bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional and morphological divergence in the forelimb musculoskeletal system of scratch‐digging subterranean mammals (Rodentia: Bathyergidae)
Authors: Montoya‐Sanhueza Germán , Bennett Nigel C. , Šumbera Radim 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWhether the forelimb‐digging apparatus of tooth‐digging subterranean mammals has similar levels of specialization as compared to scratch‐diggers is still unknown. We assessed the scapular morphology and forelimb musculature of all four solitary African mole rats (Bathyergidae): two scratch‐diggers, Bathyergus suillus and Bathyergus janetta, and two chisel‐tooth diggers, Heliophobius argenteocinereus and Georychus capensis. Remarkable differences were detected: Bathyergus have more robust neck, shoulder, and forearm muscles as compared to the other genera. Some muscles in Bathyergus were also fused and often showing wider attachment areas to bones, which correlate well with its more robust and larger scapula, and its wider and medially oriented olecranon. This suggests that shoulder, elbow, and wrist work in synergy in Bathyergus for generating greater out‐forces and that the scapula and proximal ulna play fundamental roles as pivots to maximize and accommodate specialized muscles for better (i) glenohumeral and scapular stabilization, (ii) powerful shoulder flexion, (iii) extension of the elbow and (iv) flexion of the manus and digits. Moreover, although all bathyergids showed a similar set of muscles, Heliophobius lacked the m. tensor fasciae antebrachii (aiding with elbow extension and humeral retraction), and Heliophobius and Georychus lacked the m. articularis humeri (aiding with humeral adduction), indicating deeper morphogenetic differences among digging groups and suggesting a relatively less specialized scratch‐digging ability. Nevertheless, Heliophobius and Bathyergus shared some similar adaptations allowing scratch‐digging. Our results provide new information about the morphological divergence within this family associated with the specialization to distinct functions and digging behaviors, thus contributing to understand the mosaic of adaptations emerging in phylogenetically and ecologically closer subterranean taxa. This and previous anatomical studies on the Bathyergidae will provide researchers with a substantial basis on the form and function of the musculoskeletal system for future kinematic investigations of digging behavior, as well as to define potential indicators of scratch‐digging ability.
Patient‐related decisional regret: An evolutionary concept analysis
Authors: Chehade Mireille , Mccarthy Margaret M. , Squires Allison 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundHealth‐related decision‐making is a complex process given the variability of treatment options, conflicting treatment plans, time constraints and variable outcomes. This complexity may result in patients experiencing decisional regret following decision‐making. Nonetheless, literature on decisional regret in the healthcare context indicates inconsistent characterization and operationalization of this concept.Aim(s)To conceptually define the phenomenon of decisional regret and synthesize the state of science on patients' experiences with decisional regret.DesignA concept analysis.MethodsRodgers' evolutionary method guided the conceptualization of this review. An interdisciplinary literature search was conducted from 2003 until 2023 using five databases, PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO and Web of Science. The search informed how the concept manifested across health‐related literature. We used PRISMA‐ScR checklist to guide the reporting of this review.ResultsBased on the analysis of 25 included articles, a conceptual definition of decisional regret was proposed. Three defining attributes underscored the negative cognitive‐emotional nature of this concept, post‐decisional experience relating to the decision‐making process, treatment option and/or treatment outcome and an immediate or delayed occurrence. Antecedents preceding decisional regret comprised initial psychological or emotional status, sociodemographic determinants, impaired decision‐making process, role regret, conflicting treatment plans and adverse treatment outcomes. Consequences of this concept included positive and negative outcomes influencing quality of life, health expectations, patient‐provider relationship and healthcare experience appraisal. A conceptual model was developed to summarize the concept's characteristics.ConclusionThe current knowledge on decisional regret is expected to evolve with further exploration of this concept, particularly for the temporal dimension of regret experience. This review identified research, clinical and policy gaps informing our nursing recommendations for the concept's evolution.No Patient or Public ContributionThis concept analysis examines existing literature and does not require patient‐related data collection. The methodological approach does not necessitate collaboration with the public.
