bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The calcium–calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase kinase inhibitor, STO‐609, inhibits nicotine‐induced currents and intracellular calcium increase in insect neurosecretory cells
Authors: Taha Maria , Houchat Jean‐Noël , Taillebois Emiliane , Thany Steeve H. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractInsect neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are transmembrane receptors that play a key role in the development and synaptic plasticity of both vertebrates and invertebrates and are considered to be major targets of neonicotinoid insecticides. We used dorsal unpaired median (DUM) neurons, which are insect neurosecretory cells, in order to explore the intracellular mechanisms leading to the regulation of insect neuronal nAChRs in more detail. Using whole‐cell patch‐clamp and fura‐2AM calcium imaging techniques, we found that a novel CaMKK/AMPK pathway could be involved in the intracellular regulation of DUM neuron nAChRs. The CaMKK selective inhibitor, STO, reduced nicotinic current amplitudes, and strongly when co‐applied with α‐Bgt. Interestingly, intracellular application of the AMPK activator, A‐76, prevented the reduction in nicotine‐induced currents observed in the presence of the AMPK inhibitor, dorsomorphin. STO prevented the increase in intracellular calcium induced by nicotine, which was not dependent on α‐Bgt. Currents induced by 1 mM LMA, a selective activator of nAChR2, were reduced under bath application of STO, and mecamylamine, which blocked nAChR2 subtype, inhibited the increase in intracellular calcium induced by LMA. These findings provide insight into potential complex mechanisms linked to the modulation of the DUM neuron nAChRs and CaMKK pathway.image
Taking the long view of adolescent work quality
Authors: Staff Jeremy , Mortimer Jeylan T. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFollowing Schulenberg's research on teenage employment and vocational development, we ask to what extent do job dimensions reflecting the quality of work experience during mid‐adolescence (e.g., work stress, autonomy, learning and advancement opportunities, hourly pay, wage satisfaction, and work hours) predict the same work experiences during the ensuing occupational career? Using longitudinal data from the Youth Development Study (N = 711 individuals over 3164 occasions), and hybrid panel models to control for unobserved time‐stable selection influences, we find a high level of continuity of work quality from adolescence to mid‐life. Multiple dimensions of adolescent work quality are associated with the same dimensions of work quality in adulthood, even after controlling for educational attainment and other time‐varying adult confounders.
Intraobserver and interobserver agreement of 8 segmental reflexes in healthy dogs
Authors: Chiang Bryan , Garcia Gabriel , Leverone Francesco , Hernandez Jorge A. , Carrera‐Justiz Sheila 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundNo available literature supports the claim that the patellar and withdrawal (flexor) reflexes are the only reliable segmental reflexes in dogs.ObjectiveMeasure intra‐ and interobserver agreement of 8 segmental reflexes in dogs without clinical evidence of orthopedic or neurologic disease.AnimalsOne‐hundred and one client‐ or staff‐owned dogs between 1 and 10 years of age with no clinical evidence of orthopedic disease, myelopathy, or neuromuscular disease.MethodsDescriptive study. The intraobserver proportion of agreement (%) of responses to selected segmental reflexes in right versus left limbs by 3 observers was calculated and reported. The interobserver agreement of 2 observers of responses to selected reflexes was estimated by calculating proportions of agreement, kappa values, and 95% confidence intervals. A segmental reflex with an acceptable agreement was defined as that with a proportion of agreement ≥90% and a Kappa value ≥0.61 in both limbs.ResultsThe intraobserver proportion of agreement for all 3 observers was high (≥95%) for the extensor carpi radialis, withdrawal, patellar, and cranial tibial reflexes. Between observers 1 and 3 and observers 2 and 3, the interobserver proportion of agreement was high (≥ 92%) for the extensor carpi radialis (κ 0.66, not determined [ND]), withdrawal (both limbs, κ ND), patellar (κ ND), and cranial tibial reflexes (κ ND).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe extensor carpi radialis, withdrawal, patellar, and cranial tibial reflexes had a higher proportion of agreement and kappa values between 2 observers.
The sources of national pride: Evidence from China and the United States
Authors: Ni Jiaqian , Wang Mengqiao , Quek Kai 
Published: February 2024

AbstractNational pride relates to nationalism, one of the most powerful forces in modern politics. Many surveys have shown that most citizens are proud of their countries, but few have directly examined the underlying reasons for why people are proud of their countries. Using parallel national surveys in China and the United States, we investigate the sources and contents of national pride in the two most powerful nation‐states in the world. Our results reveal clear differences between citizens in the two countries. While the sources of American national pride are largely ideational, the sources of Chinese national pride tend to be material. The evidence provides a first set of insights into the sources of national pride and challenges conventional depictions of nationalism as a monolithic concept.
