title: PeerJ description: Articles published in PeerJ link: https://peerj.com/articles/index.rss3?journal=peerj&page=102 creator: info@peerj.com PeerJ errorsTo: info@peerj.com PeerJ language: en title: Increasing leaf sizes of the vine Epipremnum aureum (Araceae): photosynthesis and respiration link: https://peerj.com/articles/19214 last-modified: 2025-04-04 description: The canopy leaves of allomorphic aroid vines can exceed 2,000 cm2, up to 30 times larger than respective understorey leaves. In the literature, this allomorphic increase in leaf area of aroid vines was hypothesized to improve its light foraging capacity. The viability of these large leaves depends on carbon acquisition obtained from their larger area and on the respective costs of production, maintenance and support. To evaluate and understand how leaf enlargement affects performance, we analyzed the photosynthesis and respiration of Epipremnum aureum leaves of different sizes via photosynthetic response light curves, morpho-physiology and anatomical parameters. Leaf size was increased by varying growth direction (horizontal vs. vertical) and light conditions (low vs. high). Vertical plants in high light produced leaves 9–13 times larger than those under other conditions. Saturated photosynthetic rates per area were similar across leaves of E. aureum, regardless of size, but respiration rates increased while specific leaf area decreased in larger leaves. This may suggests that larger leaves do not offset their costs per unit area in the short term, despite field observations of continuous enlargement with increased plant size. However, the high light levels able to saturate photosynthesis under field conditions are achieved only by larger leaves of E. aureum positioned at canopies (PPFD around 1,000 µmol m−2 s−1), not occurring at understory where smaller leaves are positioned (PPFD around 100 µmol m−2 s−1). This is confirmed by the higher values of the relative growth rate (RGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR) parameters exhibited by the vertical plants in high light. The saturated photosynthetic rates found here under experimental conditions for the smaller leaves of E. aureum could be related to their high invasive capacities as alien species around the world. We propose that the costs of larger aroid leaves might be outweighed by a strategy that optimizes size, morphophysiology, anatomy, photosynthesis and, lifespan to maximize lifetime carbon gain in tropical forests. creator: Carolina Brito creator: Dulce Mantuano creator: Karen L.G. De Toni creator: André Mantovani uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19214 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Brito et al. title: Advances in solubilization and stabilization techniques for structural and functional studies of membrane proteins link: https://peerj.com/articles/19211 last-modified: 2025-04-04 description: Membrane proteins (MPs) are indispensable in various biological processes, including material transport, signal transduction, immune response, and cell recognition. Unraveling the intricate interplay between MP structure and function is pivotal for advancing fundamental biology and pharmaceutical research. However, the inherent hydrophobicity and complex lipid interactions of MPs pose significant challenges in determining their three-dimensional configurations. In recent years, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has emerged as a powerful alternative for structural elucidation, overcoming the challenges faced by traditional techniques such as X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). This review centers on advanced solubilization and stabilization techniques for MPs, as well as MP functions and expression systems, highlighting the strengths and limitations of conventional detergents, liposomes, bicelles, and nanodiscs, alongside emerging alternatives like styrene-maleic acid (SMA) and diisobutylene-maleic acid (DIBMA). Notably, SMA and its derivatives provide promising detergent-free alternatives that preserve protein stability and native conformation, which is particularly valuable for accurate cryo-EM characterization of complex MPs. This work is designed to serve as both an updated resource for researchers already immersed in the field and an accessible entry point for those new to MP research. By consolidating recent advancements and highlighting critical gaps, this review aims to inspire future investigations that push the boundaries of MP structural and functional studies, ultimately driving innovations in drug discovery and therapeutic development. creator: Zhuanghan Zhou creator: Zheng Chen creator: Yiran Li creator: Xingyue Mao creator: Junjie Chen creator: Xuan Zhou creator: Bo Zhang uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19211 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Zhou