood. To explore this idea we examined the fungal and bacterial community composition of huhu grubs’ frass, using amplicon sequencing. Grubs were reared on an exclusive diet of either a predominantly cellulose source (cotton) or lignocellulose source (pine) for 4 months; subsequently a diet switch was performed and the grubs were grown for another 4 months. The fungal community of cellulose-reared huhu grubs was abundant in potential cellulose degraders, contrasting with the community of lignocellulose-reared grubs, which showed abundant potential soft rot fungi, yeasts, and hemicellulose and cellulose degraders. Cellulose-reared grubs showed a less diverse fungal community, however, diet switch from cellulose to lignocellulose resulted in a change in community composition that showed grubs were still capable of utilising this substrate. Conversely, diet seemed to have a limited influence on huhu grub gut bacterial communities.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jay Viswam
creator: Mafalda Baptista
creator: Charles K. Lee
creator: Hugh Morgan
creator: Ian R. McDonald
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Entomology
subject: Microbiology
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17597
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Viswam et al.
abstract: The huhu beetle (Prionoplus reticularis) is the largest endemic beetle found throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, and is characterised by feeding on wood during its larval stage. It has been hypothesised that its gut microbiome plays a fundamental role in the degradation of wood. To explore this idea we examined the fungal and bacterial community composition of huhu grubs’ frass, using amplicon sequencing. Grubs were reared on an exclusive diet of either a predominantly cellulose source (cotton) or lignocellulose source (pine) for 4 months; subsequently a diet switch was performed and the grubs were grown for another 4 months. The fungal community of cellulose-reared huhu grubs was abundant in potential cellulose degraders, contrasting with the community of lignocellulose-reared grubs, which showed abundant potential soft rot fungi, yeasts, and hemicellulose and cellulose degraders. Cellulose-reared grubs showed a less diverse fungal community, however, diet switch from cellulose to lignocellulose resulted in a change in community composition that showed grubs were still capable of utilising this substrate. Conversely, diet seemed to have a limited influence on huhu grub gut bacterial communities.
bibliographic citation: Viswam et al. (2024) Investigating the lignocellulolytic gut microbiome of huhu grubs (Prionoplus reticularis) using defined diets and dietary switch. PeerJ 12:e17597 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17597
date submitted: 2023-12-08
date accepted: 2024-05-29
issued: 2024-07-02
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Viswam
  given name: Jay
author list: Agent
  family name: Baptista
  given name: Mafalda
author list: Agent
  family name: Lee
  given name: Charles K.
author list: Agent
  family name: Morgan
  given name: Hugh
author list: Agent
  family name: McDonald
  given name: Ian R.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17597
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-07-02
copyright: © 2024 Viswam et al.
attribution name: Viswam et al.

Diospyros rhodocalyx Kurz induces mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis via BAX, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 pathways in LNCaP human prostate cancer cell line
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the causes of death in men worldwide. Although treatment strategies have been developed, the recurrence of the disease and consequential side effects remain an essential concern. Diospyros rhodocalyx Kurz, a traditional Thai medicine, exhibits diverse therapeutic properties, including anti-cancer activity. However, its anti-cancer activity against prostate cancer has not been thoroughly explored. This study aims to evaluate the anti-cancer activity and underlying mechanisms of the ethyl acetate extract of D. rhodocalyx Kurz (EADR) related to apoptosis induction in the LNCaP human prostate cancer cell line. Methods Ethyl acetate was employed to extract the dried bark of D. rhodocalyx Kurz. The cytotoxicity of EADR on both LNCaP and WPMY-1 cells (normal human prostatic myofibroblast cell line) was evaluated using MTS assay. The effect of EADR on the cell cycle, apoptosis induction, and alteration in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was assessed by the staining with propidium iodide (PI), Annexin V-FITC/PI, and JC-1 dye, respectively. Subsequent analysis was conducted using flow cytometry. The expression of cleaved caspase-3, BAX, and Bcl-2 was examined by Western blotting. The phytochemical profiling of the EADR was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results EADR exhibited a dose-dependent manner cytotoxic effect on LNCaP cells, with IC50 values of 15.43 and 12.35 µg/mL after 24 and 48 h, respectively. Although it also exhibited a cytotoxic effect on WPMY-1 cells, the effect was comparatively lower, with the IC50 values of 34.61 and 19.93 µg/mL after 24 and 48 h of exposure, respectively. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated that EADR did not induce cell cycle arrest in either LNCaP or WPMY-1 cells. However, it significantly increased the sub-G1 population in LNCaP cells, indicating a potential induction of apoptosis. The Annexin V-FITC/PI staining indicated that EADR significantly induced apoptos…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Chayisara Phongsuwichetsak
creator: Thummaruk Suksrichavalit
creator: Chawalit Chatupheeraphat
creator: Warawan Eiamphungporn
creator: Sakda Yainoy
creator: Vichanan Yamkamon
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Molecular Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17637
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Phongsuwichetsak et al.
