PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Dynamics of bacterial and archaeal communities during horse bedding and green waste composting
items: Impact of artificial waterholes on temporal partitioning in a carnivore guild: a comparison of activity patterns at artificial waterholes to roads and trails
items: Genome-wide characterization of the xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase gene family in Solanum lycopersicum L. and gene expression analysis in response to arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis
items: Analysis of QTL mapping for germination and seedling response to drought stress in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
items: Pathological mechanism of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in rats based on iTRAQ technology
items: The influence of pet ownership on self-compassion among nurses: a cross-sectional study
items: Semantic plausibility preferentially affects the semantic preview benefit in Chinese reading: evidence from an eye-movement study
items: https://peerj.com/articles/15308
items: Building consensus around the assessment and interpretation of Symbiodiniaceae diversity
items: Spatial orientation, postural control and the vestibular system in healthy elderly and Alzheimer’s dementia

Dynamics of bacterial and archaeal communities during horse bedding and green waste composting
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Organic waste decomposition can make up substantial amounts of municipal greenhouse emissions during decomposition. Composting has the potential to reduce these emissions as well as generate sustainable fertilizer. However, our understanding of how complex microbial communities change to drive the chemical and biological processes of composting is still limited. To investigate the microbiota associated with organic waste decomposition, initial composting feedstock (Litter), three composting windrows of 1.5 months (Young phase), 3 months (Middle phase) and 12 months (Aged phase) old, and 24-month-old mature Compost were sampled to assess physicochemical properties, plant cell wall composition and the microbial community using 16S rRNA gene amplification. A total of 2,612 Exact Sequence Variants (ESVs) included 517 annotated as putative species and 694 as genera which together captured 57.7% of the 3,133,873 sequences, with the most abundant species being Thermobifida fusca, Thermomonospora chromogena and Thermobifida bifida. Compost properties changed rapidly over time alongside the diversity of the compost community, which increased as composting progressed, and multivariate analysis indicated significant variation in community composition between each time-point. The abundance of bacteria in the feedstock is strongly correlated with the presence of organic matter and the abundance of plant cell wall components. Temperature and pH are the most strongly correlated parameters with bacterial abundance in the thermophilic and cooling phases/mature compost respectively. Differential abundance analysis revealed 810 ESVs annotated as species significantly varied in relative abundance between Litter and Young phase, 653 between the Young and Middle phases, 1182 between Middle and Aged phases and 663 between Aged phase and mature Compost. These changes indicated that structural carbohydrates and lignin degrading species were abundant at the beginning of the thermophilic phas…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Vanessa Grenier
creator: Emmanuel Gonzalez
creator: Nicholas JB Brereton
creator: Frederic E. Pitre
subject: Microbiology
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Soil Science
subject: Natural Resource Management
subject: Food, Water and Energy Nexus
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15239
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Grenier et al.
abstract: Organic waste decomposition can make up substantial amounts of municipal greenhouse emissions during decomposition. Composting has the potential to reduce these emissions as well as generate sustainable fertilizer. However, our understanding of how complex microbial communities change to drive the chemical and biological processes of composting is still limited. To investigate the microbiota associated with organic waste decomposition, initial composting feedstock (Litter), three composting windrows of 1.5 months (Young phase), 3 months (Middle phase) and 12 months (Aged phase) old, and 24-month-old mature Compost were sampled to assess physicochemical properties, plant cell wall composition and the microbial community using 16S rRNA gene amplification. A total of 2,612 Exact Sequence Variants (ESVs) included 517 annotated as putative species and 694 as genera which together captured 57.7% of the 3,133,873 sequences, with the most abundant species being Thermobifida fusca, Thermomonospora chromogena and Thermobifida bifida. Compost properties changed rapidly over time alongside the diversity of the compost community, which increased as composting progressed, and multivariate analysis indicated significant variation in community composition between each time-point. The abundance of bacteria in the feedstock is strongly correlated with the presence of organic matter and the abundance of plant cell wall components. Temperature and pH are the most strongly correlated parameters with bacterial abundance in the thermophilic and cooling phases/mature compost respectively. Differential abundance analysis revealed 810 ESVs annotated as species significantly varied in relative abundance between Litter and Young phase, 653 between the Young and Middle phases, 1182 between Middle and Aged phases and 663 between Aged phase and mature Compost. These changes indicated that structural carbohydrates and lignin degrading species were abundant at the beginning of the thermophilic phas…
bibliographic citation: Grenier et al. (2023) Dynamics of bacterial and archaeal communities during horse bedding and green waste composting. PeerJ 11:e15239 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15239
date submitted: 2022-09-18
date accepted: 2023-03-28
issued: 2023-05-03
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Grenier
  given name: Vanessa
author list: Agent
  family name: Gonzalez
  given name: Emmanuel
author list: Agent
  family name: Brereton
  given name: Nicholas JB
author list: Agent
  family name: Pitre
  given name: Frederic E.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15239
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-05-03
copyright: ©2023 Grenier et al.
attribution name: Grenier et al.

