PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: The application of sudoscan for screening microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes
items: Integration of the metabolome and transcriptome reveals indigo biosynthesis in Phaius flavus flowers under freezing treatment
items: A review of the opportunities to support pollinator populations in South African cities
items: Evolution analysis of FRIZZY PANICLE (FZP) orthologs explored the mutations in DNA coding sequences in the grass family (Poaceae)
items: Antimicrobial resistance and virulence profiles of Enterobacterales isolated from two-finger and three-finger sloths (Choloepus hoffmanni and Bradypus variegatus) of Costa Rica
items: The evolution of reproductive strategies in turtles
items: UAV spraying on citrus crop: impact of tank-mix adjuvant on the contact angle and droplet distribution
items: The Significance of the preoperative lactate dehydrogenase/albumin Ratio in the Prognosis of Colon Cancer: a retrospective study
items: Comparison and correlation of cervical proprioception and muscle endurance in general joint hypermobility participants with and without non-specific neck pain—a cross-sectional study
items: Stage 2 registered report: investigating a preference for certainty in conversation among autistic adults

The application of sudoscan for screening microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of sudoscan in screening diabetic microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabete mellitus (T2DM). 515 patients with T2DM aged from 23 to 89 years were included for analysis in our study. The mean age was 60.00 ± 11.37 years and the mean duration of T2DM was 8.44 ± 7.56 years. Electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) in hands and feet was evaluated by SUDOCAN. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) was diagnosed in 378 patients (44.3%), diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in 161 patients (31.26%), diabetic retinopathy (DR) in 148 patients (28.74%). Hands and feet ESC was significantly and independently associated with the presence of DPN, DKD and DR. Patients with a lower ESC (<60 µS) had 5.63-fold increased likelihood of having DPN, 4.90-fold increased likelihood of having DKD, 1.01-fold increased likelihood of having DR, than those with a higher ESC. Age, duration of T2DM, smoking, renal function and vibration perception thresholds were negatively correlated with ESC. Sudoscan parameters were correlated with diabetic microvascular complications, especially with DPN. Sudoscan could be an effective screening tool in primary health care for early screening microvascular complications.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Kun Lin
creator: Yixi Wu
creator: Shuo Liu
creator: Jiaqi Huang
creator: Guishan Chen
creator: Qiong Zeng
subject: Diabetes and Endocrinology
subject: Drugs and Devices
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.13089
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Lin et al.
abstract: The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of sudoscan in screening diabetic microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabete mellitus (T2DM). 515 patients with T2DM aged from 23 to 89 years were included for analysis in our study. The mean age was 60.00 ± 11.37 years and the mean duration of T2DM was 8.44 ± 7.56 years. Electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) in hands and feet was evaluated by SUDOCAN. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) was diagnosed in 378 patients (44.3%), diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in 161 patients (31.26%), diabetic retinopathy (DR) in 148 patients (28.74%). Hands and feet ESC was significantly and independently associated with the presence of DPN, DKD and DR. Patients with a lower ESC (<60 µS) had 5.63-fold increased likelihood of having DPN, 4.90-fold increased likelihood of having DKD, 1.01-fold increased likelihood of having DR, than those with a higher ESC. Age, duration of T2DM, smoking, renal function and vibration perception thresholds were negatively correlated with ESC. Sudoscan parameters were correlated with diabetic microvascular complications, especially with DPN. Sudoscan could be an effective screening tool in primary health care for early screening microvascular complications.
bibliographic citation: Lin et al. (2022) The application of sudoscan for screening microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes. PeerJ 10:e13089 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13089
date submitted: 2021-11-09
date accepted: 2022-02-18
issued: 2022-03-14
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Lin
  given name: Kun
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Yixi
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Shuo
author list: Agent
  family name: Huang
  given name: Jiaqi
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Guishan
author list: Agent
  family name: Zeng
  given name: Qiong
doi: 10.7717/peerj.13089
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-03-14
copyright: ©2022 Lin et al.
attribution name: Lin et al.

Integration of the metabolome and transcriptome reveals indigo biosynthesis in Phaius flavus flowers under freezing treatment
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Indigo-containing plant tissues change blue after a freezing treatment, which is accompanied by changes in indigo and its related compounds. Phaius flavus is one of the few monocot plants containing indigo. The change to blue after freezing was described to explore the biosynthesis of indigo in P. flavus. Methods In this study, we surveyed the dynamic change of P. flavus flower metabolomics and transcriptomics. Results The non-targeted metabolomics and targeted metabolomics results revealed a total of 98 different metabolites, the contents of indole, indican, indigo, and indirubin were significantly different after the change to blue from the freezing treatment. A transcriptome analysis screened ten different genes related to indigo upstream biosynthesis, including three anthranilate synthase genes, two phosphoribosyl-anthranilate isomerase genes, one indole-3-glycerolphosphate synthase gene, five tryptophan synthase genes. In addition, we further candidate 37 cytochrome P450 enzyme genes, one uridine diphosphate glucosyltransferase gene, and 24 β-D-glucosidase genes were screened that may have participated in the downstream biosynthesis of indigo. This study explained the changes of indigo-related compounds at the metabolic level and gene expression level during the process of P. flavus under freezing and provided new insights for increasing the production of indigo-related compounds in P. flavus. In addition, transcriptome sequencing provides the basis for functional verification of the indigo biosynthesis key genes in P. flavus.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Yi-Ming Zhang
creator: Yong Su
creator: Zhong-wu Dai
creator: Meng Lu
creator: Wei Sun
creator: Wei Yang
creator: Sha-Sha Wu
creator: Zhi-Ting Wan
creator: Hui-Hua Wan
creator: Junwen Zhai
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.13106
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Zhang et al.
