title: PeerJ
description:  Articles published in PeerJ
link: https://peerj.com/articles/index.rss3?journal=peerj&page=299
creator: info@peerj.com PeerJ
errorsTo: info@peerj.com PeerJ
language: en

title: Influence of leaf inclination angle and tillering on population transpiration, soil evaporation, and yield in winter wheat near-isogenic lines
link: https://peerj.com/articles/17618
last-modified: 2024-06-25
description: Leaf inclination angle (LIA) and tillering impact the winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) population canopy structure. Understanding their effects on water use (WU) parameters and yield can guide water-saving strategies through population control. In this study, six near-isogenic lines (NILs) and their parents were selected as materials. These special materials were characterized by varying tillering at the current sowing density, a similar genetic background, and, particularly, a gradient in mean flag leaf LIA. The investigation focused on the jointing to early grain-filling stage, the peak water requirement period of wheat crops. Population-scale transpiration (PT) and evaporation from the soil surface (E) were partitioned from total evapotranspiration (ET) by the means of micro-lysimeters. The results showed decreased PT, E, and ET with increased population density (PD) within a narrow density range derived from varying tillering across genotypes. Significant correlations existed between PD and ET, E, and PT, especially in the wettest 2017–2018 growing season. Within such narrow PD range, all the correlations between WU parameters and PD were negative, although some correlations were not statistically significant, thereby suggesting the population structure’s predominant impact. No significant correlation existed between LIA and both ET and PT within the LIA range of 35°–65°. However, significant correlations occurred between LIA and E in two growing seasons. Genotypes with similar LIA but different PD produced varied ET; while with similar PD, the four pairs of genotypes with different LIA each consumed similar ET, thus highlighting PD’s more crucial role in regulating ET. The yield increased with higher LIA, and showed a significant correlation, emphasizing the LIA’s significant effect on yield. However, no correlation was observed with PD, indicating the minor effect of tillering at the current sowing density. Therefore these results might offer valuable insights for breeding water-saving cultivars and optimizing population structures for effective field water conservation.
creator: Guirong Huang
creator: Xinying Zhang
creator: Zhenzhao Wang
creator: Xiaoying Liu
creator: Rui Guo
creator: Fengxue Gu
creator: Enke Liu
creator: Shuying Li
creator: Xiuli Zhong
creator: Qiaozhen Li
creator: Xurong Mei
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17618
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
rights: ©2024 Huang et al.

title: Shoulder muscle weakness and proprioceptive impairments in type 2 diabetes mellitus: exploring correlations for improved clinical management
link: https://peerj.com/articles/17630
last-modified: 2024-06-25
description: BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent metabolic disorder with systemic implications, potentially affecting musculoskeletal health. This study aimed to assess shoulder muscle strength and joint repositioning accuracy in individuals with T2DM, exploring potential correlations and shedding light on the musculoskeletal consequences of the condition. The objectives were two-fold: (1) to assess and compare shoulder strength and joint repositioning accuracy between individuals with T2DM and asymptomatic counterparts, and (2) to examine the correlation between shoulder strength and joint repositioning accuracy in individuals with T2DM.MethodsA cross-sectional study enrolled 172 participants using the convenience sampling method, including 86 individuals with T2DM and an age-matched asymptomatic group (n = 86). Shoulder strength was assessed using a handheld dynamometer, while joint repositioning accuracy was evaluated with an electronic digital inclinometer.ResultsIndividuals with T2DM exhibited reduced shoulder muscle strength compared to asymptomatic individuals (p < 0.001). Additionally, joint repositioning accuracy was significantly lower in the T2DM group (p < 0.001). Negative correlations were observed between shoulder strength and joint repositioning accuracy in various directions (ranging from −0.29 to −0.46, p < 0.001), indicating that higher muscle strength was associated with improved joint repositioning accuracy in individuals with T2DM.ConclusionThis study highlights the significant impact of T2DM on shoulder muscle strength and joint repositioning accuracy. Reduced strength and impaired accuracy are evident in individuals with T2DM, emphasizing the importance of addressing musculoskeletal aspects in diabetes management. The negative correlations suggest that enhancing shoulder muscle strength may lead to improved joint repositioning accuracy, potentially contributing to enhanced physical functioning in this population.
creator: Ravi Shankar Reddy
creator: Mastour Saeed Alshahrani
creator: Mohammad A. ALMohiza
creator: Batool Abdulelah Alkhamis
creator: Jaya Shanker Tedla
creator: Venkata Nagaraj Kakaraparthi
creator: Ghada Mohamed Koura
creator: Debjani Mukherjee
creator: Hani Hassan Alnakhli
creator: Hussain Saleh H. Ghulam
creator: Raee S. Alqhtani
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17630
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: ©2024 Reddy et al.

