bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low‐frequency stimulation of corpus callosum suppresses epileptiform activity in the cortex through γ‐aminobutyric acid type B receptor and slow afterhyperpolarization‐mediated reduction in tissue excitability
Authors: Pakalapati Nrupen , Chiang Chia‐Chu , Durand Dominique M.
Published: October 2024

Objective

Deep brain stimulation, particularly low‐frequency stimulation (LFS) targeting fiber tracts, has emerged as a potential therapy for drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) and for generalized epilepsy, both of which pose significant treatment challenges. LFS diffusely suppresses seizures in the cortex when applied to fiber tracts like the corpus callosum (CC). Nevertheless, the specific processes responsible for suppressing epileptic activity in the cortex induced by LFS remain unclear. This study investigates the mechanisms underlying the antiepileptic effect in the cortex of LFS of the CC in coronal rodent brain slices.

Methods

An in vitro 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP) seizure model of cortical seizures was generated. LFS stimulation parameters were optimized to provide the largest antiepileptic effect in the cortex when applied to the CC. Changes to tissue excitability and percent time spent seizing were measured due to LFS in artificial cerebrospinal fluid, 4‐AP, and in the presence of various specific and nonspecific γ‐aminobutyric acid type B (GABAB) and slow afterhyperpolarization (sAHP) antagonists.

Results

LFS significantly suppressed seizure activity in the cortex, with an optimal frequency of 5 Hz (76.5%). Tissue excitability during LFS reduces across a wide range of interstimulus intervals, with a maximum reduction at 200 ms. Notably, the tissue excitability remains depressed at 1000 ms. LFS, in the presence of GABAB antagonists, had diminished seizure reduction (<15%) and failed to reduce tissue excitability in the 50–400‐ms range. Tissue excitability measured with paired pulses in the 600–1000‐ms range was depressed in the presence of GABAB antagonists, suggesting a different antiepileptic mechanism was active. Upon administering sAHP antagonists, seizure reduction was once again diminished (<15%). Upon administration of both sAHP and GABAB antagonists, LFS failed to provide any meaningful seizure reduction (<5%).

Significance

LFS of the CC provides an antiepileptic effect in the cortex with well‐understood mechanisms and could be an alternative to surgical intervention for patients suffering from DRE.
The Agoutis: A Future Model for Ecologically Relevant Neuroscience and Physiology In Natura
Authors: Sanguinetti‐Scheck J. I. , Gálvez D.
Published: October 2024

The overarching goal of neurobiology is to understand how complex behaviors are generated by the nervous system. The behavior of each species, and the brain that controls it, is shaped by the historical and current state of the environment that they inhabit. This fact is juxtaposed with the reductionist approach of neuroscience that isolates animals from their natural environment. Understanding how brains evolved to orchestrate the myriads of natural behaviors an animal performs in response to its environment requires an integrative approach to neuroscience that considers ecology, ethology, and evolution. Current technological developments are leading us to an inflection point at which studying brain functions in the wild is now possible. Ecological studies on how the environment affects behavior of animals (i.e., hibernation, foraging, food hoarding, and nest building) have framed a plurality of questions to be answered mechanistically, and yet, only few studies have addressed the relationship between the environment and the brain's anatomy and physiology. Neuroscience needs new animal models that allow us to tackle such questions in the wild. Here, we propose a new animal model for wild neuroscience, the agouti (Dasyprocta spp.), a large wild rodent playing a critical seasonal role in the maintenance of the central and south American rainforest ecosystems. We focus on how a rodent model, like the agouti, will allow for the investigation of large‐scale brain dynamics during seasonal behaviors of ecological importance: scatter‐hoarding and retrieval. We describe agouti evolution, ecology, and physiology as well as neuro‐anatomical and neurophysiological studies, which have set the foundation for future neuroscience in natura. We suggest agoutis have the potential to be a groundbreaking model for wild neuroscience.
Bidirectional associations between parenting stress and coparenting: A longitudinal actor‐partner interdependence analysis
Authors: Liu Li , Liu Wenxue , Ren Shuchang
Published: October 2024

Although parents' parenting stress has been found to be related to coparenting, existing research has mostly focused only on one parent or examined the unidirectional effects between the two factors. The present study investigated the actor and partner effects as well as the bidirectional association between parents' parenting stress and coparenting in Chinese society. The study participants were 522 Chinese father−mother dyads with elementary school‐aged children who followed for two measurement occasions (half a year apart). The cross‐lagged actor‐partner interdependence model (APIM) was used to examine the actor effects and partner effects in the bidirectional associations between both parents' parenting stress and coparenting. The findings revealed that both fathers' and mothers' parenting stress significantly negatively predicted their spouses' coparenting (partner effects), and mothers' coparenting significantly negatively predicted their spouses' parenting stress (partner effects). However, the actor effects between parents' parenting stress and coparenting were not significant. Furthermore, there were significant bidirectional associations between fathers' parenting stress and mothers' coparenting. Findings from the present study reveal the dynamic interaction between parenting stress and coparenting. The results point to the need for providing preventive interventions to parents with high levels of parenting stress and establishing a collaborative interaction framework between parents.
Global Ecosystem Nitrogen Cycling Reciprocates Between Land‐Use Conversion and Its Reversal
Authors: Uwiragiye Yves , Wang Jing , Huang Yuanyuan , Wu Liangping , Zhou Jiake , Zhang Yanhui , Chen Meiqi , Jing Hang , Qian Yinfei , Elrys Ahmed S. , Cheng Yi , Cai Zucong , Xu Minggang , Chang Scott X. , Müller Christoph
Published: October 2024