et al. title: Autonomous wave gliders as a tool to characterize delphinid habitats along the Florida Atlantic coast link: https://peerj.com/articles/19204 last-modified: 2025-04-04 description: As climate change and anthropogenic activities continue to impact cetacean species, it becomes increasingly urgent to efficiently monitor cetacean populations. Continuing technological advances enable innovative research methodologies which broaden monitoring approaches. In our study, we utilized an autonomous wave glider equipped with acoustic and environmental sensors to assess delphinid species presence on the east Florida shelf and compared this approach with traditional marine mammal monitoring methods. Acoustic recordings were analyzed to detect delphinid presence along the glider track in conjunction with subsurface environmental variables such as temperature, salinity, current velocity, and chlorophyll-a concentration. Additionally, occurrences of soniferous fish and anthropogenic noise were also documented. These in-situ variables were incorporated into generalized additive models (GAMs) to identify predictors of delphinid presence. The top-performing GAM found that location, sound pressure level (SPL), temperature, and chlorophyll-a concentration explained 50.8% of the deviance in the dataset. The use of satellite environmental variables with the absence of acoustic variables found that location, derived current speed and heading, and chlorophyll-a explained 44.8% of deviance in the dataset. Our research reveals the explanatory power of acoustic variables, measurable with autonomous platforms such as wave gliders, in delphinid presence drivers and habitat characterization. creator: Jessica Carvalho creator: Laurent M. Chérubin creator: Greg O’Corry-Crowe uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19204 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Carvalho et al. title: Appraisal of healthcare students and professionals’ knowledge and intention to educate the public regarding monkeypox (Mpox) link: https://peerj.com/articles/19162 last-modified: 2025-04-04 description: BackgroundIn light of the increasing prevalence of monkeypox (Mpox) infections worldwide, it is critical to assess the level of awareness regarding the disease and its transmission among healthcare students and professionals. Understanding the knowledge gaps within these groups is essential, as they play a vital role in infection prevention and public education.ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess healthcare students and professionals’ knowledge and intention to educate the public regarding Mpox.MethodsAn anonymous survey consisting of 37 items was constructed utilizing scientific information pertaining to Mpox, obtained from sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and previous studies. The study sample comprised healthcare professionals and students who were residents of the Al-Jouf province in Saudi Arabia. Significant associations between sociodemographic data and the knowledge and intention to educate the public about Mpox were compared using statistical methods. The comparison of means for two or more than two groups were performed using Student t-test and one-way ANOVA, respectively. Furthermore, ordinal logistic regression was employed for further analysis.ResultsOut of 545 responses, 437 (80.2%) were incorporated into the final analysis. Almost half of the participants in the study were female (51.5%) and 44.2% fell within the age range of 20 to 25 years. Moreover, 49.7% of the participants were unmarried and 29.5% held a bachelor’s degree. Over seven in ten participants were cognizant of the fact that Mpox is a public health emergency of international concern, whereas less than half of the participants were cognizant of the fact that Mpox has been reported in Saudi Arabia. The overall mean knowledge score was 10.40 ± 4.88 (score range: 0 to 21). Approximately 3.9% of the participants possess excellent knowledge (score > 17) and 44.9% possess average knowledge (score 12–17). The male gender, older participants, married, healthcare professionals and those in the medicine field were more knowledgeable. More than half of the study participants are willing to educate the public regarding Mpox, where overall intention score was 21.39 ± 6.84 (range 6 to 30). The female, married and those in the physiotherapy field showed more positive attitude and intention to educate the public regarding Mpox.ConclusionsDespite the fact that the majority of participants had a high or moderate intention to educate the public about Mpox, their knowledge ranged from average to poor. In light of these findings, educational programs aimed at enhancing the knowledge and awareness of healthcare professionals and students regarding Mpox are required. creator: Malik Suliman Mohamed creator: Mona Timan Idriss