Impact of artificial waterholes on temporal partitioning in a carnivore guild: a comparison of activity patterns at artificial waterholes to roads and trails
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Temporal partitioning in large carnivores have previously been found to be one of the main factors enabling co-existence. While activity patterns have been investigated separately at artificial waterholes and e.g., game trails, simultaneous comparative analyses of activity patterns at artificial waterholes and game trails have not been attempted. In this study, camera trap data from Maremani Nature Reserve was used to investigate whether temporal partitioning existed in a carnivore guild of four species (spotted hyena, leopard, brown hyena and African wild dog). Specifically, we investigated temporal partitioning at artificial waterholes and on roads and trails an average of 1,412 m away from an artificial waterhole. Activity patterns for the same species at artificial waterholes and roads/game trails were also compared. We found no significant differences in temporal activity between species at artificial waterholes. Temporal partitioning on game trails and roads was only found between spotted hyena (nocturnal) and African wild dog (crepuscular). Between nocturnal species (spotted hyena and leopard) no temporal partitioning was exhibited. Only African wild dog exhibited significantly different activity patterns at waterholes and roads/game trails. This indicates artificial waterholes may be a location for conflict in a carnivore guild. Our study highlights the impact of anthropogenic landscape changes and management decisions on the temporal axis of carnivores. More data on activity patterns at natural water sources such as ephemeral pans are needed to properly assess the effect of artificial waterholes on temporal partitioning in a carnivore guild.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Charlotte Krag
creator: Linnea Worsøe Havmøller
creator: Lourens Swanepoel
creator: Gigi Van Zyl
creator: Peter Rask Møller
creator: Rasmus Worsøe Havmøller
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Conservation Biology
subject: Ecology
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15253
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Krag et al.
abstract: Temporal partitioning in large carnivores have previously been found to be one of the main factors enabling co-existence. While activity patterns have been investigated separately at artificial waterholes and e.g., game trails, simultaneous comparative analyses of activity patterns at artificial waterholes and game trails have not been attempted. In this study, camera trap data from Maremani Nature Reserve was used to investigate whether temporal partitioning existed in a carnivore guild of four species (spotted hyena, leopard, brown hyena and African wild dog). Specifically, we investigated temporal partitioning at artificial waterholes and on roads and trails an average of 1,412 m away from an artificial waterhole. Activity patterns for the same species at artificial waterholes and roads/game trails were also compared. We found no significant differences in temporal activity between species at artificial waterholes. Temporal partitioning on game trails and roads was only found between spotted hyena (nocturnal) and African wild dog (crepuscular). Between nocturnal species (spotted hyena and leopard) no temporal partitioning was exhibited. Only African wild dog exhibited significantly different activity patterns at waterholes and roads/game trails. This indicates artificial waterholes may be a location for conflict in a carnivore guild. Our study highlights the impact of anthropogenic landscape changes and management decisions on the temporal axis of carnivores. More data on activity patterns at natural water sources such as ephemeral pans are needed to properly assess the effect of artificial waterholes on temporal partitioning in a carnivore guild.
bibliographic citation: Krag et al. (2023) Impact of artificial waterholes on temporal partitioning in a carnivore guild: a comparison of activity patterns at artificial waterholes to roads and trails. PeerJ 11:e15253 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15253
date submitted: 2022-11-07
date accepted: 2023-03-28
issued: 2023-05-03
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Krag
  given name: Charlotte
author list: Agent
  family name: Havmøller
  given name: Linnea Worsøe
author list: Agent
  family name: Swanepoel
  given name: Lourens
author list: Agent
  family name: Van Zyl
  given name: Gigi
author list: Agent
  family name: Møller
  given name: Peter Rask
author list: Agent
  family name: Havmøller
  given name: Rasmus Worsøe
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15253
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-05-03
copyright: © 2023 Krag et al.
attribution name: Krag et al.

Genome-wide characterization of the xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase gene family in Solanum lycopersicum L. and gene expression analysis in response to arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolases (XTHs) are a glycoside hydrolase protein family involved in the biosynthesis of xyloglucans, with essential roles in the regulation of plant cell wall extensibility. By taking advantage of the whole genome sequence in Solanum lycopersicum, 37 SlXTHs were identified in the present work. SlXTHs were classified into four subfamilies (ancestral, I/II, III-A, III-B) when aligned to XTHs of other plant species. Gene structure and conserved motifs showed similar compositions in each subfamily. Segmental duplication was the primary mechanism accounting for the expansion of SlXTH genes. In silico expression analysis showed that SlXTH genes exhibited differential expression in several tissues. GO analysis and 3D protein structure indicated that all 37 SlXTHs participate in cell wall biogenesis and xyloglucan metabolism. Promoter analysis revealed that some SlXTHs have MeJA- and stress-responsive elements. qRT-PCR expression analysis of nine SlXTHs in leaves and roots of mycorrhizal colonized vs. non-colonized plants showed that eight of these genes were differentially expressed in leaves and four in roots, suggesting that SlXTHs might play roles in plant defense induced by arbuscular mycorrhiza. Our results provide valuable insight into the function of XTHs in S. lycopersicum, in addition to the response of plants to mycorrhizal colonization.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Luis G. Sarmiento-López
creator: Maury Yanitze López-Espinoza
creator: Marco Adán Juárez-Verdayes
creator: Melina López-Meyer
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15257
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Sarmiento-López et al.
abstract: Xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolases (XTHs) are a glycoside hydrolase protein family involved in the biosynthesis of xyloglucans, with essential roles in the regulation of plant cell wall extensibility. By taking advantage of the whole genome sequence in Solanum lycopersicum, 37 SlXTHs were identified in the present work. SlXTHs were classified into four subfamilies (ancestral, I/II, III-A, III-B) when aligned to XTHs of other plant species. Gene structure and conserved motifs showed similar compositions in each subfamily. Segmental duplication was the primary mechanism accounting for the expansion of SlXTH genes. In silico expression analysis showed that SlXTH genes exhibited differential expression in several tissues. GO analysis and 3D protein structure indicated that all 37 SlXTHs participate in cell wall biogenesis and xyloglucan metabolism. Promoter analysis revealed that some SlXTHs have MeJA- and stress-responsive elements. qRT-PCR expression analysis of nine SlXTHs in leaves and roots of mycorrhizal colonized vs. non-colonized plants showed that eight of these genes were differentially expressed in leaves and four in roots, suggesting that SlXTHs might play roles in plant defense induced by arbuscular mycorrhiza. Our results provide valuable insight into the function of XTHs in S. lycopersicum, in addition to the response of plants to mycorrhizal colonization.
bibliographic citation: Sarmiento-López et al. (2023) Genome-wide characterization of the xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase gene family in Solanum lycopersicum L. and gene expression analysis in response to arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis. PeerJ 11:e15257 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15257
date submitted: 2023-01-24
date accepted: 2023-03-28
issued: 2023-05-03
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Sarmiento-López
  given name: Luis G.
author list: Agent
  family name: López-Espinoza
  given name: Maury Yanitze
author list: Agent
  family name: Juárez-Verdayes
  given name: Marco Adán
author list: Agent
  family name: López-Meyer
  given name: Melina
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15257
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-05-03
copyright: ©2023 Sarmiento-López et al.
attribution name: Sarmiento-López et al.