title: Identification and serological responses to a novel Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein 1 (PvMSP-1) derived synthetic peptide: a putative biomarker for malaria exposure
link: https://peerj.com/articles/17632
last-modified: 2024-06-25
description: BackgroundThe integration of diagnostic methods holds promise for advancing the surveillance of malaria transmission in both endemic and non-endemic regions. Serological assays emerge as valuable tools to identify and delimit malaria transmission, serving as a complementary method to rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and thick smear microscopy. Here, we evaluate the potential of antibodies directed against peptides encompassing the entire amino acid sequence of the PvMSP-1 Sal-I strain as viable serological biomarkers for P. vivax exposure.MethodsWe screened peptides encompassing the complete amino acid sequence of the Plasmodium vivax Merozoite Surface Protein 1 (PvMSP-1) Sal-I strain as potential biomarkers for P. vivax exposure. Here, immunodominant peptides specifically recognized by antibodies from individuals infected with P. vivax were identified using the SPOT-synthesis technique followed by immunoblotting. Two 15-mer peptides were selected based on their higher and specific reactivity in immunoblotting assays. Subsequently, peptides p70 and p314 were synthesized in soluble form using SPPS (Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis) and tested by ELISA (IgG, and subclasses).ResultsThis study unveils the presence of IgG antibodies against the peptide p314 in most P. vivax-infected individuals from the Brazilian Amazon region. In silico B-cell epitope prediction further supports the utilization of p314 as a potential biomarker for evaluating malaria transmission, strengthened by its amino acid sequence being part of a conserved block of PvMSP-1. Indeed, compared to patients infected with P. falciparum and uninfected individuals never exposed to malaria, P. vivax-infected patients have a notably higher recognition of p314 by IgG1 and IgG3.
creator: Aline Marzano-Miranda
creator: Gustavo Pereira Cardoso-Oliveira
creator: Ingrid Carla de Oliveira
creator: Luiza Carvalho Mourão
creator: Letícia Reis Cussat
creator: Vanessa Gomes Fraga
creator: Carlos Delfin Chávez Olórtegui
creator: Cor Jesus Fernandes Fontes
creator: Daniella Castanheira Bartholomeu
creator: Erika M. Braga
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17632
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: ©2024 Marzano-Miranda et al.

title: Evaluation of genetic variation and host resistance to wheat stem rust pathogen (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties grown in Türkiye
link: https://peerj.com/articles/17633
last-modified: 2024-06-25
description: Wheat stem rust, which is caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt), is a highly destructive disease that affects wheat crops on a global scale. In this study, the reactions of 150 bread wheat varieties were evaluated for natural Pgt infection at the adult-plant stage in the 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 growing seasons, and they were analyzed using specific molecular markers to detect stem rust resistance genes (Sr22, Sr24, Sr25, Sr26, Sr31, Sr38, Sr50, and Sr57). Based on phenotypic data, the majority of the varieties (62%) were resistant or moderately resistant to natural Pgt infection. According to molecular results, it was identified that Sr57 was present in 103 varieties, Sr50 in nine varieties, Sr25 in six varieties, and Sr22, Sr31, and Sr38 in one variety each. Additionally, their combinations Sr25 + Sr50, Sr31 + Sr57, Sr38 + Sr50, and Sr38 + Sr57 were detected in these varieties. On the other hand, Sr24 and Sr26 were not identified. In addition, many varieties had low stem rust scores, including a large minority that lacked Sr57. These varieties must have useful resistance to stem rust and could be the basis for selecting greater, possibly durable resistance.
creator: Ahmet Cat
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17633
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: © 2024 Cat