creator: Nasser Hadal Alotaibi creator: Yusra Habib Khan creator: Tauqeer Hussain Mallhi uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19162 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Suliman Mohamed et al. title: First three new species of free-living marine nematodes of the Molgolaimus (Nematoda: Desmodoridae) from the continental shelf of the Brazilian coast (Atlantic Ocean) link: https://peerj.com/articles/19156 last-modified: 2025-04-04 description: Three new species of the Molgolaimus (Nematoda: Desmodoridae) are described from sample sediments collected in the South Atlantic, along the continental shelf break of Northeastern Brazil. This is the first time that new species of Molgolaimus have been described from sample sediments collected in the Brazilian coast. Molgolaimus sigmoidessp. nov. is characterized by four small cephalic sensillae, a buccal cavity with three small teeth, S-shaped spicules and gubernaculum with dorsal-caudal apophysis. Molgolaimus paralongispiculumsp. nov. possesses four setiform cephalic sensillae, a buccal cavity with three teeth, thin and elongated spicules and gubernaculum with anteriorly oriented apophysis. Molgolaimus brevispiculumsp. nov. is characterized by its possession of four setiform cephalic sensillae, an unarmed buccal cavity, short spicules and absent gubernaculum. We propose to amend the diagnosis of the genus, redistribute Molgolaimus species into subgroups 1b1 and 1b2, and to rearrange the order of presentation of subgroups 4a and 4b. creator: Alex Manoel creator: Patrícia F. Neres creator: Andre M. Esteves uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19156 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Manoel et al. title: Root fragment weight and carbohydrate dynamics of two weedy thistles Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. and Sonchus arvensis L. during sprouting link: https://peerj.com/articles/19155 last-modified: 2025-04-04 description: Understanding the carbohydrate dynamics of sprouting Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. and Sonchus arvensis L. ramets can assist in optimizing perennial weed management. However, detailed knowledge about general reserve dynamics, minimum values in reserves (compensation point) and different reserve determination methods remains sparse. We present novel insights into reserve dynamics, which are especially lacking for S. arvensis. We uniquely compare root weight changes as a proxy for carbohydrates with direct carbohydrate concentration measurements using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In a greenhouse study, ramets of two sizes (20 and 10 cm) were planted in pots. Subsequent creeping roots of sprouted plants were destructively harvested and analyzed for carbohydrates 12 times between planting and flowering. Efficiency in storing carbohydrates and the replenishing rate of root weight and carbohydrates was much higher in S. arvensis than in C. arvense. Thus, our study urges to evaluate perennial weed species individually when investigating root reserves. Determining root reserves by either using root weight changes as a proxy for carbohydrates or directly measuring carbohydrate concentrations by HPLC differed in the minimum values of reserves referred to as compensation points. For both species, these minimum values occurred earlier based on root weight than based on carbohydrate concentrations. Cutting ramets into 20 or 10 cm sizes did not significantly affect carbohydrate concentration or root weight changes for both species. We conclude that any practical applications targeting perennial weeds by fragmenting roots into small ramets through belowground mechanical control must be evaluated for trade-offs in soil structure, soil erosion, and energy consumption. creator: Marian Malte Weigel creator: Sabine Andert creator: Manuela Alt creator: Kirsten Weiß creator: Jürgen Müller creator: Bärbel Gerowitt uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19155 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2025 Weigel et al. title: Selective enrichment of active bacterial taxa in the Microcystis associated microbiome during colony growth link: https://peerj.com/articles/19149 last-modified: 2025-04-04 description: The toxic cyanobacterium Microcystis causes worldwide health concerns, being frequently found in freshwater and estuarine ecosystems. Under natural conditions, Microcystis spp. show a colonial lifestyle involving a phycosphere populated by a highly diverse associated microbiome. In a previous study, we have proposed that colony formation and growth may be achieved through mechanisms of multispecies bacterial biofilm formation. Starting with single-cells, specific bacteria would be recruited from the environment to attach and create a buoyant biofilm or colony. This progression from a few single cells to large colonies