title: PeerJ
description:  Articles published in PeerJ
link: https://peerj.com/articles/index.rss3?journal=peerj&page=32
creator: info@peerj.com PeerJ
errorsTo: info@peerj.com PeerJ
language: en

title: Dynamic effects of irrigation on photosynthesis and yield-related physiological characteristics in different glutinous wheat cultivars
link: https://peerj.com/articles/20230
last-modified: 2025-10-24
description: Water scarcity critically constrains wheat production in North China, yet the irrigation responsiveness of novel glutinous wheat cultivars remains poorly quantified. This study systematically investigated the physiological mechanisms of common wheat Shimai 19 (SM19), partially glutinous SM19-P (Wx-B1 null), and fully glutinous SM19-N (triple null) under three irrigation regimes: rain-fed (W0), water-saving (W1: jointing irrigation), and conventional irrigation (W2: overwintering + jointing + flowering irrigations). Dynamic monitoring of flag leaf photosynthesis (Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD), stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (Tr), net photosynthetic rate (Pn)), antioxidant enzyme systems (superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) net photosynthetic rate (Pn), malondialdehyde (MDA)), grain starch synthase activities (granule-bound starch synthase (GBSS), soluble starch synthase (SSS), adenosine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase), starch branching enzyme (SBE)), and yield components revealed that: (1) SM19 achieved maximum photosynthetic capacity under W1 (Pn increased by 59.54% vs. W0 at 21 days post anthesis (DPA), p < 0.05) with optimal oxidative damage resistance (MDA reduced by 78.73% at 0 DPA), whereas SM19-P and SM19-N required W2 to reach photosynthetic peaks (Pn increased by 60.56% in SM19-P) and enzyme activity maxima (CAT increased by 66.67% in SM19-N). (2) Starch synthase activities peaked under water deficit (W0) early in grain-filling (≤14 DPA) but became tightly coupled to irrigation frequency thereafter. This was supported by a highly significant correlation between irrigation and final yield (r = 0.803, p < 0.01). The coordinated upregulation of AGPase and SSS (r = 0.726, p < 0.01) underpinned this response. The superior branched-starch accumulation in genotype SM19-N (+23%) was linked to its markedly higher SBE activity (r = 0.867, p < 0.01). (3) Yield optimization was genotype-specific: SM19 yielded highest under W1, while SM19-N peaked under W2. The study demonstrates that, unlike common wheat (SM19) which performs optimally under water-saving irrigation, the novel glutinous lines (SM19-P/SM19-N) require full irrigation to realize their yield potential, highlighting a critical trade-off between starch quality and drought adaptation. The key indicators identified—photosynthetic efficiency, antioxidant capacity, and starch metabolism—provide a theoretical foundation for developing future glutinous wheat varieties combining drought tolerance with high starch quality.
creator: Yan Li
creator: Xin Wang
creator: Ruoxi Kang
creator: Lixiao Xu
creator: Xuegui Li
creator: Hanyu Liu
creator: Zhennan Qiu
creator: Zhongmin Dai
creator: Yuangang Zhu
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20230
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: ©2025 Li et al.

