PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Revision of the Late Triassic metoposaurid “Metoposaurus” bakeri (Amphibia: Temnospondyli) from Texas, USA and a phylogenetic analysis of the Metoposauridae
items: Prevalence and associated risk factors of avian influenza A virus subtypes H5N1 and H9N2 in LBMs of East Java province, Indonesia: a cross-sectional study
items: Telomerase activity, relative telomere length, and longevity in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)
items: Glycyrrhizic acid Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles: anti-aging cosmeceutical formulation for topical applications
items: Body distribution of impetigo and association with host and pathogen factors
items: Enhancing yogurt products’ ingredients: preservation strategies, processing conditions, analytical detection methods, and therapeutic delivery—an overview
items: Overexpression of LINC00551 promotes autophagy-dependent ferroptosis of lung adenocarcinoma via upregulating DDIT4 by sponging miR-4328
items: When disturbances favour species adapted to stressful soils: grazing may benefit soil specialists in gypsum plant communities
items: Seasonal variation characteristics of water quality in the Sunxi River Watershed, Three Gorges Reservoir Area
items: Intensive hunting changes human-wildlife relationships

Revision of the Late Triassic metoposaurid “Metoposaurus” bakeri (Amphibia: Temnospondyli) from Texas, USA and a phylogenetic analysis of the Metoposauridae
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Metoposaurids are a clade of large-bodied temnospondyls commonly found in non-marine Late Triassic deposits across northern Pangea. Three taxa are known from North America: Anaschisma browni, Apachesaurus gregorii, and “Metoposaurus” bakeri. While the osteology of most metoposaurids has been recently revised, that of a few taxa, including “Metoposaurus” bakeri remains poorly characterized. This taxon was formally described in 1931 as “Buettneria bakeri,” and its taxonomy has remained in flux ever since then. “Metoposaurus” bakeri is the earliest appearing metoposaurid in North America (Carnian of Texas), and Metoposaurus has frequently been utilized as an index taxon of the Otischalkian estimated holochron (‘land vertebrate faunachron’) and for biostratigraphic correlations with other geographic regions. The taxonomy of this species is therefore relevant for both taxonomic experts and biostratigraphers. Here we redescribe all material from the type locality of “M.” bakeri, the Elkins Place bone bed, and perform a phylogenetic analysis using a revised matrix assembled from several previous studies. Anatomical comparisons and phylogenetic analyses do not support placement in either Metoposaurus, a taxon otherwise only found in Europe, or Anaschisma, the only other large-bodied taxon from North America. Therefore, we erect a new genus, Buettnererpeton gen. nov., to accommodate this species. Metoposaurus is consequently absent from North America, and this genus cannot be used in global biostratigraphy. Phylogenetic analyses provide evidence that the phylogeny of the Metoposauridae remains extremely labile, with drastic differences in topological resolution and structure being linked to just a handful of characters and scores. Metoposaurids’ morphological conservatism and the increased recognition of intraspecific variation thus continue to be major confounds to elucidating the evolutionary history of this clade.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Bryan M. Gee
creator: Aaron M. Kufner
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Paleontology
subject: Taxonomy
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.14065
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Gee and Kufner
abstract: Metoposaurids are a clade of large-bodied temnospondyls commonly found in non-marine Late Triassic deposits across northern Pangea. Three taxa are known from North America: Anaschisma browni, Apachesaurus gregorii, and “Metoposaurus” bakeri. While the osteology of most metoposaurids has been recently revised, that of a few taxa, including “Metoposaurus” bakeri remains poorly characterized. This taxon was formally described in 1931 as “Buettneria bakeri,” and its taxonomy has remained in flux ever since then. “Metoposaurus” bakeri is the earliest appearing metoposaurid in North America (Carnian of Texas), and Metoposaurus has frequently been utilized as an index taxon of the Otischalkian estimated holochron (‘land vertebrate faunachron’) and for biostratigraphic correlations with other geographic regions. The taxonomy of this species is therefore relevant for both taxonomic experts and biostratigraphers. Here we redescribe all material from the type locality of “M.” bakeri, the Elkins Place bone bed, and perform a phylogenetic analysis using a revised matrix assembled from several previous studies. Anatomical comparisons and phylogenetic analyses do not support placement in either Metoposaurus, a taxon otherwise only found in Europe, or Anaschisma, the only other large-bodied taxon from North America. Therefore, we erect a new genus, Buettnererpeton gen. nov., to accommodate this species. Metoposaurus is consequently absent from North America, and this genus cannot be used in global biostratigraphy. Phylogenetic analyses provide evidence that the phylogeny of the Metoposauridae remains extremely labile, with drastic differences in topological resolution and structure being linked to just a handful of characters and scores. Metoposaurids’ morphological conservatism and the increased recognition of intraspecific variation thus continue to be major confounds to elucidating the evolutionary history of this clade.
bibliographic citation: Gee et al. (2022) Revision of the Late Triassic metoposaurid “Metoposaurus” bakeri (Amphibia: Temnospondyli) from Texas, USA and a phylogenetic analysis of the Metoposauridae. PeerJ 10:e14065 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14065
date submitted: 2022-02-10
date accepted: 2022-08-26
issued: 2022-10-12
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Gee
  given name: Bryan M.
