PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Discovery of diverse Pectocaris species at the Cambrian series 2 Hongjingshao formation Xiazhuang section (Kunming, SW China) and its ecological, taphonomic, and biostratigraphic implications
items: Comparative analysis of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) corn and rice strains microbiota revealed minor changes across life cycle and strain endosymbiont association
items: Freshwater trematodes differ from marine trematodes in patterns connected with division of labor
items: Efficacy of propolis extract and eye drop solutions to suppress encystation and excystation of Acanthamoeba triangularis WU19001-T4 genotype
items: Unravelling the maternal evolutionary history of the African leopard (Panthera pardus pardus)
items: Assessing the quality and reliability of YouTube videos as a source of information on inflammatory back pain
items: Vertical farming for lettuce production in limited space: a case study in Northern Thailand
items: Advancement in the development of single chain antibodies using phage display technology
items: Association of healthy lifestyle score with control of hypertension among treated and untreated hypertensive patients: a large cross-sectional study
items: Representation of investigation results of microplastics on sandy beaches—accumulation rate and abundance in the entire study site

Discovery of diverse Pectocaris species at the Cambrian series 2 Hongjingshao formation Xiazhuang section (Kunming, SW China) and its ecological, taphonomic, and biostratigraphic implications
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Pectocaris species are intermediate- to large-sized Cambrian bivalved arthropods. Previous studies have documented Pectocaris exclusively from the Cambrian Series 2 Stage 3 Chengjiang biota in Yu’anshan Formation, Chiungchussu Stage in SW China. In this study, we report Pectocaris paraspatiosa sp. nov., and three other previously known Pectocaris from the Xiazhuang section in Kunming, which belongs to the Hongjingshao Formation and is a later phase within Cambrian Stage 3 than the Yu’anshan Formation. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by the sparsely arranged endopodal endites and the morphologies of the abdomen, telson, and telson processes. We interpret P. paraspatiosa sp. nov. as a filter-feeder and a powerful swimmer adapted to shallow, agitated environments. Comparison among the Pectocaris species reinforces previous views that niche differentiation had been established among the congeneric species based on morphological differentiation. Our study shows the comprehensive occurrences of Pectocaris species outside the Chengjiang biota for the first time. With a review of the shared fossil taxa of Chengjiang and Xiaoshiba biotas, we identify a strong biological connection between the Yu’anshan and Hongjingshao Formations.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Changfei Jin
creator: Hong Chen
creator: Huijuan Mai
creator: Xianguang Hou
creator: Xianfeng Yang
creator: Dayou Zhai
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Paleontology
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17230
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Jin et al.
abstract: Pectocaris species are intermediate- to large-sized Cambrian bivalved arthropods. Previous studies have documented Pectocaris exclusively from the Cambrian Series 2 Stage 3 Chengjiang biota in Yu’anshan Formation, Chiungchussu Stage in SW China. In this study, we report Pectocaris paraspatiosa sp. nov., and three other previously known Pectocaris from the Xiazhuang section in Kunming, which belongs to the Hongjingshao Formation and is a later phase within Cambrian Stage 3 than the Yu’anshan Formation. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by the sparsely arranged endopodal endites and the morphologies of the abdomen, telson, and telson processes. We interpret P. paraspatiosa sp. nov. as a filter-feeder and a powerful swimmer adapted to shallow, agitated environments. Comparison among the Pectocaris species reinforces previous views that niche differentiation had been established among the congeneric species based on morphological differentiation. Our study shows the comprehensive occurrences of Pectocaris species outside the Chengjiang biota for the first time. With a review of the shared fossil taxa of Chengjiang and Xiaoshiba biotas, we identify a strong biological connection between the Yu’anshan and Hongjingshao Formations.
bibliographic citation: Jin et al. (2024) Discovery of diverse Pectocaris species at the Cambrian series 2 Hongjingshao formation Xiazhuang section (Kunming, SW China) and its ecological, taphonomic, and biostratigraphic implications. PeerJ 12:e17230 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17230
date submitted: 2023-11-29
date accepted: 2024-03-21
issued: 2024-04-15
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Jin
  given name: Changfei
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Hong
author list: Agent
  family name: Mai
  given name: Huijuan
author list: Agent
  family name: Hou
  given name: Xianguang
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Xianfeng
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhai
  given name: Dayou
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17230
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-15
copyright: © 2024 Jin et al.
attribution name: Jin et al.

