PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Polymorphism in the aggressive mimicry lure of the parasitic freshwater mussel Lampsilis fasciola
items: Wearing surgical face mask has no significant impact on auscultation assessment
items: Comparative evaluation of the sleep quality metrics between a cardboard bed and a camp cot: a randomized controlled crossover study
items: Using a golf specific functional movement screen to predict golf performance in collegiate golfers
items: Physical activity and self-efficacy in college students: the mediating role of grit and the moderating role of gender
items: Variation in fine-scale water table depth drives abundance of a unique semi-terrestrial crayfish species
items: Ultrastructure of the Jurassic serpulid tubes–phylogenetic and paleoecological implications
items: Effect of simulated clinical use and sterilization on the cyclic fatigue resistance of nickel titanium files
items: A murine model of hypertensive heart disease in older women
items: Abiotic processes control carbon dioxide dynamics in temperate karst lakes

Polymorphism in the aggressive mimicry lure of the parasitic freshwater mussel Lampsilis fasciola
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Unionoid freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae) are free-living apart from a brief, obligately parasitic, larval stage that infects fish hosts, and gravid female mussels have evolved a spectrum of strategies to infect fish hosts with their larvae. In many North American species, this involves displaying a mantle lure: a pigmented fleshy extension that acts as an aggressive mimic of a host fish prey, thereby eliciting a feeding response that results in host infection. The mantle lure of Lampsilis fasciola is of particular interest because it is apparently polymorphic, with two distinct primary lure phenotypes. One, described as “darter-like”, has “eyespots”, a mottled body coloration, prominent marginal extensions, and a distinct “tail”. The other, described as “worm-like”, lacks those features and has an orange and black coloration. We investigated this phenomenon using genomics, captive rearing, biogeographic, and behavioral analyses. Within-brood lure variation and within-population phylogenomic (ddRAD-seq) analyses of individuals bearing different lures confirmed that this phenomenon is a true polymorphism. The relative abundance of the two morphs appears stable over ecological timeframes: the ratio of the two lure phenotypes in a River Raisin (MI) population in 2017 was consistent with that of museum samples collected at the same site six decades earlier. Within the River Raisin, four main “darter-like” lure motifs visually approximated four co-occurring darter species (Etheostoma blennioides, E. exile, E. microperca, and Percina maculata), and the “worm-like” lure resembled a widespread common leech, Macrobdella decora. Darters and leeches are typical prey of Micropterus dolomieui (smallmouth bass), the primary fish host of L. fasciola. In situ field recordings of the L. fasciola “darter” and “leech” lure display behaviors, and the lure display of co-occurring congener L. cardium, were captured. Despite having putative models in distinct phyla, both L. fascio…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Trevor L. Hewitt
creator: Paul D. Johnson
creator: Michael Buntin
creator: Talia Y. Moore
creator: Diarmaid Ó Foighil
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Aquaculture, Fisheries and Fish Science
subject: Ecology
subject: Zoology
subject: Freshwater Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17359
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Hewitt et al.
abstract: Unionoid freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae) are free-living apart from a brief, obligately parasitic, larval stage that infects fish hosts, and gravid female mussels have evolved a spectrum of strategies to infect fish hosts with their larvae. In many North American species, this involves displaying a mantle lure: a pigmented fleshy extension that acts as an aggressive mimic of a host fish prey, thereby eliciting a feeding response that results in host infection. The mantle lure of Lampsilis fasciola is of particular interest because it is apparently polymorphic, with two distinct primary lure phenotypes. One, described as “darter-like”, has “eyespots”, a mottled body coloration, prominent marginal extensions, and a distinct “tail”. The other, described as “worm-like”, lacks those features and has an orange and black coloration. We investigated this phenomenon using genomics, captive rearing, biogeographic, and behavioral analyses. Within-brood lure variation and within-population phylogenomic (ddRAD-seq) analyses of individuals bearing different lures confirmed that this phenomenon is a true polymorphism. The relative abundance of the two morphs appears stable over ecological timeframes: the ratio of the two lure phenotypes in a River Raisin (MI) population in 2017 was consistent with that of museum samples collected at the same site six decades earlier. Within the River Raisin, four main “darter-like” lure motifs visually approximated four co-occurring darter species (Etheostoma blennioides, E. exile, E. microperca, and Percina maculata), and the “worm-like” lure resembled a widespread common leech, Macrobdella decora. Darters and leeches are typical prey of Micropterus dolomieui (smallmouth bass), the primary fish host of L. fasciola. In situ field recordings of the L. fasciola “darter” and “leech” lure display behaviors, and the lure display of co-occurring congener L. cardium, were captured. Despite having putative models in distinct phyla, both L. fascio…
bibliographic citation: Hewitt et al. (2024) Polymorphism in the aggressive mimicry lure of the parasitic freshwater mussel Lampsilis fasciola. PeerJ 12:e17359 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17359
date submitted: 2023-08-16
date accepted: 2024-04-18
issued: 2024-05-24
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Hewitt
  given name: Trevor L.
author list: Agent
  family name: Johnson
  given name: Paul D.
author list: Agent
  family name: Buntin
  given name: Michael
author list: Agent
  family name: Moore
  given name: Talia Y.
author list: Agent
  family name: Ó Foighil
  given name: Diarmaid
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17359
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-05-24
copyright: © 2024 Hewitt et al.
attribution name: Hewitt et al.

