PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Characteristics of craniofacial morphology and factors affecting them in patients with isolated cleft palate
items: Identification and comparison of circular RNAs in preeclampsia
items: Sexual dimorphism and skull size and shape in the highly specialized snake species, Aipysurus eydouxii (Elapidae: Hydrophiinae)
items: Naturally-occurring tooth wear, tooth fracture, and cranial injuries in large carnivores from Zambia
items: Geology and taphonomy of a unique tyrannosaurid bonebed from the upper Campanian Kaiparowits Formation of southern Utah: implications for tyrannosaurid gregariousness
items: FNDC5 expression closely correlates with muscle fiber types in porcine longissimus dorsi muscle and regulates myosin heavy chains (MyHCs) mRNA expression in C2C12 cells
items: Diabetic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes: a review of pathogenic mechanisms, patient-related factors and therapeutic options
items: Mycelial compatibility, anastomosis, and nucleus numbers of eight Mexican Hirsutella citriformis strains isolated from Diaphorina citri
items: Elatostema qinzhouense (Urticaceae), a new species from limestone karst in Guangxi, China
items: A DNA barcode library for the butterflies of North America

Characteristics of craniofacial morphology and factors affecting them in patients with isolated cleft palate
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Myriad maxillo-mandibular occlusal relationships are observed in patients with isolated cleft palate (ICP), unlike in patients with other cleft types, such as cleft lip and palate. Objectives This study aimed to categorise the characteristics of craniofacial morphology in patients with ICP, and investigate the clinical factors affecting these categorised morphological characteristics. Methods Thirty-six girls with ICP (age (mean ± SD): 5.36 ± 0.36 years) underwent cephalometric measurement. Their craniofacial morphology was categorised using cluster analysis. Profilograms were created and superimposed onto the standard Japanese profilograms to visualise the morphological characteristics of each group (cluster). The mean values and variations in the linear and angular measurements of each group were compared with the Japanese standards and statistically analysed using Dunnett’s test after the analysis of variance. Fisher’s exact test was used to analyse the differences between the cleft types (cleft in the hard and/or soft palate) and skills of the operating surgeons in the groups. Results Cluster analysis of craniofacial morphologies in patients with ICP resulted in the formation of three categories: the first cluster exhibited a relatively harmonious anteroposterior relationship between the maxilla and the mandible (22.2%); the second cluster exhibited crossbite owing to a significantly smaller maxilla (33.3%); and the third cluster exhibited a smaller mandible with posterior rotation showing skeletal class II malocclusion (44.4%). Differences in cleft types and surgeons were not associated with the distribution of patients in each cluster. Conclusions Patients with ICP exhibited characteristic morphological patterns, such as bimaxillary retrusion or severe mandibular retrusion, besides the anterior crossbite frequently found in patients with cleft lip and palate . Understanding the typical morphological characteristics could enable better diagnostic cat…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Kyoko Tsuji
creator: Naoto Haruyama
creator: Shunsuke Nomura
creator: Naohisa Murata
creator: Keigo Yoshizaki
creator: Takeshi Mitsuyasu
creator: Hiroyuki Nakano
creator: Seiji Nakamura
creator: Yoshihide Mori
creator: Ichiro Takahashi
subject: Dentistry
subject: Pediatrics
subject: Surgery and Surgical Specialties
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.11297
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2021 Tsuji et al.
abstract: Background Myriad maxillo-mandibular occlusal relationships are observed in patients with isolated cleft palate (ICP), unlike in patients with other cleft types, such as cleft lip and palate. Objectives This study aimed to categorise the characteristics of craniofacial morphology in patients with ICP, and investigate the clinical factors affecting these categorised morphological characteristics. Methods Thirty-six girls with ICP (age (mean ± SD): 5.36 ± 0.36 years) underwent cephalometric measurement. Their craniofacial morphology was categorised using cluster analysis. Profilograms were created and superimposed onto the standard Japanese profilograms to visualise the morphological characteristics of each group (cluster). The mean values and variations in the linear and angular measurements of each group were compared with the Japanese standards and statistically analysed using Dunnett’s test after the analysis of variance. Fisher’s exact test was used to analyse the differences between the cleft types (cleft in the hard and/or soft palate) and skills of the operating surgeons in the groups. Results Cluster analysis of craniofacial morphologies in patients with ICP resulted in the formation of three categories: the first cluster exhibited a relatively harmonious anteroposterior relationship between the maxilla and the mandible (22.2%); the second cluster exhibited crossbite owing to a significantly smaller maxilla (33.3%); and the third cluster exhibited a smaller mandible with posterior rotation showing skeletal class II malocclusion (44.4%). Differences in cleft types and surgeons were not associated with the distribution of patients in each cluster. Conclusions Patients with ICP exhibited characteristic morphological patterns, such as bimaxillary retrusion or severe mandibular retrusion, besides the anterior crossbite frequently found in patients with cleft lip and palate . Understanding the typical morphological characteristics could enable better diagnostic cat…
bibliographic citation: Tsuji et al. (2021) Characteristics of craniofacial morphology and factors affecting them in patients with isolated cleft palate. PeerJ 9:e11297 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11297
date submitted: 2020-10-15
date accepted: 2021-03-28
issued: 2021-04-20
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Tsuji
  given name: Kyoko
author list: Agent
  family name: Haruyama
  given name: Naoto
author list: Agent
  family name: Nomura
  given name: Shunsuke
author list: Agent
  family name: Murata
  given name: Naohisa
author list: Agent
  family name: Yoshizaki
  given name: Keigo
author list: Agent
  family name: Mitsuyasu
  given name: Takeshi
author list: Agent
  family name: Nakano
  given name: Hiroyuki
author list: Agent
  family name: Nakamura
  given name: Seiji
author list: Agent
  family name: Mori
  given name: Yoshihide
author list: Agent
  family name: Takahashi
  given name: Ichiro
doi: 10.7717/peerj.11297
volume: 9
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2021-04-20
copyright: © 2021 Tsuji et al.