title: The impact of the military conflict in Sudan on maternal health: a mixed qualitative and quantitative study
link: https://peerj.com/articles/17484
last-modified: 2024-06-24
description: ObjectivesOngoing military conflict in Sudan has had significant repercussions on the health and well-being of the population, particularly among women of reproductive age. This study aimed to investigate the impact of conflict on maternal health by employing a mixed qualitative and quantitative research approach.MethodsThrough in-depth interviews and survey questionnaires (388 women), this study examined the experiences and challenges faced by pregnant women and new mothers and the availability and accessibility of maternal healthcare services in conflict-affected areas. Using a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with 35 women who had recently given birth or were pregnant in regions affected by the Khartoum State–Sudan conflict. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data collected from the interviews.ResultMost women did not have access to healthcare services (86.6%), and out of the total sample, 93 (24%) experienced adverse outcomes. The factors associated with adverse effects were parity (OR 1.78, CI [1.15–2.75], p-value 0.010), gestational age (OR 2.10, CI [1.36–3.25], p-value 0.002), access to healthcare (OR 2.35, CI [1.48–3.72], p-value 0.001), and delivery mode (OR 1.68, CI [1.05–2.69], p = 0.030). Factors significantly associated with accessibility to maternal healthcare services included age (OR, 1.28; = 0.042) and higher conflict levels (1.52 times higher odds, p = 0.021). The narratives and experiences shared by women exposed the multifaceted ways in which the conflict-affected maternal health outcomes.ConclusionThe significance of this study lies in its potential to contribute to the existing literature on maternal health in conflict-affected areas, especially in Sudan, and to help us understand how women can receive maternal health services.
creator: Elhadi Miskeen
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17484
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: © 2024 Miskeen

title: The inorganic pyrophosphatases of microorganisms: a structural and functional review
link: https://peerj.com/articles/17496
last-modified: 2024-06-24
description: Pyrophosphatases (PPases) are enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of pyrophosphate (PPi), a byproduct of the synthesis and degradation of diverse biomolecules. The accumulation of PPi in the cell can result in cell death. Although the substrate is the same, there are variations in the catalysis and features of these enzymes. Two enzyme forms have been identified in bacteria: cytoplasmic or soluble pyrophosphatases and membrane-bound pyrophosphatases, which play major roles in cell bioenergetics. In eukaryotic cells, cytoplasmic enzymes are the predominant form of PPases (c-PPases), while membrane enzymes (m-PPases) are found only in protists and plants. The study of bacterial cytoplasmic and membrane-bound pyrophosphatases has slowed in recent years. These enzymes are central to cell metabolism and physiology since phospholipid and nucleic acid synthesis release important amounts of PPi that must be removed to allow biosynthesis to continue. In this review, two aims were pursued: first, to provide insight into the structural features of PPases known to date and that are well characterized, and to provide examples of enzymes with novel features. Second, the scientific community should continue studying these enzymes because they have many biotechnological applications. Additionally, in this review, we provide evidence that there are m-PPases present in fungi; to date, no examples have been characterized. Therefore, the diversity of PPase enzymes is still a fruitful field of research. Additionally, we focused on the roles of H+/Na+ pumps and m-PPases in cell bioenergetics. Finally, we provide some examples of the applications of these enzymes in molecular biology and biotechnology, especially in plants. This review is valuable for professionals in the biochemistry field of protein structure–function relationships and experts in other fields, such as chemistry, nanotechnology, and plant sciences.
creator: Rodolfo García-Contreras
creator: Javier de la Mora
creator: Héctor Manuel Mora-Montes
creator: José A. Martínez-Álvarez
creator: Marcos Vicente-Gómez
creator: Felipe Padilla-Vaca
creator: Naurú Idalia Vargas-Maya
creator: Bernardo Franco
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17496
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: ©2024 García-Contreras et al.

