PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Interactions between chaperone and energy storage networks during the evolution of Legionella pneumophila under heat shock
items: The low survival rate of European hare leverets in arable farmland: evidence from the predation experiment
items: Cystatin C: immunoregulation role in macrophages infected with Porphyromonas gingivalis
items: Analysis of drought and heat stress response genes in rice using co-expression network and differentially expressed gene analyses
items: Structural equation models of health behaviour, psychological well-being, symptom severity and quality of life in abdominal bloating
items: Photoactivated disinfection procedure for denture stomatitis in diabetic rats
items: Gradual pollen presentation in Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Bluecrop’: an adaptive mechanism to improve pollination efficiency and outcrossing
items: Fossil-informed biogeographic analysis suggests Eurasian regionalization in crown Squamata during the early Jurassic
items: The impact of skeletal muscle index at the third lumbar spine on nosocomial deterioration and short-term prognosis in acute pancreatitis: a retrospective observational study
items: Expressing banana transcription factor MaERFVII3 in Arabidopsis confers enhanced waterlogging tolerance and root growth

Interactions between chaperone and energy storage networks during the evolution of Legionella pneumophila under heat shock
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Waterborne transmission of the bacterium Legionella pneumophila has emerged as a major cause of severe nosocomial infections of major public health impact. The major route of transmission involves the uptake of aerosolized bacteria, often from the contaminated hot water systems of large buildings. Public health regulations aimed at controlling the mesophilic pathogen are generally concerned with acute pasteurization and maintaining high temperatures at the heating systems and throughout the plumbing of hot water systems, but L. pneumophila is often able to survive these treatments due to both bacterium-intrinsic and environmental factors. Previous work has established an experimental evolution system to model the observations of increased heat resistance in repeatedly but unsuccessfully pasteurized L. pneumophila populations. Here, we show rapid fixation of novel alleles in lineages selected for resistance to heat shock and shifts in mutational profile related to increases in the temperature of selection. Gene-level and nucleotide-level parallelisms between independently-evolving lineages show the centrality of the DnaJ/DnaK chaperone system in the heat resistance of L. pneumophila. Inference of epistatic interactions through reverse genetics shows an unexpected interaction between DnaJ/DnaK and the polyhydroxybutyrate-accumulation energy storage mechanism used by the species to survive long-term starvation in low-nutrient environments.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jeffrey Liang
creator: Sebastien P. Faucher
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Genetics
subject: Genomics
subject: Microbiology
subject: Freshwater Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17197
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Liang and Faucher
abstract: Waterborne transmission of the bacterium Legionella pneumophila has emerged as a major cause of severe nosocomial infections of major public health impact. The major route of transmission involves the uptake of aerosolized bacteria, often from the contaminated hot water systems of large buildings. Public health regulations aimed at controlling the mesophilic pathogen are generally concerned with acute pasteurization and maintaining high temperatures at the heating systems and throughout the plumbing of hot water systems, but L. pneumophila is often able to survive these treatments due to both bacterium-intrinsic and environmental factors. Previous work has established an experimental evolution system to model the observations of increased heat resistance in repeatedly but unsuccessfully pasteurized L. pneumophila populations. Here, we show rapid fixation of novel alleles in lineages selected for resistance to heat shock and shifts in mutational profile related to increases in the temperature of selection. Gene-level and nucleotide-level parallelisms between independently-evolving lineages show the centrality of the DnaJ/DnaK chaperone system in the heat resistance of L. pneumophila. Inference of epistatic interactions through reverse genetics shows an unexpected interaction between DnaJ/DnaK and the polyhydroxybutyrate-accumulation energy storage mechanism used by the species to survive long-term starvation in low-nutrient environments.
bibliographic citation: Liang et al. (2024) Interactions between chaperone and energy storage networks during the evolution of Legionella pneumophila under heat shock. PeerJ 12:e17197 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17197
date submitted: 2023-11-27
date accepted: 2024-03-14
issued: 2024-04-30
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Liang
  given name: Jeffrey
author list: Agent
  family name: Faucher
  given name: Sebastien P.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17197
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-30
copyright: © 2024 Liang and Faucher
attribution name: Liang and Faucher

The low survival rate of European hare leverets in arable farmland: evidence from the predation experiment
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The low survival rate of leverets may significantly contribute to steep population declines and slow recovery of European hares (Lepus europaeus). However, the leveret survival rate in farmlands with different landscape structures is poorly understood, and the existing evidence comes mainly from Western Europe. In this study, we explored the survival of leveret hare dummies along linear semi-natural habitats in homogeneous Central European arable farmland during the main part of the European hare reproduction period (March–April) in 2019 and 2020. The survival rate of hare leverets during the 14-day period was only 22.2%, and all predation events were recorded during the first six days of the experiment. Mammalian predators were responsible for 53.1% of predation events, avian predators for 40.8%, and agricultural operations for 6.1%. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) was the dominant predator in our study area and was the primary cause of leveret dummy mortality (32.7%), but it also had the highest use-intensity and visit frequency of all of the study plots. Predation by avian predators was associated with patches of lower vegetation height and cover (such as plowed fields) and during daylight hours, whereas the opposite was true for mammalian predators. We propose that improving the habitat quality of arable landscapes by increasing the proportion and quality of extensively used non-farmed habitats (e.g., set-asides, wildflower areas, extensive meadows, fallow land, and semi-natural habitats on arable land) providing cover and shelter for leverets could be an effective management measure for reducing predation risk on leverets.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jan Cukor
creator: Jan Riegert
creator: Aleksandra Krivopalova
creator: Zdeněk Vacek
creator: Martin Šálek
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Conservation Biology
subject: Ecology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17235
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Cukor et al.