Analysis of QTL mapping for germination and seedling response to drought stress in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Sunflower is an important oilseed crop across the world. It is considered as a moderately drought tolerant plant, however, its yield is still negatively affected by drought stress. Improving drought tolerance is of the outmost important for breeding. Although several studies have documented the relationship between the sunflower phenotype and genotype under drought stress, but relatively few studies have simultaneously investigated the molecular mechanisms of drought tolerance in the sunflower at different growth stages. In this study, we conducted quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis for different sunflower traits during the germination and seedling stages. Eighteen phenotypic traits were evaluated under well-watered and drought stress conditions. We determined that the germination rate, germination potential, germination index, and root-to-shoot ratio can be used as effective indexes for drought tolerance selection and breeding. A total of 33 QTLs were identified on eight chromosomes (PVE: 0.016%–10.712% with LOD: 2.017–7.439). Within the confidence interval of the QTL, we identified 60 putative drought-related genes. Four genes located on chromosome 13 may function in both germination and seedling stages for drought response. Genes LOC110898128, LOC110898092, LOC110898071, and LOC110898072 were annotated as aquaporin SIP1-2-like, cytochrome P450 94C1, GABA transporter 1-like, and GABA transporter 1-like isoform X2, respectively. These genes will be used for further functional validation. This study provides insight into the molecular mechanisms of the sunflower’s in response to drought stress. At the same time, it lays a foundation for sunflower drought tolerance breeding and genetic improvement.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Huimin Shi
creator: Yang Wu
creator: Liuxi Yi
creator: Haibo Hu
creator: Feiyan Su
creator: Yanxia Wang
creator: Dandan Li
creator: Jianhua Hou
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Genetics
subject: Genomics
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15275
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Shi et al.
abstract: Sunflower is an important oilseed crop across the world. It is considered as a moderately drought tolerant plant, however, its yield is still negatively affected by drought stress. Improving drought tolerance is of the outmost important for breeding. Although several studies have documented the relationship between the sunflower phenotype and genotype under drought stress, but relatively few studies have simultaneously investigated the molecular mechanisms of drought tolerance in the sunflower at different growth stages. In this study, we conducted quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis for different sunflower traits during the germination and seedling stages. Eighteen phenotypic traits were evaluated under well-watered and drought stress conditions. We determined that the germination rate, germination potential, germination index, and root-to-shoot ratio can be used as effective indexes for drought tolerance selection and breeding. A total of 33 QTLs were identified on eight chromosomes (PVE: 0.016%–10.712% with LOD: 2.017–7.439). Within the confidence interval of the QTL, we identified 60 putative drought-related genes. Four genes located on chromosome 13 may function in both germination and seedling stages for drought response. Genes LOC110898128, LOC110898092, LOC110898071, and LOC110898072 were annotated as aquaporin SIP1-2-like, cytochrome P450 94C1, GABA transporter 1-like, and GABA transporter 1-like isoform X2, respectively. These genes will be used for further functional validation. This study provides insight into the molecular mechanisms of the sunflower’s in response to drought stress. At the same time, it lays a foundation for sunflower drought tolerance breeding and genetic improvement.
bibliographic citation: Shi et al. (2023) Analysis of QTL mapping for germination and seedling response to drought stress in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). PeerJ 11:e15275 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15275
date submitted: 2022-10-06
date accepted: 2023-03-30
issued: 2023-05-03
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Shi
  given name: Huimin
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Yang
author list: Agent
  family name: Yi
  given name: Liuxi
author list: Agent
  family name: Hu
  given name: Haibo
author list: Agent
  family name: Su
  given name: Feiyan
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Yanxia
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Dandan
author list: Agent
  family name: Hou
  given name: Jianhua
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15275
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-05-03
copyright: ©2023 Shi et al.
attribution name: Shi et al.

