PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Self-reported side effects of COVID-19 vaccines among health professions students in India
items: Exogenous melatonin improves germination rate in buckwheat under high temperature stress by regulating seed physiological and biochemical characteristics
items: The comparative plastisphere microbial community profile at Kung Wiman beach unveils potential plastic-specific degrading microorganisms
items: The role of CXCL10 as a biomarker for immunological response among patients with leprosy: a systematic literature review
items: Selective concentration of iron, titanium, and zirconium substrate minerals within Gregory’s diverticulum, an organ unique to derived sand dollars (Echinoidea: Scutelliformes)
items: Carnivore coexistence without competition: giant otters are more nocturnal around dens than sympatric neotropical otters
items: Morphometric and taxonomic approach to describe Heterospio variabilis (Annelida, Longosomatidae), a new species with three size-dependent morphotypes, from the Gulf of California, Eastern Pacific
items: Atherosclerosis, gut microbiome, and exercise in a meta-omics perspective: a literature review
items: Analysis of twelve genomes of the bacterium Kerstersia gyiorum from brown-throated sloths (Bradypus variegatus), the first from a non-human host
items: Preparation and characterization of vitamin E/calcium/soy protein isolate nanoparticles for soybean milk beverage fortification

Self-reported side effects of COVID-19 vaccines among health professions students in India
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Studies focusing on the safety and common side effects of vaccines play a crucial role in enhancing public acceptance of vaccination. Research is scarce regarding the usage of COVID-19 vaccines and the side effects experienced by health professions students in India and other countries. This study aimed to document self-reported side effects associated with COVID-19 vaccination among medical and dental students of six medical and dental colleges and teaching hospitals in four states (Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and West Bengal) of India. A cross-sectional survey using purposive sampling of medical and dental students was conducted from 26 April to 26 May 2021. Data was collected using a Google Forms questionnaire capturing information regarding receiving COVID-19 vaccines, side effects and symptoms, onset and duration of symptoms, use of treatment to alleviate symptoms, awareness of haematologic risks associated with vaccination, and side effects from previous (non-COVID-19) vaccinations. The majority (94.5%) of participants received both doses of the Covishield/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Among participants (n = 492), 45.3% (n = 223) reported one or more side effects. The most frequently reported side effects were soreness of the injected arm (80.3%), tiredness (78.5%), fever (71.3%), headache (64.1%), and hypersomnia (58.7%). The two most common severe symptoms were fever (14.8%) and headache (13%). Most side effects appeared on the day of vaccination: soreness of the injection site (57%), fever (43.1%), and tiredness (42.6%). Most reported symptoms persisted for one to three days–soreness of the injection site (53%), fever (47.1%), and headache (42.6%). Logistic regression showed that women were almost 85% less likely to report side effects. The study’s findings corroborate the safety of the Covishield/AstraZeneca vaccine’s first dose, evidenced by the relatively minor and transient nature of the side effects. However, the study underscores the necessi…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Md Anwarul Azim Majumder
creator: Ambadasu Bharatha
creator: Santosh Kumar
creator: Madhuri Chatterjee
creator: Subir Gupta
creator: Heather Harewood
creator: Keerti Singh
creator: WMS Johnson
creator: Archana Rajasundaram
creator: Sudeshna Banerjee Dutta
creator: Sangishetti Vijay Prasad
creator: Sayeeda Rahman
creator: Russell Kabir
creator: Ali Davod Parsa
creator: Uma Gaur
creator: Ahbab Mohammad Fazle Rabbi
creator: Kandamaran Krishnamurthy
creator: Shegufta Mohammad
creator: Vikram Chode
creator: Mainul Haque
creator: Michael H. Campbell
subject: Infectious Diseases
subject: Public Health
subject: COVID-19
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17083
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Majumder et al.
