PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Representation of investigation results of microplastics on sandy beaches—accumulation rate and abundance in the entire study site
items: Population dynamics and seasonal migration patterns of Spodoptera exigua in northern China based on 11 years of monitoring data
items: Comparative study of nasal cavity drug delivery efficiency with different nozzles in a 3D printed model
items: Behind the wheel: exploring gray matter variations in experienced drivers
items: The impact of chemical and hormonal treatments to improve seed germination and seedling growth of Juniperus procera Hochst. ex Endi
items: The dinosaurs that weren’t: osteohistology supports giant ichthyosaur affinity of enigmatic large bone segments from the European Rhaetian
items: Integration of temporal & spatial properties of dynamic functional connectivity based on two-directional two-dimensional principal component analysis for disease analysis
items: Reappraisal of sauropod dinosaur diversity in the Upper Cretaceous Winton Formation of Queensland, Australia, through 3D digitisation and description of new specimens
items: IGF-1 rs6218 polymorphisms modulate the susceptibility to age-related cataract
items: The role of echinacoside-based cross-linker nanoparticles in the treatment of osteoporosis

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

Population dynamics and seasonal migration patterns of Spodoptera exigua in northern China based on 11 years of monitoring data
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), is an important agricultural pest worldwide that has caused serious economic losses in the main crop-producing areas of China. To effectively monitor and control this pest, it is crucial to investigate its population dynamics and seasonal migration patterns in northern China. Methods In this study, we monitored the population dynamics of S. exigua using sex pheromone traps in Shenyang, Liaoning Province from 2012 to 2022, combining these data with amigration trajectory simulation approach and synoptic weather analysis. Results There were significant interannual and seasonal variations in the capture number of S. exigua, and the total number of S. exigua exceeded 2,000 individuals in 2018 and 2020. The highest and lowest numbers of S. exigua were trapped in September and May, accounting for 34.65% ± 6.81% and 0.11% ± 0.04% of the annual totals, respectively. The average occurrence period was 140.9 ± 9.34 days during 2012–2022. In addition, the biomass of S. exigua also increased significantly during these years. The simulated seasonal migration trajectories also revealed varying source regions in different months, primarily originated from Northeast China and East China. These unique insights into the migration patterns of S. exigua will contribute to a deeper understanding of its occurrence in northern China and provide a theoretical basis for regional monitoring, early warning, and the development of effective management strategies for long-range migratory pests.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Hao-Tian Ma
creator: Li-Hong Zhou
creator: Hao Tan
creator: Xian-Zhi Xiu
creator: Jin-Yang Wang
creator: Xing-Ya Wang
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Ecology
subject: Entomology
subject: Zoology
subject: Population Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17223
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Ma et al.
abstract: Background The beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), is an important agricultural pest worldwide that has caused serious economic losses in the main crop-producing areas of China. To effectively monitor and control this pest, it is crucial to investigate its population dynamics and seasonal migration patterns in northern China. Methods In this study, we monitored the population dynamics of S. exigua using sex pheromone traps in Shenyang, Liaoning Province from 2012 to 2022, combining these data with amigration trajectory simulation approach and synoptic weather analysis. Results There were significant interannual and seasonal variations in the capture number of S. exigua, and the total number of S. exigua exceeded 2,000 individuals in 2018 and 2020. The highest and lowest numbers of S. exigua were trapped in September and May, accounting for 34.65% ± 6.81% and 0.11% ± 0.04% of the annual totals, respectively. The average occurrence period was 140.9 ± 9.34 days during 2012–2022. In addition, the biomass of S. exigua also increased significantly during these years. The simulated seasonal migration trajectories also revealed varying source regions in different months, primarily originated from Northeast China and East China. These unique insights into the migration patterns of S. exigua will contribute to a deeper understanding of its occurrence in northern China and provide a theoretical basis for regional monitoring, early warning, and the development of effective management strategies for long-range migratory pests.
bibliographic citation: Ma et al. (2024) Population dynamics and seasonal migration patterns of Spodoptera exigua in northern China based on 11 years of monitoring data. PeerJ 12:e17223 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17223
date submitted: 2023-12-07
date accepted: 2024-03-20
issued: 2024-04-10
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Ma
  given name: Hao-Tian
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Li-Hong
author list: Agent
  family name: Tan
  given name: Hao
author list: Agent
  family name: Xiu
  given name: Xian-Zhi
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Jin-Yang
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Xing-Ya
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17223
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-10
copyright: ©2024 Ma et al.
attribution name: Ma et al.

