bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Beneficial effects of choir singing on cognition and well-being of older adults: Evidence from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Pentikäinen Emmi , Pitkäniemi Anni , Siponkoski Sini-Tuuli , Jansson Maarit , Louhivuori Jukka , Johnson Julene K. , Paajanen Teemu , Särkämö Teppo 
Published: February 2021

Background and objectives
Choir singing has been associated with better mood and quality of life (QOL) in healthy older adults, but little is known about its potential cognitive benefits in aging. In this study, our aim was to compare the subjective (self-reported) and objective (test-based) cognitive functioning of senior choir singers and matched control subjects, coupled with assessment of mood, QOL, and social functioning.

Research design and methods
We performed a cross-sectional questionnaire study in 162 healthy older (age ≥ 60 years) adults (106 choir singers, 56 controls), including measures of cognition, mood, social engagement, QOL, and role of music in daily life. The choir singers were divided to low (1–10 years, N = 58) and high (>10 years, N = 48) activity groups based on years of choir singing experience throughout their life span. A subcohort of 74 participants (39 choir singers, 35 controls) were assessed also with a neuropsychological testing battery.

Results
In the neuropsychological testing, choir singers performed better than controls on the verbal flexibility domain of executive function, but not on other cognitive domains. In questionnaires, high activity choir singers showed better social integration than controls and low activity choir singers. In contrast, low activity choir singers had better general health than controls and high activity choir singers.

Discussion and implications
In healthy older adults, regular choir singing is associated with better verbal flexibility. Long-standing choir activity is linked to better social engagement and more recently commenced choir activity to better general health.
Patients’ experiences and perceptions of Guillain-Barré syndrome: A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative research
Authors: Laparidou Despina , Curtis Ffion , Akanuwe Joseph , Jackson Jennifer , Hodgson Timothy L. , Siriwardena A. Niroshan 
Published: February 2021

Background
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an immune-mediated polyradiculoneuropathy, with an incidence of 1-2/100,000 per year. Its severity is variable, ranging from very mild cases with brief weakness to severe paralysis, leading to inability to breathe independently, or even death. Currently there is limited evidence exploring the experiences of GBS patients. The aim of this study was to review patients’ experiences and perceptions of GBS and its variants at diagnosis, discharge and during recovery, by conducting a systematic review and thematic meta-synthesis of qualitative studies of patients’ experiences of GBS (and its variants).

Methods
We searched twelve electronic databases, supplemented with internet searches and forward and backward citation tracking from the included studies and review articles. Data were synthesised thematically following the Thomas and Harden approach. The CASP Qualitative Checklist was used to assess the quality of the included studies of this review.

Results
Our search strategy identified a total of 5,282 citations and after removing duplicates and excluding citations based on title and abstract, and full-text screening, five studies were included in the review and meta-synthesis; all included studies were considered of acceptable quality. Through constant discussions and an iterative approach, we developed six analytical themes following a patient’s journey from suspecting that they had a health problem, through to being hospitalised, experiencing ongoing difficulties, slowly recovering from GBS, adjusting to their new circumstances, and re-evaluating their lives.

Conclusions
Despite the variety of experiences, it was evident from all included studies that being diagnosed with and surviving GBS was a life-changing experience for all participants.

Trial registration
Protocol was registered (CRD42019122199) on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO).
Effects of COVID-19 government travel restrictions on mobility in a rural border area of Northern Thailand: A mobile phone tracking study
Authors: Haddawy Peter , Lawpoolsri Saranath , Sa-ngamuang Chaitawat , Su Yin Myat , Barkowsky Thomas , Wiratsudakul Anuwat , Kaewkungwal Jaranit , Khamsiriwatchara Amnat , Sa-angchai Patiwat , Sattabongkot Jetsumon , Cui Liwang 
Published: February 2021

Background
Thailand is among the top five countries with effective COVID-19 transmission control. This study examines how news of presence of COVID-19 in Thailand, as well as varying levels of government restriction on movement, affected human mobility in a rural Thai population along the border with Myanmar.

