Large Group Research Articles

BaYaka mothers balance childcare and subsistence tasks during collaborative foraging in Congo Basin

Across cultures, mothers balance childcare with other labour. Hunter-gatherer mothers face a daily choice of whether to take infants on foraging trips or leave them with caregivers in the settlement, as well as deciding with whom to forage. Yet, it remains unclear how infant presence affects mothers’ mobility and food returns during group foraging. Using GPS, heart rate measurements, and food return data from 348 foraging trips by 22 BaYaka mothers in the Republic of the Congo, we found that mothers go on longer-duration foraging trips when they take infants along, compared to when they leave them behind. Despite this, infant presence does not affect mothers’ mobility, energy expenditure, or food returns. Mothers also go on longer-duration and longer-distance trips during group foraging, compared to foraging alone. However, they have decreased food returns in larger groups with more adults, possibly due to food competition. Nevertheless, BaYaka mothers maintain their energy expenditure and net food returns in general, regardless of infant presence or group dynamics, likely due to their individual foraging strategies and support from group members. Particularly, children in foraging groups increase mothers’ food returns, aligning with women’s reports of children assisting as caregivers. These findings provide insights into how BaYaka mothers accommodate childcare with subsistence activities during group foraging.

Acute and diffuse impacts of fraud: A victim-centred teleology for a wicked problem

Fraud is the most frequently experienced crime in the UK, yet significantly underreported. Despite its prevalence, understanding and addressing fraud remains challenging. This paper applies the interdisciplinary framework of ‘wicked problems’ to fraud, proposing a novel approach to categorise fraud based on its impact on victims rather than the intent of perpetrators. The article introduces new categories: Acute Impact Fraud (AIF) and Diffuse Impact Fraud (DIF). In AIF the impacts of fraud falls on an individual or a small number of victims, while DIF describes fraud affecting large entities like governments or large businesses, where the impact is shared among many, often resulting in less noticeable individual harm but significant collective loss. A third category, Hybrid Impact Fraud (HIF), is also proposed, where fraud has both acute and diffuse impacts, affecting some victims significantly while spreading minor effects across a larger group. This new approach seeks to enhance the understanding and management of fraud, emphasising victim impact over perpetrator intent, and contributing to the nascent field of economic criminology.

Serum 25 Hydroxy – D in Patients without Vitamin D Supplementation: Perspectives from Cohorts with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Hypovitaminosis D is common in the sunny UAE. This study focusses on the perspectives of 25 hydroxy-D in patients with RA and others with SLE ((Autoimmune disease, ADs)) and to compare them to others of patients without ADs) .The latter were used as control group. All included individuals were without history of vitamin D intake. Hypovitaminosis D was common in the 3 groups (RA, SLE and controls). However, the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in patients with each of ADs was significantly lower to that of the control group yet with higher means of 25 (OH) D levels. These findings were in contrast to those of number of regional and international studies conducted earlier. Data on the high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D and the low mean values of 25 (OH) D were comparable between the two groups of ADs. Overall, the results of this study may lead to some controversy or perhaps a challenge to the widespread understanding of the contrary as per previous international and regional studies. They also argue further the concept of specific association of hypovitaminosis D and autoimmune disease and certainly encourage wider estimation of 25(OH) D among larger numbers of patients in general medical practice. Finally, the outcomes of this work deserve further study/ies in larger groups in the future.

The Effects of VEGF-A and GSTM1/GSTT1 Variants in the Susceptibility to the Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis: A Pilot Genetic Study.