Comparative analysis of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) corn and rice strains microbiota revealed minor changes across life cycle and strain endosymbiont association
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Spodoptera frugiperda (FAW) is a pest that poses a significant threat to corn production worldwide, causing millions of dollars in losses. The species has evolved into two strains (corn and rice) that differ in their genetics, reproductive isolation, and resistance to insecticides and Bacillus thuringiensis endotoxins. The microbiota plays an important role in insects’ physiology, nutrient acquisition, and response to chemical and biological controls. Several studies have been carried out on FAW microbiota from larvae guts using laboratory or field samples and a couple of studies have analyzed the corn strain microbiota across its life cycle. This investigation reveals the first comparison between corn strain (CS) and rice strain (RS) of FAW during different developmental insect stages and, more importantly, endosymbiont detection in both strains, highlighting the importance of studying both FAW populations and samples from different stages. Methods The composition of microbiota during the life cycle of the FAW corn and rice strains was analyzed through high-throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene using the MiSeq system. Additionally, culture-dependent techniques were used to isolate gut bacteria and the Transcribed Internal Spacer-ITS, 16S rRNA, and gyrB genes were examined to enhance bacterial identification. Results Richness, diversity, and bacterial composition changed significantly across the life cycle of FAW. Most diversity was observed in eggs and males. Differences in gut microbiota diversity between CS and RS were minor. However, Leuconostoc, A2, Klebsiella, Lachnoclostridium, Spiroplasma, and Mucispirilum were mainly associated with RS and Colidextribacter, Pelomonas, Weissella, and Arsenophonus to CS, suggesting that FAW strains differ in several genera according to the host plant. Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were the dominant phyla during FAW metamorphosis. Illeobacterium, Ralstonia, and Burkholderia exhibited similar abundanci…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Sandra María Marulanda-Moreno
creator: Clara Inés Saldamando-Benjumea
creator: Rafael Vivero Gomez
creator: Gloria Cadavid-Restrepo
creator: Claudia Ximena Moreno-Herrera
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Microbiology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17087
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Marulanda-Moreno et al.
abstract: Background Spodoptera frugiperda (FAW) is a pest that poses a significant threat to corn production worldwide, causing millions of dollars in losses. The species has evolved into two strains (corn and rice) that differ in their genetics, reproductive isolation, and resistance to insecticides and Bacillus thuringiensis endotoxins. The microbiota plays an important role in insects’ physiology, nutrient acquisition, and response to chemical and biological controls. Several studies have been carried out on FAW microbiota from larvae guts using laboratory or field samples and a couple of studies have analyzed the corn strain microbiota across its life cycle. This investigation reveals the first comparison between corn strain (CS) and rice strain (RS) of FAW during different developmental insect stages and, more importantly, endosymbiont detection in both strains, highlighting the importance of studying both FAW populations and samples from different stages. Methods The composition of microbiota during the life cycle of the FAW corn and rice strains was analyzed through high-throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene using the MiSeq system. Additionally, culture-dependent techniques were used to isolate gut bacteria and the Transcribed Internal Spacer-ITS, 16S rRNA, and gyrB genes were examined to enhance bacterial identification. Results Richness, diversity, and bacterial composition changed significantly across the life cycle of FAW. Most diversity was observed in eggs and males. Differences in gut microbiota diversity between CS and RS were minor. However, Leuconostoc, A2, Klebsiella, Lachnoclostridium, Spiroplasma, and Mucispirilum were mainly associated with RS and Colidextribacter, Pelomonas, Weissella, and Arsenophonus to CS, suggesting that FAW strains differ in several genera according to the host plant. Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were the dominant phyla during FAW metamorphosis. Illeobacterium, Ralstonia, and Burkholderia exhibited similar abundanci…
bibliographic citation: Marulanda-Moreno et al. (2024) Comparative analysis of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) corn and rice strains microbiota revealed minor changes across life cycle and strain endosymbiont association. PeerJ 12:e17087 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17087
date submitted: 2023-09-26
date accepted: 2024-02-20
issued: 2024-04-12
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Marulanda-Moreno
  given name: Sandra María
author list: Agent
  family name: Saldamando-Benjumea
  given name: Clara Inés
author list: Agent
  family name: Vivero Gomez
  given name: Rafael
author list: Agent
  family name: Cadavid-Restrepo
  given name: Gloria
author list: Agent
  family name: Moreno-Herrera
  given name: Claudia Ximena
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17087
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-12
copyright: © 2024 Marulanda-Moreno et al.
attribution name: Marulanda-Moreno et al.

Freshwater trematodes differ from marine trematodes in patterns connected with division of labor
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Prior research suggests that trematode rediae, a developmental stage of trematode parasites that reproduce clonally within a snail host, show evidence of division of labor (DOL). Single-species infections often have two morphologically distinct groups: small rediae, the ‘soldiers’, are active, aggressive, and do not appear to reproduce; large rediae, the ‘reproductives’, are larger, sluggish, and full of offspring. Most data supporting DOL come from trematodes infecting marine snails, while data from freshwater trematodes are more limited and generally do not supported DOL. The shorter lifespan typical of freshwater snails may partially explain this difference: defending a short-lived host at the expense of reproduction likely provides few advantages. Here, we present data from sixty-one colonies spanning twenty species of freshwater trematode exploring morphological and behavioral patterns commonly reported from marine trematodes believed to have DOL. Methods Trematode rediae were obtained from sixty-one infected snails collected in central Vermont, USA. A portion of the COI gene was sequenced to make tentative species identifications (‘COI species’). Samples of rediae were photographed, observed, and measured to look for DOL-associated patterns including a bimodal size distribution, absence of embryos in small rediae, and pronounced appendages and enlarged pharynges (mouthparts) in small rediae. Additional rediae were used to compare activity levels and likelihood to attack heterospecific trematodes in large vs. small rediae. Results Many of the tests for DOL-associated patterns showed mixed results, even among colonies of the same COI species. However, we note a few consistent patterns. First, small rediae of most colonies appeared capable of reproduction, and we saw no indication (admittedly based on a small sample size and possibly insufficient attack trial methodology) that small rediae were more active or aggressive. This differs from patterns repo…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Allison T. Neal
creator: Moira Stettner
creator: Renytzabelle Ortega-Cotto
creator: Daniel Dieringer
creator: Lydia C. Reed
subject: Ecology
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Parasitology
subject: Freshwater Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17211
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Neal et al.