Wearing surgical face mask has no significant impact on auscultation assessment
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Objective During the COVID-19 pandemic, universal mask-wearing became one of the main public health interventions. Because of this, most physical examinations, including lung auscultation, were done while patients were wearing surgical face masks. The aim of this study was to investigate whether mask wearing has an impact on pulmonologist assessment during auscultation of the lungs. Methods This was a repeated measures crossover design study. Three pulmonologists were instructed to auscultate patients with previously verified prolonged expiration, wheezing, or crackles while patients were wearing or not wearing masks (physician and patients were separated by an opaque barrier). As a measure of pulmonologists’ agreement in the assessment of lung sounds, we used Fleiss kappa (K). Results There was no significant difference in agreement on physician assessment of lung sounds in all three categories (normal lung sound, duration of expiration, and adventitious lung sound) whether the patient was wearing a mask or not, but there were significant differences among pulmonologists when it came to agreement of lung sound assessment. Conclusion Clinicians and health professionals are safer from respiratory infections when they are wearing masks, and patients should be encouraged to wear masks because our research proved no significant difference in agreement on pulmonologists’ assessment of auscultated lung sounds whether or not patients wore masks.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Ivana Folnožić
creator: Marija Gomerčić Palčić
creator: Matilda Sabljak
creator: Ena Vučak
creator: Luka Vrbanić
creator: Marija Mandić Perić
creator: Fanika Mrsić
creator: Aljoša Šikić
creator: Ivan Ivanovski
subject: Epidemiology
subject: Health Policy
subject: Internal Medicine
subject: Public Health
subject: Respiratory Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17368
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Folnožić et al.
abstract: Objective During the COVID-19 pandemic, universal mask-wearing became one of the main public health interventions. Because of this, most physical examinations, including lung auscultation, were done while patients were wearing surgical face masks. The aim of this study was to investigate whether mask wearing has an impact on pulmonologist assessment during auscultation of the lungs. Methods This was a repeated measures crossover design study. Three pulmonologists were instructed to auscultate patients with previously verified prolonged expiration, wheezing, or crackles while patients were wearing or not wearing masks (physician and patients were separated by an opaque barrier). As a measure of pulmonologists’ agreement in the assessment of lung sounds, we used Fleiss kappa (K). Results There was no significant difference in agreement on physician assessment of lung sounds in all three categories (normal lung sound, duration of expiration, and adventitious lung sound) whether the patient was wearing a mask or not, but there were significant differences among pulmonologists when it came to agreement of lung sound assessment. Conclusion Clinicians and health professionals are safer from respiratory infections when they are wearing masks, and patients should be encouraged to wear masks because our research proved no significant difference in agreement on pulmonologists’ assessment of auscultated lung sounds whether or not patients wore masks.
bibliographic citation: Folnožić et al. (2024) Wearing surgical face mask has no significant impact on auscultation assessment. PeerJ 12:e17368 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17368
date submitted: 2023-11-02
date accepted: 2024-04-18
issued: 2024-05-24
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Folnožić
  given name: Ivana
author list: Agent
  family name: Gomerčić Palčić
  given name: Marija
author list: Agent
  family name: Sabljak
  given name: Matilda
author list: Agent
  family name: Vučak
  given name: Ena
author list: Agent
  family name: Vrbanić
  given name: Luka
author list: Agent
  family name: Mandić Perić
  given name: Marija
author list: Agent
  family name: Mrsić
  given name: Fanika
author list: Agent
  family name: Šikić
  given name: Aljoša
author list: Agent
  family name: Ivanovski
  given name: Ivan
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17368
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-05-24
copyright: ©2024 Folnožić et al.
attribution name: Folnožić et al.

Comparative evaluation of the sleep quality metrics between a cardboard bed and a camp cot: a randomized controlled crossover study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Health-beneficial emergency bedding has become increasingly important for dealing with natural disasters such as the anticipated Nankai Trough earthquake in Japan. When the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred, cardboard beds were provided to evacuees. However, there were concerns about lower back pain and sleep disturbances, as cardboard beds offer insufficient pressure distribution. This study aimed to compare the effects of cardboard beds with those of foldable camp cots on sleep quality. Methods A randomized controlled crossover study involving 20 healthy participants aged 18–45 years was conducted between June 2022 and January 2023. Participants were asked to sleep for one night on a camp cot and for another night on a cardboard bed, with a minimum three-day washout period between the two nights. Body pressure distribution and sleep metrics obtained from polysomnography (PSG) and questionnaires were compared between the two-bed types (P < 0.05). Results The camp cot exhibited better body pressure distribution than a cardboard bed, leading to improved sleep satisfaction, bedding comfort, and reduced morning sleepiness. Nevertheless, polysomnography revealed no notable differences in sleep metrics or sleep architecture between the two types of beds. Conclusions Our findings indicate that cardboard beds have lower pressure dispersion capabilities than camp cots, leading to an increased number of position changes during sleep. Additionally, subjective sleep quality, such as alertness on waking, sleep comfort, and sleep satisfaction, was lower for cardboard beds, suggesting that camp cots might offer a more comfortable bedding option for evacuees. However, there were no discernible differences between the two-bed types in terms of objective sleep metrics derived from PSG. The potential for sleep disturbances caused by lower back pain from a hard mattress has been noted, and it is possible that a single night’s experience in healthy individuals might not b…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Seiji Hamanishi
creator: Airi Miki
creator: Shinsuke Sasaki
subject: Health Policy
subject: Public Health
subject: Environmental Health
subject: Healthcare Services
subject: Biomechanics
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17392
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Hamanishi et al.