author list: Agent
  family name: Kufner
  given name: Aaron M.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.14065
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-10-12
copyright: © 2022 Gee and Kufner
attribution name: Gee and Kufner

Prevalence and associated risk factors of avian influenza A virus subtypes H5N1 and H9N2 in LBMs of East Java province, Indonesia: a cross-sectional study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Avian influenza A virus subtypes H5N1 and H9N2 are contagious zoonotic diseases that are circulating in Indonesia and have raised increasing concern about their potential impacts on poultry and public health. A cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of avian influenza A virus subtypes H5N1 and H9N2 among poultry in the live bird markets of four cities in East Java province, Indonesia. Methods A total of 600 tracheal and cloacal swabs (267 from backyards, 179 from broilers, and 154 from layers) from healthy birds were collected. The samples were inoculated into specific pathogenic-free embryonated eggs at 9-day-old via the allantoic cavity. qRT-PCR was used for further identification of avian influenza. Results The overall prevalence of circulating influenza A virus subtypes H5N1 and H9N2 was 3.8% (23/600, 95%CI [0.0229–0.0537]). Prevalence was higher in backyards at 5.99% (16/267) followed by broilers (2.23% (4/179)) and layers (1.68% (3/154)). The final multivariable model revealed five risk factors for H9N2 infections: presence of ducks (p = 0.003, OR = 38.2), turkeys (p = 0.017 OR = 0.032), and pheasants in the stall (p = 0.04, OR = 18.422), dry (p = 0.006) and rainy season (p < 0.001), and household birds (p = 0.002) and seven factors for H5N1 infections including: observing rodents (p = 0.036, OR = 0.005), stray dogs access (p = 0.004 OR ≤ 0.001), presence of turkeys (p = 0.03 OR = 0.007), chukars/partridges (p = 0.024 OR = 2500), and peafowls in the stalls (p = 0.0043 OR ≤ 0.001), rainy season (p = 0.001) and birds from the household sources (p = 0.002) in the live bird markets. Conclusions The findings of the current study illustrate the recurring infection and presence of both avian influenza viruses and associated risk factors in the surveyed marketplaces. Effective protective measures and mitigation strategies for risks outlined in this study could help to reduce the burden of H5N1 and H9N…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Saifur Rehman
creator: Mustofa Helmi Effendi
creator: Aamir Shehzad
creator: Attaur Rahman
creator: Jola Rahmahani
creator: Adiana Mutamsari Witaningrum
creator: Muhammad Bilal
subject: Microbiology
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Veterinary Medicine
subject: Virology
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.14095
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Rehman et al.
abstract: Background Avian influenza A virus subtypes H5N1 and H9N2 are contagious zoonotic diseases that are circulating in Indonesia and have raised increasing concern about their potential impacts on poultry and public health. A cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of avian influenza A virus subtypes H5N1 and H9N2 among poultry in the live bird markets of four cities in East Java province, Indonesia. Methods A total of 600 tracheal and cloacal swabs (267 from backyards, 179 from broilers, and 154 from layers) from healthy birds were collected. The samples were inoculated into specific pathogenic-free embryonated eggs at 9-day-old via the allantoic cavity. qRT-PCR was used for further identification of avian influenza. Results The overall prevalence of circulating influenza A virus subtypes H5N1 and H9N2 was 3.8% (23/600, 95%CI [0.0229–0.0537]). Prevalence was higher in backyards at 5.99% (16/267) followed by broilers (2.23% (4/179)) and layers (1.68% (3/154)). The final multivariable model revealed five risk factors for H9N2 infections: presence of ducks (p = 0.003, OR = 38.2), turkeys (p = 0.017 OR = 0.032), and pheasants in the stall (p = 0.04, OR = 18.422), dry (p = 0.006) and rainy season (p < 0.001), and household birds (p = 0.002) and seven factors for H5N1 infections including: observing rodents (p = 0.036, OR = 0.005), stray dogs access (p = 0.004 OR ≤ 0.001), presence of turkeys (p = 0.03 OR = 0.007), chukars/partridges (p = 0.024 OR = 2500), and peafowls in the stalls (p = 0.0043 OR ≤ 0.001), rainy season (p = 0.001) and birds from the household sources (p = 0.002) in the live bird markets. Conclusions The findings of the current study illustrate the recurring infection and presence of both avian influenza viruses and associated risk factors in the surveyed marketplaces. Effective protective measures and mitigation strategies for risks outlined in this study could help to reduce the burden of H5N1 and H9N…
bibliographic citation: Rehman et al. (2022) Prevalence and associated risk factors of avian influenza A virus subtypes H5N1 and H9N2 in LBMs of East Java province, Indonesia: a cross-sectional study. PeerJ 10:e14095 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14095
date submitted: 2022-06-10
date accepted: 2022-08-30
issued: 2022-10-12
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Rehman
  given name: Saifur
author list: Agent
  family name: Effendi
  given name: Mustofa Helmi
author list: Agent
  family name: Shehzad
  given name: Aamir
author list: Agent
  family name: Rahman
  given name: Attaur
author list: Agent
  family name: Rahmahani
  given name: Jola
author list: Agent
  family name: Witaningrum
  given name: Adiana Mutamsari
author list: Agent
  family name: Bilal
  given name: Muhammad
doi: 10.7717/peerj.14095
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-10-12
copyright: ©2022 Rehman et al.
attribution name: Rehman et al.