abstract: The low survival rate of leverets may significantly contribute to steep population declines and slow recovery of European hares (Lepus europaeus). However, the leveret survival rate in farmlands with different landscape structures is poorly understood, and the existing evidence comes mainly from Western Europe. In this study, we explored the survival of leveret hare dummies along linear semi-natural habitats in homogeneous Central European arable farmland during the main part of the European hare reproduction period (March–April) in 2019 and 2020. The survival rate of hare leverets during the 14-day period was only 22.2%, and all predation events were recorded during the first six days of the experiment. Mammalian predators were responsible for 53.1% of predation events, avian predators for 40.8%, and agricultural operations for 6.1%. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) was the dominant predator in our study area and was the primary cause of leveret dummy mortality (32.7%), but it also had the highest use-intensity and visit frequency of all of the study plots. Predation by avian predators was associated with patches of lower vegetation height and cover (such as plowed fields) and during daylight hours, whereas the opposite was true for mammalian predators. We propose that improving the habitat quality of arable landscapes by increasing the proportion and quality of extensively used non-farmed habitats (e.g., set-asides, wildflower areas, extensive meadows, fallow land, and semi-natural habitats on arable land) providing cover and shelter for leverets could be an effective management measure for reducing predation risk on leverets.
bibliographic citation: Cukor et al. (2024) The low survival rate of European hare leverets in arable farmland: evidence from the predation experiment. PeerJ 12:e17235 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17235
date submitted: 2023-09-25
date accepted: 2024-03-22
issued: 2024-04-30
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Cukor
  given name: Jan
author list: Agent
  family name: Riegert
  given name: Jan
author list: Agent
  family name: Krivopalova
  given name: Aleksandra
author list: Agent
  family name: Vacek
  given name: Zdeněk
author list: Agent
  family name: Šálek
  given name: Martin
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17235
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-30
copyright: ©2024 Cukor et al.
attribution name: Cukor et al.

Cystatin C: immunoregulation role in macrophages infected with Porphyromonas gingivalis
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Periodontitis is a chronic infectious disease, characterized by an exacerbated inflammatory response and a progressive loss of the supporting tissues of the teeth. Porphyromonas gingivalis is a key etiologic agent in periodontitis. Cystatin C is an antimicrobial salivary peptide that inhibits the growth of P. gingivalis. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of this peptide and its effect on cytokine production, nitric oxide (NO) release, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and programmed cell death in human macrophages infected with P. gingivalis. Methods Monocyte-derived macrophages generated from peripheral blood were infected with P. gingivalis (MOI 1:10) and stimulated with cystatin C (2.75 µg/ml) for 24 h. The intracellular localization of P. gingivalis and cystatin C was determined by immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The intracellular antimicrobial activity of cystatin C in macrophages was assessed by counting Colony Forming Units (CFU). ELISA assay was performed to assess inflammatory (TNFα, IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines. The production of nitrites and ROS was analyzed by Griess reaction and incubation with 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCFDA), respectively. Programmed cell death was assessed with the TUNEL assay, Annexin-V, and caspase activity was also determined. Results Our results showed that cystatin C inhibits the extracellular growth of P. gingivalis. In addition, this peptide is internalized in the infected macrophage, decreases the intracellular bacterial load, and reduces the production of inflammatory cytokines and NO. Interestingly, peptide treatment increased ROS production and substantially decreased bacterial-induced macrophage apoptosis. Conclusions Cystatin C has antimicrobial and immuno-regulatory activity in macrophages infected with P. gingivalis. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the properties of cystatin C for its p…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Blanca Esther Blancas-Luciano
creator: Ingeborg Becker-Fauser
creator: Jaime Zamora-Chimal
creator: Luis Jiménez-García
creator: Reyna Lara-Martínez
creator: Armando Pérez-Torres
creator: Margarita González del Pliego
creator: Elsa Liliana Aguirre-Benítez
creator: Ana María Fernández-Presas
subject: Microbiology
subject: Dentistry
subject: Immunology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17252
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Blancas-Luciano et al.
