PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Metabolic profile alterations in juvenile rats with bladder overactivity induced by short-term high-fructose intake
items: rtpcr: a package for statistical analysis and graphical presentation of qPCR data in R
items: Extraction, identification and component analysis of exosome-like nanovesicles in Anoectochilus roxburghii (Wall.) Lindl.
items: Association of sociodemographic factors, lifestyle behaviors, anthropometric measures, and cardiometabolic health markers with blood pressure in adolescents: a cross-sectional analysis
items: Modulation of carbon-to-nitrogen ratio shapes the microbial ecology in a methanol-fed recirculating marine denitrifying reactor
items: Exploring influences on radiation protection compliance: a directed acyclic graph-based cross-sectional study in a non-teaching hospital in western China
items: Dynamics of the hindgut microbiota of the Japanese honey bees (Apis cerana japonica) throughout the overwintering period
items: Identifying knowledge gaps in hypersaline systems supporting the global electrical transition: invertebrate community structure in salars from the lithium triangle
items: Evidence of positive selection and a novel phylogeny among five subspecies of song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) in Alaska
items: Molecular identification based on mtDNA analysis of commercial crustaceans in the coastal Amazon: exotic species, cryptic diversity, and implications for sustainable fisheries in northern Brazil

Metabolic profile alterations in juvenile rats with bladder overactivity induced by short-term high-fructose intake
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) is a common condition that affects both adults and children, often causing significant discomfort and negatively impacting quality of life. This study aimed to preliminarily evaluate whether fructose exposure induces OAB-like symptoms in juvenile rats and to explore potential metabolic mechanisms involved. Methods Three-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to two groups: a model group fed a 60% fructose diet for one week, and a control group fed a standard diet. Body weight, blood biochemical parameters, urination behavior, and urodynamic function were assessed. Bladder tissue was analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Molecular and metabolic changes were evaluated via Western blot and metabolomic analysis. Results Short-term high fructose intake led to significant metabolic and functional changes in juvenile rats. The model group showed reduced body weight and altered lipid metabolism, while glucose and insulin levels remained largely unchanged. Urodynamic assessments revealed increased non-voiding contractions, shortened intervals between contractions, and impaired bladder storage function. Open field tests indicated increased urinary frequency and open field test results. Histological analysis demonstrated disorganized bladder smooth muscle structure and elevated oxidative stress. Metabolomic profiling revealed marked alterations in energy metabolism, including enhanced glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway activation, and accumulation of ATP and lactate. Western blot analysis confirmed activation of the CaMKK2/AMPK signaling pathway in bladder tissue. Conclusions Short-term high-fructose intake induces OAB-like symptoms in juvenile rats, accompanied by fructose toxicity, oxidative stress, calcium ion accumulation, and activation of the CaMKK2/AMPK signaling pathway. These findings highlight a potential link between fructose metabolism and blad…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Xu Cui
creator: Zhiqiang Chen
creator: Longyao Xu
creator: Changwei Wu
creator: Chaoming Zhou
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Toxicology
subject: Nutrition
subject: Urology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20186
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Cui et al.
abstract: Background Overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) is a common condition that affects both adults and children, often causing significant discomfort and negatively impacting quality of life. This study aimed to preliminarily evaluate whether fructose exposure induces OAB-like symptoms in juvenile rats and to explore potential metabolic mechanisms involved. Methods Three-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to two groups: a model group fed a 60% fructose diet for one week, and a control group fed a standard diet. Body weight, blood biochemical parameters, urination behavior, and urodynamic function were assessed. Bladder tissue was analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Molecular and metabolic changes were evaluated via Western blot and metabolomic analysis. Results Short-term high fructose intake led to significant metabolic and functional changes in juvenile rats. The model group showed reduced body weight and altered lipid metabolism, while glucose and insulin levels remained largely unchanged. Urodynamic assessments revealed increased non-voiding contractions, shortened intervals between contractions, and impaired bladder storage function. Open field tests indicated increased urinary frequency and open field test results. Histological analysis demonstrated disorganized bladder smooth muscle structure and elevated oxidative stress. Metabolomic profiling revealed marked alterations in energy metabolism, including enhanced glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway activation, and accumulation of ATP and lactate. Western blot analysis confirmed activation of the CaMKK2/AMPK signaling pathway in bladder tissue. Conclusions Short-term high-fructose intake induces OAB-like symptoms in juvenile rats, accompanied by fructose toxicity, oxidative stress, calcium ion accumulation, and activation of the CaMKK2/AMPK signaling pathway. These findings highlight a potential link between fructose metabolism and blad…
bibliographic citation: Cui et al. (2025) Metabolic profile alterations in juvenile rats with bladder overactivity induced by short-term high-fructose intake. PeerJ 13:e20186 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20186
date submitted: 2025-05-07
date accepted: 2025-09-15
issued: 2025-10-13
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Cui
  given name: Xu
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Zhiqiang
author list: Agent
  family name: Xu
  given name: Longyao
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Changwei
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Chaoming
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20186
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-10-13
copyright: ©2025 Cui et al.
attribution name: Cui et al.