abstract: Background Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the causes of death in men worldwide. Although treatment strategies have been developed, the recurrence of the disease and consequential side effects remain an essential concern. Diospyros rhodocalyx Kurz, a traditional Thai medicine, exhibits diverse therapeutic properties, including anti-cancer activity. However, its anti-cancer activity against prostate cancer has not been thoroughly explored. This study aims to evaluate the anti-cancer activity and underlying mechanisms of the ethyl acetate extract of D. rhodocalyx Kurz (EADR) related to apoptosis induction in the LNCaP human prostate cancer cell line. Methods Ethyl acetate was employed to extract the dried bark of D. rhodocalyx Kurz. The cytotoxicity of EADR on both LNCaP and WPMY-1 cells (normal human prostatic myofibroblast cell line) was evaluated using MTS assay. The effect of EADR on the cell cycle, apoptosis induction, and alteration in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was assessed by the staining with propidium iodide (PI), Annexin V-FITC/PI, and JC-1 dye, respectively. Subsequent analysis was conducted using flow cytometry. The expression of cleaved caspase-3, BAX, and Bcl-2 was examined by Western blotting. The phytochemical profiling of the EADR was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results EADR exhibited a dose-dependent manner cytotoxic effect on LNCaP cells, with IC50 values of 15.43 and 12.35 µg/mL after 24 and 48 h, respectively. Although it also exhibited a cytotoxic effect on WPMY-1 cells, the effect was comparatively lower, with the IC50 values of 34.61 and 19.93 µg/mL after 24 and 48 h of exposure, respectively. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated that EADR did not induce cell cycle arrest in either LNCaP or WPMY-1 cells. However, it significantly increased the sub-G1 population in LNCaP cells, indicating a potential induction of apoptosis. The Annexin V-FITC/PI staining indicated that EADR significantly induced apoptos…
bibliographic citation: Phongsuwichetsak et al. (2024) Diospyros rhodocalyx Kurz induces mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis via BAX, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 pathways in LNCaP human prostate cancer cell line. PeerJ 12:e17637 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17637
date submitted: 2023-12-22
date accepted: 2024-06-05
issued: 2024-07-01
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Phongsuwichetsak
  given name: Chayisara
author list: Agent
  family name: Suksrichavalit
  given name: Thummaruk
author list: Agent
  family name: Chatupheeraphat
  given name: Chawalit
author list: Agent
  family name: Eiamphungporn
  given name: Warawan
author list: Agent
  family name: Yainoy
  given name: Sakda
author list: Agent
  family name: Yamkamon
  given name: Vichanan
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17637
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-07-01
copyright: © 2024 Phongsuwichetsak et al.
attribution name: Phongsuwichetsak et al.

Doubling the known diversity of a remote island fauna: marine bivalves of the Juan Fernández and Desventuradas oceanic archipelagos (Southeastern Pacific Ocean)
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Juan Fernández and Desventuradas are two oceanic archipelagos located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean far off the Chilean coast that received protected status as marine parks in 2016. Remoteness and access difficulty contributed to historically poor biodiversity sampling and limited associated research. This is particularly noticeable for bivalves, with most prior regional publications focused on single taxa or un-illustrated checklists. This study investigates marine bivalves collected between the intertidal and 415 m depth during (1) the 1997 IOC97 expedition aboard the M/V Carlos Porter, with special focus on scuba-collected micro-mollusks of both archipelagos, (2) two expeditions by the R/V Anton Bruun (Cruise 12/1965 and Cruise 17/1966), and (3) Cruise 21 of USNS Eltanin under the United States Antarctic Program, which sampled at Juan Fernández in 1965. Also, relevant historical material of the British H.M.S. Challenger Expedition (1873–1876), the Swedish Pacific Expedition (1916–1917), and by German zoologist Ludwig H. Plate (1893–1895) is critically revised. A total of 48 species are recognized and illustrated, including 19 new species (described herein) and six other potentially new species. The presence of two species mentioned in the literature for the region (Aulacomya atra and Saccella cuneata) could not be confirmed. The genera Verticipronus and Halonympha are reported for the first time from the Eastern Pacific, as are Anadara and Condylocardia from Chilean waters. Lectotypes are designated for Arca (Barbatia) platei and Mytilus algosus. These findings double the number of extant bivalve species known from the Juan Fernández and Desventuradas archipelagos, highlighting the lack of attention these islands groups have received in the past. A high percentage of species endemic to one or both archipelagos are recognized herein, accounting for almost 78% of the total. The newly recognized level of bivalve endemism supports the consideration of Juan Fernán…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Diego Gabriel Zelaya
creator: Marina Güller
creator: Rüdiger Bieler
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Marine Biology
subject: Taxonomy
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17305
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Zelaya et al.