abstract: Background Indigo-containing plant tissues change blue after a freezing treatment, which is accompanied by changes in indigo and its related compounds. Phaius flavus is one of the few monocot plants containing indigo. The change to blue after freezing was described to explore the biosynthesis of indigo in P. flavus. Methods In this study, we surveyed the dynamic change of P. flavus flower metabolomics and transcriptomics. Results The non-targeted metabolomics and targeted metabolomics results revealed a total of 98 different metabolites, the contents of indole, indican, indigo, and indirubin were significantly different after the change to blue from the freezing treatment. A transcriptome analysis screened ten different genes related to indigo upstream biosynthesis, including three anthranilate synthase genes, two phosphoribosyl-anthranilate isomerase genes, one indole-3-glycerolphosphate synthase gene, five tryptophan synthase genes. In addition, we further candidate 37 cytochrome P450 enzyme genes, one uridine diphosphate glucosyltransferase gene, and 24 β-D-glucosidase genes were screened that may have participated in the downstream biosynthesis of indigo. This study explained the changes of indigo-related compounds at the metabolic level and gene expression level during the process of P. flavus under freezing and provided new insights for increasing the production of indigo-related compounds in P. flavus. In addition, transcriptome sequencing provides the basis for functional verification of the indigo biosynthesis key genes in P. flavus.
bibliographic citation: Zhang et al. (2022) Integration of the metabolome and transcriptome reveals indigo biosynthesis in Phaius flavus flowers under freezing treatment. PeerJ 10:e13106 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13106
date submitted: 2020-12-14
date accepted: 2022-02-22
issued: 2022-03-14
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Yi-Ming
author list: Agent
  family name: Su
  given name: Yong
author list: Agent
  family name: Dai
  given name: Zhong-wu
author list: Agent
  family name: Lu
  given name: Meng
author list: Agent
  family name: Sun
  given name: Wei
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Wei
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Sha-Sha
author list: Agent
  family name: Wan
  given name: Zhi-Ting
author list: Agent
  family name: Wan
  given name: Hui-Hua
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhai
  given name: Junwen
doi: 10.7717/peerj.13106
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-03-14
copyright: ©2022 Zhang et al.
attribution name: Zhang et al.

A review of the opportunities to support pollinator populations in South African cities
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Globally insects are declining, but some guilds of pollinators are finding refuge in urban landscapes. The body of knowledge on urban pollinators is relatively mature, which means it is now possible to begin to make generalization. Unfortunately, studies do not represent climatic regions evenly and there is a gap in research from the African continent. This study aimed to address some of the gaps on urban pollination knowledge in South Africa and to identify opportunities to improve urban habitats for pollinators. We reviewed the international literature on urban pollinators and the South African literature on pollinators with a landscape ecology focus, drawing on literature with an emphasis on agricultural and ecosystem services. The findings show that some taxa (e.g. large-bodied, cavity nesting bees) will exploit urban environments increasing in abundance with urban intensity. Moderately sensitive taxa (such as small-bodied, ground-nesting bees) take advantage of urban environments only if local habitats are supportive of their needs for resource provision and habitat connectivity. The South African urban poor rely on pollination services for subsistence agriculture and the reproduction of wild-foraged medicines and food. Potential interventions to improve habitat quality include strategic mowing practices, conversion of turf-grass to floral rich habitats, scientific confirmation of lists of highly attractive flowers, and inclusion of small-scale flower patches throughout the urban matrix. Further research is needed to fill the Africa gap for both specialized and generalized pollinators (Diptera, Halictids, Lepidoptera and Hopliini) in urban areas where ornamental and indigenous flowering plants are valued.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Peta Brom
creator: Les G. Underhill
creator: Kevin Winter
subject: Conservation Biology
subject: Ecology
subject: Entomology
subject: Coupled Natural and Human Systems
subject: Natural Resource Management
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.12788
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Brom et al.