rtpcr: a package for statistical analysis and graphical presentation of qPCR data in R
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR or qPCR) is widely used in molecular biology research. Various analysis methods are employed to interpret qPCR data and measure mRNA levels of target genes under different experimental conditions. Results The rtpcr package was developed for amplification efficiency calculation, statistical analysis, and graphical presentation of qPCR data in R. It uses a general calculation methodology that accommodates up to two reference genes and amplification efficiency values, including the Pfaffl method. Depending on the experimental design, rtpcr functions apply a t-test (for experiments with a two-level factor), analysis of variance (ANOVA), or analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) (for experiments with more than two levels or factors) to calculate fold change (FC) or relative expression (RE) of a target gene. The functions also provide standard errors and confidence intervals for the means and support statistical mean comparisons. To facilitate usage, the package includes example datasets. It also offers ggplot-based visualizations with customizable arguments, allowing users to tailor the graphical output. Conclusions In summary, the rtpcr package is a useful and user-friendly tool for analyzing real-time PCR data from experiments involving up to three different factors. Built on a general methodology, it provides robust calculations and comprehensive graphical outputs, making it a valuable resource for researchers working with qPCR data.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Ghader Mirzaghaderi
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Genetics
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Computational Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20185
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Mirzaghaderi
abstract: Background Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR or qPCR) is widely used in molecular biology research. Various analysis methods are employed to interpret qPCR data and measure mRNA levels of target genes under different experimental conditions. Results The rtpcr package was developed for amplification efficiency calculation, statistical analysis, and graphical presentation of qPCR data in R. It uses a general calculation methodology that accommodates up to two reference genes and amplification efficiency values, including the Pfaffl method. Depending on the experimental design, rtpcr functions apply a t-test (for experiments with a two-level factor), analysis of variance (ANOVA), or analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) (for experiments with more than two levels or factors) to calculate fold change (FC) or relative expression (RE) of a target gene. The functions also provide standard errors and confidence intervals for the means and support statistical mean comparisons. To facilitate usage, the package includes example datasets. It also offers ggplot-based visualizations with customizable arguments, allowing users to tailor the graphical output. Conclusions In summary, the rtpcr package is a useful and user-friendly tool for analyzing real-time PCR data from experiments involving up to three different factors. Built on a general methodology, it provides robust calculations and comprehensive graphical outputs, making it a valuable resource for researchers working with qPCR data.
bibliographic citation: Mirzaghaderi (2025) rtpcr: a package for statistical analysis and graphical presentation of qPCR data in R. PeerJ 13:e20185 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20185
date submitted: 2025-02-19
date accepted: 2025-09-15
issued: 2025-10-13
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Mirzaghaderi
  given name: Ghader
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20185
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-10-13
copyright: ©2025 Mirzaghaderi
attribution name: Mirzaghaderi

Extraction, identification and component analysis of exosome-like nanovesicles in Anoectochilus roxburghii (Wall.) Lindl.
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Objective This study aimed to investigate the presence of exosome-like nanovesicles in Anoectochilus roxburghii (Wall.) Lindl. (A. roxburghii) and the related active ingredients. Methods A. roxburghii-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (ARENVs) were extracted by the differential ultracentrifugation and characterized by transmission electron microscopy and nano-flow cytometry. The components in ARENVs derived from soil-cultured and hydroponic A. roxburghii were identified and quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results Nanovesicles with typical exosome characteristics were successfully isolated from A. roxburghii. After analysis and identification, ARENVs were rich in multiple flavonoid components such as isoquercitrin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, narcissoside, quercetin and rutin. The quantity of flavonoid compounds was higher in ARENVs derived from soil-cultured A. roxburghii than in those from hydroponic A. roxburghii. Conclusion A. roxburghii contains exosome-like nanovesicles, which are rich in active flavonoid ingredients. These active ingredients are more abundant in ARENVs derived from soil-cultured A. roxburghii than hydroponic counterparts. The findings may provide an innovative theoretical basis for further exploration of the medicinal value of A. roxburghii.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Xuanzhe Zhou
creator: Xinglin Ruan
creator: Xue Mi
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20182
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Zhou et al.
abstract: Objective This study aimed to investigate the presence of exosome-like nanovesicles in Anoectochilus roxburghii (Wall.) Lindl. (A. roxburghii) and the related active ingredients. Methods A. roxburghii-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (ARENVs) were extracted by the differential ultracentrifugation and characterized by transmission electron microscopy and nano-flow cytometry. The components in ARENVs derived from soil-cultured and hydroponic A. roxburghii were identified and quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results Nanovesicles with typical exosome characteristics were successfully isolated from A. roxburghii. After analysis and identification, ARENVs were rich in multiple flavonoid components such as isoquercitrin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, narcissoside, quercetin and rutin. The quantity of flavonoid compounds was higher in ARENVs derived from soil-cultured A. roxburghii than in those from hydroponic A. roxburghii. Conclusion A. roxburghii contains exosome-like nanovesicles, which are rich in active flavonoid ingredients. These active ingredients are more abundant in ARENVs derived from soil-cultured A. roxburghii than hydroponic counterparts. The findings may provide an innovative theoretical basis for further exploration of the medicinal value of A. roxburghii.
