title: PeerJ
description:  Articles published in PeerJ
link: https://peerj.com/articles/index.rss3?journal=peerj&page=233
creator: info@peerj.com PeerJ
errorsTo: info@peerj.com PeerJ
language: en

title: Comparative cytogenetics of three Zoraptera species as a basis for understanding chromosomal evolution in Polyneoptera insects
link: https://peerj.com/articles/18051
last-modified: 2024-10-10
description: Zoraptera (also called “angel insects”) is one of the most unexplored insect orders. However, it holds promise for understanding the evolution of insect karyotypes and genome organization given its status as an early branching group of Polyneoptera and Pterygota (winged insects) during the Paleozoic. Here, we provide karyotype descriptions of three Zorapteran species: Brazilozoros huxleyi (2n♂; ♀ = 42; 42), B. kukalovae (2n♂; ♀ = 43; 44) and Latinozoros cacaoensis (2n♂; ♀ = 36; 36). These species represent two of the four recently recognized Zorapteran subfamilies. Contrary to an earlier suggestion that Zoraptera has holocentric chromosomes, we found karyotypes that were always monocentric. Interestingly, we detected both X0 (B. kukalovae) and XY (B. huxleyi, L. cacaoensis) sex chromosome systems. In addition to conventional karyotype descriptions, we applied fluorescent in situ hybridization for the first time in Zoraptera to map karyotype distributions of 18S rDNA, histone H3 genes, telomeres and (CAG)n and (GATA)n microsatellites. This study provides a foundation for cytogenetic research in Zoraptera.
creator: Marek Jankásek
creator: Petr Kočárek
creator: František Št’áhlavský
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18051
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: ©2024 Jankásek et al.

title: Extraction and characterization of collagen and gelatin from body wall of sea cucumbers Stichopus horrens and Holothuria arenicola
link: https://peerj.com/articles/18149
last-modified: 2024-10-10
description: BackgroundMarine invertebrates, including sponges, molluscs, jellyfish, mussels, and sea cucumbers, are abundant sources of high-quality collagen and offer advantages such as availability, ease of processing, lower inflammatory response, and good metabolic compatibility. Approximately 70% of the total protein in the body wall of sea cucumbers is collagen. Gelatin is a water-soluble protein produced from heat-denatured collagen and has various industrial applications.MethodsPepsin-solubilized collagen was extracted from the body wall of two sea cucumber Stichopus horrens and Holothuria arenicola, species found in the Oman Sea and characterized with SDS-PAGE and amino acid composition. Then gelatin was extracted from pepsin-solubilized collagen of S. horrens and some rheological properties were measured.ResultsAmino acid composition and SDS-PAGE analysis showed that the collagen from both species was type I, with one α1 chain and β chains, with molecular weights of 125 and 250 kDa, respectively. Glycine was the most abundant amino acid in the collagen from both sea cucumber species. The pepsin-soluble collagens from both species had high levels of glycine, proline, alanine, glutamic acid, and hydroxyproline. The gelatin from S. horrens had a melting point of 30 °C and displayed exceptional thermal stability, surpassing that of mammalian gelatin. Its gelling point was 5 °C, like that of cold-water fish gelatin, with a viscosity of 2.065 cp-lower than mammal gelatins. These findings suggested that collagen and gelatin from sea cucumbers could be useful in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
creator: Noora Barzkar
creator: Gilan Attaran-Fariman
creator: Ali Taheri
creator: Balu Alagar Venmathi Maran
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18149
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: © 2024 Barzkar et al.