abstract: Juan Fernández and Desventuradas are two oceanic archipelagos located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean far off the Chilean coast that received protected status as marine parks in 2016. Remoteness and access difficulty contributed to historically poor biodiversity sampling and limited associated research. This is particularly noticeable for bivalves, with most prior regional publications focused on single taxa or un-illustrated checklists. This study investigates marine bivalves collected between the intertidal and 415 m depth during (1) the 1997 IOC97 expedition aboard the M/V Carlos Porter, with special focus on scuba-collected micro-mollusks of both archipelagos, (2) two expeditions by the R/V Anton Bruun (Cruise 12/1965 and Cruise 17/1966), and (3) Cruise 21 of USNS Eltanin under the United States Antarctic Program, which sampled at Juan Fernández in 1965. Also, relevant historical material of the British H.M.S. Challenger Expedition (1873–1876), the Swedish Pacific Expedition (1916–1917), and by German zoologist Ludwig H. Plate (1893–1895) is critically revised. A total of 48 species are recognized and illustrated, including 19 new species (described herein) and six other potentially new species. The presence of two species mentioned in the literature for the region (Aulacomya atra and Saccella cuneata) could not be confirmed. The genera Verticipronus and Halonympha are reported for the first time from the Eastern Pacific, as are Anadara and Condylocardia from Chilean waters. Lectotypes are designated for Arca (Barbatia) platei and Mytilus algosus. These findings double the number of extant bivalve species known from the Juan Fernández and Desventuradas archipelagos, highlighting the lack of attention these islands groups have received in the past. A high percentage of species endemic to one or both archipelagos are recognized herein, accounting for almost 78% of the total. The newly recognized level of bivalve endemism supports the consideration of Juan Fernán…
bibliographic citation: Zelaya et al. (2024) Doubling the known diversity of a remote island fauna: marine bivalves of the Juan Fernández and Desventuradas oceanic archipelagos (Southeastern Pacific Ocean). PeerJ 12:e17305 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17305
date submitted: 2024-02-01
date accepted: 2024-04-04
issued: 2024-06-28
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zelaya
  given name: Diego Gabriel
author list: Agent
  family name: Güller
  given name: Marina
author list: Agent
  family name: Bieler
  given name: Rüdiger
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17305
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-06-28
copyright: © 2024 Zelaya et al.
attribution name: Zelaya et al.

Labeled-free quantitative proteomic analysis of cervical squamous cell carcinoma identifies potential protein biomarkers
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Cervical cancer remains a prevalent cancer among women, and reliance on surgical and radio-chemical therapies can irreversibly affect patients’ life span and quality of life. Thus, early diagnosis and further exploration into the pathogenesis of cervical cancer are crucial. Mass spectrometry technology is widely applied in clinical practice and can be used to further investigate the protein alterations during the onset of cervical cancer. Methods Employing labeled-free quantitative proteomics technology and bioinformatics tools, we analyzed and compared the differential protein expression profiles between normal cervical squamous cell tissues and cervical squamous cell cancer tissues. GEPIA is an online website for analyzing the RNA sequencing expression data of tumor and normal tissue data from the TCGA and the GTEx databases. This approach aided in identifying qualitative and quantitative changes in key proteins related to the progression of cervical cancer. Results Compared to normal samples, a total of 562 differentially expressed proteins were identified in cervical cancer samples, including 340 up-regulated and 222 down-regulated proteins. Gene ontology functional annotation, and KEGG pathway, and enrichment analysis revealed that the differentially expressed proteins mainly participated in metabolic pathways, spliceosomes, regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, and focal adhesion signaling pathways. Specifically, desmoplakin (DSP), protein phosphatase 1, regulatory (inhibitor) subunit 13 like (PPP1R13L) and ANXA8 may be involved in cervical tumorigenesis by inhibiting apoptotic signal transmission. Moreover, we used GEPIA database to validate the expression of DSP, PPP1R13L and ANXA8 in human cancers and normal cervix. Conclusion In this study, we identified 562 differentially expressed proteins, and there were three proteins expressed higher in the cervical cancer tissues. The functions and signaling pathways of these differentially expressed prote…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Hua Bai
creator: Hongyun Zheng
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Gynecology and Obstetrics