bibliographic citation: Zhou et al. (2025) Extraction, identification and component analysis of exosome-like nanovesicles in Anoectochilus roxburghii (Wall.) Lindl.. PeerJ 13:e20182 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20182
date submitted: 2025-07-17
date accepted: 2025-09-15
issued: 2025-10-13
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Xuanzhe
author list: Agent
  family name: Ruan
  given name: Xinglin
author list: Agent
  family name: Mi
  given name: Xue
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20182
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-10-13
copyright: ©2025 Zhou et al.
attribution name: Zhou et al.

Association of sociodemographic factors, lifestyle behaviors, anthropometric measures, and cardiometabolic health markers with blood pressure in adolescents: a cross-sectional analysis
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Introduction Evidence suggests that hypertension in adulthood may have its origins in childhood and adolescence. In this context, previous studies have demonstrated an association between lifestyle behaviors and nutritional status, both of which are linked to elevated blood pressure. Objective To examine the association between sociodemographic factors, subjective perception of health, lifestyle behaviors, anthropometric measurements, and cardiometabolic health markers with blood pressure in a sample of Brazilian adolescents. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 273 adolescents (56% girls), aged 14–20 years, from Rio Branco, Acre, Amazon Region of Brazil. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires and direct measurements, including anthropometric indices, cardiometabolic biomarkers, and blood pressure. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests and binary logistic regression models. Linear regression, adjusted by all variables, including dimension (sub-category) and age, was used to verify if the independent variables were associated with elevated blood pressure among adolescents. Results Significant associations were observed between elevated blood pressure and the male sex (OR = 2.56; 95% CI [1.11–5.86], p = 0.026) and rural residency (OR = 3.65; 95% CI [1.44–9.21], p = 0.006). Aerobic activity presented a significant association with elevated blood pressure (OR = 8.04; 95% CI [1.04–61.65], p = 0.045). Waist circumference increased the likelihood of elevated blood pressure (OR = 5.43; 95% CI [1.34–21.94], p = 0.018). Cardiometabolic markers, such as fasting glucose, demonstrated a significant association with elevated blood pressure (OR = 2.43; 95% CI [1.00–5.90], p = 0.048). No significant associations were found for muscle-strengthening activity, screen time, sleep duration, or food intake. Conclusion Our findings emphasize the crucial role of sociodemographic factors, especially the male sex and rural residency, in predicting elevated b…
format: application/pdf
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creator: Fábio Nascimento-da-Silva
creator: João Rafael Valentim-Silva
creator: César Arruda Meschiari
creator: Ildercílio Mota de Souza Lima
creator: Dartagnan Pinto Guedes
creator: Juliano Casonatto
subject: Cardiology
subject: Pediatrics
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20151
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Nascimento-da-Silva et al.
abstract: Introduction Evidence suggests that hypertension in adulthood may have its origins in childhood and adolescence. In this context, previous studies have demonstrated an association between lifestyle behaviors and nutritional status, both of which are linked to elevated blood pressure. Objective To examine the association between sociodemographic factors, subjective perception of health, lifestyle behaviors, anthropometric measurements, and cardiometabolic health markers with blood pressure in a sample of Brazilian adolescents. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 273 adolescents (56% girls), aged 14–20 years, from Rio Branco, Acre, Amazon Region of Brazil. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires and direct measurements, including anthropometric indices, cardiometabolic biomarkers, and blood pressure. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests and binary logistic regression models. Linear regression, adjusted by all variables, including dimension (sub-category) and age, was used to verify if the independent variables were associated with elevated blood pressure among adolescents. Results Significant associations were observed between elevated blood pressure and the male sex (OR = 2.56; 95% CI [1.11–5.86], p = 0.026) and rural residency (OR = 3.65; 95% CI [1.44–9.21], p = 0.006). Aerobic activity presented a significant association with elevated blood pressure (OR = 8.04; 95% CI [1.04–61.65], p = 0.045). Waist circumference increased the likelihood of elevated blood pressure (OR = 5.43; 95% CI [1.34–21.94], p = 0.018). Cardiometabolic markers, such as fasting glucose, demonstrated a significant association with elevated blood pressure (OR = 2.43; 95% CI [1.00–5.90], p = 0.048). No significant associations were found for muscle-strengthening activity, screen time, sleep duration, or food intake. Conclusion Our findings emphasize the crucial role of sociodemographic factors, especially the male sex and rural residency, in predicting elevated b…
bibliographic citation: Nascimento-da-Silva et al. (2025) Association of sociodemographic factors, lifestyle behaviors, anthropometric measures, and cardiometabolic health markers with blood pressure in adolescents: a cross-sectional analysis. PeerJ 13:e20151 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20151
date submitted: 2025-04-17
date accepted: 2025-09-08
issued: 2025-10-13
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Nascimento-da-Silva
  given name: Fábio
author list: Agent
  family name: Valentim-Silva
  given name: João Rafael
author list: Agent
  family name: Meschiari
  given name: César Arruda
author list: Agent
  family name: Lima
  given name: Ildercílio Mota de Souza
author list: Agent
  family name: Guedes
  given name: Dartagnan Pinto
author list: Agent
  family name: Casonatto
  given name: Juliano
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20151
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-10-13
copyright: ©2025 Nascimento-da-Silva et al.
attribution name: Nascimento-da-Silva et al.

