title: PeerJ
description:  Articles published in PeerJ
link: https://peerj.com/articles/index.rss3?journal=peerj&page=248
creator: info@peerj.com PeerJ
errorsTo: info@peerj.com PeerJ
language: en

title: Three new species of Talaromyces sect. Talaromyces discovered in China
link: https://peerj.com/articles/18253
last-modified: 2024-10-11
description: BackgroundTalaromyces species play an important role in the nutrient cycle in natural ecosystems, degradation of vegetal biomass in industries and the implications in medicine. However, the species diversity of this genus is still far from fully understood.MethodsThe polyphasic taxonomic approach integrating morphological comparisons and molecular phylogenetic analyses based on BenA, CaM, Rpb2 and ITS sequences was used to propose three new Talaromyces species.ResultsThree new species of sect. Talaromyces isolated from soil are proposed, namely, T. disparis (ex-type AS3.26221), T. funiformis (ex-type AS3.26220) and T. jianfengicus (ex-type AS3.26253). T. disparis is unique in low growth rate, velvety texture, limited to moderate sporulation, biverticillate, monoverticillate and irregular penicilli bearing a portion of abnormally large globose conidia, it has no close relatives in phylogeny. Being a member of T. pinophilus complex, T. funiformis produces mycelial funicles on Czapek yeast autolysate agar (CYA), 5% malt extract agar (MEA) and yeast extract (YES), sparse sporulation on Czapek agar (Cz), CYA, MEA and YES while abundant on oatmeal agar (OA), bearing appressed biverticillate penicilli and globose to pyriform conida with smooth to finely rough walls. T. jianfengicus belongs to T. verruculosus complex, is characterized by velvety colony texture with moderate to abundant elm-green conidia en masse, producing biverticillate penicilli, globose conidia with verrucose walls.ConclusionIt is now a common practice in establishing new species of Aspergillus, Penicillium and Talaromyces based on morphological characters and phylogenetic analyses of BenA, CaM, Rpb2 and ITS sequences. The proposal of the three novelties of Talaromyces in this article is not only supported by their morphological distinctiveness, but also confirmed by the phylogenetic analyses of the concatenated BenA-CaM-Rpb2 and BenA-CaM-ITS, as well as the individual BenA, CaM, Rpb2 and ITS sequence matrices.
creator: Xin-Tong Ren
creator: Saifei Li
creator: Yongming Ruan
creator: Long Wang
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18253
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: © 2024 Ren et al.

title: The characteristics and associations between trait and state time perspective in adolescents with depression: a questionnaire and sandplay study
link: https://peerj.com/articles/18257
last-modified: 2024-10-11
description: BackgroundTime perspective is strongly associated with depression. However, the characteristics and associations between trait and state time perspective in adolescents with depression remain unknown.MethodsA total of 211 adolescents with depression (mean age: 14.60 ± 1.69 years) and 215 healthy controls (mean age: 14.66 ± 1.73 years) were selected and assessed using the Chinese version of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory to quantify their trait time perspective. Thirty adolescents were randomly selected from each group to create nine-grid sandplay productions to assess their state time perspective.Results(1) Regarding the trait time perspective, depressed adolescents scored significantly higher on past negative, present fatalistic, present impulsive, and deviation-balanced time perspective (p < 0.001) and significantly lower on past positive and future (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. (2) In terms of state time perspective, depressed adolescents showed a significantly higher number of squares related to past negative, present negative, and future negative in their nine-grid sandplay productions compared to the control group (p < 0.01).Conversely, they had significantly fewer squares associated with past positive, present positive, future positive than the control group (p < 0.05). (3) Past negative, present fatalistic, and deviation from balanced time perspective traits were negatively correlated with positive state time perspective and positively correlated with negative state time perspective. Past positive and future traits were positively correlated with positive state time perspective and negatively correlated with negative state time perspective.ConclusionAdolescents with depression are characterized by dwelling on the past, having a severely negative attitude toward the past, being pessimistic about the future, and having a tendency to blame fate or external forces for their problems. In the future, standardized methods for measuring state time perspective should be further explored, as well as the effectiveness of the nine-grid sandplay, for improving time perspective in patients with depression.
creator: Hanlin Ren
creator: Qing Zhang
creator: Donghuan Rong
creator: Yating Zhang
creator: Yanzhen Ren
creator: Xiaobao Li
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18257
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: © 2024 Ren et al.