subject: Oncology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17444
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Bai and Zheng
abstract: Background Cervical cancer remains a prevalent cancer among women, and reliance on surgical and radio-chemical therapies can irreversibly affect patients’ life span and quality of life. Thus, early diagnosis and further exploration into the pathogenesis of cervical cancer are crucial. Mass spectrometry technology is widely applied in clinical practice and can be used to further investigate the protein alterations during the onset of cervical cancer. Methods Employing labeled-free quantitative proteomics technology and bioinformatics tools, we analyzed and compared the differential protein expression profiles between normal cervical squamous cell tissues and cervical squamous cell cancer tissues. GEPIA is an online website for analyzing the RNA sequencing expression data of tumor and normal tissue data from the TCGA and the GTEx databases. This approach aided in identifying qualitative and quantitative changes in key proteins related to the progression of cervical cancer. Results Compared to normal samples, a total of 562 differentially expressed proteins were identified in cervical cancer samples, including 340 up-regulated and 222 down-regulated proteins. Gene ontology functional annotation, and KEGG pathway, and enrichment analysis revealed that the differentially expressed proteins mainly participated in metabolic pathways, spliceosomes, regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, and focal adhesion signaling pathways. Specifically, desmoplakin (DSP), protein phosphatase 1, regulatory (inhibitor) subunit 13 like (PPP1R13L) and ANXA8 may be involved in cervical tumorigenesis by inhibiting apoptotic signal transmission. Moreover, we used GEPIA database to validate the expression of DSP, PPP1R13L and ANXA8 in human cancers and normal cervix. Conclusion In this study, we identified 562 differentially expressed proteins, and there were three proteins expressed higher in the cervical cancer tissues. The functions and signaling pathways of these differentially expressed prote…
bibliographic citation: Bai et al. (2024) Labeled-free quantitative proteomic analysis of cervical squamous cell carcinoma identifies potential protein biomarkers. PeerJ 12:e17444 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17444
date submitted: 2023-10-30
date accepted: 2024-05-02
issued: 2024-06-28
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Bai
  given name: Hua
author list: Agent
  family name: Zheng
  given name: Hongyun
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17444
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-06-28
copyright: © 2024 Bai and Zheng
attribution name: Bai and Zheng

A taxonomic revision of Rhizophora L. (Rhizophoraceae) in Thailand
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: A taxonomic revision of Rhizophora L. (Rhizophoraceae) in Thailand is presented. Two species, R. apiculata Blume and R. mucronata Poir., are enumerated with updated morphological descriptions, illustrations and a taxonomic identification key, together with notes on distributions, habitats and ecology, phenology, conservation assessments, etymology, vernacular names, uses, and specimens examined. Three names in Rhizophora, are lectotypified: R. apiculata and two associated synonyms of R. mucronata (i.e., R. latifolia Miq. and R. macrorrhiza Griff.). R. longissima Blanco, a synonym of R. mucronata, is neotypified. All two Rhizophora species have a conservation assessment of Least Concern (LC). Based on the morphological identification, these two species can be distinguished from one another by the shape and width of the leaf laminae and the length of a terminal stiff point of the leaf laminae; the type and position of the inflorescences and the number of flowers per inflorescence; the character and color of the bracteoles; the presence or absence of the flower pedicels; the shape of the mature flower buds; the shape, color, and texture of the sepals; the shape, character, and the presence or absence of hairs of the petals; the number of stamens per flower; the size of the fruits; the color and size of the hypocotyls; the color and diameter of the cotyledonous cylindrical tubes; and the color of the colleters and exudate. The thick cuticles, sunken stomata, large hypodermal cells, and cork warts are adaptive anatomical features of leaves in Rhizophora that live in the mangrove environments. The pollen grains of Thai Rhizophora species are tricolporate, prolate spheroidal or oblate spheroidal shapes, small-sized, and reticulate exine sculpturing.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Chatchai Ngernsaengsaruay
creator: Pichet Chanton
creator: Nisa Leksungnoen
creator: Suwimon Uthairatsamee
creator: Nittaya Mianmit
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Plant Science
subject: Taxonomy
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17460
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Ngernsaengsaruay et al.