Modulation of carbon-to-nitrogen ratio shapes the microbial ecology in a methanol-fed recirculating marine denitrifying reactor
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Nitrate (NO3−) can accumulate in closed-circuit ecosystems to a toxic level. Adding heterotrophic denitrification process to the water treatment is a strategy to reduce this level. This type of process usually requires the addition of a carbon source. Carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C/N) is a key parameter known to influence both the function and the activity of microbial communities in bioprocesses. Few studies have examined the influence of C/N on denitrification systems operated under methylotrophic and marine conditions. Here we assessed the influence of C/N (methanol and NO3−) on the performance of a laboratory-scale, recirculating denitrifying reactor operated under marine conditions. We monitored the evolution of the bacterial community in the biofilm to assess its stability during the operating conditions. Finally, the relative gene expression profiles of Methylophaga nitratireducenticrescens strain GP59, the main denitrifier in the denitrifying biofilm, were determined during the operating conditions and compared with those of GP59 planktonic pure cultures. Methodology A 500-mL methanol-fed recirculating denitrification reactor operated under marine conditions and colonized by a naturally occurring multispecies denitrifying biofilm was subjected to eight different C/N. We monitored several physico-chemical parameters (denitrifying activities, methanol consumption, CO2 production) throughout the operating conditions. The evolution of the bacterial community in the biofilm during these conditions was determined by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Metatranscriptomes were derived from the biofilm to determine (1) the relative gene expression profiles of strain GP59, and (2) the functional diversity of the active microorganisms in the biofilm. Results Changes in C/N did not correlate with the denitrification dynamics (NO3− and NO2− reduction rates, NO2− and N2O dynamics), but did correlate with the methanol consumption rates, and the CO2 production rates.…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Livie Lestin
creator: Richard Villemur
subject: Bioengineering
subject: Marine Biology
subject: Microbiology
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Environmental Contamination and Remediation
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20129
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Lestin and Villemur
abstract: Background Nitrate (NO3−) can accumulate in closed-circuit ecosystems to a toxic level. Adding heterotrophic denitrification process to the water treatment is a strategy to reduce this level. This type of process usually requires the addition of a carbon source. Carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C/N) is a key parameter known to influence both the function and the activity of microbial communities in bioprocesses. Few studies have examined the influence of C/N on denitrification systems operated under methylotrophic and marine conditions. Here we assessed the influence of C/N (methanol and NO3−) on the performance of a laboratory-scale, recirculating denitrifying reactor operated under marine conditions. We monitored the evolution of the bacterial community in the biofilm to assess its stability during the operating conditions. Finally, the relative gene expression profiles of Methylophaga nitratireducenticrescens strain GP59, the main denitrifier in the denitrifying biofilm, were determined during the operating conditions and compared with those of GP59 planktonic pure cultures. Methodology A 500-mL methanol-fed recirculating denitrification reactor operated under marine conditions and colonized by a naturally occurring multispecies denitrifying biofilm was subjected to eight different C/N. We monitored several physico-chemical parameters (denitrifying activities, methanol consumption, CO2 production) throughout the operating conditions. The evolution of the bacterial community in the biofilm during these conditions was determined by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Metatranscriptomes were derived from the biofilm to determine (1) the relative gene expression profiles of strain GP59, and (2) the functional diversity of the active microorganisms in the biofilm. Results Changes in C/N did not correlate with the denitrification dynamics (NO3− and NO2− reduction rates, NO2− and N2O dynamics), but did correlate with the methanol consumption rates, and the CO2 production rates.…
bibliographic citation: Lestin et al. (2025) Modulation of carbon-to-nitrogen ratio shapes the microbial ecology in a methanol-fed recirculating marine denitrifying reactor. PeerJ 13:e20129 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20129
date submitted: 2025-04-29
date accepted: 2025-09-02
issued: 2025-10-13
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Lestin
  given name: Livie
author list: Agent
  family name: Villemur
  given name: Richard
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20129
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-10-13
copyright: ©2025 Lestin and Villemur
attribution name: Lestin and Villemur

Exploring influences on radiation protection compliance: a directed acyclic graph-based cross-sectional study in a non-teaching hospital in western China