abstract: Studies focusing on the safety and common side effects of vaccines play a crucial role in enhancing public acceptance of vaccination. Research is scarce regarding the usage of COVID-19 vaccines and the side effects experienced by health professions students in India and other countries. This study aimed to document self-reported side effects associated with COVID-19 vaccination among medical and dental students of six medical and dental colleges and teaching hospitals in four states (Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and West Bengal) of India. A cross-sectional survey using purposive sampling of medical and dental students was conducted from 26 April to 26 May 2021. Data was collected using a Google Forms questionnaire capturing information regarding receiving COVID-19 vaccines, side effects and symptoms, onset and duration of symptoms, use of treatment to alleviate symptoms, awareness of haematologic risks associated with vaccination, and side effects from previous (non-COVID-19) vaccinations. The majority (94.5%) of participants received both doses of the Covishield/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Among participants (n = 492), 45.3% (n = 223) reported one or more side effects. The most frequently reported side effects were soreness of the injected arm (80.3%), tiredness (78.5%), fever (71.3%), headache (64.1%), and hypersomnia (58.7%). The two most common severe symptoms were fever (14.8%) and headache (13%). Most side effects appeared on the day of vaccination: soreness of the injection site (57%), fever (43.1%), and tiredness (42.6%). Most reported symptoms persisted for one to three days–soreness of the injection site (53%), fever (47.1%), and headache (42.6%). Logistic regression showed that women were almost 85% less likely to report side effects. The study’s findings corroborate the safety of the Covishield/AstraZeneca vaccine’s first dose, evidenced by the relatively minor and transient nature of the side effects. However, the study underscores the necessi…
bibliographic citation: Majumder et al. (2024) Self-reported side effects of COVID-19 vaccines among health professions students in India. PeerJ 12:e17083 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17083
date submitted: 2023-09-28
date accepted: 2024-02-19
issued: 2024-04-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Majumder
  given name: Md Anwarul Azim
author list: Agent
  family name: Bharatha
  given name: Ambadasu
author list: Agent
  family name: Kumar
  given name: Santosh
author list: Agent
  family name: Chatterjee
  given name: Madhuri
author list: Agent
  family name: Gupta
  given name: Subir
author list: Agent
  family name: Harewood
  given name: Heather
author list: Agent
  family name: Singh
  given name: Keerti
author list: Agent
  family name: Johnson
  given name: WMS
author list: Agent
  family name: Rajasundaram
  given name: Archana
author list: Agent
  family name: Dutta
  given name: Sudeshna Banerjee
author list: Agent
  family name: Prasad
  given name: Sangishetti Vijay
author list: Agent
  family name: Rahman
  given name: Sayeeda
author list: Agent
  family name: Kabir
  given name: Russell
author list: Agent
  family name: Parsa
  given name: Ali Davod
author list: Agent
  family name: Gaur
  given name: Uma
author list: Agent
  family name: Rabbi
  given name: Ahbab Mohammad Fazle
author list: Agent
  family name: Krishnamurthy
  given name: Kandamaran
author list: Agent
  family name: Mohammad
  given name: Shegufta
author list: Agent
  family name: Chode
  given name: Vikram
author list: Agent
  family name: Haque
  given name: Mainul
author list: Agent
  family name: Campbell
  given name: Michael H.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17083
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-05
copyright: ©2024 Majumder et al.
attribution name: Majumder et al.

Exogenous melatonin improves germination rate in buckwheat under high temperature stress by regulating seed physiological and biochemical characteristics
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The germinations of three common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) varieties and two Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) varieties seeds are known to be affected by high temperature. However, little is known about the physiological mechanism affecting germination and the effect of melatonin (MT) on buckwheat seed germination under high temperature. This work studied the effects of exogenous MT on buckwheat seed germination under high temperature. MT was sprayed. The parameters, including growth, and physiological factors, were examined. The results showed that exogenous MT significantly increased the germination rate (GR), germination potential (GP), radicle length (RL), and fresh weight (FW) of these buckwheat seeds under high-temperature stress and enhanced the content of osmotic adjustment substances and enzyme activity. Comprehensive analysis revealed that under high-temperature stress during germination, antioxidant enzymes play a predominant role, while osmotic adjustment substances work synergistically to reduce the extent of damage to the membrane structure, serving as the primary key indicators for studying high-temperature resistance. Consequently, our results showed that MT had a positive protective effect on buckwheat seeds exposed to high temperature stress, providing a theoretical basis for improving the ability to adapt to high temperature environments.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Zemiao Tian
creator: Mengyu Zhao
creator: Junzhen Wang
creator: Qian Yang
creator: Yini Ma
creator: Xinlei Yang
creator: Luping Ma
creator: Yongzhi Qi
creator: Jinbo Li
creator: Muriel Quinet
creator: BaoSheng Shi
creator: Yu Meng
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17136
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Tian et al.
abstract: The germinations of three common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) varieties and two Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) varieties seeds are known to be affected by high temperature. However, little is known about the physiological mechanism affecting germination and the effect of melatonin (MT) on buckwheat seed germination under high temperature. This work studied the effects of exogenous MT on buckwheat seed germination under high temperature. MT was sprayed. The parameters, including growth, and physiological factors, were examined. The results showed that exogenous MT significantly increased the germination rate (GR), germination potential (GP), radicle length (RL), and fresh weight (FW) of these buckwheat seeds under high-temperature stress and enhanced the content of osmotic adjustment substances and enzyme activity. Comprehensive analysis revealed that under high-temperature stress during germination, antioxidant enzymes play a predominant role, while osmotic adjustment substances work synergistically to reduce the extent of damage to the membrane structure, serving as the primary key indicators for studying high-temperature resistance. Consequently, our results showed that MT had a positive protective effect on buckwheat seeds exposed to high temperature stress, providing a theoretical basis for improving the ability to adapt to high temperature environments.
bibliographic citation: Tian et al. (2024) Exogenous melatonin improves germination rate in buckwheat under high temperature stress by regulating seed physiological and biochemical characteristics. PeerJ 12:e17136 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17136
date submitted: 2023-11-10
date accepted: 2024-02-28
issued: 2024-04-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Tian
  given name: Zemiao
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhao
  given name: Mengyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Junzhen
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Qian
author list: Agent
  family name: Ma
  given name: Yini
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Xinlei
author list: Agent
  family name: Ma
  given name: Luping
author list: Agent
  family name: Qi
  given name: Yongzhi
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Jinbo
author list: Agent
  family name: Quinet
  given name: Muriel
author list: Agent
  family name: Shi
  given name: BaoSheng
author list: Agent
  family name: Meng
  given name: Yu
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17136
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-05
copyright: ©2024 Tian et al.
attribution name: Tian et al.