Anthropogenic land‐use practices influence ecosystem functions and the environment. Yet, the effect of global land‐use change on ecosystem nitrogen (N) cycling remains unquantified despite that ecosystem N cycling plays a critical role in maintaining food security. Here, we analysed 2430 paired observations globally to show that converting natural to managed ecosystems increases ratios of autotrophic nitrification to ammonium immobilisation and nitrate to ammonium, but decreases soil immobilisation of mineral N, causing increased N losses via leaching and gaseous N emissions, such as nitrous oxide (e.g., via denitrification), resulting in a leaky N cycle. Changing land use from intensively managed to one that resembles natural ecosystems reversed N losses by 108% on average, resulting in a more conservative N cycle. Structural equation modelling revealed that changes in soil organic carbon, pH and carbon to N ratio were more important than changes in soil moisture content and temperature in predicting ecosystem N retention capacities following land‐use conversion and its reversion. The hotspots of leaky N cycles were mostly in equatorial and tropical regions, as well as in Western Europe, the United States and China. Our results suggest that whether an ecosystem exhibits a conservative N cycle after land‐use reversion depends on management practices.
Introduction “street‐level bureaucracy, populism, and democratic backsliding”
Authors: Lotta Gabriela Spanghero , Piotrowska Barbara , Raaphorst Nadine
Published: October 2024

This special issue investigates the impact of populism and democratic backsliding on street‐level bureaucracy (SLB) across various countries and contexts. The cooccurrence of populism and democratic erosion significantly alters public administration, particularly affecting public sector employees responsible for policy implementation. This issue explores how populist strategies differ in their application to SLBs as compared to the Civil Service, the distinctive challenges SLBs encounter due to populism and democratic backsliding, and the pressures exacerbated during crises. By examining studies from Brazil, Mexico, Poland, Czechia, Hungary, Switzerland, and the United States, the papers highlight the interplay between political pressures and frontline service delivery. The findings underscore the necessity of understanding the relationship between democratic backsliding, populism, and SLBs, proposing a research agenda to further explore these dynamics and their implications for public administration and policy implementation.
Characteristics of diabetes mellitus patients with nonviral chronic liver disease who developed hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sasaki Kyo , Kawanaka Miwa , Tomiyama Yasuyuki , Takaki Akinobu , Otsuka Motoyuki , Ikeda Fusao , Yoshioka Naoko , Kaneto Hideaki , Wada Jun , Fukuda Tetsuya , Hino Keisuke , Nishina Sohji
Published: October 2024

Aim

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a well‐known risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, HCC is often diagnosed at an advanced stage in patients with diabetes because of the lack of the best criteria for surveillance candidates. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for HCC development in patients with diabetes with nonviral chronic liver disease.

Method

Three hundred thirty T2DM patients with nonviral chronic liver disease who underwent surveillance for HCC by imaging techniques between 2009 and 2020 were enrolled in this multicenter cross‐sectional retrospective study. The clinical and laboratory parameters of patients with and without HCC were compared.

Results

Age ≥65 years, alcohol intake, lack of hepatic steatosis, triglyceride level <111 mg/dL, Mac2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) ≥0.9 cut‐off index (COI), α‐fetoprotein concentration ≥5 ng/mL, and des‐γ‐carboxy prothrombin concentration ≥26 mAU/mL were independently associated with HCC development. When stratified by age, only alcohol intake (odds ratio [OR] 114.19, p < 0.001) was associated with HCC development in patients aged <65 years, and medication for diabetes mellitus (OR 5.72, p = 0.001), lack of hepatic steatosis (OR 4.47, p = 0.002), lactate dehydrogenase ≥198 IU/L (OR 2.751, p = 0.031), M2BPGi ≥1.18 COI (OR 9.05, p < 0.001), and FIB‐4 index ≥2.59 (OR 3.22, p = 0.017) were associated with HCC development in patients aged ≥65 years.

Conclusions

In addition to age and advanced liver fibrosis, alcohol intake in younger T2DM patients and medication for DM and lack of hepatic steatosis in older T2DM patients should be considered for HCC surveillance by imaging.
Phenotype of patients with late diagnosis of 22q11 deletion: a review and retrospective study
Authors: Loh Marissa , Schildkraut Tamar , Byrnes Angela , Gelfand Nikki , Gugasyan Lucy , Horton Ari E. , Hunter Matthew F. , Ojaimi Samar
Published: October 2024

Background

Chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is the most common microdeletion syndrome, typically presenting in neonates with congenital cardiac anomalies, hypocalcaemia and thymic hypoplasia. Some patients are diagnosed later in adolescence and adulthood, with less known about the clinical phenotype of these patients.