Pathological mechanism of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in rats based on iTRAQ technology
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Objective Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a public health problem worldwide. Treatments for the patients with HFpEF are not satisfactory because there is no unified understanding of the pathological mechanism of HFpEF. This study aims at investigating the potential pathological mechanism for the effective diagnosis and treatment of HFpEF. Methods Ten adult male Dahl salt sensitive rats (180–200 g) were divided into control and model groups. The rats in model group were fed with high salt diet (8% NaCl) to induce HFpEF for this comparative study. Behavioral changes, biochemical parameters, and histopathological changes of the rats were detected. iTRAQ technology combined with bioinformatics analysis was employed to study the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and their enrichment in signaling pathways. Results Echocardiography detection showed decreased LVEF, indicating impaired cardiac function (P < 0.01), increased LVPWd, indicating ventricular wall hypertrophy (P < 0.05), prolonged duration of IVRT and decreased E/A ratio, indicating diastolic dysfunction (P < 0.05) of the rats in model group. 563 DEPs were identified in the rats of both groups, with 243 up-regulated and 320 down-regulated. The expression of PPAR signaling pathway in the rats of model group was down-regulated, with PPARα most significantly decreased (91.2%) (P < 0.01), PPARγ obviously decreased (63.60%) (P < 0.05), and PPARβ/δ decreased (45.33%) (P < 0.05). The DEPs enriched in PPAR signaling pathway were mainly related to such biological processes as fatty acid beta-oxidation, such cellular components as peroxisome, and such molecular functions as lipid binding. Conclusions NaCl high salt diet is one of the factors to increase the incidence of HFpEF in rats. PPARα, PPARγ and PPAR β/δ might be the targets of HFpEF. The findings may provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of HFpEF in clinical practice.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Hang Xu
creator: Kai Gao
creator: Chao Liu
creator: Tian Li
creator: Yi Ding
creator: Jing Ma
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Cardiology
subject: Histology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15280
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Xu et al.
abstract: Objective Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a public health problem worldwide. Treatments for the patients with HFpEF are not satisfactory because there is no unified understanding of the pathological mechanism of HFpEF. This study aims at investigating the potential pathological mechanism for the effective diagnosis and treatment of HFpEF. Methods Ten adult male Dahl salt sensitive rats (180–200 g) were divided into control and model groups. The rats in model group were fed with high salt diet (8% NaCl) to induce HFpEF for this comparative study. Behavioral changes, biochemical parameters, and histopathological changes of the rats were detected. iTRAQ technology combined with bioinformatics analysis was employed to study the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and their enrichment in signaling pathways. Results Echocardiography detection showed decreased LVEF, indicating impaired cardiac function (P < 0.01), increased LVPWd, indicating ventricular wall hypertrophy (P < 0.05), prolonged duration of IVRT and decreased E/A ratio, indicating diastolic dysfunction (P < 0.05) of the rats in model group. 563 DEPs were identified in the rats of both groups, with 243 up-regulated and 320 down-regulated. The expression of PPAR signaling pathway in the rats of model group was down-regulated, with PPARα most significantly decreased (91.2%) (P < 0.01), PPARγ obviously decreased (63.60%) (P < 0.05), and PPARβ/δ decreased (45.33%) (P < 0.05). The DEPs enriched in PPAR signaling pathway were mainly related to such biological processes as fatty acid beta-oxidation, such cellular components as peroxisome, and such molecular functions as lipid binding. Conclusions NaCl high salt diet is one of the factors to increase the incidence of HFpEF in rats. PPARα, PPARγ and PPAR β/δ might be the targets of HFpEF. The findings may provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of HFpEF in clinical practice.
bibliographic citation: Xu et al. (2023) Pathological mechanism of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in rats based on iTRAQ technology. PeerJ 11:e15280 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15280
date submitted: 2023-02-15
date accepted: 2023-04-03
issued: 2023-05-03
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Xu
  given name: Hang
author list: Agent
  family name: Gao
  given name: Kai
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Chao
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Tian
author list: Agent
  family name: Ding
  given name: Yi
author list: Agent
  family name: Ma
  given name: Jing
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15280
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-05-03
copyright: ©2023 Xu et al.
attribution name: Xu et al.