Telomerase activity, relative telomere length, and longevity in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Medicago sativa L. ‘Qingshui’ is a valuable rhizomatous forage germplasm resource. We previously crossed Qingshui with the high-yielding Medicago sativa L. ‘WL168’ and obtained novel rhizomatous hybrid strains (RSA-01, RSA-02, and RSA-03). Telomere dynamics are more accurate predictors of survival and mortality than chronological age. Based on telomere analyses, we aimed to identify alfalfa varieties with increased stamina and longevity for the establishment of artificial grazing grasslands. Methods In this study, we performed longitudinal analysis of telomerase activity and relative telomere length in five alfalfa varieties (Qingshui, WL168, RSA-01, RSA-02, and RSA-03) at the age of 1 year and 5 years to examine the relationship among telomerase activity, rate of change in relative telomere length, and longevity. We further aimed to evaluate the longevity of the examined varieties. Telomerase activity and relative telomere length were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Results We observed significant differences in telomerase activity between plants aged 1 year and those aged 5 years in all varieties except WL168, and the rate of change in telomerase activity does not differ reliably with age. As telomerase activity and relative telomere length are complex phenomena, further studies examining the molecular mechanisms of telomere-related proteins are needed. Relative telomere lengths of Qingshui, WL168, RSA-01, RSA-02, and RSA-03 in plants aged 5 years were higher than those aged 1 year by 11.41, 11.24, 9.21, 10.23, and 11.41, respectively. Relative telomere length of alfalfa tended to increase with age. Accordingly, alfalfa varieties can be classified according to rate of change in relative telomere length as long-lived (Qingshui, WL168, and RSA-03), medium-lived (RSA-02) and short-lived (RSA-01). The differences in relative telomere length distances of Qingshui, WL168, RSA-01, RSA-02, …
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Yun A
creator: Shangli Shi
creator: Shoujiang Sun
creator: Yuanyuan Jing
creator: Zili Li
creator: Xiaoyan Zhang
creator: Xiaolong Li
creator: Fang Wu
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Developmental Biology
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.14102
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 A et al.
abstract: Background Medicago sativa L. ‘Qingshui’ is a valuable rhizomatous forage germplasm resource. We previously crossed Qingshui with the high-yielding Medicago sativa L. ‘WL168’ and obtained novel rhizomatous hybrid strains (RSA-01, RSA-02, and RSA-03). Telomere dynamics are more accurate predictors of survival and mortality than chronological age. Based on telomere analyses, we aimed to identify alfalfa varieties with increased stamina and longevity for the establishment of artificial grazing grasslands. Methods In this study, we performed longitudinal analysis of telomerase activity and relative telomere length in five alfalfa varieties (Qingshui, WL168, RSA-01, RSA-02, and RSA-03) at the age of 1 year and 5 years to examine the relationship among telomerase activity, rate of change in relative telomere length, and longevity. We further aimed to evaluate the longevity of the examined varieties. Telomerase activity and relative telomere length were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Results We observed significant differences in telomerase activity between plants aged 1 year and those aged 5 years in all varieties except WL168, and the rate of change in telomerase activity does not differ reliably with age. As telomerase activity and relative telomere length are complex phenomena, further studies examining the molecular mechanisms of telomere-related proteins are needed. Relative telomere lengths of Qingshui, WL168, RSA-01, RSA-02, and RSA-03 in plants aged 5 years were higher than those aged 1 year by 11.41, 11.24, 9.21, 10.23, and 11.41, respectively. Relative telomere length of alfalfa tended to increase with age. Accordingly, alfalfa varieties can be classified according to rate of change in relative telomere length as long-lived (Qingshui, WL168, and RSA-03), medium-lived (RSA-02) and short-lived (RSA-01). The differences in relative telomere length distances of Qingshui, WL168, RSA-01, RSA-02, …
bibliographic citation: A et al. (2022) Telomerase activity, relative telomere length, and longevity in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). PeerJ 10:e14102 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14102
date submitted: 2022-06-06
date accepted: 2022-09-01
issued: 2022-10-12
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: A
  given name: Yun
author list: Agent
  family name: Shi
  given name: Shangli
author list: Agent
  family name: Sun
  given name: Shoujiang
author list: Agent
  family name: Jing
  given name: Yuanyuan
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Zili
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Xiaoyan
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Xiaolong
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Fang
doi: 10.7717/peerj.14102
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-10-12
copyright: ©2022 A et al.
attribution name: A et al.

Glycyrrhizic acid Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles: anti-aging cosmeceutical formulation for topical applications
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) is one of the components of licorice roots (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.). GA is a triterpenoid saponin can be used as a medicinal plant with its antiallergic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, hepatoprotective, anticancer, anti-oxidation activities and several other therapeutic properties. The aim of this study is to develop an anti-aging formulation for topical application containing GA. In this context, GA-loaded Poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared using the double emulsion method, and were characterized by various spectroscopic methods. The efficacy of GA-PLGA NPs was evaluated with in vitro and in silico methods. The encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity were calculated. The in vitro release study was conducted, and the GA release profile was determined. The genotoxic activity of GA and GA-PLGA NPs was evaluated by the Ames test using TA98 and TA100 mutant strains of Salmonella typhimurium. The cytotoxic potential of GA-PLGA NPs was evaluated on the HaCaT cell line using the MTT assay. According to the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity results, it was found that the GA-PLGA NP formulation did not exhibit genotoxic and cytotoxic effects. Moreover, the efficacy of GA in preventing UVB-induced photo-aging in HaCaT cells and the clarification of the molecular mechanism of GA binding to MMPs were revealed by molecular docking analysis. In addition, through molecular dynamics (MD) analysis, the binding interaction of GA with MMPs in a dynamic system, and protein-ligand stability were predicted as a result of 50 ns MD simulation studies considering various analysis parameters. Finally, it was evaluated that GA-PLGA nanoformulation might be used as an alternative anti-aging skin care product candidate via topical application.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Cigdem Cetin Aluc
creator: Bahar Gok
creator: Serda Kecel-Gunduz
creator: Yasemin Budama-Kilinc
subject: Bioengineering
subject: Computational Biology
subject: Toxicology
subject: Dermatology
subject: Drugs and Devices
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.14139
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Cetin Aluc et al.