Aim

To summarise key clinical features in cases of 22q11DS diagnosed during adolescence and adulthood.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of 22q11DS patients diagnosed after 13 years of age over 2010–2021, with a literature review of published cases highlighting other late diagnoses. The study was performed in a large multicentre tertiary health network in Melbourne, Australia. Patients diagnosed with 22q11DS after the age of 13 years were included in the study. Main outcome measures were key clinical features in cases of late diagnosis of 22q11DS.

Results

A literature search yielded 53 published case reports and one cohort study for review (62 subjects). Additionally, 10 cases of late diagnosis of 22q11DS were identified through a retrospective electronic medical chart review. Findings suggest that intellectual disability and learning difficulties, hypocalcaemia with hypoparathyroidism and facial dysmorphism remain key features in patients with a late diagnosis of 22q11DS, with hypocalcaemia being the most common presentation leading to diagnosis. Patients diagnosed in adulthood may lack classical clinical features of congenital cardiac anomalies and thymic hypoplasia. Immunological consequences of 22q11DS are also an important late‐onset consideration. Atypical features may include basal ganglia calcification.

Conclusions

Chromosome 22q11DS has diverse clinical features and a highly variable phenotype, likely contributing to underdiagnosis and later diagnoses.
Epidemiology and outcome of medical emergency team calls within 48 hours of intensive care unit discharge
Authors: Ransom Jessica , See Emily , Eastwood Glenn , Opdam Helen , Bellomo Rinaldo , Jones Daryl
Published: October 2024

Background

Some patients experience early (within 48 h) clinical deterioration and medical emergency team (MET) review following intensive care unit (ICU) discharge. Few studies have explored early MET review, despite it being a recognised quality and safety indicator.

Aims

To evaluate the (i) proportion of patients discharged from ICU receiving MET review and timing of reviews; (ii) characteristics of patients who received early MET review and (iii) predictors of early MET review and associations with clinical outcomes.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study of ICU discharges over 2 years in a tertiary hospital and involves descriptive and inferential statistics, including logistic regression analysis.

Results

Of 3712 patients, 312 (8.4%) had an early MET review. Patients with cardiothoracic, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and general surgical diagnoses, higher illness severity or who received invasive ventilation had a higher risk of early MET review. On multivariable analysis, early MET review was associated with an increased risk of ICU re‐admission (odds ratio (OR) 6.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.01–9.13, P < 0.001), in‐hospital mortality (OR 3.62, 95% CI 2.19–5.99, P < 0.001) and discharge to a nursing home (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.25–4.97, P = 0.01). Length of stay was longer in patients requiring early post‐ICU MET review compared to those who did not (median 16 days vs. 10 days, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

One in 12 patients received post‐ICU early MET review. This was more likely in patients who were invasively ventilated, had higher illness severity and had certain admission diagnoses. Such patients were at risk for worse outcomes. There is a need to identify reversible factors contributing to such increased risk.
Authentic Leadership—A Concept Analysis
Authors: Almutairi Mariam , Timmins Fiona , Wise Patricia Yoder , Stokes Diarmuid , Alharbi Talal Ali F.
Published: October 2024

Aim

To report an analysis of the concept of authentic leadership.

Design

Concept analysis.

Data Sources

Data sources included core databases: CINAHL, PubMed, Embase, ProQuest, APA PsycINFO, ERIC, ABI/Inform and Tomlinson's Nursing Core Collection (2010).

Methods

Walker and Avant's method was used to identify descriptions, antecedents, consequences and empirical referents of the concept. Model, related and contrary cases were developed.

Results

Defining attributes were identified as self‐awareness, transparency, balanced processing, internalised moral perspective, caring, shared decision making and moral/ethical courage. Antecedents were authenticity, positive psychological capacities, life experiences, leadership development programme, supportive organisational climate and an ethical climate. Consequences are employee well‐being and satisfaction, positive work environment and enhanced performance and safety.

Conclusion

While authentic leadership is an emerging and popular leadership approach, there are gaps in relation to agreed definitions. Moreover, core textbooks within the subject area also fail to provide these definitions. This concept analysis represents the first comprehensive and robust analysis of the concept of authentic leadership that will serve to reliably inform research, education and practice.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

This analysis reveals that authentic leadership can have a positive effect on staff well‐being and satisfaction, their work environment, performance and ultimately safety. This has potential for a positive impact on patient care and patient outcomes by fostering an ethical and supportive work environment.

Impact

This study revealed a new comprehensive understanding of authentic leadership that provides conceptual clarity that will guide research and practice in the field, which refines the existing understanding, highlighting essential attributes and their relevance in nursing practice.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Sociodemographic Characteristics of Internationally Educated Nurses Associated With Successful Outcomes in Canada: Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Alostaz Nasrin , Mo Jiajie , Walton‐Roberts Margaret , Chen Ruth , Pratt Maria , Wahoush Olive
Published: October 2024

Aims

This article describes the sociodemographic characteristics of internationally educated nurses since the change in the registration examination in 2015. It aims to investigate the association between internationally educated nurses' sociodemographic characteristics and their successful integration into the nursing workforce in Canada.

Design

Cross‐sectional and secondary data survey questions.

Methods

This study adopts a cross‐sectional and secondary data analysis, utilising data from IENs who engaged with internationally educated nurse initiatives such as the Creating Access to Regulated Employment Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses (CARE) or initiated the registration process with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) in 2015 and after.