Nasal polyps (NPs) are usually part of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). However, the exact etiology of CRSwNP is still unknown. In addition, the suggested etiological causes are infection, allergy, and immunological disorders, among others, such as genetic predisposition. Moreover, it is also suggested that oxygen-free radicals play a vital role in the pathogenesis of nasal polyposis, and inflammatory cells produce free radicals during phagocytosis, which is the primary source of ROS, controlled by the glutathione S-transferase (GST) system. Although, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in angiogenesis, it is closely interwoven with the mobilization of inflammatory cells. This pilot study evaluated the association between genetic variant VEGF-A (rs28357093) and GSTM1/GSTT1 deletion polymorphism in susceptibility to CRSwNP. A case-control study was conducted with 61 individuals diagnosed with CRSwNP and 100 healthy subjects. VEGF-A (rs28357093) and GSTM1/GSTT1 deletion polymorphisms were genotyped by RFLP-PCR and SYBR Green real-time PCR, respectively. Individuals with allergic rhinitis carriers with AC genotype (rs28357093) presented a 4-fold increased risk to CRSwNP (OR = 4.20, 95% CI = 1.31 to 13.50; p = 0.015). This evidence shows that the increased vascular permeability probably causes an inflamed nasal area leading to extensive edema and polyp growth. On the other hand, no association was verified for each genetic variant by inheritance models. Interestingly, the GSTT1 present genotype showed a protective effect on CRSwNP. In conclusion, additional studies that have larger groups in different geographic localizations may be useful to verify and assess the association between genetic variants and CRSwNP.

Exploring the effectiveness of the Pragmatic Intervention Programme (PICP) with children with autism spectrum disorder and developmental language disorder: A non-randomised controlled trial.

Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental language disorder (DLD) often have difficulties using language in social contexts. An intervention programme for preschool-age children with pragmatic difficulties, called Pragmatic Intervention Programme (PICP), showed positive effects for these children. However, it was important to confirm these effects with a larger group and analyse them separately for each condition. In this study, the effectiveness of the PICP was analysed in preschool-age children with ASD or DLD with difficulties in using language in social contexts. The study was carried out with 36 children. Twenty-two were allocated to an experimental group to receive the PICP-based intervention first, and 14 children were assigned to a control group (waiting list). Each child attended 24 PICP-based intervention sessions provided by a speech and language therapist. Progress was measured using a Goal Attainment Scale (GAS) and other language assessment instruments. The results showed that all children in the experimental group made significant progress in their language competencies, compared to the control group after the intervention. This study confirms that the PICP is effective in improving language competencies in preschool-age children with ASD and DLD with difficulties in using language for social purposes, regardless of their condition. These results emphasise the importance of tailored interventions for these children and point to areas for further research.

The impact of surgical technique and cleft width on the rate of secondary surgery and velopharyngeal function in children with UCLP at 5 years of age

Several factors may influence speech outcome and the rate of secondary palatal surgery in patients with cleft palate. The aim of this study was to evaluate different types of intra-velar veloplasty within an otherwise uniform surgical protocol. The impact of cleft width and the surgeon’s experience on outcome measurements was examined. This cross-sectional study included 62 individuals with unilateral cleft lip and palate born in 2000–2015. Based on the surgical technique used, they were divided into three groups. The cleft width was measured on dental casts. Blinded speech and language pathologists assessed velopharyngeal function with the composite score for velopharyngeal competence (VPC-Sum) for single words. They rated velopharyngeal function on a three-point scale (VPC-R) in sentences. Target consonants in words were phonetically transcribed. The percentage of correct consonants (PCC) was calculated. Surgical technique was not associated with any outcome. Cleft width was associated with the rate of secondary palatal surgery (OR 1.141, 95% CI 1.021–1.275, p = .020) and velopharyngeal insufficiency when using VPC-R (OR 2.700, 95% CI 1.053–6.919, p = .039) but not when using VPC-Sum (OR 1.985, 95% CI.845–4.662, p = .116). PCC was not associated with cleft width and did not differ between surgical techniques. Radical muscle dissection did not exhibit superiority over intra-velar veloplasty reinforced by the palatopharyngeal muscle. Follow-ups at later ages with larger groups will be necessary to evaluate and compare surgical techniques accurately. Cleft width had a greater impact on the rate of secondary surgery and velopharyngeal function than surgical technique, but neither affected the PCC.

Relation of JAK2 V617F allele burden and coronary calcium score in patients with essential thrombocythemia.