Methods
This study makes use of mobility data collected using a smartphone app. Between November 2019 and June 2020, four major events concerning information dissemination or government intervention give rise to five time intervals of analysis. Radius of gyration is used to analyze movement in each interval, and movement during government-imposed curfew. Human mobility network visualization is used to identify changes in travel patterns between main geographic locations of activity. Cross-border mobility analysis highlights potential for intervillage and intercountry disease transmission.

Results
Inter-village and cross-border movement was common in the pre-COVID-19 period. Radius of gyration and cross-border trips decreased following news of the first imported cases. During the government lockdown period, radius of gyration was reduced by more than 90% and cross-border movement was mostly limited to short-distance trips. Human mobility was nearly back to normal after relaxation of the lockdown.

Conclusions
This study provides insight into the impact of the government lockdown policy on an area with extremely low socio-economic status, poor healthcare resources, and highly active cross-border movement. The lockdown had a great impact on reducing individual mobility, including cross-border movement. The quick return to normal mobility after relaxation of the lockdown implies that close monitoring of disease should be continued to prevent a second wave.
Incident mobility disability, parkinsonism, and mortality in community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Oveisgharan Shahram , Yu Lei , Bennett David A. , Buchman Aron S. 
Published: February 2021

Background
Mobility disability and parkinsonism are associated with decreased survival in older adults. This study examined the transition from no motor impairment to mobility disability and parkinsonism and their associations with death.

Methods
867 community-dwelling older adults without mobility disability or parkinsonism at baseline were examined annually. Mobility disability was based on annual measured gait speed. Parkinsonism was based on the annual assessment of 26 items from the motor portion of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale. A multistate Cox model simultaneously examined the incidences of mobility disability and parkinsonism and their associations with death.

Results
Average age at baseline was 75 years old and 318 (37%) died during 10 years of follow-up. Mobility disability was almost 2-fold more common than parkinsonism. Some participants developed mobility disability alone (42%), or parkinsonism alone (5%), while many developed both (41%). Individuals with mobility disability or parkinsonism alone had an increased risk of death, but their risk was less than the risk in individuals with both impairments. The risk of death did not depend on the order in which impairments occurred.

Conclusion
The varied patterns of transitions from no motor impairment to motor impairment highlights the heterogeneity of late-life motor impairment and its contribution to survival. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying biology of these different transitions and how they might impact survival.
Pregnant women’s daily patterns of well-being before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Finland: Longitudinal monitoring through smartwatch technology
Authors: Niela-Vilén Hannakaisa , Auxier Jennifer , Ekholm Eeva , Sarhaddi Fatemeh , Asgari Mehrabadi Milad , Mahmoudzadeh Aysan , Azimi Iman , Liljeberg Pasi , Rahmani Amir M. , Axelin Anna 
Published: February 2021

Background
Technology enables the continuous monitoring of personal health parameter data during pregnancy regardless of the disruption of normal daily life patterns. Our research group has established a project investigating the usefulness of an Internet of Things–based system and smartwatch technology for monitoring women during pregnancy to explore variations in stress, physical activity and sleep. The aim of this study was to examine daily patterns of well-being in pregnant women before and during the national stay-at-home restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Finland.

Methods
A longitudinal cohort study design was used to monitor pregnant women in their everyday settings. Two cohorts of pregnant women were recruited. In the first wave in January-December 2019, pregnant women with histories of preterm births (gestational weeks 22–36) or late miscarriages (gestational weeks 12–21); and in the second wave between October 2019 and March 2020, pregnant women with histories of full-term births (gestational weeks 37–42) and no pregnancy losses were recruited. The final sample size for this study was 38 pregnant women. The participants continuously used the Samsung Gear Sport smartwatch and their heart rate variability, and physical activity and sleep data were collected. Subjective stress, activity and sleep reports were collected using a smartphone application developed for this study. Data between February 12 to April 8, 2020 were included to cover four-week periods before and during the national stay-at-home restrictions. Hierarchical linear mixed models were exploited to analyze the trends in the outcome variables.