abstract: Background Prior research suggests that trematode rediae, a developmental stage of trematode parasites that reproduce clonally within a snail host, show evidence of division of labor (DOL). Single-species infections often have two morphologically distinct groups: small rediae, the ‘soldiers’, are active, aggressive, and do not appear to reproduce; large rediae, the ‘reproductives’, are larger, sluggish, and full of offspring. Most data supporting DOL come from trematodes infecting marine snails, while data from freshwater trematodes are more limited and generally do not supported DOL. The shorter lifespan typical of freshwater snails may partially explain this difference: defending a short-lived host at the expense of reproduction likely provides few advantages. Here, we present data from sixty-one colonies spanning twenty species of freshwater trematode exploring morphological and behavioral patterns commonly reported from marine trematodes believed to have DOL. Methods Trematode rediae were obtained from sixty-one infected snails collected in central Vermont, USA. A portion of the COI gene was sequenced to make tentative species identifications (‘COI species’). Samples of rediae were photographed, observed, and measured to look for DOL-associated patterns including a bimodal size distribution, absence of embryos in small rediae, and pronounced appendages and enlarged pharynges (mouthparts) in small rediae. Additional rediae were used to compare activity levels and likelihood to attack heterospecific trematodes in large vs. small rediae. Results Many of the tests for DOL-associated patterns showed mixed results, even among colonies of the same COI species. However, we note a few consistent patterns. First, small rediae of most colonies appeared capable of reproduction, and we saw no indication (admittedly based on a small sample size and possibly insufficient attack trial methodology) that small rediae were more active or aggressive. This differs from patterns repo…
bibliographic citation: Neal et al. (2024) Freshwater trematodes differ from marine trematodes in patterns connected with division of labor. PeerJ 12:e17211 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17211
date submitted: 2023-10-24
date accepted: 2024-03-18
issued: 2024-04-12
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Neal
  given name: Allison T.
author list: Agent
  family name: Stettner
  given name: Moira
author list: Agent
  family name: Ortega-Cotto
  given name: Renytzabelle
author list: Agent
  family name: Dieringer
  given name: Daniel
author list: Agent
  family name: Reed
  given name: Lydia C.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17211
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-12
copyright: © 2024 Neal et al.
attribution name: Neal et al.

Efficacy of propolis extract and eye drop solutions to suppress encystation and excystation of Acanthamoeba triangularis WU19001-T4 genotype
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Propolis is a natural resinous product from a variety of plants and combines it with beeswax and salivary enzymes to create bee glue. Its potentials have been employed in the treatment of many diseases and conditions for centuries. This study, therefore, aims to determine the anti-Acanthamoeba properties of the propolis extract, eye drops coupled to some mechanisms such as inhibition of encystation and excystation. Methods The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the most active propolis extract were assessed in trophozoites and cysts of Acanthamoeba triangularis (A. triangularis) at 0.256 and 1 mg/mL, respectively. Results Active eye drops inhibited trophozoites and cysts with a MIC value of 100%. At concentrations lower than their MICs values (1/2–1/16 MIC), propolis and eye drops revealed inhibition of encystation. In addition, at 1/2 MIC, both the propolis extract and eye drops showed potential inhibition of excystation. In combined sets of propolis extract and eye drops, they showed slightly increasing inhibition of encystation and excystation. Surprisingly, the MIC of chlorhexidine decreased when combined with the propolis and eye drops. SEM and TEM images displayed morphological changes in A. triangularis treated with combined sets of propolis extract and eye drops. Conclusion From this study, a new combined eye drop solution with propolis extract was found to be helpful in reducing encystation and excystation in A. triangularis. Therefore, this combination is an alternative for the treatment of eye diseases in early stages along with reducing the entry into the cyst stage of Acanthamoeba. The results of this study revealed new anti-Acanthamoeba inhibitors with promising combined alternative therapeutic potential for the treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Suthinee Sangkanu
creator: Abolghasem Siyadatpanah
creator: Roghayeh Norouzi
creator: Julalak Chuprom
creator: Watcharapong Mitsuwan
creator: Sirirat Surinkaew
creator: Rachasak Boonhok
creator: Alok K. Paul
creator: Tooba Mahboob
creator: Imran Sama-ae
creator: Sonia M. R. Oliveira
creator: Tajudeen O. Jimoh
creator: Maria de Lourdes Pereira
creator: Polrat Wilairatana
creator: Christophe Wiart
creator: Mohammed Rahmatullah
creator: Monvaris Sakolnapa
creator: Veeranoot Nissapatorn
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Microbiology
subject: Drugs and Devices
subject: Infectious Diseases
subject: Ophthalmology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.16937
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Sangkanu et al.