JAK2 V617F (JAK2) mutation is associated with clonal hemopoiesis in myeloproliferative neoplasms as well as with faster progression of cardiovascular diseases. Little is known about the relationship between allele burden and the degree of atherosclerotic alteration of coronary vasculature. We previously reported that carotid artery stiffness progressed faster in patients with JAK2 positive essential thromocythemia (ET) patients. After a four-year follow-up we investigated whether mutation burden of a JAK2 allele correlates with a higher coronary calcium score. Thirty-six patients with JAK2 positive ET and 38 healthy matched control subjects were examined twice within four years. At each visit clinical baseline characteristics and laboratory testing were performed, JAK2 mutation burden was determined, and coronary calcium was measured. JAK2 allele burden decreased in 19 patients, did not change in 5 patients, and increased in 4 patients. The coronary calcium Agatston score increased slightly in both groups. Overall, there was no correlation between JAK2 allele burden and calcium burden of coronary arteries. However, in patients with the JAK2 mutation burden increase, the coronary calcium score increased as well. The average JAK2 allele burden decreased in our patients with high-risk ET during the four-year period. However, in the small subgroup whose JAK2 mutation burden increased the Agatston coronary calcium score increased as well. This finding, which should be interpreted with caution and validated in a larger group, is in line with emerging evidence that JAK2 mutation accelerates atherosclerosis and can be regarded as a non-classical risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

A modified drag model for the fluidization of nano-modulated Group C particles

Geldart Group C powders are inherently cohesive due to the strong interparticle forces, leading to severe agglomeration and poor fluidization capability. In this study, fluidization of nano-modulated Group C particles was investigated numerically. These particles, also known as Group C+ particles, were obtained through the nanoparticle modulation technique, with which a small fraction of nanoparticles were vigorously mixed with Group C particles so that they are adhered to the surface of the much larger Group C particles. After modification, the cohesiveness of Group C+ particle was significantly weakened, and therefore these particles could exhibit much better fluidization quality. However, the still existing cohesion resulted in the formation of small agglomerates within the system. To understand the internal agglomeration mechanisms of Group C+ particles and their impact on fluidization behaviors, a new drag model was proposed based on experimental results and the postulation of particle agglomeration. The numerical results of the cases employing the new drag model agreed well with the experimental data in terms of total and dense phase expansion. These findings revealed the drag mechanism associated with modified Group C particles, contributing to the understanding of ultrafine particle fluidization.

Phytochemicals as substances that affect astrogliosis and their implications for the management of neurodegenerative diseases.

Astrocytes are a multifunctional subset of glial cells that are important in maintaining the health and function of the central nervous system (CNS). Reactive astrocytes may release inflammatory mediators, chemokines, and cytokines, as well as neurotrophic factors. There may be neuroprotective (e.g., cytokines, like IL-6 and TGF-b) and neurotoxic effects (e.g., IL-1β and TNF-a) associated with these molecules. In response to CNS pathologies, astrocytes go to a state called astrogliosis which produces diverse and heterogenic functions specific to the pathology. Astrogliosis has been linked to the progression of many neurodegenerative disorders. Phytochemicals are a large group of compounds derived from natural herbs with health benefits. This review will summarize how several phytochemicals affect neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease) in basic medical and clinical studies and how they might affect astrogliosis in the process.

Cost minimisation analyses of birth care in low-risk women in Norway: a comparison between planned home birth and birth in a standard obstetric unit

BackgroundEvidence exists that planned home births for low-risk women in settings in which they have access to hospital transfer if needed are safe. The costs of planned home births, compared to low-risk births in obstetric units, are not clear. The aim of this study was to compare costs associated with hospital births versus home births under different home birth organizations.MethodsWe performed a cost minimisation analysis (CMA) based on decision-analytic modelling while assuming that health outcomes were not affected by place of birth. Estimations of resource use were mainly based on three existing Norwegian datasets: (1) women with planned home births (n = 354), (2) women with planned home births (n = 482) of which 63 were transferred to a hospital, and (3) women with planned births in a hospital (n = 1550).ResultsPlanned home birth costs 45.9% (credibility interval [CrI] 39.1–54.2) of a low-risk birth at a hospital. For planned home birth, the birth was the costliest activity (32.1%). The costs for planned home birth were estimated to be €1872 (CrI 1694–2071) and included hospitalisations for some. Costs for only those with actual home birth was €1353 (CrI 1244–1469). Costs of a birth, including possible birth-related complications, in low-risk women in a hospital was €4077 (CrI 3575–4615).When including the costs of being on call for one woman at a time, a planned home birth costs €5,531 (CrI 5,171–5,906), which is 135.7% (CrI 117.7–156.8) of low-risk births at a hospital. When organizing midwives in the on call teams for multiple women at a time, a planned home birth costs € 2,842 (CrI 2,647–3,053), which is 69.7% (CrI 60.3–80.9) of a low-risk birth in a hospital.ConclusionsHome birth can be cost-effective if the midwives who facilitate home births are organised into larger groups, or they work for hospitals that also facilitate home births. A model in which midwives work separately or in pairs to assist with a home birth and are on call for one birth at a time may not be cost-effective.

