PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Tank fouling community enhances coral microfragment growth
items: Reproductive benefits and reduced investment in parental care behavior associated with reproductive groups of males in Abudefduf troschelii
items: Effects on the yield and fiber quality components of Bt cotton inoculated with Azotobacter chroococcum under elevated CO2
items: Mild cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes is associated with fibrinogen-to-albumin ratios
items: European citizens’ stance on limiting energy use for climate change mitigation
items: Comparing autoregulatory progressive resistance exercise and velocity-based resistance training on jump performance in college badminton athletes
items: To flea or not to flea: survey of UK companion animal ectoparasiticide usage and activities affecting pathways to the environment
items: Parvovirus B19 DNA and antibodies in Chinese plasma donors, plasma pools and plasma derivatives
items: Prevalence of risk factors associated with rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): a single center retrospective study
items: Three specific gut bacteria in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer: a concerted effort

Tank fouling community enhances coral microfragment growth
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Anthropogenic stressors threaten reefs worldwide and natural in situ coral reproduction may be inadequate to meet this challenge. Land-based culture can provide increased coral growth, especially with microfragments. We tested whether culture methods using different algal fouling communities could improve the growth and health metrics of microfragments of the Hawaiian coral, Porites compressa. Culture method fouling communities were: (1) similar to a reef environment (Mini Reef); (2) clean tanks managed to promote crustose coralline algae (Clean Start); and (3) tanks curated beforehand with poorly-competing algae (Green Film) assessed in winter and summer months. The Green Film method during the winter produced the fastest microfragment mean growth at 28 days until the first row of new polyps developed, and also the highest tank and plate metric health scores. Time efficient, standardized methods for land-based culture designed to maximize growth and production of coral fragments will contribute considerably to the success of large-scale restoration efforts.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Christopher Page
creator: Riley Perry
creator: Claire VA Lager
creator: Jonathan Daly
creator: Jessica Bouwmeester
creator: E. Michael Henley
creator: Mary Hagedorn
subject: Conservation Biology
subject: Marine Biology
subject: Climate Change Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15723
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Page et al.
abstract: Anthropogenic stressors threaten reefs worldwide and natural in situ coral reproduction may be inadequate to meet this challenge. Land-based culture can provide increased coral growth, especially with microfragments. We tested whether culture methods using different algal fouling communities could improve the growth and health metrics of microfragments of the Hawaiian coral, Porites compressa. Culture method fouling communities were: (1) similar to a reef environment (Mini Reef); (2) clean tanks managed to promote crustose coralline algae (Clean Start); and (3) tanks curated beforehand with poorly-competing algae (Green Film) assessed in winter and summer months. The Green Film method during the winter produced the fastest microfragment mean growth at 28 days until the first row of new polyps developed, and also the highest tank and plate metric health scores. Time efficient, standardized methods for land-based culture designed to maximize growth and production of coral fragments will contribute considerably to the success of large-scale restoration efforts.
bibliographic citation: Page et al. (2023) Tank fouling community enhances coral microfragment growth. PeerJ 11:e15723 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15723
date submitted: 2022-07-15
date accepted: 2023-06-18
issued: 2023-08-07
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Page
  given name: Christopher
author list: Agent
  family name: Perry
  given name: Riley
author list: Agent
  family name: Lager
  given name: Claire VA
author list: Agent
  family name: Daly
  given name: Jonathan
author list: Agent
  family name: Bouwmeester
  given name: Jessica
author list: Agent
  family name: Henley
  given name: E. Michael
author list: Agent
  family name: Hagedorn
  given name: Mary
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15723
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-08-07
copyright: ©2023 Page et al.
attribution name: Page et al.

Reproductive benefits and reduced investment in parental care behavior associated with reproductive groups of males in Abudefduf troschelii
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Fishes of the family Pomacentridae present a wide diversity of mating systems, ranging from polygyny to promiscuity and from individual territorial defense to the establishment of reproductive colonies of males. The damselfish species Abudefduf troschelii has a reproductive colony mating system, in which males temporarily aggregate in reproductive areas to court and attract females. Males defend an individual territory where they receive eggs and perform paternal care behaviors for their offspring. The present study evaluated the advantages of the colonial mating system in A. troschelii. During an entire reproductive period, in a breeding colony within a rocky reef, we located, marked, geo-referenced, and measured the distances between the territories of all males. We quantified the variance among males in their patterns of paternal care investment, eggs acquired, hatching success, reproductive success, body size, and changes in body coloration. We found that males spatially distributed their nests in groups or independently (i.e., solitary nests). Nesting groups are formed by larger males that show intense nuptial coloration during the entire receptivity period. They are located centrally to the colony and consist of three to six males whose territories overlap. In contrast, small solitary males that fail to acquire or maintain nuptial coloration during the receptivity period establish their nests peripherally to the colony, away from the territories of other males. Our results highlight that the reproductive benefits of colonial nesting are unequal for males, as the spatial distribution of nests within the colony determines the reproductive success of males. Group nesting confers the highest reproductive benefits to males regarding eggs obtained, hatching success, and relative fitness and also enables males to reduce their parental investment in brood care behaviors. The preference of females for oviposition could be associated with greater intrasexual competitive…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Mariana Solís-Mendoza
creator: Omar Chassin-Noria
creator: Carlos Levi Pérez Hernández
creator: Luis Mendoza-Cuenca
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Aquaculture, Fisheries and Fish Science
subject: Ecology
subject: Marine Biology
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15804
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Solís-Mendoza et al.