abstract: Background Health-beneficial emergency bedding has become increasingly important for dealing with natural disasters such as the anticipated Nankai Trough earthquake in Japan. When the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred, cardboard beds were provided to evacuees. However, there were concerns about lower back pain and sleep disturbances, as cardboard beds offer insufficient pressure distribution. This study aimed to compare the effects of cardboard beds with those of foldable camp cots on sleep quality. Methods A randomized controlled crossover study involving 20 healthy participants aged 18–45 years was conducted between June 2022 and January 2023. Participants were asked to sleep for one night on a camp cot and for another night on a cardboard bed, with a minimum three-day washout period between the two nights. Body pressure distribution and sleep metrics obtained from polysomnography (PSG) and questionnaires were compared between the two-bed types (P < 0.05). Results The camp cot exhibited better body pressure distribution than a cardboard bed, leading to improved sleep satisfaction, bedding comfort, and reduced morning sleepiness. Nevertheless, polysomnography revealed no notable differences in sleep metrics or sleep architecture between the two types of beds. Conclusions Our findings indicate that cardboard beds have lower pressure dispersion capabilities than camp cots, leading to an increased number of position changes during sleep. Additionally, subjective sleep quality, such as alertness on waking, sleep comfort, and sleep satisfaction, was lower for cardboard beds, suggesting that camp cots might offer a more comfortable bedding option for evacuees. However, there were no discernible differences between the two-bed types in terms of objective sleep metrics derived from PSG. The potential for sleep disturbances caused by lower back pain from a hard mattress has been noted, and it is possible that a single night’s experience in healthy individuals might not b…
bibliographic citation: Hamanishi et al. (2024) Comparative evaluation of the sleep quality metrics between a cardboard bed and a camp cot: a randomized controlled crossover study. PeerJ 12:e17392 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17392
date submitted: 2024-01-02
date accepted: 2024-04-23
issued: 2024-05-24
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Hamanishi
  given name: Seiji
author list: Agent
  family name: Miki
  given name: Airi
author list: Agent
  family name: Sasaki
  given name: Shinsuke
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17392
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-05-24
copyright: © 2024 Hamanishi et al.
attribution name: Hamanishi et al.

Using a golf specific functional movement screen to predict golf performance in collegiate golfers
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background This study aims to examine the relationship between functional movements and golf performance using the Golf Specific Functional Movement Screen (GSFMS). Methods This cross-sectional study included a total of 56 collegiate golfers (aged 20.89 ± 0.99 years, height of 174.55 ± 7.76 cm, and weight 68.48 ± 9.30 kg) who met the criteria, and were recruited from Hainan Normal University in June 2022. The participants’ golf motor skills (1-yard putt, 10-yard putt, 25-yard chip, 130/100-yard set shot, driver, and 9-hole stroke play) were tested and the GSFMS (e.g., pelvic tilt, pelvic rotation, and torso rotation) was used. Results There were significant weak or moderate correlations between the variables. Furthermore, a multiple linear regression analysis found that pelvic rotation and lower-body rotation abilities can significantly predict golf skill levels, which collectively explain 31.2% of the variance in golf skill levels among collegiate golfers (Adjusted R2 = 0.312, F = 2.663, p < 0.05). Standardised β values indicate that pelvic rotation (β = 0.398) has a more substantial impact on golf skill levels than lower-body rotation (β = 0.315). Conclusions This study found the weak to moderate correlations between the GSFMS and golf performance, and pelvic rotation and lower-body rotation abilities, thus predicting golf skills. Our findings provide novel insights into the relationship between functional abilities and comprehensive skill performance within the context of the Gray Cook’s Movement Pyramid model, and provide theoretical support and practical reference for collegiate golf motor-skill learning and sports injury prevention.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Min Shi
creator: Hua Wu
creator: Hui Ruan
creator: Dan Xu
creator: Libo Deng
creator: Shibo Pang
subject: Kinesiology
subject: Biomechanics
subject: Sports Injury
subject: Sports Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17411
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Shi et al.
