Research on the application of a cement and soil aggregate for the ecological restoration of vegetation in artificial soil
The construction of high-speed roads has resulted in large amounts of steep and exposed cut slopes, posing more potential hazards in areas with mountains and hills. Vegetation restoration is an effective and environmentally-friendly way to restore exposed slopes using outside soil spray seeding, though it is difficult to establish a vegetation cover. Spraying artificial soil on high and steep slopes is a challenging task as it is difficult to keep the fluid mixture on sloped surfaces. Because of these challenges, this study applied different combinations of cement and soil aggregates in artificial soil, measuring final soil properties after one growing season. Experimental results showed that there were substantial differences in all basic soil parameters and in the soil quality index after different treatments. In particular, adding 5–10% cement content could improve the adhesion of artificial soil without remarkably reducing soil quality; adding 0.09% of soil aggregate was also beneficial to soil nutrient availability. These findings indicate that the combination of cement and soil aggregates could be applied in artificial soils for the ecological restoration of steep slope vegetation. Adding cement to the soil increased the alkaline levels of the soil, so it is important to reduce artificial soil pH in the future. The application of a cement and soil aggregate should be considered in the field for the ecological restoration of slope vegetation, and the impact of this addition on slope stability and vegetation growth should be explored with further research.
Mao et al. (2023) Research on the application of a cement and soil aggregate for the ecological restoration of vegetation in artificial soil. PeerJ 11:e14657 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14657
Systematic identification of smORFs in domestic silkworm (Bombyx mori)
The silkworm (Bombyx mori) is not only an excellent model species, but also an important agricultural economic insect. Taking it as the research object, its advantages of low maintenance cost and no biohazard risks are considered. Small open reading frames (smORFs) are an important class of genomic elements that can produce bioactive peptides. However, the smORFs in silkworm had been poorly identified and studied. To further study the smORFs in silkworm, systematic genome-wide identification is essential. Here, we identified and analyzed smORFs in the silkworm using comprehensive methods. Our results showed that at least 738 highly reliable smORFs were found in B. mori and that 34,401 possible smORFs were partially supported. We also identified some differentially expressed and tissue-specific-expressed smORFs, which may be closely related to the characteristics and functions of the tissues. This article provides a basis for subsequent research on smORFs in silkworm, and also hopes to provide a reference point for future research methods for smORFs in other species.
Wan et al. (2023) Systematic identification of smORFs in domestic silkworm (Bombyx mori). PeerJ 11:e14682 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14682
A new genus of dance fly (Diptera: Empidoidea: Hybotidae) from Cretaceous Spanish ambers and introduction to the fossiliferous amber outcrop of La Hoya (Castellón Province, Spain)
Hybotidae fly species, also known as dance flies, in Cretaceous ambers have been described from Lebanon, France, Myanmar, Russia, and Canada. Here we describe Grimaldipeza coelica gen. et sp. n., and recognize another two un-named species, in Spanish amber from the middle Albian El Soplao and lower Cenomanian La Hoya outcrops. The fore tibial gland is present in the new genus, which is characteristic of the family Hybotidae. We compare Grimaldipeza coelica gen. et sp. n. with the holotypes of Trichinites cretaceus Hennig, 1970 and Ecommocydromia difficilis Schlüter, 1978, and clarify some morphological details present in the latter two species. Further taxonomic placement beyond family of the here described new genus was not possible and remains incertae sedis within Hybotidae until extant subfamilies are better defined. We provide new paleoecological data of the hybotids, together with paleogeographical and life paleoenvironmental notes. A table with the known Cretaceous Hybotidae is provided. Furthermore, the La Hoya amber-bearing outcrop is described in detail, filling the information gap for this deposit.