abstract: Fishes of the family Pomacentridae present a wide diversity of mating systems, ranging from polygyny to promiscuity and from individual territorial defense to the establishment of reproductive colonies of males. The damselfish species Abudefduf troschelii has a reproductive colony mating system, in which males temporarily aggregate in reproductive areas to court and attract females. Males defend an individual territory where they receive eggs and perform paternal care behaviors for their offspring. The present study evaluated the advantages of the colonial mating system in A. troschelii. During an entire reproductive period, in a breeding colony within a rocky reef, we located, marked, geo-referenced, and measured the distances between the territories of all males. We quantified the variance among males in their patterns of paternal care investment, eggs acquired, hatching success, reproductive success, body size, and changes in body coloration. We found that males spatially distributed their nests in groups or independently (i.e., solitary nests). Nesting groups are formed by larger males that show intense nuptial coloration during the entire receptivity period. They are located centrally to the colony and consist of three to six males whose territories overlap. In contrast, small solitary males that fail to acquire or maintain nuptial coloration during the receptivity period establish their nests peripherally to the colony, away from the territories of other males. Our results highlight that the reproductive benefits of colonial nesting are unequal for males, as the spatial distribution of nests within the colony determines the reproductive success of males. Group nesting confers the highest reproductive benefits to males regarding eggs obtained, hatching success, and relative fitness and also enables males to reduce their parental investment in brood care behaviors. The preference of females for oviposition could be associated with greater intrasexual competitive…
bibliographic citation: Solís-Mendoza et al. (2023) Reproductive benefits and reduced investment in parental care behavior associated with reproductive groups of males in Abudefduf troschelii. PeerJ 11:e15804 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15804
date submitted: 2023-01-24
date accepted: 2023-07-07
issued: 2023-08-07
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Solís-Mendoza
  given name: Mariana
author list: Agent
  family name: Chassin-Noria
  given name: Omar
author list: Agent
  family name: Pérez Hernández
  given name: Carlos Levi
author list: Agent
  family name: Mendoza-Cuenca
  given name: Luis
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15804
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-08-07
copyright: ©2023 Solís-Mendoza et al.
attribution name: Solís-Mendoza et al.

Effects on the yield and fiber quality components of Bt cotton inoculated with Azotobacter chroococcum under elevated CO2
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The raising trend of cultivation of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)-transgenic cotton is faced with a new challenge what effects on the growth and yield of Bt cotton under elevated CO2. Methods Rhizobacteria is the significant biological regulator to increase environmental suitability and ameliorate soil-nitrogen utilization efficiency of crops, especially Bt cotton. Pot-culture experiments investigated the effects on the yield and fiber quality components of Bt cotton (transgenic Line SCRC 37) inoculated with Azotobacter chroococcum (AC) under elevated CO2. Results The findings indicated that the inoculation of azotobacter significantly improved the yield and fiber quality components of Bt cotton, the elevated CO2 significantly increased the soil density of A. chroococcum and the partial yield indexes (as cottonweightper 20 bolls, lint yield per 20 bolls and boll number per plant), and non-significant decrease the fiber quality components of Bt cotton except uniform. Discussion Overall results obviously depicted that the inoculation of azotobacter and the elevated CO2 had positive effects on the yield and fiber quality components of Bt cotton. Presumably, azotobacter inoculation can be used to stimulate plant soil-nitrogen uptake and promote plant growth for Bt cotton under elevated CO2 in the future.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Zhuo Li
creator: Min Gao
creator: Rujie Liu
creator: Chunyan Chang
creator: Feng Ge
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Microbiology
subject: Plant Science
subject: Soil Science
subject: Climate Change Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15811
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Li et al.