Results
The pandemic-related restrictions were associated with changes in heart rate variability: the standard deviation of all normal inter-beat intervals (p = 0.034), low-frequency power (p = 0.040) and the low-frequency/high-frequency ratio (p = 0.013) increased compared with the weeks before the restrictions. Women’s subjectively evaluated stress levels also increased significantly. Physical activity decreased when the restrictions were set and as pregnancy proceeded. The total sleep time also decreased as pregnancy proceeded, but pandemic-related restrictions were not associated with sleep. Daily rhythms changed in that the participants overall started to sleep later and woke up later.

Conclusions
The findings showed that Finnish pregnant women coped well with the pandemic-related restrictions and lockdown environment in terms of stress, physical activity and sleep.
Orexin-A Intensifies Mouse Pupillary Light Response by Modulating Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cells
Authors: Zhou Wei , Wang Li-Qin , Shao Yu-Qi , Han Xu , Yu Chen-Xi , Yuan Fei , Wang Xin , Weng Shi-Jun , Zhong Yong-Mei , Yang Xiong-Li 
Published: February 2021

We show for the first time that the neuropeptide orexin modulates pupillary light response, a non-image-forming visual function, in mice of either sex. Intravitreal injection of the orexin receptor (OXR) antagonist TCS1102 and orexin-A reduced and enhanced pupillary constriction in response to light, respectively. Orexin-A activated OX1Rs on M2-type intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (M2 cells), and caused membrane depolarization of these cells by modulating inward rectifier potassium channels and nonselective cation channels, thus resulting in an increase in intrinsic excitability. The increased intrinsic excitability could account for the orexin-A-evoked increase in spontaneous discharges and light-induced spiking rates of M2 cells, leading to an intensification of pupillary constriction. Orexin-A did not alter the light response of M1 cells, which could be because of no or weak expression of OX1Rs on them, as revealed by RNAscopein situhybridization. In sum, orexin-A is likely to decrease the pupil size of mice by influencing M2 cells, thereby improving visual performance in awake mice via enhancing the focal depth of the eye's refractive system.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThis study reveals the role of the neuropeptide orexin in mouse pupillary light response, a non-image-forming visual function. Intravitreal orexin-A administration intensifies light-induced pupillary constriction via increasing the excitability of M2 intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells by activating the orexin receptor subtype OX1R. Modulation of inward rectifier potassium channels and nonselective cation channels were both involved in the ionic mechanisms underlying such intensification. Orexin could improve visual performance in awake mice by reducing the pupil size and thereby enhancing the focal depth of the eye's refractive system.
Intrinsic Neuronal Activity during Migration Controls the Recruitment of Specific Interneuron Subtypes in the Postnatal Mouse Olfactory Bulb
Authors: Bugeon Stéphane , Haubold Clara , Ryzynski Alexandre , Cremer Harold , Platel Jean-Claude 
Published: February 2021