attribution name: Tsuji et al.

Identification and comparison of circular RNAs in preeclampsia
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific syndrome, belongs to the gestational hypertension diseases category and is considered among the causes of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. However, the pathogenesis of PE is still vague. Methods In the present study, the circular RNA (circRNA) expression patterns of normal pregnant women and PE patients were investigated using whole RNA sequencing. Results A total of 151 differential expressed circRNAs were identified including 121 upregulated and 30 downregulated ones. Functional and pathway enrichment analysis was conducted on the differentially expressed circRNAs using Gene Ontology and KEGG databases. The results of this analysis indicated that several crucial biological processes and pathways were enriched in PE patients. circRNA–microRNA (miRNA) interaction analysis indicated that the reported differentially expresse circRNAs may be associated with some regulatory functions through miRNAs in PE patients. Two ceRNAs networks were constructed according to the targeting relationship between circRNAs/miRNAs and miRNAs/mRNAs. One sub-network contained one upregulated circRNA, four downregulated miRNAs and five upregulated mRNAs, and another sub-network contained 10 downregulated circRNAs, 21 upregulated miRNAs and 15 downregulated mRNAs. Conclusion CircRNA expression patterns have been investigated and this analysis revealed their potential regulatory mechanisms in PE patients. We constructed the ceRNAs (competing endogenous RNA) to reveal the potential molecular roles of dysregulated circRNAs in the PE patients using RNA sequencing data. circRNA_13301 was the only one upregulated circRNA in ceRNA being targeted by four miRNAs.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Zepeng Ping
creator: Ling Ai
creator: Huaxiang Shen
creator: Xing Zhang
creator: Huling Jiang
creator: Ye Song
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Gynecology and Obstetrics
subject: Women’s Health
subject: Medical Genetics
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.11299
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2021 Ping et al.
abstract: Background Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific syndrome, belongs to the gestational hypertension diseases category and is considered among the causes of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. However, the pathogenesis of PE is still vague. Methods In the present study, the circular RNA (circRNA) expression patterns of normal pregnant women and PE patients were investigated using whole RNA sequencing. Results A total of 151 differential expressed circRNAs were identified including 121 upregulated and 30 downregulated ones. Functional and pathway enrichment analysis was conducted on the differentially expressed circRNAs using Gene Ontology and KEGG databases. The results of this analysis indicated that several crucial biological processes and pathways were enriched in PE patients. circRNA–microRNA (miRNA) interaction analysis indicated that the reported differentially expresse circRNAs may be associated with some regulatory functions through miRNAs in PE patients. Two ceRNAs networks were constructed according to the targeting relationship between circRNAs/miRNAs and miRNAs/mRNAs. One sub-network contained one upregulated circRNA, four downregulated miRNAs and five upregulated mRNAs, and another sub-network contained 10 downregulated circRNAs, 21 upregulated miRNAs and 15 downregulated mRNAs. Conclusion CircRNA expression patterns have been investigated and this analysis revealed their potential regulatory mechanisms in PE patients. We constructed the ceRNAs (competing endogenous RNA) to reveal the potential molecular roles of dysregulated circRNAs in the PE patients using RNA sequencing data. circRNA_13301 was the only one upregulated circRNA in ceRNA being targeted by four miRNAs.
bibliographic citation: Ping et al. (2021) Identification and comparison of circular RNAs in preeclampsia. PeerJ 9:e11299 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11299
date submitted: 2020-10-01
date accepted: 2021-03-29
issued: 2021-04-20
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Ping
  given name: Zepeng
author list: Agent
  family name: Ai
  given name: Ling
author list: Agent
  family name: Shen
  given name: Huaxiang
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Xing
author list: Agent
  family name: Jiang
  given name: Huling
author list: Agent
  family name: Song
  given name: Ye
doi: 10.7717/peerj.11299
volume: 9
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2021-04-20
copyright: ©2021 Ping et al.
attribution name: Ping et al.