abstract: Background Periodontitis is a chronic infectious disease, characterized by an exacerbated inflammatory response and a progressive loss of the supporting tissues of the teeth. Porphyromonas gingivalis is a key etiologic agent in periodontitis. Cystatin C is an antimicrobial salivary peptide that inhibits the growth of P. gingivalis. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of this peptide and its effect on cytokine production, nitric oxide (NO) release, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and programmed cell death in human macrophages infected with P. gingivalis. Methods Monocyte-derived macrophages generated from peripheral blood were infected with P. gingivalis (MOI 1:10) and stimulated with cystatin C (2.75 µg/ml) for 24 h. The intracellular localization of P. gingivalis and cystatin C was determined by immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The intracellular antimicrobial activity of cystatin C in macrophages was assessed by counting Colony Forming Units (CFU). ELISA assay was performed to assess inflammatory (TNFα, IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines. The production of nitrites and ROS was analyzed by Griess reaction and incubation with 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCFDA), respectively. Programmed cell death was assessed with the TUNEL assay, Annexin-V, and caspase activity was also determined. Results Our results showed that cystatin C inhibits the extracellular growth of P. gingivalis. In addition, this peptide is internalized in the infected macrophage, decreases the intracellular bacterial load, and reduces the production of inflammatory cytokines and NO. Interestingly, peptide treatment increased ROS production and substantially decreased bacterial-induced macrophage apoptosis. Conclusions Cystatin C has antimicrobial and immuno-regulatory activity in macrophages infected with P. gingivalis. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the properties of cystatin C for its p…
bibliographic citation: Blancas-Luciano et al. (2024) Cystatin C: immunoregulation role in macrophages infected with Porphyromonas gingivalis. PeerJ 12:e17252 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17252
date submitted: 2023-08-09
date accepted: 2024-03-26
issued: 2024-04-30
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Blancas-Luciano
  given name: Blanca Esther
author list: Agent
  family name: Becker-Fauser
  given name: Ingeborg
author list: Agent
  family name: Zamora-Chimal
  given name: Jaime
author list: Agent
  family name: Jiménez-García
  given name: Luis
author list: Agent
  family name: Lara-Martínez
  given name: Reyna
author list: Agent
  family name: Pérez-Torres
  given name: Armando
author list: Agent
  family name: González del Pliego
  given name: Margarita
author list: Agent
  family name: Aguirre-Benítez
  given name: Elsa Liliana
author list: Agent
  family name: Fernández-Presas
  given name: Ana María
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17252
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-30
copyright: ©2024 Blancas-Luciano et al.
attribution name: Blancas-Luciano et al.

Analysis of drought and heat stress response genes in rice using co-expression network and differentially expressed gene analyses
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Studies on Oryza sativa (rice) are crucial for improving agricultural productivity and ensuring global sustenance security, especially considering the increasing drought and heat stress caused by extreme climate change. Currently, the genes and mechanisms underlying drought and heat resistance in rice are not fully understood, and the scope for enhancing the development of new strains remains considerable. To accurately identify the key genes related to drought and heat stress responses in rice, multiple datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were integrated in this study. A co-expression network was constructed using a Weighted Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA) algorithm. We further distinguished the core network and intersected it with differentially expressed genes and multiple expression datasets for screening. Differences in gene expression levels were verified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). OsDjC53, MBF1C, BAG6, HSP23.2, and HSP21.9 were found to be associated with the heat stress response, and it is also possible that UGT83A1 and OsCPn60a1, although not directly related, are affected by drought stress. This study offers significant insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying stress responses in rice, which could promote the development of stress-tolerant rice breeds.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Gaohui Cao
creator: Hao Huang
creator: Yuejiao Yang
creator: Bin Xie
creator: Lulu Tang
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17255
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Cao et al.
abstract: Studies on Oryza sativa (rice) are crucial for improving agricultural productivity and ensuring global sustenance security, especially considering the increasing drought and heat stress caused by extreme climate change. Currently, the genes and mechanisms underlying drought and heat resistance in rice are not fully understood, and the scope for enhancing the development of new strains remains considerable. To accurately identify the key genes related to drought and heat stress responses in rice, multiple datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were integrated in this study. A co-expression network was constructed using a Weighted Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA) algorithm. We further distinguished the core network and intersected it with differentially expressed genes and multiple expression datasets for screening. Differences in gene expression levels were verified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). OsDjC53, MBF1C, BAG6, HSP23.2, and HSP21.9 were found to be associated with the heat stress response, and it is also possible that UGT83A1 and OsCPn60a1, although not directly related, are affected by drought stress. This study offers significant insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying stress responses in rice, which could promote the development of stress-tolerant rice breeds.
bibliographic citation: Cao et al. (2024) Analysis of drought and heat stress response genes in rice using co-expression network and differentially expressed gene analyses. PeerJ 12:e17255 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17255
date submitted: 2023-10-10
date accepted: 2024-03-27
issued: 2024-04-30
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Cao
  given name: Gaohui
author list: Agent
  family name: Huang
  given name: Hao
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Yuejiao
author list: Agent
  family name: Xie
  given name: Bin
author list: Agent
  family name: Tang
  given name: Lulu
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17255
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-30
copyright: ©2024 Cao et al.
attribution name: Cao et al.