The influence of pet ownership on self-compassion among nurses: a cross-sectional study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The modern lifestyle trend of pet ownership is undoubtedly beneficial for both physical and mental health. Research has shown a connection between pet ownership and staff self-compassion. However, there has not been any evidence linking pet ownership to self-compassion in the nurse population. Aims To investigate the current status of pet ownership among nurses and explore the influence of pet ownership on self-compassion among nurses. Methods An online survey was conducted in July 2022 with 1,308 nurses in China. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire and a self-compassion scale. To compare categorical variables, the independent t test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis were utilized. SPSS software was used for the statistical analysis. Results We found that 16.9% of nurses owned at least one pet, and dogs and cats were the primary pets. The t test for independent samples showed that pet owners and non-pet owners scored differently on self-compassion (t = 3.286, p = 0.001), self-kindness (t = 3.378, p = 0.001), common humanity (t = 2.419, p = 0.016), and mindfulness (t = 2.246, p = 0.025). One-way ANOVA revealed that the highest degree was an influencing factor of self-compassion (χ2 = 1.386, p = 0.019). Multiple linear regression showed that average monthly income, pet ownership, and highest degree were the factors that influenced self-compassion most significantly (F = 8.335, p < 0.001). Conclusion The results revealed that nurses actually own pets as part of their modern lifestyle, which provides them with social support and potentially enhances their self-compassion. More efforts should be focused on the impact of pet ownership on nurses’ physical and mental health, and pet-based interventions should also be developed.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Hu Jiang
creator: Yongxia Mei
creator: Xiaoxuan Wang
creator: Wenna Wang
creator: Beilei Lin
creator: Zhixin Zhao
creator: Zhenxiang Zhang
subject: Veterinary Medicine
subject: Zoology
subject: Nursing
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
subject: Mental Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15288
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Jiang et al.
abstract: Background The modern lifestyle trend of pet ownership is undoubtedly beneficial for both physical and mental health. Research has shown a connection between pet ownership and staff self-compassion. However, there has not been any evidence linking pet ownership to self-compassion in the nurse population. Aims To investigate the current status of pet ownership among nurses and explore the influence of pet ownership on self-compassion among nurses. Methods An online survey was conducted in July 2022 with 1,308 nurses in China. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire and a self-compassion scale. To compare categorical variables, the independent t test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis were utilized. SPSS software was used for the statistical analysis. Results We found that 16.9% of nurses owned at least one pet, and dogs and cats were the primary pets. The t test for independent samples showed that pet owners and non-pet owners scored differently on self-compassion (t = 3.286, p = 0.001), self-kindness (t = 3.378, p = 0.001), common humanity (t = 2.419, p = 0.016), and mindfulness (t = 2.246, p = 0.025). One-way ANOVA revealed that the highest degree was an influencing factor of self-compassion (χ2 = 1.386, p = 0.019). Multiple linear regression showed that average monthly income, pet ownership, and highest degree were the factors that influenced self-compassion most significantly (F = 8.335, p < 0.001). Conclusion The results revealed that nurses actually own pets as part of their modern lifestyle, which provides them with social support and potentially enhances their self-compassion. More efforts should be focused on the impact of pet ownership on nurses’ physical and mental health, and pet-based interventions should also be developed.
bibliographic citation: Jiang et al. (2023) The influence of pet ownership on self-compassion among nurses: a cross-sectional study. PeerJ 11:e15288 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15288
date submitted: 2022-12-09
date accepted: 2023-04-04
issued: 2023-05-03
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Jiang
  given name: Hu
author list: Agent
  family name: Mei
  given name: Yongxia
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Xiaoxuan
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Wenna
author list: Agent
  family name: Lin
  given name: Beilei
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhao
  given name: Zhixin
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Zhenxiang
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15288
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-05-03
copyright: ©2023 Jiang et al.
attribution name: Jiang et al.

Semantic plausibility preferentially affects the semantic preview benefit in Chinese reading: evidence from an eye-movement study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Numerous studies have confirmed that skilled readers can benefit from a semantically related preview word (i.e., semantic preview benefit, SPB), suggesting that readers can extract semantic information from the parafovea to achieve efficient reading. It is still under debate whether the occurrence of this benefit is because of the semantic association between the preview and target words or because of the contextual fit of the preview word in the sentence context. Methods Two independent factors, preview plausibility (preview plausible/implausible) and semantic relatedness (semantically related/unrelated), were manipulated, and we further strictly controlled for syntactic plausibility in the present study. Results The results showed that the first-pass reading times of the target words were significantly shorter in the plausible preview condition than in the implausible preview condition. However, the main effect of semantic relatedness was found only in the gaze duration measure. Discussion The pattern of results revealed that semantic plausibility affects the semantic preview benefit preferentially in Chinese reading, supporting the contextual fit account. Our findings have implications for a better understanding of parafoveal processing and provide empirical support for the eye-movement control model.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Lijuan Zhang
creator: Zhiwei Liu
creator: Sainan Zhao
creator: Jingxin Wang
subject: Cognitive Disorders
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15291
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Zhang et al.
abstract: Background Numerous studies have confirmed that skilled readers can benefit from a semantically related preview word (i.e., semantic preview benefit, SPB), suggesting that readers can extract semantic information from the parafovea to achieve efficient reading. It is still under debate whether the occurrence of this benefit is because of the semantic association between the preview and target words or because of the contextual fit of the preview word in the sentence context. Methods Two independent factors, preview plausibility (preview plausible/implausible) and semantic relatedness (semantically related/unrelated), were manipulated, and we further strictly controlled for syntactic plausibility in the present study. Results The results showed that the first-pass reading times of the target words were significantly shorter in the plausible preview condition than in the implausible preview condition. However, the main effect of semantic relatedness was found only in the gaze duration measure. Discussion The pattern of results revealed that semantic plausibility affects the semantic preview benefit preferentially in Chinese reading, supporting the contextual fit account. Our findings have implications for a better understanding of parafoveal processing and provide empirical support for the eye-movement control model.
bibliographic citation: Zhang et al. (2023) Semantic plausibility preferentially affects the semantic preview benefit in Chinese reading: evidence from an eye-movement study. PeerJ 11:e15291 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15291
date submitted: 2023-01-06
date accepted: 2023-04-04
issued: 2023-05-03
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Lijuan
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Zhiwei
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhao
  given name: Sainan
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Jingxin
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15291
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-05-03
copyright: © 2023 Zhang et al.
attribution name: Zhang et al.