Results

There were 259 participants, with 155 participants from primary data collection and 104 participants from secondary data sources. Quantitative analysis reveals that most participants are females, under 40 years old, educated in English and hold at least a bachelor's degree in nursing, with 47.3% of internationally educated nurses migrated from India and the Philippines. Significant associations were identified between internationally educated nurses having CARE membership and the currency of nursing practice and their successful outcomes.

Conclusion

Recognising and addressing the unique needs of IENs is essential for their successful integration into the Canadian healthcare workforce, thereby ensuring resilience and cultural competence in nursing for the future.

Implications for the Profession

This analysis highlights the impact of sociodemographic characteristics of internationally educated nurses on their successful outcomes and underscores the diversity and richness they bring to the healthcare landscape. Since internationally educated nurses continue to experience challenges while integrating into the Canadian nursing workforce, these findings have substantial implications for nursing policy, practice, professional development and research.
Intravenous Line Labels For High‐Alert Drugs Administered To Critically Ill Patients: A Simulated Experimental Assessment
Authors: de Kassio Nunes Geovane , Araújo Bruna Gonçalves Ribeiro , Rentz Letícia Braga Portes Alves , Camerini Flávia Giron , da Costa Machado Duarte Sabrina , Campos Juliana Faria , da Silva Rafael Celestino
Published: October 2024

Aims and Objectives

Evaluate the effect of IV line labels on nurses' identification of high‐alert medications in a simulated scenario of multiple infusions for critically ill patients.

Design

Randomised crossover simulation experimental study.

Methods

A study was conducted on 29 nurses working in intensive care for over 6 months. They were given two critical scenarios in a simulated environment, one with labels and the other without labels, involving multiple intravenous infusions. The nurses had to identify the medications infused into the critical patients' intravenous lines and disconnect a specific line. The data were collected and analysed to evaluate the errors made by the nurses in identifying and disconnecting the medications and the time they spent carrying out the tasks. The Wilcoxon test was used to analyse the variation in outcome before and after the intervention.

Results

Approximately one‐third of the study participants incorrectly identified the intravenous lines in both scenarios. There was no significant difference in the average number of errors between the scenarios with and without labels. However, the time taken to perform the tasks in the scenario with labels was 1 min less than in the scenario without labels, suggesting a potential efficiency gain.

Conclusions

The labels on the intravenous lines allowed for quick drug identification and disconnection. The professionals performed similarly in correctly recognising the high‐alert medication intravenous lines, in the scenarios with or without labels.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The label can be used as a technology to prevent misidentification of high‐alert medications administered to critically ill patients through intravenous lines, thereby enhancing medication safety in healthcare institutions.

No Public Contribution.
Physical Symptoms and Coping Strategies With Earthquake Stress Among Adults Living in Tent Cities: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Akca Ayşegül , Bilgehan Tuğba , Karşıgil Perver , Dünder Emre , Ayaz‐Alkaya Sultan
Published: October 2024

Aim

This study aimed to examine the physical symptoms, coping strategies for earthquake stress and factors predicting coping strategies among adults staying in tent cities after an earthquake.

Design

A cross‐sectional design was conducted.

Methods

The study sample consisted of 706 adults residing in tent cities in three cities of earthquake‐affected regions. Data were collected through face‐to‐face surveys and the Earthquake Coping Strategies Scale, starting from the 16th day after the earthquake in February–March 2023. Independent samples t‐test, one‐way analysis of variance, McNemar test and multiple linear regression analysis used for data analysis.

Results

The first three physical symptoms with the highest frequency after the earthquake were insomnia, frequent waking and difficulty falling asleep, respectively. Individuals with chronic illnesses, lower education levels, no previous experience with earthquakes and having undamaged homes more frequently used religious coping strategies. Individuals with higher incomes, employed individuals, non‐smokers and those with having undamaged homes more frequently used positive reappraisal strategies.

Conclusion

The present study concluded that physical symptoms were common among individuals in the post‐earthquake period and that many individuals adopted religious coping strategies.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Nurses can develop effective interventions for preventing physical and mental health problems in the post‐earthquake period. They can contribute significantly as caregivers, leaders, researchers and advisors in health monitoring and improvement practices for individuals after earthquakes.

Impact

The results of the study are instructive for designing prevention and improvement practices to minimise future destructive effects of earthquakes. Individuals mostly experienced sleep problems and preferred different coping styles in the early post‐earthquake period. The physical and mental health of individuals can be improved by early intervention and encouraging effective coping methods after an earthquake.

Reporting Method

STROBE checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public involvement.
Foliar N Content Parallels Increasing Aridity in a Mediterranean‐Saharan Transition Zone: Evidence From Regional and Global Trends
Authors: Wyka Tomasz P. , Robakowski Piotr , Romo Angel , Boratyński Adam , Żytkowiak Roma , Oleksyn Jacek
Published: October 2024

Aim

Warm deserts are characterised by water shortages and high temperature extremes. A commonly reported adaptive strategy in such environments is maximisation of photosynthetic capacity, which allows plants to achieve positive carbon budgets by taking advantage of short periods of water availability and non‐inhibitory temperatures. Considering the well‐supported interspecific covariation between photosynthetic capacity and leaf N concentration, we tested the hypothesis that environmental aridity is related to an elevated leaf nitrogen content.