title: Molecular epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli in a tertiary hospital located in the Dabie Mountains region, China
link: https://peerj.com/articles/20188
last-modified: 2025-10-24
description: BackgroundThe emergence of carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (CREc) strains poses a growing threat to global public health, presenting significant clinical and therapeutic challenges. Although extensive studies have been conducted in urban areas and high-incidence countries, data on the prevalence and molecular characteristics of CREc in rural regions remain limited, particularly in areas like the Dabie Mountains in China. This knowledge gap is critical because regional variations in resistance mechanisms may differ substantially. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the molecular epidemiology, genetic diversity, and resistance mechanisms of CREc in a tertiary hospital located in this under-researched region, providing crucial data for regional surveillance and informed public health interventions.Patients and methodsBetween 2018 and 2022, 33 CREc isolates were obtained from 33 patients at a tertiary hospital in the Dabie Mountains region of China. We performed a retrospective clinical analysis of the patients, followed by next-generation sequencing (NGS) and comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of all 33 CREc isolates. Additionally, phenotypic tests for carbapenemase and AmpC-type β-lactamase production were carried out.ResultsThis study analyzed 33 CREc clinical isolates from a mountainous region hospital in China. The isolates predominantly originated from elderly patients (66.7% aged ≥ 60 years) with comorbidities (75.8%). Phenotypic analysis showed that 97.0% of isolates produced carbapenemases (n = 32), with the gene encoding New Delhi Metallo-β-lactamase (blaNDM) variants (n = 30) dominated by blaNDM-5 (n = 24) and a notable proportion of blaNDM-13 (n = 4). In addition to carbapenemase genes, the most prevalent resistance genes were those conferring resistance to sulfonamides (97.0%, 32/33) and aminoglycosides (93.9%, 31/33). Notably, 36.4% (n = 12) of isolates exhibited fosA3-mediated fosfomycin resistance, with universal co-carriage of extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL) genes. Genomic analysis identified 24 distinct sequence types (STs), with ST410 and ST692 being most prevalent. Molecular investigation localized blaNDM within diversified Tn125 derivatives and the gene encoding Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase (blaKPC-2) with truncated Tn6296 elements. Virulence factor screening detected 71 virulence genes, including highly prevalent adhesins (fimH, 84.8%) and hemolysins (hlyE, 97.0%). Plasmid profiling showed predominant IncFII (81.8%) and IncX (63.6%) replicon types.ConclusionThis represents the first systematic investigation of CREc epidemiology in this understudied region. Our results demonstrate a high prevalence of carbapenem resistance mediated primarily by blaNDM-5, with co-occurrence of other resistance genes (fosA3) and virulence factors (fimH/hlyE/csgA).
creator: Lu Wang
creator: Wanxian Gong
creator: Jie Zhang
creator: Runan Zhang
creator: Ying Jing
creator: Yuanhong Xu
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20188
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: © 2025 Wang et al.

title: Food selection and feeding patterns in nectarivorous bats: Leptonycteris yerbabuenae and Glossophaga soricina
link: https://peerj.com/articles/20164
last-modified: 2025-10-24
description: Sympatric species reduce competition for resources due to differences in one or more of their niche dimensions. Biotic interactions between pollinators and variations in the availability and quality of resources are important factors that determine food selection in bats. The nectarivorous species Leptonycteris yerbabuenae and Glossophaga soricina coexist temporarily in much of their distribution and depend on nectar to feed. These species have similar requirements but differ in the way they obtain food. The coexistence of bat species with similar requirements, such as L. yerbabuenae and G. soricina, suggests that these species have strategies for avoiding competition and maximizing their nectar consumption. However, it is unclear how these bat species select resources and adjust their visits to the available floral resources. We therefore analyzed nectar selection and feeding patterns in these two bat species under captive conditions. We conducted experiments in which we controlled resource type and its availability by offering the bats different artificial nectar solutions, while we removed interspecific interactions. These solutions differed in concentration and sugar type, and some were similar to the nectar offered by chiropterophilic plant species. The bat species presented differences in food selection; G. soricina fed mainly on resources similar to Ipomoea and sucrose sugar. In contrast, L. yerbabuenae preferred those resources similar to the nectar of Acanthocereus cacti. In addition, the timing of feeding for each solution also differed. These results suggest low levels of competition between species under abundant resources and low density of individuals; however, such conditions are not always found in nature, and patterns may change with increased food scarcity and a high density of competitors.
creator: Martín Hesajim de Santiago-Hernández
creator: Alejandro Salinas-Melgoza
creator: Alicia Chavez-Estrada
creator: Miguel Angel Salinas-Melgoza
creator: Mauricio Quesada
creator: Yvonne Herrerías-Diego
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20164
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: © 2025 de Santiago-Hernández et al.