Structural equation models of health behaviour, psychological well-being, symptom severity and quality of life in abdominal bloating
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The objective of this study was to investigate the inter-relationship between psychosocial variables and their impact on symptom severity and quality of life (QoL) concerning abdominal bloating. Methods The study adopted a cross-sectional design with purposive sampling. Participants who consented and met the criteria for bloating based on the Rome IV classification completed designated questionnaires. Independent variables comprised health beliefs, intentions, health-promoting behaviors, social support, depression, and anxiety, while dependent variables included bloating severity (general and within 24 h) and QoL. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was conducted utilizing Mplus 8.0 to analyze the relationships between these factors. Results A total of 323 participants, with a mean age of 27.69 years (SD = 11.50), predominantly females (64.7%), volunteered to participate in the study. The final SEM model exhibited good fit based on various indices (CFI = 0.922, SRMR = 0.064, RMSEA (95% CI) = 0.048 (0.041–0.054), p-value = 0.714), with 15 significant path relationships identified. The model explained 12.0% of the variance in severity within 24 h, 6% in general severity, and 53.8% in QoL. Conclusion The findings underscore the significant influence of health beliefs, intentions, behaviors, social support, depression, and anxiety on symptom severity and QoL in individuals experiencing abdominal bloating.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Nurzulaikha Abdullah
creator: Yee Cheng Kueh
creator: Garry Kuan
creator: Mung Seong Wong
creator: Vincent Tee
creator: Tengku Ahmad Iskandar Tengku Alang
creator: Nurhazwani Hamid
creator: Yeong Yeh Lee
subject: Anesthesiology and Pain Management
subject: Gastroenterology and Hepatology
subject: Internal Medicine
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
subject: Public Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17265
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Abdullah et al.
abstract: Background The objective of this study was to investigate the inter-relationship between psychosocial variables and their impact on symptom severity and quality of life (QoL) concerning abdominal bloating. Methods The study adopted a cross-sectional design with purposive sampling. Participants who consented and met the criteria for bloating based on the Rome IV classification completed designated questionnaires. Independent variables comprised health beliefs, intentions, health-promoting behaviors, social support, depression, and anxiety, while dependent variables included bloating severity (general and within 24 h) and QoL. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was conducted utilizing Mplus 8.0 to analyze the relationships between these factors. Results A total of 323 participants, with a mean age of 27.69 years (SD = 11.50), predominantly females (64.7%), volunteered to participate in the study. The final SEM model exhibited good fit based on various indices (CFI = 0.922, SRMR = 0.064, RMSEA (95% CI) = 0.048 (0.041–0.054), p-value = 0.714), with 15 significant path relationships identified. The model explained 12.0% of the variance in severity within 24 h, 6% in general severity, and 53.8% in QoL. Conclusion The findings underscore the significant influence of health beliefs, intentions, behaviors, social support, depression, and anxiety on symptom severity and QoL in individuals experiencing abdominal bloating.
bibliographic citation: Abdullah et al. (2024) Structural equation models of health behaviour, psychological well-being, symptom severity and quality of life in abdominal bloating. PeerJ 12:e17265 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17265
date submitted: 2023-07-13
date accepted: 2024-03-28
issued: 2024-04-30
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Abdullah
  given name: Nurzulaikha
author list: Agent
  family name: Kueh
  given name: Yee Cheng
author list: Agent
  family name: Kuan
  given name: Garry
author list: Agent
  family name: Wong
  given name: Mung Seong
author list: Agent
  family name: Tee
  given name: Vincent
author list: Agent
  family name: Tengku Alang
  given name: Tengku Ahmad Iskandar
author list: Agent
  family name: Hamid
  given name: Nurhazwani
author list: Agent
  family name: Lee
  given name: Yeong Yeh
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17265
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-30
copyright: © 2024 Abdullah et al.
attribution name: Abdullah et al.