Location

53 locations in the transitional zone spanning the Mediterranean and the Sahara Desert in Morocco. The mean maximal temperature (Tmax) within the area varied between 35.7°C and 43.5°C, and the mean annual precipitation (MAP) was between 12 and 246 mm.

Taxon

225 vascular species representative of local vegetation.

Methods

Leaf samples were collected along a regional aridity gradient and preserved in herbarium presses. The leaf mass per area (LMA) and N concentrations expressed on leaf mass (Nmass) and area (Narea) basis were determined. We also obtained LMA and Nmass values for 6711 species from a worldwide database for comparative analysis.

Results

Significant increases in mean LMA, Nmass and Narea accompanied the increase in Tmax and the decrease in MAP in woody species and in non‐graminoid herbs, but not in graminoids. Considering the overall aridity of our sampling area, we compared the Nmass values of Moroccan plants with those from a worldwide database. We found that at a common LMA, the Moroccan plants showed on average elevated Nmass relative to global values.

Main Conclusions

These two lines of evidence: regional gradient and global comparison confirm that hot deserts select for high leaf N content. This result suggests the direction of natural selection that will accompany future climate warming and habitat aridification.
Cryodehydration applied to bovine fetal hearts: A model for studying cardiac organogenesis
Authors: Araújo Kelly Lorrane , de Oliveira Bezerra Ester Gomes , Portela Luanda Camilo , da Silva Yanna Gomes , da Silva Raposo Kaio Lucas , Vitor Juliana Sá , da Silva Ferreira Higor , Campos Naylla Raquel Costa Leite , de Assis Veras Bacelar Karoline , Martínez Wilmer Martínez , de Jesus Moraes Junior Felipe , de Almeida da Anunciação Adriana Raquel
Published: October 2024

The study aimed to standardize the cryodehydration technique for bovine fetal hearts, focusing on optimizing protocols for each developmental stage to preserve morphological characteristics. We analyzed 29 bovine fetal hearts categorized into early, middle, and late developmental stages. These hearts underwent cryodehydration until a 60%–70% reduction in original fluid volume was achieved. Biometric data were recorded and statistically analyzed using Pearson correlation tests for age versus weight and age versus number of cryodehydration sessions. Morphometric comparisons before and after cryodehydration were performed using paired t‐tests. In Group I, hearts exhibited well‐defined structures, including the atrium cordis, ventriculus cordis, auricula atrii, aorta, truncus pulmonalis, and ramus coronaries arteria, which were preserved in Groups II and III. Additionally, in Group I the heart had a conical or flat apex cordis, whereas those in Groups II and III had a more pronounced apex. The average number of cryodehydration sessions required was 9.38 (±1.2) days for Group I, 12.37 (±1.4) days for Group II, and 15 days for Group III. A positive correlation was found between age and sample weight, indicating that more developed hearts were heavier. Similarly, there was a positive correlation between gestational age and the number of cryodehydration sessions, suggesting that more advanced stages required more cryodehydration sessions. Paired t‐tests demonstrated high statistical significance in the morphometric parameters before and after cryodehydration, indicating a loss of mass during dehydration. However, there was no alteration in the macroscopic structure of the hearts, which remained morphologically preserved. In conclusion, cryodehydration shows promise for preserving and analyzing the external morphological characteristics of bovine fetal cardiac development. It also provides lightweight, odorless, and easy‐to‐handle specimens ideal for detailed morphological studies and offers a unique perspective for investigating cardiac morphology in biological research contexts.
Predictors of Desertion: Analysis of the First Michigan Colored Infantry in the American Civil War
Authors: Stack Steven , Bowman Barbara
Published: October 2024

Over 180,000 black soldiers served in the Union Army in the American Civil War. They endured horrific deprivation and disease, and also substantial institutional discrimination in such areas as wage and promotion. Nevertheless, most never deserted their duties as soldiers. However, it is not clear what distinguished those who did desert from their counterparts. The present case‐control study fills this gap. It applies social bonds theory to explain desertion among blacks. The general hypothesis is the greater the bonds or stakes to the military unit, the lower the risk of desertion. Data refer to the First Michigan Colored Infantry (First Michigan) and are from the Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. They refer to the population of all 189 deserters in the First Michigan and a comparison group of non‐deserters. Available measures of social bonds include substitute status (substitutes received a bounty upon completion of service), receiving a wound (having “skin in the game”), and noncommissioned officer status. In addition, loyalty to family is framed as a risk factor. The dependent variable is desertion, a dichotomy (0,1). Results are adjusted for other measurable variables. A multivariate logistic regression analysis determined that measures of military social bonds were protective factors against desertion. Substitutes were 73% less apt, wounded soldiers 93% less apt, and noncommissioned officers were 79% less apt to desert than their counterparts. However, family bonds were a risk factor. The model correctly classified 77.95% of the cases. The results largely support a social bonds theory of deviance, but also may support views of the conflicting bonds between family and state as increasing desertion. The investigation is the first quantitative study of desertion among blacks in the Civil War.
Just Because I'm Great (and You're Not): When, Why, and How Narcissistic Individuals Give Gifts to Others
Authors: Kirk Colleen P. , Sedikides Constantine , Givi Julian
Published: October 2024

Objective

We examined the roles of Narcissistic Admiration and Narcissistic Rivalry in gift giving. We hypothesized that Admirative and Rivalrous individuals diverge in their likelihood of giving gifts.