Comparative study of nasal cavity drug delivery efficiency with different nozzles in a 3D printed model
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Nasal sprays are widely used in treating nasal and sinus diseases; however, there are very few studies on the drug delivery efficiency of nasal sprays. In this study, the drug delivery efficiency of three different nasal spray devices was evaluated in vitro using a 3D printed cast model of nasal cavity. Methods Three nasal spray devices with different nozzles and angles of administration were used in the 3D model of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. The spraying area (SA), maximal spraying distance (MSD), and spraying distribution scores on the nasal septum and lateral nasal wall were recorded. Results Different nasal spray devices have their own characteristics, including volume of each spray, SA, and plume angle. The SA of the three nozzles on the nasal septum increased with an increasing angle of administration. When the angle of administration was 50°, each nozzle reached the maximal SA. There was no statistically significant difference in MSD among the three nozzles at the three angles. The total scores for each nozzle using the three different spraying angles were as follows: nozzle A, 40° > 30° > 50°; nozzle B, 30° > 40° > 50°; and nozzle C, 30° > 40° > 50°. The total scores for different nozzles using the same angle were statistically significantly different and the scores for nozzle C were the highest. Nozzle C had the minimum plume angle. None of the three nozzles could effectively delivered drugs into the middle meatus at any angle in this model. Conclusions The design of the nozzle affects drug delivery efficiency of nasal spray devices. The ideal angle of administration is 50°. The nozzle with smaller plume angle has higher drug delivery efficiency. Current nasal spray devices can easily deliver drugs to most areas of the nasal cavity, such as the turbinate, nasal septum, olfactory fissure, and nasopharynx, but not the middle meatus. These findings are meaningful for nozzle selection and device improvements.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Shengjian Fang
creator: Xiaoqing Rui
creator: Yu Zhang
creator: Zhangwei Yang
creator: Weihua Wang
subject: Bioengineering
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Drugs and Devices
subject: Otorhinolaryngology
subject: Respiratory Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17227
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Fang et al.
abstract: Background Nasal sprays are widely used in treating nasal and sinus diseases; however, there are very few studies on the drug delivery efficiency of nasal sprays. In this study, the drug delivery efficiency of three different nasal spray devices was evaluated in vitro using a 3D printed cast model of nasal cavity. Methods Three nasal spray devices with different nozzles and angles of administration were used in the 3D model of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. The spraying area (SA), maximal spraying distance (MSD), and spraying distribution scores on the nasal septum and lateral nasal wall were recorded. Results Different nasal spray devices have their own characteristics, including volume of each spray, SA, and plume angle. The SA of the three nozzles on the nasal septum increased with an increasing angle of administration. When the angle of administration was 50°, each nozzle reached the maximal SA. There was no statistically significant difference in MSD among the three nozzles at the three angles. The total scores for each nozzle using the three different spraying angles were as follows: nozzle A, 40° > 30° > 50°; nozzle B, 30° > 40° > 50°; and nozzle C, 30° > 40° > 50°. The total scores for different nozzles using the same angle were statistically significantly different and the scores for nozzle C were the highest. Nozzle C had the minimum plume angle. None of the three nozzles could effectively delivered drugs into the middle meatus at any angle in this model. Conclusions The design of the nozzle affects drug delivery efficiency of nasal spray devices. The ideal angle of administration is 50°. The nozzle with smaller plume angle has higher drug delivery efficiency. Current nasal spray devices can easily deliver drugs to most areas of the nasal cavity, such as the turbinate, nasal septum, olfactory fissure, and nasopharynx, but not the middle meatus. These findings are meaningful for nozzle selection and device improvements.
bibliographic citation: Fang et al. (2024) Comparative study of nasal cavity drug delivery efficiency with different nozzles in a 3D printed model. PeerJ 12:e17227 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17227
date submitted: 2023-05-08
date accepted: 2024-03-21
issued: 2024-04-10
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Fang
  given name: Shengjian
author list: Agent
  family name: Rui
  given name: Xiaoqing
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Yu
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Zhangwei
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Weihua
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17227
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-10
copyright: ©2024 Fang et al.
attribution name: Fang et al.