https://peerj.com/articles/15308
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
title: Molecular basis of a high Hb A2/Hb Fβ-thalassemia trait: a retrospective analysis, genotype-phenotype interaction, diagnostic implication, and identification of a novel interaction with α-globin gene triplication
description: Background β0-thalassemia deletion removing 5´β-globin promoter usually presents phenotype with high hemoglobin (Hb) A2 and Hb F levels. We report the molecular characteristics and phenotype-genotype correlation in a large cohort of the β0-thalassemia with 3.4 kb deletion. Methods A total of 148 subjects, including 127 heterozygotes, 20 Hb E-β-thalassemia patients, and a double heterozygote with α-globin gene triplication, were recruited. Hb and DNA analysis were performed to identify thalassemia mutations and four high Hb F single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) including four base pair deletion (-AGCA) at Aγ-globin promoter, rs5006884 on OR51B6 gene, −158 Gγ-XmnI, BCL11A binding motifs (TGGTCA) between 3´Aγ-globin gene and 5´δ-globin gene. Results It was found that heterozygous β0-thalassemia and Hb E-β0-thalassemia with 3.4 kb deletion had significantly higher Hb, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and Hb F values as compared with those with other mutations. Co-inheritance of heterozygous β0-thalassemia with 3.4 kb deletion and α-thalassemia was associated with even higher MCV and MCH values. The Hb E-β0-thalassemia patients carried a non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia phenotype with an average Hb of around 10 g/dL without blood transfusion. A hitherto undescribed double heterozygous β0-thalassemia with 3.4 kb deletion and α-globin gene triplication presented as a plain β-thalassemia trait. Most of the subjects had wild-type sequences for the four high Hb F SNPs examined. No significant difference in Hb F was observed between those of subjects with and without these SNPs. Removal of the 5´β-globin promoter may likely be responsible for this unusual phenotype. Conclusions The results indicate that β0-thalassemia with 3.4 kb deletion is a mild β-thalassemia allele. This information should be provided at genetic counseling and prenatal thalassemia diagnosis.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Chayada Soontornpanawet
creator: Kritsada Singha
creator: Hataichanok Srivorakun
creator: Wanicha Tepakhan
creator: Goonnapa Fucharoen
creator: Supan Fucharoen
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Hematology
subject: Medical Genetics
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15308
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Soontornpanawet et al.
abstract: Background β0-thalassemia deletion removing 5´β-globin promoter usually presents phenotype with high hemoglobin (Hb) A2 and Hb F levels. We report the molecular characteristics and phenotype-genotype correlation in a large cohort of the β0-thalassemia with 3.4 kb deletion. Methods A total of 148 subjects, including 127 heterozygotes, 20 Hb E-β-thalassemia patients, and a double heterozygote with α-globin gene triplication, were recruited. Hb and DNA analysis were performed to identify thalassemia mutations and four high Hb F single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) including four base pair deletion (-AGCA) at Aγ-globin promoter, rs5006884 on OR51B6 gene, −158 Gγ-XmnI, BCL11A binding motifs (TGGTCA) between 3´Aγ-globin gene and 5´δ-globin gene. Results It was found that heterozygous β0-thalassemia and Hb E-β0-thalassemia with 3.4 kb deletion had significantly higher Hb, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and Hb F values as compared with those with other mutations. Co-inheritance of heterozygous β0-thalassemia with 3.4 kb deletion and α-thalassemia was associated with even higher MCV and MCH values. The Hb E-β0-thalassemia patients carried a non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia phenotype with an average Hb of around 10 g/dL without blood transfusion. A hitherto undescribed double heterozygous β0-thalassemia with 3.4 kb deletion and α-globin gene triplication presented as a plain β-thalassemia trait. Most of the subjects had wild-type sequences for the four high Hb F SNPs examined. No significant difference in Hb F was observed between those of subjects with and without these SNPs. Removal of the 5´β-globin promoter may likely be responsible for this unusual phenotype. Conclusions The results indicate that β0-thalassemia with 3.4 kb deletion is a mild β-thalassemia allele. This information should be provided at genetic counseling and prenatal thalassemia diagnosis.
bibliographic citation: Soontornpanawet et al. (2023) Molecular basis of a high Hb A2/Hb Fβ-thalassemia trait: a retrospective analysis, genotype-phenotype interaction, diagnostic implication, and identification of a novel interaction with α-globin gene triplication. PeerJ 11:e15308 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15308
date submitted: 2023-01-07
date accepted: 2023-04-06
issued: 2023-05-03
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Soontornpanawet
  given name: Chayada
author list: Agent
  family name: Singha
  given name: Kritsada
author list: Agent
  family name: Srivorakun
  given name: Hataichanok
author list: Agent
  family name: Tepakhan
  given name: Wanicha
author list: Agent
  family name: Fucharoen
  given name: Goonnapa
author list: Agent
  family name: Fucharoen
  given name: Supan
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15308
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-05-03
copyright: ©2023 Soontornpanawet et al.
attribution name: Soontornpanawet et al.