abstract: Background This study aims to examine the relationship between functional movements and golf performance using the Golf Specific Functional Movement Screen (GSFMS). Methods This cross-sectional study included a total of 56 collegiate golfers (aged 20.89 ± 0.99 years, height of 174.55 ± 7.76 cm, and weight 68.48 ± 9.30 kg) who met the criteria, and were recruited from Hainan Normal University in June 2022. The participants’ golf motor skills (1-yard putt, 10-yard putt, 25-yard chip, 130/100-yard set shot, driver, and 9-hole stroke play) were tested and the GSFMS (e.g., pelvic tilt, pelvic rotation, and torso rotation) was used. Results There were significant weak or moderate correlations between the variables. Furthermore, a multiple linear regression analysis found that pelvic rotation and lower-body rotation abilities can significantly predict golf skill levels, which collectively explain 31.2% of the variance in golf skill levels among collegiate golfers (Adjusted R2 = 0.312, F = 2.663, p < 0.05). Standardised β values indicate that pelvic rotation (β = 0.398) has a more substantial impact on golf skill levels than lower-body rotation (β = 0.315). Conclusions This study found the weak to moderate correlations between the GSFMS and golf performance, and pelvic rotation and lower-body rotation abilities, thus predicting golf skills. Our findings provide novel insights into the relationship between functional abilities and comprehensive skill performance within the context of the Gray Cook’s Movement Pyramid model, and provide theoretical support and practical reference for collegiate golf motor-skill learning and sports injury prevention.
bibliographic citation: Shi et al. (2024) Using a golf specific functional movement screen to predict golf performance in collegiate golfers. PeerJ 12:e17411 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17411
date submitted: 2023-11-22
date accepted: 2024-04-26
issued: 2024-05-24
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Shi
  given name: Min
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Hua
author list: Agent
  family name: Ruan
  given name: Hui
author list: Agent
  family name: Xu
  given name: Dan
author list: Agent
  family name: Deng
  given name: Libo
author list: Agent
  family name: Pang
  given name: Shibo
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17411
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-05-24
copyright: © 2024 Shi et al.
attribution name: Shi et al.

Physical activity and self-efficacy in college students: the mediating role of grit and the moderating role of gender
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background There is a paucity of knowledge concerning the psychological variables that serve to facilitate the connection between physical activity and self-efficacy, and the factors capable of moderating these pathways. This study aimed to examine the relationship between physical activity and self-efficacy among college students, with a focus on the mediating effect of grit and the moderating effect of gender. Methods This study recruited 3,228 undergraduate students from a university in Shanghai, China. They completed the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Short Grit Scale, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 26.0 and the Process v4.0 plugin. Results Physical activity had both a direct effect on self-efficacy (β = 0.07, 95% CI [0.04–0.11]) and an indirect effect through the two dimensions of grit: perseverance of effort (β = 0.06, 95% CI [0.04–0.07]) and consistency of interest (β = 0.03, 95% CI [0.02–0.04]). The mediating effect explained 53.27% of the total effect. Furthermore, gender moderated the relationship between perseverance of effort and self-efficacy, with a stronger effect observed in males (β = 0.08, t = 3.27, p < 0.01). Conclusion The results revealed that grit is an underlying psychological mechanism that links physical activity and self-efficacy. Moreover, gender moderates the effect of perseverance of effort on self-efficacy, with a stronger effect observed in males. These findings have practical implications for educators to design tailored physical activity interventions that foster grit and self-efficacy among college students.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Hongyan Yu
creator: Tingfei Zhu
creator: Jianing Tian
creator: Gang Zhang
creator: Peng Wang
creator: Junxiong Chen
creator: Liqun Shen
subject: Kinesiology
subject: Public Health
subject: Mental Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17422
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Yu et al.
abstract: Background There is a paucity of knowledge concerning the psychological variables that serve to facilitate the connection between physical activity and self-efficacy, and the factors capable of moderating these pathways. This study aimed to examine the relationship between physical activity and self-efficacy among college students, with a focus on the mediating effect of grit and the moderating effect of gender. Methods This study recruited 3,228 undergraduate students from a university in Shanghai, China. They completed the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Short Grit Scale, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 26.0 and the Process v4.0 plugin. Results Physical activity had both a direct effect on self-efficacy (β = 0.07, 95% CI [0.04–0.11]) and an indirect effect through the two dimensions of grit: perseverance of effort (β = 0.06, 95% CI [0.04–0.07]) and consistency of interest (β = 0.03, 95% CI [0.02–0.04]). The mediating effect explained 53.27% of the total effect. Furthermore, gender moderated the relationship between perseverance of effort and self-efficacy, with a stronger effect observed in males (β = 0.08, t = 3.27, p < 0.01). Conclusion The results revealed that grit is an underlying psychological mechanism that links physical activity and self-efficacy. Moreover, gender moderates the effect of perseverance of effort on self-efficacy, with a stronger effect observed in males. These findings have practical implications for educators to design tailored physical activity interventions that foster grit and self-efficacy among college students.
bibliographic citation: Yu et al. (2024) Physical activity and self-efficacy in college students: the mediating role of grit and the moderating role of gender. PeerJ 12:e17422 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17422
date submitted: 2023-11-15
date accepted: 2024-04-28
issued: 2024-05-24
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Yu
  given name: Hongyan
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhu
  given name: Tingfei
author list: Agent
  family name: Tian
  given name: Jianing
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Gang
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Peng
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Junxiong
author list: Agent
  family name: Shen
  given name: Liqun
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17422
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-05-24
copyright: ©2024 Yu et al.
attribution name: Yu et al.

