Evaluating acoustic signals to reduce avian collision risk
Collisions with human-made structures are responsible for billions of bird deaths each year, resulting in ecological damage as well as regulatory and financial burdens to many industries. Acoustic signals can alert birds to obstacles in their flight paths in order to mitigate collisions, but these signals should be tailored to the sensory ecology of birds in flight as the effectiveness of various acoustic signals potentially depends on the influence of background noise and the relative ability of various sound types to propagate within a landscape. We measured changes in flight behaviors from zebra finches released into a flight corridor containing a physical obstacle, either in no-additional-sound control conditions or when exposed to one of four acoustic signals. We selected signals to test two frequency ranges (4–6 kHz or 6–8 kHz) and two temporal modulation patterns (broadband or frequency-modulated oscillating) to determine whether any particular combination of sound attributes elicited the strongest collision avoidance behaviors. We found that, relative to control flights, all sound treatments caused birds to maintain a greater distance from hazards and to adjust their flight trajectories before coming close to obstacles. There were no statistical differences among different sound treatments, but consistent trends within the data suggest that the 4–6 kHz frequency-modulated oscillating signal elicited the strongest avoidance behaviors. We conclude that a variety of acoustic signals can be effective as avian collision deterrents, at least in the context in which we tested these birds. These results may be most directly applicable in scenarios when birds are at risk of collisions with solid structures, such as wind turbines and communication towers, as opposed to window collisions or collisions involving artificial lighting. We recommend the incorporation of acoustic signals into multimodal collision deterrents and demonstrate the value of using behavioral data to assess collision risk.
Thady et al. (2022) Evaluating acoustic signals to reduce avian collision risk. PeerJ 10:e13313 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13313
ESR2 gene variants (rs1256049, rs4986938, and rs1256030) and their association with breast cancer risk
Background Variants of the estrogen receptor b (ESR2) gene have been associated with different types of cancer. However, these associations have been inconsistent. We genotyped the ESR2 variants (rs1256049, rs4986938, and rs1256030) in breast cancer (BC) patients and in healthy women. Results The variants rs1256049 and rs4986938 in the ESR2 gene were not associated with risk susceptibility in BC patients. However, the rs1256030 variant had an association as a risk factor for BC patients when compared with controls and BC patients for the TT genotype (odds ratio (OR) 1.86, 95% confidence intervals (CI) [1.05–3.28], p = 0.042). In addition, differences were observed in patients and controls carrying the TT genotype under 50 years of age (OR 1.85, 95% CI [1.05–3.27], p = 0.043). Thus, evident differences showed the rs1256030 variant in patients with TT, TC, and TC+TT genotypes with: (1) Stage IV (OR 1.60, 95% CI [1.06–2.54], p = 0.033), and (2) Luminal A (OR 1.60, 95% CI [0.47–0.21], p = 0.041), as well as in BC carriers of the TT genotype with indices of cellular proliferative (Ki-67) elevated (>20%) and overweight (OR 1.67, 95% CI [0.85–3.28], p = 0.041), respectively. In BC HER2 with lymph node metastasis, the TT genotype was a protective factor (OR 0.38, 95% CI [0.18–0.78], p = 0.005). The identification of haplotypes included two common GAT as risk factors (OR 3.1, 95% CI [1.31–7.72], p = 0.011) and GGC as a protective factor (OR 0.7, 95% CI [0.60–0.97], p = 0.034). The haplogenotype GGGATC was a risk factor (OR 2.5, 95% CI [1.28–5.0], p = 0.008). Conclusion The variant rs1256030 (TT) of the ESR2 gene and haplotype GAT were associated with susceptibility to BC as risk factors in this sample from the Mexican population.
Gallegos-Arreola et al. (2022) ESR2 gene variants (rs1256049, rs4986938, and rs1256030) and their association with breast cancer risk. PeerJ 10:e13379 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13379
Different pruning level effects on flowering period and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum
“Pruning” is a simple and efficient way to control the flowering period, but it is rarely used in perennial woody ornamental plants. In this paper, Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum was pruned in different degrees, and the relationship between pruning intensity and flowering number, and flowering time and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were compared. After statistics, it was found that pruning could advance blossoms of L. chinense var. rubrum; also, light and heavy cutting could both obtain a larger number of flowers. In addition, through correlation analysis, it was found that during the flowering period, the Rfd parameter of the unpruned treatment had a very significant positive correlation with the number of flowers FN, which was 0.81. In other pruning treatment groups, Rfd and FN also presented a certain positive correlation, indicating that the Rfd parameter can be used to predict the number of flowers during the flowering process of L. chinense var. rubrum. The research results provided a new idea for the regulation of the flowering period of L. chinense var. rubrum and other woody ornamental plants and laid the foundation for the diversified application of L. chinense var. rubrum.