abstract: Background The raising trend of cultivation of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)-transgenic cotton is faced with a new challenge what effects on the growth and yield of Bt cotton under elevated CO2. Methods Rhizobacteria is the significant biological regulator to increase environmental suitability and ameliorate soil-nitrogen utilization efficiency of crops, especially Bt cotton. Pot-culture experiments investigated the effects on the yield and fiber quality components of Bt cotton (transgenic Line SCRC 37) inoculated with Azotobacter chroococcum (AC) under elevated CO2. Results The findings indicated that the inoculation of azotobacter significantly improved the yield and fiber quality components of Bt cotton, the elevated CO2 significantly increased the soil density of A. chroococcum and the partial yield indexes (as cottonweightper 20 bolls, lint yield per 20 bolls and boll number per plant), and non-significant decrease the fiber quality components of Bt cotton except uniform. Discussion Overall results obviously depicted that the inoculation of azotobacter and the elevated CO2 had positive effects on the yield and fiber quality components of Bt cotton. Presumably, azotobacter inoculation can be used to stimulate plant soil-nitrogen uptake and promote plant growth for Bt cotton under elevated CO2 in the future.
bibliographic citation: Li et al. (2023) Effects on the yield and fiber quality components of Bt cotton inoculated with Azotobacter chroococcum under elevated CO2. PeerJ 11:e15811 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15811
date submitted: 2022-11-22
date accepted: 2023-07-07
issued: 2023-08-07
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Zhuo
author list: Agent
  family name: Gao
  given name: Min
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Rujie
author list: Agent
  family name: Chang
  given name: Chunyan
author list: Agent
  family name: Ge
  given name: Feng
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15811
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-08-07
copyright: © 2023 Li et al.
attribution name: Li et al.

Mild cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes is associated with fibrinogen-to-albumin ratios
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Cognitive impairment is the main manifestation of diabetes central neuropathy. Currently, there is no effective dementia treatment; early diagnosis and treatment are particularly crucial. Inflammation index fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) has been shown to predict complications of type 2 diabetes (diabetic kidney disease and diabetes-related arteriosclerosis), but its relationship with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is undetermined. In this study, we examined the association between the FAR and mild cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes. Methods This is a retrospective and cross-sectional study. From January 2022 to December 2022, we have retrieved 328 inpatient medical records for T2D patients hospitalized at the First Hospital of Harbin Medical University from the hospital’s electronic system. Subjects’ cognitive function was assessed and grouped by the MoCA scales. Subjects’ demographic and various laboratory indicators were collected. Using Spearman’s bivariate correlation analysis, the FAR and other clinical variables were analyzed for association strength. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to determine the independent relationship between FAR and MoCA scores. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the independent relationship between FAR and MCI. The capacity of the FAR to detect MCI was carried using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results The included participants’ (n = 328; 61.9% male) mean age was 52.62 ± 10.92 years. MoCA scores and MCI prevalence significantly differed (p < 0.05) between the four subgroups of FAR quartiles. The FAR and the MoCA score were significantly negatively correlated in the entire population (p < 0.05). Based on the multiple linear regression analysis, lnFAR and lnMoCA are significantly correlated (β = −0.449, t = −8.21, p < 0.05, R2 = 0.469). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, FAR and MCI were independently correlated after adjus…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Xinyu Li
creator: Qian Wu
creator: Yanqi Kong
creator: Chong Lu
subject: Cognitive Disorders
subject: Diabetes and Endocrinology
subject: Epidemiology
subject: Hematology
subject: Neurology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15826
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Li et al.
abstract: Background Cognitive impairment is the main manifestation of diabetes central neuropathy. Currently, there is no effective dementia treatment; early diagnosis and treatment are particularly crucial. Inflammation index fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) has been shown to predict complications of type 2 diabetes (diabetic kidney disease and diabetes-related arteriosclerosis), but its relationship with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is undetermined. In this study, we examined the association between the FAR and mild cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes. Methods This is a retrospective and cross-sectional study. From January 2022 to December 2022, we have retrieved 328 inpatient medical records for T2D patients hospitalized at the First Hospital of Harbin Medical University from the hospital’s electronic system. Subjects’ cognitive function was assessed and grouped by the MoCA scales. Subjects’ demographic and various laboratory indicators were collected. Using Spearman’s bivariate correlation analysis, the FAR and other clinical variables were analyzed for association strength. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to determine the independent relationship between FAR and MoCA scores. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the independent relationship between FAR and MCI. The capacity of the FAR to detect MCI was carried using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results The included participants’ (n = 328; 61.9% male) mean age was 52.62 ± 10.92 years. MoCA scores and MCI prevalence significantly differed (p < 0.05) between the four subgroups of FAR quartiles. The FAR and the MoCA score were significantly negatively correlated in the entire population (p < 0.05). Based on the multiple linear regression analysis, lnFAR and lnMoCA are significantly correlated (β = −0.449, t = −8.21, p < 0.05, R2 = 0.469). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, FAR and MCI were independently correlated after adjus…
bibliographic citation: Li et al. (2023) Mild cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes is associated with fibrinogen-to-albumin ratios. PeerJ 11:e15826 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15826
date submitted: 2023-05-16
date accepted: 2023-07-10
issued: 2023-08-07
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Xinyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Qian
author list: Agent
  family name: Kong
  given name: Yanqi
author list: Agent
  family name: Lu
  given name: Chong
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15826
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-08-07
copyright: © 2023 Li et al.
attribution name: Li et al.