Variation in fine-scale water table depth drives abundance of a unique semi-terrestrial crayfish species
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: With anthropogenic changes altering the environment and the subsequent decline of natural habitats, it can be challenging to predict essential habitats for elusive and difficult to study taxa. Primary burrowing crayfish are one such group due to the complexity in sampling their semi-terrestrial, subterranean habitat. Sampling burrows usually requires a labor-intensive, time-consuming excavation or trapping process. However, limited information on burrowing crayfish suggests that fine-scale habitat variation may drive burrowing crayfish habitat choice. This project aimed to evaluate the fine-scale habitat characteristics that influence burrowing crayfish presence and abundance at a large, restored-remnant grassland preserve in north-central Illinois. We documented burrow abundance and quadrat-specific habitat variables such as root biomass, canopy cover, apparent seasonal high-water table (water table) depth and dominant vegetation at sites with and without burrowing crayfish populations. Data was recorded at every quadrat and analyzed using generalized linear mixed models. A total of 21 models were created to determine what habitat variables affected burrow presence and abundance. We found that the water table depth was a significant driver of burrow presence and abundance. Root biomass and vegetation cover were not significant drivers, although they did show up in the final models, explaining the data. These findings demonstrate empirical support for previous observations from other burrowing crayfish research and demonstrate the influence of fine-scale habitat when modeling elusive taxa requirements.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Molly C. Carlson
creator: Dusty A. Swedberg
creator: Elizabeth A. Miernicki
creator: Christopher A. Taylor
subject: Biogeography
subject: Conservation Biology
subject: Ecology
subject: Zoology
subject: Freshwater Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17330
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Carlson et al.
abstract: With anthropogenic changes altering the environment and the subsequent decline of natural habitats, it can be challenging to predict essential habitats for elusive and difficult to study taxa. Primary burrowing crayfish are one such group due to the complexity in sampling their semi-terrestrial, subterranean habitat. Sampling burrows usually requires a labor-intensive, time-consuming excavation or trapping process. However, limited information on burrowing crayfish suggests that fine-scale habitat variation may drive burrowing crayfish habitat choice. This project aimed to evaluate the fine-scale habitat characteristics that influence burrowing crayfish presence and abundance at a large, restored-remnant grassland preserve in north-central Illinois. We documented burrow abundance and quadrat-specific habitat variables such as root biomass, canopy cover, apparent seasonal high-water table (water table) depth and dominant vegetation at sites with and without burrowing crayfish populations. Data was recorded at every quadrat and analyzed using generalized linear mixed models. A total of 21 models were created to determine what habitat variables affected burrow presence and abundance. We found that the water table depth was a significant driver of burrow presence and abundance. Root biomass and vegetation cover were not significant drivers, although they did show up in the final models, explaining the data. These findings demonstrate empirical support for previous observations from other burrowing crayfish research and demonstrate the influence of fine-scale habitat when modeling elusive taxa requirements.
bibliographic citation: Carlson et al. (2024) Variation in fine-scale water table depth drives abundance of a unique semi-terrestrial crayfish species. PeerJ 12:e17330 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17330
date submitted: 2023-09-04
date accepted: 2024-04-11
issued: 2024-05-23
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Carlson
  given name: Molly C.
author list: Agent
  family name: Swedberg
  given name: Dusty A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Miernicki
  given name: Elizabeth A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Taylor
  given name: Christopher A.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17330
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-05-23
copyright: ©2024 Carlson et al.
attribution name: Carlson et al.

Ultrastructure of the Jurassic serpulid tubes–phylogenetic and paleoecological implications
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The ultrastructural diversity of the Middle and Late Jurassic serpulid tubes from the Polish Basin has been investigated. The inspection of 12 taxa representing the two major serpulid clades allowed for the identification of three ultrastructure types—irregularly oriented prismatic structure (IOP), spherulitic prismatic structure (SPHP), and simple prismatic structure (SP). Six of the studied species are single-layered and six species possess two distinct layers. Ultrastructural diversity corresponds to certain serpulid clades. The members of Filograninae have single-layered tube walls composed of possibly plesiomorphic, irregularly oriented prismatic structure (IOP). Two-layered tubes occur solely within the clade Serpulinae, where the external, denser layer is built of either the ordered spherulitic (SPHP) or simple prismatic microstructure (SP), and the internal layer is composed of irregularly oriented prismatic structure (IOP). Apart from phylogenetic signals provided by the tube ultrastructure, it can be used in analyzing paleoecological aspects of tube-dwelling polychaetes. Compared to the more primitive, irregularly oriented microstructures of Filograninae, the regularly oriented microstructures of Serpulinae need a higher level of biological control over biomineralization. The advent of the dense outer protective layer (DOL) in serpulids, as well as the general increase in ultrastructure diversity, was likely a result of the evolutionary importance of the tubes for serpulids. Such diversity of the tube ultrastructural fabrics allowed for maximizing functionality by utilizing a variety of morphogenetic programs. The biomineralization system of serpulids remains more complex compared to other tube-dwelling polychaetes. Physiologically more expensive tube formation allows for mechanical strengthening of the tube by building robust, strongly ornamented tubes and firm attachment to the substrate. Contrary to sabellids, which perform a fugitive strategy, an incre…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jakub Słowiński
creator: Olev Vinn
creator: Michał Zatoń
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Paleontology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17389
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Słowiński et al.