Hypernetwork modeling and topology of high-order interactions for complex systems

Interactions among the underlying agents of a complex system are not only limited to dyads but can also occur in larger groups. Currently, no generic model has been developed to capture high-order interactions (HOI), which, along with pairwise interactions, portray a detailed landscape of complex systems. Here, we integrate evolutionary game theory and behavioral ecology into a unified statistical mechanics framework, allowing all agents (modeled as nodes) and their bidirectional, signed, and weighted interactions at various orders (modeled as links or hyperlinks) to be coded into hypernetworks. Such hypernetworks can distinguish between how pairwise interactions modulate a third agent (active HOI) and how the altered state of each agent in turn governs interactions between other agents (passive HOI). The simultaneous occurrence of active and passive HOI can drive complex systems to evolve at multiple time and space scales. We apply the model to reconstruct a hypernetwork of hexa-species microbial communities, and by dissecting the topological architecture of the hypernetwork using GLMY homology theory, we find distinct roles of pairwise interactions and HOI in shaping community behavior and dynamics. The statistical relevance of the hypernetwork model is validated using a series of in vitro mono-, co-, and tricultural experiments based on three bacterial species.

How behavioural changes in social groups affect evacuation efficiency of crowds

Consider an incident of acute emergency—such as a violent attack—necessitating swift evacuation of a crowd primarily made up of social groups. Is it possible to identify simple strategies that the groups can implement to facilitate collective movement efficiency? There has been some research, though not extensive, aimed at understanding unique evacuation dynamics of crowds of social groups, but mostly from a descriptive or observational perspective. Here, we introduce and explore a prescriptive or interventional approach. The aim is to establish effective behavioural interventions. Experiments are conducted with crowds of solo individuals as well as crowds composed of groups of three or groups of five. The results demonstrate a clear decrease in evacuation efficiency as crowd composition shifts from solo to groups, with a more pronounced effect observed with larger groups. We demonstrate how this inefficiency is attributable to the larger spatial footprint associated with groups. The findings also reveal that instructing groups to hold hands does not enhance evacuation efficiency. However, instructing them to form a line (i.e., platooning) leads to significant improvements, reducing evacuation times to levels comparable to crowds of solo individuals. These findings suggest that simple and easily communicable behavioural modifications for social groups can have substantial impacts on their evacuation efficiency. Making such strategies common knowledge has the potential of helping more people survive acute crises, an important aspect of collective resilience.

Long-Term Outcome of Motor Functional Neurological Disorder After Rehabilitation.

Functional neurological disorder (FND) is defined as the presence of neurological symptoms that are inconsistent with a neurological disease. We performed a single-center retrospective study aimed at determining the long-term outcome of FND patients receiving inpatient rehabilitation and the predictors of a good outcome. A multidisciplinary graded exercise program was provided with one or two daily physiotherapy and occupational therapy sessions on 5 days each week, as well as weekly psychological support. Outcome was assessed using the motor part of the Functional Independence Measure scale (FIM; maximum score of 91) at admission, discharge, and follow-up, with the last assessment performed by phone interview. The 30 included patients were aged 43.6±14.7 years (mean±standard deviation), comprised 70% females, and received a mean of 4 weeks of rehabilitation. The admission FIM score (80.2±8.3) was significantly lower than the discharge FIM score (86.9±4.6; p<0.001, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). No notable difference was observed between discharge and follow-up FIM scores (85.5±8.5, p=0.54). The mean follow-up of the 36-month FIM scores at discharge and follow-up was dichotomized as a good outcome in cases where all items were scored ≥6 (functional independence). Binomial logistic regression showed that absence of a comorbid psychiatric disorder (p=0.039, odds ratio=10.7) was a predictive factor for a good outcome at follow-up. Other variables (e.g., sex and age) were not significant predictors of clinical outcome (all p≥0.058). These results suggest inpatient intensive rehabilitation for motor FND is effective and produces favorable long-term results. Further studies with larger groups are warranted so that the management protocols can be standardized.