Building consensus around the assessment and interpretation of Symbiodiniaceae diversity
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Within microeukaryotes, genetic variation and functional variation sometimes accumulate more quickly than morphological differences. To understand the evolutionary history and ecology of such lineages, it is key to examine diversity at multiple levels of organization. In the dinoflagellate family Symbiodiniaceae, which can form endosymbioses with cnidarians (e.g., corals, octocorals, sea anemones, jellyfish), other marine invertebrates (e.g., sponges, molluscs, flatworms), and protists (e.g., foraminifera), molecular data have been used extensively over the past three decades to describe phenotypes and to make evolutionary and ecological inferences. Despite advances in Symbiodiniaceae genomics, a lack of consensus among researchers with respect to interpreting genetic data has slowed progress in the field and acted as a barrier to reconciling observations. Here, we identify key challenges regarding the assessment and interpretation of Symbiodiniaceae genetic diversity across three levels: species, populations, and communities. We summarize areas of agreement and highlight techniques and approaches that are broadly accepted. In areas where debate remains, we identify unresolved issues and discuss technologies and approaches that can help to fill knowledge gaps related to genetic and phenotypic diversity. We also discuss ways to stimulate progress, in particular by fostering a more inclusive and collaborative research community. We hope that this perspective will inspire and accelerate coral reef science by serving as a resource to those designing experiments, publishing research, and applying for funding related to Symbiodiniaceae and their symbiotic partnerships.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Sarah W. Davies
creator: Matthew H. Gamache
creator: Lauren I. Howe-Kerr
creator: Nicola G. Kriefall
creator: Andrew C. Baker
creator: Anastazia T. Banaszak
creator: Line Kolind Bay
creator: Anthony J. Bellantuono
creator: Debashish Bhattacharya
creator: Cheong Xin Chan
creator: Danielle C. Claar
creator: Mary Alice Coffroth
creator: Ross Cunning
creator: Simon K. Davy
creator: Javier del Campo
creator: Erika M. Díaz-Almeyda
creator: Jörg C. Frommlet
creator: Lauren E. Fuess
creator: Raúl A. González-Pech
creator: Tamar L. Goulet
creator: Kenneth D. Hoadley
creator: Emily J. Howells
creator: Benjamin C. C. Hume
creator: Dustin W. Kemp
creator: Carly D. Kenkel
creator: Sheila A. Kitchen
creator: Todd C. LaJeunesse
creator: Senjie Lin
creator: Shelby E. McIlroy
creator: Ryan McMinds
creator: Matthew R. Nitschke
creator: Clinton A. Oakley
creator: Raquel S. Peixoto
creator: Carlos Prada
creator: Hollie M. Putnam
creator: Kate Quigley
creator: Hannah G. Reich
creator: James Davis Reimer
creator: Mauricio Rodriguez-Lanetty
creator: Stephanie M. Rosales
creator: Osama S. Saad
creator: Eugenia M. Sampayo
creator: Scott R. Santos
creator: Eiichi Shoguchi
creator: Edward G. Smith
creator: Michael Stat
creator: Timothy G. Stephens
creator: Marie E. Strader
creator: David J. Suggett
creator: Timothy D. Swain
creator: Cawa Tran
creator: Nikki Traylor-Knowles
creator: Christian R. Voolstra
creator: Mark E. Warner
creator: Virginia M. Weis
creator: Rachel M. Wright
creator: Tingting Xiang
creator: Hiroshi Yamashita
creator: Maren Ziegler
creator: Adrienne M. S. Correa
creator: John Everett Parkinson
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Marine Biology
subject: Microbiology
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15023
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Davies et al.
abstract: Within microeukaryotes, genetic variation and functional variation sometimes accumulate more quickly than morphological differences. To understand the evolutionary history and ecology of such lineages, it is key to examine diversity at multiple levels of organization. In the dinoflagellate family Symbiodiniaceae, which can form endosymbioses with cnidarians (e.g., corals, octocorals, sea anemones, jellyfish), other marine invertebrates (e.g., sponges, molluscs, flatworms), and protists (e.g., foraminifera), molecular data have been used extensively over the past three decades to describe phenotypes and to make evolutionary and ecological inferences. Despite advances in Symbiodiniaceae genomics, a lack of consensus among researchers with respect to interpreting genetic data has slowed progress in the field and acted as a barrier to reconciling observations. Here, we identify key challenges regarding the assessment and interpretation of Symbiodiniaceae genetic diversity across three levels: species, populations, and communities. We summarize areas of agreement and highlight techniques and approaches that are broadly accepted. In areas where debate remains, we identify unresolved issues and discuss technologies and approaches that can help to fill knowledge gaps related to genetic and phenotypic diversity. We also discuss ways to stimulate progress, in particular by fostering a more inclusive and collaborative research community. We hope that this perspective will inspire and accelerate coral reef science by serving as a resource to those designing experiments, publishing research, and applying for funding related to Symbiodiniaceae and their symbiotic partnerships.
bibliographic citation: Davies et al. (2023) Building consensus around the assessment and interpretation of Symbiodiniaceae diversity. PeerJ 11:e15023 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15023
date submitted: 2022-09-09
date accepted: 2023-02-17
issued: 2023-05-02

Agent
family name: Davies
given name: Sarah W.

Agent
family name: Gamache
given name: Matthew H.

Agent
family name: Howe-Kerr
given name: Lauren I.

Agent
family name: Kriefall
given name: Nicola G.

Agent
family name: Baker
given name: Andrew C.

Agent
family name: Banaszak
given name: Anastazia T.

Agent
family name: Bay
given name: Line Kolind

Agent
family name: Bellantuono
given name: Anthony J.

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family name: Bhattacharya
given name: Debashish

Agent
family name: Chan
given name: Cheong Xin

Agent
family name: Claar
given name: Danielle C.

Agent
family name: Coffroth
given name: Mary Alice

Agent
family name: Cunning
given name: Ross

Agent
family name: Davy
given name: Simon K.

Agent
family name: del Campo
given name: Javier

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family name: Díaz-Almeyda
given name: Erika M.

Agent
family name: Frommlet
given name: Jörg C.

Agent
family name: Fuess
given name: Lauren E.

Agent
family name: González-Pech
given name: Raúl A.

Agent
family name: Goulet
given name: Tamar L.

Agent
family name: Hoadley
given name: Kenneth D.

Agent
family name: Howells
given name: Emily J.

Agent
family name: Hume
given name: Benjamin C. C.

Agent
family name: Kemp
given name: Dustin W.

Agent
family name: Kenkel
given name: Carly D.