Sexual dimorphism and skull size and shape in the highly specialized snake species, Aipysurus eydouxii (Elapidae: Hydrophiinae)
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Snakes exhibit sexual dimorphism in both head size and shape. Such differences are often attributed to different reproductive roles and feeding habits. We aim to investigate how sexual dimorphism is displayed in the highly specialised fish-egg-eating snake, Aipysurus eydouxii, by analysing two complementary features: body size and skull morphology. Methods We used data on body length, weight, and skull shape from 27 measurements of 116 males and females of A. eydouxii. We investigated both sexual dimorphism and allometric (multivariate and bi-variate) properties of skull growth in the analysed data set. Results We found that although there was female-biased sexual size dimorphism in body length, females were not heavier than males, contrary to what is commonly observed pattern among snakes. Moreover, females tend to possess relatively smaller heads than males. However, we only found very subtle differences in skull shape reflected in nasal width, mandibular fossa, quadrate crest and quadrate length. Discussion We suggest that the feeding specialisation in A. eydouxii does not allow for an increase in body thickness and the size of the head above a certain threshold. Our results may be interpreted as support for prey-size divergence as a factor driving skull dimorphism since such species in which the sexes do not differ in prey size also shows very subtle or no differences in skull morphology.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Bartosz Borczyk
creator: Łukasz Paśko
creator: Jan Kusznierz
creator: Stanisław Bury
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.11311
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2021 Borczyk et al.
abstract: Background Snakes exhibit sexual dimorphism in both head size and shape. Such differences are often attributed to different reproductive roles and feeding habits. We aim to investigate how sexual dimorphism is displayed in the highly specialised fish-egg-eating snake, Aipysurus eydouxii, by analysing two complementary features: body size and skull morphology. Methods We used data on body length, weight, and skull shape from 27 measurements of 116 males and females of A. eydouxii. We investigated both sexual dimorphism and allometric (multivariate and bi-variate) properties of skull growth in the analysed data set. Results We found that although there was female-biased sexual size dimorphism in body length, females were not heavier than males, contrary to what is commonly observed pattern among snakes. Moreover, females tend to possess relatively smaller heads than males. However, we only found very subtle differences in skull shape reflected in nasal width, mandibular fossa, quadrate crest and quadrate length. Discussion We suggest that the feeding specialisation in A. eydouxii does not allow for an increase in body thickness and the size of the head above a certain threshold. Our results may be interpreted as support for prey-size divergence as a factor driving skull dimorphism since such species in which the sexes do not differ in prey size also shows very subtle or no differences in skull morphology.
bibliographic citation: Borczyk et al. (2021) Sexual dimorphism and skull size and shape in the highly specialized snake species, Aipysurus eydouxii (Elapidae: Hydrophiinae). PeerJ 9:e11311 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11311
date submitted: 2018-07-18
date accepted: 2021-03-29
issued: 2021-04-20
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Borczyk
  given name: Bartosz
author list: Agent
  family name: Paśko
  given name: Łukasz
author list: Agent
  family name: Kusznierz
  given name: Jan
author list: Agent
  family name: Bury
  given name: Stanisław
doi: 10.7717/peerj.11311
volume: 9
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2021-04-20
copyright: © 2021 Borczyk et al.
attribution name: Borczyk et al.

Naturally-occurring tooth wear, tooth fracture, and cranial injuries in large carnivores from Zambia
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Determining the incidence and causes of craniodental damage in wild carnivores is often constrained by limited access to specimens with associated ecological data, such as prey type and abundance. We assessed dental condition and cranial injuries in lion, leopard, and spotted hyena in relation to prey and predator populations in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley, where large prey are more abundant and lion and leopard more numerous, and the Greater Kafue Ecosystem, where smaller prey species are more prevalent and lion and leopard less common. In Luangwa, lions had significantly higher rates of tooth fracture, and blunt trauma injuries attributable to prey-handling, compared to Kafue lions. In contrast, leopards in both regions had similar rates of tooth wear and breakage. Overall, lions showed a significantly higher tooth fracture rate than leopards on a per tooth basis. Spotted hyenas had the highest rates of tooth wear and fracture among all three carnivores, and greatly exceeded previously recorded rates based on historical samples. Despite larger numbers of lion and leopard in Luangwa, there was no difference in incidence of intraspecific injuries between regions. These results are consistent with a greater abundance of large prey species, especially buffalo, in the diets of Luangwa lions, and previous work showing a reliance on smaller prey species in Kafue throughout the large carnivore guild.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Blaire Van Valkenburgh
creator: Paula A. White
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Conservation Biology
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.11313
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2021 Van Valkenburgh and White
abstract: Determining the incidence and causes of craniodental damage in wild carnivores is often constrained by limited access to specimens with associated ecological data, such as prey type and abundance. We assessed dental condition and cranial injuries in lion, leopard, and spotted hyena in relation to prey and predator populations in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley, where large prey are more abundant and lion and leopard more numerous, and the Greater Kafue Ecosystem, where smaller prey species are more prevalent and lion and leopard less common. In Luangwa, lions had significantly higher rates of tooth fracture, and blunt trauma injuries attributable to prey-handling, compared to Kafue lions. In contrast, leopards in both regions had similar rates of tooth wear and breakage. Overall, lions showed a significantly higher tooth fracture rate than leopards on a per tooth basis. Spotted hyenas had the highest rates of tooth wear and fracture among all three carnivores, and greatly exceeded previously recorded rates based on historical samples. Despite larger numbers of lion and leopard in Luangwa, there was no difference in incidence of intraspecific injuries between regions. These results are consistent with a greater abundance of large prey species, especially buffalo, in the diets of Luangwa lions, and previous work showing a reliance on smaller prey species in Kafue throughout the large carnivore guild.