would encompass the growth of the Microcystis community and bloom formation. In order to test this, we applied 16S rDNA metabarcoding to evaluate the changes in bacterial community structure (gDNA) and its active portion (cDNA) between different sample sizes obtained from a Microcystis bloom. Bloom sample was sieved by size, from one or a few cells (U fraction) to large colonies (maximum linear dimension ≥ 150 µm; L fraction), including small (20–60 µm, S fraction) and medium size (60–150 µm, M fraction) colonies. We found that gDNA- and cDNA-based bacterial assemblages significantly differed mostly due to the presence of different taxa that became active among the different sizes. The compositional variations in the communities between the assessed sample sizes were mainly attributed to turnover. From U to M fractions the turnover was a result of selection processes, while between M and L fractions stochastic processes were likely responsible for the changes. The results suggest that colony formation and growth are a consequence of mechanisms accounting for recruitment and selection of specific bacterial groups, which activate or stop growing through the different phases of the biofilm formation. When the final phase (L fraction colonies) is reached the colonies start to disaggregate (bloom decay), few cells or single cells are released and they can start new biofilms when conditions are suitable (bloom development). creator: Carolina Croci creator: Gabriela Martínez de la Escalera creator: Carla Kruk creator: Angel Segura creator: Susana Deus Alvarez creator: Claudia Piccini uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19149 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: © 2025 Croci et al. title: Attitudes towards communication and perceived self-efficacy in nursing students: a longitudinal observational study link: https://peerj.com/articles/19139 last-modified: 2025-04-04 description: BackgroundCommunication is recognised as a critical component of all nursing interventions. For nurses to be able to communicate effectively, they need to develop communication skills during their training. Despite this recognition, there is still a lack of consensus about where and when in the syllabus this content should be covered, and how much time should be devoted to this competence, resulting in a inadequate and inconsistent training. Consequently, students develop negative or positive attitudes towards communication. The aim of this study was to analyse the evolution of attitudes towards communication and perceived self-efficacy in a cohort of undergraduate nursing students.MethodsWe conducted a prospective longitudinal observational study with three measurement points. Attitudes towards communication and self-efficacy were measured until the 2022–2023 academic year.ResultsParticipants included 131 undergraduate nursing students with a mean age of 20.44 years (SD = 6.08). The scores for attitudes towards communication were not linear. Baseline scores were higher than those recorded at the second assessment, and then scores increased again after the training. Scores for perceived self-efficacy increased progressively over the course of the training programme.ConclusionAttitudes towards communication and perceived self-efficacy do not intrinsically improve with age, course progression or clinical experience. When specific training in communication skills is not provided, students perceive their communication skills to be moderate and regard communication as a clinical competence of limited relevance . However, after receiving specific person-centred training in their final year, students perceived their ability to be highly in what is a very relevant competence in the healthcare context. creator: Rocío Juliá-Sanchís creator: Silvia Escribano creator: Juana Perpiñá-Galvañ creator: Sofía García-Sanjuán creator: María Sánchez-Marco creator: María José Cabañero-Martínez uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19139 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Juliá-Sanchís et al. title: Fecal glucocorticoid metabolite and T3 profiles of orphaned elephants differ from non-orphaned elephants in Zambia link: https://peerj.com/articles/19122 last-modified: 2025-04-04 description: BackgroundElephants provide valuable insight into how early-life adverse events (ELAEs) associate with animal health and welfare because they can live to advanced ages, display extensive cognitive and memory capabilities, and rely heavily on social bonds. Although it is known that African savanna elephants that experienced ELAEs, such as being orphaned due to human activities, have altered behavioral outcomes, little is known regarding the physiological consequences associated with those stressors.MethodsWe compared fecal glucocorticoid (fGCM) and thyroid (fT3) metabolites as well as body condition scores (BCS) in rescued and rehabilitated orphaned (early-dry season: n = 20; late-dry season: n = 21 elephants) African savanna elephants in Kafue National Park, Zambia to age- and sex-matched wild non-orphaned controls groups (early-dry season: n = 57; late-dry season: n = 22 elephants) during the early- (May/June) and late- (September/October) dry seasons, respectively. Age and sex were known for orphans. For non-orphan controls, age was estimated based on dung diameter, and sex was determined based on external genitalia. Hormone concentrations were compared between groups by age class to account for developmental and nutritional transitions experienced in early life. Given that environmental stressors (e.g., availability of food and water sources) change over the course of the dry season, early- and late-dry seasons were separated in the analyses.ResultsfGCM concentrations were higher in orphans at younger ages than non-orphaned controls of any age. This may be due to the younger orphans being temporally closer to the traumatic event and thus not having had sufficient time to establish meaningful social bonds that could buffer the negative outcomes associated with ELAEs. Alternatively, orphans could have acclimated to living under human care, resulting in fGCM concentrations that were not different from wild controls at older ages. Orphans also had significantly higher mean fT3 concentrations than non-orphans, suggesting increased caloric intake during rehabilitation. There was no difference in BCS between orphan and non-orphan elephants at any age or time period, possibly reflecting the limitations associated with BCS assessments in younger elephants.ConclusionsTogether, these results provide insight into possible physiological responses underlying ELAEs and/or living under human care, including alterations in fGCM and fT3 concentrations, particularly in younger orphans. While these hormonal changes suggest a physiological response to trauma, the support of social bonds and acclimation to human care may mitigate long-term stress effects, highlighting the critical role of social integration in elephant rehabilitation and conservation efforts. creator: Daniella E. Chusyd creator: Janine L. Brown creator: Steve Paris creator: Nicole Boisseau creator: Webster Mwaanga creator: Moses Kasongo creator: Lisa Olivier creator: Stephanie L. Dickinson creator: Bailey Ortyl creator: Tessa Steiniche creator: Steven N. Austad creator: David B. Allison creator: Michael D. Wasserman uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19122 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Chusyd et al. title: Advancing medicinal plant agriculture: integrating technology and precision agriculture for sustainability link: https://peerj.com/articles/19058 last-modified: 2025-04-04 description: To strengthen the agriculture sector, it is crucial to combine the efforts of industrialization (field mechanization and fertilizer production), technology (genome editing and manipulation), and the information sector (for the application of current technologies in precision agriculture). The challenge of modern sustainable agriculture is increasing agricultural output while using the least amount of resources and capital expenditure possible and considering the variables contributing to environmental damage. Different environmental factors adversely affect medicinal plant populations, leading to the extinction of these valuable medicinal species. These difficulties drew the attention of the international scientific community to farm sustainability and energy efficiency studies that put forth the idea of precision agriculture (site-specific crop management) in medicinal plants. It is a systems-based method that monitors and responds to changes in intra- and inter-field conditions for environmentally friendly and optimum crop output. Farming systems have significantly benefited from the visualization and morphological analysis of agricultural areas (both open fields and greenhouse experiments) using remote sensing technology, geographic information systems (GIS), crop scouting, variable rate technology (VRT), and Global Positioning System (GPS). These technologies form the backbone of the fourth agricultural technological revolution, Agriculture 4.0. This review concisely summarizes these innovative technologies’ current use and potential future advancements in medicinal plants. The review is intended for researchers, professionals in medicinal plant cultivation, herbal medicine research, crop science, and related fields. creator: Vinay Kumar creator: Ashwini Zadokar creator: Pankaj Kumar creator: Rohit Sharma creator: Rajnish Sharma creator: Mohammed Wasim Siddiqui creator: Mohammad Irfan creator: Rahul Chandora uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19058 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2025 Kumar et al.