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Occupational radiation exposure poses significant health risks to medical personnel. However, the causal pathways linking protective knowledge, attitudes, and behavior (KAB) remain underexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to apply directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) to clarify the mechanistic relationships among these factors. Methods A cross-sectional survey of 335 radiation workers from a non-teaching level III general hospital in western China used validated scales to measure KAB. DAGs were constructed based on theoretical frameworks and previous evidence, complemented by correlation analyses, multivariate linear regression, and structural equation modeling. Results Radiation protection knowledge exerted the strongest direct effect on protective behavior (β = 0.55 5, p < 0.001). Attitude mediated 18.3% of the total effect (β = 0. 024, 95% confidence interval [0.0 03–0. 045]). Age was a significant negative predictor of compliance (β = −0. 390, p < 0.001), while training improved both knowledge (β = 0. 394, p < 0.001) and behavior (β = 0.1 47, p < 0.001). Educational level was significantly correlated with knowledge acquisition (β = 0.101, p = 0.029) but did not directly influence behavior. Participants demonstrated positive attitudes (mean = 21.35/25) and behaviors (mean = 28.99/35). However, critical knowledge gaps persisted in radiation culture (28% correct) and emergency protocols (25% correct). Conclusions This study applied DAGs to clarify causal mechanisms in radiation protection, highlighting knowledge acquisition as a key driver of safe practices. Age-specific interventions and standardized training programs are recommended to address knowledge deficits and mitigate age-related behavioral decline. These findings provide a methodological foundation for optimizing occupational health strategies, with implications for policy design and future longitudinal validation.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Lulu Cao
creator: Jinwen Wu
creator: Li Jiang
creator: Yi Tao
creator: Huaping Huang
creator: XiaoJing Xue
subject: Health Policy
subject: Public Health
subject: Radiology and Medical Imaging
subject: Mental Health
subject: Environmental Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20083
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Cao et al.
abstract: Background Occupational radiation exposure poses significant health risks to medical personnel. However, the causal pathways linking protective knowledge, attitudes, and behavior (KAB) remain underexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to apply directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) to clarify the mechanistic relationships among these factors. Methods A cross-sectional survey of 335 radiation workers from a non-teaching level III general hospital in western China used validated scales to measure KAB. DAGs were constructed based on theoretical frameworks and previous evidence, complemented by correlation analyses, multivariate linear regression, and structural equation modeling. Results Radiation protection knowledge exerted the strongest direct effect on protective behavior (β = 0.55 5, p < 0.001). Attitude mediated 18.3% of the total effect (β = 0. 024, 95% confidence interval [0.0 03–0. 045]). Age was a significant negative predictor of compliance (β = −0. 390, p < 0.001), while training improved both knowledge (β = 0. 394, p < 0.001) and behavior (β = 0.1 47, p < 0.001). Educational level was significantly correlated with knowledge acquisition (β = 0.101, p = 0.029) but did not directly influence behavior. Participants demonstrated positive attitudes (mean = 21.35/25) and behaviors (mean = 28.99/35). However, critical knowledge gaps persisted in radiation culture (28% correct) and emergency protocols (25% correct). Conclusions This study applied DAGs to clarify causal mechanisms in radiation protection, highlighting knowledge acquisition as a key driver of safe practices. Age-specific interventions and standardized training programs are recommended to address knowledge deficits and mitigate age-related behavioral decline. These findings provide a methodological foundation for optimizing occupational health strategies, with implications for policy design and future longitudinal validation.
bibliographic citation: Cao et al. (2025) Exploring influences on radiation protection compliance: a directed acyclic graph-based cross-sectional study in a non-teaching hospital in western China. PeerJ 13:e20083 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20083
date submitted: 2025-05-09
date accepted: 2025-08-24
issued: 2025-10-13
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Cao
  given name: Lulu
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Jinwen
author list: Agent
  family name: Jiang
  given name: Li
author list: Agent
  family name: Tao
  given name: Yi
author list: Agent
  family name: Huang
  given name: Huaping
author list: Agent
  family name: Xue
  given name: XiaoJing
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20083
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-10-13
copyright: ©2025 Cao et al.
attribution name: Cao et al.

Dynamics of the hindgut microbiota of the Japanese honey bees (Apis cerana japonica) throughout the overwintering period
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Honey bees play crucial roles as pollinators in natural, agricultural, and ecological systems. The role of gut microbiota in the overwinter survival of honey bees is gaining attention. Compared with Western honey bees (Apis mellifera), Eastern honey bees (Apis cerana) are more tolerant to low-temperature stress. This study compared the hindgut microbiota of the Japanese honey bees (Apis cerana japonica), a subspecies of A. cerana, during the overwintering period (December) with that before overwintering (October) and after overwintering (March) to estimate beneficial hindgut bacteria contributing to survival during the overwintering period. Overall, the hindgut microbiota of A. c. japonica was occupied by Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria at the phylum level and Apibacter, Bifidobacterium, Bombilactobacillus, Gilliamella, Lactobacillus, and Snodgrassella at the genus level. The hindgut microbiota composition of A. c. japonica was similar to that of A. cerana in other regions, suggesting that phylogeny influenced the composition. Many sequences assigned to these six core genera showed <98.7% similarity to type strains, indicating potential novel bacterial species. The relative abundance of Bifidobacterium, Bombilactobacillus, and Lactobacillus was higher during overwintering than in other periods. Our findings highlight changes in the core bacteria of the hindgut microbiota of A. c. japonica during overwintering and also suggest the presence of novel candidate bacterial species. The roles of the bacteria that were increased during the overwintering period require further elucidation.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Akihiko Suzuki
creator: Shumpei Hisamoto
creator: Yoshiko Sakamoto
subject: Entomology
subject: Microbiology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20050
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Suzuki et al.