Method

Across six studies (ΣN = 2198), we used correlational and experimental methodology and capitalized on both scenarios and actual gift giving.

Results

Narcissistic Admiration was positively, but Narcissistic Rivalry was negatively, associated with gift‐giving likelihood (Studies 1–2). These findings were explained by diverging communal motivations for gift giving (Study 3). Consistent with the notion that Rivalrous individuals are less likely to give gifts for communal reasons because they feel threatened by social closeness, the negative association between Narcissistic Rivalry and gift‐giving likelihood was attenuated when the gift recipient was more socially distant (vs. close; Study 4). Further, gifts that are recipient‐centric (e.g., customized with a recipient's name) are less focused on attributes of the giver and less likely to foster social closeness. Therefore, consistent with Admirative individuals' use of gift giving to promote themselves as a superior communal relationship partner, the positive association between Narcissistic Admiration and gift‐giving likelihood was attenuated for gifts that were recipient‐centric (Study 5). Socially desirable responding, self‐esteem, and fear of failure (Study SM1) did not account for the findings.
Evidence of Intraspecific Adaptive Variation in the American Pika (Ochotona princeps) on a Continental Scale Using a Target Enrichment and Mitochondrial Genome Skimming Approach
Authors: Farrand Zachery M. , Galbreath Kurt E. , Teeter Katherine C.
Published: October 2024

Montane landscapes present an array of abiotic challenges that drive adaptive evolution amongst organisms. These adaptations can promote habitat specialisation, which may heighten the risk of extirpation from environmental change. For example, higher metabolic rates in an endothermic species may contribute to heightened cold tolerance, whilst simultaneously limiting heat tolerance. Here, using the climate‐sensitive American pika (Ochotona princeps), we test for evidence of intraspecific adaptive variation amongst environmental gradients across the Intermountain West of North America. We leveraged results from previous studies on pika adaptation to generate a custom nuclear target enrichment design to sequence several hundred candidate genes related to cold, hypoxia and dietary detoxification. We also applied a ‘genome skimming’ approach to sequence mitochondrial DNA. Using genotype–environment association tests, we identified rare genomic variants associated with elevation and temperature variation amongst populations. Amongst mitochondrial genes, we identified intraspecific variation in selective signals and significant changes to the amino acid property equilibrium constant, which may relate to electron transport chain efficiency. These results illustrate a complex dynamic of adaptive variation amongst O. princeps where lineages and populations have adapted to unique regional conditions. Some of the clearest signals of selection were in a genetic lineage that includes pikas of the Great Basin region, which is also where recent localised extirpations have taken place and highlights the risk of losing adaptive alleles during environmental change.
Relieving the transfusion tissue traffic jam: a network model of radial transport in conifer needles
Authors: Mai Melissa H. , Gao Chen , Bork Peter A. R. , Holbrook N. Michele , Schulz Alexander , Bohr Tomas
Published: October 2024

Characteristic of all conifer needles, the transfusion tissue mediates the radial transport of water and sugar between the endodermis and axial vasculature. Physical constraints imposed by the needle's linear geometry introduce two potential extravascular bottlenecks where the opposition of sugar and water flows may frustrate sugar export: one at the vascular access point and the other at the endodermis.

We developed a network model of the transfusion tissue to explore how its structure and composition affect the delivery of sugars to the axial phloem. To describe extravascular transport with cellular resolution, we construct networks from images of Pinus pinea needles obtained through tomographic microscopy, as well as fluorescence and electron microscopy.

The transfusion tissue provides physically distinct pathways for sugar and water, reducing resistance between the vasculature and endodermis and mitigating flow constriction at the vascular flank. Dissipation of flow velocities through the transfusion tissue's branched structure allows for bidirectional transport of an inbound diffusive sugar flux against an outbound advective water flux across the endodermis.

Our results clarify the structure–function relationships of the transfusion tissue under conditions free of physiological stress. The presented model framework is also applicable to different transfusion tissue morphologies in other gymnosperms.
Tracking tree demography and forest dynamics at scale using remote sensing
Authors: Battison Robin , Prober Suzanne M. , Zdunic Katherine , Jackson Toby D. , Fischer Fabian Jörg , Jucker Tommaso
Published: October 2024

Capturing how tree growth and survival vary through space and time is critical to understanding the structure and dynamics of tree‐dominated ecosystems. However, characterising demographic processes at scale is inherently challenging, as trees are slow‐growing, long‐lived and cover vast expanses of land.

We used repeat airborne laser scanning data acquired across 25 km2 of semi‐arid, old‐growth temperate woodland in Western Australia to track the height growth, crown expansion and mortality of 42 213 individual trees over 9 yr.

We found that demographic rates are constrained by a combination of tree size, competition and topography. After initially investing in height growth, trees progressively shifted to crown expansion as they grew larger, while mortality risk decreased considerably with size. Across the landscape, both tree growth and survival increased with topographic wetness, resulting in vegetation patterns that are strongly spatially structured. Moreover, biomass gains from woody growth generally outpaced losses from mortality, suggesting these old‐growth woodlands remain a net carbon sink in the absence of wildfires.