bibliographic citation: Van Valkenburgh et al. (2021) Naturally-occurring tooth wear, tooth fracture, and cranial injuries in large carnivores from Zambia. PeerJ 9:e11313 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11313
date submitted: 2021-01-05
date accepted: 2021-03-30
issued: 2021-04-20
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Van Valkenburgh
  given name: Blaire
author list: Agent
  family name: White
  given name: Paula A.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.11313
volume: 9
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2021-04-20
copyright: © 2021 Van Valkenburgh and White
attribution name: Van Valkenburgh and White

Geology and taphonomy of a unique tyrannosaurid bonebed from the upper Campanian Kaiparowits Formation of southern Utah: implications for tyrannosaurid gregariousness
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Tyrannosaurids are hypothesized to be gregarious, possibly parasocial carnivores engaging in cooperative hunting and extended parental care. A tyrannosaurid (cf. Teratophoneus curriei) bonebed in the late Campanian age Kaiparowits Formation of southern Utah, nicknamed the Rainbows and Unicorns Quarry (RUQ), provides the first opportunity to investigate possible tyrannosaurid gregariousness in a taxon unique to southern Laramidia. Analyses of the site’s sedimentology, fauna, flora, stable isotopes, rare earth elements (REE), charcoal content and taphonomy suggest a complex history starting with the deaths and transport of tyrannosaurids into a peri-fluvial, low-energy lacustrine setting. Isotopic and REE analyses of the fossil material yields a relatively homogeneous signature indicating the assemblage was derived from the same source and represents a fauna living in a single ecospace. Subsequent drying of the lake and fluctuating water tables simultaneously overprinted the bones with pedogenic carbonate and structurally weakened them through wet-dry cycling. Abundant charcoal recovered from the primary bone layer indicate a low temperature fire played a role in the site history, possibly triggering an avulsion that exhumed and reburied skeletal material on the margin of a new channel with minimal transport. Possible causes of mortality and concentration of the tyrannosaurids include cyanobacterial toxicosis, fire, and flooding, the latter being the preferred hypothesis. Comparisons of the RUQ site with other North American tyrannosaur bonebeds (Dry Island-Alberta; Daspletosaurus horneri-Montana) suggest all formed through similar processes. Combined with ichnological evidence, these tyrannosaur mass-burial sites could be part of an emerging pattern throughout Laramidia reflecting innate tyrannosaurid behavior such as habitual gregariousness.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Alan L. Titus
creator: Katja Knoll
creator: Joseph J.W. Sertich
creator: Daigo Yamamura
creator: Celina A. Suarez
creator: Ian J. Glasspool
creator: Jonathan E. Ginouves
creator: Abigail K. Lukacic
creator: Eric M. Roberts
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Paleontology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.11013
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2021
abstract: Tyrannosaurids are hypothesized to be gregarious, possibly parasocial carnivores engaging in cooperative hunting and extended parental care. A tyrannosaurid (cf. Teratophoneus curriei) bonebed in the late Campanian age Kaiparowits Formation of southern Utah, nicknamed the Rainbows and Unicorns Quarry (RUQ), provides the first opportunity to investigate possible tyrannosaurid gregariousness in a taxon unique to southern Laramidia. Analyses of the site’s sedimentology, fauna, flora, stable isotopes, rare earth elements (REE), charcoal content and taphonomy suggest a complex history starting with the deaths and transport of tyrannosaurids into a peri-fluvial, low-energy lacustrine setting. Isotopic and REE analyses of the fossil material yields a relatively homogeneous signature indicating the assemblage was derived from the same source and represents a fauna living in a single ecospace. Subsequent drying of the lake and fluctuating water tables simultaneously overprinted the bones with pedogenic carbonate and structurally weakened them through wet-dry cycling. Abundant charcoal recovered from the primary bone layer indicate a low temperature fire played a role in the site history, possibly triggering an avulsion that exhumed and reburied skeletal material on the margin of a new channel with minimal transport. Possible causes of mortality and concentration of the tyrannosaurids include cyanobacterial toxicosis, fire, and flooding, the latter being the preferred hypothesis. Comparisons of the RUQ site with other North American tyrannosaur bonebeds (Dry Island-Alberta; Daspletosaurus horneri-Montana) suggest all formed through similar processes. Combined with ichnological evidence, these tyrannosaur mass-burial sites could be part of an emerging pattern throughout Laramidia reflecting innate tyrannosaurid behavior such as habitual gregariousness.