abstract: The ultrastructural diversity of the Middle and Late Jurassic serpulid tubes from the Polish Basin has been investigated. The inspection of 12 taxa representing the two major serpulid clades allowed for the identification of three ultrastructure types—irregularly oriented prismatic structure (IOP), spherulitic prismatic structure (SPHP), and simple prismatic structure (SP). Six of the studied species are single-layered and six species possess two distinct layers. Ultrastructural diversity corresponds to certain serpulid clades. The members of Filograninae have single-layered tube walls composed of possibly plesiomorphic, irregularly oriented prismatic structure (IOP). Two-layered tubes occur solely within the clade Serpulinae, where the external, denser layer is built of either the ordered spherulitic (SPHP) or simple prismatic microstructure (SP), and the internal layer is composed of irregularly oriented prismatic structure (IOP). Apart from phylogenetic signals provided by the tube ultrastructure, it can be used in analyzing paleoecological aspects of tube-dwelling polychaetes. Compared to the more primitive, irregularly oriented microstructures of Filograninae, the regularly oriented microstructures of Serpulinae need a higher level of biological control over biomineralization. The advent of the dense outer protective layer (DOL) in serpulids, as well as the general increase in ultrastructure diversity, was likely a result of the evolutionary importance of the tubes for serpulids. Such diversity of the tube ultrastructural fabrics allowed for maximizing functionality by utilizing a variety of morphogenetic programs. The biomineralization system of serpulids remains more complex compared to other tube-dwelling polychaetes. Physiologically more expensive tube formation allows for mechanical strengthening of the tube by building robust, strongly ornamented tubes and firm attachment to the substrate. Contrary to sabellids, which perform a fugitive strategy, an incre…
bibliographic citation: Słowiński et al. (2024) Ultrastructure of the Jurassic serpulid tubes–phylogenetic and paleoecological implications. PeerJ 12:e17389 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17389
date submitted: 2024-03-01
date accepted: 2024-04-23
issued: 2024-05-23
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Słowiński
  given name: Jakub
author list: Agent
  family name: Vinn
  given name: Olev
author list: Agent
  family name: Zatoń
  given name: Michał
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17389
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-05-23
copyright: ©2024 Słowiński et al.
attribution name: Słowiński et al.

Effect of simulated clinical use and sterilization on the cyclic fatigue resistance of nickel titanium files
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Aim Assess the effect of simulated clinical use and sterilization on the cyclic fatigue resistance of Race Evo and Tia Tornado Blue nickel titanium (NiTi) files. Materials and Methods For this study, a total of sixty-four NiTi files were selected, with thirty-two files each from two different manufacturers. Files from each manufacturer were subdivided into four subgroups (n = 8) based on the test parameters. The control groups included files that were neither used nor sterilized. Files from the test groups were used to prepare the root canals of extracted mandibular premolars and then sterilized. This procedure was repeated once, twice, or thrice, depending on the test group. All files were then subjected to a cyclic fatigue test. Data was statistically analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests. Results No significant difference was observed in the number of cycles to failure (NCF) among the subgroups for both types of files (P = 0.869 for Tia Tornado Blue, P = 0.626 for Race Evo). Tia Tornado Blue files displayed significantly higher NCF values in the control (P = 0.021), once (P = 0.027), and thrice (P = 0.031) usage groups when compared to Race Evo files. Conclusions Repeated clinical use and sterilization for up to three cycles did not affect the cyclic fatigue resistance of Race Evo and Tia Tornado Blue files.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Mohammad Alajemi
creator: Ammar AbuMostafa
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Bioengineering
subject: Dentistry
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17418
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Alajemi and AbuMostafa
abstract: Aim Assess the effect of simulated clinical use and sterilization on the cyclic fatigue resistance of Race Evo and Tia Tornado Blue nickel titanium (NiTi) files. Materials and Methods For this study, a total of sixty-four NiTi files were selected, with thirty-two files each from two different manufacturers. Files from each manufacturer were subdivided into four subgroups (n = 8) based on the test parameters. The control groups included files that were neither used nor sterilized. Files from the test groups were used to prepare the root canals of extracted mandibular premolars and then sterilized. This procedure was repeated once, twice, or thrice, depending on the test group. All files were then subjected to a cyclic fatigue test. Data was statistically analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests. Results No significant difference was observed in the number of cycles to failure (NCF) among the subgroups for both types of files (P = 0.869 for Tia Tornado Blue, P = 0.626 for Race Evo). Tia Tornado Blue files displayed significantly higher NCF values in the control (P = 0.021), once (P = 0.027), and thrice (P = 0.031) usage groups when compared to Race Evo files. Conclusions Repeated clinical use and sterilization for up to three cycles did not affect the cyclic fatigue resistance of Race Evo and Tia Tornado Blue files.