title: Sedentary patterns and health outcomes in the oldest-old: a latent profile analysis
link: https://peerj.com/articles/17505
last-modified: 2024-06-24
description: BackgroundSedentary behavior is most prevalent among those aged 80 years and above, referred to as the oldest-old. Current literature emphasizes the significance of sedentary behavior patterns, but further evidence is required to understand how these patterns relate to specific health outcomes and to identify at-risk profiles for tailored interventions in the oldest-old. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify profiles of adults aged 80+ years based on their sedentary patterns and health outcomes, and to examine associations between profiles and socio-demographics.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Flanders (Belgium) from February 2021 to December 2022 recruiting 90 older adults (80+) through convenience sampling, employing word of mouth, social media and local service centers. Latent profile analysis identified device-based sedentary patterns and assessed their associations with physical and cognitive functioning, mental health-related quality of life (QoL), and social isolation. Associations of these profiles with socio-demographic factors were analyzed.ResultsThree distinct profiles were identified: (1) the ‘cognitively and physically frail’ profile, (2) the ‘healthy’ profile and (3) the ‘lower mental health-related QoL’ profile. Those in the ‘cognitively and physically frail’ profile exhibited the least favorable sedentary pattern, and had a higher likelihood of residing in a nursing home. No significant differences were found for the other socio-demographic variables, being age, sex, educational degree and family situation.ConclusionsThree distinct profiles in the oldest-old population, based on cognitive and physical functioning, mental health-related QoL, and sedentary behavior patterns, were identified. Lower physical and cognitive functioning was associated with unhealthy sedentary patterns. Further research with larger samples is crucial to uncover potential links between socio-demographics and at-risk subgroups, enhancing our understanding of sedentary behavior and geriatric health outcomes in this population.
creator: Elien Lebuf
creator: Delfien Van Dyck
creator: Laura Van de Velde
creator: Melanie Beeckman
creator: Jelle Van Cauwenberg
creator: Sofie Compernolle
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17505
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: ©2024 Lebuf et al.

title: Integrated bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing identifies an aneuploidy-based gene signature to predict sensitivity of lung adenocarcinoma to traditional chemotherapy drugs and patients’ prognosis
link: https://peerj.com/articles/17545
last-modified: 2024-06-24
description: BackgroundPatients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) often develop a poor prognosis. Currently, researches on prognostic and immunotherapeutic capacity of aneuploidy-related genes in LUAD are limited.MethodsGenes related to aneuploidy were screened based on bulk RNA sequencing data from public databases using Spearman method. Next, univariate Cox and Lasso regression analyses were performed to establish an aneuploidy-related riskscore (ARS) model. Results derived from bioinformatics analysis were further validated using cellular experiments. In addition, typical LUAD cells were identified by subtype clustering, followed by SCENIC and intercellular communication analyses. Finally, ESTIMATE, ssGSEA and CIBERSORT algorithms were employed to analyze the potential relationship between ARS and tumor immune environment.ResultsA five-gene ARS signature was developed. These genes were abnormally high-expressed in LUAD cell lines, and in particular the high expression of CKS1B promoted the proliferative, migratory and invasive phenotypes of LUAD cell lines. Low ARS group had longer overall survival time, higher degrees of inflammatory infiltration, and could benefit more from receiving immunotherapy. Patients in low ASR group responded more actively to traditional chemotherapy drugs (Erlotinib and Roscovitine). The scRNA-seq analysis annotated 17 cell subpopulations into seven cell clusters. Core transcription factors (TFs) such as CREB3L1 and CEBPD were enriched in high ARS cell group, while TFs such as BCLAF1 and UQCRB were enriched in low ARS cell group. CellChat analysis revealed that high ARS cell groups communicated with immune cells via SPP1 (ITGA4-ITGB1) and MK (MDK-NCl) signaling pathways.ConclusionIn this research, integrative analysis based on the ARS model provided a potential direction for improving the diagnosis and treatment of LUAD.
creator: Xiaobin Wang
creator: Jiakuan Chen
creator: Chaofan Li
creator: Yufei Liu
creator: Shiqun Chen
creator: Feng Lv
creator: Ke Lan
creator: Wei He
creator: Hongsheng Zhu
creator: Liang Xu
creator: Kaiyuan Ma
creator: Haihua Guo
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17545
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
rights: © 2024 Wang et al.