bibliographic citation: Titus et al. (2021) Geology and taphonomy of a unique tyrannosaurid bonebed from the upper Campanian Kaiparowits Formation of southern Utah: implications for tyrannosaurid gregariousness. PeerJ 9:e11013 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11013
date submitted: 2020-02-21
date accepted: 2021-02-05
issued: 2021-04-19
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Titus
  given name: Alan L.
author list: Agent
  family name: Knoll
  given name: Katja
author list: Agent
  family name: Sertich
  given name: Joseph J.W.
author list: Agent
  family name: Yamamura
  given name: Daigo
author list: Agent
  family name: Suarez
  given name: Celina A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Glasspool
  given name: Ian J.
author list: Agent
  family name: Ginouves
  given name: Jonathan E.
author list: Agent
  family name: Lukacic
  given name: Abigail K.
author list: Agent
  family name: Roberts
  given name: Eric M.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.11013
volume: 9
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2021-04-19

FNDC5 expression closely correlates with muscle fiber types in porcine longissimus dorsi muscle and regulates myosin heavy chains (MyHCs) mRNA expression in C2C12 cells
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Irisin (a glycosylated protein) is cleaved from fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5), which is expressed mainly in animal muscle tissues and has multiple metabolic regulatory activities. However, their roles in controlling myofiber types in skeletal muscle remain unclear. Methodology Two different commercial hybridized pigs, LJH (a crossed pig containing Chinese native pig genotypes) and DLY (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) were selected to analyze FNDC5 mRNA expression and the mRNA composition of four adult myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms (IIIaIIxIIb) in the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle. C2C12 myoblasts were cultured to investigate the effects of FNDC5 on the four MyHCs mRNA expressive levels, using small interfering RNA for depletion and a eukaryotic expression vector carrying FNDC5 for overexpression. ZLN005 (a small molecule activator of FNDC5’s upstream control gene PGC1α) or recombinant human irisin protein were also used. Results In LD muscle, LJH pigs had the higher FNDC5 mRNA level, and MyHC I or IIa proportion than DLY pigs (P < 0.05). For C2C12 cells in vitro, small interfering RNA (si-592) silencing of FNDC5 expression markedly reduced MyHC IIa mRNA levels (P < 0.05), while FNDC5 overexpression significantly increased MyHC IIa mRNA levels (P < 0.05). Exogenous irisin increased the mRNA levels of PGC1α (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha), FNDC5, MyHCI, MyHCIIa, NRF1 (nuclear respiratory factor 1), VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), and TFAM (mitochondrial transcription factor A,) (P < 0.05), and the enzyme activities of SDH (succinate dehydrogenase), CK (creatine kinase), and MDH (malate dehydrogenase) in C2C12 myotubes (P < 0.05). These results showed that FNDC5 mRNA expression had a significant association with the characteristics of myofiber types in porcine muscle, and participated in regulating MyHCs mRNA expression of C2C12 myogenic differentiation cells in vitro. FNDC5 coul…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Xiao-Ming Men
creator: Zi-Wei Xu
creator: Xin Tao
creator: Bo Deng
creator: Ke-Ke Qi
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Food Science and Technology
subject: Genetics
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.11065
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2021 Men et al.
abstract: Background Irisin (a glycosylated protein) is cleaved from fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5), which is expressed mainly in animal muscle tissues and has multiple metabolic regulatory activities. However, their roles in controlling myofiber types in skeletal muscle remain unclear. Methodology Two different commercial hybridized pigs, LJH (a crossed pig containing Chinese native pig genotypes) and DLY (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) were selected to analyze FNDC5 mRNA expression and the mRNA composition of four adult myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms (IIIaIIxIIb) in the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle. C2C12 myoblasts were cultured to investigate the effects of FNDC5 on the four MyHCs mRNA expressive levels, using small interfering RNA for depletion and a eukaryotic expression vector carrying FNDC5 for overexpression. ZLN005 (a small molecule activator of FNDC5’s upstream control gene PGC1α) or recombinant human irisin protein were also used. Results In LD muscle, LJH pigs had the higher FNDC5 mRNA level, and MyHC I or IIa proportion than DLY pigs (P < 0.05). For C2C12 cells in vitro, small interfering RNA (si-592) silencing of FNDC5 expression markedly reduced MyHC IIa mRNA levels (P < 0.05), while FNDC5 overexpression significantly increased MyHC IIa mRNA levels (P < 0.05). Exogenous irisin increased the mRNA levels of PGC1α (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha), FNDC5, MyHCI, MyHCIIa, NRF1 (nuclear respiratory factor 1), VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), and TFAM (mitochondrial transcription factor A,) (P < 0.05), and the enzyme activities of SDH (succinate dehydrogenase), CK (creatine kinase), and MDH (malate dehydrogenase) in C2C12 myotubes (P < 0.05). These results showed that FNDC5 mRNA expression had a significant association with the characteristics of myofiber types in porcine muscle, and participated in regulating MyHCs mRNA expression of C2C12 myogenic differentiation cells in vitro. FNDC5 coul…
bibliographic citation: Men et al. (2021) FNDC5 expression closely correlates with muscle fiber types in porcine longissimus dorsi muscle and regulates myosin heavy chains (MyHCs) mRNA expression in C2C12 cells. PeerJ 9:e11065 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11065
date submitted: 2020-08-19
date accepted: 2021-02-15
issued: 2021-04-19
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Men
  given name: Xiao-Ming
author list: Agent
  family name: Xu
  given name: Zi-Wei
author list: Agent
  family name: Tao
  given name: Xin
author list: Agent
  family name: Deng
  given name: Bo
author list: Agent
  family name: Qi
  given name: Ke-Ke
doi: 10.7717/peerj.11065
volume: 9
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2021-04-19
copyright: ©2021 Men et al.
attribution name: Men et al.