abstract: Honey bees play crucial roles as pollinators in natural, agricultural, and ecological systems. The role of gut microbiota in the overwinter survival of honey bees is gaining attention. Compared with Western honey bees (Apis mellifera), Eastern honey bees (Apis cerana) are more tolerant to low-temperature stress. This study compared the hindgut microbiota of the Japanese honey bees (Apis cerana japonica), a subspecies of A. cerana, during the overwintering period (December) with that before overwintering (October) and after overwintering (March) to estimate beneficial hindgut bacteria contributing to survival during the overwintering period. Overall, the hindgut microbiota of A. c. japonica was occupied by Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria at the phylum level and Apibacter, Bifidobacterium, Bombilactobacillus, Gilliamella, Lactobacillus, and Snodgrassella at the genus level. The hindgut microbiota composition of A. c. japonica was similar to that of A. cerana in other regions, suggesting that phylogeny influenced the composition. Many sequences assigned to these six core genera showed <98.7% similarity to type strains, indicating potential novel bacterial species. The relative abundance of Bifidobacterium, Bombilactobacillus, and Lactobacillus was higher during overwintering than in other periods. Our findings highlight changes in the core bacteria of the hindgut microbiota of A. c. japonica during overwintering and also suggest the presence of novel candidate bacterial species. The roles of the bacteria that were increased during the overwintering period require further elucidation.
bibliographic citation: Suzuki et al. (2025) Dynamics of the hindgut microbiota of the Japanese honey bees (Apis cerana japonica) throughout the overwintering period. PeerJ 13:e20050 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20050
date submitted: 2025-07-09
date accepted: 2025-08-17
issued: 2025-10-13
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Suzuki
  given name: Akihiko
author list: Agent
  family name: Hisamoto
  given name: Shumpei
author list: Agent
  family name: Sakamoto
  given name: Yoshiko
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20050
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-10-13
copyright: © 2025 Suzuki et al.
attribution name: Suzuki et al.

Identifying knowledge gaps in hypersaline systems supporting the global electrical transition: invertebrate community structure in salars from the lithium triangle
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Following decades of mining impacts, South America’s hypersaline wetlands (salars) face increasing threats from lithium extraction to support global decarbonisation. Although globally important, salars are understudied and information needed to understand environmental impacts is lacking. Modern ecological studies on salars have focused on microbial community composition and function but other taxa are less studied, including resident and migratory reptiles and birds and their aquatic invertebrate prey. Given the scale and immediate nature of the threats associated with lithium exploitation, we must deepen our understanding of salar biology, but this is impeded by logistic/financial restrictions given the heightened costs of sampling in these often remote, extreme environments. Given the pressing demand for information, we collated/analysed information from the literature. We generated lists of invertebrate taxa present in 63 hypersaline environments from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru, and examined relationships between invertebrate community structure and physicochemical factors. We recorded 46 different taxa, with the Centropagidae being the most frequently recorded taxon across systems. Multivariate analyses of community structure showed significant clustering among sites. Variation in community structure was best explained by maximum salinity (18%). Geographical location or ecosystem size had no obvious effect on community structure. We provide a useful broad view of aquatic invertebrate diversity in the hypersaline salars but highlight the general lack of information regarding the ecology of these ecosystems.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Gonzalo Salazar
creator: Pablo Aguilar
creator: Chris Harrod
subject: Ecology
subject: Zoology
subject: Freshwater Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.20042
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Salazar et al.
abstract: Following decades of mining impacts, South America’s hypersaline wetlands (salars) face increasing threats from lithium extraction to support global decarbonisation. Although globally important, salars are understudied and information needed to understand environmental impacts is lacking. Modern ecological studies on salars have focused on microbial community composition and function but other taxa are less studied, including resident and migratory reptiles and birds and their aquatic invertebrate prey. Given the scale and immediate nature of the threats associated with lithium exploitation, we must deepen our understanding of salar biology, but this is impeded by logistic/financial restrictions given the heightened costs of sampling in these often remote, extreme environments. Given the pressing demand for information, we collated/analysed information from the literature. We generated lists of invertebrate taxa present in 63 hypersaline environments from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru, and examined relationships between invertebrate community structure and physicochemical factors. We recorded 46 different taxa, with the Centropagidae being the most frequently recorded taxon across systems. Multivariate analyses of community structure showed significant clustering among sites. Variation in community structure was best explained by maximum salinity (18%). Geographical location or ecosystem size had no obvious effect on community structure. We provide a useful broad view of aquatic invertebrate diversity in the hypersaline salars but highlight the general lack of information regarding the ecology of these ecosystems.