Agent
family name: Kitchen
given name: Sheila A.

Agent
family name: LaJeunesse
given name: Todd C.

Agent
family name: Lin
given name: Senjie

Agent
family name: McIlroy
given name: Shelby E.

Agent
family name: McMinds
given name: Ryan

Agent
family name: Nitschke
given name: Matthew R.

Agent
family name: Oakley
given name: Clinton A.

Agent
family name: Peixoto
given name: Raquel S.

Agent
family name: Prada
given name: Carlos

Agent
family name: Putnam
given name: Hollie M.

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family name: Quigley
given name: Kate

Agent
family name: Reich
given name: Hannah G.

Agent
family name: Reimer
given name: James Davis

Agent
family name: Rodriguez-Lanetty
given name: Mauricio

Agent
family name: Rosales
given name: Stephanie M.

Agent
family name: Saad
given name: Osama S.

Agent
family name: Sampayo
given name: Eugenia M.

Agent
family name: Santos
given name: Scott R.

Agent
family name: Shoguchi
given name: Eiichi

Agent
family name: Smith
given name: Edward G.

Agent
family name: Stat
given name: Michael

Agent
family name: Stephens
given name: Timothy G.

Agent
family name: Strader
given name: Marie E.

Agent
family name: Suggett
given name: David J.

Agent
family name: Swain
given name: Timothy D.

Agent
family name: Tran
given name: Cawa

Agent
family name: Traylor-Knowles
given name: Nikki

Agent
family name: Voolstra
given name: Christian R.

Agent
family name: Warner
given name: Mark E.

Agent
family name: Weis
given name: Virginia M.

Agent
family name: Wright
given name: Rachel M.

Agent
family name: Xiang
given name: Tingting

Agent
family name: Yamashita
given name: Hiroshi

Agent
family name: Ziegler
given name: Maren

Agent
family name: Correa
given name: Adrienne M. S.

Agent
family name: Parkinson
given name: John Everett

Spatial orientation, postural control and the vestibular system in healthy elderly and Alzheimer’s dementia
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background While extensive research has been advancing our understanding of the spatial and postural decline in healthy elderly (HE) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), much less is known about how the vestibular system contributes to the spatial and postural processing in these two populations. This is especially relevant during turning movements in the dark, such as while walking in our garden or at home at night, where the vestibular signal becomes central. As the prevention of falls and disorientation are of serious concern for the medical service, more vestibular-driven knowledge is necessary to decrease the burden for HE and AD patients with vestibular disabilities. Overview of the article The review briefly presents the current “non-vestibular based” knowledge (i.e. knowledge based on research that does not mention the “vestibular system” as a contributor or does not investigate its effects) about spatial navigation and postural control during normal healthy ageing and AD pathology. Then, it concentrates on the critical sense of the vestibular system and explores the current expertise about the aspects of spatial orientation and postural control from a vestibular system point of view. The norm is set by first looking at how healthy elderly change with age with respect to their vestibular-guided navigation and balance, followed by the AD patients and the difficulties they experience in maintaining their balance or during navigation. Conclusion Vestibular spatial and vestibular postural deficits present a considerable disadvantage and are felt not only on a physical but also on a psychological level by all those affected. Still, there is a clear need for more (central) vestibular-driven spatial and postural knowledge in healthy and pathological ageing, which can better facilitate our understanding of the aetiology of these dysfunctions. A possible change can start with the more frequent implementation of the “vestibular system examination/rehabilitation/therapy” in t…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Mariya K. Chepisheva
subject: Neuroscience
subject: Geriatrics
subject: Neurology
subject: Otorhinolaryngology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15040
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Chepisheva
abstract: Background While extensive research has been advancing our understanding of the spatial and postural decline in healthy elderly (HE) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), much less is known about how the vestibular system contributes to the spatial and postural processing in these two populations. This is especially relevant during turning movements in the dark, such as while walking in our garden or at home at night, where the vestibular signal becomes central. As the prevention of falls and disorientation are of serious concern for the medical service, more vestibular-driven knowledge is necessary to decrease the burden for HE and AD patients with vestibular disabilities. Overview of the article The review briefly presents the current “non-vestibular based” knowledge (i.e. knowledge based on research that does not mention the “vestibular system” as a contributor or does not investigate its effects) about spatial navigation and postural control during normal healthy ageing and AD pathology. Then, it concentrates on the critical sense of the vestibular system and explores the current expertise about the aspects of spatial orientation and postural control from a vestibular system point of view. The norm is set by first looking at how healthy elderly change with age with respect to their vestibular-guided navigation and balance, followed by the AD patients and the difficulties they experience in maintaining their balance or during navigation. Conclusion Vestibular spatial and vestibular postural deficits present a considerable disadvantage and are felt not only on a physical but also on a psychological level by all those affected. Still, there is a clear need for more (central) vestibular-driven spatial and postural knowledge in healthy and pathological ageing, which can better facilitate our understanding of the aetiology of these dysfunctions. A possible change can start with the more frequent implementation of the “vestibular system examination/rehabilitation/therapy” in t…
bibliographic citation: Chepisheva (2023) Spatial orientation, postural control and the vestibular system in healthy elderly and Alzheimer’s dementia. PeerJ 11:e15040 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15040
date submitted: 2022-01-17
date accepted: 2023-02-21
issued: 2023-05-02
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Chepisheva
  given name: Mariya K.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15040
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-05-02
copyright: © 2023 Chepisheva
attribution name: Chepisheva

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