European citizens’ stance on limiting energy use for climate change mitigation
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Citizens’ attitudes and beliefs towards climate change are decisive in the adoption of mitigating measures. Limiting the use of energy in the context of climate change can be one of the mitigation measures, and therefore, understanding the position of the citizens towards it is important. With this aim, we used data from the 10th European Social Survey to relate the European citizens’ beliefs and attitudes on limiting the use of energy to tackle climate change. We have used variables related to demography and individuals’ perception of society and its policies. Statistical models were successfully fitted to data. Individuals with higher levels of trust in scientists have a higher degree of satisfaction with the national economies, are more worried about climate change and are more capable of assuming self-responsibility in climate change mitigation. These individuals have higher probabilities of believing that climate change mitigation could be achieved by limiting the use of energy. The EU citizens are, however, very skeptical in relation to the probability of many other citizens adopting measures to limit the use of energy.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Fernando Mata
creator: Leonel J. R. Nunes
subject: Climate Change Biology
subject: Environmental Impacts
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15835
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Mata and Nunes
abstract: Citizens’ attitudes and beliefs towards climate change are decisive in the adoption of mitigating measures. Limiting the use of energy in the context of climate change can be one of the mitigation measures, and therefore, understanding the position of the citizens towards it is important. With this aim, we used data from the 10th European Social Survey to relate the European citizens’ beliefs and attitudes on limiting the use of energy to tackle climate change. We have used variables related to demography and individuals’ perception of society and its policies. Statistical models were successfully fitted to data. Individuals with higher levels of trust in scientists have a higher degree of satisfaction with the national economies, are more worried about climate change and are more capable of assuming self-responsibility in climate change mitigation. These individuals have higher probabilities of believing that climate change mitigation could be achieved by limiting the use of energy. The EU citizens are, however, very skeptical in relation to the probability of many other citizens adopting measures to limit the use of energy.
bibliographic citation: Mata et al. (2023) European citizens’ stance on limiting energy use for climate change mitigation. PeerJ 11:e15835 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15835
date submitted: 2023-05-19
date accepted: 2023-07-11
issued: 2023-08-07
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Mata
  given name: Fernando
author list: Agent
  family name: Nunes
  given name: Leonel J. R.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15835
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-08-07
copyright: © 2023 Mata and Nunes
attribution name: Mata and Nunes

Comparing autoregulatory progressive resistance exercise and velocity-based resistance training on jump performance in college badminton athletes
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Objectives Jumping ability has been identified as a key factor that influences the performance of badminton athletes. Autoregulatory progressive resistance exercise (APRE) and velocity-based resistance training (VBRT) are commonly used approaches to enhance muscle strength and have been shown to accurately monitor the development of explosive power to improve jumping ability. This study aims to investigate the effects of APRE and VBRT on badminton athletes’ jumping ability and to provide practical insights into improving their jumping performance during competitions. Methods Upon completing familiarization and pretesting, 18 badminton athletes were included and completed the training intervention (age, 21.4 ± 1.4 years; stature, 170.1 ± 7.3 cm; body mass, 65.9 ± 12 kg); they were randomly divided into the APRE group (n = 9) and VBRT group (n = 9). Jumping performance was assessed during the countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), and drop jump (DJ) via SmartJump, with CMJ ’s and SJ’s jump height, eccentric utilization ratio (EUR), and reactive strength index (RSI). All participants then completed a 4-week in-season resistance training intervention. Results (1) The results of the within-group indicated that only the CMJ (pre: 41.56 ± 7.84 vs post: 43.57 ± 7.85, p < 0.05) of the APRE group had significant differences, whereas the SJ, EUR, and RSI were not significantly different (p > 0.05). (2) The results of the intergroups revealed that all indicators had no significant differences (p > 0.05), but APRE had a moderate effect size on the improvement of the CMJ (η2 = 0.244) and EUR (η2 = 0.068) when compared with VBRT. Conclusions The results showed that, compared to VBRT, APRE can effectively improve the performance of the reactive athletes’ lower limb explosive power in the CMJ in a shorter period of time. The findings indicate that APRE may be useful for coaches seeking to improve the CMJ performance of athletes in the short term.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Zijing Huang
creator: Hongshen Ji
creator: Lunxin Chen
creator: Mingyang Zhang
creator: Jiaxin He
creator: Wenfeng Zhang
creator: Xin Chen
creator: Jian Sun
creator: Junyi Song
creator: Duanying Li
subject: Kinesiology
subject: Sports Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15877
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Huang et al.