The comparative plastisphere microbial community profile at Kung Wiman beach unveils potential plastic-specific degrading microorganisms
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Plastic waste is a global environmental issue that impacts the well-being of humans, animals, plants, and microorganisms. Microplastic contamination has been previously reported at Kung Wiman Beach, located in Chanthaburi province along with the Eastern Gulf of Thailand. Our research aimed to study the microbial population of the sand and plastisphere and isolate microorganisms with potential plastic degradation activity. Methods Plastic and sand samples were collected from Kung Wiman Beach for microbial isolation on agar plates. The plastic samples were identified by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Plastic degradation properties were evaluated by observing the halo zone on mineral salts medium (MSM) supplemented with emulsified plastics, including polystyrene (PS), polylactic acid (PLA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and bis (2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET). Bacteria and fungi were identified by analyzing nucleotide sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, respectively. 16S and ITS microbiomes analysis was conducted on the total DNA extracted from each sample to assess the microbial communities. Results Of 16 plastic samples, five were identified as polypropylene (PP), four as polystyrene (PS), four as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), two as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and one sample remained unidentified. Only 27 bacterial and 38 fungal isolates were found to have the ability to degrade PLA or BHET on MSM agar. However, none showed degradation capabilities for PS or PVC on MSM agar. Notably, Planococcus sp. PP5 showed the highest hydrolysis capacity of 1.64 ± 0.12. The 16S rRNA analysis revealed 13 bacterial genera, with seven showing plastic degradation abilities: Salipiger, Planococcus, Psychrobacter, Shewanella, Jonesia, Bacillus, and Kocuria. This study reports, for the first time of the BHET-degrading properties of the genera Planococcus and Jonesia. Additionally, The ITS analysis identified …
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Nutsuda Chaimusik
creator: Natthaphong Sombuttra
creator: Yeampon Nakaramontri
creator: Penjai Sompongchaiyakul
creator: Chawalit Charoenpong
creator: Bungonsiri Intra
creator: Jirayut Euanorasetr
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Ecology
subject: Microbiology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17165
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Chaimusik et al.
abstract: Background Plastic waste is a global environmental issue that impacts the well-being of humans, animals, plants, and microorganisms. Microplastic contamination has been previously reported at Kung Wiman Beach, located in Chanthaburi province along with the Eastern Gulf of Thailand. Our research aimed to study the microbial population of the sand and plastisphere and isolate microorganisms with potential plastic degradation activity. Methods Plastic and sand samples were collected from Kung Wiman Beach for microbial isolation on agar plates. The plastic samples were identified by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Plastic degradation properties were evaluated by observing the halo zone on mineral salts medium (MSM) supplemented with emulsified plastics, including polystyrene (PS), polylactic acid (PLA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and bis (2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET). Bacteria and fungi were identified by analyzing nucleotide sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, respectively. 16S and ITS microbiomes analysis was conducted on the total DNA extracted from each sample to assess the microbial communities. Results Of 16 plastic samples, five were identified as polypropylene (PP), four as polystyrene (PS), four as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), two as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and one sample remained unidentified. Only 27 bacterial and 38 fungal isolates were found to have the ability to degrade PLA or BHET on MSM agar. However, none showed degradation capabilities for PS or PVC on MSM agar. Notably, Planococcus sp. PP5 showed the highest hydrolysis capacity of 1.64 ± 0.12. The 16S rRNA analysis revealed 13 bacterial genera, with seven showing plastic degradation abilities: Salipiger, Planococcus, Psychrobacter, Shewanella, Jonesia, Bacillus, and Kocuria. This study reports, for the first time of the BHET-degrading properties of the genera Planococcus and Jonesia. Additionally, The ITS analysis identified …
bibliographic citation: Chaimusik et al. (2024) The comparative plastisphere microbial community profile at Kung Wiman beach unveils potential plastic-specific degrading microorganisms. PeerJ 12:e17165 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17165
date submitted: 2023-08-02
date accepted: 2024-03-06
issued: 2024-04-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Chaimusik
  given name: Nutsuda
author list: Agent
  family name: Sombuttra
  given name: Natthaphong
author list: Agent
  family name: Nakaramontri
  given name: Yeampon
author list: Agent
  family name: Sompongchaiyakul
  given name: Penjai
author list: Agent
  family name: Charoenpong
  given name: Chawalit
author list: Agent
  family name: Intra
  given name: Bungonsiri
author list: Agent
  family name: Euanorasetr
  given name: Jirayut
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17165
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-05
copyright: © 2024 Chaimusik et al.
attribution name: Chaimusik et al.