Behind the wheel: exploring gray matter variations in experienced drivers
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Driving is a complex skill involving various cognitive activities. Previous research has explored differences in the brain structures related to the navigational abilities of drivers compared to non-drivers. However, it remains unclear whether changes occur in the structures associated with low-level sensory and higher-order cognitive abilities in drivers. Methods Gray matter volume, assessed via voxel-based morphometry analysis of T1-weighted images, is considered a reliable indicator of structural changes in the brain. This study employs voxel-based morphological analysis to investigate structural differences between drivers (n = 22) and non-drivers (n = 20). Results The results indicate that, in comparison to non-drivers, drivers exhibit significantly reduced gray matter volume in the middle occipital gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, supramarginal gyrus, and cerebellum, suggesting a relationship with driving-related experience. Furthermore, the volume of the middle occipital gyrus, and middle temporal gyrus, is found to be marginally negative related to the years of driving experience, suggesting a potential impact of driving experience on gray matter volume. However, no significant correlations were observed between driving experiences and frontal gray matter volume. Conclusion These findings suggest that driving skills and experience have a pronounced impact on the cortical areas responsible for low-level sensory and motor processing. Meanwhile, the influence on cortical areas associated with higher-order cognitive function appears to be minimal.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jiangtao Chen
creator: Xiaoyu Chen
creator: Li Gong
creator: Di Zhang
creator: Qiang Liu
subject: Neuroscience
subject: Anatomy and Physiology
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
subject: Radiology and Medical Imaging
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17228
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Chen et al.
abstract: Background Driving is a complex skill involving various cognitive activities. Previous research has explored differences in the brain structures related to the navigational abilities of drivers compared to non-drivers. However, it remains unclear whether changes occur in the structures associated with low-level sensory and higher-order cognitive abilities in drivers. Methods Gray matter volume, assessed via voxel-based morphometry analysis of T1-weighted images, is considered a reliable indicator of structural changes in the brain. This study employs voxel-based morphological analysis to investigate structural differences between drivers (n = 22) and non-drivers (n = 20). Results The results indicate that, in comparison to non-drivers, drivers exhibit significantly reduced gray matter volume in the middle occipital gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, supramarginal gyrus, and cerebellum, suggesting a relationship with driving-related experience. Furthermore, the volume of the middle occipital gyrus, and middle temporal gyrus, is found to be marginally negative related to the years of driving experience, suggesting a potential impact of driving experience on gray matter volume. However, no significant correlations were observed between driving experiences and frontal gray matter volume. Conclusion These findings suggest that driving skills and experience have a pronounced impact on the cortical areas responsible for low-level sensory and motor processing. Meanwhile, the influence on cortical areas associated with higher-order cognitive function appears to be minimal.
bibliographic citation: Chen et al. (2024) Behind the wheel: exploring gray matter variations in experienced drivers. PeerJ 12:e17228 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17228
date submitted: 2023-12-29
date accepted: 2024-03-21
issued: 2024-04-10
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Jiangtao
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Xiaoyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Gong
  given name: Li
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Di
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Qiang
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17228
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-10
copyright: © 2024 Chen et al.
attribution name: Chen et al.