Predisposing factors of health promotion behaviors and health literacy in adolescents: A cross‐sectional design
Authors: Ayaz‐Alkaya Sultan , Kulakçi‐Altintaş Hülya 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study was designed to measure health promotion behaviors, health literacy (HL) levels, and their predisposing factors among adolescents.DesignA cross‐sectional design was used.SampleThe study was completed by 1046 students aged 11–14 years.MeasurementsData were collected via the HL for School–Aged Children Scale and the Adolescent Health Promotion Scale.ResultsHL was significantly associated with gender, participation in sport activities, and health promotion behaviors. There was no confounding factor for HL. Adolescent health promotion behaviors were significantly associated with academic level, weight perception, participation in sport activities, and HL.ConclusionsNurses could improve communication and decision‐making skills related to health behaviors and learn how to obtain health‐related knowledge to promote the health of adolescents.
Associations between sun exposure, skin pH, and epidermal permeability in pregnancy: A longitudinal observational study
Authors: Stevens Rachel , Gorman Shelley , Arabiat Diana , Christophersen Claus T. , Palmer Debra J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLittle is known about how sun exposure may affect the maternal skin barrier during pregnancy when many hormonal and physiological changes occur. In this longitudinal observational study, 50 pregnant women were recruited at 18–24 weeks' gestation, 25 in summer–autumn, and 25 in winter–spring. At three time points in pregnancy at 18–24, 28–30, and 36–38 weeks' gestation, participants completed a validated sun exposure questionnaire and had skin permeability and surface pH measured on the volar forearm. We identified an association between increased sun exposure and increased skin permeability at 18–24 weeks' gestation (β = 0.85, p = 0.01). Lower transepidermal water loss (decreased skin permeability), mean = 12.1 (SD = 5.1) at 28–30 weeks' gestation was observed, compared to mean = 12.6 (SD = 4.0) at 18–24 weeks' and mean = 13.7 (SD = 8.5) at 36–38 weeks' gestation (n = 27, β = −1.83, p = 0.007). Higher skin pH readings, mean = 5.80 (SD = 0.58) were found at 28–30 weeks' gestation, compared to mean = 5.25 (SD = 0.62) at 18–24 weeks' and mean = 5.47 (SD = 0.57) at 36–38 weeks' gestation (n = 27, β = 0.40, p = 0.004). These gestational fluctuations remained after adjusting for Fitzpatrick skin type, season, and sun exposure. We observed gestational fluctuations in both skin permeability and skin pH, with 28–30 weeks' gestation being a significant point of difference compared to mid‐ and late‐pregnancy periods.
In‐field climatic factors driving Sclerotinia head rot progression across different sunflower planting dates
Authors: Mapfumo Phrasia , Buthelezi Sikelela , Archer Emma , Swanevelder Dirk Z. H. , Wilken P. Markus , Creux Nicky 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSclerotinia head rot, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is a major disease limiting sunflower production in tropical and subtropical agroecological zones. Sporadic outbreaks across South Africa have resulted in major losses, yet little is known about the in‐field climatic factors driving this infection. Short‐interval, staggered plantings have been proposed as a control method for Sclerotinia head rot, which help to limit the number of plants in a susceptible developmental stage during conducive environmental conditions. However, this complicates field management practices, especially if working at the fringes of a planting window due to delayed rains. This study aimed to investigate the effect of planting date on Sclerotinia head rot progression in monthly plantings across the summer period. Artificial mycelial plug inoculations were performed at the R5.9 flowering stage in an open field. Disease establishment, progression and severity were monitored at 3‐day intervals for 30 days. We show that disease establishment was delayed by low relative humidity or extreme low temperatures in the January and March planting dates where the first lesions were only observed 6 days post‐inoculation. Consistently high temperatures above 27°C also suppressed disease progression and produced low area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) scores of 75.15 and 29.4 for the October and November planting dates, respectively. These findings suggest that regardless of season or location, selecting a planting date that ensures the sunflower bloom period aligns with the hottest, driest part of the season will probably suppress Sclerotinia head rot in regions with average summer highs above 27°C.
Inequalities in access to prenatal care during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Analysis of a population‐based cohort
Authors: Hetherington Erin , Darling Elizabeth , Harper Sam , Nguyen Francis , Schummers Laura , Norman Wendy V. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundBefore the COVID‐19 pandemic, access to prenatal care was lower among some socio‐demographic groups. This pandemic caused disruptions to routine preventative care, which could have increased inequalities.ObjectivesTo investigate if the COVID‐19 pandemic increased inequalities in access to prenatal care among those who are younger, live in rural areas, have a lower socio‐economic situation (SES) and are recent immigrants.MethodsWe used linked administrative datasets from ICES to identify a population‐based cohort of 455,245 deliveries in Ontario from January 2018 to December 2021. Our outcomes were first‐trimester prenatal visits, first‐trimester ultrasound and adequacy of prenatal care. We used joinpoint analysis to examine outcome time trends and identify trend change points. We stratified analyses by age, rural residence, SES and recent immigration, and examined risk differences (RD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) between groups at the beginning and end of the study period.ResultsFor all outcomes, we noted disruptions to care beginning in March or April 2020 and returning to previous trends by November 2020. Inequalities were stable across groups, except recent immigrants. In July 2017, 65.0% and 69.8% of recent immigrants and non‐immigrants, respectively, received ultrasounds in the first trimester (RD −4.8%, 95% CI −8.0, −1.5). By October 2020, this had increased to 75.4%, with no difference with non‐immigrants (RD 0.4%, 95% CI −2.4, 3.2). Adequacy of prenatal care showed more intensive care as of November 2020, reflecting a higher number of visits.ConclusionsWe found no evidence that inequalities between socio‐economic groups that existed prior to the pandemic worsened after March 2020. The pandemic may be associated with increased access to care for recent immigrants. The introduction of virtual visits may have resulted in a higher number of prenatal care visits.