The role of CXCL10 as a biomarker for immunological response among patients with leprosy: a systematic literature review
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Introduction Involvement of a chemokine known as C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 or CXCL10 in the immunopathology of leprosy has emerged as a possible immunological marker for leprosy diagnosis and needed to be investigate further. The purpose of this systematic review is to assess CXCL10’s potential utility as a leprosy diagnostic tool and evaluation of therapy. Methods This systematic review is based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020. A thorough search was carried out to find relevant studies only in English and limited in humans published up until September 2023 using PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Wiley Online Library database with keywords based on medical subject headings (MeSH) and no exclusion criteria. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was utilized for quality assessment, while the Risk of Bias Assessment tool for Non-randomized Studies (RoBANS) was utilized for assessing the risk of bias. Additionally, a narrative synthesis was conducted to provide a comprehensive review of the results. Results We collected a total of 115 studies using defined keywords and 82 studies were eliminated after titles and abstracts were screened. We assessed the eligibility of the remaining 26 reports in full text and excluded four studies due to inappropriate study design and two studies with incomplete outcome data. There were twenty included studies in total with total of 2.525 samples. The included studies received NOS quality evaluation scores ranging from 6 to 8. The majority of items in the risk bias assessment, using RoBANS, across all included studies yielded low scores. However, certain items related to the selection of participants and confounding variables showed variations. Most of studies indicate that CXCL10 may be a helpful immunological marker for leprosy diagnosis, particularly in leprosy reactions as stated in seven studies. The results are better when paired with other immunological markers. Its effectiven…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Flora Ramona Sigit Prakoeswa
creator: Nabila Haningtyas
creator: Listiana Masyita Dewi
creator: Ellen Josephine Handoko
creator: Moch. Tabriz Azenta
creator: Muhana Fawwazy Ilyas
subject: Microbiology
subject: Allergy and Clinical Immunology
subject: Dermatology
subject: Immunology
subject: Infectious Diseases
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17170
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Prakoeswa et al.
abstract: Introduction Involvement of a chemokine known as C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 or CXCL10 in the immunopathology of leprosy has emerged as a possible immunological marker for leprosy diagnosis and needed to be investigate further. The purpose of this systematic review is to assess CXCL10’s potential utility as a leprosy diagnostic tool and evaluation of therapy. Methods This systematic review is based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020. A thorough search was carried out to find relevant studies only in English and limited in humans published up until September 2023 using PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Wiley Online Library database with keywords based on medical subject headings (MeSH) and no exclusion criteria. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was utilized for quality assessment, while the Risk of Bias Assessment tool for Non-randomized Studies (RoBANS) was utilized for assessing the risk of bias. Additionally, a narrative synthesis was conducted to provide a comprehensive review of the results. Results We collected a total of 115 studies using defined keywords and 82 studies were eliminated after titles and abstracts were screened. We assessed the eligibility of the remaining 26 reports in full text and excluded four studies due to inappropriate study design and two studies with incomplete outcome data. There were twenty included studies in total with total of 2.525 samples. The included studies received NOS quality evaluation scores ranging from 6 to 8. The majority of items in the risk bias assessment, using RoBANS, across all included studies yielded low scores. However, certain items related to the selection of participants and confounding variables showed variations. Most of studies indicate that CXCL10 may be a helpful immunological marker for leprosy diagnosis, particularly in leprosy reactions as stated in seven studies. The results are better when paired with other immunological markers. Its effectiven…
bibliographic citation: Prakoeswa et al. (2024) The role of CXCL10 as a biomarker for immunological response among patients with leprosy: a systematic literature review. PeerJ 12:e17170 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17170
date submitted: 2023-12-29
date accepted: 2024-03-07
issued: 2024-04-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Prakoeswa
  given name: Flora Ramona Sigit
author list: Agent
  family name: Haningtyas
  given name: Nabila
author list: Agent
  family name: Dewi
  given name: Listiana Masyita
author list: Agent
  family name: Handoko
  given name: Ellen Josephine
author list: Agent
  family name: Azenta
  given name: Moch. Tabriz
author list: Agent
  family name: Ilyas
  given name: Muhana Fawwazy
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17170
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-05
copyright: © 2024 Prakoeswa et al.
attribution name: Prakoeswa et al.