The impact of chemical and hormonal treatments to improve seed germination and seedling growth of Juniperus procera Hochst. ex Endi
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Purpose Juniper (Juniperus procera) is a common forest tree species in Saudi Arabia. The decline in many populations of J. procera in Saudi Arabia is mainly due to seed dormancy and loss of natural regeneration. This study assessed the effects of chemical and hormonal treatments on seed germination and seedling growth in juniper plants. Methods The seeds were subjected to either chemical scarification with 90% sulfuric acid and 20% acetic acid for 6 min or hormonal treatment by seed soaking in two concentrations (50 and 100 ppm) of three growth regulators, namely, indole acetic acid (IAA), gibberellins (GA3), and kinetin, for 72 h. A control group without any seed treatment was also prepared. The experiments were performed in an incubator maintained at room temperature and under a light and dark period of 12 h for 6 w. The germinated seeds for each treatment were counted and removed from the dishes. The selected germinated seeds from different treatments were planted in a greenhouse and irrigated with tap water for another 6 weeks. The hormone-treated seedlings were sprayed with their corresponding hormone concentrations 1 w after planting. Results The highest percentage of seed germination was significantly recorded after seed soaking in 50 ppm GA3, whereas treatment with IAA (100 ppm) resulted in the best seedling growth. Seedlings treated with the three phytohormones showed a significant increase in photosynthetic pigments, total soluble sugars, proteins, percentage of oil, IAA, GA3, and kinetin contents of juniper seedlings compared with the control value, whereas abscisic acid content was decreased compared with chemical treatments. Conclusion The investigated different treatments had an effective role in breaking seed dormancy and improving seedling growth of J. procera, which is facing a notable decline in its population worldwide. Moreover, such an effect was more pronounced in the three phytohormones that succeeded in breaking dormancy and growth of the Jun…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Alae Ahmad Jabbour
creator: Abdulaziz Alzahrani
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Ecology
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17236
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Jabbour and Alzahrani
abstract: Purpose Juniper (Juniperus procera) is a common forest tree species in Saudi Arabia. The decline in many populations of J. procera in Saudi Arabia is mainly due to seed dormancy and loss of natural regeneration. This study assessed the effects of chemical and hormonal treatments on seed germination and seedling growth in juniper plants. Methods The seeds were subjected to either chemical scarification with 90% sulfuric acid and 20% acetic acid for 6 min or hormonal treatment by seed soaking in two concentrations (50 and 100 ppm) of three growth regulators, namely, indole acetic acid (IAA), gibberellins (GA3), and kinetin, for 72 h. A control group without any seed treatment was also prepared. The experiments were performed in an incubator maintained at room temperature and under a light and dark period of 12 h for 6 w. The germinated seeds for each treatment were counted and removed from the dishes. The selected germinated seeds from different treatments were planted in a greenhouse and irrigated with tap water for another 6 weeks. The hormone-treated seedlings were sprayed with their corresponding hormone concentrations 1 w after planting. Results The highest percentage of seed germination was significantly recorded after seed soaking in 50 ppm GA3, whereas treatment with IAA (100 ppm) resulted in the best seedling growth. Seedlings treated with the three phytohormones showed a significant increase in photosynthetic pigments, total soluble sugars, proteins, percentage of oil, IAA, GA3, and kinetin contents of juniper seedlings compared with the control value, whereas abscisic acid content was decreased compared with chemical treatments. Conclusion The investigated different treatments had an effective role in breaking seed dormancy and improving seedling growth of J. procera, which is facing a notable decline in its population worldwide. Moreover, such an effect was more pronounced in the three phytohormones that succeeded in breaking dormancy and growth of the Jun…
bibliographic citation: Jabbour et al. (2024) The impact of chemical and hormonal treatments to improve seed germination and seedling growth of Juniperus procera Hochst. ex Endi. PeerJ 12:e17236 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17236
date submitted: 2023-10-10
date accepted: 2024-03-22
issued: 2024-04-10
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Jabbour
  given name: Alae Ahmad
author list: Agent
  family name: Alzahrani
  given name: Abdulaziz
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17236
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-10
copyright: ©2024 Jabbour and Alzahrani
attribution name: Jabbour and Alzahrani

The dinosaurs that weren’t: osteohistology supports giant ichthyosaur affinity of enigmatic large bone segments from the European Rhaetian
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Very large unidentified elongate and rounded fossil bone segments of uncertain origin recovered from different Rhaetian (Late Triassic) fossil localities across Europe have been puzzling the paleontological community since the second half of the 19th century. Different hypotheses have been proposed regarding the nature of these fossils: (1) giant amphibian bones, (2) dinosaurian or other archosaurian long bone shafts, and (3) giant ichthyosaurian jaw bone segments. We call the latter proposal the ‘Giant Ichthyosaur Hypothesis’ and test it using bone histology. In presumable ichthyosaur specimens from SW England (Lilstock), France (Autun), and indeterminate cortical fragments from Germany (Bonenburg), we found a combination of shared histological features in the periosteal cortex: an unusual woven-parallel complex of strictly longitudinal primary osteons set in a novel woven-fibered matrix type with intrinsic coarse collagen fibers (IFM), and a distinctive pattern of Haversian substitution in which secondary osteons often form within primary ones. The splenial and surangular of the holotype of the giant ichthyosaur Shastasaurus sikanniensis from Canada were sampled for comparison. The results of the sampling indicate a common osteohistology with the European specimens. A broad histological comparison is provided to reject alternative taxonomic affinities aside from ichthyosaurs of the very large bone segment. Most importantly, we highlight the occurrence of shared peculiar osteogenic processes in Late Triassic giant ichthyosaurs, reflecting special ossification strategies enabling fast growth and achievement of giant size and/or related to biomechanical properties akin to ossified tendons.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Marcello Perillo