Solórzano-Kraemer et al. (2023) A new genus of dance fly (Diptera: Empidoidea: Hybotidae) from Cretaceous Spanish ambers and introduction to the fossiliferous amber outcrop of La Hoya (Castellón Province, Spain). PeerJ 11:e14692 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14692
A redescription of Palaeogekko risgoviensis (Squamata, Gekkota) from the Middle Miocene of Germany, with new data on its morphology
After its original description, the Middle Miocene gekkotan Palaeogekko risgoviensis remained an enigma for palaeontologists due to a rather poor knowledge of its osteology and relationships. Coming from a single locality in southern Germany, this gecko lived in central Europe during a period when a single gekkotan lineage (i.e., euleptine sphaerodactylids) is confidently reported to have inhabited the continent. However, it is unclear whether P. risgoviensis may represent a member of this same lineage or a second clade of Gekkota. In order to shed light on this issue, the type material of P. risgoviensis is here redescribed, refigured and extensively compared with extinct and extant geckos from Europe. A phylogenetic analysis is also conducted in order to investigate its relationships. The new observations confirm the validity of the German species as a distinct taxon, and exclude the previously-suggested chimeric status of the type material of this gecko (with the exception of a single dentary included in the type series, which clearly belong to a different lizard). Phylogenetic relationships of Palaeogekko are still unclear, though, with different positions within the gekkotan tree recovered for the taxon. Nevertheless, it is confidently supported as a non-eublepharid gekkonoid, in agreement with hypothesys presented by other scholars.
Villa (2023) A redescription of Palaeogekko risgoviensis (Squamata, Gekkota) from the Middle Miocene of Germany, with new data on its morphology. PeerJ 11:e14717 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14717
Characteristics of muscle contraction of the rectus femoris using tensiomyography by sex in healthy college students: a cross-sectional study
Background Tensiomyography (TMG) is a non-invasive instrument for measuring mechanical muscle contraction characteristics and measuring the maximum displacement of the muscle belly in the radial direction with respect to the muscle and the time needed to achieve this from electrical stimulation. There have been only been a reports of TMG in healthy adults. A systematic review of TMG reported a low proportion of female participants, with a small sample size. Therefore, it is unclear whether there is a difference in TMG parameters according to sex and between dominant and non-dominant feet. Furthermore, the relationship between TMG parameters and evaluations commonly used in clinical practice has not been clarified. This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of muscle contraction of the rectus femoris using TMG according to sex among healthy college students and its relationship with muscle function evaluation, such as lower limb muscle mass and muscle strength. Methods This cross-sectional study included 91 healthy university students (18–24 years). Five tools were used: TMG, lower-limb muscle mass, rectus femoris thickness, isometric knee joint extension torque, and thigh circumference. Each parameter was compared by the generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) and Bonferroni’s multiple comparison test, with sex as the without-subject factor and dominant/non-dominant foot as the within-subject factor. The correlation between the TMG parameters and other parameters was examined using Pearson’s correlation coefficient for both males and females. Results The results of the GLMM, in terms of the TMG parameters, an interaction was observed for maximum displacement (Dm); in the results of the multiple comparison test, Dm for the non-dominant leg was significantly lower in females than in males. A main effect and interaction were not observed for delay time (Td) and contraction time (Tc) by sex, dominant foot, or non-dominant foot. There was a main effect of sex on muscle function evaluation parameters (ρ ≤ 0.05). The correlation between TMG parameters for males and females and lower limb muscle mass, muscle thickness, joint torque, and thigh circumference were significantly correlated with some TMG parameters, lower limb muscle mass and muscle thickness (ρ ≤ 0.05). The absolute value of the correlation coefficient was low overall (0.20–0.38). Conclusion In healthy college students, TMG parameters for the rectus femoris showed sex differences in Dm, and there was a weak correlation between TMG parameters and lower limb muscle mass. TMG parameter evaluation may indicate a different function compared to the traditional muscle function assessment used in clinical practice. When using the Dm of the TMG as an evaluation battery for the rectus femoris muscle, it is important to consider sex-related differences.