abstract: Background Propolis is a natural resinous product from a variety of plants and combines it with beeswax and salivary enzymes to create bee glue. Its potentials have been employed in the treatment of many diseases and conditions for centuries. This study, therefore, aims to determine the anti-Acanthamoeba properties of the propolis extract, eye drops coupled to some mechanisms such as inhibition of encystation and excystation. Methods The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the most active propolis extract were assessed in trophozoites and cysts of Acanthamoeba triangularis (A. triangularis) at 0.256 and 1 mg/mL, respectively. Results Active eye drops inhibited trophozoites and cysts with a MIC value of 100%. At concentrations lower than their MICs values (1/2–1/16 MIC), propolis and eye drops revealed inhibition of encystation. In addition, at 1/2 MIC, both the propolis extract and eye drops showed potential inhibition of excystation. In combined sets of propolis extract and eye drops, they showed slightly increasing inhibition of encystation and excystation. Surprisingly, the MIC of chlorhexidine decreased when combined with the propolis and eye drops. SEM and TEM images displayed morphological changes in A. triangularis treated with combined sets of propolis extract and eye drops. Conclusion From this study, a new combined eye drop solution with propolis extract was found to be helpful in reducing encystation and excystation in A. triangularis. Therefore, this combination is an alternative for the treatment of eye diseases in early stages along with reducing the entry into the cyst stage of Acanthamoeba. The results of this study revealed new anti-Acanthamoeba inhibitors with promising combined alternative therapeutic potential for the treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis.
bibliographic citation: Sangkanu et al. (2024) Efficacy of propolis extract and eye drop solutions to suppress encystation and excystation of Acanthamoeba triangularis WU19001-T4 genotype. PeerJ 12:e16937 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.16937
date submitted: 2023-06-29
date accepted: 2024-01-23
issued: 2024-04-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Sangkanu
  given name: Suthinee
author list: Agent
  family name: Siyadatpanah
  given name: Abolghasem
author list: Agent
  family name: Norouzi
  given name: Roghayeh
author list: Agent
  family name: Chuprom
  given name: Julalak
author list: Agent
  family name: Mitsuwan
  given name: Watcharapong
author list: Agent
  family name: Surinkaew
  given name: Sirirat
author list: Agent
  family name: Boonhok
  given name: Rachasak
author list: Agent
  family name: Paul
  given name: Alok K.
author list: Agent
  family name: Mahboob
  given name: Tooba
author list: Agent
  family name: Sama-ae
  given name: Imran
author list: Agent
  family name: Oliveira
  given name: Sonia M. R.
author list: Agent
  family name: Jimoh
  given name: Tajudeen O.
author list: Agent
  family name: Pereira
  given name: Maria de Lourdes
author list: Agent
  family name: Wilairatana
  given name: Polrat
author list: Agent
  family name: Wiart
  given name: Christophe
author list: Agent
  family name: Rahmatullah
  given name: Mohammed
author list: Agent
  family name: Sakolnapa
  given name: Monvaris
author list: Agent
  family name: Nissapatorn
  given name: Veeranoot
doi: 10.7717/peerj.16937
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-11
copyright: © 2024 Sangkanu et al.
attribution name: Sangkanu et al.

Unravelling the maternal evolutionary history of the African leopard (Panthera pardus pardus)
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The African leopard (Panthera pardus pardus) has lost a significant proportion of its historical range, notably in north-western Africa and South Africa. Recent studies have explored the genetic diversity and population structure of African leopards across the continent. A notable genetic observation is the presence of two divergent mitochondrial lineages, PAR-I and PAR-II. Both lineages appeared to be distributed widely, with PAR-II frequently found in southern Africa. Until now, no study has attempted to date the emergence of either lineage, assess haplotype distribution, or explore their evolutionary histories in any detail. To investigate these underappreciated questions, we compiled the largest and most geographically representative leopard data set of the mitochondrial NADH-5 gene to date. We combined samples (n = 33) collected in an altitudinal transect across the Mpumalanga province of South Africa, where two populations of leopard are known to be in genetic contact, with previously published sequences of African leopard (n = 211). We estimate that the maternal PAR-I and PAR-II lineages diverged approximately 0.7051 (0.4477–0.9632) million years ago (Ma). Through spatial and demographic analyses, we show that while PAR-I underwent a mid-Pleistocene population expansion resulting in several closely related haplotypes with little geographic structure across much of its range, PAR-II remained at constant size and may even have declined slightly in the last 0.1 Ma. The higher genetic drift experienced within PAR-II drove a greater degree of structure with little haplotype sharing and unique haplotypes in central Africa, the Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and the South African Highveld. The phylogeographic structure of PAR-II, with its increasing frequency southward and its exclusive occurrence in south-eastern South Africa, suggests that this lineage may have been isolated in South Africa during the mid-Pleistocene. This hypothesis is supported by historical changes in pal…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Declan R. Morris
creator: Todd J. McWhorter
creator: Wayne S. J. Boardman
creator: Gregory Simpson
creator: Jeanette Wentzel
creator: Jannie Coetzee
creator: Yoshan Moodley
subject: Conservation Biology
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Genetics
subject: Zoology
subject: Population Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17018
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Morris et al.