Diabetic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes: a review of pathogenic mechanisms, patient-related factors and therapeutic options
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The global prevalence of diabetic kidney disease is rapidly accelerating due to an increasing number of people living with type 2 diabetes. It has become a significant global problem, increasing human and financial pressures on already overburdened healthcare systems. Interest in diabetic kidney disease has increased over the last decade and progress has been made in determining the pathogenic mechanisms and patient-related factors involved in the development and pathogenesis of this disease. A greater understanding of these factors will catalyse the development of novel treatments and influence current practice. This review summarises the latest evidence for the factors involved in the development and progression of diabetic kidney disease, which will inform better management strategies targeting such factors to improve therapeutic outcomes in patients living with diabetes.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Louise Woodhams
creator: Tin Fei Sim
creator: Leanne Chalmers
creator: Bu Yeap
creator: Daniel Green
creator: Markus Schlaich
creator: Carl Schultz
creator: Graham Hillis
subject: Diabetes and Endocrinology
subject: Nephrology
subject: Public Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.11070
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2021 Woodhams et al.
abstract: The global prevalence of diabetic kidney disease is rapidly accelerating due to an increasing number of people living with type 2 diabetes. It has become a significant global problem, increasing human and financial pressures on already overburdened healthcare systems. Interest in diabetic kidney disease has increased over the last decade and progress has been made in determining the pathogenic mechanisms and patient-related factors involved in the development and pathogenesis of this disease. A greater understanding of these factors will catalyse the development of novel treatments and influence current practice. This review summarises the latest evidence for the factors involved in the development and progression of diabetic kidney disease, which will inform better management strategies targeting such factors to improve therapeutic outcomes in patients living with diabetes.
bibliographic citation: Woodhams et al. (2021) Diabetic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes: a review of pathogenic mechanisms, patient-related factors and therapeutic options. PeerJ 9:e11070 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11070
date submitted: 2020-08-19
date accepted: 2021-02-16
issued: 2021-04-19
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Woodhams
  given name: Louise
author list: Agent
  family name: Sim
  given name: Tin Fei
author list: Agent
  family name: Chalmers
  given name: Leanne
author list: Agent
  family name: Yeap
  given name: Bu
author list: Agent
  family name: Green
  given name: Daniel
author list: Agent
  family name: Schlaich
  given name: Markus
author list: Agent
  family name: Schultz
  given name: Carl
author list: Agent
  family name: Hillis
  given name: Graham
doi: 10.7717/peerj.11070
volume: 9
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2021-04-19
copyright: ©2021 Woodhams et al.
attribution name: Woodhams et al.

Mycelial compatibility, anastomosis, and nucleus numbers of eight Mexican Hirsutella citriformis strains isolated from Diaphorina citri
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Among entomopathogenic fungi, H. citriformis has been recognized as potential biocontrol agent against the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae). Nevertheless, this fungus is poorly characterized. Previous molecular studies have shown high sequence similarities among strains, but significant differences in Diaphorina citri virulence. Objective The aim of the present study was to determine mycelial compatibility and anastomosis, and nucleus numbers in mycelium and conidia of eight H. citriformis strains isolated from mycosed D. citri adults collected from several Mexican states. Methods Mycelial compatibility and anastomosis evaluation was performed after pairing strains, leading to 36 confrontations, and cultured in chlorate minimum medium to obtain mutants for vegetative compatibility group. Results Hypha or conidia nuclei were visualized with safranin-O and 3% KOH, and 0.05% trypan blue–lactophenol solution. H. citriformis strains showed compatibly and anastomosis events after confrontation. In addition, they showed one nucleus per conidium and mycelium section. It was not possible to obtain H. citriformis nit mutants from the chlorate concentrations tested. Conclusions To date, this is the first report demonstrating mycelial compatibility, anastomosis occurrence, and hyphae and conidia nuclei number among H. citriformis strains.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Orquídea Pérez-González
creator: Ricardo Gomez-Flores
creator: Patricia Tamez-Guerra
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Microbiology
subject: Mycology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.11080
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2021 Pérez-González et al.