abstract: Globally insects are declining, but some guilds of pollinators are finding refuge in urban landscapes. The body of knowledge on urban pollinators is relatively mature, which means it is now possible to begin to make generalization. Unfortunately, studies do not represent climatic regions evenly and there is a gap in research from the African continent. This study aimed to address some of the gaps on urban pollination knowledge in South Africa and to identify opportunities to improve urban habitats for pollinators. We reviewed the international literature on urban pollinators and the South African literature on pollinators with a landscape ecology focus, drawing on literature with an emphasis on agricultural and ecosystem services. The findings show that some taxa (e.g. large-bodied, cavity nesting bees) will exploit urban environments increasing in abundance with urban intensity. Moderately sensitive taxa (such as small-bodied, ground-nesting bees) take advantage of urban environments only if local habitats are supportive of their needs for resource provision and habitat connectivity. The South African urban poor rely on pollination services for subsistence agriculture and the reproduction of wild-foraged medicines and food. Potential interventions to improve habitat quality include strategic mowing practices, conversion of turf-grass to floral rich habitats, scientific confirmation of lists of highly attractive flowers, and inclusion of small-scale flower patches throughout the urban matrix. Further research is needed to fill the Africa gap for both specialized and generalized pollinators (Diptera, Halictids, Lepidoptera and Hopliini) in urban areas where ornamental and indigenous flowering plants are valued.
bibliographic citation: Brom et al. (2022) A review of the opportunities to support pollinator populations in South African cities. PeerJ 10:e12788 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12788
date submitted: 2021-06-03
date accepted: 2021-12-22
issued: 2022-03-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Brom
  given name: Peta
author list: Agent
  family name: Underhill
  given name: Les G.
author list: Agent
  family name: Winter
  given name: Kevin
doi: 10.7717/peerj.12788
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-03-11
copyright: © 2022 Brom et al.
attribution name: Brom et al.

Evolution analysis of FRIZZY PANICLE (FZP) orthologs explored the mutations in DNA coding sequences in the grass family (Poaceae)
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: FRIZZY PANICLE (FZP), an essential gene that controls spikelet differentiation and development in the grass family (Poaceae), prevents the formation of axillary bud meristems and is closely associated with crop yields. It is unclear whether the FZP gene or its orthologs were selected during the evolutionary process of grass species, which possess diverse spike morphologies. In the present study, we adopted bioinformatics methods for the evolutionary analysis of FZP orthologs in species of the grass family. Thirty-five orthologs with protein sequences identical to that of the FZP gene were identified from 29 grass species. Analysis of conserved domains revealed that the AP2/ERF domains were highly conserved with almost no amino acid mutations. However, species of the tribe Triticeae, genus Oryza, and C4 plants exhibited more significant amino acid mutations in the acidic C-terminus region. Results of the phylogenetic analysis showed that the 29 grass species could be classified into three groups, namely, Triticeae, Oryza, and C4 plants. Within the Triticeae group, the FZP genes originating from the same genome were classified into the same sub-group. When selection pressure analysis was performed, significant positive selection sites were detected in species of the Triticeae and Oryza groups. Our results show that the FZP gene was selected during the grass family’s evolutionary process, and functional divergence may have already occurred among the various species. Therefore, researchers investigating the FZP gene’s functions should take note of the possible presence of various roles in other grass species.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jia Li
creator: Litian Zhang
creator: Rania G. Elbaiomy
creator: Lilan Chen
creator: Zhenrong Wang
creator: Jie Jiao
creator: Jiliang Zhu
creator: Wanhai Zhou
creator: Bo Chen
creator: Salma A. Soaud
creator: Manzar Abbas
creator: Na Lin
creator: Ahmed H. El-Sappah
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Genetics
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.12880
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Li et al.
abstract: FRIZZY PANICLE (FZP), an essential gene that controls spikelet differentiation and development in the grass family (Poaceae), prevents the formation of axillary bud meristems and is closely associated with crop yields. It is unclear whether the FZP gene or its orthologs were selected during the evolutionary process of grass species, which possess diverse spike morphologies. In the present study, we adopted bioinformatics methods for the evolutionary analysis of FZP orthologs in species of the grass family. Thirty-five orthologs with protein sequences identical to that of the FZP gene were identified from 29 grass species. Analysis of conserved domains revealed that the AP2/ERF domains were highly conserved with almost no amino acid mutations. However, species of the tribe Triticeae, genus Oryza, and C4 plants exhibited more significant amino acid mutations in the acidic C-terminus region. Results of the phylogenetic analysis showed that the 29 grass species could be classified into three groups, namely, Triticeae, Oryza, and C4 plants. Within the Triticeae group, the FZP genes originating from the same genome were classified into the same sub-group. When selection pressure analysis was performed, significant positive selection sites were detected in species of the Triticeae and Oryza groups. Our results show that the FZP gene was selected during the grass family’s evolutionary process, and functional divergence may have already occurred among the various species. Therefore, researchers investigating the FZP gene’s functions should take note of the possible presence of various roles in other grass species.
bibliographic citation: Li et al. (2022) Evolution analysis of FRIZZY PANICLE (FZP) orthologs explored the mutations in DNA coding sequences in the grass family (Poaceae). PeerJ 10:e12880 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12880
date submitted: 2021-07-22
date accepted: 2022-01-13
issued: 2022-03-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Jia
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Litian
author list: Agent
  family name: G. Elbaiomy
  given name: Rania
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Lilan
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Zhenrong
author list: Agent
  family name: Jiao
  given name: Jie
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhu
  given name: Jiliang
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Wanhai
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Bo
author list: Agent
  family name: Soaud
  given name: Salma A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Abbas
  given name: Manzar
author list: Agent
  family name: Lin
  given name: Na
author list: Agent
  family name: El-Sappah
  given name: Ahmed H.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.12880
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-03-11
copyright: ©2022 Li et al.
attribution name: Li et al.