Associations between middle childhood executive control aspects and adolescent substance use and externalizing and internalizing problems
Authors: Mason W. Alex , Fleming Charles B. , Patwardhan Irina , Guo Ying , James Tiffany D. , Nelson Jennifer Mize , Espy Kimberly Andrews , Nelson Timothy D. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis study examines the degree to which two middle childhood executive control aspects, working memory and combined inhibitory control/flexible shifting, predict adolescent substance use and externalizing and internalizing problems. Participants were 301 children (ages 3–6 years; 48.2% male) recruited from a Midwestern city in the United States and followed into adolescence (ages 14–18 years). Working memory had a statistically significant unadjusted association with externalizing problems (r = −.30, p = .003) in a confirmatory factor analysis. Neither factor significantly predicted any of the adolescent outcomes in a structural equation model that adjusted for each EC aspect, sociodemographic covariates, and middle childhood externalizing and internalizing problems. Stronger prediction of EC aspects might not emerge until they become more fully differentiated later in development.
Periodontal pathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitansJP2 correlates with colonic leukocytes decrease and gut microbiome imbalance in mice
Authors: da Costa André L. A. , Soares Mariana A. , Lourenço Talita G. B. , Guimarães‐Pinto Kamila , Filardy Alessandra D. , de Oliveira Adriana Miranda , de Luca Beatriz Gouvêa , Magliano D’ Angelo Carlo , Araujo Olga M. O. , Moura Larissa , Lopes Ricardo Tadeu , Palhares de Miranda Ana Luisa , Tributino Jorge L. M. , Vieira Colombo Ana Paula 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimEvidence suggests that translocation of oral pathogens through the oral–gut axis may induce intestinal dysbiosis. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a highly leukotoxic Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) strain on the gut microbiota, intestinal mucosal integrity and immune system in healthy mice.MethodsEight‐week‐old male C57BL6 mice were divided into control (n = 16) and JP2 groups (n = 19), which received intragastric gavage with PBS and with a suspension of Aa JP2 (HK921), respectively, twice a week for 4 weeks. Colonic lamina propria, fecal material, serum, gingival tissues, and mandibles were obtained for analyses of leukocyte populations, inflammatory mediators, mucosal integrity, alveolar bone loss, and gut microbiota. Differences between groups for these parameters were examined by non‐parametric tests.ResultsThe gut microbial richness and the number of colonic macrophages, neutrophils, and monocytes were significantly lower in Aa JP2‐infected mice than in controls (p < .05). In contrast, infected animals showed higher abundance of Clostridiaceae, Lactobacillus taiwanensis, Helicobacter rodentium, higher levels of IL‐6 expression in colonic tissues, and higher splenic MPO activity than controls (p < .05). No differences in tight junction expression, serum endotoxin levels, and colonic inflammatory cytokines were observed between groups. Infected animals presented also slightly more alveolar bone loss and gingival IL‐6 levels than controls (p < .05).ConclusionBased on this model, intragastric administration of Aa JP2 is associated with changes in the gut ecosystem of healthy hosts, characterized by less live/recruited myeloid cells, enrichment of the gut microbiota with pathobionts and decrease in commensals. Negligible levels of colonic pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and no signs of mucosal barrier disruption were related to these changes.