abstract: The African leopard (Panthera pardus pardus) has lost a significant proportion of its historical range, notably in north-western Africa and South Africa. Recent studies have explored the genetic diversity and population structure of African leopards across the continent. A notable genetic observation is the presence of two divergent mitochondrial lineages, PAR-I and PAR-II. Both lineages appeared to be distributed widely, with PAR-II frequently found in southern Africa. Until now, no study has attempted to date the emergence of either lineage, assess haplotype distribution, or explore their evolutionary histories in any detail. To investigate these underappreciated questions, we compiled the largest and most geographically representative leopard data set of the mitochondrial NADH-5 gene to date. We combined samples (n = 33) collected in an altitudinal transect across the Mpumalanga province of South Africa, where two populations of leopard are known to be in genetic contact, with previously published sequences of African leopard (n = 211). We estimate that the maternal PAR-I and PAR-II lineages diverged approximately 0.7051 (0.4477–0.9632) million years ago (Ma). Through spatial and demographic analyses, we show that while PAR-I underwent a mid-Pleistocene population expansion resulting in several closely related haplotypes with little geographic structure across much of its range, PAR-II remained at constant size and may even have declined slightly in the last 0.1 Ma. The higher genetic drift experienced within PAR-II drove a greater degree of structure with little haplotype sharing and unique haplotypes in central Africa, the Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and the South African Highveld. The phylogeographic structure of PAR-II, with its increasing frequency southward and its exclusive occurrence in south-eastern South Africa, suggests that this lineage may have been isolated in South Africa during the mid-Pleistocene. This hypothesis is supported by historical changes in pal…
bibliographic citation: Morris et al. (2024) Unravelling the maternal evolutionary history of the African leopard (Panthera pardus pardus). PeerJ 12:e17018 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17018
date submitted: 2023-09-18
date accepted: 2024-02-06
issued: 2024-04-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Morris
  given name: Declan R.
author list: Agent
  family name: McWhorter
  given name: Todd J.
author list: Agent
  family name: Boardman
  given name: Wayne S. J.
author list: Agent
  family name: Simpson
  given name: Gregory
author list: Agent
  family name: Wentzel
  given name: Jeanette
author list: Agent
  family name: Coetzee
  given name: Jannie
author list: Agent
  family name: Moodley
  given name: Yoshan
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17018
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-11
copyright: © 2024 Morris et al.
attribution name: Morris et al.

Assessing the quality and reliability of YouTube videos as a source of information on inflammatory back pain
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Inflammatory back pain is a chronic condition with localized pain, particularly in the axial spine and sacroiliac joints, that is associated with morning stiffness and improves with exercise. YouTube is the second most frequently used social media platform for accessing health information. This study sought to investigate the quality and reliability of YouTube videos on inflammatory back pain (IBP). Methods The study design was planned as cross-sectional. A search was conducted using the term “inflammatory back pain,” and the first 100 videos that met the inclusion criteria were selected on October 19, 2023. The data of the videos selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria in the study settings were examined. Videos with English language, with audiovisual content , had a duration >30 s, non-duplicated and primary content related to IBP were included in the study. A number of video parameters such as the number of likes, number of views, duration, and content categories were assessed. The videos were assessed for reliability using the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Benchmark criteria and the DISCERN tool. Quality was assessed using the Global Quality Score (GQS). Continuous variables were checked for normality of distribution using Shapiro–Wilk test and Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann–Whitney U test were used to analyze the continuous data depending on the number of groups. Categorical data were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test. Results Reliability assessment based on JAMA scores showed 21% of the videos to have high reliability. Quality assessment based on GQS results showed 19% of the videos to have high quality. JAMA, DISCERN, and GQS scores differed significantly by source of video (p < 0.001, < 0.001, and = 0.002, respectively). Video duration had a moderate positive correlation with scores from the GQS (r = 0.418, p < 0.001), JAMA (r = 0.484, p < 0.001), and modified DISCERN (r = 0.418…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Mete Kara
creator: Erkan Ozduran
creator: Müge Mercan Kara
creator: Volkan Hanci
creator: Yüksel Erkin
subject: Anesthesiology and Pain Management
subject: Orthopedics
subject: Public Health
subject: Rheumatology
subject: Science and Medical Education
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17215
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Kara et al.
abstract: Background Inflammatory back pain is a chronic condition with localized pain, particularly in the axial spine and sacroiliac joints, that is associated with morning stiffness and improves with exercise. YouTube is the second most frequently used social media platform for accessing health information. This study sought to investigate the quality and reliability of YouTube videos on inflammatory back pain (IBP). Methods The study design was planned as cross-sectional. A search was conducted using the term “inflammatory back pain,” and the first 100 videos that met the inclusion criteria were selected on October 19, 2023. The data of the videos selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria in the study settings were examined. Videos with English language, with audiovisual content , had a duration >30 s, non-duplicated and primary content related to IBP were included in the study. A number of video parameters such as the number of likes, number of views, duration, and content categories were assessed. The videos were assessed for reliability using the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Benchmark criteria and the DISCERN tool. Quality was assessed using the Global Quality Score (GQS). Continuous variables were checked for normality of distribution using Shapiro–Wilk test and Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann–Whitney U test were used to analyze the continuous data depending on the number of groups. Categorical data were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test. Results Reliability assessment based on JAMA scores showed 21% of the videos to have high reliability. Quality assessment based on GQS results showed 19% of the videos to have high quality. JAMA, DISCERN, and GQS scores differed significantly by source of video (p < 0.001, < 0.001, and = 0.002, respectively). Video duration had a moderate positive correlation with scores from the GQS (r = 0.418, p < 0.001), JAMA (r = 0.484, p < 0.001), and modified DISCERN (r = 0.418…
bibliographic citation: Kara et al. (2024) Assessing the quality and reliability of YouTube videos as a source of information on inflammatory back pain. PeerJ 12:e17215 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17215
date submitted: 2023-12-11
date accepted: 2024-03-19
issued: 2024-04-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Kara
  given name: Mete
author list: Agent
  family name: Ozduran
  given name: Erkan
author list: Agent
  family name: Mercan Kara
  given name: Müge
author list: Agent
  family name: Hanci
  given name: Volkan
author list: Agent
  family name: Erkin
  given name: Yüksel
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17215
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-11
copyright: ©2024 Kara et al.