Selective concentration of iron, titanium, and zirconium substrate minerals within Gregory’s diverticulum, an organ unique to derived sand dollars (Echinoidea: Scutelliformes)
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Gregory’s diverticulum, a digestive tract structure unique to a derived group of sand dollars (Echinoidea: Scutelliformes), is filled with sand grains obtained from the substrate the animals inhabit. The simple methods of shining a bright light through a specimen or testing response to a magnet can reveal the presence of a mineral-filled diverticulum. Heavy minerals with a specific gravity of >2.9 g/cm3 are selectively concentrated inside the organ, usually at concentrations one order of magnitude, or more, greater than found in the substrate. Analyses of diverticulum content for thirteen species from nine genera, using optical mineralogy, powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, as well as micro-computed tomography shows the preference for selection of five major heavy minerals: magnetite (Fe3O4), hematite (Fe2O3), ilmenite (FeTiO3), rutile (TiO2), and zircon (ZrSiO4). Minor amounts of heavy or marginally heavy amphibole, pyroxene and garnet mineral grains may also be incorporated. In general, the animals exhibit a preference for mineral grains with a specific gravity of >4.0 g/cm3, although the choice is opportunistic and the actual mix of mineral species depends on the mineral composition of the substrate. The animals also select for grain size, with mineral grains generally in the range of 50 to 150 μm, and do not appear to alter this preference during ontogeny. A comparison of analytical methods demonstrates that X-ray attenuation measured using micro-computed tomography is a reliable non-destructive method for heavy mineral quantification when supported by associated analyses of mineral grains extracted destructively from specimens or from substrate collected together with the specimens. Commonalities in the electro-chemical surface properties of the ingested minerals suggest that such characteristics play an important role in the selection process.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Louis G. Zachos
creator: Alexander Ziegler
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Marine Biology
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17178
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Zachos and Ziegler
abstract: Gregory’s diverticulum, a digestive tract structure unique to a derived group of sand dollars (Echinoidea: Scutelliformes), is filled with sand grains obtained from the substrate the animals inhabit. The simple methods of shining a bright light through a specimen or testing response to a magnet can reveal the presence of a mineral-filled diverticulum. Heavy minerals with a specific gravity of >2.9 g/cm3 are selectively concentrated inside the organ, usually at concentrations one order of magnitude, or more, greater than found in the substrate. Analyses of diverticulum content for thirteen species from nine genera, using optical mineralogy, powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, as well as micro-computed tomography shows the preference for selection of five major heavy minerals: magnetite (Fe3O4), hematite (Fe2O3), ilmenite (FeTiO3), rutile (TiO2), and zircon (ZrSiO4). Minor amounts of heavy or marginally heavy amphibole, pyroxene and garnet mineral grains may also be incorporated. In general, the animals exhibit a preference for mineral grains with a specific gravity of >4.0 g/cm3, although the choice is opportunistic and the actual mix of mineral species depends on the mineral composition of the substrate. The animals also select for grain size, with mineral grains generally in the range of 50 to 150 μm, and do not appear to alter this preference during ontogeny. A comparison of analytical methods demonstrates that X-ray attenuation measured using micro-computed tomography is a reliable non-destructive method for heavy mineral quantification when supported by associated analyses of mineral grains extracted destructively from specimens or from substrate collected together with the specimens. Commonalities in the electro-chemical surface properties of the ingested minerals suggest that such characteristics play an important role in the selection process.
bibliographic citation: Zachos et al. (2024) Selective concentration of iron, titanium, and zirconium substrate minerals within Gregory’s diverticulum, an organ unique to derived sand dollars (Echinoidea: Scutelliformes). PeerJ 12:e17178 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17178
date submitted: 2023-10-20
date accepted: 2024-03-08
issued: 2024-04-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zachos
  given name: Louis G.
author list: Agent
  family name: Ziegler
  given name: Alexander
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17178
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-05
copyright: © 2024 Zachos and Ziegler
attribution name: Zachos and Ziegler

Carnivore coexistence without competition: giant otters are more nocturnal around dens than sympatric neotropical otters
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Nocturnal activity of tropical otters is rarely reported. To date no studies have documented den use by sympatric giant (Pteronura brasiliensis) and neotropical otters (Lontra longicaudis). We used camera-traps to monitor den use by sympatric otters along an equatorial Amazonian river. Camera-traps provided evidence that giant otters were more nocturnal around dens than sympatric neotropical otters. Nocturnal activity was recorded in 11% of giant otter photos (n = 14 of 125 photos), but was recorded only once for neotropical otters. Den use by giant and neotropical otters overlapped spatially and temporally but not concurrently. We hypothesize that previously reported nocturnal activity in neotropical otters is facilitated by the absence or low density of giant otters. Our results also underscore the need to use complementary techniques together with den counts for monitoring otters as sympatric species can use the same dens.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Darren Norris
creator: Fernanda Michalski
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Conservation Biology
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17244
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Norris and Michalski
abstract: Nocturnal activity of tropical otters is rarely reported. To date no studies have documented den use by sympatric giant (Pteronura brasiliensis) and neotropical otters (Lontra longicaudis). We used camera-traps to monitor den use by sympatric otters along an equatorial Amazonian river. Camera-traps provided evidence that giant otters were more nocturnal around dens than sympatric neotropical otters. Nocturnal activity was recorded in 11% of giant otter photos (n = 14 of 125 photos), but was recorded only once for neotropical otters. Den use by giant and neotropical otters overlapped spatially and temporally but not concurrently. We hypothesize that previously reported nocturnal activity in neotropical otters is facilitated by the absence or low density of giant otters. Our results also underscore the need to use complementary techniques together with den counts for monitoring otters as sympatric species can use the same dens.