Mandibular morphology in four species of insectivorous bats: the impact of sexual dimorphism and geographical differentiation
Authors: Crampton D. A. , Giacomini G. , Meloro C. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractChiroptera is the only mammalian order that has adapted to active flight, offering a unique platform to study ecomorphological adaptations. While bats exhibit a diverse diet, the focus of this study is on insectivorous bats, specifically four species: Myotis daubentonii, Nyctalus noctula, Plecotus austriacus and Rhinolophus ferrumequinum. It is important to note that despite sharing an insectivorous diet, these species occupy different ecological niches, perform distinct feeding strategies and explore varied habitats to capture prey. Using 2‐D geometric morphometrics, we analysed a sample of mandibles to identify differences in size and shape among these species. We also investigated ecogeographical variation within their overlapping distribution across continental Europe. Significant differences in both mandibular size and shape were found among the four species. Sexual dimorphism influenced only the mandibular shape of R. ferrumequinum. A latitudinal gradient in mandibular size was found solely in N. noctula, while longitude significantly explained shape variation in M. daubentonii. These findings suggest that even within the ecological guild of insectivorous bats, there exists a diverse range of morphological adaptations that allow these species to occupy distinct ecological niches.
Navigating the paradox: Exploring resident experiences of vulnerability
Authors: Nichol Heather , Turnnidge Jennifer , Dalgarno Nancy , Trier Jessica 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntroductionLearning and growth in postgraduate medical education (PGME) often require vulnerability, defined as a state of openness to uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure. However, vulnerability can threaten a resident's credibility and professional identity. Despite this tension, studies examining vulnerability in PGME are limited. As such, this study aims to explore residents' experiences of vulnerability, including the factors that influence vulnerability in PGME.MethodsUsing a constructivist grounded theory approach, individual semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 15 residents from 10 different specialities. Interview transcripts were coded and analysed iteratively. Themes were identified and relationships among themes were examined to develop a theory describing vulnerability in PGME.ResultsResidents characterised vulnerability as a paradox represented by two overarching themes. ‘Experiencing the tensions of vulnerability’ explores the polarities between being a fallible, authentic learner and an infallible, competent professional. ‘Navigating the vulnerability paradox’ outlines the factors influencing the experience of vulnerability and its associated outcomes at the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and systems levels. Residents described needing to have the bandwidth to face the risks and emotional labour of vulnerability. Opportunities to build connections with social agents, including clinical teachers and peers, facilitated vulnerability. The sociocultural context shaped both the experience and outcomes of vulnerability as residents faced the symbolic mask of professionalism.ConclusionResidents experience vulnerability as a paradox shaped by intrapersonal, interpersonal, and systems level factors. These findings capture the nuance and complexity of vulnerability in PGME and offer insight into creating supportive learning environments that leverage the benefits of vulnerability while acknowledging its risks. There is a need to translate this understanding into systems‐based change to create supportive PGME environments, which value and celebrate vulnerability.
The recombination initiation functions DprA and RecFOR suppress microindel mutations in Acinetobacter baylyiADP1
Authors: Liljegren Mikkel M. , Gama João A. , Johnsen Pål J. , Harms Klaus 
Published: May 2024

AbstractShort‐Patch Double Illegitimate Recombination (SPDIR) has been recently identified as a rare mutation mechanism. During SPDIR, ectopic DNA single‐strands anneal with genomic DNA at microhomologies and get integrated during DNA replication, presumably acting as primers for Okazaki fragments. The resulting microindel mutations are highly variable in size and sequence. In the soil bacterium Acinetobacter baylyi, SPDIR is tightly controlled by genome maintenance functions including RecA. It is thought that RecA scavenges DNA single‐strands and renders them unable to anneal. To further elucidate the role of RecA in this process, we investigate the roles of the upstream functions DprA, RecFOR, and RecBCD, all of which load DNA single‐strands with RecA. Here we show that all three functions suppress SPDIR mutations in the wildtype to levels below the detection limit. While SPDIR mutations are slightly elevated in the absence of DprA, they are strongly increased in the absence of both DprA and RecA. This SPDIR‐avoiding function of DprA is not related to its role in natural transformation. These results suggest a function for DprA in combination with RecA to avoid potentially harmful microindel mutations, and offer an explanation for the ubiquity of dprA in the genomes of naturally non‐transformable bacteria.