abstract: Background Among entomopathogenic fungi, H. citriformis has been recognized as potential biocontrol agent against the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae). Nevertheless, this fungus is poorly characterized. Previous molecular studies have shown high sequence similarities among strains, but significant differences in Diaphorina citri virulence. Objective The aim of the present study was to determine mycelial compatibility and anastomosis, and nucleus numbers in mycelium and conidia of eight H. citriformis strains isolated from mycosed D. citri adults collected from several Mexican states. Methods Mycelial compatibility and anastomosis evaluation was performed after pairing strains, leading to 36 confrontations, and cultured in chlorate minimum medium to obtain mutants for vegetative compatibility group. Results Hypha or conidia nuclei were visualized with safranin-O and 3% KOH, and 0.05% trypan blue–lactophenol solution. H. citriformis strains showed compatibly and anastomosis events after confrontation. In addition, they showed one nucleus per conidium and mycelium section. It was not possible to obtain H. citriformis nit mutants from the chlorate concentrations tested. Conclusions To date, this is the first report demonstrating mycelial compatibility, anastomosis occurrence, and hyphae and conidia nuclei number among H. citriformis strains.
bibliographic citation: Pérez-González et al. (2021) Mycelial compatibility, anastomosis, and nucleus numbers of eight Mexican Hirsutella citriformis strains isolated from Diaphorina citri. PeerJ 9:e11080 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11080
date submitted: 2020-12-04
date accepted: 2021-02-17
issued: 2021-04-19
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Pérez-González
  given name: Orquídea
author list: Agent
  family name: Gomez-Flores
  given name: Ricardo
author list: Agent
  family name: Tamez-Guerra
  given name: Patricia
doi: 10.7717/peerj.11080
volume: 9
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2021-04-19
copyright: ©2021 Pérez-González et al.
attribution name: Pérez-González et al.

Elatostema qinzhouense (Urticaceae), a new species from limestone karst in Guangxi, China
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Elatostema qinzhouense L.F. Fu, A.K. Monro & Y.G. Wei, a new species from Guangxi, China is described and illustrated. Morphologically, E. qinzhouense is most similar to E. hezhouense from which it differs by having smaller size of leaf laminae, fewer and smaller staminate peduncle bracts, longer pistillate peduncle bracts and a larger achene. This result is supported by the molecular evidence. The phylogenetic position of the new species within Elatostema is evaluated using three DNA regions, ITS, trnH-psbA and psbM-trnD, for 107 taxa of Elatostema s.l. (including E. qinzhouense). Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) analyses each recovered the same strongly supported tree topologies, indicating that E. qinzhouense is a member of the core Elatostema clade and sister to E. hezhouense. Along with the phylogenetic studies, plastid genome and ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences of the new species are assembled and annotated. The plastid genome is 150,398 bp in length and comprises two inverted repeats (IRs) of 24,688 bp separated by a large single-copy of 83,919 bp and a small single-copy of 17,103 bp. A total of 113 functional genes are recovered, comprising 79 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. The rDNA is 5,804 bp in length and comprised the 18S ribosomal RNA partial sequence (1,809 bp), internal transcribed spacer 1 (213 bp), 5.8S ribosomal RNA (164 bp), internal transcribed spacer 2 (248 bp) and 26S ribosomal RNA partial sequence (3,370 bp). In addition, the chromosome number of E. qinzhouense is observed to be 2n = 26, suggesting that the species is diploid. Given a consistent relationship between ploidy level and reproductive system in Elatostema, the new species is also considered to be sexually reproducing. Our assessment of the extinction threat for E. qinzhouense is that it is Endangered (EN) according to the criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Longfei Fu
creator: Alexandre K. Monro
creator: Tiange Yang
creator: Fang Wen
creator: Bo Pan
creator: Zibing Xin
creator: Zhixiang Zhang
creator: Yigang Wei
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Conservation Biology
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Plant Science
subject: Taxonomy
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.11148
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2021 Fu et al.
abstract: Elatostema qinzhouense L.F. Fu, A.K. Monro & Y.G. Wei, a new species from Guangxi, China is described and illustrated. Morphologically, E. qinzhouense is most similar to E. hezhouense from which it differs by having smaller size of leaf laminae, fewer and smaller staminate peduncle bracts, longer pistillate peduncle bracts and a larger achene. This result is supported by the molecular evidence. The phylogenetic position of the new species within Elatostema is evaluated using three DNA regions, ITS, trnH-psbA and psbM-trnD, for 107 taxa of Elatostema s.l. (including E. qinzhouense). Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) analyses each recovered the same strongly supported tree topologies, indicating that E. qinzhouense is a member of the core Elatostema clade and sister to E. hezhouense. Along with the phylogenetic studies, plastid genome and ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences of the new species are assembled and annotated. The plastid genome is 150,398 bp in length and comprises two inverted repeats (IRs) of 24,688 bp separated by a large single-copy of 83,919 bp and a small single-copy of 17,103 bp. A total of 113 functional genes are recovered, comprising 79 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. The rDNA is 5,804 bp in length and comprised the 18S ribosomal RNA partial sequence (1,809 bp), internal transcribed spacer 1 (213 bp), 5.8S ribosomal RNA (164 bp), internal transcribed spacer 2 (248 bp) and 26S ribosomal RNA partial sequence (3,370 bp). In addition, the chromosome number of E. qinzhouense is observed to be 2n = 26, suggesting that the species is diploid. Given a consistent relationship between ploidy level and reproductive system in Elatostema, the new species is also considered to be sexually reproducing. Our assessment of the extinction threat for E. qinzhouense is that it is Endangered (EN) according to the criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
bibliographic citation: Fu et al. (2021) Elatostema qinzhouense (Urticaceae), a new species from limestone karst in Guangxi, China. PeerJ 9:e11148 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11148
date submitted: 2020-12-13
date accepted: 2021-03-03
issued: 2021-04-19
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
author list: Agent
  family name: Fu
  given name: Longfei
author list: Agent
  family name: Monro
  given name: Alexandre K.