Photoactivated disinfection procedure for denture stomatitis in diabetic rats
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Objective To study the efficacy of PADTM Plus-based photoactivated disinfection (PAD) for treating denture stomatitis (DS) in diabetic rats by establishing a diabetic rat DS model. Methods The diabetic rat DS model was developed by randomly selecting 2-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats and dividing them into four groups. The palate and denture surfaces of rats in the PAD groups were incubated with 1 mg/mL toluidine blue O for 1 min each, followed by a 1-min exposure to 750-mW light-emitting diode light. The PAD-1 group received one radiation treatment, and the PAD-2 group received three radiation treatments over 5 days with a 1-day interval. The nystatin (NYS) group received treatment for 5 days with a suspension of NYS of 100,000 IU. The infection group did not receive any treatment. In each group, assessments included an inflammation score of the palate, tests for fungal load, histological evaluation, and immunohistochemical detection of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) conducted 1 and 7 days following the conclusion of treatment. Results One day after treatment, the fungal load on the palate and dentures, as well as the mean optical density values of IL-17 and TNF-α, were found to be greater in the infection group than in the other three treatment groups (P < 0.05). On the 7th day after treatment, these values were significantly higher in the infection group than in the PAD-2 and NYS groups (P < 0.05). Importantly, there were no differences between the infection and PAD-1 groups nor between the PAD-2 and NYS groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions PAD effectively reduced the fungal load and the expressions of IL-17 and TNF-α in the palate and denture of diabetic DS rats. The efficacy of multiple-light treatments was superior to that of single-light treatments and similar to that of NYS.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Xiao Zhang
creator: Zirui Zhao
creator: Ruiqi Zhang
creator: Juan Liu
creator: Zhijiao Guo
creator: Qiaoyu Hu
creator: Na Liu
creator: Qing Liu
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Mycology
subject: Dentistry
subject: Immunology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17268
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Zhang et al.
abstract: Objective To study the efficacy of PADTM Plus-based photoactivated disinfection (PAD) for treating denture stomatitis (DS) in diabetic rats by establishing a diabetic rat DS model. Methods The diabetic rat DS model was developed by randomly selecting 2-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats and dividing them into four groups. The palate and denture surfaces of rats in the PAD groups were incubated with 1 mg/mL toluidine blue O for 1 min each, followed by a 1-min exposure to 750-mW light-emitting diode light. The PAD-1 group received one radiation treatment, and the PAD-2 group received three radiation treatments over 5 days with a 1-day interval. The nystatin (NYS) group received treatment for 5 days with a suspension of NYS of 100,000 IU. The infection group did not receive any treatment. In each group, assessments included an inflammation score of the palate, tests for fungal load, histological evaluation, and immunohistochemical detection of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) conducted 1 and 7 days following the conclusion of treatment. Results One day after treatment, the fungal load on the palate and dentures, as well as the mean optical density values of IL-17 and TNF-α, were found to be greater in the infection group than in the other three treatment groups (P < 0.05). On the 7th day after treatment, these values were significantly higher in the infection group than in the PAD-2 and NYS groups (P < 0.05). Importantly, there were no differences between the infection and PAD-1 groups nor between the PAD-2 and NYS groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions PAD effectively reduced the fungal load and the expressions of IL-17 and TNF-α in the palate and denture of diabetic DS rats. The efficacy of multiple-light treatments was superior to that of single-light treatments and similar to that of NYS.
bibliographic citation: Zhang et al. (2024) Photoactivated disinfection procedure for denture stomatitis in diabetic rats. PeerJ 12:e17268 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17268
date submitted: 2023-11-03
date accepted: 2024-03-29
issued: 2024-04-30
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Xiao
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhao
  given name: Zirui
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Ruiqi
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Juan
author list: Agent
  family name: Guo
  given name: Zhijiao
author list: Agent
  family name: Hu
  given name: Qiaoyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Na
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Qing
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17268
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-30
copyright: © 2024 Zhang et al.
attribution name: Zhang et al.

Gradual pollen presentation in Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Bluecrop’: an adaptive mechanism to improve pollination efficiency and outcrossing
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Gradual pollen presentation is a plant reproductive mechanism to improve pollination efficiency and accuracy and promote outcrossing. Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Bluecrop’ has a typical gradual pollen presentation mechanism. ‘Bluecrop’ exhibits an inverted bell-shaped flower with a white coloration. By investigating the flower syndrome, pollination characteristics, pollination efficiency, and breeding system of ‘Bluecrop’, this study aims to explore the adaptive significance of these traits. The results showed ‘Bluecrop’ released pollen gradually through anther poricidal dehiscence. Among different pollinators, Apis mellifera and Bombus can pollinate effectively, and the mechanism of gradual pollen presentation significantly improved the efficiency of pollen transfer. This characteristic limits the amount of pollen removed by the pollinators and prolongs pollen presentation, thus attracting more pollinators and thereby increasing male fitness. The nectar secretion of ‘Bluecrop’ is gradual, with a large nectar production and a long phase of nectar secretion, enhance visitation frequencies and the chances of successful pollination. At the same time, campanulate corolla can protect pollen as well as nectar from waste due to environmental factors and other effects. The breeding system of ‘Bluecrop’ relies mainly on outcrossing because of its low affinity for self-fertilization and good interaction with pollinating insects. Thus, the special floral syndrome and the mechanism of secondary pollen presentation are significant in improving pollination efficiency and promoting the reproductive success of ‘Bluecrop’ by outcrossing. It can provide a certain theoretical basis for the future propagation breeding of ‘Bluecrop’.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Chunzhi Zhou
creator: Yalong Yu
creator: Yuwei Liu
creator: Shanlin Yang
creator: Yanfeng Chen
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17273
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Zhou et al.