bibliographic citation: Salazar et al. (2025) Identifying knowledge gaps in hypersaline systems supporting the global electrical transition: invertebrate community structure in salars from the lithium triangle. PeerJ 13:e20042 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20042
date submitted: 2025-05-15
date accepted: 2025-08-15
issued: 2025-10-13
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Salazar
  given name: Gonzalo
author list: Agent
  family name: Aguilar
  given name: Pablo
author list: Agent
  family name: Harrod
  given name: Chris
doi: 10.7717/peerj.20042
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-10-13
copyright: ©2025 Salazar et al.
attribution name: Salazar et al.

Evidence of positive selection and a novel phylogeny among five subspecies of song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) in Alaska
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Local adaptation occurs when populations evolve traits in response to local environmental challenges. Isolated island populations often experience different selection pressures than their mainland counterparts, which enables the study of how phenotypes and genotypes respond to differing selection regimes. We studied a group of five phenotypically differentiated subspecies of song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) in Alaska that demonstrate striking body size, color, and migratory behavioral differences to examine the effects of local adaptation on phenotypes and genotypes. We examined the phenotypic attributes of these populations and used whole-genome data to determine relationships and test candidate loci for evidence of selection. Phenotypic measurements of museum specimens (n = 227) quantified the dramatic size differences among these populations, with westernmost M. m. maxima being ~1.6 times larger than easternmost M. m. rufina. Using ultraconserved elements (UCEs) and McDonald-Kreitman tests, we showed that seven candidate genes associated with bill size, circadian rhythm regulation, plumage color, and salt tolerance exhibited signs of putative positive selection. Phylogenetic analysis of UCEs identified M. m. maxima as sister to the other Alaska M. melodia subspecies. This suggests M. m. maxima colonized earliest, perhaps before the last glacial maximum, and that Alaska was later recolonized by ancestors of the remaining four subspecies.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Caitlyn C. Oliver Brown
creator: Keiler A. Collier
creator: David J. X. Tan
creator: Kendall Mills
creator: Fern Spaulding
creator: Travis C. Glenn
creator: Christin Pruett
creator: Kevin Winker
subject: Biogeography
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Genomics
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.19986
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Oliver Brown et al.
abstract: Local adaptation occurs when populations evolve traits in response to local environmental challenges. Isolated island populations often experience different selection pressures than their mainland counterparts, which enables the study of how phenotypes and genotypes respond to differing selection regimes. We studied a group of five phenotypically differentiated subspecies of song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) in Alaska that demonstrate striking body size, color, and migratory behavioral differences to examine the effects of local adaptation on phenotypes and genotypes. We examined the phenotypic attributes of these populations and used whole-genome data to determine relationships and test candidate loci for evidence of selection. Phenotypic measurements of museum specimens (n = 227) quantified the dramatic size differences among these populations, with westernmost M. m. maxima being ~1.6 times larger than easternmost M. m. rufina. Using ultraconserved elements (UCEs) and McDonald-Kreitman tests, we showed that seven candidate genes associated with bill size, circadian rhythm regulation, plumage color, and salt tolerance exhibited signs of putative positive selection. Phylogenetic analysis of UCEs identified M. m. maxima as sister to the other Alaska M. melodia subspecies. This suggests M. m. maxima colonized earliest, perhaps before the last glacial maximum, and that Alaska was later recolonized by ancestors of the remaining four subspecies.
bibliographic citation: Oliver Brown et al. (2025) Evidence of positive selection and a novel phylogeny among five subspecies of song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) in Alaska. PeerJ 13:e19986 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19986
date submitted: 2024-05-31
date accepted: 2025-08-04
issued: 2025-10-13
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Oliver Brown
  given name: Caitlyn C.
author list: Agent
  family name: Collier
  given name: Keiler A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Tan
  given name: David J. X.
author list: Agent
  family name: Mills
  given name: Kendall
author list: Agent
  family name: Spaulding
  given name: Fern
author list: Agent
  family name: Glenn
  given name: Travis C.
author list: Agent
  family name: Pruett
  given name: Christin
author list: Agent
  family name: Winker
  given name: Kevin
doi: 10.7717/peerj.19986
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-10-13
copyright: © 2025 Oliver Brown et al.
attribution name: Oliver Brown et al.