Zhang et al. (2022) Different pruning level effects on flowering period and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum. PeerJ 10:e13406 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13406
The impacts of bovine milk, soy beverage, or almond beverage on the growing rat microbiome
Background Milk, the first food of mammals, helps to establish a baseline gut microbiota. In humans, milk and milk products are consumed beyond infancy, providing comprehensive nutritional value. Non-dairy beverages, produced from plant, are increasingly popular as alternatives to dairy milk. The nutritive value of some plant-based products continues to be debated, whilst investigations into impacts on the microbiome are rare. The aim of this study was to compare the impact of bovine milk, soy and almond beverages on the rat gut microbiome. We previously showed soy and milk supplemented rats had similar bone density whereas the almond supplemented group had compromised bone health. There is an established link between bone health and the microbiota, leading us to hypothesise that the microbiota of groups supplemented with soy and milk would be somewhat similar, whilst almond supplementation would be different. Methods Three-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 10/group) and fed ad libitum for four weeks. Two control groups were fed either standard diet (AIN-93G food) or AIN-93G amino acids (AA, containing amino acids equivalent to casein but with no intact protein) and with water provided ad libitum. Three treatment groups were fed AIN-93G AA and supplemented with either bovine ultra-heat treatment (UHT) milk or soy or almond UHT beverages as their sole liquid source. At trial end, DNA was extracted from caecum contents, and microbial abundance and diversity assessed using high throughput sequencing of the V3 to V4 variable regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. Results Almost all phyla (91%) differed significantly (FDR < 0.05) in relative abundance according to treatment and there were distinct differences seen in community structure between treatment groups at this level. At family level, forty taxa showed significantly different relative abundance (FDR < 0.05). Bacteroidetes (Bacteroidaceae) and Firmicutes populations (Lactobacillaceae, Clostridiaceae and Peptostreptococcaceae) increased in relative abundance in the AA almond supplemented group. Supplementation with milk resulted in increased abundance of Actinobacteria (Coriobacteriaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae) compared with other groups. Soy supplementation increased abundance of some Firmicutes (Lactobacilliaceae) but not Actinobacteria, as previously reported by others. Conclusion Supplementation with milk or plant-based drinks has broad impacts on the intestinal microbiome of young rats. Changes induced by cow milk were generally in line with previous reports showing increased relative abundance of Bifidobacteriacea, whilst soy and almond beverage did not. Changes induced by soy and almond drink supplementation were in taxa commonly associated with carbohydrate utilisation. This research provides new insight into effects on the microbiome of three commercially available products marketed for similar uses.
Cakebread et al. (2022) The impacts of bovine milk, soy beverage, or almond beverage on the growing rat microbiome. PeerJ 10:e13415 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13415
Metagenomic insights into surface water microbial communities of a South Asian mangrove ecosystem
Estuaries are one of the most productive ecosystems and their productivity is maintained by resident microbial communities. Recent alterations driven by climate change have further escalated these stressors leading to the propagation of traits such as antibiotic resistance and heavy metal resistance in microbial communities. Surface water samples from eleven stations along the Thakuran and Matla estuaries of the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve (SBR) of Sundarbans mangrove located in South Asia were sampled in monsoon (June) 2019 to elucidate resident microbial communities based on Nanopore sequencing. Metagenomic analyses revealed the widespread dominance of Proteobacteria across all the stations along with a high abundance of Firmicutes. Other phyla, including Euryarchaeota, Thaumarchaeota, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Cyanobacteria showed site-specific trends in abundance. Further taxonomic affiliations showed Gammaproteobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria to be dominant classes with high abundances of Bacilli in SBR_Stn58 and SBR_Stn113. Among the eukaryotic communities, the most abundant classes included Prasinophyceae, Saccharyomycetes and Sardariomycetes. Functional annotation showed metabolic activities such as carbohydrate, amino acid, nitrogen and phosphorus metabolisms to be uniformly distributed across all the studied stations. Pathways such as stress response, sulphur metabolism and motility-associated genes appeared in low abundances in SBR. Functional traits such as antibiotic resistance showed overwhelming dominance of genes involved in multidrug resistance along with widespread resistance towards commonly used antibiotics including Tetracycline, glycopeptide and aminoglycoside. Metal resistance genes including arsenic, nickel and copper were found in comparable abundances across the studied stations. The prevalence of ARG and MRG might indicate presence of pollutants and hint toward deteriorating ecosystem health status of Sundarbans mangrove.