bibliographic citation: Alajemi et al. (2024) Effect of simulated clinical use and sterilization on the cyclic fatigue resistance of nickel titanium files. PeerJ 12:e17418 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17418
date submitted: 2023-09-05
date accepted: 2024-04-28
issued: 2024-05-23
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Alajemi
  given name: Mohammad
author list: Agent
  family name: AbuMostafa
  given name: Ammar
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17418
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-05-23
copyright: ©2024 Alajemi and AbuMostafa
attribution name: Alajemi and AbuMostafa

A murine model of hypertensive heart disease in older women
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: We propose a new mouse (C57Bl6/J) model combining several features of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction encountered in older women, including hypertension from Angiotensin II infusion (AngII), menopause, and advanced age. To mimic menopause, we delayed ovariectomy (Ovx) at 12 months of age. We also studied the effects of AngII infusion for 28 days in younger animals and the impact of losing gonadal steroids earlier in life. We observed that AngII effects on heart morphology were different in younger and adult mice (3- and 12-month-old; 20 and 19% increase in heart weight. P < 0.01 for both) than in older animals (24-month-old; 6%; not significant). Ovariectomy at 12 months restored the hypertrophic response to AngII in elderly females (23%, p = 0.0001). We performed a bulk RNA sequencing study of the left ventricle (LV) and left atrial gene expression in elderly animals, controls, and Ovx. AngII modulated (|Log2 fold change| ≥ 1) the LV expression of 170 genes in control females and 179 in Ovx ones, 64 being shared. In the left atrium, AngII modulated 235 genes in control females and 453 in Ovx, 140 shared. We observed many upregulated genes associated with the extracellular matrix regulation in both heart chambers. Many of these upregulated genes were shared between the ventricle and the atrium as well as in control and Ovx animals, namely for the most expressed Ankrd1, Nppb, Col3a1, Col1a1, Ctgf Col8a1, and Cilp. Several circadian clock LV genes were modulated differently by AngII between control and Ovx females (Clock, Arntl, Per2, Cry2, and Ciart). In conclusion, sex hormones, even in elderly female mice, modulate the heart’s hypertrophic response to AngII. Our study identifies potential new markers of hypertensive disease in aging female mice and possible disturbances of their cardiac circadian clock.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Audrey Morin-Grandmont
creator: Elisabeth Walsh-Wilkinson
creator: Sara-Ève Thibodeau
creator: Dominique K. Boudreau
creator: Marie Arsenault
creator: Yohan Bossé
creator: Jacques Couet
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Cardiology
subject: Women’s Health
subject: Histology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17434
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Morin-Grandmont et al.
abstract: We propose a new mouse (C57Bl6/J) model combining several features of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction encountered in older women, including hypertension from Angiotensin II infusion (AngII), menopause, and advanced age. To mimic menopause, we delayed ovariectomy (Ovx) at 12 months of age. We also studied the effects of AngII infusion for 28 days in younger animals and the impact of losing gonadal steroids earlier in life. We observed that AngII effects on heart morphology were different in younger and adult mice (3- and 12-month-old; 20 and 19% increase in heart weight. P < 0.01 for both) than in older animals (24-month-old; 6%; not significant). Ovariectomy at 12 months restored the hypertrophic response to AngII in elderly females (23%, p = 0.0001). We performed a bulk RNA sequencing study of the left ventricle (LV) and left atrial gene expression in elderly animals, controls, and Ovx. AngII modulated (|Log2 fold change| ≥ 1) the LV expression of 170 genes in control females and 179 in Ovx ones, 64 being shared. In the left atrium, AngII modulated 235 genes in control females and 453 in Ovx, 140 shared. We observed many upregulated genes associated with the extracellular matrix regulation in both heart chambers. Many of these upregulated genes were shared between the ventricle and the atrium as well as in control and Ovx animals, namely for the most expressed Ankrd1, Nppb, Col3a1, Col1a1, Ctgf Col8a1, and Cilp. Several circadian clock LV genes were modulated differently by AngII between control and Ovx females (Clock, Arntl, Per2, Cry2, and Ciart). In conclusion, sex hormones, even in elderly female mice, modulate the heart’s hypertrophic response to AngII. Our study identifies potential new markers of hypertensive disease in aging female mice and possible disturbances of their cardiac circadian clock.
bibliographic citation: Morin-Grandmont et al. (2024) A murine model of hypertensive heart disease in older women. PeerJ 12:e17434 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17434
date submitted: 2024-01-12
date accepted: 2024-04-30
issued: 2024-05-23
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Morin-Grandmont
  given name: Audrey
author list: Agent
  family name: Walsh-Wilkinson
  given name: Elisabeth
author list: Agent
  family name: Thibodeau
  given name: Sara-Ève
author list: Agent
  family name: Boudreau
  given name: Dominique K.
author list: Agent
  family name: Arsenault
  given name: Marie
author list: Agent
  family name: Bossé
  given name: Yohan
author list: Agent
  family name: Couet
  given name: Jacques
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17434
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-05-23
copyright: ©2024 Morin-Grandmont et al.
attribution name: Morin-Grandmont et al.