author list: Agent
  family name: Yang
  given name: Tiange
author list: Agent
  family name: Wen
  given name: Fang
author list: Agent
  family name: Pan
  given name: Bo
author list: Agent
  family name: Xin
  given name: Zibing
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Zhixiang
author list: Agent
  family name: Wei
  given name: Yigang
doi: 10.7717/peerj.11148
volume: 9
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2021-04-19
copyright: ©2021 Fu et al.
attribution name: Fu et al.

A DNA barcode library for the butterflies of North America
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Although the butterflies of North America have received considerable taxonomic attention, overlooked species and instances of hybridization continue to be revealed. The present study assembles a DNA barcode reference library for this fauna to identify groups whose patterns of sequence variation suggest the need for further taxonomic study. Based on 14,626 records from 814 species, DNA barcodes were obtained for 96% of the fauna. The maximum intraspecific distance averaged 1/4 the minimum distance to the nearest neighbor, producing a barcode gap in 76% of the species. Most species (80%) were monophyletic, the others were para- or polyphyletic. Although 15% of currently recognized species shared barcodes, the incidence of such taxa was far higher in regions exposed to Pleistocene glaciations than in those that were ice-free. Nearly 10% of species displayed high intraspecific variation (>2.5%), suggesting the need for further investigation to assess potential cryptic diversity. Aside from aiding the identification of all life stages of North American butterflies, the reference library has provided new perspectives on the incidence of both cryptic and potentially over-split species, setting the stage for future studies that can further explore the evolutionary dynamics of this group.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jacopo D’Ercole
creator: Vlad Dincă
creator: Paul A. Opler
creator: Norbert Kondla
creator: Christian Schmidt
creator: Jarrett D. Phillips
creator: Robert Robbins
creator: John M. Burns
creator: Scott E. Miller
creator: Nick Grishin
creator: Evgeny V. Zakharov
creator: Jeremy R. DeWaard
creator: Sujeevan Ratnasingham
creator: Paul D.N. Hebert
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Conservation Biology
subject: Entomology
subject: Taxonomy
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.11157
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2021 D’Ercole et al.
abstract: Although the butterflies of North America have received considerable taxonomic attention, overlooked species and instances of hybridization continue to be revealed. The present study assembles a DNA barcode reference library for this fauna to identify groups whose patterns of sequence variation suggest the need for further taxonomic study. Based on 14,626 records from 814 species, DNA barcodes were obtained for 96% of the fauna. The maximum intraspecific distance averaged 1/4 the minimum distance to the nearest neighbor, producing a barcode gap in 76% of the species. Most species (80%) were monophyletic, the others were para- or polyphyletic. Although 15% of currently recognized species shared barcodes, the incidence of such taxa was far higher in regions exposed to Pleistocene glaciations than in those that were ice-free. Nearly 10% of species displayed high intraspecific variation (>2.5%), suggesting the need for further investigation to assess potential cryptic diversity. Aside from aiding the identification of all life stages of North American butterflies, the reference library has provided new perspectives on the incidence of both cryptic and potentially over-split species, setting the stage for future studies that can further explore the evolutionary dynamics of this group.
bibliographic citation: D’Ercole et al. (2021) A DNA barcode library for the butterflies of North America. PeerJ 9:e11157 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11157
date submitted: 2020-05-07
date accepted: 2021-03-04
issued: 2021-04-19
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: D’Ercole
  given name: Jacopo
author list: Agent
  family name: Dincă
  given name: Vlad
author list: Agent
  family name: Opler
  given name: Paul A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Kondla
  given name: Norbert
author list: Agent
  family name: Schmidt
  given name: Christian
author list: Agent
  family name: Phillips
  given name: Jarrett D.
author list: Agent
  family name: Robbins
  given name: Robert
author list: Agent
  family name: Burns
  given name: John M.
author list: Agent
  family name: Miller
  given name: Scott E.
author list: Agent
  family name: Grishin
  given name: Nick
author list: Agent
  family name: Zakharov
  given name: Evgeny V.
author list: Agent
  family name: DeWaard
  given name: Jeremy R.
author list: Agent
  family name: Ratnasingham
  given name: Sujeevan
author list: Agent
  family name: Hebert
  given name: Paul D.N.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.11157
volume: 9
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2021-04-19
copyright: ©2021 D’Ercole et al.
attribution name: D’Ercole et al.

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