title: The expression of metastasis associated protein 2 in normal development and cancers: mechanism and clinical significance
link: https://peerj.com/articles/20107
last-modified: 2025-10-24
description: Metastasis-associated protein 2 (MTA2), a master transcriptional regulator, through multiple target genes and interacting proteins, has been demonstrated to play a vital role in the regulation of proliferation, replication, apoptosis, autophagy, DNA damage repair, preimplantation, embryonic development and immune cell differentiation. Despite extensive research, the physiological role and pathogenic mechanisms of MTA2 remain poorly understood. Here, we mainly review in the current research the status of MTA2 and its implications in normal development and various tumor biology. Accumulating evidence suggests that MTA2 is frequently amplify in several types of cancers, closely associates with tumor cells migration and invasion, relates to the malignant characteristics and poor prognosis, which therefore has been considered as playing tumor oncogenic roles. Substantial evidence indicates that MTA2 functions by modulating downstream targets including cell growth, invasion as well as angiogenesis related genes. Confusingly, the proliferation effect of MTA2 remains elusive and even conflicting in the development of several solid tumors. Furthermore, we discuss the upstream regulation of MTA2 by transcription factors, microRNAs and lncRNAs in specific physiology and pathology conditions, which results in the abnormal MTA2 expression in various aspects of cancer. In this context, we summarize linked function of MTA2 directly to oncogenesis and might provide a significant avenue for the treatment of diseases. We hope that this review will help tumor molecular biologists further understand the molecular mechanism of MTA2 in normal development and cancer.
creator: Xujun Liu
creator: Yaping Jiang
creator: Yanfeng Hou
creator: Xiaoning Li
creator: Haixia Li
creator: Wenzhe Si
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20107
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: ©2025 Liu et al.

title: Changes in mercury content in oysters in relation to sediment and seston content in the Colombian Caribbean lagoons
link: https://peerj.com/articles/19868
last-modified: 2025-10-24
description: Total mercury (Hg) was evaluated in the mangrove oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae, in sediments and seston from the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta (CGSM) and Cispatá Bay (BhC) in two climatic seasons (rainy and dry). Composite samples of sediments, seston and oysters in juvenile and adult ages were collected at six stations (three in each ecosystem) and Hg was quantified by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) method 7473 PLTX-017). BhC had the highest Hg concentrations in sediment, seston and oysters compared to CGSM, with values close to the tolerable threshold for the ecosystem and associated biota (TEL) of 0.13 µg/g. Although at CGSM Hg was below the TEL in sediment and was considered safe in the oyster, significant bioconcentration was evident with the metal content in the seston, indicating a potential risk to the ecosystem and humans. The variables organic matter and temperature influenced metal availability in the sediment and seston, respectively; in contrast, they had no significant relationship in the oyster. In CGSM, higher Hg concentration was recorded in adult ages, while in BhC the highest accumulation occurred in juveniles, especially during the dry season. These findings underscore the importance of continuous Hg monitoring in both ecosystems. When assessed using the adapted Nemerow Pollution Index based on the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) of one µg Hg/kg body weight, although both sites presented a very high risk in terms of consumption, they are well below the most contaminated global hotspots over the past five decades. This study also highlights the relevance of oyster age in contamination assessments, as Hg accumulation patterns vary depending on environmental and climatic conditions.
creator: Anubis Vélez-Mendoza
creator: Jeimmy Paola Rico-Mora
creator: Néstor Hernando Campos-Campos
creator: Margui Lorena Almario-García
creator: Adolfo Sanjuan-Muñoz
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19868
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: ©2025 Vélez-Mendoza et al.

title: The profound impact of COVID-19 on college students’ physical fitness
link: https://peerj.com/articles/20293
last-modified: 2025-10-23
description: BackgroundThis study expands existing research by examining longitudinal impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical college students’ physical fitness.MethodsA medical college in Wenzhou, was selected to examine the changes in physical fitness indicators among students from 2019 to 2021.ResultsWhile most students maintained normal weight status (85.2%), overweight/obese prevalence increased significantly (8.0% in 2019, 8.9% in 2020, and 10.1% in 2021). Among male students, 67.0% were classified within the passing range, while the majority of female students (55.0%) fell within the “good” grade category. In 2021, a significant decline was observed in the standing long jump, 50-m dash, and 1,000/800 m run (p < 0.05) across both genders.ConclusionsThe lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly contributed to increased weight gain among college students and a decline in their endurance running performance.
creator: Jianzhong Sun
creator: Bin Qiao
creator: Chan Lin
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20293
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: © 2025 Sun et al.