creator: P Martin Sander
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Marine Biology
subject: Paleontology
subject: Histology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17060
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Perillo and Sander
abstract: Very large unidentified elongate and rounded fossil bone segments of uncertain origin recovered from different Rhaetian (Late Triassic) fossil localities across Europe have been puzzling the paleontological community since the second half of the 19th century. Different hypotheses have been proposed regarding the nature of these fossils: (1) giant amphibian bones, (2) dinosaurian or other archosaurian long bone shafts, and (3) giant ichthyosaurian jaw bone segments. We call the latter proposal the ‘Giant Ichthyosaur Hypothesis’ and test it using bone histology. In presumable ichthyosaur specimens from SW England (Lilstock), France (Autun), and indeterminate cortical fragments from Germany (Bonenburg), we found a combination of shared histological features in the periosteal cortex: an unusual woven-parallel complex of strictly longitudinal primary osteons set in a novel woven-fibered matrix type with intrinsic coarse collagen fibers (IFM), and a distinctive pattern of Haversian substitution in which secondary osteons often form within primary ones. The splenial and surangular of the holotype of the giant ichthyosaur Shastasaurus sikanniensis from Canada were sampled for comparison. The results of the sampling indicate a common osteohistology with the European specimens. A broad histological comparison is provided to reject alternative taxonomic affinities aside from ichthyosaurs of the very large bone segment. Most importantly, we highlight the occurrence of shared peculiar osteogenic processes in Late Triassic giant ichthyosaurs, reflecting special ossification strategies enabling fast growth and achievement of giant size and/or related to biomechanical properties akin to ossified tendons.
bibliographic citation: Perillo et al. (2024) The dinosaurs that weren’t: osteohistology supports giant ichthyosaur affinity of enigmatic large bone segments from the European Rhaetian. PeerJ 12:e17060 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17060
date submitted: 2023-08-17
date accepted: 2024-02-15
issued: 2024-04-09
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Perillo
  given name: Marcello
author list: Agent
  family name: Sander
  given name: P Martin
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17060
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-09
copyright: ©2024 Perillo and Sander
attribution name: Perillo and Sander

Integration of temporal & spatial properties of dynamic functional connectivity based on two-directional two-dimensional principal component analysis for disease analysis
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Dynamic functional connectivity, derived from resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), has emerged as a crucial instrument for investigating and supporting the diagnosis of neurological disorders. However, prevalent features of dynamic functional connectivity predominantly capture either temporal or spatial properties, such as mean and global efficiency, neglecting the significant information embedded in the fusion of spatial and temporal attributes. In addition, dynamic functional connectivity suffers from the problem of temporal mismatch, i.e., the functional connectivity of different subjects at the same time point cannot be matched. To address these problems, this article introduces a novel feature extraction framework grounded in two-directional two-dimensional principal component analysis. This framework is designed to extract features that integrate both spatial and temporal properties of dynamic functional connectivity. Additionally, we propose to use Fourier transform to extract temporal-invariance properties contained in dynamic functional connectivity. Experimental findings underscore the superior performance of features extracted by this framework in classification experiments compared to features capturing individual properties.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Feng Zhao
creator: Ke Lv
creator: Shixin Ye
creator: Xiaobo Chen
creator: Hongyu Chen
creator: Sizhe Fan
creator: Ning Mao
creator: Yande Ren
subject: Neuroscience
subject: Neurology
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
subject: Radiology and Medical Imaging
subject: Computational Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17078
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Zhao et al.
abstract: Dynamic functional connectivity, derived from resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), has emerged as a crucial instrument for investigating and supporting the diagnosis of neurological disorders. However, prevalent features of dynamic functional connectivity predominantly capture either temporal or spatial properties, such as mean and global efficiency, neglecting the significant information embedded in the fusion of spatial and temporal attributes. In addition, dynamic functional connectivity suffers from the problem of temporal mismatch, i.e., the functional connectivity of different subjects at the same time point cannot be matched. To address these problems, this article introduces a novel feature extraction framework grounded in two-directional two-dimensional principal component analysis. This framework is designed to extract features that integrate both spatial and temporal properties of dynamic functional connectivity. Additionally, we propose to use Fourier transform to extract temporal-invariance properties contained in dynamic functional connectivity. Experimental findings underscore the superior performance of features extracted by this framework in classification experiments compared to features capturing individual properties.