abstract: Gradual pollen presentation is a plant reproductive mechanism to improve pollination efficiency and accuracy and promote outcrossing. Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Bluecrop’ has a typical gradual pollen presentation mechanism. ‘Bluecrop’ exhibits an inverted bell-shaped flower with a white coloration. By investigating the flower syndrome, pollination characteristics, pollination efficiency, and breeding system of ‘Bluecrop’, this study aims to explore the adaptive significance of these traits. The results showed ‘Bluecrop’ released pollen gradually through anther poricidal dehiscence. Among different pollinators, Apis mellifera and Bombus can pollinate effectively, and the mechanism of gradual pollen presentation significantly improved the efficiency of pollen transfer. This characteristic limits the amount of pollen removed by the pollinators and prolongs pollen presentation, thus attracting more pollinators and thereby increasing male fitness. The nectar secretion of ‘Bluecrop’ is gradual, with a large nectar production and a long phase of nectar secretion, enhance visitation frequencies and the chances of successful pollination. At the same time, campanulate corolla can protect pollen as well as nectar from waste due to environmental factors and other effects. The breeding system of ‘Bluecrop’ relies mainly on outcrossing because of its low affinity for self-fertilization and good interaction with pollinating insects. Thus, the special floral syndrome and the mechanism of secondary pollen presentation are significant in improving pollination efficiency and promoting the reproductive success of ‘Bluecrop’ by outcrossing. It can provide a certain theoretical basis for the future propagation breeding of ‘Bluecrop’.
bibliographic citation: Zhou et al. (2024) Gradual pollen presentation in Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Bluecrop’: an adaptive mechanism to improve pollination efficiency and outcrossing. PeerJ 12:e17273 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17273
date submitted: 2023-11-15
date accepted: 2024-04-01
issued: 2024-04-30
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Chunzhi
author list: Agent
  family name: Yu
  given name: Yalong
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Yuwei
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Shanlin
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Yanfeng
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17273
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-30
copyright: © 2024 Zhou et al.
attribution name: Zhou et al.

Fossil-informed biogeographic analysis suggests Eurasian regionalization in crown Squamata during the early Jurassic
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Squamata (lizards, snakes, and amphisbaenians) is a Triassic lineage with an extensive and complex biogeographic history, yet no large-scale study has reconstructed the ancestral range of early squamate lineages. The fossil record indicates a broadly Pangaean distribution by the end- Cretaceous, though many lineages (e.g., Paramacellodidae, Mosasauria, Polyglyphanodontia) subsequently went extinct. Thus, the origin and occupancy of extant radiations is unclear and may have been localized within Pangaea to specific plates, with potential regionalization to distinct Laurasian and Gondwanan landmasses during the Mesozoic in some groups. Methods We used recent tectonic models to code extant and fossil squamate distributions occurring on nine discrete plates for 9,755 species, with Jurassic and Cretaceous fossil constraints from three extinct lineages. We modeled ancestral ranges for crown Squamata from an extant-only molecular phylogeny using a suite of biogeographic models accommodating different evolutionary processes and fossil-based node constraints from known Jurassic and Cretaceous localities. We hypothesized that the best-fit models would not support a full Pangaean distribution (i.e., including all areas) for the origin of crown Squamata, but would instead show regionalization to specific areas within the fragmenting supercontinent, likely in the Northern Hemisphere where most early squamate fossils have been found. Results Incorporating fossil data reconstructs a localized origin within Pangaea, with early regionalization of extant lineages to Eurasia and Laurasia, while Gondwanan regionalization did not occur until the middle Cretaceous for Alethinophidia, Scolecophidia, and some crown Gekkotan lineages. While the Mesozoic history of extant squamate biogeography can be summarized as a Eurasian origin with dispersal out of Laurasia into Gondwana, their Cenozoic history is complex with multiple events (including secondary and tertiary recolonizations)…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Ian V. Wilenzik
creator: Benjamin B. Barger
creator: R. Alexander Pyron
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Paleontology
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17277
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Wilenzik et al.