Our study sheds new light on the processes that shape the dynamics and spatial structure of semi‐arid woody ecosystems and provides a roadmap for using emerging remote sensing technologies to track tree demography at scale.
Total Arthroscopic Resection of the Talocalcaneal Coalition in Adults: Key Points of Surgical Technique
Authors: Sun Yiyuan , Cai Wufeng , Huang Xihao , Li Jian , Li Qi
Published: October 2024

Objective

Potential disadvantages of open technique for talocalcaneal coalition (TCC) include a risk of wound infection, opioid drug dependence, and prolonged hospitalization. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the effectiveness and safety of endoscopic resection of the TCC.

Methods

A retrospective study from June 2019 to February 2023was conducted on 16 consecutively admitted patients who were diagnosed by imaging to have TCC for whom conservative treatment had failed and who undergone arthroscopic resection. The mean age of this cohort was 31.56 ± 10.39 years (range, 16–57 years). The mean follow‐up period was 38.93 ± 15.69 months (range, 11–59 months). The site of the coalition, comorbidities, satisfaction with treatment, visual analog scale (VAS), and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle–Hindfoot scale scores were evaluated pre‐ and postoperatively. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were used to categorize the coalition according to the Lim classification. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were used to assess recurrence. The distribution of TCC cases according to the Lim classification was type I in one case, type II in four cases, and type III in 11 cases.

Results

The site of coalition involved the middle facets in seven patients, the posterior facets in three patients, and both the above sites in six patients. All patients underwent total arthroscopic resection of TCC. An auxiliary mini‐incision was made for three patients due to serious tibial nerve compression. Radiographics showed that the coalition disappeared and pain was relieved postoperatively. The mean VAS score decreased from 4.31 ± 1.54 to 1.81 ± 0.98 points (p < 0.001). The mean AOFAS ankle‐hindfoot score improved from 65.56 ± 5.82 to 87.31 ± 6.30 points (p < 0.001). Fifteen patients were satisfied with the procedure, and one patient experienced numbness after surgery. No recurrence was reported based on CT scan and clinical results up to the end of the study.

Conclusion

Surgical reconstruction employing total arthroscopic resection of TCC can achieve significant functional and radiographic improvements and symptom relief in selected patients with TCC. Auxiliary mini‐incisions were necessitated in complex situations.
Engineering quantitative stomatal trait variation and local adaptation potential by cis‐regulatory editing
Authors: Karavolias Nicholas G. , Patel‐Tupper Dhruv , Gallegos Cruz Ana , Litvak Lillian , Lieberman Samantha E. , Tjahjadi Michelle , Niyogi Krishna K. , Cho Myeong‐Je , Staskawicz Brian J.
Published: October 2024

Cis‐regulatory element editing can generate quantitative trait variation that mitigates extreme phenotypes and harmful pleiotropy associated with coding sequence mutations. Here, we applied a multiplexed CRISPR/Cas9 approach, informed by bioinformatic datasets, to generate genotypic variation in the promoter of OsSTOMAGEN, a positive regulator of rice stomatal density. Engineered genotypic variation corresponded to broad and continuous variation in stomatal density, ranging from 70% to 120% of wild‐type stomatal density. This panel of stomatal variants was leveraged in physiological assays to establish discrete relationships between stomatal morphological variation and stomatal conductance, carbon assimilation and intrinsic water use efficiency in steady‐state and fluctuating light conditions. Additionally, promoter alleles were subjected to vegetative drought regimes to assay the effects of the edited alleles on developmental response to drought. Notably, the capacity for drought‐responsive stomatal density reprogramming in stomagen and two cis‐regulatory edited alleles was reduced. Collectively our data demonstrate that cis‐regulatory element editing can generate near‐isogenic trait variation that can be leveraged for establishing relationships between anatomy and physiology, providing a basis for optimizing traits across diverse environments.
Onychomycosis in the US Pediatric Population—An Emphasis on Fusarium Onychomycosis
Authors: Gupta Aditya K. , Wang Tong , Polla Ravi Shruthi , Bakotic Wayne L.
Published: October 2024

Background

Onychomycosis is a common nail disease that is often difficult to treat with a high risk of recurrence.

Objective

To update our current understanding of the etiologic profile in pediatric patients with onychomycosis utilizing molecular diagnosis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with histopathologic examination.

Methods

Records of 19,770 unique pediatric patients were retrieved from a single diagnostic laboratory in the United States spanning over a 9‐year period (March 2015 to April 2024). This cohort represents patients clinically suspected of onychomycosis seen by dermatologists and podiatrists. Dermatophytes, nondermatophyte molds (NDMs), and yeasts were identified by multiplex real‐time PCR corroborated by the demonstration of fungal invasion on histopathology.

Results

An average of 37.0% of all patients sampled were mycology‐confirmed to have onychomycosis. Most patients were between ages 11 and 16 years, and the rate of mycologically confirmed onychomycosis was significantly higher among the 6‐ to 8‐year (47.2%) and 9‐ to 11‐year (42.7%) age groups compared to the 0‐ to 5‐year (33.1%), 12‐ to 14‐year (33.2%), and 15‐ to 17‐year (36.7%) age groups. The majority of infections were caused dermatophytes (74.7%) followed by NDMs (17.4%). The Trichophyton rubrum complex represents the dominant pathogen with higher detection rates in the 6‐ to 11‐year‐olds. Fusarium was the most commonly isolated NDM with an increasing prevalence with age.