Antimicrobial resistance and virulence profiles of Enterobacterales isolated from two-finger and three-finger sloths (Choloepus hoffmanni and Bradypus variegatus) of Costa Rica
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Wildlife has been recently recognized as an environmental reservoir for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, less information on this topic is available in animals released back into the wild after rehabilitation in wildlife facilities, compared with studies performed exclusively in captive or free-ranging wildlife. This study aimed to evaluate the potential influence of captivity and/or treatment while in captivity of wild sloths on the AMR and virulence profiles of sloths’ Enterobacterales. Methods Oral and rectal swab samples were collected from 39 two-finger (Choloepus hoffmanni) and three-finger sloths (Bradypus variegatus) of Costa Rica (n = 78) and analyzed using conventional bacteriological techniques. A generalized linear mixed model was applied to estimate the isolates’ multiple antimicrobial resistance and virulence indices as a function of animal status. Results A considerable level of resistance was detected, especially for Citrobacter youngae and Escherichia coli, with 17.5% of isolates classified as multidrug-resistant. Virulence indices of isolates from rehabilitated sloths were significantly higher than the ones from sloths being hand-reared for shorter periods. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first description of sloths’ antimicrobial resistant Enterobacterales, suggesting that sloths’ rehabilitation and consequent exposure to humans, may promote the selection of bacteria with higher virulence. Ultimately, these bacteria may represent a threat to human and animal health due to their zoonotic potential and AMR and virulence profiles.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Matilde Fernandes
creator: Carla Nóbrega Carneiro
creator: Ana Maria Villada Rosales
creator: Miguel Grilo
creator: Yolanda Ramiro
creator: Eva Cunha
creator: Telmo Nunes
creator: Luís Tavares
creator: Janet Sandi
creator: Manuela Oliveira
subject: Microbiology
subject: Veterinary Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.12911
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Fernandes et al.
abstract: Background Wildlife has been recently recognized as an environmental reservoir for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, less information on this topic is available in animals released back into the wild after rehabilitation in wildlife facilities, compared with studies performed exclusively in captive or free-ranging wildlife. This study aimed to evaluate the potential influence of captivity and/or treatment while in captivity of wild sloths on the AMR and virulence profiles of sloths’ Enterobacterales. Methods Oral and rectal swab samples were collected from 39 two-finger (Choloepus hoffmanni) and three-finger sloths (Bradypus variegatus) of Costa Rica (n = 78) and analyzed using conventional bacteriological techniques. A generalized linear mixed model was applied to estimate the isolates’ multiple antimicrobial resistance and virulence indices as a function of animal status. Results A considerable level of resistance was detected, especially for Citrobacter youngae and Escherichia coli, with 17.5% of isolates classified as multidrug-resistant. Virulence indices of isolates from rehabilitated sloths were significantly higher than the ones from sloths being hand-reared for shorter periods. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first description of sloths’ antimicrobial resistant Enterobacterales, suggesting that sloths’ rehabilitation and consequent exposure to humans, may promote the selection of bacteria with higher virulence. Ultimately, these bacteria may represent a threat to human and animal health due to their zoonotic potential and AMR and virulence profiles.
bibliographic citation: Fernandes et al. (2022) Antimicrobial resistance and virulence profiles of Enterobacterales isolated from two-finger and three-finger sloths (Choloepus hoffmanni and Bradypus variegatus) of Costa Rica. PeerJ 10:e12911 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12911
date submitted: 2021-07-29
date accepted: 2022-01-19
issued: 2022-03-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Fernandes
  given name: Matilde
author list: Agent
  family name: Nóbrega Carneiro
  given name: Carla
author list: Agent
  family name: Villada Rosales
  given name: Ana Maria
author list: Agent
  family name: Grilo
  given name: Miguel
author list: Agent
  family name: Ramiro
  given name: Yolanda
author list: Agent
  family name: Cunha
  given name: Eva
author list: Agent
  family name: Nunes
  given name: Telmo
author list: Agent
  family name: Tavares
  given name: Luís
author list: Agent
  family name: Sandi
  given name: Janet
author list: Agent
  family name: Oliveira
  given name: Manuela
doi: 10.7717/peerj.12911
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-03-11
copyright: © 2022 Fernandes et al.
attribution name: Fernandes et al.