bibliographic citation: Norris et al. (2024) Carnivore coexistence without competition: giant otters are more nocturnal around dens than sympatric neotropical otters. PeerJ 12:e17244 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17244
date submitted: 2023-10-09
date accepted: 2024-03-25
issued: 2024-04-05
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Norris
  given name: Darren
author list: Agent
  family name: Michalski
  given name: Fernanda
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17244
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-05
copyright: © 2024 Norris and Michalski
attribution name: Norris and Michalski

Morphometric and taxonomic approach to describe Heterospio variabilis (Annelida, Longosomatidae), a new species with three size-dependent morphotypes, from the Gulf of California, Eastern Pacific
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The Longosomatidae, a poorly known polychaete family, includes only 23 recognized species; in this study, based on morphometric and taxonomic analyses, we describe a new species with three morphotypes: Heterospio variabilis from the Gulf of California, Mexico. The specimens examined exhibit large morphological variations but were clearly separated from close species due to a unique combination of morphological characters: chaetiger 9 as the first elongated chaetiger, four to eight branchial pairs; chaetae from chaetiger 10 forming rings in two rows, posterior row with thin and robust capillaries, anterior row with subuluncini, aristate spines, acicular spines and thick acicular spines. With the discriminant analysis, carried out on 11 morphometric characters, the presence of three morphological groups were recognized (Wilks’ lambda= 0.093, p = 0.0001). However, the variables selected to discriminate the specimens (partial Wilks’ lambda > 0.57) were correlated to their size: number of branchiae, body width, prostomium width, rate length CH9/CH1-CH8, length CH1-CH8 and length CH9 (r > 0.5). So, we concluded that they belong to a single species with three morphotypes: morpho A with eight branchial pairs, morpho B with 5–6–7 pairs and morpho C with 4 pairs. No correlations between the distribution of the distinct morphotypes along the eastern gulf shelf and the environmental conditions where they settle were detected.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Pablo Hernández-Alcántara
creator: Vivianne Solis-Weiss
subject: Marine Biology
subject: Taxonomy
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17093
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Hernández-Alcántara and Solis-Weiss
abstract: The Longosomatidae, a poorly known polychaete family, includes only 23 recognized species; in this study, based on morphometric and taxonomic analyses, we describe a new species with three morphotypes: Heterospio variabilis from the Gulf of California, Mexico. The specimens examined exhibit large morphological variations but were clearly separated from close species due to a unique combination of morphological characters: chaetiger 9 as the first elongated chaetiger, four to eight branchial pairs; chaetae from chaetiger 10 forming rings in two rows, posterior row with thin and robust capillaries, anterior row with subuluncini, aristate spines, acicular spines and thick acicular spines. With the discriminant analysis, carried out on 11 morphometric characters, the presence of three morphological groups were recognized (Wilks’ lambda= 0.093, p = 0.0001). However, the variables selected to discriminate the specimens (partial Wilks’ lambda > 0.57) were correlated to their size: number of branchiae, body width, prostomium width, rate length CH9/CH1-CH8, length CH1-CH8 and length CH9 (r > 0.5). So, we concluded that they belong to a single species with three morphotypes: morpho A with eight branchial pairs, morpho B with 5–6–7 pairs and morpho C with 4 pairs. No correlations between the distribution of the distinct morphotypes along the eastern gulf shelf and the environmental conditions where they settle were detected.
bibliographic citation: Hernández-Alcántara et al. (2024) Morphometric and taxonomic approach to describe Heterospio variabilis (Annelida, Longosomatidae), a new species with three size-dependent morphotypes, from the Gulf of California, Eastern Pacific. PeerJ 12:e17093 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17093
date submitted: 2023-10-30
date accepted: 2024-02-20
issued: 2024-04-04
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Hernández-Alcántara
  given name: Pablo
author list: Agent
  family name: Solis-Weiss
  given name: Vivianne
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17093
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-04
copyright: ©2024 Hernández-Alcántara and Solis-Weiss
attribution name: Hernández-Alcántara and Solis-Weiss

Atherosclerosis, gut microbiome, and exercise in a meta-omics perspective: a literature review
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, significantly impacting public health. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases account for the majority of these deaths, with atherosclerosis marking the initial and most critical phase of their pathophysiological progression. There is a complex relationship between atherosclerosis, the gut microbiome’s composition and function, and the potential mediating role of exercise. The adaptability of the gut microbiome and the feasibility of exercise interventions present novel opportunities for therapeutic and preventative approaches. Methodology We conducted a comprehensive literature review using professional databases such as PubMed and Web of Science. This review focuses on the application of meta-omics techniques, particularly metagenomics and metabolomics, in studying the effects of exercise interventions on the gut microbiome and atherosclerosis. Results Meta-omics technologies offer unparalleled capabilities to explore the intricate connections between exercise, the microbiome, the metabolome, and cardiometabolic health. This review highlights the advancements in metagenomics and metabolomics, their applications in research, and examines how exercise influences the gut microbiome. We delve into the mechanisms connecting these elements from a metabolic perspective. Metagenomics provides insight into changes in microbial strains post-exercise, while metabolomics sheds light on the shifts in metabolites. Together, these approaches offer a comprehensive understanding of how exercise impacts atherosclerosis through specific mechanisms. Conclusions Exercise significantly influences atherosclerosis, with the gut microbiome serving as a critical intermediary. Meta-omics technology holds substantial promise for investigating the gut microbiome; however, its methodologies require further refinement. Additionally, there is a pressing need for more extensive cohort studies to enhance our comprehensio…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Haotian Tang
creator: Yanqing Huang
creator: Didi Yuan
creator: Junwen Liu
subject: Microbiology
subject: Cardiology
subject: Metabolic Sciences
subject: Sports Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17185
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Tang et al.