abstract: A taxonomic revision of Rhizophora L. (Rhizophoraceae) in Thailand is presented. Two species, R. apiculata Blume and R. mucronata Poir., are enumerated with updated morphological descriptions, illustrations and a taxonomic identification key, together with notes on distributions, habitats and ecology, phenology, conservation assessments, etymology, vernacular names, uses, and specimens examined. Three names in Rhizophora, are lectotypified: R. apiculata and two associated synonyms of R. mucronata (i.e., R. latifolia Miq. and R. macrorrhiza Griff.). R. longissima Blanco, a synonym of R. mucronata, is neotypified. All two Rhizophora species have a conservation assessment of Least Concern (LC). Based on the morphological identification, these two species can be distinguished from one another by the shape and width of the leaf laminae and the length of a terminal stiff point of the leaf laminae; the type and position of the inflorescences and the number of flowers per inflorescence; the character and color of the bracteoles; the presence or absence of the flower pedicels; the shape of the mature flower buds; the shape, color, and texture of the sepals; the shape, character, and the presence or absence of hairs of the petals; the number of stamens per flower; the size of the fruits; the color and size of the hypocotyls; the color and diameter of the cotyledonous cylindrical tubes; and the color of the colleters and exudate. The thick cuticles, sunken stomata, large hypodermal cells, and cork warts are adaptive anatomical features of leaves in Rhizophora that live in the mangrove environments. The pollen grains of Thai Rhizophora species are tricolporate, prolate spheroidal or oblate spheroidal shapes, small-sized, and reticulate exine sculpturing.
bibliographic citation: Ngernsaengsaruay et al. (2024) A taxonomic revision of Rhizophora L. (Rhizophoraceae) in Thailand. PeerJ 12:e17460 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17460
date submitted: 2024-01-25
date accepted: 2024-05-03
issued: 2024-06-28
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Ngernsaengsaruay
  given name: Chatchai
author list: Agent
  family name: Chanton
  given name: Pichet
author list: Agent
  family name: Leksungnoen
  given name: Nisa
author list: Agent
  family name: Uthairatsamee
  given name: Suwimon
author list: Agent
  family name: Mianmit
  given name: Nittaya
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17460
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-06-28
copyright: © 2024 Ngernsaengsaruay et al.
attribution name: Ngernsaengsaruay et al.

Resistance mechanisms of cereal plants and rhizosphere soil microbial communities to chromium stress
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Agricultural soils contaminated with heavy metals poison crops and disturb the normal functioning of rhizosphere microbial communities. Different crops and rhizosphere microbial communities exhibit different heavy metal resistance mechanisms. Here, indoor pot studies were used to assess the mechanisms of grain and soil rhizosphere microbial communities on chromium (Cr) stress. Millet grain variety ‘Jingu 21’ (Setaria italica) and soil samples were collected prior to control (CK), 6 hours after (Cr_6h), and 6 days following (Cr_6d) Cr stress. Transcriptomic analysis, high-throughput sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were used for sample determination and data analysis. Cr stress inhibited the expression of genes related to cell division, and photosynthesis in grain plants while stimulating the expression of genes related to DNA replication and repair, in addition to plant defense systems resist Cr stress. In response to chromium stress, rhizosphere soil bacterial and fungal community compositions and diversity changed significantly (p < 0.05). Both bacterial and fungal co-occurrence networks primarily comprised positively correlated edges that would serve to increase community stability. However, bacterial community networks were larger than fungal community networks and were more tightly connected and less modular than fungal networks. The abundances of C/N functional genes exhibited increasing trends with increased Cr exposure. Overall, these results suggest that Cr stress primarily prevented cereal seedlings from completing photosynthesis, cell division, and proliferation while simultaneously triggering plant defense mechanisms to resist the toxic effects of Cr. Soil bacterial and fungal populations exhibited diverse response traits, community-assembly mechanisms, and increased expression of functional genes related to carbon and nitrogen cycling, all of which are likely related to microbial survival during Cr stress. This study provides…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Pengyu Zhao
creator: Yujing Li
creator: Xue Bai
creator: Xiuqing Jing
creator: Dongao Huo
creator: Xiaodong Zhao
creator: Yuqin Ding
creator: Yuxuan Shi
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Microbiology
subject: Plant Science
subject: Soil Science
subject: Environmental Contamination and Remediation
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17461
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Zhao et al.