abstract: Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) is one of the components of licorice roots (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.). GA is a triterpenoid saponin can be used as a medicinal plant with its antiallergic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, hepatoprotective, anticancer, anti-oxidation activities and several other therapeutic properties. The aim of this study is to develop an anti-aging formulation for topical application containing GA. In this context, GA-loaded Poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared using the double emulsion method, and were characterized by various spectroscopic methods. The efficacy of GA-PLGA NPs was evaluated with in vitro and in silico methods. The encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity were calculated. The in vitro release study was conducted, and the GA release profile was determined. The genotoxic activity of GA and GA-PLGA NPs was evaluated by the Ames test using TA98 and TA100 mutant strains of Salmonella typhimurium. The cytotoxic potential of GA-PLGA NPs was evaluated on the HaCaT cell line using the MTT assay. According to the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity results, it was found that the GA-PLGA NP formulation did not exhibit genotoxic and cytotoxic effects. Moreover, the efficacy of GA in preventing UVB-induced photo-aging in HaCaT cells and the clarification of the molecular mechanism of GA binding to MMPs were revealed by molecular docking analysis. In addition, through molecular dynamics (MD) analysis, the binding interaction of GA with MMPs in a dynamic system, and protein-ligand stability were predicted as a result of 50 ns MD simulation studies considering various analysis parameters. Finally, it was evaluated that GA-PLGA nanoformulation might be used as an alternative anti-aging skin care product candidate via topical application.
bibliographic citation: Cetin Aluc et al. (2022) Glycyrrhizic acid Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles: anti-aging cosmeceutical formulation for topical applications. PeerJ 10:e14139 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14139
date submitted: 2022-06-20
date accepted: 2022-09-06
issued: 2022-10-12
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Cetin Aluc
  given name: Cigdem
author list: Agent
  family name: Gok
  given name: Bahar
author list: Agent
  family name: Kecel-Gunduz
  given name: Serda
author list: Agent
  family name: Budama-Kilinc
  given name: Yasemin
doi: 10.7717/peerj.14139
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-10-12
copyright: © 2022 Cetin Aluc et al.
attribution name: Cetin Aluc et al.

Body distribution of impetigo and association with host and pathogen factors
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Impetigo or skin sores are estimated to affect >162 million people worldwide. Detailed descriptions of the anatomical location of skin sores are lacking. Methods We used prospectively collected data from a randomised control trial of treatments for impetigo in Aboriginal children in Australia. We generated heat-map distributions of skin sores on the human body from 56 predefined anatomical locations and stratified skin sore distribution by sex, age, causative pathogen and co-infection with scabies, tinea and head lice. We compared the distribution of sores between males and females, between sores with only Streptococcus pyogenes and sores with only Staphylococcus aureus; and across age groups with a Fisher’s exact test. Results There were 663 episodes of impetigo infections among 508 children enrolled in the trial. For all 663 episodes, the lower limbs were the most affected body sites followed by the distal upper limbs, face and scalp. On the anterior surface of the body, the pre-tibial region was the most affected while on the posterior surface, the dorsum of the hands and calves predominated. There was no observable difference between males and females in distribution of sores. Children up to 3 years of age were more likely to have sores on the upper posterior lower limbs and scalp than older age groups, with the distribution of sores differing across age groups (p = 3 × 10−5). Sores from which only Staphylococcus aureus was cultured differed in distribution to those with only Streptococcus pyogenes cultured (p = 3 × 10−4) and were more commonly found on the upper posterior lower limbs. Conclusions Skin sores were predominantly found on exposed regions of the lower leg and distal upper limbs. The distribution of sores varied by age group and pathogen. These results highlight key areas of the body for clinicians to pay attention to when examining children for skin sores.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Arvind Yerramilli
creator: Asha C. Bowen
creator: Adrian J. Marcato
creator: Jodie McVernon
creator: Jonathan R. Carapetis
creator: Patricia T. Campbell
creator: Steven YC Tong
subject: Dermatology
subject: Epidemiology
subject: Global Health
subject: Infectious Diseases
subject: Public Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.14154
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Yerramilli et al.