title: Predictors of vision screening among Saudis at primary healthcare settings in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: findings from a cross-sectional survey
link: https://peerj.com/articles/20239
last-modified: 2025-10-23
description: BackgroundVisual impairment, including low vision and blindness, is an important global health concern. In Saudi Arabia, research on vision screening prevalence and its predictors is limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of vision screening and identify associated factors among Saudi residents attending primary healthcare settings.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to July 2023, involving 14,239 participants from 48 randomly selected primary healthcare centers in Riyadh. Data were collected electronically from participants aged 18 years and older, using a validated questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, health-related behaviors, and comorbidities. Vision screening (yes/no) was the outcome of interest, and predictors were identified using multiple logistic regression. All statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software.ResultsThe mean age of the population sample was 59.7 years ± SD 16.6 years, 56.6% were female, and 65.3% were married. The overall prevalence of vision screening was 9.1%. Multivariable analysis revealed that higher education (AOR 0.65–0.67, 95% CI [0.50–0.84] for up to high school; [0.52–0.87] for college/university; [0.44–0.76] for others) and marriage (AOR 0.81, 95% CI [0.70–0.94]) were associated with lower odds of vision screening. Conversely, unemployment (AOR 1.28, 95% CI [1.12–1.46]), exercise (AOR 1.29, 95% CI [1.14–1.47]), diabetes (AOR 1.49, 95% CI [1.24–1.80]), and obesity (AOR 1.39, 95% CI [1.11–1.75]) were associated with higher odds (all p < 0.05). Age, sex, insurance coverage, smoking, and hypertension did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionOverall, the prevalence of vision screening among the Saudi residents was low. This study identified key sociodemographic and health-related predictors of vision screening among Saudi residents. Targeted interventions are needed to improve screening rates, particularly among underutilizing groups such as those with higher education, married individuals, and employed individuals. Future research should qualitatively explore underlying reasons for these disparities to inform effective and culturally sensitive strategies.
creator: Ashraf Elmetwally
creator: Mamdouh Shubair
creator: Ibtehaj Alshdoukhi
creator: Rasha Alhazzaa
creator: Faris Fatani
creator: Aljohrah Aldubikhi
creator: Dr Badr Alkhateeb
creator: Naif Alhawiti
creator: Raed Aldahash
creator: Jumanaa Masoudi
creator: Hanan Al Kadri
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20239
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
rights: © 2025 Elmetwally et al.

title: Are northern communities an overlooked source of microplastics and tire wear particles in the Arctic?
link: https://peerj.com/articles/20237
last-modified: 2025-10-23
description: Microplastic particles (plastic 1 µm to 5 mm in length) are a contaminant of emerging concern in Arctic environments; nonetheless, few studies have evaluated atmospheric microplastics in Arctic communities. This study investigated microplastics and tire wear particles across 16 sites in the community of Iqaluit, Nunavut (population = 7,429) using road dust as an indicator of atmospheric microplastic deposition (size detection limit >50 µm). The mean concentration of microplastics (excluding tire wear particles), ranged from 36.5 ± 68.4 µg/g (5.41 ± 4.69 n/g) in industrial sites and 73.4 ± 121 µg/g (6.21 ± 4.46 n/g) in commercial sites and non-fibrous microplastics (i.e., fragments, films, and foams) were dominant across the study area. Various polymers were identified using Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy in Attenuated Total Reflectance down to a particle size of 100 µm. The dominant polymers being polyethylene terephthalate (15%), polyester (15%), polymethyl acrylate (15%), and polystyrene (15%). Further, based on the results of the microplastic diversity integrated index, commercial and industrial regions were composed of unique microplastic communities. The mean concentration of tire wear particles (dominated by rubber; 27%) in road dust was significantly greater than other microplastics, ranging from 83.2 ± 49.1 µg/g (49.3 ± 30.0 n/g) in industrial sites to 481 ± 514 µg/g (102 ± 132 n/g) in commercial sites. The concentration of microplastics and tire wear particles in Iqaluit was consistent with observations from metropolitan cities, suggesting Arctic communities may be a substantial local source of atmospheric microplastics and tire wear particles to surrounding Arctic ecosystems.
creator: Kelly Evans
creator: Liisa Jantunen
creator: Julian Aherne
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20237
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: © 2025 Evans et al.