The evolution of reproductive strategies in turtles
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Optimal egg size theory assumes that changes in the egg and clutch are driven by selection, resulting in adjustments for the largest possible production of offspring with the highest fitness. Evidence supports the idea that large-bodied turtles tend to produce larger clutches with small and round eggs, while smaller species produce small clutches with large and elongated eggs. Our goals were to investigate whether egg and clutch size follow the predictions of egg size theory, if there are convergent reproductive strategies, and identify ecological factors that influence clutch and egg traits across all clades of living turtles. Using phylogenetic methods, we tested the covariance among reproductive traits, if they are convergent among different turtle lineages, and which ecological factors influence these traits. We found that both egg shape and size inversely correlate with clutch size, although with different evolutionary rates, following the predictions of the egg size theory. We also present compelling evidence for convergence among different turtle clades, over at least two reproductive strategies. Furthermore, climatic zone is the only ecological predictor to influence both egg size and fecundity, while diet only influences egg size. We conclude that egg and clutch traits in Testudines evolved independently several times across non-directly related clades that converged to similar reproductive strategies. Egg and clutch characteristics follow the trade-offs predicted by egg size theory and are influenced by ecological factors. Climatic zone and diet play an important role in the distribution of reproductive characteristics among turtles.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Gabriel Jorgewich-Cohen
creator: Rafael S. Henrique
creator: Pedro Henrique Dias
creator: Marcelo R. Sánchez-Villagra
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.13014
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Jorgewich-Cohen et al.
abstract: Optimal egg size theory assumes that changes in the egg and clutch are driven by selection, resulting in adjustments for the largest possible production of offspring with the highest fitness. Evidence supports the idea that large-bodied turtles tend to produce larger clutches with small and round eggs, while smaller species produce small clutches with large and elongated eggs. Our goals were to investigate whether egg and clutch size follow the predictions of egg size theory, if there are convergent reproductive strategies, and identify ecological factors that influence clutch and egg traits across all clades of living turtles. Using phylogenetic methods, we tested the covariance among reproductive traits, if they are convergent among different turtle lineages, and which ecological factors influence these traits. We found that both egg shape and size inversely correlate with clutch size, although with different evolutionary rates, following the predictions of the egg size theory. We also present compelling evidence for convergence among different turtle clades, over at least two reproductive strategies. Furthermore, climatic zone is the only ecological predictor to influence both egg size and fecundity, while diet only influences egg size. We conclude that egg and clutch traits in Testudines evolved independently several times across non-directly related clades that converged to similar reproductive strategies. Egg and clutch characteristics follow the trade-offs predicted by egg size theory and are influenced by ecological factors. Climatic zone and diet play an important role in the distribution of reproductive characteristics among turtles.
bibliographic citation: Jorgewich-Cohen et al. (2022) The evolution of reproductive strategies in turtles. PeerJ 10:e13014 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13014
date submitted: 2020-12-24
date accepted: 2022-02-06
issued: 2022-03-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Jorgewich-Cohen
  given name: Gabriel
author list: Agent
  family name: Henrique
  given name: Rafael S.
author list: Agent
  family name: Dias
  given name: Pedro Henrique
author list: Agent
  family name: Sánchez-Villagra
  given name: Marcelo R.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.13014
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-03-11
copyright: © 2022 Jorgewich-Cohen et al.
attribution name: Jorgewich-Cohen et al.

UAV spraying on citrus crop: impact of tank-mix adjuvant on the contact angle and droplet distribution
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Adding tank-mix adjuvants into the spray mixture is a common practice to improve droplet distribution for field crops (e.g., rice, wheat, corn, etc.) when using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) sprayers. However, the effectiveness of tank-mix adjuvant for UAV spraying in orchard crops is still an open problem, considering their special canopy structure and leaf features. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a typical tank-mix adjuvant concentrations (i.e., Nong Jian Fei (NJF)) on Contact Angle (CA) and droplet distribution in the citrus tree canopy. Three commonly used parameters, namely dynamic CA, droplet coverage, and Volume Median Diameter (VMD), are adopted for performance evaluation. The dynamic CAs on the adaxial surface of citrus leaves, for water-only and NJF-presence sprays, respectively, are measured with five concentration levels, where three replications are performed for each concentration. The sprays with 0.5‰ NJF are adopted in the field experiment for evaluating droplet distributions, where Water Sensitive Papers (WSPs) are used as collectors. Two multi-rotor UAVs (DJI T20 and T30) which consist of different sizes of pesticide tanks and rotor diameters are used as the spraying platforms. Both water-only and NJF-presence treatments are conducted for the two UAVs, respectively. The results of the CA experiment show that NJF addition can significantly reduce the CAs of the sprays. The sprays with 0.5‰ NJF obtain the lowest CA within the observing time, suggesting a better spread ability on solid surface (e.g., WSPs or/and leaves). With respect to the effects of NJF addition on individual UAVs, the field trial results indicate that NJF addition can remarkably increase both the droplet coverage and VMD at three canopy layers, except for T30 droplet coverage of the inside and bottom layers. Comparing the difference of droplet coverage between two UAVs, while significant difference is found in the same layer before NJF addition, there is no notable diff…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Yanhua Meng
creator: Wanqiang Zhong
creator: Cunjia Liu
creator: Jinya Su
creator: Jiyuan Su
creator: Yubin Lan
creator: Zhiguo Wang
creator: Meimei Wang
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Bioengineering
subject: Plant Science
subject: Atmospheric Chemistry
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.13064
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Meng et al.