bibliographic citation: Zhao et al. (2024) Integration of temporal & spatial properties of dynamic functional connectivity based on two-directional two-dimensional principal component analysis for disease analysis. PeerJ 12:e17078 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17078
date submitted: 2023-10-26
date accepted: 2024-02-19
issued: 2024-04-09
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhao
  given name: Feng
author list: Agent
  family name: Lv
  given name: Ke
author list: Agent
  family name: Ye
  given name: Shixin
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Xiaobo
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Hongyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Fan
  given name: Sizhe
author list: Agent
  family name: Mao
  given name: Ning
author list: Agent
  family name: Ren
  given name: Yande
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17078
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-09
copyright: ©2024 Zhao et al.
attribution name: Zhao et al.

Reappraisal of sauropod dinosaur diversity in the Upper Cretaceous Winton Formation of Queensland, Australia, through 3D digitisation and description of new specimens
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Skeletal remains of sauropod dinosaurs have been known from Australia for over 100 years. Unfortunately, the classification of the majority of these specimens to species level has historically been impeded by their incompleteness. This has begun to change in the last 15 years, primarily through the discovery and description of several partial skeletons from the Cenomanian–lower Turonian (lower Upper Cretaceous) Winton Formation in central Queensland, with four species erected to date: Australotitan cooperensis, Diamantinasaurus matildae, Savannasaurus elliottorum, and Wintonotitan wattsi. The first three of these appear to form a clade (Diamantinasauria) of early diverging titanosaurs (or close relatives of titanosaurs), whereas Wintonotitan wattsi is typically recovered as a distantly related non-titanosaurian somphospondylan. Through the use of 3D scanning, we digitised numerous specimens of Winton Formation sauropods, facilitating enhanced comparison between type and referred specimens, and heretofore undescribed specimens. We present new anatomical information on the holotype specimen of Diamantinasaurus matildae, and describe new remains pertaining to twelve sauropod individuals. Firsthand observations and digital analysis enabled previously proposed autapomorphic features of all four named Winton Formation sauropod species to be identified in the newly described specimens, with some specimens exhibiting putative autapomorphies of more than one species, prompting a reassessment of their taxonomic validity. Supported by a specimen-level phylogenetic analysis, we suggest that Australotitan cooperensis is probably a junior synonym of Diamantinasaurus matildae, but conservatively regard it herein as an indeterminate diamantinasaurian, meaning that the Winton Formation sauropod fauna now comprises three (rather than four) valid diamantinasaurian species: Diamantinasaurus matildae, Savannasaurus elliottorum, and Wintonotitan wattsi, with the latter robustly supported…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Samantha L. Beeston
creator: Stephen F. Poropat
creator: Philip D. Mannion
creator: Adele H. Pentland
creator: Mackenzie J. Enchelmaier
creator: Trish Sloan
creator: David A. Elliott
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Paleontology
subject: Taxonomy
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17180
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Beeston et al.
abstract: Skeletal remains of sauropod dinosaurs have been known from Australia for over 100 years. Unfortunately, the classification of the majority of these specimens to species level has historically been impeded by their incompleteness. This has begun to change in the last 15 years, primarily through the discovery and description of several partial skeletons from the Cenomanian–lower Turonian (lower Upper Cretaceous) Winton Formation in central Queensland, with four species erected to date: Australotitan cooperensis, Diamantinasaurus matildae, Savannasaurus elliottorum, and Wintonotitan wattsi. The first three of these appear to form a clade (Diamantinasauria) of early diverging titanosaurs (or close relatives of titanosaurs), whereas Wintonotitan wattsi is typically recovered as a distantly related non-titanosaurian somphospondylan. Through the use of 3D scanning, we digitised numerous specimens of Winton Formation sauropods, facilitating enhanced comparison between type and referred specimens, and heretofore undescribed specimens. We present new anatomical information on the holotype specimen of Diamantinasaurus matildae, and describe new remains pertaining to twelve sauropod individuals. Firsthand observations and digital analysis enabled previously proposed autapomorphic features of all four named Winton Formation sauropod species to be identified in the newly described specimens, with some specimens exhibiting putative autapomorphies of more than one species, prompting a reassessment of their taxonomic validity. Supported by a specimen-level phylogenetic analysis, we suggest that Australotitan cooperensis is probably a junior synonym of Diamantinasaurus matildae, but conservatively regard it herein as an indeterminate diamantinasaurian, meaning that the Winton Formation sauropod fauna now comprises three (rather than four) valid diamantinasaurian species: Diamantinasaurus matildae, Savannasaurus elliottorum, and Wintonotitan wattsi, with the latter robustly supported…
bibliographic citation: Beeston et al. (2024) Reappraisal of sauropod dinosaur diversity in the Upper Cretaceous Winton Formation of Queensland, Australia, through 3D digitisation and description of new specimens. PeerJ 12:e17180 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17180
date submitted: 2024-01-08
date accepted: 2024-03-11
issued: 2024-04-09
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Beeston
  given name: Samantha L.