attribution name: Kara et al.

Vertical farming for lettuce production in limited space: a case study in Northern Thailand
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Greenhouse vertical farming under natural sunlight is an alternative farming technique that grows crops in a stacking column and extends in a vertical direction. Sunlight availability is one of the crucial factors for crop development in vertical farming. Therefore, this investigation aimed to examine the effect of sunlight availability on lettuce growth and yields at different levels of vertical shelves. Methods Six shelves were constructed with three levels: upper, middle and lower levels. Lettuces (Lactuca sativa L.) as ‘Baby Cos’ and ‘Green Oak’ at 14 days after sowing were planted on the three levels. The photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) was recorded, and the PPFD values were then converted to the daily light integral (DLI). Plant height and canopy width were measured three times at 14, 21 and 28 days after transplanting. At maturity, fresh weight (FW) was directly monitored after harvest. Results The results showed that the highest PPFD and DLI values were found at the upper level (PPFD 697 μmol m−2 s−1 and DLI 29 mol m−2 d−1) in comparison to the middle (PPFD 391 μmol m−2 s−1 and DLI 16 mol m−2 d−1) and lower (PPFD 322 μmol m−2 s−1 and DLI 13 mol m−2 d−1) levels. The lowest plant height and canopy width values were observed on the upper levels for both lettuce varieties during the three measurement dates. The middle (‘Baby Cos’ = 123.8 g plant−1 and ‘Green Oak’ = 190.7 g plant−1) and lower (‘Baby Cos’ = 92.9 g plant−1 and ‘Green Oak’ = 203.7 g plant−1) levels had the higher values of FW in comparison to the upper level (‘Baby Cos’ = 84.5 g plant−1 and ‘Green Oak’ = 97.3 g plant−1). The values of light use efficiency (LUE) showed an increased trend from the upper to lower levels in both varieties, with values of ‘Baby Cos’ of 0.10 g mol−1 in the upper level, 0.28 g mol−1 in the middle level and 0.26 g mol−1 in the lower level and ‘Green Oak’ of 0.12 g mol−1 in the upper level, 0.44 g mol−1 in the middle level and 0.57 g mol−1 in the lower l…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Suwimon Wicharuck
creator: Nuttapon Khongdee
creator: Ar Man
creator: Wahyu Nurkholis Hadi Syahputra
creator: Parichat Yalangkan
creator: Prapaporn Chaiphak
creator: Chatchawan Chaichana
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Plant Science
subject: Soil Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17085
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Wicharuck et al.
abstract: Background Greenhouse vertical farming under natural sunlight is an alternative farming technique that grows crops in a stacking column and extends in a vertical direction. Sunlight availability is one of the crucial factors for crop development in vertical farming. Therefore, this investigation aimed to examine the effect of sunlight availability on lettuce growth and yields at different levels of vertical shelves. Methods Six shelves were constructed with three levels: upper, middle and lower levels. Lettuces (Lactuca sativa L.) as ‘Baby Cos’ and ‘Green Oak’ at 14 days after sowing were planted on the three levels. The photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) was recorded, and the PPFD values were then converted to the daily light integral (DLI). Plant height and canopy width were measured three times at 14, 21 and 28 days after transplanting. At maturity, fresh weight (FW) was directly monitored after harvest. Results The results showed that the highest PPFD and DLI values were found at the upper level (PPFD 697 μmol m−2 s−1 and DLI 29 mol m−2 d−1) in comparison to the middle (PPFD 391 μmol m−2 s−1 and DLI 16 mol m−2 d−1) and lower (PPFD 322 μmol m−2 s−1 and DLI 13 mol m−2 d−1) levels. The lowest plant height and canopy width values were observed on the upper levels for both lettuce varieties during the three measurement dates. The middle (‘Baby Cos’ = 123.8 g plant−1 and ‘Green Oak’ = 190.7 g plant−1) and lower (‘Baby Cos’ = 92.9 g plant−1 and ‘Green Oak’ = 203.7 g plant−1) levels had the higher values of FW in comparison to the upper level (‘Baby Cos’ = 84.5 g plant−1 and ‘Green Oak’ = 97.3 g plant−1). The values of light use efficiency (LUE) showed an increased trend from the upper to lower levels in both varieties, with values of ‘Baby Cos’ of 0.10 g mol−1 in the upper level, 0.28 g mol−1 in the middle level and 0.26 g mol−1 in the lower level and ‘Green Oak’ of 0.12 g mol−1 in the upper level, 0.44 g mol−1 in the middle level and 0.57 g mol−1 in the lower l…
bibliographic citation: Wicharuck et al. (2024) Vertical farming for lettuce production in limited space: a case study in Northern Thailand. PeerJ 12:e17085 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17085
date submitted: 2023-10-06
date accepted: 2024-02-20
issued: 2024-04-10
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Wicharuck
  given name: Suwimon
author list: Agent
  family name: Khongdee
  given name: Nuttapon
author list: Agent
  family name: Man
  given name: Ar
author list: Agent
  family name: Syahputra
  given name: Wahyu Nurkholis Hadi
author list: Agent
  family name: Yalangkan
  given name: Parichat
author list: Agent
  family name: Chaiphak
  given name: Prapaporn
author list: Agent
  family name: Chaichana
  given name: Chatchawan
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17085
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-10
copyright: © 2024 Wicharuck et al.