Molecular identification based on mtDNA analysis of commercial crustaceans in the coastal Amazon: exotic species, cryptic diversity, and implications for sustainable fisheries in northern Brazil
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Located around the Caeté River estuary, the municipality of Bragança is one of the primary fishing hubs in the region. Several high-value crustacean species are intensively harvested in this area and are commonly sold at open-air markets. However, fishery products are often labeled with generic trade names, which hinders accurate species identification and conceals the true diversity of the exploited species. Methods Therefore, we conducted the molecular identification of crustacean species sold in Bragança. Samples were collected during two periods: from February to August 2017, and from September 2021 to May 2022. A total of 137 samples were analyzed, including 120 obtained from markets and 17 collected from the wild. Specimens were first identified morphologically, and two regions of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene were amplified for molecular identification. Genetic analyses included haplotype determination, Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) comparisons, phylogenetic tree construction, and species delimitation approaches. Results We obtained a dataset comprising 16 commercial names and 151 DNA sequences, including 38 sequences from region I (the barcode region) and 113 sequences from region II of the COI gene. A total of 15 crustacean species, belonging to seven genera and five families, were identified. Six of these species were classified as exotic, and three were recently described in the scientific literature. Additionally, we documented the occurrence of two distinct lineages of Penaeus monodon along the Brazilian coast. Molecular species delimitation tools effectively identified all sampled taxa and revealed underestimated levels of biodiversity due to the use of generic commercial names. This issue poses a potential threat to the long-term sustainability of fishery resources and commercial fishing in northern Brazil, as it leads to biased qualitative and quantitative assessments of fishery products.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jefferson Sousa
creator: Ítalo Lutz
creator: Paula Santana
creator: Thais Martins
creator: Charles Ferreira
creator: Nicolly Santa Brígida
creator: Josy Miranda
creator: Raimundo da Silva
creator: Andressa J. Barbosa
creator: Suane Matos
creator: Carla Mendes
creator: Bruna Cardoso
creator: Aline Silva
creator: Ingrid da Silva
creator: Jorge da Costa
creator: Marcelo Vallinoto
creator: Iracilda Sampaio
creator: Grazielle Evangelista-Gomes
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Conservation Biology
subject: Genetics
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.19586
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2025 Sousa et al.
abstract: Background Located around the Caeté River estuary, the municipality of Bragança is one of the primary fishing hubs in the region. Several high-value crustacean species are intensively harvested in this area and are commonly sold at open-air markets. However, fishery products are often labeled with generic trade names, which hinders accurate species identification and conceals the true diversity of the exploited species. Methods Therefore, we conducted the molecular identification of crustacean species sold in Bragança. Samples were collected during two periods: from February to August 2017, and from September 2021 to May 2022. A total of 137 samples were analyzed, including 120 obtained from markets and 17 collected from the wild. Specimens were first identified morphologically, and two regions of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene were amplified for molecular identification. Genetic analyses included haplotype determination, Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) comparisons, phylogenetic tree construction, and species delimitation approaches. Results We obtained a dataset comprising 16 commercial names and 151 DNA sequences, including 38 sequences from region I (the barcode region) and 113 sequences from region II of the COI gene. A total of 15 crustacean species, belonging to seven genera and five families, were identified. Six of these species were classified as exotic, and three were recently described in the scientific literature. Additionally, we documented the occurrence of two distinct lineages of Penaeus monodon along the Brazilian coast. Molecular species delimitation tools effectively identified all sampled taxa and revealed underestimated levels of biodiversity due to the use of generic commercial names. This issue poses a potential threat to the long-term sustainability of fishery resources and commercial fishing in northern Brazil, as it leads to biased qualitative and quantitative assessments of fishery products.
bibliographic citation: Sousa et al. (2025) Molecular identification based on mtDNA analysis of commercial crustaceans in the coastal Amazon: exotic species, cryptic diversity, and implications for sustainable fisheries in northern Brazil. PeerJ 13:e19586 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19586
date submitted: 2024-10-10
date accepted: 2025-05-20
issued: 2025-10-13
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Sousa
  given name: Jefferson
author list: Agent
  family name: Lutz
  given name: Ítalo
author list: Agent
  family name: Santana
  given name: Paula
author list: Agent
  family name: Martins
  given name: Thais
author list: Agent
  family name: Ferreira
  given name: Charles
author list: Agent
  family name: Santa Brígida
  given name: Nicolly
author list: Agent
  family name: Miranda
  given name: Josy
author list: Agent
  family name: da Silva
  given name: Raimundo
author list: Agent
  family name: Barbosa
  given name: Andressa J.
author list: Agent
  family name: Matos
  given name: Suane
author list: Agent
  family name: Mendes
  given name: Carla
author list: Agent
  family name: Cardoso
  given name: Bruna
author list: Agent
  family name: Silva
  given name: Aline
author list: Agent
  family name: da Silva
  given name: Ingrid
author list: Agent
  family name: da Costa
  given name: Jorge
author list: Agent
  family name: Vallinoto
  given name: Marcelo
author list: Agent
  family name: Sampaio
  given name: Iracilda
author list: Agent
  family name: Evangelista-Gomes
  given name: Grazielle
doi: 10.7717/peerj.19586
volume: 13
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2025-10-13
copyright: ©2025 Sousa et al.
attribution name: Sousa et al.

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