abstract: Background Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, significantly impacting public health. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases account for the majority of these deaths, with atherosclerosis marking the initial and most critical phase of their pathophysiological progression. There is a complex relationship between atherosclerosis, the gut microbiome’s composition and function, and the potential mediating role of exercise. The adaptability of the gut microbiome and the feasibility of exercise interventions present novel opportunities for therapeutic and preventative approaches. Methodology We conducted a comprehensive literature review using professional databases such as PubMed and Web of Science. This review focuses on the application of meta-omics techniques, particularly metagenomics and metabolomics, in studying the effects of exercise interventions on the gut microbiome and atherosclerosis. Results Meta-omics technologies offer unparalleled capabilities to explore the intricate connections between exercise, the microbiome, the metabolome, and cardiometabolic health. This review highlights the advancements in metagenomics and metabolomics, their applications in research, and examines how exercise influences the gut microbiome. We delve into the mechanisms connecting these elements from a metabolic perspective. Metagenomics provides insight into changes in microbial strains post-exercise, while metabolomics sheds light on the shifts in metabolites. Together, these approaches offer a comprehensive understanding of how exercise impacts atherosclerosis through specific mechanisms. Conclusions Exercise significantly influences atherosclerosis, with the gut microbiome serving as a critical intermediary. Meta-omics technology holds substantial promise for investigating the gut microbiome; however, its methodologies require further refinement. Additionally, there is a pressing need for more extensive cohort studies to enhance our comprehensio…
bibliographic citation: Tang et al. (2024) Atherosclerosis, gut microbiome, and exercise in a meta-omics perspective: a literature review. PeerJ 12:e17185 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17185
date submitted: 2023-12-14
date accepted: 2024-03-11
issued: 2024-04-04
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Tang
  given name: Haotian
author list: Agent
  family name: Huang
  given name: Yanqing
author list: Agent
  family name: Yuan
  given name: Didi
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Junwen
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17185
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-04
copyright: © 2024 Tang et al.
attribution name: Tang et al.

Analysis of twelve genomes of the bacterium Kerstersia gyiorum from brown-throated sloths (Bradypus variegatus), the first from a non-human host
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Kerstersia gyiorum is a Gram-negative bacterium found in various animals, including humans, where it has been associated with various infections. Knowledge of the basic biology of K. gyiorum is essential to understand the evolutionary strategies of niche adaptation and how this organism contributes to infectious diseases; however, genomic data about K. gyiorum is very limited, especially from non-human hosts. In this work, we sequenced 12 K. gyiorum genomes isolated from healthy free-living brown-throated sloths (Bradypus variegatus) in the Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga (São Paulo, Brazil), and compared them with genomes from isolates of human origin, in order to gain insights into genomic diversity, phylogeny, and host specialization of this species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these K. gyiorum strains are structured according to host. Despite the fact that sloth isolates were sampled from a single geographic location, the intra-sloth K. gyiorum diversity was divided into three clusters, with differences of more than 1,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms between them, suggesting the circulation of various K. gyiorum lineages in sloths. Genes involved in mobilome and defense mechanisms against mobile genetic elements were the main source of gene content variation between isolates from different hosts. Sloth-specific K. gyiorum genome features include an IncN2 plasmid, a phage sequence, and a CRISPR-Cas system. The broad diversity of defense elements in K. gyiorum (14 systems) may prevent further mobile element flow and explain the low amount of mobile genetic elements in K. gyiorum genomes. Gene content variation may be important for the adaptation of K. gyiorum to different host niches. This study furthers our understanding of diversity, host adaptation, and evolution of K. gyiorum, by presenting and analyzing the first genomes of non-human isolates.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Dennis Carhuaricra-Huaman
creator: Irys H.L. Gonzalez
creator: Patricia L. Ramos
creator: Aline M. da Silva
creator: Joao C. Setubal
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Genomics
subject: Microbiology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17206
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Carhuaricra-Huaman et al.
abstract: Kerstersia gyiorum is a Gram-negative bacterium found in various animals, including humans, where it has been associated with various infections. Knowledge of the basic biology of K. gyiorum is essential to understand the evolutionary strategies of niche adaptation and how this organism contributes to infectious diseases; however, genomic data about K. gyiorum is very limited, especially from non-human hosts. In this work, we sequenced 12 K. gyiorum genomes isolated from healthy free-living brown-throated sloths (Bradypus variegatus) in the Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga (São Paulo, Brazil), and compared them with genomes from isolates of human origin, in order to gain insights into genomic diversity, phylogeny, and host specialization of this species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these K. gyiorum strains are structured according to host. Despite the fact that sloth isolates were sampled from a single geographic location, the intra-sloth K. gyiorum diversity was divided into three clusters, with differences of more than 1,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms between them, suggesting the circulation of various K. gyiorum lineages in sloths. Genes involved in mobilome and defense mechanisms against mobile genetic elements were the main source of gene content variation between isolates from different hosts. Sloth-specific K. gyiorum genome features include an IncN2 plasmid, a phage sequence, and a CRISPR-Cas system. The broad diversity of defense elements in K. gyiorum (14 systems) may prevent further mobile element flow and explain the low amount of mobile genetic elements in K. gyiorum genomes. Gene content variation may be important for the adaptation of K. gyiorum to different host niches. This study furthers our understanding of diversity, host adaptation, and evolution of K. gyiorum, by presenting and analyzing the first genomes of non-human isolates.