abstract: Agricultural soils contaminated with heavy metals poison crops and disturb the normal functioning of rhizosphere microbial communities. Different crops and rhizosphere microbial communities exhibit different heavy metal resistance mechanisms. Here, indoor pot studies were used to assess the mechanisms of grain and soil rhizosphere microbial communities on chromium (Cr) stress. Millet grain variety ‘Jingu 21’ (Setaria italica) and soil samples were collected prior to control (CK), 6 hours after (Cr_6h), and 6 days following (Cr_6d) Cr stress. Transcriptomic analysis, high-throughput sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were used for sample determination and data analysis. Cr stress inhibited the expression of genes related to cell division, and photosynthesis in grain plants while stimulating the expression of genes related to DNA replication and repair, in addition to plant defense systems resist Cr stress. In response to chromium stress, rhizosphere soil bacterial and fungal community compositions and diversity changed significantly (p < 0.05). Both bacterial and fungal co-occurrence networks primarily comprised positively correlated edges that would serve to increase community stability. However, bacterial community networks were larger than fungal community networks and were more tightly connected and less modular than fungal networks. The abundances of C/N functional genes exhibited increasing trends with increased Cr exposure. Overall, these results suggest that Cr stress primarily prevented cereal seedlings from completing photosynthesis, cell division, and proliferation while simultaneously triggering plant defense mechanisms to resist the toxic effects of Cr. Soil bacterial and fungal populations exhibited diverse response traits, community-assembly mechanisms, and increased expression of functional genes related to carbon and nitrogen cycling, all of which are likely related to microbial survival during Cr stress. This study provides…
bibliographic citation: Zhao et al. (2024) Resistance mechanisms of cereal plants and rhizosphere soil microbial communities to chromium stress. PeerJ 12:e17461 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17461
date submitted: 2023-12-13
date accepted: 2024-05-03
issued: 2024-06-28
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhao
  given name: Pengyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Yujing
author list: Agent
  family name: Bai
  given name: Xue
author list: Agent
  family name: Jing
  given name: Xiuqing
author list: Agent
  family name: Huo
  given name: Dongao
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhao
  given name: Xiaodong
author list: Agent
  family name: Ding
  given name: Yuqin
author list: Agent
  family name: Shi
  given name: Yuxuan
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17461
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-06-28
copyright: ©2024 Zhao et al.
attribution name: Zhao et al.

Restoring South African subtropical succulent thicket using Portulacaria afra: root growth of cuttings differs depending on the harvest site during a drought
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The restoration of succulent thicket (the semi-arid components of the Albany Subtropical Thicket biome endemic to South Africa) has largely focused on the reintroduction of Portulacaria afra L. Jacq—a leaf- and stem-succulent shrub—through the planting of unrooted cuttings directly into field sites. However, there has been inconsistent establishment and survival rates, with low rates potentially due to a range of factors (e.g., post-planting drought, frost or herbivory), including the poor condition of source material used. Here we test the effect of parent-plant and harvesting site on the root development of P. afra cuttings in a common garden experiment. Ten sites were selected along a ∼110 km transect, with cuttings harvested from five parent-plants per site. Leaf moisture content was determined for each parent-plant at the time of harvesting as a proxy for plant condition. Root development—percentage of rooted cuttings and mean root dry weight—was recorded for a subset of cuttings from each parent-plant after 35, 42, 48, 56, and 103 days after planting in a common garden setting. We found evidence for cutting root development (rooting percentage and root dry mass) to be strongly associated with harvesting site across all sampling days (p < 0.005 for all tests). These differences are likely a consequence of underlying physiological factors; this was supported by the significant but weak correlation (r2 = 0.10–0.26) between the leaf moisture content of the parent-plant (at the time of harvesting) and dry root mass of the cuttings (at each of the sampling days). Our findings demonstrate that varying plant condition across sites can significantly influence root development during dry phases (i.e., intra- and inter-annual droughts) and that this may be a critical component that needs to be understood as part of any restoration programme. Further work is required to identify the environmental conditions that promote or impede root development in P. afra cuttings.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Alastair J. Potts
creator: Robbert Duker
creator: Kristen L. Hunt
creator: Anize Tempel
creator: Nicholas C. Galuszynski
subject: Ecology
subject: Environmental Sciences
subject: Plant Science
subject: Natural Resource Management
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17471
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Potts et al.
abstract: The restoration of succulent thicket (the semi-arid components of the Albany Subtropical Thicket biome endemic to South Africa) has largely focused on the reintroduction of Portulacaria afra L. Jacq—a leaf- and stem-succulent shrub—through the planting of unrooted cuttings directly into field sites. However, there has been inconsistent establishment and survival rates, with low rates potentially due to a range of factors (e.g., post-planting drought, frost or herbivory), including the poor condition of source material used. Here we test the effect of parent-plant and harvesting site on the root development of P. afra cuttings in a common garden experiment. Ten sites were selected along a ∼110 km transect, with cuttings harvested from five parent-plants per site. Leaf moisture content was determined for each parent-plant at the time of harvesting as a proxy for plant condition. Root development—percentage of rooted cuttings and mean root dry weight—was recorded for a subset of cuttings from each parent-plant after 35, 42, 48, 56, and 103 days after planting in a common garden setting. We found evidence for cutting root development (rooting percentage and root dry mass) to be strongly associated with harvesting site across all sampling days (p < 0.005 for all tests). These differences are likely a consequence of underlying physiological factors; this was supported by the significant but weak correlation (r2 = 0.10–0.26) between the leaf moisture content of the parent-plant (at the time of harvesting) and dry root mass of the cuttings (at each of the sampling days). Our findings demonstrate that varying plant condition across sites can significantly influence root development during dry phases (i.e., intra- and inter-annual droughts) and that this may be a critical component that needs to be understood as part of any restoration programme. Further work is required to identify the environmental conditions that promote or impede root development in P. afra cuttings.