title: Spring haul-out behavior of seals in the Bering and Chukchi Seas: implications for abundance estimation
link: https://peerj.com/articles/18160
last-modified: 2024-10-10
description: Ice-associated seals rely on sea ice for a variety of activities, including pupping, breeding, molting, and resting. In the Arctic, many of these activities occur in spring (April through June) as sea ice begins to melt and retreat northward. Rapid acceleration of climate change in Arctic ecosystems is therefore of concern as the quantity and quality of suitable habitat is forecast to decrease. Robust estimates of seal population abundance are needed to properly monitor the impacts of these changes over time. Aerial surveys of seals on ice are an efficient method for counting seals but must be paired with estimates of the proportion of seals out of the water to derive population abundance. In this paper, we use hourly percent-dry data from satellite-linked bio-loggers deployed between 2005 and 2021 to quantify the proportion of seals hauled out on ice. This information is needed to accurately estimate abundance from aerial survey counts of ice-associated seals (i.e., to correct for the proportion of animals that are in the water, and so are not counted, while surveys are conducted). In addition to providing essential data for survey ‘availability’ calculations, our analysis also provides insights into the seasonal timing and environmental factors affecting haul-out behavior by ice-associated seals. We specifically focused on bearded (Erignathus barbatus), ribbon (Histriophoca fasciata), and spotted seals (Phoca largha) in the Bering and Chukchi seas. Because ringed seals (Phoca (pusa) hispida) can be out of the water but hidden from view in snow lairs analysis of their ‘availability’ to surveys requires special consideration; therefore, they were not included in this analysis. Using generalized linear mixed pseudo-models to properly account for temporal autocorrelation, we fit models with covariates of interest (e.g., day-of-year, solar hour, age and sex class, wind speed, barometric pressure, temperature, precipitation) to examine their ability to explain variation in haul-out probability. We found evidence for strong diel and within-season patterns in haul-out behavior, as well as strong weather effects (particularly wind and temperature). In general, seals were more likely to haul out on ice in the middle of the day and when wind speed was low and temperatures were higher. Haul-out probability increased through March and April, peaking in May and early June before declining again. The timing and frequency of haul-out events also varied based on species and age-sex class. For ribbon and spotted seals, models with year effects were highly supported, indicating that the timing and magnitude of haul-out behavior varied among years. However, we did not find broad evidence that haul-out timing was linked to annual sea-ice extent. Our analysis emphasizes the importance of accounting for seasonal and temporal variation in haul-out behavior, as well as associated environmental covariates, when interpreting the number of seals counted in aerial surveys.
creator: Josh M. London
creator: Paul B. Conn
creator: Stacie M. Koslovsky
creator: Erin L. Richmond
creator: Jay M. Ver Hoef
creator: Michael F. Cameron
creator: Justin A. Crawford
creator: Andrew L. Von Duyke
creator: Lori Quakenbush
creator: Peter L. Boveng
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18160
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: ©2024 London et al.

title: Study on mid-term outcomes of atherectomy for patients with femoral popliteal artery lesions with different Global Limb Anatomic Staging System grades
link: https://peerj.com/articles/18189
last-modified: 2024-10-10
description: ObjectiveTo investigate the mid-term efficacy and patency rate of TurboHawk peripheral plaque excision system in the treatment of femoral popliteal artery lesions with different Global Limb Anatomic Staging System (GLASS) grades.MethodsThe clinical data of 141 patients with femoral popliteal arteriosclerosis obliterans who were treated with TurboHawk from January 2018 to July 2022 in our institution were retrospectively analyzed. There were 109 male patients and 32 female patients. Recordings were made of the patient’s symptoms of limb ischemia, technical success rate, primary patency rate of target vessels, ankle brachial index (ABI), GLASS grades, postoperative complications, and a statistical analysis with the patient’s preoperative treatment was conducted.ResultsAll patients had improved limb ischemia symptoms to varying degrees after surgery, with a technical success rate of 100% (femoral artery puncture and superficial femoral artery recanalization) without bleeding, hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula or other complications. The follow-up period was 1-24 months, during which the severity of claudication, resting pain, and toe ulcers significantly improved. The primary patency rate of the target vessel was 98.58% (139/141), and the ABI significantly increased on the second day, three months, and six months after surgery compared to before surgery. No major adverse events were found during follow-up. The patency rates at 1, 6, 12 and 24 months after intervention were 100%, 80%, 75% and 60% respectively.ConclusionThe mid-term efficacy and patency rate of TurboHawk in the treatment of femoral popliteal artery lesions with GLASS I patients have the best mid-term prognosis, the highest mid-term survival rate, and the highest vascular patency. The plaque removal system has proven to be an effective treatment for individual localized chronic total occlusion lesions. Additionally, the TurboHawk system provides a safe and minimally invasive treatment alternative for superficial femoral artery conditions, achieving significant therapeutic results within a brief period.
creator: Yanyu Yue
creator: Youjia Zhang
creator: Liang Zhang
creator: Zheng Gao
creator: Xiaolong Du
creator: Feng Ran
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18189
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: ©2024 Yue et al.