abstract: Background Impetigo or skin sores are estimated to affect >162 million people worldwide. Detailed descriptions of the anatomical location of skin sores are lacking. Methods We used prospectively collected data from a randomised control trial of treatments for impetigo in Aboriginal children in Australia. We generated heat-map distributions of skin sores on the human body from 56 predefined anatomical locations and stratified skin sore distribution by sex, age, causative pathogen and co-infection with scabies, tinea and head lice. We compared the distribution of sores between males and females, between sores with only Streptococcus pyogenes and sores with only Staphylococcus aureus; and across age groups with a Fisher’s exact test. Results There were 663 episodes of impetigo infections among 508 children enrolled in the trial. For all 663 episodes, the lower limbs were the most affected body sites followed by the distal upper limbs, face and scalp. On the anterior surface of the body, the pre-tibial region was the most affected while on the posterior surface, the dorsum of the hands and calves predominated. There was no observable difference between males and females in distribution of sores. Children up to 3 years of age were more likely to have sores on the upper posterior lower limbs and scalp than older age groups, with the distribution of sores differing across age groups (p = 3 × 10−5). Sores from which only Staphylococcus aureus was cultured differed in distribution to those with only Streptococcus pyogenes cultured (p = 3 × 10−4) and were more commonly found on the upper posterior lower limbs. Conclusions Skin sores were predominantly found on exposed regions of the lower leg and distal upper limbs. The distribution of sores varied by age group and pathogen. These results highlight key areas of the body for clinicians to pay attention to when examining children for skin sores.
bibliographic citation: Yerramilli et al. (2022) Body distribution of impetigo and association with host and pathogen factors. PeerJ 10:e14154 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14154
date submitted: 2022-04-05
date accepted: 2022-09-07
issued: 2022-10-12
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Yerramilli
  given name: Arvind
author list: Agent
  family name: Bowen
  given name: Asha C.
author list: Agent
  family name: Marcato
  given name: Adrian J.
author list: Agent
  family name: McVernon
  given name: Jodie
author list: Agent
  family name: Carapetis
  given name: Jonathan R.
author list: Agent
  family name: Campbell
  given name: Patricia T.
author list: Agent
  family name: Tong
  given name: Steven YC
doi: 10.7717/peerj.14154
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-10-12
copyright: © 2022 Yerramilli et al.
attribution name: Yerramilli et al.

Enhancing yogurt products’ ingredients: preservation strategies, processing conditions, analytical detection methods, and therapeutic delivery—an overview
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: As a dairy product, yogurt delivers nourishing milk components through the beneficial microbial fermentation process, improved by bioavailability and bioaccessibility–an exclusive combined food asset. In recent decades, there has been considerable attention to yogurt product development particularly in areas like influence by antioxidant-rich fruits, different factors affecting its probiotic viability, and the functionality of inulin and probiotics. Essentially, many published reviews frequently focus on the functionalities associated with yogurt products, however, those articulating yogurt ingredients specific to associated preservation strategies, processing conditions, and analytical detection techniques are very few, to the best of our knowledge. The knowledge and understanding of preservation strategies that enhance the ingredients in yogurt products, and their function as modern drug delivery systems are essential, given the opportunities it can provide for future research. Therefore, this overview discussed how yogurt product ingredients have been enhanced, from preservation strategies, processing conditions, analytical detection methods, and therapeutic delivery standpoints. The survey methodology involved major stages, from the brainstorming of research questions, search strategy, effective utilization of databases, inclusion and exclusion criteria, etc. The innovative successes of yogurts would be enhanced via the physicochemical, nutritional and therapeutic aspects of the ingredients/products. Besides processing conditions to influence the yogurt constituents, overall acceptability, quality, and shelf-life, the analytical assays would help detect the hidden product constituents, toxins, and other storage-related changes. The therapeutic role of yogurt-a modern drug delivery system, would be demonstrated via the supplementation (of yogurt) either alone or with bioactive ingredients. The future of yogurt requires the collective action of stakeholders to for…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Rahul Mehra
creator: Harish Kumar
creator: Shafiya Rafiq
creator: Naveen Kumar
creator: Harpal Singh Buttar
creator: Katarzyna Leicht
creator: Charles Odilichukwu R. Okpala
creator: Małgorzata Korzeniowska
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Food Science and Technology
subject: Microbiology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.14177
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Mehra et al.
abstract: As a dairy product, yogurt delivers nourishing milk components through the beneficial microbial fermentation process, improved by bioavailability and bioaccessibility–an exclusive combined food asset. In recent decades, there has been considerable attention to yogurt product development particularly in areas like influence by antioxidant-rich fruits, different factors affecting its probiotic viability, and the functionality of inulin and probiotics. Essentially, many published reviews frequently focus on the functionalities associated with yogurt products, however, those articulating yogurt ingredients specific to associated preservation strategies, processing conditions, and analytical detection techniques are very few, to the best of our knowledge. The knowledge and understanding of preservation strategies that enhance the ingredients in yogurt products, and their function as modern drug delivery systems are essential, given the opportunities it can provide for future research. Therefore, this overview discussed how yogurt product ingredients have been enhanced, from preservation strategies, processing conditions, analytical detection methods, and therapeutic delivery standpoints. The survey methodology involved major stages, from the brainstorming of research questions, search strategy, effective utilization of databases, inclusion and exclusion criteria, etc. The innovative successes of yogurts would be enhanced via the physicochemical, nutritional and therapeutic aspects of the ingredients/products. Besides processing conditions to influence the yogurt constituents, overall acceptability, quality, and shelf-life, the analytical assays would help detect the hidden product constituents, toxins, and other storage-related changes. The therapeutic role of yogurt-a modern drug delivery system, would be demonstrated via the supplementation (of yogurt) either alone or with bioactive ingredients. The future of yogurt requires the collective action of stakeholders to for…
bibliographic citation: Mehra et al. (2022) Enhancing yogurt products’ ingredients: preservation strategies, processing conditions, analytical detection methods, and therapeutic delivery—an overview. PeerJ 10:e14177 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14177
date submitted: 2022-05-06
date accepted: 2022-09-13
issued: 2022-10-12
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Mehra
  given name: Rahul
author list: Agent
  family name: Kumar
  given name: Harish
author list: Agent
  family name: Rafiq
  given name: Shafiya
author list: Agent
  family name: Kumar
  given name: Naveen
author list: Agent
  family name: Buttar
  given name: Harpal Singh
author list: Agent
  family name: Leicht
  given name: Katarzyna
author list: Agent
  family name: Okpala
  given name: Charles Odilichukwu R.