abstract: Objectives Jumping ability has been identified as a key factor that influences the performance of badminton athletes. Autoregulatory progressive resistance exercise (APRE) and velocity-based resistance training (VBRT) are commonly used approaches to enhance muscle strength and have been shown to accurately monitor the development of explosive power to improve jumping ability. This study aims to investigate the effects of APRE and VBRT on badminton athletes’ jumping ability and to provide practical insights into improving their jumping performance during competitions. Methods Upon completing familiarization and pretesting, 18 badminton athletes were included and completed the training intervention (age, 21.4 ± 1.4 years; stature, 170.1 ± 7.3 cm; body mass, 65.9 ± 12 kg); they were randomly divided into the APRE group (n = 9) and VBRT group (n = 9). Jumping performance was assessed during the countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), and drop jump (DJ) via SmartJump, with CMJ ’s and SJ’s jump height, eccentric utilization ratio (EUR), and reactive strength index (RSI). All participants then completed a 4-week in-season resistance training intervention. Results (1) The results of the within-group indicated that only the CMJ (pre: 41.56 ± 7.84 vs post: 43.57 ± 7.85, p < 0.05) of the APRE group had significant differences, whereas the SJ, EUR, and RSI were not significantly different (p > 0.05). (2) The results of the intergroups revealed that all indicators had no significant differences (p > 0.05), but APRE had a moderate effect size on the improvement of the CMJ (η2 = 0.244) and EUR (η2 = 0.068) when compared with VBRT. Conclusions The results showed that, compared to VBRT, APRE can effectively improve the performance of the reactive athletes’ lower limb explosive power in the CMJ in a shorter period of time. The findings indicate that APRE may be useful for coaches seeking to improve the CMJ performance of athletes in the short term.
bibliographic citation: Huang et al. (2023) Comparing autoregulatory progressive resistance exercise and velocity-based resistance training on jump performance in college badminton athletes. PeerJ 11:e15877 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15877
date submitted: 2023-03-28
date accepted: 2023-07-18
issued: 2023-08-07
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Huang
  given name: Zijing
author list: Agent
  family name: Ji
  given name: Hongshen
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Lunxin
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Mingyang
author list: Agent
  family name: He
  given name: Jiaxin
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Wenfeng
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Xin
author list: Agent
  family name: Sun
  given name: Jian
author list: Agent
  family name: Song
  given name: Junyi
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Duanying
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15877
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-08-07
copyright: © 2023 Huang et al.
attribution name: Huang et al.

To flea or not to flea: survey of UK companion animal ectoparasiticide usage and activities affecting pathways to the environment
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Due to the convenience and efficacy of modern ectoparasiticides, routine prophylactic use has become commonplace for dogs and cats. However, the environmental consequences of this large-scale use are not well-understood, and multiple potential pathways for ectoparasiticides to the environment exist. Of particular concern is the potential for topically applied ectoparasiticides to pass to waterways, both down-the-drain via wastewater treatment plants and directly through swimming. In this online cross-sectional survey of 1,009 UK cat and dog owners, we investigated ectoparasiticide usage and the frequency of activities that are likely to result in transfer of the active substance to the environment, with a focus on pathways to waterways. A total of 603 dog owners and 406 cat owners completed the survey. Amongst dog and cat owners, 86.1% and 91.1% had administered an ectoparasiticide treatment to their pet in the preceding 12 months. Imidacloprid was the most frequently administered ectoparasiticide in both cats and dogs, followed by fluralaner in dogs and fipronil in cats. Eighty-four percent of owners who applied topical ectoparasiticides to their dog said they were aware of product warnings regarding swimming and bathing after application. Spot-on treated dogs were reported to swim significantly less frequently than non spot-on treated dogs (p = 0.007); however, 36.2% were reported to swim at least monthly. Similarly, significant differences were found in bathing frequency between spot-on treated and non spot-on treated dogs, with treated dogs less likely to be bathed at frequent (weekly) intervals, however 54.6% were reported to be bathed at least monthly. Washing of bedding was unaffected by ectoparasiticide treatment, and 87.8% of dog owners and 69.1% of cat-owners reported washing their pet’s bedding at least every 3 months, suggesting that residue washoff from bedding may be occurring for most topically treated animals. Results suggest that transfer of ectopar…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Rosemary Perkins
creator: Dave Goulson
subject: Parasitology
subject: Veterinary Medicine
subject: Zoology
subject: Ecotoxicology
subject: Environmental Impacts
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15561