abstract: Background Squamata (lizards, snakes, and amphisbaenians) is a Triassic lineage with an extensive and complex biogeographic history, yet no large-scale study has reconstructed the ancestral range of early squamate lineages. The fossil record indicates a broadly Pangaean distribution by the end- Cretaceous, though many lineages (e.g., Paramacellodidae, Mosasauria, Polyglyphanodontia) subsequently went extinct. Thus, the origin and occupancy of extant radiations is unclear and may have been localized within Pangaea to specific plates, with potential regionalization to distinct Laurasian and Gondwanan landmasses during the Mesozoic in some groups. Methods We used recent tectonic models to code extant and fossil squamate distributions occurring on nine discrete plates for 9,755 species, with Jurassic and Cretaceous fossil constraints from three extinct lineages. We modeled ancestral ranges for crown Squamata from an extant-only molecular phylogeny using a suite of biogeographic models accommodating different evolutionary processes and fossil-based node constraints from known Jurassic and Cretaceous localities. We hypothesized that the best-fit models would not support a full Pangaean distribution (i.e., including all areas) for the origin of crown Squamata, but would instead show regionalization to specific areas within the fragmenting supercontinent, likely in the Northern Hemisphere where most early squamate fossils have been found. Results Incorporating fossil data reconstructs a localized origin within Pangaea, with early regionalization of extant lineages to Eurasia and Laurasia, while Gondwanan regionalization did not occur until the middle Cretaceous for Alethinophidia, Scolecophidia, and some crown Gekkotan lineages. While the Mesozoic history of extant squamate biogeography can be summarized as a Eurasian origin with dispersal out of Laurasia into Gondwana, their Cenozoic history is complex with multiple events (including secondary and tertiary recolonizations)…
bibliographic citation: Wilenzik et al. (2024) Fossil-informed biogeographic analysis suggests Eurasian regionalization in crown Squamata during the early Jurassic. PeerJ 12:e17277 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17277
date submitted: 2023-02-17
date accepted: 2024-04-01
issued: 2024-04-30
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Wilenzik
  given name: Ian V.
author list: Agent
  family name: Barger
  given name: Benjamin B.
author list: Agent
  family name: Pyron
  given name: R. Alexander
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17277
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-30
copyright: ©2024 Wilenzik et al.
attribution name: Wilenzik et al.

The impact of skeletal muscle index at the third lumbar spine on nosocomial deterioration and short-term prognosis in acute pancreatitis: a retrospective observational study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Objective To investigate the impact of the third lumbar skeletal muscle index (L3-SMI) assessed by CT on the in-hospital severity and short-term prognosis of acute pancreatitis. Methods A total of 224 patients with severe acute pancreatitis admitted to Yantaishan Hospital from January 2021 to June 2022 were selected as the subjects. Based on the in-hospital treatment outcomes, they were divided into a mortality group of 59 cases as well as a survival group of 165 cases. Upon admission, general information such as the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, along with the abdominal CT images of each patient, were analyzed. The L3-SMI was calculated, and the Modified CT Severity Index (MCTSI) and Balthazar CT grade were used to assess the severity of in-hospital complications of acute pancreatitis. The evaluation value of L3-SMI for the prognosis of severe acute pancreatitis was analyzed, as well as the factors influencing the prognosis of severe acute pancreatitis. Results No statistically significant differences in gender, age, BMI, etiology, duration of anti-inflammatory drug use, and proportion of surgical patients between the survival and mortality groups were observed. But the mortality group showed higher proportions of patients with an elevated APACHE II score upon admission, mechanical ventilation, and renal replacement therapy, compared to the survival group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the mortality group had higher MCTSI scores (6.42 ± 0.69) and Balthazar CT grades (3.78 ± 0.45) than the survival group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.001). The mortality group also had a lower L3-SMI (39.68 ± 3.25) compared to the survival group (42.71 ± 4.28), with statistically significant differences (P < 0.001). L3-SMI exhibited a negative correlation with MCTSI scores and Balthazar CT grades (r = −0.889, −0.790, P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis, with mortality of acute panc…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Chuntao Lin
creator: Junyuan Zhang
creator: Chunye Wang
creator: Wei Lian
creator: Yicong Liu
subject: Internal Medicine
subject: Radiology and Medical Imaging
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17283
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Lin et al.