abstract: Adding tank-mix adjuvants into the spray mixture is a common practice to improve droplet distribution for field crops (e.g., rice, wheat, corn, etc.) when using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) sprayers. However, the effectiveness of tank-mix adjuvant for UAV spraying in orchard crops is still an open problem, considering their special canopy structure and leaf features. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a typical tank-mix adjuvant concentrations (i.e., Nong Jian Fei (NJF)) on Contact Angle (CA) and droplet distribution in the citrus tree canopy. Three commonly used parameters, namely dynamic CA, droplet coverage, and Volume Median Diameter (VMD), are adopted for performance evaluation. The dynamic CAs on the adaxial surface of citrus leaves, for water-only and NJF-presence sprays, respectively, are measured with five concentration levels, where three replications are performed for each concentration. The sprays with 0.5‰ NJF are adopted in the field experiment for evaluating droplet distributions, where Water Sensitive Papers (WSPs) are used as collectors. Two multi-rotor UAVs (DJI T20 and T30) which consist of different sizes of pesticide tanks and rotor diameters are used as the spraying platforms. Both water-only and NJF-presence treatments are conducted for the two UAVs, respectively. The results of the CA experiment show that NJF addition can significantly reduce the CAs of the sprays. The sprays with 0.5‰ NJF obtain the lowest CA within the observing time, suggesting a better spread ability on solid surface (e.g., WSPs or/and leaves). With respect to the effects of NJF addition on individual UAVs, the field trial results indicate that NJF addition can remarkably increase both the droplet coverage and VMD at three canopy layers, except for T30 droplet coverage of the inside and bottom layers. Comparing the difference of droplet coverage between two UAVs, while significant difference is found in the same layer before NJF addition, there is no notable diff…
bibliographic citation: Meng et al. (2022) UAV spraying on citrus crop: impact of tank-mix adjuvant on the contact angle and droplet distribution. PeerJ 10:e13064 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13064
date submitted: 2021-11-11
date accepted: 2022-02-14
issued: 2022-03-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Meng
  given name: Yanhua
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhong
  given name: Wanqiang
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Cunjia
author list: Agent
  family name: Su
  given name: Jinya
author list: Agent
  family name: Su
  given name: Jiyuan
author list: Agent
  family name: Lan
  given name: Yubin
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Zhiguo
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Meimei
doi: 10.7717/peerj.13064
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-03-11
copyright: © 2022 Meng et al.
attribution name: Meng et al.

The Significance of the preoperative lactate dehydrogenase/albumin Ratio in the Prognosis of Colon Cancer: a retrospective study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background We explored the relationship between the platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), the prognostic nutritional index (PNI), the lactate dehydrogenase-albumin ratio (LDH/albumin ratio; LAR), the controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score, and the long-term survival of colon cancer patients. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical data and follow-up materials of 126 patients with colon cancer who underwent surgical treatment in the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery of Jiangnan University Affiliated Hospital from June 2012 to December 2015. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to distinguish the high ratio group from the low ratio group. The Kaplan Meier method was used to draw the survival curve in our survival analysis. The log rank test was used for the univariate analysis and the Cox multivariate regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between preoperative PLR, PNI, LAR, conut scores, and overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) of patients with colon cancer. Results The median follow-up time was 72 months. The OS rates at 3 and 5 years were 83.3% and 78.5%, respectively. The PFS rates at 3 and 5 years were 79.3% and 77.6%, respectively. The 3-year and 5-year OS rates in the low LAR group (≤4.91) were 90.9% and 87.1%, respectively, and were 56.0% and 44.0% in the high LAR group (>4.91) respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the LAR value was correlated with OS and PFS (P < 0.05). Conclusion A high preoperative LAR is an independent predictor of the prognosis of colon cancer patients.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Zhihui Xie
creator: Hui Zhou
creator: Lei Wang
creator: Yibo Wu
subject: Gastroenterology and Hepatology
subject: Hematology
subject: Immunology
subject: Oncology
subject: Surgery and Surgical Specialties
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.13091
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Xie et al.