Kusumoto et al. (2023) Characteristics of muscle contraction of the rectus femoris using tensiomyography by sex in healthy college students: a cross-sectional study. PeerJ 11:e14732 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14732
Blooming plant species diversity patterns in two adjacent Costa Rican highland ecosystems
The Costa Rican Paramo is a unique ecosystem with high levels of endemism that is geographically isolated from the Andean Paramos. Paramo ecosystems occur above Montane Forests, below the permanent snow level, and their vegetation differs notably from that of adjacent Montane Forests. We compared the composition and beta diversity of blooming plant species using phenological data from functional plant groups (i.e., insect-visited, bird-visited and insect + bird-visited plants) between a Paramo and a Montane Forest site in Costa Rica and analyzed seasonal changes in blooming plant diversity between the rainy and dry seasons. Species richness was higher in the Montane Forest for all plant categories, except for insect-visited plants, which was higher in the Paramo. Beta diversity and blooming plant composition differed between both ecosystems and seasons. Differences in species richness and beta diversity between Paramo and the adjacent Montane Forest are likely the result of dispersal events that occurred during the last glacial period and subsequent isolation, as climate turned to tropical conditions after the Pleistocene, and to stressful abiotic conditions in the Paramo ecosystem that limit species establishment. Differences in blooming plant composition between both ecosystems and seasons are likely attributed to differential effects of climatic cues triggering the flowering events in each ecosystem, but phylogenetic conservatism cannot be discarded. Analyses of species composition and richness based on flowering phenology data are useful to evaluate potential floral resources for floral visitors (insects and birds) and how these resources change spatially and temporarily in endangered ecosystems such as the Paramo.
Cristóbal-Pérez et al. (2023) Blooming plant species diversity patterns in two adjacent Costa Rican highland ecosystems. PeerJ 11:e14445 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14445
Primate tooth crown nomenclature revisited
Cusp patterning on living and extinct primate molar teeth plays a crucial role in species diagnoses, phylogenetic inference, and the reconstruction of the evolutionary history of the primate clade. These studies rely on a system of nomenclature that can accurately identify and distinguish between the various structures of the crown surface. However, studies at the enamel-dentine junction (EDJ) of some primate taxa have demonstrated a greater degree of cusp variation and expression at the crown surface than current systems of nomenclature allow. In this study, we review the current nomenclature and its applicability across all the major primate clades based on investigations of mandibular crown morphology at the enamel-dentine junction revealed through microtomography. From these observations, we reveal numerous new patterns of lower molar accessory cusp expression in primates. We highlight numerous discrepancies between the expected patterns of variation inferred from the current academic literature, and the new patterns of expected variation seen in this study. Based on the current issues associated with the crown nomenclature, and an incomplete understanding of the precise developmental processes associated with each individual crown feature, we introduce these structures within a conservative, non-homologous naming scheme that focuses on simple location-based categorisations. Until there is a better insight into the developmental and phylogenetic origin of these crown features, these categorisations are the most practical way of addressing these structures. Until then, we also suggest the cautious use of accessory cusps for studies of taxonomy and phylogeny.
Chapple et al. (2023) Primate tooth crown nomenclature revisited. PeerJ 11:e14523 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14523
Models of ultrasonic radiomics and clinical characters for lymph node metastasis assessment in thyroid cancer: a retrospective study
Background Preoperative prediction of cervical lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma provided a basis for tumor staging and treatment decision. This study aimed to investigate the utility of machine learning and develop different models to preoperatively predict cervical lymph node metastasis based on ultrasonic radiomic features and clinical characteristics in papillary thyroid carcinoma nodules. Methods Data from 400 papillary thyroid carcinoma nodules were included and divided into training and validation group. With the help of machine learning, clinical characteristics and ultrasonic radiomic features were extracted and selected using randomforest and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression before classified by five classifiers. Finally, 10 models were built and their area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were measured. Results Among the 10 models, RF-RF model revealed the highest area under curve (0.812) and accuracy (0.7542) in validation group. The top 10 variables of it included age, seven textural features, one shape feature and one first-order feature, in which eight were high-dimensional features. Conclusions RF-RF model showed the best predictive performance for cervical lymph node metastasis. And the importance features selected by it highlighted the unique role of higher-dimensional statistical methods for radiomics analysis.