Exploring the connections between ER‐based lipid metabolism and plasma membrane nanodomain signaling
Authors: Pan Xue , Mastrella Sophia , Khamzaaliyeva Mohinur , Ashley Didier‐Deschamps 
Published: May 2024

SummaryRecent advancements in our understanding of cell membrane dynamics have shed light on the importance of plasma membrane (PM) nanodomains in plant cell signaling. Nevertheless, many aspects of membrane nanodomains, including their regulatory mechanisms and biological functions, remain enigmatic. To address this knowledge gap, our review article proposes a novel perspective wherein signaling pathways target endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐based lipid metabolism to exert control over the formation and function of membrane nanodomains. Subsequently, these nanodomains reciprocate by influencing the localization and activity of signaling molecules at the PM. We place a specific emphasis on ER‐based enzymatic reactions, given the ER's central role in membrane lipid biosynthesis and its capacity to directly impact PM lipid composition, particularly with regard to saturation levels – an essential determinant of nanodomain properties. The interplay among cell signaling, glycerolipid metabolism, and PM nanodomain may create feedforward/feedback loops that fine‐tune cellular responses to developmental and environmental cues.
A genome‐wide association study uncovers a ZmRap2.7‐ZCN9/ZCN10 module to regulate ABA signalling and seed vigour in maize
Authors: Guo Shasha , Ai Junmin , Zheng Nannan , Hu Hairui , Xu Zhuoyi , Chen Quanquan , Li Li , Liu Yunjun , Zhang Hongwei , Li Jieping , Pan Qingchun , Chen Fanjun , Yuan Lixing , Fu Junjie , Gu Riliang , Wang Jianhua , Du Xuemei 
Published: May 2024

SummarySeed vigour, including rapid, uniform germination and robust seedling establishment under various field conditions, is becoming an increasingly essential agronomic trait for achieving high yield in crops. However, little is known about this important seed quality trait. In this study, we performed a genome‐wide association study to identify a key transcription factor ZmRap2.7, which regulates seed vigour through transcriptionally repressing expressions of three ABA signalling genes ZmPYL3, ZmPP2C and ZmABI5 and two phosphatidylethanolamine‐binding genes ZCN9 and ZCN10. In addition, ZCN9 and ZCN10 proteins could interact with ZmPYL3, ZmPP2C and ZmABI5 proteins, and loss‐of‐function of ZmRap2.7 and overexpression of ZCN9 and ZCN10 reduced ABA sensitivity and seed vigour, suggesting a complex regulatory network for regulation of ABA signalling mediated seed vigour. Finally, we showed that four SNPs in ZmRap2.7 coding region influenced its transcriptionally binding activity to the downstream gene promoters. Together with previously identified functional variants within and surrounding ZmRap2.7, we concluded that the distinct allelic variations of ZmRap2.7 were obtained independently during maize domestication and improvement, and responded separately for the diversities of seed vigour, flowering time and brace root development. These results provide novel genes, a new regulatory network and an evolutional mechanism for understanding the molecular mechanism of seed vigour.
Salt tolerance in mungbean is associated with controlling Na and Cl transport across roots, regulating Na and Cl accumulation in chloroplasts and maintaining high K in root and leaf mesophyll cells
Authors: Iqbal Md Shahin , Clode Peta L. , Malik Al Imran , Erskine William , Kotula Lukasz 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSalinity tolerance requires coordinated responses encompassing salt exclusion in roots and tissue/cellular compartmentation of salt in leaves. We investigated the possible control points for salt ions transport in roots and tissue tolerance to Na+ and Cl– in leaves of two contrasting mungbean genotypes, salt‐tolerant Jade AU and salt‐sensitive BARI Mung‐6, grown in nonsaline and saline (75 mM NaCl) soil. Cryo‐SEM X‐ray microanalysis was used to determine concentrations of Na, Cl, K, Ca, Mg, P, and S in various cell types in roots related to the development of apoplastic barriers, and in leaves related to photosynthetic performance. Jade AU exhibited superior salt exclusion by accumulating higher [Na] in the inner cortex, endodermis, and pericycle with reduced [Na] in xylem vessels and accumulating [Cl] in cortical cell vacuoles compared to BARI Mung‐6. Jade AU maintained higher [K] in root cells than BARI Mung‐6. In leaves, Jade AU maintained lower [Na] and [Cl] in chloroplasts and preferentially accumulated [K] in mesophyll cells than BARI Mung‐6, resulting in higher photosynthetic efficiency. Salinity tolerance in Jade AU was associated with shoot Na and Cl exclusion, effective regulation of Na and Cl accumulation in chloroplasts, and maintenance of high K in root and leaf mesophyll cells.