bibliographic citation: Potts et al. (2024) Restoring South African subtropical succulent thicket using Portulacaria afra: root growth of cuttings differs depending on the harvest site during a drought. PeerJ 12:e17471 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17471
date submitted: 2023-11-01
date accepted: 2024-05-06
issued: 2024-06-28
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Potts
  given name: Alastair J.
author list: Agent
  family name: Duker
  given name: Robbert
author list: Agent
  family name: Hunt
  given name: Kristen L.
author list: Agent
  family name: Tempel
  given name: Anize
author list: Agent
  family name: Galuszynski
  given name: Nicholas C.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17471
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-06-28
copyright: ©2024 Potts et al.
attribution name: Potts et al.

Combined uranium-series and electron spin resonance dating from the Pliocene fossil sites of Aves and Milo’s palaeocaves, Bolt’s Farm, Cradle of Humankind, South Africa
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Bolt’s Farm is the name given to a series of non-hominin bearing fossil sites that have often been suggested to be some of the oldest Pliocene sites in the Cradle of Humankind, South Africa. This article reports the results of the first combined Uranium-Series and Electron Spin Resonance (US-ESR) dating of bovid teeth at Milo’s Cave and Aves Cave at Bolt’s Farm. Both tooth enamel fragments and tooth enamel powder ages were presented for comparison. US-ESR, EU and LU models are calculated. Overall, the powder ages are consistent with previous uranium-lead and palaeomagnetic age estimates for the Aves Cave deposit, which suggest an age between ~3.15 and 2.61 Ma and provide the first ages for Milo’s Cave dates to between ~3.1 and 2.7 Ma. The final ages were not overly dependent on the models used (US-ESR, LU or EU), which all overlap within error. These ages are all consistent with the biochronological age estimate (<3.4–>2.6 Ma) based on the occurrence of Stage I Metridiochoerus andrewsi. Preliminary palaeomagnetic analysis from Milo’s Cave indicates a reversal takes place at the site with predominantly intermediate directions, suggesting the deposit may date to the period between ~3.03 and 3.11 Ma within error of the ESR ages. This further suggests that there are no definitive examples of palaeocave deposits at Bolt’s Farm older than 3.2 Ma. This research indicates that US-ESR dating has the potential to date fossil sites in the Cradle of Humankind to over 3 Ma. However, bulk sample analysis for US-ESR dating is recommended for sites over 3 Ma.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Wenjing Yu
creator: Andy I. R. Herries
creator: Tara Edwards
creator: Brian Armstrong
creator: Renaud Joannes-Boyau
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Paleontology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17478
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Yu et al.
abstract: Bolt’s Farm is the name given to a series of non-hominin bearing fossil sites that have often been suggested to be some of the oldest Pliocene sites in the Cradle of Humankind, South Africa. This article reports the results of the first combined Uranium-Series and Electron Spin Resonance (US-ESR) dating of bovid teeth at Milo’s Cave and Aves Cave at Bolt’s Farm. Both tooth enamel fragments and tooth enamel powder ages were presented for comparison. US-ESR, EU and LU models are calculated. Overall, the powder ages are consistent with previous uranium-lead and palaeomagnetic age estimates for the Aves Cave deposit, which suggest an age between ~3.15 and 2.61 Ma and provide the first ages for Milo’s Cave dates to between ~3.1 and 2.7 Ma. The final ages were not overly dependent on the models used (US-ESR, LU or EU), which all overlap within error. These ages are all consistent with the biochronological age estimate (<3.4–>2.6 Ma) based on the occurrence of Stage I Metridiochoerus andrewsi. Preliminary palaeomagnetic analysis from Milo’s Cave indicates a reversal takes place at the site with predominantly intermediate directions, suggesting the deposit may date to the period between ~3.03 and 3.11 Ma within error of the ESR ages. This further suggests that there are no definitive examples of palaeocave deposits at Bolt’s Farm older than 3.2 Ma. This research indicates that US-ESR dating has the potential to date fossil sites in the Cradle of Humankind to over 3 Ma. However, bulk sample analysis for US-ESR dating is recommended for sites over 3 Ma.
bibliographic citation: Yu et al. (2024) Combined uranium-series and electron spin resonance dating from the Pliocene fossil sites of Aves and Milo’s palaeocaves, Bolt’s Farm, Cradle of Humankind, South Africa. PeerJ 12:e17478 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17478
date submitted: 2024-01-10
date accepted: 2024-05-07
issued: 2024-06-28
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Yu
  given name: Wenjing
author list: Agent
  family name: Herries
  given name: Andy I. R.
author list: Agent
  family name: Edwards
  given name: Tara
author list: Agent
  family name: Armstrong
  given name: Brian
author list: Agent
  family name: Joannes-Boyau
  given name: Renaud
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17478
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-06-28
copyright: © 2024 Yu et al.
attribution name: Yu et al.