author list: Agent
  family name: Korzeniowska
  given name: Małgorzata
doi: 10.7717/peerj.14177
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-10-12
copyright: © 2022 Mehra et al.
attribution name: Mehra et al.

Overexpression of LINC00551 promotes autophagy-dependent ferroptosis of lung adenocarcinoma via upregulating DDIT4 by sponging miR-4328
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: According to mounting evidence, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a vital role in regulated cell death (RCD). A potential strategy for cancer therapy involves triggering ferroptosis, a novel form of RCD. Although it is thought to be an autophagy-dependent process, it is still unclear how the two processes interact. This study characterized a long intergenic noncoding RNA, LINC00551, expressed at a low level in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and some other cancers. Overexpression of LINC00551 suppresses cell viability while promoting autophagy and RSL-3-induced ferroptosis in LUAD cells. LINC00551 acts as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) and binds with miR-4328 which up-regulates the target DNA damage-inducible transcript 4 (DDIT4). DDIT4 inhibits the activity of mTOR, promotes LUAD autophagy, and then promotes the ferroptosis of LUAD cells in an autophagy-dependent manner. This study provided an insight into the molecular mechanism regulating ferroptosis and highlighted LINC00551 as a potential therapeutic target for LUAD.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Xiong Peng
creator: Rui Yang
creator: Weilin Peng
creator: Zhenyu Zhao
creator: Guangxu Tu
creator: Boxue He
creator: Qidong Cai
creator: Shuai Shi
creator: Wei Yin
creator: Fenglei Yu
creator: Yongguang Tao
creator: Xiang Wang
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Oncology
subject: Respiratory Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.14180
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Peng et al.
abstract: According to mounting evidence, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a vital role in regulated cell death (RCD). A potential strategy for cancer therapy involves triggering ferroptosis, a novel form of RCD. Although it is thought to be an autophagy-dependent process, it is still unclear how the two processes interact. This study characterized a long intergenic noncoding RNA, LINC00551, expressed at a low level in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and some other cancers. Overexpression of LINC00551 suppresses cell viability while promoting autophagy and RSL-3-induced ferroptosis in LUAD cells. LINC00551 acts as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) and binds with miR-4328 which up-regulates the target DNA damage-inducible transcript 4 (DDIT4). DDIT4 inhibits the activity of mTOR, promotes LUAD autophagy, and then promotes the ferroptosis of LUAD cells in an autophagy-dependent manner. This study provided an insight into the molecular mechanism regulating ferroptosis and highlighted LINC00551 as a potential therapeutic target for LUAD.
bibliographic citation: Peng et al. (2022) Overexpression of LINC00551 promotes autophagy-dependent ferroptosis of lung adenocarcinoma via upregulating DDIT4 by sponging miR-4328. PeerJ 10:e14180 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14180
date submitted: 2022-03-15
date accepted: 2022-09-13
issued: 2022-10-12
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Peng
  given name: Xiong
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Rui
author list: Agent
  family name: Peng
  given name: Weilin
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhao
  given name: Zhenyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Tu
  given name: Guangxu
author list: Agent
  family name: He
  given name: Boxue
author list: Agent
  family name: Cai
  given name: Qidong
author list: Agent
  family name: Shi
  given name: Shuai
author list: Agent
  family name: Yin
  given name: Wei
author list: Agent
  family name: Yu
  given name: Fenglei
author list: Agent
  family name: Tao
  given name: Yongguang
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Xiang
doi: 10.7717/peerj.14180
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-10-12
copyright: ©2022 Peng et al.
attribution name: Peng et al.

When disturbances favour species adapted to stressful soils: grazing may benefit soil specialists in gypsum plant communities
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Herbivory and extreme soils are drivers of plant evolution. Adaptation to extreme soils often implies substrate-specific traits, and resistance to herbivory involves tolerance or avoidance mechanisms. However, little research has been done on the effect of grazing on plant communities rich in edaphic endemics growing on extreme soils. A widespread study case is gypsum drylands, where livestock grazing often prevails. Despite their limiting conditions, gypsum soils host a unique and highly specialised flora, identified as a conservation priority. Methods We evaluated the effect of different grazing intensities on the assembly of perennial plant communities growing on gypsum soils. We considered the contribution of species gypsum affinity and key functional traits of species such as traits related to gypsum specialisation (leaf S accumulation) or traits related to plant tolerance to herbivory such as leaf C and N concentrations. The effect of grazing intensity on plant community indices (i.e., richness, diversity, community weighted-means (CWM) and functional diversity (FD) indices for each trait) were modelled using Generalised Linear Mixed Models (GLMM). We analysed the relative contribution of interspecific trait variation and intraspecific trait variation (ITV) in shifts of community index values. Results Livestock grazing may benefit gypsum plant specialists during community assembly, as species with high gypsum affinity, and high leaf S contents, were more likely to assemble in the most grazed plots. Grazing also promoted species with traits related to herbivory tolerance, as species with a rapid-growth strategy (high leaf N, low leaf C) were promoted under high grazing conditions. Species that ultimately formed gypsum plant communities had sufficient functional variability among individuals to cope with different grazing intensities, as intraspecific variability was the main component of species assembly for CWM values. Conclusions The positive effec…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Andreu Cera
creator: Gabriel Montserrat-Martí
creator: Arantzazu L. Luzuriaga
creator: Yolanda Pueyo
creator: Sara Palacio
subject: Ecology
subject: Plant Science
subject: Soil Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.14222
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Cera et al.