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Perkins and Goulson
abstract: Due to the convenience and efficacy of modern ectoparasiticides, routine prophylactic use has become commonplace for dogs and cats. However, the environmental consequences of this large-scale use are not well-understood, and multiple potential pathways for ectoparasiticides to the environment exist. Of particular concern is the potential for topically applied ectoparasiticides to pass to waterways, both down-the-drain via wastewater treatment plants and directly through swimming. In this online cross-sectional survey of 1,009 UK cat and dog owners, we investigated ectoparasiticide usage and the frequency of activities that are likely to result in transfer of the active substance to the environment, with a focus on pathways to waterways. A total of 603 dog owners and 406 cat owners completed the survey. Amongst dog and cat owners, 86.1% and 91.1% had administered an ectoparasiticide treatment to their pet in the preceding 12 months. Imidacloprid was the most frequently administered ectoparasiticide in both cats and dogs, followed by fluralaner in dogs and fipronil in cats. Eighty-four percent of owners who applied topical ectoparasiticides to their dog said they were aware of product warnings regarding swimming and bathing after application. Spot-on treated dogs were reported to swim significantly less frequently than non spot-on treated dogs (p = 0.007); however, 36.2% were reported to swim at least monthly. Similarly, significant differences were found in bathing frequency between spot-on treated and non spot-on treated dogs, with treated dogs less likely to be bathed at frequent (weekly) intervals, however 54.6% were reported to be bathed at least monthly. Washing of bedding was unaffected by ectoparasiticide treatment, and 87.8% of dog owners and 69.1% of cat-owners reported washing their pet’s bedding at least every 3 months, suggesting that residue washoff from bedding may be occurring for most topically treated animals. Results suggest that transfer of ectopar…
bibliographic citation: Perkins et al. (2023) To flea or not to flea: survey of UK companion animal ectoparasiticide usage and activities affecting pathways to the environment. PeerJ 11:e15561 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15561
date submitted: 2023-01-30
date accepted: 2023-05-24
issued: 2023-08-04
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Perkins
  given name: Rosemary
author list: Agent
  family name: Goulson
  given name: Dave
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15561
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-08-04
copyright: ©2023 Perkins and Goulson
attribution name: Perkins and Goulson

Parvovirus B19 DNA and antibodies in Chinese plasma donors, plasma pools and plasma derivatives
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Human parvovirus B19 (B19V) is a common contaminant found in plasma pools and plasma derivatives. Previous studies were mainly focused on limited aspects, further assessment of prevalence of B19V DNA and antibodies in plasma donors, the contamination of B19V in pooled plasma and plasma derivatives should be performed in China. Study Design and Methods Individual plasma donors’ samples from four provinces and pooled plasma from four Chinese blood product manufacturers were collected and screened using B19V DNA diagnostic kits between October 2018 and May 2020. The positive samples were investigated for the seroprevalence of B19V antibodies and subjected to sequence analysis and alignment for phylogenetic studies. Moreover, 11 plasma donors who were B19V DNA-positive at their first testing were also followed during the later donation period. Additionally, 400 plasma pools and 20 batches of plasma derivatives produced by pooled plasma with a viral load of B19V DNA exceeding 104IU/mL were also collected and tested for B19V DNA and antibodies. Objectives To comprehensively and systematically determine the frequency and viral load of B19V DNA in plasma donors, pooled plasma, and plasma derivatives from four Chinese blood product manufacturers. Results A total of 17,187 plasma donors were analyzed and 44 (0.26%) specimens were found positive for B19V DNA. The quantitative DNA levels ranged from 1.01 × 101 to 5.09 × 1012 IU/mL. Forty-four DNA-positive specimens were also investigated for the seroprevalence of B19V antibodies, 75.0% and 2.3% of which were seropositive for B19V IgG and IgM antibodies, respectively. The phylogenic analyses showed that the prevalent genotypes in the four provinces’ plasma donors belonged to B19V Genotype 1. Eleven individual plasma donors who were B19V DNA-positive at the first donation were then followed for a period, and in general, the DNA levels of B19V gradually decreased. Moreover, 64.8% (259/400) of the pooled plasma was conta…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Pan Sun
creator: Peng Jiang
creator: Qing Liu
creator: Rong Zhang
creator: Zongkui Wang
creator: Haijun Cao
creator: Xiangzhong Ye
creator: Shangzhi Ji
creator: Jinle Han
creator: Kuilin Lu
creator: Xuexin He
creator: Jiajin Fan
creator: Dawei Cao
creator: Yu Zhang
creator: Yongsheng Yin
creator: Yunhua Chen
creator: Xuemei Zhao
creator: Shengliang Ye
creator: Na Su
creator: Xi Du
creator: Li Ma
creator: Changqing Li
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Virology
subject: Epidemiology
subject: Hematology
subject: Infectious Diseases
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15698
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Sun et al.