title: Summer pruning in apple trees is an advisable cultural practice that promotes bud differentiation and improves fruit quality: a literature review
link: https://peerj.com/articles/20229
last-modified: 2025-10-23
description: Apples (Malus domestica) are among the most widely cultivated and economically valuable fruit tree crops worldwide. Summer pruning, encompassing thinning, branch bending, and ring wounding, is a method of regulating apple production and is important to fruit tree growth. Timely and appropriate application of this measure can control the vigorous growth of new shoots, promoting the differentiation of flower buds, enhancing early fruiting and yield of young trees, improving the ventilation and light conditions of trees, and reducing the occurrence of pests and diseases, thereby achieving superior fruit quality. However, excessive pruning negatively affects the tree’s strength, yield, and fruit quality. In this review, we concisely describe the physiological basis of summer pruning, the main manual pruning methods, the latest robotic pruning technologies, and their specific impacts on fruit quality and yield. We also analyze the main problems in current production, emphasizing the importance of robotic pruning as an important management measure for future large-scale and intelligent development of the apple industry. This information is beneficial to fruit tree researchers and growers and provides a scientific reference for apple production.
creator: Xiaoyu Qiu
creator: Wenxi Xing
creator: Youxiong Que
creator: Guilong Lu
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20229
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: ©2025 Qiu et al.

title: Control of Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in apple orchards using the mating disruption technique
link: https://peerj.com/articles/20226
last-modified: 2025-10-23
description: The codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is a major, economically important pest of apple orchards in Türkiye. This study was conducted with the objective of evaluating the efficacy of the mating disruption technique in controlling C. pomonella in commercial apple orchards in the Beyşehir district (Konya) during the years 2023 and 2024. The experiments were conducted in six commercial apple orchards. Three of these orchards were treated with pheromones, while the remaining three served as control orchards. The efficacy of mating disruption was evaluated by comparing the number of C. pomonella males caught in Delta traps in pheromone-treated and control orchards and the infestation rates in these orchards. Delta traps baited with synthetic sex pheromone were hung in each pheromone-treated and control apple orchard to monitor the adult codling moths, and the number of males was recorded weekly. Once the first adult was caught in Delta traps, ISOCOD-C (380 mg (E,E)-8,10-Dodecadienol, dodecanol, tetradecanol) pheromone dispensers were hung at a dose of 500 pieces/ha, 1.5–1.8 m above the soil surface in four directions of the trees in the apple orchards where the mating disruption technique was applied. To determine the infestation rate of C. pomonella, 10 fruits from 10 trees (a total of 100 fruits) were randomly selected and the infested fruits were recorded weekly. ISOCOD-C pheromone dispensers suppressed capture of male moths in Delta traps and infestation rate in fruits in the treated orchards in both years, and the differences were found to be statistically significant in comparison to the control. In the pheromone-treated orchards, the mean number of males (trap/week) was 0.91 ± 0.18 and 0.81 ± 0.19 in 2023 and 2024, respectively, while this was 11.38 ± 1.64 in 2023 and 19.60 ± 2.65 in 2024 in the control orchards. The mean infestation rate (%) in the pheromone-treated orchards was 1.18 ± 0.21% and 2.50 ± 0.43%, in 2023 and 2024, respectively. In contrast, this rate was 13.26 ± 1.08% and 15.33 ± 1.02% in the control orchards. In addition, it was determined that the total number of sprays for codling moth in orchards using mating disruption decreased by 44.4% and 45.4% in 2023 and 2024, respectively, in comparison with the control. As a result, this study revealed that the ISOCOD-C pheromone disperser can be successfully used against C. pomonella in apple orchards.
creator: Alperen Kutalmış
creator: Ekrem Ögür
uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20226
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rights: ©2025 Kutalmış and Ögür