Functional and Structural Long-Term Effects of Repetitive Instrument-Assisted Manual Therapy (IAMT) of the Lumbar Back on the Dorsal Myofascial Chain Among Female Soccer Players: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial.

Instrument-assisted manual therapy (IAMT) is suitable for optimizing movement prerequisites, such as range of motion, flexibility, microcirculation, and pain inhibition along myofascial chains, potentially leading to a reduction in hamstring injuries. To date, however, IAMT's modes of action remain largely unclear. This study aimed to examine the functional and structural effects of repetitive IAMT after 2.5 and five weeks. Sixteen healthy female soccer players (age: 21.4 (±5.1) years) were randomly grouped into an intervention group and a placebo control group. The intervention group received nine IAMT sessions twice weekly at the right lumbar region. The placebo group received a single pressureless "therapy" at baseline. In addition to structural ultrasound analyses (absolute motion and shear motion), functional mobility tests (passive straight leg raise (PSLR) test and lumbar and thoracic double inclinometry) were performed 4.0 (±2.0) days after the fourth IAMT and 3.4 (±1.1) days after the ninth IAMT in both groups. Hamstring flexibility in the PSLR test improved significantly after the ninth IAMT compared with the placebo group (p< 0.05, effect size: 0.913). No systematic differences were seen at the structural level. Repetitive IAMT can improve hamstring flexibility. Further studies in larger groups and diverse collectives are necessary to additionally test the postulated preventive effect also on hamstring injuries. Whether ultrasound is the right method for detecting structural changes in this context needs to be verified in the future.

Online support groups, social identity, and the health and wellbeing of adults with Long Covid: An interview study

AbstractAs many individuals with Long Covid are left without formal support, they have turned to online support groups for help. In a pre‐registered study, interviews were carried out with 21 adults with Long Covid to explore experiences of using online support groups, to understand whether participants felt these experiences influenced their health and wellbeing, and to identify whether group members developed a shared social identity. The reported benefits varied by the nature and size of the online support group: participants reported that smaller groups enabled a sense of community; occupation groups provided work‐specific support; and larger groups helped with symptom management. Interviewees reported that support groups validated members' experiences, made them feel less alone, and enhanced self‐efficacy by providing and offering support and enabling participants to learn new skills. However, negative outcomes were also reported, such as increased fear and reduced wellbeing. Shared identities developed based on mutual Long Covid experiences, shared values towards illness management, and pre‐existing identities. Reported experiences also varied between online support group size (large vs small); type (e.g., advocacy‐focused, yoga‐based, local or international); and platform (video‐ vs text‐based) and throughout the illness. Whilst this study recognises the necessity of medical treatment for Long Covid, we also recommended that individuals with Long Covid explore different support groups to find the most suitable group for them in terms of preferred group features, values towards illness management and enablement of social identities.

Autistic re-creation: Live action role-play as a safe and brave space for social learning

Live action role-play (larp) is an improvised and embodied form of storytelling that develops through co-creation. While autistic individuals generally dislike unpredictable situations and social interaction in larger groups, anecdotal reports suggest that they often are found in the larping community. Through interviews with 10 autistic, experienced adult larpers, this study investigates larp as a scene for social learning. The examination focuses on the attraction of larps; what the participants learn about social interaction through larping; and how such insights transfer to everyday life. From a cognitive point of view, larping comes through as an optimal autistic space where players feel safe enough to dare push their social boundaries, which conceivably contributes to the formation of more precise social predictions since experimentation and mistakes facilitate embodied learning. From the participants’ point of view, larping improved their understanding of social nuances, which in turn increased social confidence and well-being in everyday life.

Mixed methods on adverse childhood experiences predicting transitional and recurrent homelessness.