title: Knowledge, attitude and purchasing behavior of Saudi mothers towards food additives and dietary pattern of preschool children
link: https://peerj.com/articles/18223
last-modified: 2024-10-10
description: BackgroundThere are over 506 children’s products containing one or more types of additives. Maternal awareness of these additives is essential for the health of preschool-aged children, as this period is vital for children’s growth and development. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and purchasing behaviors related to food additives among mothers living in the western region of Saudi Arabia, as well as the dietary patterns of preschool children.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey with a convenience sample of 521 mothers of preschool-aged children (3–5 years old). The survey gathered data on the child’s age, number of children, the youngest child’s weight and height, food intolerance, tooth decay, as well as the dietary patterns of preschool children. It also assessed the mother’s knowledge, attitude, and purchasing behaviors related to food additives.ResultsThe study found that 46.6% of mothers demonstrated good knowledge of food additives, while 56.0% demonstrated fair attitudes and 78.5% good purchasing behavior regarding additives. Additionally, the majority of mothers reported favorable dietary patterns for their preschool-aged children. “Biscuits and crackers” had the highest consumption frequency (4.98 ± 1.50), with 36.7% of children consuming them once daily, while “Soft beverages” had the lowest consumption frequency (2.73 ± 2.04), with 46.6% of children never consuming them. Statistically significant differences were identified between mothers’ knowledge and their age, education level, occupation status, and economic status (p < 0.05). ANOVA results also indicated a statistically significant difference between mothers’ attitudes and occupation status (p < 0.05). Furthermore, there were significant positive correlations between mothers’ knowledge of food additives and their attitudes (r = 0.293) and purchasing behaviors (r = 0.284) related to additives.ConclusionThe findings suggest that mothers possess a relatively good level of knowledge of food additives and hold fair attitudes toward them, tending to result in healthier purchasing behaviors and dietary practices for their preschool-aged children. To increase awareness, nutrition intervention programs are required across various socio-economic groups of mothers in the western region of Saudi Arabia. These programs can significantly contribute to promoting healthier dietary practices for preschool-aged children and improving overall family health and well-being.
creator: Reem H. Almoabadi
creator: Mahitab A. Hanbazaza
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18223
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: ©2024 Almoabadi and Hanbazaza

title: Parental thermal conditions affect the brain activity response to alarm cue in larval zebrafish
link: https://peerj.com/articles/18241
last-modified: 2024-10-10
description: Temperature is a crucial factor affecting the physiology of ectothermic animals, but exposure to elevated temperature during specific life stages and across generations may confer fish resilience through phenotypic plasticity. In this study, we investigate the effects of developmental and parental temperature on brain activity response to an olfactory cue in the larval zebrafish, Danio rerio. We exposed parents during reproduction and their offspring during development to control (28 °C) or elevated temperature (30 °C) and observed the response of the larval telencephalon to an alarm cue using live calcium imaging. Parental exposure to elevated temperature decreased the time till maximum brain activity response regardless of the offspring’s developmental temperature, revealing that parental thermal conditions can affect the excitability of the offspring’s neural circuitry. Furthermore, brain activity duration was affected by the interaction between parental and offspring thermal conditions, where longer brain activity duration was seen when either parents or offspring were exposed to elevated temperature. Conversely, we found shorter brain activity duration when the offspring were exposed to the same temperature as their parents, in both control and elevated temperature. This could represent an anticipatory parental effect influencing the offspring’s brain response to match the parental environment, or an early developmental effect occurring within a susceptible short time window post-fertilization. Overall, our results suggest that warming can alter processes involved in brain transmission and show that parental conditions could aid in the preparation of their offspring to respond to olfactory stimuli in a warming environment.
creator: Jade M. Sourisse
creator: Julie L. Semmelhack
creator: Celia Schunter
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18241
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: ©2024 Sourisse et al.

title: Assessment of genetic diversity by phenological traits, field performance, and Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) polymorphism marker of seventeen soybean genotypes (Glycine max L.)
link: https://peerj.com/articles/17868
last-modified: 2024-10-09
description: The Egyptian-farmed soybeans have a wide range of genetic diversity which is most important in plant improvement programs in order to develop new higher yielding soybean genotypes. The present study is designed to determine the genetic variability among seventeen genotypes of cultivated soybean (Glycine max L.) by examining the phenotypic level at the seedling stage, field performance over two years 2022/2023 and genetically using Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) markers. Results indicated that the SCoT markers, 100 seed weight, and tip angle (TA) traits were positively correlated with H2L12, DR 101, H15L5, and H117 genotypes. In addition, the number of branches per plant and plant height were associated with H113, H32, Crowford, H129, and D7512035. Furthermore, the length of the first internode (LFI), root width (RW), root length (RL), and shoot length (SL) were more associated with Giza 111, NC105, and Hutcheson. The hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and its associated heatmap explored the differences among the genotypes. It showed that all examined parameters were clustered into four distinct clusters. The obtained results showed that genotypes NC105, H30, D75_12035, and H2L12 have promising phenological and morphological traits besides tracking the inheritance of nearby genes surrounding the ATG translation start codon since they are in a monoclades. The obtained results will help the breeder plan appropriate selection strategies for improving seed yield in soybeans through hybridization from divergent clusters.
creator: Mahmoud Abdel-Sattar
creator: Ehab M. Zayed
creator: Mohamed K. Abou-Shlell
creator: Hail Z. Rihan
creator: Ahmed A. Helal
creator: Nabil E.G. Mekhaile
creator: Ghada E. El-Badan
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17868
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: ©2024 Abdel-Sattar et al.