Ghosh et al. (2022) Metagenomic insights into surface water microbial communities of a South Asian mangrove ecosystem. PeerJ 10:e13169 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13169
Continuous video capture, and pollinia tracking, in Platanthera (Orchidaceae) reveal new insect visitors and potential pollinators
Orchids often have specific pollinators, which should provide reproductive isolation, yet many produce natural hybrids. Platanthera dilatata and P. stricta differ in floral morphology but often co-occur, overlap in flowering, and are reputed parents of P. xestesii. We used motion-triggered video detection units to monitor floral visitors of P. dilatata and P. stricta on Vancouver Island, Canada. Pollinia removal in P. dilatata was observed using histochemical staining, and cross-pollinations were performed to determine compatibility. From 1,152 h, 753 videos were recorded; 655 contained insects and 91 contained arachnids. Bumblebees, butterflies, and moths removed pollinia from P. dilatata. No pollinia removal was observed from P. stricta. Five videos showed insects moving between Platanthera species. Pollinia removal rates were low. Hand-pollinations resulted in capsule development and seed production. This study adds to the known diversity of insects interacting with these orchids, and highlights regional differences in floral visitors.
van der Voort et al. (2022) Continuous video capture, and pollinia tracking, in Platanthera (Orchidaceae) reveal new insect visitors and potential pollinators. PeerJ 10:e13191 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13191
Effect of napping on a bean bag chair on sleep stage, muscle activity, and heart rate variability
Background Although ample evidence has demonstrated that daytime napping is beneficial for health and cognitive performance, bedding for napping has not yet been scientifically investigated. Objectives To explore the effect of a bean bag chair on daytime napping and physiological parameters related to sleep. Methods Fourteen healthy participants were enrolled within the context of a randomized, single-blind, crossover study to evaluate the effects of a bean bag chair in comparison with those of a urethane chair manufactured to have a similar shape. Electroencephalogram, electromyogram, and heart rate variability were recorded and compared between wakefulness and napping. Results Electroencephalogram analyses revealed no significant differences in sleep architecture or frequency components; however, a significant decrease was found in electromyogram recordings in the trapezius muscle, which represents the neck region (p = 0.019). Additionally, a significant main effect of bedding in the low-frequency/high-frequency ratio (F[1,20] = 4.314, p = 0.037) was revealed. Conclusions These results suggest that napping in a bean bag chair may provide a comfortable napping environment involving muscle relaxation and proper regulation of the autonomic nervous function.