Abiotic processes control carbon dioxide dynamics in temperate karst lakes
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Inland waters are crucial in the carbon cycle, contributing significantly to the global CO2 fluxes. Carbonate lakes may act as both sources and sinks of CO2 depending on the interactions between the amount of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) inputs, lake metabolisms, and geochemical processes. It is often difficult to distinguish the dominant mechanisms driving CO2 dynamics and their effects on CO2 emissions. This study was undertaken in three groundwater-fed carbonate-rich lakes in central Spain (Ruidera Lakes), severely polluted with nitrates from agricultural overfertilization. Diel and seasonal (summer and winter) changes in CO2 concentration (CCO2) DIC, and CO2 emissions-(FCO2)-, as well as physical and chemical variables, including primary production and phytoplanktonic chlorophyll-a were measured. In addition, δ13C-DIC, δ13C-CO2 in lake waters, and δ13C of the sedimentary organic matter were measured seasonally to identify the primary CO2 sources and processes. While the lakes were consistently CCO2 supersaturated and FCO2 was released to the atmosphere during both seasons, the highest CCO2 and DIC were in summer (0.36–2.26 µmol L–1). Our results support a strong phosphorus limitation for primary production in these lakes, which impinges on CO2 dynamics. External DIC inputs to the lake waters primarily drive the CCO2 and, therefore, the FCO2. The δ13C-DIC signatures below –12‰ confirmed the primary geogenic influence on DIC. As also suggested by the high values on the calcite saturation index, the Miller-Tans plot revealed that the CO2 source in the lakes was close to the signature provided by the fractionation of δ13C-CO2 from calcite precipitation. Therefore, the main contribution behind the CCO2 values found in these karst lakes should be attributed to the calcite precipitation process, which is temperature-dependent according to the seasonal change observed in δ13C-DIC values. Finally, co-precipitation of phosphate with calcite could partly explain the ob…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Mariana Vargas-Sánchez
creator: Javier Alcocer
creator: Eric Puche
creator: Salvador Sánchez-Carrillo
subject: Ecology
subject: Climate Change Biology
subject: Freshwater Biology
subject: Aquatic and Marine Chemistry
subject: Biogeochemistry
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17393
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Vargas-Sánchez et al.
abstract: Inland waters are crucial in the carbon cycle, contributing significantly to the global CO2 fluxes. Carbonate lakes may act as both sources and sinks of CO2 depending on the interactions between the amount of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) inputs, lake metabolisms, and geochemical processes. It is often difficult to distinguish the dominant mechanisms driving CO2 dynamics and their effects on CO2 emissions. This study was undertaken in three groundwater-fed carbonate-rich lakes in central Spain (Ruidera Lakes), severely polluted with nitrates from agricultural overfertilization. Diel and seasonal (summer and winter) changes in CO2 concentration (CCO2) DIC, and CO2 emissions-(FCO2)-, as well as physical and chemical variables, including primary production and phytoplanktonic chlorophyll-a were measured. In addition, δ13C-DIC, δ13C-CO2 in lake waters, and δ13C of the sedimentary organic matter were measured seasonally to identify the primary CO2 sources and processes. While the lakes were consistently CCO2 supersaturated and FCO2 was released to the atmosphere during both seasons, the highest CCO2 and DIC were in summer (0.36–2.26 µmol L–1). Our results support a strong phosphorus limitation for primary production in these lakes, which impinges on CO2 dynamics. External DIC inputs to the lake waters primarily drive the CCO2 and, therefore, the FCO2. The δ13C-DIC signatures below –12‰ confirmed the primary geogenic influence on DIC. As also suggested by the high values on the calcite saturation index, the Miller-Tans plot revealed that the CO2 source in the lakes was close to the signature provided by the fractionation of δ13C-CO2 from calcite precipitation. Therefore, the main contribution behind the CCO2 values found in these karst lakes should be attributed to the calcite precipitation process, which is temperature-dependent according to the seasonal change observed in δ13C-DIC values. Finally, co-precipitation of phosphate with calcite could partly explain the ob…
bibliographic citation: Vargas-Sánchez et al. (2024) Abiotic processes control carbon dioxide dynamics in temperate karst lakes. PeerJ 12:e17393 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17393
date submitted: 2023-12-11
date accepted: 2024-04-25
issued: 2024-05-22
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Vargas-Sánchez
  given name: Mariana
author list: Agent
  family name: Alcocer
  given name: Javier
author list: Agent
  family name: Puche
  given name: Eric
author list: Agent
  family name: Sánchez-Carrillo
  given name: Salvador
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17393
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-05-22
copyright: ©2024 Vargas-Sánchez et al.
attribution name: Vargas-Sánchez et al.

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