bibliographic citation: Carhuaricra-Huaman et al. (2024) Analysis of twelve genomes of the bacterium Kerstersia gyiorum from brown-throated sloths (Bradypus variegatus), the first from a non-human host. PeerJ 12:e17206 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17206
date submitted: 2024-01-03
date accepted: 2024-03-18
issued: 2024-04-04
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Carhuaricra-Huaman
  given name: Dennis
author list: Agent
  family name: Gonzalez
  given name: Irys H.L.
author list: Agent
  family name: Ramos
  given name: Patricia L.
author list: Agent
  family name: da Silva
  given name: Aline M.
author list: Agent
  family name: Setubal
  given name: Joao C.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17206
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-04
copyright: ©2024 Carhuaricra-Huaman et al.
attribution name: Carhuaricra-Huaman et al.

Preparation and characterization of vitamin E/calcium/soy protein isolate nanoparticles for soybean milk beverage fortification
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Soybean milk is a rich plant-based source of protein, and phenolic compounds. This study compared the nutritional value of soybean milk, flour, soy protein isolate (SPI) and evaluated the impact of prepared vitamin E/calcium salt/soy protein isolate nanoparticles (ECSPI-NPs) on fortification of developed soybean milk formulations. Results indicated that soybean flour protein content was 40.50 g/100 g, that fulfills 81% of the daily requirement (DV%), the unsaturated fatty acids (USFs), oleic and linoleic content was 21.98 and 56.7%, respectively, of total fatty acids content. In soybean milk, essential amino acids, threonine, leucine, lysine achieved 92.70, 90.81, 77.42% of amino acid scores (AAS) requirement values respectively. Ferulic acid was the main phenolic compound in soybean flour, milk and SPI (508.74, 13.28, 491.78 µg/g). Due to the moisture content of soybean milk (88.50%) against (7.10%) in soybean flour, the latest showed higher nutrients concentrations. The prepared calcium (20 mM/10 g SPI) and vitamin E (100 mg/g SPI) nanoparticles (ECSPI-NPs) exhibited that they were effectively synthesized under transmission electron microscope (TEM), stability in the zeta sizer analysis and safety up to IC50 value (202 ug/mL) on vero cell line. ECSPI-NPs fortification (NECM) enhanced significantly phenolic content (149.49 mg/mL), taste (6.10), texture (6.70) and consumer overall acceptance (6.54). Obtained results encourage the application of the prepared ECSPI-NPs for further functional foods applications.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Heba A. I. M. Taha
creator: Neveen F. M. Agamy
creator: Tarek N. Soliman
creator: Nashwa M. Younes
creator: Hesham Ali El-Enshasy
creator: Amira M. G. Darwish
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Food Science and Technology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17007
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Taha et al.
abstract: Soybean milk is a rich plant-based source of protein, and phenolic compounds. This study compared the nutritional value of soybean milk, flour, soy protein isolate (SPI) and evaluated the impact of prepared vitamin E/calcium salt/soy protein isolate nanoparticles (ECSPI-NPs) on fortification of developed soybean milk formulations. Results indicated that soybean flour protein content was 40.50 g/100 g, that fulfills 81% of the daily requirement (DV%), the unsaturated fatty acids (USFs), oleic and linoleic content was 21.98 and 56.7%, respectively, of total fatty acids content. In soybean milk, essential amino acids, threonine, leucine, lysine achieved 92.70, 90.81, 77.42% of amino acid scores (AAS) requirement values respectively. Ferulic acid was the main phenolic compound in soybean flour, milk and SPI (508.74, 13.28, 491.78 µg/g). Due to the moisture content of soybean milk (88.50%) against (7.10%) in soybean flour, the latest showed higher nutrients concentrations. The prepared calcium (20 mM/10 g SPI) and vitamin E (100 mg/g SPI) nanoparticles (ECSPI-NPs) exhibited that they were effectively synthesized under transmission electron microscope (TEM), stability in the zeta sizer analysis and safety up to IC50 value (202 ug/mL) on vero cell line. ECSPI-NPs fortification (NECM) enhanced significantly phenolic content (149.49 mg/mL), taste (6.10), texture (6.70) and consumer overall acceptance (6.54). Obtained results encourage the application of the prepared ECSPI-NPs for further functional foods applications.
bibliographic citation: Taha et al. (2024) Preparation and characterization of vitamin E/calcium/soy protein isolate nanoparticles for soybean milk beverage fortification. PeerJ 12:e17007 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17007
date submitted: 2023-10-12
date accepted: 2024-02-05
issued: 2024-04-03
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Taha
  given name: Heba A. I. M.
author list: Agent
  family name: Agamy
  given name: Neveen F. M.
author list: Agent
  family name: Soliman
  given name: Tarek N.
author list: Agent
  family name: Younes
  given name: Nashwa M.
author list: Agent
  family name: El-Enshasy
  given name: Hesham Ali
author list: Agent
  family name: Darwish
  given name: Amira M. G.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17007
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-03
copyright: © 2024 Taha et al.
attribution name: Taha et al.

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