Conclusions

Elementary school‐aged children have a higher risk of contracting onychomycosis which may be attributed to the onset of hyperhidrosis at puberty, use of occlusive footwear, nail unit trauma, and walking barefoot. Fusarium onychomycosis may be more prevalent than expected, and this may merit consideration of management strategies.
Surface wettability affects attachment of male bed bugs Cimex lectularius to rough Perspex substrates
Authors: Dwyer‐Joyce Rob , Voigt Dagmar , Reinhardt Klaus
Published: October 2024

Insects attach to various surfaces that differ, among others, in roughness and wettability. Identifying surface characteristics that allow or prevent insects from attaching are an important research avenue of pest control. Here we take an experimental approach to analyse the attachment of common bed bugs, Cimex lectularius Linnaeus (1758), to Perspex (PMMA) substrates. We construct a reliable centrifuge device that allows the measurement of attachment forces at substrate roughnesses, Ra, between 0.02 and 1.3 μm and at two wettabilities. Our results suggest that bed bug attachment to surfaces is minimal at a substrate roughness of 0.2 and 0.4 μm on normal PMMA, where the lowest attachment force was 0.8 mN and the safety factor 15. At lower and higher roughness, attachment forces were higher and the safety factor increased to a maximum of 133. On PMMA that was made superhydrophobic by spray‐coating, attachment was lowest (0.2 mN) at the lowest roughness and continuously increased with increasing roughness, reaching 2.5 mN and a safety factor of 46. For every roughness, attachment forces were lower on superhydrophobic than on normal PMMA. This knowledge may inspire the development of repelling substrates for bed bug control.
Autogenous platelet concentrates for treatment of intrabony defects—A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Miron Richard J. , Moraschini Vittorio , Estrin Nathan , Shibli Jamil Awad , Cosgarea Raluca , Jepsen Karin , Jervøe‐Storm Pia‐Merete , Wang Hom‐Lay , Sculean Anton , Jepsen Søren
Published: October 2024

To provide an overview of the use of autogenous platelet concentrates (APCs) in periodontal regeneration and to conduct a systematic review (SR) of the treatment outcomes of periodontal intrabony defects by using platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) compared with other commonly utilized modalities. The eligibility criteria comprised randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the clinical outcomes of PRF with that of other modalities. Studies were classified into 21 categories and into five different groups as follows: Group I (1) open flap debridement (OFD) alone versus OFD/PRF, (2) OFD versus Titanium‐PRF (T‐PRF) Group II, (3) Comparative PRF protocols (PRF vs. T‐PRF), Group III (Comparative Studies to PRF): (4) OFD/PRP versus OFD/PRF, (5) OFD/bone graft(BG)/PRGF versus OFD/BG/PRF, (6) OFD/EMD versus OFD/PRF, (7) OFD/BG/EMD versus OFD/BG/PRF, (8) OFD/collagen membrane (CM) versus OFD/PRF, (9) OFD/BG/BM versus OFD/BG/PRF, (10) OFD/BG versus OFD/PRF, Group IV (Addition of PRF to treatment groups) (11) OFD/BG versus OFD/BG/PRF, (12) OFD/GTR versus OFD/GTR + PRF (13) OFD/EMD versus OFD/EMD/PRF (14) OFD/BG/BM versus OFD/BG/BM/PRF, Group V (Addition of Biomaterial/Biomolecule to PRF): OFD/PRF versus … (15) OFD/PRF/BG, (16) OFD/PRF/antibiotic, (17) OFD/PRF/Metformin, (18) OFD/PRF/Bisphosphonates, (19) OFD/PRF/Statins, (20) OFD/BG/PRF versus OFD/BG/PRF/Statins, and (21) OFD/PRF/low‐level laser therapy (LLLT). Weighted means and forest plots were calculated for probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and radiographic bone fill (RBF). From 596 records identified, 55 RCTs were included. Group I: The use of OFD/PRF statistically significantly reduced PPD and improved CAL and RBF when compared to OFD. Group II: A significant difference between various PRF protocols was only observed for PPD. Group III: No significant advantage was found when comparing OFD/PRF to the following groups: OFD/PRP, OFD/EMD, OFD/BM, or OFD/BG. Group IV: The addition of PRF to OFD/BG led to significant improvements in PPD, CAL and RBF compared with OFD/BG alone. Group V: The addition of either a BG as well as three of the following biomolecules (metformin, bisphosphonates, and statins) to OFD/PRF led to statistically significant improvements in PPD, CAL, and/or RBF when compared to OFD/PRF alone. The use of PRF significantly improved clinical outcomes in intrabony defects when compared to OFD alone. Similar results were observed when OFD/PRF was compared with OFD/BG, OFD/EMD, OFD/PRP, and OFD/BM. The addition of PRF to a bone grafting material as well as the addition of various small biomolecules to PRF may offer additional clinical advantages, thus warranting further investigations. Future research investigating various protocols of PRF, longer‐term outcomes, as well as PRF at the human histological level remains needed.