Neuronal activity has been identified as a key regulator of neuronal network development, but the impact of activity on migration and terminal positioning of interneuron subtypes is poorly understood. The absence of early subpopulation markers and the presence of intermingled migratory and postmigratory neurons make the developing cerebral cortex a difficult model to answer these questions. Postnatal neurogenesis in the subventricular zone (SVZ) offers a more accessible and compartmentalized model. Neural stem cells regionalized along the border of the lateral ventricle produce two main subtypes of neural progenitors, granule cells and periglomerular neurons that migrate tangentially in the rostral migratory stream (RMS) before migrating radially in the olfactory bulb (OB) layers. Here, we used targeted postnatal electroporation to compare the migration of these two populations in male and female mice. We do not observe any obvious differences regarding the mode of tangential or radial migration between these two subtypes. However, we find a striking increase of intrinsic calcium activity in granule cell precursors (GC-Ps) when they switch from tangential to radial migration. By decreasing neuronal excitability in GC-Ps, we find that neuronal activity has little effect on migration but is required for normal positioning and survival of GC-Ps in the OB layers. Strikingly, decreasing activity of periglomerular neuron precursors (PGN-Ps) did not impact their positioning or survival. Altogether these findings suggest that neuronal excitability plays a subtype specific role during the late stage of migration of postnatally born OB interneurons.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWhile neuronal activity is a critical factor regulating different aspects of neurogenesis, it has been challenging to study its role during the migration of different neuronal subpopulations. Here, we use postnatal targeted electroporation to label and manipulate the two main olfactory bulb (OB) interneuron subpopulations during their migration: granule cell and periglomerular neuron precursors (PGN-Ps). We find a very striking increase of calcium activity only in granule cell precursors (GC-Ps) when they switch from tangential to radial migration. Interestingly, blocking activity in GC-Ps affected mainly their positioning and survival while PGN-Ps were not affected. These results suggest that neuronal activity is required specifically for the recruitment of GC-Ps in the OB layers.
Biofilm-forming lactic acid bacteria of honey bee origin intended for potential probiotic use
Authors: Bielik Bohumil , Molnár Ladislav , Vrabec Vladimír , Andrášiová Romana , Maruščáková Ivana Cingel'ová , Nemcová Radomíra , Toporčák Juraj , Mudroňová Dagmar 
Published: February 2021

AbstractScientists around the world are focusing their interest on the use of probiotics in honey bees as an alternative method of prophylaxis against causative agents of both American and European foulbrood. In our study we tested inhibitory activity against Paenibacillus larvae and the biofilm formation activity by various lactic acid bacteria isolated from honey bee guts or fresh pollen samples in the presence of different sugars added to the cultivation media. In addition, we tested the probiotic effect of a newly selected Apilactobacillus kunkeei V18 in an in situ experiment in bee colonies. We found antibacterial activity against P. larvae in four isolates. Biofilm formation activity of varying intensity was noted in six of the seven isolates in the presence of different sugars. The strongest biofilm formation (OD570 ≥ 1) was noted in A. kunkeei V18 in the presence of fructose; moreover, this isolate strongly inhibited the growth of P. larvae under laboratory conditions. Inhibition of P. larvae and Melissococcus plutonius by A. kunkeei V18 in situ was confirmed in a pilot study.
Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees: One and the same thing? A case study of implementing the degree system in Romania
Authors: Torotcoi Simona 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe adoption of a system based on cycles has been one of the core action lines in the Bologna Process. It represents the base for promoting student mobility, employability, and international competitiveness. The implementation of the degree-cycle system – conditioned by the achievement of other policy objectives (i.e. ECTS) – started hot debates on multiple levels including on the relevance of different study stages, or the extent to which the curricular emphasis would differ between the two levels. After almost two decades since the reform has been introduced, rather than looking at the state of implementation, current research should focus on how the reform has been implemented and what are its effects. By using the Romanian case as an illustration of the situation in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), this paper aims to answer the following questions: to what extent have the intentions and expectations linked to the introduction of a tiered structure of degrees have been fulfilled and what are some the (unintended) effects of such reforms? Based on a series of interviews done in November 2017 with academic staff, student representatives and decision-makers from Romania, this paper presents an analysis of the deliberate intentions and expectations of the introduction of the degree structure. The conclusions show that issues related to (1) financing; (2) quality (3) access and participation; (4) content and curricula (5) career path and opportunities after graduation are the main implications of the implementation of the degree-cycle system.
Myocardial perfusion imaging using computed tomography: Current status, clinical value and prognostic implications
Authors: Vattay Borbála , Boussoussou Melinda , Borzsák Sarolta , Vecsey-Nagy Milán , Simon Judit , Kolossváry Márton , Merkely Béla , Szilveszter Bálint 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCombined anatomical and functional evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD) using computed tomography (CT) has recently emerged as an accurate, robust, and non-invasive tool for the evaluation of ischemic heart disease. Cardiac CT has become a one-stop-shop imaging modality that allows the simultaneous depiction, characterization, and quantification of coronary atherosclerosis and the assessment of myocardial ischemia. Advancements in scanner technology (improvements in spatial and temporal resolution, dual-energy imaging, wide detector panels) and the implementation of iterative reconstruction algorithms enables the detection of myocardial ischemia in both qualitative and quantitative fashion using low-dose scanning protocols. The addition of CT perfusion (CTP) to standard coronary CT angiography is a reliable tool to improve diagnostic accuracy. CTP using static first-pass imaging enables qualitative assessment of the myocardial tissue, whereas dynamic perfusion imaging can also provide quantitative information on myocardial blood flow. Myocardial tissue assessment by CTP holds the potential to refine risk in stable chest pain or microvascular dysfunction. CTP can aid the detection of residual ischemia after coronary intervention. Comprehensive evaluation of CAD using CTP might therefore improve the selection of patients for aggressive secondary prevention therapy or coronary revascularization with high diagnostic certainty. In addition, prognostic information provided by perfusion CT imaging could improve patient outcomes by quantifying the ischemic burden of the left ventricle. The current review focuses on the clinical value of myocardial perfusion imaging by CT, current status of CTP imaging and the use of myocardial CTP in various patient populations for the diagnosis of ischemic heart disease.
La formación de ciudadanos alrededor de la alimentación. Programa Buen Comienzo Medellín
Authors: Álvarez Castaño Luz Stella , Goez Rueda Juan Diego , Quintero Morales María Teresa 
Published: February 2021