title: Spatial patterns and driving factors of plant diversity along the urban–rural gradient in the context of urbanization in Zhengzhou, China
link: https://peerj.com/articles/18261
last-modified: 2024-10-11
description: Plant diversity is the basis for human survival and development, directly affecting the function and stability of urban ecosystems. Its distribution pattern and causes have been a central issue in ecological and landscape gardening research. Rapid urbanization in Zhengzhou City has led to the fragmentation of urban green spaces and damage to ecosystems, seriously affecting urban biodiversity conservation. Understanding the distribution pattern of plant diversity in the region and its relationship with environmental factors is crucial for maintaining and enhancing urban plant diversity. Plant data from 178 sample plots in the built-up area of Zhengzhou City were collected and combined with environmental factors, and the characteristics of plant diversity, richness patterns, and their main environmental explanations in Zhengzhou City were explored. Results showed that there were 596 plant species belonging to 357 genera and 110 families in the study area. There were five dominant families and four dominant genera. Four distinct spatial patterns of plant diversity were identified along the urban–rural gradient. Urbanization factors such as GDP per capita, house prices, and imperviousness within 500 m from the patch significantly influenced plant diversity. There was an imbalance between the spatial pattern of plant diversity and application of urban landscape greening in Zhengzhou City. Future studies should focus on the application of native plants, curb plant homogenization, and reduce anthropogenic interference, which are conducive to protecting and enhancing urban plant diversity. These results can provide a basis for understanding the distribution pattern and influence mechanism of urbanization factors on plant diversity and serve as a reference for policymakers and planners of plant diversity conservation in Zhengzhou City.
creator: Lingling Zhang
creator: Chong Du
creator: Wenhan Li
creator: Yongjiang Liu
creator: Ge Zhang
creator: Shanshan Xie
creator: Yiping Liu
creator: Dezheng Kong
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18261
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: © 2024 Zhang et al.

title: Association between risk factors and bone mineral density and the development of a self-assessment tool for early osteoporosis screening in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes
link: https://peerj.com/articles/18283
last-modified: 2024-10-11
description: BackgroundBoth diabetes and osteoporosis have developed into major global public health problems due to the increasing aging population. It is crucial to screen populations at higher risk of developing osteoporosis for disease prevention and management in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study aims to quantitatively investigate the association between risk factors and bone mineral density (BMD) and develop a self-assessment tool for early osteoporosis screening in postmenopausal women with T2D.MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled 1,309 postmenopausal women with T2D. Linear regression methods were used to assess the association between risk factors and BMD. Additionally, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors associated with osteoporosis. Utilizing the logistic regression machine learning algorithm, we developed an osteoporosis screening tool that categorizes the population into three risk regions based on age and body mass index (BMI), indicating low, moderate, and high prevalence of osteoporosis in the age-BMI plane.ResultsOlder age and lower BMI were independently associated with decreased BMD. The BMD at the total hip, femur neck, and lumbar spine differed by 12.9, 10.9, and 15.5 mg/cm2 for each 1 unit increase in BMI, respectively. Both age and BMI were identified as independent predictors of osteoporosis. The osteoporosis screening tool was developed by using two straight lines with equations of BMI = 0.56 * age−4.12 and BMI = 0.56 * age−10.88; there were no significant differences in the prevalence of osteoporosis among the training, internal test, and external test datasets in the low-, moderate-, and high-risk regions.ConclusionWe have successfully developed and validated a self-assessment tool for early osteoporosis screening in postmenopausal women with T2D for the first time. BMI was identified as a significant modifiable risk factor. Our study may improve awareness of osteoporosis and is valuable for disease prevention and management for postmenopausal women with T2D.
creator: Xiaoyu Chen
creator: Xiufen Jia
creator: Junping Lan
creator: Wenjun Wu
creator: Xianwu Ni
creator: Yuguo Wei
creator: Xiangwu Zheng
creator: Jinjin Liu
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18283
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: © 2024 Chen et al.

title: Demography and predatory potential of Orius strigicollis on eggs of Plutella xylostella at two temperatures
link: https://peerj.com/articles/18044
last-modified: 2024-10-10
description: BackgroundThe polyphagous predatory bug Orius strigicollis Poppius (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae) is an active predator used to control many insect pests of agricultural crops. Orius species are significantly affected by the type of food and temperature.MethodA study of O. strigicollis feeding on Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) eggs in climate chambers at 28 and 32 °C, 70 ± 5% relative humidity, 16:8 photoperiod, was conducted to determine the effects of different temperatures on the predation activity, biological characteristics and demographic parameters of O. strigicollis. Twosex-MS Charts were used to determine the age-stages and characteristics of this species.ResultsThe results showed that the daily consumption of pre-adults on eggs of P. xylostella was highest at 28 °C, and at this temperature, there was a greater probability that O. strigicollis would survive to adulthood (42.5%) than at 32 °C (25.0%). It has also been found that at 28 °C there was a long oviposition period (9.38 days) and the greatest female fecundity (44.2 eggs/female) In addition to the highest life expectancy of O. strigicollis (16.96 days) at 28 °C, the intrinsic rate of increase (0.087 d−1) was also highest. According to our results, O. strigicollis has the potential to grow and develop on the eggs of P. xylostella at 28 °C and, therefore, could potentially be used as a biological control agent in integrated pest management (IPM) programs.
creator: Shakeel Ur Rehman
creator: Xingfu Jiang
creator: Mahnoor Saleem
creator: Xingmiao Zhou
creator: Bangqing Chen
creator: Khalid Ali Khan
creator: Ibrahim Osman Ibrahim
creator: Hamed A. Ghramh
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18044
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: ©2024 Ur Rehman et al.

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