title: Macro and microplastic pollution in Romania: addressing knowledge gaps and potential solutions under the circular economy framework
link: https://peerj.com/articles/17546
last-modified: 2024-06-24
description: BackgroundThis review reveals the role of linear economy prevalence and mismanagement practices in plastic pollution of aquatic and terrestrial environments and related knowledge gaps in Romania while outlining downstream and upstream solutions to reduce plastic pollution and adopt circular economy strategies. Thus, the major aim of this study is the investigation of the stage of scientific knowledge concerning all these demands in the Romanian context.MethodologyThis work integrates two main approaches: (i) a bibliometric analysis fed by Web of Science and Scopus databases to reveal the current coverage of peer-reviewed literature related to plastic waste in Romania and (ii) a subject-based review to underline the main themes related to plastic waste management, plastic pollution, and mitigating options in Romania in line with circular economy principles.ResultsReducing plastic pollution requires scientific knowledge, multi-sectoral cooperation, and societal awareness. Following this, the topics of plastic waste and plastic pollution appeared to be under-investigated in the literature considering Romania as a case study and concentrated around the 2020 year, emphasizing, in this way, the trendiness of plastic waste concerns and their management in the current research landscape. Our analysis points out that: (i) Romania is facing massive plastic pollution requiring solid improvements in waste management performances; (ii) few peer-reviewed research studies are performed in Romania for both macro and microplastic concerns with unknown pollution levels in most of its geographical regions; (iii) the plastic waste management is still understudied here, while waste statistics are poorly available at local levels; (iv) the perspectives of circular economy transition are still limited, feeding the plastic pollution in the coming years.ConclusionsSeveral knowledge gaps are identified and must be covered by future research such as (i) adjusting mismanaged plastic waste levels to regional waste management performances and determining littering rates in urban and rural areas to improve the plastic pollution modeling inputs; (ii) examining plastic pollution associated with landfill sites and waste imports; (iii) assessing the sectoral contributions to macro and microplastic pollution of aquatic environments related to municipalities, tourist destinations, agriculture, etc.; (iv) determining retention levels of plastic in river basins and role of riparian vegetation; (v) analyzing microplastics presence in all types of freshwater environments and interlinkage between macroplastic fragmentation and microplastic; (vi) assessing the plastic loads of transboundary rivers related to mismanagement practices; (vii) determining concentrations of microplastics in air, soil, and other land use ecosystems.
creator: Florin-Constantin Mihai
creator: Simona-Roxana Ulman
creator: Valeria Pop
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17546
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: © 2024 Mihai et al.

title: Barnacle analysis as a microplastic pollution bioindicator on the East Coast of Surabaya
link: https://peerj.com/articles/17548
last-modified: 2024-06-24
description: BackgroundPlastic pollution is a significant issue on the East Coast of Surabaya, emphasizing the need to develop microplastic monitoring programs. Barnacles became one of the potential microplastic bioindicator species on the East Coast of Surabaya. This study aimed to characterize the visual and polymers of microplastics found in barnacles and assess their potential as a bioindicator species for microplastic pollution on the East Coast of Surabaya.MethodsMicroplastic polymer analysis was performed using ATR-FTIR.ResultsA total of 196 microplastic particles were found in barnacles, water, and sediment. The size of microplastics in barnacles, water, and sediment varied, with the size in barnacles dominated by class 1 (1–10 µm), in water by class 2 (10–50 µm), and in sediments by class 3 (50–100 µm). Fragments dominated the shape of microplastics in barnacles, while water and sediment were dominated by fiber. The microplastic color in barnacles, water, and sediment was dominated by blue, and the microplastic polymer composition on barnacles, water, and sediments was dominated by cellophane (36%). Amphibalanus amphitrite was found to be predominant and identified as a potential microplastic bioindicator because it is a cosmopolitan species. Its population was found to correlate positively with cellophane (CP) accumulation. The Pearson’s correlation test between barnacle length and microplastic length at a = 0.05 was inversely proportional to r =  − 0.411 (p < 0.05), categorized as a strong enough correlation. These findings are essential in developing monitoring programs and mitigating the impact of microplastics on the marine environment.
creator: Miftakhul Sefti Raufanda
creator: Aunurohim Aunurohim
creator: Romanus Edy Prabowo
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17548
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: ©2024 Raufanda et al.