Antecedentes: el programa de primera infancia Buen Comienzo Medellín se ha convertido en un referente nacional por sus logros en la atención integral a los niños. Las evaluaciones realizadas hasta el momento se han centrado, sobre todo, en los efectos que tiene el programa en el estado nutricional de los niños participantes. Objetivo: evaluar algunas categorías sociopolíticas, como la construcción de ciudadanía y la participación que se desarrollan y potencializan en los momentos de la alimentación de los niños. Materiales y métodos: se utilizó un modelo que combina el análisis multidimensional (estructura, proceso y resultados) y la triangulación de métodos. Resultados: luego de analizar las entrevistas, las observaciones y los documentos del programa se encontraron las siguientes temáticas: a) autonomía y autocuidado, bases para la construcción de ciudadanía en los niños; b) compromiso familiar; c) participación y límites de la libertad; y d) más participación en el hogar, un llamado de los agentes educativos.
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF HEMATITE (Fe2O3) OF IRON ORE AND MAGNETITE (Fe3O4) FROM IRON SAND THROUGH PRECIPITATION METHOD FOR INDUSTRIAL RAW MATERIALS
Authors: Fatmaliana Andia , Maulinda Maulinda , Sari Nirmala 
Published: February 2021

Indonesia is a country that has enormous iron ore and iron sand mine that can be utilized for various industrial purposes. This research has been successfully conducted synthesis and characterization of hematite iron ore and magnetite from iron sand. Iron sand and iron ore that has been crushed manually repaired with a magnet was carried out with the HCl, and NH4OH then dried in the temperature of 150 oC and calcinated at a temperature of 500 oC. Characterization was carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF), where the preliminary information obtained from XRF results in an iron ore sample by manual separation have 95.99% of Fe2O3 and followed by compounds SiO2 (2.10%). While the iron sand contains 81.42% of Fe3O4 and 2.5% of SiO2. After the precipitation process, Fe2O3 compounds contained in iron ore has a content of 96.58% and Fe3O4 compounds contained in iron sand (86.73%). The results of XRD indicate the dominant primary phase in iron ore is hematite or Fe2O3, and in iron, sand is magnetite Fe3O4, Before the extraction process, Fe2O3 was 58.009 μm in size and after the process of extracting the particles was reduced to 20.950 μm. While the Fe3O4, prior to the extract, has a grain size of 59.009 μm, and after an extraction process, the grain size reduced into 25.950 μm. The calculation results indicate there is a slight size difference between the grain size of iron sand and iron ore.