abstract: Background Human parvovirus B19 (B19V) is a common contaminant found in plasma pools and plasma derivatives. Previous studies were mainly focused on limited aspects, further assessment of prevalence of B19V DNA and antibodies in plasma donors, the contamination of B19V in pooled plasma and plasma derivatives should be performed in China. Study Design and Methods Individual plasma donors’ samples from four provinces and pooled plasma from four Chinese blood product manufacturers were collected and screened using B19V DNA diagnostic kits between October 2018 and May 2020. The positive samples were investigated for the seroprevalence of B19V antibodies and subjected to sequence analysis and alignment for phylogenetic studies. Moreover, 11 plasma donors who were B19V DNA-positive at their first testing were also followed during the later donation period. Additionally, 400 plasma pools and 20 batches of plasma derivatives produced by pooled plasma with a viral load of B19V DNA exceeding 104IU/mL were also collected and tested for B19V DNA and antibodies. Objectives To comprehensively and systematically determine the frequency and viral load of B19V DNA in plasma donors, pooled plasma, and plasma derivatives from four Chinese blood product manufacturers. Results A total of 17,187 plasma donors were analyzed and 44 (0.26%) specimens were found positive for B19V DNA. The quantitative DNA levels ranged from 1.01 × 101 to 5.09 × 1012 IU/mL. Forty-four DNA-positive specimens were also investigated for the seroprevalence of B19V antibodies, 75.0% and 2.3% of which were seropositive for B19V IgG and IgM antibodies, respectively. The phylogenic analyses showed that the prevalent genotypes in the four provinces’ plasma donors belonged to B19V Genotype 1. Eleven individual plasma donors who were B19V DNA-positive at the first donation were then followed for a period, and in general, the DNA levels of B19V gradually decreased. Moreover, 64.8% (259/400) of the pooled plasma was conta…
bibliographic citation: Sun et al. (2023) Parvovirus B19 DNA and antibodies in Chinese plasma donors, plasma pools and plasma derivatives. PeerJ 11:e15698 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15698
date submitted: 2022-12-13
date accepted: 2023-06-14
issued: 2023-08-04
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Sun
  given name: Pan
author list: Agent
  family name: Jiang
  given name: Peng
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Qing
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Rong
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Zongkui
author list: Agent
  family name: Cao
  given name: Haijun
author list: Agent
  family name: Ye
  given name: Xiangzhong
author list: Agent
  family name: Ji
  given name: Shangzhi
author list: Agent
  family name: Han
  given name: Jinle
author list: Agent
  family name: Lu
  given name: Kuilin
author list: Agent
  family name: He
  given name: Xuexin
author list: Agent
  family name: Fan
  given name: Jiajin
author list: Agent
  family name: Cao
  given name: Dawei
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Yu
author list: Agent
  family name: Yin
  given name: Yongsheng
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Yunhua
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhao
  given name: Xuemei
author list: Agent
  family name: Ye
  given name: Shengliang
author list: Agent
  family name: Su
  given name: Na
author list: Agent
  family name: Du
  given name: Xi
author list: Agent
  family name: Ma
  given name: Li
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Changqing
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15698
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-08-04
copyright: ©2023 Sun et al.
attribution name: Sun et al.

Prevalence of risk factors associated with rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): a single center retrospective study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a severe cardiovascular disease. The mortality rate for an AAA rupture is very high. Understanding the risk factors for AAA rupture would help AAA management, but little is known about these risk factors in the Chinese population. Methods This retrospective study included patients that were diagnosed with AAA during the last 5 years in a large national hospital in southern China. AAA patients were divided into a rupture and non-rupture group. Clinical data were extracted from the hospital medical record system. Clinical features were compared between the rupture and non-rupture groups. The associations between potential risk factors and rupture risk were evaluated using a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 337 AAA patients were included for analysis in the present study. AAA diameter was significantly larger, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and serum creatinine levels were both significantly higher in AAA rupture patients. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) levels were significantly lower in AAA rupture patients. After adjustment, the multivariate logistic analysis found that AAA diameter and hs-CRP were independently positively associated with AAA rupture, and HDL-C level was adversely associated with AAA rupture. Conclusions Our data suggests that larger AAA diameter and higher hs-CRP level are associated with a higher risk of AAA rupture, and higher HDL-C level is associated with a lower risk of AAA rupture. The results of this study may be helpful for the management of AAA patients in southern China.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Sudong Liu
creator: Caifu Long
creator: Yuanjia Hong
creator: Xiaodong Gu
creator: Ruiqiang Weng
creator: Zhixiong Zhong
subject: Cardiology
subject: Epidemiology
subject: Internal Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15752
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Liu et al.