author list: Agent
  family name: Poropat
  given name: Stephen F.
author list: Agent
  family name: Mannion
  given name: Philip D.
author list: Agent
  family name: Pentland
  given name: Adele H.
author list: Agent
  family name: Enchelmaier
  given name: Mackenzie J.
author list: Agent
  family name: Sloan
  given name: Trish
author list: Agent
  family name: Elliott
  given name: David A.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17180
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-09
copyright: © 2024 Beeston et al.
attribution name: Beeston et al.

IGF-1 rs6218 polymorphisms modulate the susceptibility to age-related cataract
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), as the most abundant form of DNA variation in the human genome, contribute to age-related cataracts (ARC) development. Apoptosis of lens epithelial cells (LECs) is closely related to ARC formation. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) contributes to cell apoptosis regulation. Moreover, IGF1 was indicated to exhibit a close association with cataract formation. Afterward, an investigation was conducted to examine the correlation between polymorphisms in IGF1 and the susceptibility to ARC. Methods The present investigation was a case-control study. Venous blood draws were collected from the participants for DNA genotyping. Lens capsule samples were collected to detect mRNA and apoptosis. TaqMan RT-PCR was used to detect IGF1 polymorphism genotypes and qRT PCR was used to detect IGF1 mRNA levels in LECs. LEC apoptosis was evaluated through flow cytometry. The chi-square test was used to compare differences between ARCs and controls of each SNP. Results We found that the G allele frequency in the IGF1-rs6218 was higher in the ARCs than in the controls. Furthermore, it was observed that the rs6218 GG genotype exhibited a positive correlation to elevated levels of IGF1 mRNA in LECs. The IGF1 mRNA in the LECs and the apoptosis of LECs in nuclear type of ARCs (ARNC) was higher than the controls. Conclusion The susceptibility to ARC was related to IGF1-rs6218 polymorphism, and this polymorphism is associated with IGF1 expression at the mRNA level. Moreover, apoptosis in LECs of ARNCs was found to be increased.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Xi Zou
creator: Jun Zhang
creator: Yong Wang
creator: Dong Zhou
creator: Guohua Deng
creator: Zhinan Liu
subject: Genetics
subject: Genomics
subject: Geriatrics
subject: Ophthalmology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17220
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Zou et al.
abstract: Background Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), as the most abundant form of DNA variation in the human genome, contribute to age-related cataracts (ARC) development. Apoptosis of lens epithelial cells (LECs) is closely related to ARC formation. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) contributes to cell apoptosis regulation. Moreover, IGF1 was indicated to exhibit a close association with cataract formation. Afterward, an investigation was conducted to examine the correlation between polymorphisms in IGF1 and the susceptibility to ARC. Methods The present investigation was a case-control study. Venous blood draws were collected from the participants for DNA genotyping. Lens capsule samples were collected to detect mRNA and apoptosis. TaqMan RT-PCR was used to detect IGF1 polymorphism genotypes and qRT PCR was used to detect IGF1 mRNA levels in LECs. LEC apoptosis was evaluated through flow cytometry. The chi-square test was used to compare differences between ARCs and controls of each SNP. Results We found that the G allele frequency in the IGF1-rs6218 was higher in the ARCs than in the controls. Furthermore, it was observed that the rs6218 GG genotype exhibited a positive correlation to elevated levels of IGF1 mRNA in LECs. The IGF1 mRNA in the LECs and the apoptosis of LECs in nuclear type of ARCs (ARNC) was higher than the controls. Conclusion The susceptibility to ARC was related to IGF1-rs6218 polymorphism, and this polymorphism is associated with IGF1 expression at the mRNA level. Moreover, apoptosis in LECs of ARNCs was found to be increased.
bibliographic citation: Zou et al. (2024) IGF-1 rs6218 polymorphisms modulate the susceptibility to age-related cataract. PeerJ 12:e17220 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17220
date submitted: 2023-11-07
date accepted: 2024-03-20
issued: 2024-04-09
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zou
  given name: Xi
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Jun
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Yong
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Dong
author list: Agent
  family name: Deng
  given name: Guohua
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Zhinan
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17220
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-09
copyright: © 2024 Zou et al.
attribution name: Zou et al.