Indian Preference and the status of American Indians and Alaska Natives in the federal service: Employment, earnings, authority, and perceptions of fairness
Authors: Lewis Gregory B. , Williams Jack F. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPublic administration scholars have largely ignored American Indians and Alaska Natives in their studies of racial disparities in the federal service, despite strong reasons to believe they face discrimination. Using three large federal data sets (the American Community Survey, federal personnel records, and the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey), we compare the status of American Indians and Alaska Natives in the federal service to both Whites and other minorities. We find that, largely due to Indian Preference, American Indians and Alaska Natives are much more likely than Blacks, Whites, Latinos, and Asians to hold federal jobs, but they are highly concentrated in the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service, agencies with which they have a sordid and fraught history. This concentration allows them to work in positions that may advance the interests of their communities and increases their probabilities of being supervisors, but it does not prevent them from being among the poorest‐paid and least‐satisfied employees in the federal service.
IFIH1 loss of function predisposes to inflammatory and SARS‐CoV‐2‐related infectious diseases
Authors: Najm Rania , Yavuz Lemis , Jain Ruchi , El Naofal Maha , Ramaswamy Sathishkumar , Abuhammour Walid , Loney Tom , Nowotny Norbert , Alsheikh‐Ali Alawi , Abou Tayoun Ahmad , Kandasamy Richard K. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe IFIH1 gene, encoding melanoma differentiation‐associated protein 5 (MDA5), is an indispensable innate immune regulator involved in the early detection of viral infections. Previous studies described MDA5 dysregulation in weakened immunological responses, and increased susceptibility to microbial infections and autoimmune disorders. Monoallelic gain‐of‐function of the IFIH1 gene has been associated with multisystem disorders, namely Aicardi–Goutieres and Singleton–Merten syndromes, while biallelic loss causes immunodeficiency. In this study, nine patients suffering from recurrent infections, inflammatory diseases, severe COVID‐19 or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS‐C) were identified with putative loss‐of‐function IFIH1 variants by whole‐exome sequencing. All patients revealed signs of lymphopaenia and an increase in inflammatory markers, including CRP, amyloid A, ferritin and IL‐6. One patient with a pathogenic homozygous variant c.2807+1G>A was the most severe case showing immunodeficiency and glomerulonephritis. The c.1641+1G>C variant was identified in the heterozygous state in patients suffering from periodic fever, COVID‐19 or MIS‐C, while the c.2016delA variant was identified in two patients with inflammatory bowel disease or MIS‐C. There was a significant association between IFIH1 monoallelic loss of function and susceptibility to infections in males. Expression analysis showed that PBMCs of one patient with a c.2016delA variant had a significant decrease in ISG15, IFNA and IFNG transcript levels, compared to normal PBMCs, upon stimulation with Poly(I:C), suggesting that MDA5 receptor truncation disrupts the immune response. Our findings accentuate the implication of rare monogenic IFIH1 loss‐of‐function variants in altering the immune response, and severely predisposing patients to inflammatory and infectious diseases, including SARS‐CoV‐2‐related disorders.