abstract: Objective To investigate the impact of the third lumbar skeletal muscle index (L3-SMI) assessed by CT on the in-hospital severity and short-term prognosis of acute pancreatitis. Methods A total of 224 patients with severe acute pancreatitis admitted to Yantaishan Hospital from January 2021 to June 2022 were selected as the subjects. Based on the in-hospital treatment outcomes, they were divided into a mortality group of 59 cases as well as a survival group of 165 cases. Upon admission, general information such as the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, along with the abdominal CT images of each patient, were analyzed. The L3-SMI was calculated, and the Modified CT Severity Index (MCTSI) and Balthazar CT grade were used to assess the severity of in-hospital complications of acute pancreatitis. The evaluation value of L3-SMI for the prognosis of severe acute pancreatitis was analyzed, as well as the factors influencing the prognosis of severe acute pancreatitis. Results No statistically significant differences in gender, age, BMI, etiology, duration of anti-inflammatory drug use, and proportion of surgical patients between the survival and mortality groups were observed. But the mortality group showed higher proportions of patients with an elevated APACHE II score upon admission, mechanical ventilation, and renal replacement therapy, compared to the survival group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the mortality group had higher MCTSI scores (6.42 ± 0.69) and Balthazar CT grades (3.78 ± 0.45) than the survival group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.001). The mortality group also had a lower L3-SMI (39.68 ± 3.25) compared to the survival group (42.71 ± 4.28), with statistically significant differences (P < 0.001). L3-SMI exhibited a negative correlation with MCTSI scores and Balthazar CT grades (r = −0.889, −0.790, P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis, with mortality of acute panc…
bibliographic citation: Lin et al. (2024) The impact of skeletal muscle index at the third lumbar spine on nosocomial deterioration and short-term prognosis in acute pancreatitis: a retrospective observational study. PeerJ 12:e17283 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17283
date submitted: 2023-11-22
date accepted: 2024-04-01
issued: 2024-04-30
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Lin
  given name: Chuntao
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Junyuan
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Chunye
author list: Agent
  family name: Lian
  given name: Wei
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Yicong
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17283
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-30
copyright: © 2024 Lin et al.
attribution name: Lin et al.

Expressing banana transcription factor MaERFVII3 in Arabidopsis confers enhanced waterlogging tolerance and root growth
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Waterlogging poses a significant threat to plant growth and yield worldwide. Identifying the genes responsible for mitigating waterlogging stress is crucial. Ethylene-responsive factors (ERFs) are transcriptional regulators that respond to various biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. However, their roles and involvement in responding to waterlogging stress remain largely unexplored. Hence, this study aimed to elucidate the role of ERFs in enhancing banana plant resilience to waterlogging. Methods We hypothesized that introducing a group VII ERF transcription factor in Arabidopsis could enhance waterlogging stress tolerance. To test this hypothesis, we isolated MaERFVII3 from banana roots, where it exhibited a significant induction in response to waterlogging stress. The isolated MaERFVII3 was introduced into Arabidopsis plants for functional gene studies. Results Compared with wild-type plants, the MaERFVII3-expressing Arabidopsis showed increased survival and biomass under waterlogging stress. Furthermore, the abundance of transcripts related to waterlogging and hypoxia response showed an elevation in transgenic plants but a decrease in wild-type and empty vector plants when exposed to waterlogging stress. Our results demonstrate the significant contribution of MaERFVII3 to waterlogging tolerance in Arabidopsis, providing baseline data for further exploration and potentially contributing to crop improvement programs.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Ee Yang Teoh
creator: Chee How Teo
creator: Nadiya Akmal Baharum
creator: Boon Chin Tan
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17285
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Teoh et al.
abstract: Background Waterlogging poses a significant threat to plant growth and yield worldwide. Identifying the genes responsible for mitigating waterlogging stress is crucial. Ethylene-responsive factors (ERFs) are transcriptional regulators that respond to various biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. However, their roles and involvement in responding to waterlogging stress remain largely unexplored. Hence, this study aimed to elucidate the role of ERFs in enhancing banana plant resilience to waterlogging. Methods We hypothesized that introducing a group VII ERF transcription factor in Arabidopsis could enhance waterlogging stress tolerance. To test this hypothesis, we isolated MaERFVII3 from banana roots, where it exhibited a significant induction in response to waterlogging stress. The isolated MaERFVII3 was introduced into Arabidopsis plants for functional gene studies. Results Compared with wild-type plants, the MaERFVII3-expressing Arabidopsis showed increased survival and biomass under waterlogging stress. Furthermore, the abundance of transcripts related to waterlogging and hypoxia response showed an elevation in transgenic plants but a decrease in wild-type and empty vector plants when exposed to waterlogging stress. Our results demonstrate the significant contribution of MaERFVII3 to waterlogging tolerance in Arabidopsis, providing baseline data for further exploration and potentially contributing to crop improvement programs.
bibliographic citation: Teoh et al. (2024) Expressing banana transcription factor MaERFVII3 in Arabidopsis confers enhanced waterlogging tolerance and root growth. PeerJ 12:e17285 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17285
date submitted: 2024-01-19
date accepted: 2024-04-01
issued: 2024-04-30
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Teoh
  given name: Ee Yang
author list: Agent
  family name: Teo
  given name: Chee How
author list: Agent
  family name: Baharum
  given name: Nadiya Akmal
author list: Agent
  family name: Tan
  given name: Boon Chin
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17285
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-30
copyright: © 2024 Teoh et al.
attribution name: Teoh et al.

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