The role of echinacoside-based cross-linker nanoparticles in the treatment of osteoporosis
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Current drugs for treating osteoporosis may lead to toxic side effects. Echinacoside (ECH) is a natural small molecule drug. This study examined and compared the therapeutic effects of cross-linker (CL)-ECH and ECH-free nanoparticles on osteoporosis. Methods Echinocandin-based CL-ECH nanoparticles were prepared, and the nanoparticle size and drug loading were optimized and characterized by adjusting the ratio. The antioxidant effect of CL-ECH nanoparticles on bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) was analyzed using flow cytometry, immunofluorescence staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs)-based detection of bone-producing effects was conducted using alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Alizarin Red S (ARS) and qRT-PCR. TRAP, phalloidin staining, and qRT-PCR was performed to detect osteogenesis-inhibiting effect on BMDMs. CL-ECH nanoparticles were applied to treat an ovariectomized (OVX) mouse model at low doses. Results Compared to ECH, CL-ECH nanoparticles suppressed oxidative stress in BMDMs by promoting NRF-2 nuclear translocation, which inhibited the production of both reactive oxygen species (ROS) and osteoclast production through downregulating NF-κB expression, with limited effect on the osteogenesis of BMSCs. In vivo studies showed that low-dose CL-ECH nanoparticles markedly improved bone trabecular loss compared to ECH administration in the treatment of osteoporosis. Conclusions The current discoveries provided a solid theoretical foundation for the development of a new generation of anti-bone resorption drugs and antiosteoporosis drugs.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Dandan Hu
creator: Chunan Cheng
creator: Zhen Bian
creator: Yubo Xu
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Orthopedics
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.17229
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Hu et al.
abstract: Background Current drugs for treating osteoporosis may lead to toxic side effects. Echinacoside (ECH) is a natural small molecule drug. This study examined and compared the therapeutic effects of cross-linker (CL)-ECH and ECH-free nanoparticles on osteoporosis. Methods Echinocandin-based CL-ECH nanoparticles were prepared, and the nanoparticle size and drug loading were optimized and characterized by adjusting the ratio. The antioxidant effect of CL-ECH nanoparticles on bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) was analyzed using flow cytometry, immunofluorescence staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs)-based detection of bone-producing effects was conducted using alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Alizarin Red S (ARS) and qRT-PCR. TRAP, phalloidin staining, and qRT-PCR was performed to detect osteogenesis-inhibiting effect on BMDMs. CL-ECH nanoparticles were applied to treat an ovariectomized (OVX) mouse model at low doses. Results Compared to ECH, CL-ECH nanoparticles suppressed oxidative stress in BMDMs by promoting NRF-2 nuclear translocation, which inhibited the production of both reactive oxygen species (ROS) and osteoclast production through downregulating NF-κB expression, with limited effect on the osteogenesis of BMSCs. In vivo studies showed that low-dose CL-ECH nanoparticles markedly improved bone trabecular loss compared to ECH administration in the treatment of osteoporosis. Conclusions The current discoveries provided a solid theoretical foundation for the development of a new generation of anti-bone resorption drugs and antiosteoporosis drugs.
bibliographic citation: Hu et al. (2024) The role of echinacoside-based cross-linker nanoparticles in the treatment of osteoporosis. PeerJ 12:e17229 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17229
date submitted: 2023-12-29
date accepted: 2024-03-21
issued: 2024-04-09
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Hu
  given name: Dandan
author list: Agent
  family name: Cheng
  given name: Chunan
author list: Agent
  family name: Bian
  given name: Zhen
author list: Agent
  family name: Xu
  given name: Yubo
doi: 10.7717/peerj.17229
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-04-09
copyright: ©2024 Hu et al.
attribution name: Hu et al.

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