Nishida et al. (2022) Effect of napping on a bean bag chair on sleep stage, muscle activity, and heart rate variability. PeerJ 10:e13284 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13284
Soil type and fertilizer rate affect wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield, quality and nutrient use efficiency in Ayiba, northern Ethiopia
The blanket NP fertilizer recommendation over the past five decades in Ethiopia did not result in a significant increment of crop productivity. The main lack of success was highly linked to the extrapolating approach of one site success to others without considering the climate, soil, and ecological setting and variations. As a result, a new fertilization approach was desperately needed, and with this premise, new blended fertilizers are now being introduced to replace the conventional approach. Thus, the objective of this study was to examine the effect of NPSZnB blended fertilizer on bread wheat yield attributes, quality traits and use efficiency in two different soil types under rain-fed conditions in Ayiba, northern Ethiopia. Relevant agronomic data were evaluated and recorded from plots of each soil types for analysis. The analysis of variance revealed a significant (p < 0.001) variation on all the agronomic and grain quality traits due to the main and interaction effects of soil type and fertilizer treatment factors. Most agronomic and quality characteristics recorded the highest result in the highest treatment applications (175 and 150 kg NPSZnB ha−1) in both soils. Yield and grain quality traits of bread wheat was also found better under fertilized plots than unfertilized plots. In both soil types increasing application of the new blended fertilizer rate from 50–175 kg NPSZnB ha−1 showed an increasing trend in grain yield from 1.6 to 4.3 and 2.5 to 5.4 t ha−1 in Vertisol and Cambisol soils, respectively. The varied yield as a response of fertilizer treatments across soils signifies soil-specific fertilization approach is critically important for production increment. On the other hand, based on the partial budget analysis the highest net benefit with the highest marginal rate of return in both Vertisol and Cambisol soils were obtained when treated with 100 and 125 kg NPSZnB ha−1, respectively. Therefore, to produce optimum bread wheat yield under rainfed conditions in Ayiba (northern Ethiopia) fertilizing Vertisols with 100 kg NPSZnB ha−1 and fertilizing Cambisols with 125 kg NPSZnB ha−1 is recommended.
Seifu et al. (2022) Soil type and fertilizer rate affect wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield, quality and nutrient use efficiency in Ayiba, northern Ethiopia. PeerJ 10:e13344 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13344
An assessment of sensory sensitivity in women suffering from depression using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
Background Perception is the process or result of the process arising from the mental interpretation of the phenomena occurring, therefore it depends not only on physiology, but is also psychologically and socially conditioned. The aim of this study was to assess if there is a difference in the sensory sensitivity to an electrical stimulus in women suffering from depression and what the hedonic rating is of the lived experience of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Methods The depression group: 44 women, who were inpatients treated for depression at the Psychiatric Ward in the Clinical Hospital, and the control group: 41 women, matched by the age, height and weight, with no mental illness. Measures: threshold for sensing current, type of sensation evoked, hedonic rating. Results Median sensing threshold of electric current (depression vs. control: 7.75 mA vs. 8.35 mA; no significant), type of sensation evoked (depression vs. control: tingling 90.9% vs. 92.7%, no significant), hedonic rating (depression vs. control: unpleasant 11.4% vs. 2.4%; p = 0.003), hedonic rating (mildly ill vs. moderately ill vs. markedly ill: unpleasant 5.3% vs. 6.3% vs. 33.3%; p = 0.066). Conclusions Women suffering from depression exhibit a similar threshold of sensitivity to an electrical stimulus as mentally healthy women, however the hedonic rating of the stimulus acting on the skin in the group of clinically depressed women was more negative than in the mentally healthy subjects. The stimulus was described as ‘unpleasant’ for many of the mentally unhealthy women. The most negative sensations related to the electrical stimulus were experienced by women with the highest severity of mental illness according to The Clinical Global Impression - Severity Scale.
Witkoś et al. (2022) An assessment of sensory sensitivity in women suffering from depression using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. PeerJ 10:e13373 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13373
Discovery of protein-based natural hydrogel from the girdle of the ‘sea cockroach’ Chiton articulatus (Chitonida: Chitonidae)
Hydrogels are widely used materials in biomedical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and agricultural fields. However, these hydrogels are usually formed synthetically via a long and complicated process involving crosslinking natural polymers. Herein, we describe a natural hydrogel isolated using a ‘gentle’ acid treatment from the girdle of a chiton species (Chiton articulatus). This novel hydrogel is shown to have a proliferative effect on mouse fibroblast cells (cell line, L929). The swelling capacity of this natural hydrogel was recorded as approximately 1,200% in distilled water, which is within desired levels for hydrogels. Detailed characterizations reveal that the hydrogel consists predominantly (83.93%) of protein. Considering its non-toxicity, proliferative effect and swelling properties, this natural hydrogel is an important discovery for material sciences, with potential for further applications in industry. Whether the girdle has some hydrogel activity in the living animal is unknown, but we speculate that it may enable the animal to better survive extreme environmental conditions by preventing desiccation.
Çakmak et al. (2022) Discovery of protein-based natural hydrogel from the girdle of the ‘sea cockroach’ Chiton articulatus (Chitonida: Chitonidae). PeerJ 10:e13386 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13386