abstract: Background Herbivory and extreme soils are drivers of plant evolution. Adaptation to extreme soils often implies substrate-specific traits, and resistance to herbivory involves tolerance or avoidance mechanisms. However, little research has been done on the effect of grazing on plant communities rich in edaphic endemics growing on extreme soils. A widespread study case is gypsum drylands, where livestock grazing often prevails. Despite their limiting conditions, gypsum soils host a unique and highly specialised flora, identified as a conservation priority. Methods We evaluated the effect of different grazing intensities on the assembly of perennial plant communities growing on gypsum soils. We considered the contribution of species gypsum affinity and key functional traits of species such as traits related to gypsum specialisation (leaf S accumulation) or traits related to plant tolerance to herbivory such as leaf C and N concentrations. The effect of grazing intensity on plant community indices (i.e., richness, diversity, community weighted-means (CWM) and functional diversity (FD) indices for each trait) were modelled using Generalised Linear Mixed Models (GLMM). We analysed the relative contribution of interspecific trait variation and intraspecific trait variation (ITV) in shifts of community index values. Results Livestock grazing may benefit gypsum plant specialists during community assembly, as species with high gypsum affinity, and high leaf S contents, were more likely to assemble in the most grazed plots. Grazing also promoted species with traits related to herbivory tolerance, as species with a rapid-growth strategy (high leaf N, low leaf C) were promoted under high grazing conditions. Species that ultimately formed gypsum plant communities had sufficient functional variability among individuals to cope with different grazing intensities, as intraspecific variability was the main component of species assembly for CWM values. Conclusions The positive effec…
bibliographic citation: Cera et al. (2022) When disturbances favour species adapted to stressful soils: grazing may benefit soil specialists in gypsum plant communities. PeerJ 10:e14222 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14222
date submitted: 2022-05-03
date accepted: 2022-09-20
issued: 2022-10-12
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Cera
  given name: Andreu
author list: Agent
  family name: Montserrat-Martí
  given name: Gabriel
author list: Agent
  family name: Luzuriaga
  given name: Arantzazu L.
author list: Agent
  family name: Pueyo
  given name: Yolanda
author list: Agent
  family name: Palacio
  given name: Sara
doi: 10.7717/peerj.14222
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-10-12
copyright: © 2022 Cera et al.
attribution name: Cera et al.

Seasonal variation characteristics of water quality in the Sunxi River Watershed, Three Gorges Reservoir Area
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The seasonal change characteristics of water quality in the Sunxi River watershed, which is a typical watershed in the tail area of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, must be studied to provide remediation ideas and specific measures for agricultural nonpoint source pollution in the reservoir area. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the variation characteristics of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations in the upstream and downstream of the Sunxi River watershed in spring, summer, and autumn of 2018–2021. With data from autumn 2018 taken as an example, path analysis was applied to study the effect degree of influencing factors on TN concentrations. The two-way repeated measures ANOVA illustrated that the COD, TN, and TP concentrations in the downstream were significantly higher than those in the upstream (P < 0.05). In addition, the COD concentrations were the highest in summer 2019, followed by spring of 2019 and 2021, and TN and TP concentrations were higher in spring and summer. The TN and TP concentrations were comparatively lower in the autumn. The path analysis showed that electrical conductance and dissolved oxygen directly affected the TN concentrations, and water temperature mainly affected the TN concentrations via the indirect effects of electrical conductance and dissolved oxygen. The water quality of upstream Sunxi River watershed was better than that of downstream, and the water quality in autumn was better than spring and summer in 2018–2021. For water quality management and ecological restoration of the Sunxi River watershed, further attention should be paid to the water quality changes in the downstream and in spring and summer and to the impact of water temperature, electrical conductivity, and dissolved oxygen on the water quality.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Wenning Hou
creator: Haiyan Wang
creator: Yonglin Zheng
creator: Yige Wang
creator: Dandan Yang
creator: Hai Meng
subject: Ecosystem Science
subject: Aquatic and Marine Chemistry
subject: Ecohydrology
subject: Environmental Impacts
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.14233
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Hou et al.