title: Dynamic perspectives on biodiversity quantification: beyond conventional metrics
link: https://peerj.com/articles/17924
last-modified: 2024-10-09
description: Our research addresses the pressing need to assess biodiversity in the face of increasing habitat destruction and species extinctions. Several researchers have modelled conventional measures to assess biodiversity. Every measure evaluates biodiversity by considering different properties. Among them Simpson and Shannon indices are widely used, they primarily focus on species richness and abundance, overlooking the importance of rare or unique species. This limitation makes it challenging to identify which species drive changes in biodiversity and hampers conservation efforts. Moreover, these measures are sensitive to sample size and biased towards dominant species, leading to inaccurate estimations. To overcome these challenges, we propose a novel mathematical model that provides a comprehensive assessment of biodiversity. Our model accounts for species dominance, addresses sample size sensitivity, and highlights the significance of rare species within a community. By applying our measure to real-time scenarios and comparing it with traditional methods using the same dataset, proposed measure demonstrated its efficacy in capturing biodiversity dynamics over time.
creator: Manjula Josephine Bollarapu
creator: Swarna Kuchibhotla
creator: Ramarao Kvsn
creator: Harshita Patel
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17924
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: ©2024 Bollarapu et al.

title: The relationship between virtual simulation, critical thinking, and self-directed learning abilities of nursing students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
link: https://peerj.com/articles/18150
last-modified: 2024-10-09
description: ObjectiveThe use of virtual simulation in nursing education is an effective approach for improving nursing critical thinking and self-learning abilities, but the previous studies were limited to providing the required evidence that supports the association. This study aimed to assess the relationship between virtual simulation and critical thinking disposition and self-directed learning abilities among nursing students.MethodsThis is a descriptive correlational, non-experimental study. It was conducted among 201 third- and fourth-year nursing students at the Academic Institution, Saudi Arabia. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was used to select the participants; then, an online, adapted questionnaire was sent to the participants, the data from which was analyzed by SPSS.ResultsThe study findings showed that virtual simulation benefited nursing students. Most participants (56%) agreed that it helped them to think critically, and approximately 27% strongly agreed. It also enhanced their self-directed learning abilities, and the majority of the students agreed that they often review the way nursing practice is conducted. Furthermore, the results showed a significant, positive relationship between virtual simulation and the critical thinking disposition of nursing students (p-value = 0.03; correlation coefficient = 0.65), a strong positive relationship with self-directed learning abilities of nursing students (p-value = 0.004; correlation coefficient = 0.78), and a strong positive relationship between critical thinking disposition with self-directed learning abilities of nursing students (p-value = 0.01; correlation coefficient = 0.72).ConclusionThere are significant relationships between virtual simulation and the critical thinking disposition and self-directed learning abilities of nursing students. Furthermore, virtual simulation made the students practice critical thinking and self-learning, so, they simulate events and try to seek out and solve the problems.
creator: Hanan F. Alharbi
creator: Amjad Alsubaie
creator: Rahaf Gharawi
creator: Rawan Ba Mazroo
creator: Shaikhah Alajaleen
creator: Munerah Alsultan
creator: Munira Alsaleem
creator: Nora Alsubihi
creator: Norah Alsahli
creator: Nashwa Alqahtani
creator: Raghad Rayzah
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18150
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: ©2024 Alharbi et al.

title: Health perceptions of patients with forgotten double-J stent
link: https://peerj.com/articles/18156
last-modified: 2024-10-09
description: AimIn this article, we aimed to determine the health perceptions of the patients who did not apply for double-J stent (DJS) removal on time and evaluate whether health perceptions impact this behavior.Materials and MethodsHealth perceptions of 22 patients who were treated for forgotten double-J stent (FDJS) between January 2017–October 2020 and 25 patients who applied for DJS removal during the given appointment time in the urology department of Elazig Training and Research Hospital and Elazig Fethi Sekin City Hospital were compared using the “Health Perception Scale”.ResultsHealth perception scale scores in the FDJS group and control group were 62-68 (mean = 64.27 ± 1.75) and 63-68 (mean = 65.36 ± 1.55), respectively. With regard to the sub-factors of the scale, control center scores were 21.86 ± 0.77 and 22.08 ± 1.15; precision scores were 16.54 ± 0.80 and 16.56 ± 0.82; importance of health scores were 12.77 ± 0, 92 and 13.32 ± 0.74; and self-awareness points were 13.04  ± 0.72 and 13.48 ± 0.58, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the health perception scale in total, importance of health, and self-awareness scores between the two groups. At the same time, there was no difference in terms of the control center and precision scores (p∗ = 0.029, p∗ = 0.030, p∗ = 0.028, p = 0.460, p = 0.951).ConclusionPatients’ and their families’ educational status, income levels and lack of follow-up by healthcare professionals play an important role in forgotten DJS cases and patients’ perception of health may also have an impact on this behavior.
creator: Mehmet Sezai Ogras
creator: Kadir Yildirim
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18156
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: ©2024 Ogras and Yildirim