attribution name: Wicharuck et al.

Advancement in the development of single chain antibodies using phage display technology
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Phage display technology has become an important research tool in biological research, fundamentally changing the traditional monoclonal antibody preparation process, and has been widely used in the establishment of antigen-antibody libraries, drug design, vaccine research, pathogen detection, gene therapy, antigenic epitope research, and cellular signal transduction research.The phage display is a powerful platform for technology development. Using phage display technology, single chain fragment variable (scFv) can be screened, replacing the disadvantage of the large size of traditional antibodies. Phage display single chain antibody libraries have significant biological implications. Here we describe the types of antibodies, including chimeric antibodies, bispecific antibodies, and scFvs. In addition, we describe the phage display system, phage display single chain antibody libraries, screening of specific antibodies by phage libraries and the application of phage libraries.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Xiaohui Zheng
creator: Qi Liu
creator: Yimin Liang
creator: Wenzhi Feng
creator: Honghao Yu
creator: Chunyu Tong
creator: Bocui Song
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Virology
subject: Immunology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17143
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Zheng et al.
abstract: Phage display technology has become an important research tool in biological research, fundamentally changing the traditional monoclonal antibody preparation process, and has been widely used in the establishment of antigen-antibody libraries, drug design, vaccine research, pathogen detection, gene therapy, antigenic epitope research, and cellular signal transduction research.The phage display is a powerful platform for technology development. Using phage display technology, single chain fragment variable (scFv) can be screened, replacing the disadvantage of the large size of traditional antibodies. Phage display single chain antibody libraries have significant biological implications. Here we describe the types of antibodies, including chimeric antibodies, bispecific antibodies, and scFvs. In addition, we describe the phage display system, phage display single chain antibody libraries, screening of specific antibodies by phage libraries and the application of phage libraries.
bibliographic citation: Zheng et al. (2024) Advancement in the development of single chain antibodies using phage display technology. PeerJ 12:e17143 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17143
date submitted: 2023-12-11
date accepted: 2024-02-29
issued: 2024-04-10
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zheng
  given name: Xiaohui
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Qi
author list: Agent
  family name: Liang
  given name: Yimin
author list: Agent
  family name: Feng
  given name: Wenzhi
author list: Agent
  family name: Yu
  given name: Honghao
author list: Agent
  family name: Tong
  given name: Chunyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Song
  given name: Bocui
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17143
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-10
copyright: © 2024 Zheng et al.
attribution name: Zheng et al.

Association of healthy lifestyle score with control of hypertension among treated and untreated hypertensive patients: a large cross-sectional study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Hypertension stands as the leading single contributor to the worldwide burden of mortality and disability. Limited evidence exists regarding the association between the combined healthy lifestyle score (HLS) and hypertension control in both treated and untreated hypertensive individuals. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between HLS and hypertension control among adults with treated and untreated hypertension. Methods This cross-sectional study, including 311,994 hypertension patients, was conducted in Guangzhou using data from the National Basic Public Health Services Projects in China. The HLS was defined based on five low-risk lifestyle factors: healthy dietary habits, active physical activity, normal body mass index, never smoking, and no alcohol consumption. Controlled blood pressure was defined as systolic blood pressure <140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure <90 mmHg. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the association between HLS and hypertension control after adjusting for various confounders. Results The HLS demonstrated an inverse association with hypertension control among hypertensive patients. In comparison to the low HLS group (scored 0–2), the adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for hypertension were 0.76 (0.74, 0.78), 0.59 (0.57, 0.60), and 0.48 (0.46, 0.49) for the HLS groups scoring 3, 4, and 5, respectively (Ptrend < 0.001). Notably, an interaction was observed between HLS and antihypertensive medication in relation to hypertension control (Pinteraction < 0.001). When comparing the highest HLS (scored 5) with the lowest HLS (scored 0–2), adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 0.50 (0.48, 0.52, Ptrend < 0.001) among individuals who self-reported using antihypertensive medication and 0.41 (0.38, 0.44, Ptrend < 0.001) among those not using such medication. Hypertensive patients adhering to a healthy lifestyle without medication exhibited better blood pressure management t…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Ting Dong
creator: Qin Zhou
creator: Weiquan Lin
creator: Chang Wang
creator: Minying Sun
creator: Yaohui Li
creator: Xiangyi Liu
creator: Guozhen Lin
creator: Hui Liu
creator: Caixia Zhang
subject: Cardiology
subject: Epidemiology
subject: Nutrition
subject: Obesity
subject: Healthcare Services
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17203
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Dong et al.