abstract: The seasonal change characteristics of water quality in the Sunxi River watershed, which is a typical watershed in the tail area of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, must be studied to provide remediation ideas and specific measures for agricultural nonpoint source pollution in the reservoir area. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the variation characteristics of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations in the upstream and downstream of the Sunxi River watershed in spring, summer, and autumn of 2018–2021. With data from autumn 2018 taken as an example, path analysis was applied to study the effect degree of influencing factors on TN concentrations. The two-way repeated measures ANOVA illustrated that the COD, TN, and TP concentrations in the downstream were significantly higher than those in the upstream (P < 0.05). In addition, the COD concentrations were the highest in summer 2019, followed by spring of 2019 and 2021, and TN and TP concentrations were higher in spring and summer. The TN and TP concentrations were comparatively lower in the autumn. The path analysis showed that electrical conductance and dissolved oxygen directly affected the TN concentrations, and water temperature mainly affected the TN concentrations via the indirect effects of electrical conductance and dissolved oxygen. The water quality of upstream Sunxi River watershed was better than that of downstream, and the water quality in autumn was better than spring and summer in 2018–2021. For water quality management and ecological restoration of the Sunxi River watershed, further attention should be paid to the water quality changes in the downstream and in spring and summer and to the impact of water temperature, electrical conductivity, and dissolved oxygen on the water quality.
bibliographic citation: Hou et al. (2022) Seasonal variation characteristics of water quality in the Sunxi River Watershed, Three Gorges Reservoir Area. PeerJ 10:e14233 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14233
date submitted: 2022-04-26
date accepted: 2022-09-22
issued: 2022-10-12
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Hou
  given name: Wenning
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Haiyan
author list: Agent
  family name: Zheng
  given name: Yonglin
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Yige
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Dandan
author list: Agent
  family name: Meng
  given name: Hai
doi: 10.7717/peerj.14233
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-10-12
copyright: ©2022 Hou et al.
attribution name: Hou et al.

Intensive hunting changes human-wildlife relationships
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Wildlife alter their behaviors in a trade-off between consuming food and fear of becoming food themselves. The risk allocation hypothesis posits that variation in the scale, intensity and longevity of predation threats can influence the magnitude of antipredator behavioral responses. Hunting by humans represents a threat thought to be perceived by wildlife similar to how they perceive a top predator, although hunting intensity and duration varys widely around the world. Here we evaluate the effects of hunting pressure on wildlife by comparing how two communities of mammals under different management schemes differ in their relative abundance and response to humans. Using camera traps to survey wildlife across disturbance levels (yards, farms, forests) in similar landscapes in southern Germany and southeastern USA, we tested the prediction of the risk allocation hypothesis: that the higher intensity and longevity of hunting in Germany (year round vs 3 months, 4x higher harvest/km2/year) would reduce relative abundance of hunted species and result in a larger fear-based response to humans (i.e., more spatial and temporal avoidance). We further evaluated how changes in animal abundance and behavior would result in potential changes to ecological impacts (i.e., herbivory and predation). We found that hunted species were relatively less abundant in Germany and less associated with humans on the landscape (i.e., yards and urban areas), but did not avoid humans temporally in hunted areas while hunted species in the USA showed the opposite pattern. These results are consistent with the risk allocation hypothesis where we would expect more spatial avoidance in response to threats of longer duration (i.e., year-round hunting in Germany vs. 3-month duration in USA) and less spatial avoidance but more temporal avoidance for threats of shorter duration. The expected ecological impacts of mammals in all three habitats were quite different between countries, most strikingly due to…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Arielle Waldstein Parsons
creator: Martin Wikelski
creator: Brigitta Keeves von Wolff
creator: Jan Dodel
creator: Roland Kays
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Ecology
subject: Zoology
subject: Natural Resource Management
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.14159
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Parsons et al.
abstract: Wildlife alter their behaviors in a trade-off between consuming food and fear of becoming food themselves. The risk allocation hypothesis posits that variation in the scale, intensity and longevity of predation threats can influence the magnitude of antipredator behavioral responses. Hunting by humans represents a threat thought to be perceived by wildlife similar to how they perceive a top predator, although hunting intensity and duration varys widely around the world. Here we evaluate the effects of hunting pressure on wildlife by comparing how two communities of mammals under different management schemes differ in their relative abundance and response to humans. Using camera traps to survey wildlife across disturbance levels (yards, farms, forests) in similar landscapes in southern Germany and southeastern USA, we tested the prediction of the risk allocation hypothesis: that the higher intensity and longevity of hunting in Germany (year round vs 3 months, 4x higher harvest/km2/year) would reduce relative abundance of hunted species and result in a larger fear-based response to humans (i.e., more spatial and temporal avoidance). We further evaluated how changes in animal abundance and behavior would result in potential changes to ecological impacts (i.e., herbivory and predation). We found that hunted species were relatively less abundant in Germany and less associated with humans on the landscape (i.e., yards and urban areas), but did not avoid humans temporally in hunted areas while hunted species in the USA showed the opposite pattern. These results are consistent with the risk allocation hypothesis where we would expect more spatial avoidance in response to threats of longer duration (i.e., year-round hunting in Germany vs. 3-month duration in USA) and less spatial avoidance but more temporal avoidance for threats of shorter duration. The expected ecological impacts of mammals in all three habitats were quite different between countries, most strikingly due to…
bibliographic citation: Parsons et al. (2022) Intensive hunting changes human-wildlife relationships. PeerJ 10:e14159 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14159
date submitted: 2022-06-20
date accepted: 2022-09-08
issued: 2022-10-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Parsons
  given name: Arielle Waldstein
author list: Agent
  family name: Wikelski
  given name: Martin
author list: Agent
  family name: Keeves von Wolff
  given name: Brigitta
author list: Agent
  family name: Dodel
  given name: Jan
author list: Agent
  family name: Kays
  given name: Roland
doi: 10.7717/peerj.14159
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-10-11
copyright: ©2022 Parsons et al.
attribution name: Parsons et al.

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