abstract: Background Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a severe cardiovascular disease. The mortality rate for an AAA rupture is very high. Understanding the risk factors for AAA rupture would help AAA management, but little is known about these risk factors in the Chinese population. Methods This retrospective study included patients that were diagnosed with AAA during the last 5 years in a large national hospital in southern China. AAA patients were divided into a rupture and non-rupture group. Clinical data were extracted from the hospital medical record system. Clinical features were compared between the rupture and non-rupture groups. The associations between potential risk factors and rupture risk were evaluated using a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 337 AAA patients were included for analysis in the present study. AAA diameter was significantly larger, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and serum creatinine levels were both significantly higher in AAA rupture patients. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) levels were significantly lower in AAA rupture patients. After adjustment, the multivariate logistic analysis found that AAA diameter and hs-CRP were independently positively associated with AAA rupture, and HDL-C level was adversely associated with AAA rupture. Conclusions Our data suggests that larger AAA diameter and higher hs-CRP level are associated with a higher risk of AAA rupture, and higher HDL-C level is associated with a lower risk of AAA rupture. The results of this study may be helpful for the management of AAA patients in southern China.
bibliographic citation: Liu et al. (2023) Prevalence of risk factors associated with rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): a single center retrospective study. PeerJ 11:e15752 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15752
date submitted: 2023-02-09
date accepted: 2023-06-23
issued: 2023-08-04
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Sudong
author list: Agent
  family name: Long
  given name: Caifu
author list: Agent
  family name: Hong
  given name: Yuanjia
author list: Agent
  family name: Gu
  given name: Xiaodong
author list: Agent
  family name: Weng
  given name: Ruiqiang
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhong
  given name: Zhixiong
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15752
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-08-04
copyright: © 2023 Liu et al.
attribution name: Liu et al.

Three specific gut bacteria in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer: a concerted effort
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Colorectal cancer (CRC), which develops from the gradual evolution of tubular adenomas and serrated polyps in the colon and rectum, has a poor prognosis and a high mortality rate. In addition to genetics, lifestyle, and chronic diseases, intestinal integrity and microbiota (which facilitate digestion, metabolism, and immune regulation) could promote CRC development. For example, enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis, genotoxic Escherichia coli (pks+ E. coli), and Fusobacterium nucleatum, members of the intestinal microbiota, are highly correlated in CRC. This review describes the roles and mechanisms of these three bacteria in CRC development. Their interaction during CRC initiation and progression has also been proposed. Our view is that in the precancerous stage of colorectal cancer, ETBF causes inflammation, leading to potential changes in intestinal ecology that may provide the basic conditions for pks+ E. coli colonization and induction of oncogenic mutations, when cancerous intestinal epithelial cells can further recruit F. nucleatum to colonise the lesion site and F. nucleatum may contribute to CRC advancement by primarily the development of cancer cells, stemization, and proliferation, which could create new and tailored preventive, screening and therapeutic interventions. However, there is the most dominant microbiota in each stage of CRC development, not neglecting the possibility that two or even all three bacteria could be engaged at any stage of the disease. The relationship between the associated gut microbiota and CRC development may provide important information for therapeutic strategies to assess the potential use of the associated gut microbiota in CRC studies, antibiotic therapy, and prevention strategies.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Dengmei Gong
creator: Amma G Adomako-Bonsu
creator: Maijian Wang
creator: Jida Li
subject: Microbiology
subject: Gastroenterology and Hepatology
subject: Immunology
subject: Oncology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15777
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Gong et al.
abstract: Colorectal cancer (CRC), which develops from the gradual evolution of tubular adenomas and serrated polyps in the colon and rectum, has a poor prognosis and a high mortality rate. In addition to genetics, lifestyle, and chronic diseases, intestinal integrity and microbiota (which facilitate digestion, metabolism, and immune regulation) could promote CRC development. For example, enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis, genotoxic Escherichia coli (pks+ E. coli), and Fusobacterium nucleatum, members of the intestinal microbiota, are highly correlated in CRC. This review describes the roles and mechanisms of these three bacteria in CRC development. Their interaction during CRC initiation and progression has also been proposed. Our view is that in the precancerous stage of colorectal cancer, ETBF causes inflammation, leading to potential changes in intestinal ecology that may provide the basic conditions for pks+ E. coli colonization and induction of oncogenic mutations, when cancerous intestinal epithelial cells can further recruit F. nucleatum to colonise the lesion site and F. nucleatum may contribute to CRC advancement by primarily the development of cancer cells, stemization, and proliferation, which could create new and tailored preventive, screening and therapeutic interventions. However, there is the most dominant microbiota in each stage of CRC development, not neglecting the possibility that two or even all three bacteria could be engaged at any stage of the disease. The relationship between the associated gut microbiota and CRC development may provide important information for therapeutic strategies to assess the potential use of the associated gut microbiota in CRC studies, antibiotic therapy, and prevention strategies.
bibliographic citation: Gong et al. (2023) Three specific gut bacteria in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer: a concerted effort. PeerJ 11:e15777 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15777
date submitted: 2023-02-22
date accepted: 2023-06-29
issued: 2023-08-04
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Gong
  given name: Dengmei
author list: Agent
  family name: Adomako-Bonsu
  given name: Amma G
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Maijian
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Jida
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15777
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-08-04
copyright: © 2023 Gong et al.
attribution name: Gong et al.

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