abstract: Background Hypertension stands as the leading single contributor to the worldwide burden of mortality and disability. Limited evidence exists regarding the association between the combined healthy lifestyle score (HLS) and hypertension control in both treated and untreated hypertensive individuals. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between HLS and hypertension control among adults with treated and untreated hypertension. Methods This cross-sectional study, including 311,994 hypertension patients, was conducted in Guangzhou using data from the National Basic Public Health Services Projects in China. The HLS was defined based on five low-risk lifestyle factors: healthy dietary habits, active physical activity, normal body mass index, never smoking, and no alcohol consumption. Controlled blood pressure was defined as systolic blood pressure <140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure <90 mmHg. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the association between HLS and hypertension control after adjusting for various confounders. Results The HLS demonstrated an inverse association with hypertension control among hypertensive patients. In comparison to the low HLS group (scored 0–2), the adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for hypertension were 0.76 (0.74, 0.78), 0.59 (0.57, 0.60), and 0.48 (0.46, 0.49) for the HLS groups scoring 3, 4, and 5, respectively (Ptrend < 0.001). Notably, an interaction was observed between HLS and antihypertensive medication in relation to hypertension control (Pinteraction < 0.001). When comparing the highest HLS (scored 5) with the lowest HLS (scored 0–2), adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 0.50 (0.48, 0.52, Ptrend < 0.001) among individuals who self-reported using antihypertensive medication and 0.41 (0.38, 0.44, Ptrend < 0.001) among those not using such medication. Hypertensive patients adhering to a healthy lifestyle without medication exhibited better blood pressure management t…
bibliographic citation: Dong et al. (2024) Association of healthy lifestyle score with control of hypertension among treated and untreated hypertensive patients: a large cross-sectional study. PeerJ 12:e17203 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17203
date submitted: 2023-10-21
date accepted: 2024-03-15
issued: 2024-04-10
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Dong
  given name: Ting
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Qin
author list: Agent
  family name: Lin
  given name: Weiquan
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Chang
author list: Agent
  family name: Sun
  given name: Minying
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Yaohui
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Xiangyi
author list: Agent
  family name: Lin
  given name: Guozhen
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Hui
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Caixia
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17203
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-10
copyright: © 2024 Dong et al.
attribution name: Dong et al.

Representation of investigation results of microplastics on sandy beaches—accumulation rate and abundance in the entire study site
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Long-term microplastics (MPs) environmental pollution trends cannot be understood only by investigating their presence on beaches. Without estimating MPs for the entire beach, comparisons between multiple beaches cannot be made. In this study, Nagasaki Prefecture was selected as the study site, we measured MPs accumulation rate to express the MPs pollution trend and weighted the measurement results to enable comparison of MPs content among multiple sandy beaches. The MPs accumulation rate in the study site was measured by periodic investigation at fixed spots. The average in the supratidal zone was 1.5 ± 0.9 mg-MPs/(m2-sand⋅ d) (n = 15). The weighting of the MPs content in hot spots and non-hot spots by their respective areas enabled us to obtain the representative value and the dispersion of the MPs content in the entire study site. The MPs contents in the three beaches were 298 ± 144, 1,115 ± 518, and 4,084 ± 2,243 mg-MPs/(m2-sand), respectively. Using these values, it is possible to compare the MPs contents of multiple beaches.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Hiroshi Asakura
subject: Environmental Sciences
subject: Environmental Contamination and Remediation
subject: Environmental Impacts
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17207
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Asakura
abstract: Long-term microplastics (MPs) environmental pollution trends cannot be understood only by investigating their presence on beaches. Without estimating MPs for the entire beach, comparisons between multiple beaches cannot be made. In this study, Nagasaki Prefecture was selected as the study site, we measured MPs accumulation rate to express the MPs pollution trend and weighted the measurement results to enable comparison of MPs content among multiple sandy beaches. The MPs accumulation rate in the study site was measured by periodic investigation at fixed spots. The average in the supratidal zone was 1.5 ± 0.9 mg-MPs/(m2-sand⋅ d) (n = 15). The weighting of the MPs content in hot spots and non-hot spots by their respective areas enabled us to obtain the representative value and the dispersion of the MPs content in the entire study site. The MPs contents in the three beaches were 298 ± 144, 1,115 ± 518, and 4,084 ± 2,243 mg-MPs/(m2-sand), respectively. Using these values, it is possible to compare the MPs contents of multiple beaches.
bibliographic citation: Asakura (2024) Representation of investigation results of microplastics on sandy beaches—accumulation rate and abundance in the entire study site. PeerJ 12:e17207 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17207
date submitted: 2023-12-18
date accepted: 2024-03-18
issued: 2024-04-10
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Asakura
  given name: Hiroshi
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17207
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-10
copyright: ©2024 Asakura
attribution name: Asakura

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