Zhu et al. (2023) Models of ultrasonic radiomics and clinical characters for lymph node metastasis assessment in thyroid cancer: a retrospective study. PeerJ 11:e14546 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14546
The impact of hypertension on the prognosis of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a single-center retrospective study
Background Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and hypertension coexist fairly frequently in clinical practice. However, the evidence about the impact of hypertension on the prognosis of HCM is limited. The present study aims to investigate the impact of hypertension on the prognosis of HCM patients. Methods A total of 468 HCM patients were enrolled, and patients were divided into hypertension group (31.8%) and non-hypertension group (68.2%). The primary study endpoint was HCM-related death, consisting of heart failure (HF)-related death, stroke-related death and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Associations between hypertension and HCM-related death were analyzed by Cox regression models with the use of propensity score matching (PSM) as primary analysis. Results There were 55 HCM-related death during a median follow-up time of 4.6 years, and the mortality rate was 2.53 per 100 person years. Kaplan-Meier analysis based on the crude cohort or PSM cohort revealed no significant difference regarding the HCM-related death between the two groups. In the crude cohort, both univariable and multivariable Cox regression analysis indicated that hypertension was not significantly associated with HCM-related death with hazard ratios (HR) at 0.74 (95% CI [0.40–1.36], p value: 0.329) and 0.77 (95% CI [0.35–1.71], p value: 0.521), respectively. Similarly, no strong evidence for an association was observed between hypertension and HCM-related death in the PSM cohort with unadjusted HR at 0.90 (95% CI [0.34–2.41]; p value: 0.838) and adjusted HR at 0.77 (95% CI [0.35–1.71]; p value: 0.521), respectively. Other propensity score methods, including overlap weighting and inverse probability treatment weighting demonstrated similar results. Sensitivity analysis also indicated that the concomitant hypertension did not significantly increase the risk of HF-related death, stroke-related death or SCD in HCM patients. Conclusion HCM-related death did not significantly differ between hypertension and non-hypertension groups, suggesting a negative impact of hypertension on the clinical prognosis of HCM patients.
Wang et al. (2023) The impact of hypertension on the prognosis of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a single-center retrospective study. PeerJ 11:e14614 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14614
Development and validation of a novel risk model in newly diagnosed de novo bone metastatic prostate cancer (M1b): a retrospective study
Background Previous studies suggested that bone metastasis has a significant effect on the time of progression to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) for newly diagnosed de novo bone metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). Nevertheless, the effect of different bone metastasis sites was not fully evaluated. This study aimed to develop and validate a novel bone metastatic risk model. Methods We enrolled 122 patients who were newly diagnosed with de novo bone metastatic prostate cancer following primary androgen deprivation based therapy at our institution from January 2008 to June 2021. The metastatic bone sites were classified into six sites: skull; cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae; chest (ribs and sternum); pelvis; upper limbs; and lower limbs. We calculated the bone metastatic score (BMS) for each site: 0 points were assigned for non-metastasis and 1 point was assigned for metastasis. The X-tile was adopted to acquire optimal cutoff points of BMS. We defined high-risk group (HRG) as BMS ≥ 3 and low-risk group (LRG) as BMS < 3. The new bone risk stratification was validated by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Subsequently, the relevant clinical prognostic variables were added to construct a predictive nomogram for predicting CRPC. Results The median patient age was 73 years. Most patients had Gleason score ≤8 (93 cases, 76.2%). The median follow-up duration was 11.5 months (range: 2–92 months). Eighty-six patients progressed to CRPC during the follow-up. The most common bone metastatic site was the pelvis (90.2%). The median BMS was 4. Seventy-six patients had HRG, while forty-six had LRG. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year AUCs for H/LRG were 0.620, 0.754, and 0.793, respectively. The HRG was associated with earlier time to CRPC. A nomogram based on four parameters (Gleason score, H/LRG, prostate-specific antigen [PSA] nadir, and time to PSA nadir) was developed to predict CRPC. Internal validation using bootstrapping demonstrated good accuracy for predicting the CRPC (C-index: 0.727). The calibration analysis demonstrated that the model performed well. Conclusion We established a novel H/LRG risk model for newly diagnosed de novo bone metastatic prostate cancer, which provided evidence to support clinical decision-making.
Zhang et al. (2023) Development and validation of a novel risk model in newly diagnosed de novo bone metastatic prostate cancer (M1b): a retrospective study. PeerJ 11:e14615 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14615