abstract: Background We explored the relationship between the platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), the prognostic nutritional index (PNI), the lactate dehydrogenase-albumin ratio (LDH/albumin ratio; LAR), the controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score, and the long-term survival of colon cancer patients. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical data and follow-up materials of 126 patients with colon cancer who underwent surgical treatment in the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery of Jiangnan University Affiliated Hospital from June 2012 to December 2015. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to distinguish the high ratio group from the low ratio group. The Kaplan Meier method was used to draw the survival curve in our survival analysis. The log rank test was used for the univariate analysis and the Cox multivariate regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between preoperative PLR, PNI, LAR, conut scores, and overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) of patients with colon cancer. Results The median follow-up time was 72 months. The OS rates at 3 and 5 years were 83.3% and 78.5%, respectively. The PFS rates at 3 and 5 years were 79.3% and 77.6%, respectively. The 3-year and 5-year OS rates in the low LAR group (≤4.91) were 90.9% and 87.1%, respectively, and were 56.0% and 44.0% in the high LAR group (>4.91) respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the LAR value was correlated with OS and PFS (P < 0.05). Conclusion A high preoperative LAR is an independent predictor of the prognosis of colon cancer patients.
bibliographic citation: Xie et al. (2022) The Significance of the preoperative lactate dehydrogenase/albumin Ratio in the Prognosis of Colon Cancer: a retrospective study. PeerJ 10:e13091 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13091
date submitted: 2021-07-21
date accepted: 2022-02-18
issued: 2022-03-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Xie
  given name: Zhihui
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Hui
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Lei
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Yibo
doi: 10.7717/peerj.13091
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-03-11
copyright: © 2022 Xie et al.
attribution name: Xie et al.

Comparison and correlation of cervical proprioception and muscle endurance in general joint hypermobility participants with and without non-specific neck pain—a cross-sectional study
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Cervical proprioception and muscle endurance are essential for maintaining cervical functional joint stability. Proprioception and muscle endurance may be impaired in those with general joint hypermobility (GJH). Examining these aspects is crucial. This study’s aims are to (1) compare the cervical joint position error (JPE) and muscle endurance holding capacities in GJH individuals with and without non-specific neck pain (NSNP) (2) to assess the relationship between hypermobility Beighton scores, cervical JPE’s, and muscle endurance in GJH individuals with and without NSNP. Methods In this cross-sectional comparative study, 33 GJH participants with NSNP (mean age 21.7 ± 1.8 years) and 35 asymptomatic participants GJH (mean age 22.42 ± 1.7 years) participated. Beighton’s score of ≥4 of 9 tests was used as criteria to diagnose GJH. Cervical JPEs were estimated in degrees using a cervical range of motion device, and muscle endurance (flexor and extensor) were estimated in seconds using a stopwatch. Results GJH participants with NSNP showed significantly larger cervical JPEs (p < 0.001) and decreased muscle endurance holding times (p < 0.001) compared to asymptomatic participants. Beighton hypermobility scores showed a significant moderate positive correlation with cervical JPEs (flexion: r = 0.43, p = 0.013), left rotation: r = 0.47, p = 0.005, right rotation: r = 0.57, p = 0.001) in NSNP individuals. Also, Beighton hypermobility scores showed a moderate negative correlation with muscle endurance in NSNP (flexor muscles: r = −0.40, p = 0.020, extensor muscles: r = −0.41, p = 0.020, and asymptomatic individuals (flexor muscles: −0.34, p = 0.045, extensor muscles: r = −0.45, p = 0.007). Conclusion GJH individuals with NSNP showed increased cervical JPEs and reduced muscle endurance compared to asymptomatic. Individuals with GJH with higher Beighton scores demonstrated increased cervical JPEs and reduced neck muscle endurance holding ability. In clinical practi…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Ravi Shankar Reddy
creator: Jaya Shanker Tedla
creator: Mastour Saeed Alshahrani
creator: Faisal Asiri
creator: Venkata Nagaraj Kakaraparthi
subject: Anesthesiology and Pain Management
subject: Orthopedics
subject: Rheumatology
subject: Rehabilitation
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.13097
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Reddy et al.