Internet addiction among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: Associations with sociodemographic and psychological distress
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had tremendous implications for billions of adolescents worldwide due to school closures, forcing students to embrace internet usage for daily tasks. Uncontrolled use of the internet among adolescents makes them vulnerable to internet addiction (IA). This study aims to determine the prevalence of IA among adolescents and assess its association with sociodemographic factors, smartphone use, and psychological distress during the pandemic. Method A cross-sectional self-administered online survey was conducted among students aged 13–17 from May 15th, 2021, until May 30th, 2021, using the Malay version of the Internet Addiction Test (MVIAT), the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Coronavirus Impacts Questionnaires, as well as a sociodemographic information form. The data was analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics version 23. Results A total of 420 adolescents participated in the survey. The majority of them (70.7%) were female, with a mean age of 15.47 years (±1.49 years old). About 45.5% of the respondents were classified as internet addicted users. The Chi-square test analysis showed that age (p = 0.002), smartphone usage (p = 0.010), rate of midnight use (p < 0.001), frequency (p < 0.001), duration (p < 0.001) of device usage, and presence of depression, anxiety, and stress (p < 0.001) were all significantly associated with IA. Multiple logistic regression showed age (aOR = 1.16, 95% CI [1.00–1.35], p = 0.048), smartphone usage (aOR =3.52, 95% CI [1.43–8.67], p = 0.006), mild or moderate depression (aOR = 2.43, 95% CI [1.36–4.34], p = 0.003), severe or extremely severe stress (aOR = 6.41, 95% CI [2.18–18.82], p = 0.001) were significantly related to IA. Conclusions Late adolescence, the use of smartphones, and the presence of psychological distress like depression, and stress were potentially associated with IA. Wise use of smartphones and early identification of any psychological distress among adolescents are war…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: AyuZeity Bistari Md Bukhori
creator: Mohd Hasni Ja’afar
subject: Pediatrics
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
subject: Public Health
subject: Mental Health
subject: COVID-19
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17489
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Md Bukhori and Ja’afar
abstract: Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had tremendous implications for billions of adolescents worldwide due to school closures, forcing students to embrace internet usage for daily tasks. Uncontrolled use of the internet among adolescents makes them vulnerable to internet addiction (IA). This study aims to determine the prevalence of IA among adolescents and assess its association with sociodemographic factors, smartphone use, and psychological distress during the pandemic. Method A cross-sectional self-administered online survey was conducted among students aged 13–17 from May 15th, 2021, until May 30th, 2021, using the Malay version of the Internet Addiction Test (MVIAT), the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Coronavirus Impacts Questionnaires, as well as a sociodemographic information form. The data was analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics version 23. Results A total of 420 adolescents participated in the survey. The majority of them (70.7%) were female, with a mean age of 15.47 years (±1.49 years old). About 45.5% of the respondents were classified as internet addicted users. The Chi-square test analysis showed that age (p = 0.002), smartphone usage (p = 0.010), rate of midnight use (p < 0.001), frequency (p < 0.001), duration (p < 0.001) of device usage, and presence of depression, anxiety, and stress (p < 0.001) were all significantly associated with IA. Multiple logistic regression showed age (aOR = 1.16, 95% CI [1.00–1.35], p = 0.048), smartphone usage (aOR =3.52, 95% CI [1.43–8.67], p = 0.006), mild or moderate depression (aOR = 2.43, 95% CI [1.36–4.34], p = 0.003), severe or extremely severe stress (aOR = 6.41, 95% CI [2.18–18.82], p = 0.001) were significantly related to IA. Conclusions Late adolescence, the use of smartphones, and the presence of psychological distress like depression, and stress were potentially associated with IA. Wise use of smartphones and early identification of any psychological distress among adolescents are war…
bibliographic citation: Md Bukhori et al. (2024) Internet addiction among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: Associations with sociodemographic and psychological distress. PeerJ 12:e17489 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17489
date submitted: 2022-03-03
date accepted: 2024-05-09
issued: 2024-06-28
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Md Bukhori
  given name: AyuZeity Bistari
author list: Agent
  family name: Ja’afar
  given name: Mohd Hasni
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17489
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-06-28
copyright: ©2024 Md Bukhori and Ja’afar
attribution name: Md Bukhori and Ja’afar

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