Research has associated lack of parental care, physical abuse, and parental substance abuse to homelessness, with the presence of two or more such factors dramatically increasing one's chances of becoming homeless as an adult. Less clear is which (cumulation of) factors may mediate the difference between transitional and recurrent homelessness. Quantitative analysis of four risk factors-addiction, weak social network, criminal activity, psychopathology-among 69 transitionally and recurrently homeless (RH) adults, followed by in-depth qualitative analysis of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among 30 selected participants. RH participants had higher cumulative risk and a higher prevalence and broader range of ACEs than transitionally homeless participants, with the prevalence of childhood physical abuse marking the greatest difference between the two groups. Recurrent homelessness was also correlated with addiction to hard drugs, criminal activity, and weak social networks. Longitudinal and intervention studies in larger groups are needed to assess causality.

A RELIC theory of love: The role of interpersonal, intrapersonal, and extrapersonal elements in love

This article presents a new, RELIC (Real Love In Context) theory of love. The theory contains three subtheories. Two of them constitute an endosystem, or inner system of love. The triangular theory, an interpersonal theory, describes love in term of the intimacy, passion, and commitment one feels toward another person. The theory of love as a story, an intrapersonal theory, describes stories that characterize one’s ideal depiction of what love should and potentially could be. The third, extrapersonal subtheory constitutes an ecosystem, or outer system of love. Drawing on the work of Urie Bronfenbrenner, it describes five hierarchically nested environmental systems (microsystem, mesosystem, exosytem, macrosystem, chronosystem) in which love is embedded and that continually affect the love one feels for another. The forces of the ecosystem act upon the endosystem in ways that can bring couples (or larger groups) together or drive them apart.

Bright and early: artificial light affects arrival time, but not group size or vigilance in Little Penguins (Eudyptula minor)

Coastal developments are ever‐expanding and increasing the use of artificial lights within marine environments. Yet there is conflicting research on the impact of artificial lights on seabirds. Here, we experimentally investigated the impacts of artificial white lights on the behaviours (arrival time, group size, number of groups and vigilance) of breeding Little Penguins Eudyptula minor. Little Penguins are central‐place foragers that spend daylight hours foraging at sea and return to their breeding colony after sunset to attend to their chicks or relieve their incubating partners. We exposed Little Penguins returning to their colony at night to either (1) a self‐sustaining white LED floodlight or (2) a control system with a decoy light turned ‘off’. We used two different landing sites (site 1, site 2) that differed in landscape characteristics to assess whether behavioural responses to light were site‐specific. Little Penguins arrived in larger groups at the landing site 2. Regardless of site, we observed fewer groups that arrived earlier when the light was ‘on’. The effects of artificial light (or ‘lack of artificial light’) on the vigilance of Little Penguins were site‐specific, with Little Penguins spending proportionally more time in vigilance when the light was ‘off’ at site 2 compared with site 1. Our results support the idea that artificial lights produced from coastal developments can alter penguin behaviours, but that the effects of artificial lights can be context‐dependent and need to be assessed on a case‐by‐case basis.

Microscopic and submicroscopic exploration of diplolepideae peristome structures in hygroscopic movement

BackgroundThe Diplolepideae are the larger group within the Arthrodontae mosses, characterized by peristomes formed from residual cell walls. It is now understood that these peristomes exhibit diverse hygroscopic movements, playing a crucial role in spore release. However, the exact mechanism behind this movement remains unclear, lacking direct evidence. This study investigated the microscopic and submicroscopic structures of the peristomes in three Diplolepideae species: Hypopterygium fauriei (Besch.), Pylaisia levieri (Müll. Hal.) Arikawa and Regmatodon declinatus (Hook.) Brid. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to reveal the differences in their hygroscopic movement mechanisms.ResultsThe three species exhibited distinct responses upon wetting: H. fauriei’s exostome closed inwards, P. levieri’ opened outwards, and R. declinatus’ elongated significantly. These differences are attributed to the varying microfibril deposition in the exostome layers. Uniform deposition in the inner layer and minimal deposition in the outer layer enabled exostome opening upon wetting and closing when dry. Our findings suggest that the diastole and contraction of fine microfibrils in the exostome plates and ridges are the key drivers of hygroscopic movement.ConclusionsThis study provides further evidence at both the structural and submicroscopic levels, contributing to the unraveling of the hygroscopic movement mechanism in Diplolepideae peristomes. This enhanced understanding sheds light on the relationship between peristome structure and function.