abstract: Background Cervical proprioception and muscle endurance are essential for maintaining cervical functional joint stability. Proprioception and muscle endurance may be impaired in those with general joint hypermobility (GJH). Examining these aspects is crucial. This study’s aims are to (1) compare the cervical joint position error (JPE) and muscle endurance holding capacities in GJH individuals with and without non-specific neck pain (NSNP) (2) to assess the relationship between hypermobility Beighton scores, cervical JPE’s, and muscle endurance in GJH individuals with and without NSNP. Methods In this cross-sectional comparative study, 33 GJH participants with NSNP (mean age 21.7 ± 1.8 years) and 35 asymptomatic participants GJH (mean age 22.42 ± 1.7 years) participated. Beighton’s score of ≥4 of 9 tests was used as criteria to diagnose GJH. Cervical JPEs were estimated in degrees using a cervical range of motion device, and muscle endurance (flexor and extensor) were estimated in seconds using a stopwatch. Results GJH participants with NSNP showed significantly larger cervical JPEs (p < 0.001) and decreased muscle endurance holding times (p < 0.001) compared to asymptomatic participants. Beighton hypermobility scores showed a significant moderate positive correlation with cervical JPEs (flexion: r = 0.43, p = 0.013), left rotation: r = 0.47, p = 0.005, right rotation: r = 0.57, p = 0.001) in NSNP individuals. Also, Beighton hypermobility scores showed a moderate negative correlation with muscle endurance in NSNP (flexor muscles: r = −0.40, p = 0.020, extensor muscles: r = −0.41, p = 0.020, and asymptomatic individuals (flexor muscles: −0.34, p = 0.045, extensor muscles: r = −0.45, p = 0.007). Conclusion GJH individuals with NSNP showed increased cervical JPEs and reduced muscle endurance compared to asymptomatic. Individuals with GJH with higher Beighton scores demonstrated increased cervical JPEs and reduced neck muscle endurance holding ability. In clinical practi…
bibliographic citation: Reddy et al. (2022) Comparison and correlation of cervical proprioception and muscle endurance in general joint hypermobility participants with and without non-specific neck pain—a cross-sectional study. PeerJ 10:e13097 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13097
date submitted: 2021-11-22
date accepted: 2022-02-20
issued: 2022-03-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Reddy
  given name: Ravi Shankar
author list: Agent
  family name: Tedla
  given name: Jaya Shanker
author list: Agent
  family name: Alshahrani
  given name: Mastour Saeed
author list: Agent
  family name: Asiri
  given name: Faisal
author list: Agent
  family name: Kakaraparthi
  given name: Venkata Nagaraj
doi: 10.7717/peerj.13097
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-03-11
copyright: © 2022 Reddy et al.
attribution name: Reddy et al.

Stage 2 registered report: investigating a preference for certainty in conversation among autistic adults
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Social communication difficulties are a diagnostic feature in autism. These difficulties are sometimes attributed, at least in part, to impaired ability in making inferences about what other people mean. In this registered report, we tested a competing hypothesis that the communication profile of adults on the autism spectrum can be more strongly characterised by reduced confidence in making inferences in the face of uncertain information. We tested this hypothesis by comparing the performance of 102 autistic and 109 non-autistic adults on a test of implied meaning, using a test of grammaticality judgements as a control task. We hypothesised that autistic adults would report substantially lower confidence, allowing for differences in accuracy, than non-autistic adults on the test of implied meaning compared to the grammaticality test. However, our results did not suggest this. Instead, we found that accuracy and confidence were both reduced to a similar extent on the test of implied meaning in the autistic group compared to the control group, although these were only subtle differences. This pattern of results was specific to inference-making, as the autistic and non-autistic groups did not differ on the grammar test. This supports the idea that specific differences in pragmatic language processing can exist in autism in the absence of core language problems. Importantly, this pattern of results (differences on the test of implied meaning and no differences on the grammar test) was reversed in a group with self-reported reading difficulties, indicating that the differences in inference-making were specific to the autistic group. Lastly, we found relationships between Intolerance of Uncertainty, performance on the test of implied meaning, and self-reported social communication challenges. This supports the idea that discomfort with uncertainty plays a role in the pragmatic language and communication challenges in autism.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Alexander C. Wilson
creator: Dorothy V.M. Bishop
subject: Neuroscience
subject: Psychiatry and Psychology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.13110
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2022 Wilson and Bishop
abstract: Social communication difficulties are a diagnostic feature in autism. These difficulties are sometimes attributed, at least in part, to impaired ability in making inferences about what other people mean. In this registered report, we tested a competing hypothesis that the communication profile of adults on the autism spectrum can be more strongly characterised by reduced confidence in making inferences in the face of uncertain information. We tested this hypothesis by comparing the performance of 102 autistic and 109 non-autistic adults on a test of implied meaning, using a test of grammaticality judgements as a control task. We hypothesised that autistic adults would report substantially lower confidence, allowing for differences in accuracy, than non-autistic adults on the test of implied meaning compared to the grammaticality test. However, our results did not suggest this. Instead, we found that accuracy and confidence were both reduced to a similar extent on the test of implied meaning in the autistic group compared to the control group, although these were only subtle differences. This pattern of results was specific to inference-making, as the autistic and non-autistic groups did not differ on the grammar test. This supports the idea that specific differences in pragmatic language processing can exist in autism in the absence of core language problems. Importantly, this pattern of results (differences on the test of implied meaning and no differences on the grammar test) was reversed in a group with self-reported reading difficulties, indicating that the differences in inference-making were specific to the autistic group. Lastly, we found relationships between Intolerance of Uncertainty, performance on the test of implied meaning, and self-reported social communication challenges. This supports the idea that discomfort with uncertainty plays a role in the pragmatic language and communication challenges in autism.
bibliographic citation: Wilson et al. (2022) Stage 2 registered report: investigating a preference for certainty in conversation among autistic adults. PeerJ 10:e13110 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13110
date submitted: 2021-12-20
date accepted: 2022-02-22
issued: 2022-03-11
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Wilson
  given name: Alexander C.
author list: Agent
  family name: Bishop
  given name: Dorothy V.M.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.13110
volume: 10
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2022-03-11
copyright: ©2022 Wilson and Bishop
attribution name: Wilson and Bishop

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