Effect of intensity of persistent social isolation on mental health in the late middle‐aged and older population: results of the Korea Longitudinal Study of Ageing (2006–2020)
Authors: Yang Jeong Min , Kim Jae Hyun , Hwang Ji Eun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundSocial isolation (SI) was recently identified as a significant public health issue in the United States. Consequently, several studies on the association between SI and mental health were conducted. However, few studies have considered the duration and intensity of SI. In the present study, a longitudinal analysis was conducted to determine the effect of the intensity of persistent SI on the mental health status of late middle‐aged and older Koreans.MethodsAfter excluding missing values, data on 6200 participants were analyzed using the group‐based trajectory model (GBTM) from the first to fifth Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (KLoSA) to categorise the SI trajectory (SIT). The Chi‐square test, t‐test, analysis of variance, and time‐lagged generalised estimation equations were utilised from the fifth to eighth KLoSA to determine the association between SIT and the incidence of cognitive decline (the group with a Korean version Mini‐Mental State Examination score of 23 or lower), cognitive function score, and depression score.ResultsFour SIT groups were identified in the GBTM analysis. These were the non‐SIT (21.7%), mild (46.8%), moderate (21.1%), and severe SIT (10.4%) groups. Compared to the non‐SIT group, the severe SIT group experienced a greater incidence of cognitive decline (odds ratio = 1.57, P < 0.0001) as well as poorer cognitive function scores (B = −0.63, P < 0.0001) and depression scores (B = 0.90, P < 0.0001). Furthermore, stratified analysis by sex and age showed that mental health status was inversely proportionate to the intensity of SIT, particularly in males and patients, aged 65 years and above.ConclusionA close association was observed between SIT and mental health. This finding highlighted the need for policies and institutional measures to reduce the incidence of mental health deterioration among vulnerable groups due to the intensity of SI.
Relationship between increased serum neurofilament light chain and glial fibrillary acidic protein levels with non‐motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Yin Peixiao , Niu Xuebin , Guan Chenyang , Zhang Zixuan , Liu Yuning , Li Jinyu , Cui Guiyun , Zan Kun , Xu Chuanying 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThis study set out to investigate the relationship between serum neurofilament light chain (NFL), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and various non‐motor symptoms (NMSs) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).MethodsThe study included 37 healthy controls (HCs) and 51 PD patients. Clinical assessments of PD symptoms were conducted for all PD patients. The NMSS was utilised to evaluate the NMS burden (NMSB) in individuals. Based on the severity of NMSB, we further categorised the PD group into two subgroups: mild–moderate NMSB group and severe–very severe NMSB group. The amounts of NFL and GFAP in the serum were measured using an extremely sensitive single molecule array (Simoa) method. Statistical analyses were performed on the collected data using SPSS 26.0 and R (version 3.6.3).ResultsSerum GFAP and NFL levels in the PD group with severe–very severe NMSB were significantly higher than those in the mild–moderate NMSB group (GFAP: P < 0.007; NFL: P < 0.009). Serum NFL and GFAP levels had positive correlations with NMSS total scores (GFAP: r = 0.326, P = 0.020; NFL: r = 0.318, P = 0.023) and multiple subdomains. The relationship between the attention/memory domains of NMSS and NFL levels is significantly positive (r = 0.283, P = 0.044). Similarly, the mood/apathy domains of NMSS are also significantly positively correlated with GFAP levels (r = 0.441, P = 0.001). Patients with emotional problems or cognitive impairment had higher GFAP or NFL levels, respectively. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that NMSs play a mediating role in the quality of life of patients with PD. Moreover, the combination of NFL and GFAP has proven to be more effective than using a single component in identifying PD patients with severe–very severe NMSB.ConclusionsThe severity of NMSs in PD patients, particularly cognitive and emotional symptoms, was found to be associated with the levels of serum NFL and GFAP. This study marks the first attempt to examine the connection between NMSs of PD and the simultaneous identification of NFL and GFAP levels.
Efficacy of non‐invasive brain stimulation for post‐stroke dysphagia: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Yao Shan , Wang Xuxia , Sun Jie , Guo Pengfei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundGiven the potential harms of dysphagia after stroke, we noticed the possibility of non‐invasive brain stimulation treatments in the management process.MethodsThe meta‐analysis search for articles published before May 2023 in databases. We used STATA 12.0 software to compute the standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsThe study showed a greater improvement in swallowing function in post‐stroke dysphagia given transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) immediately after treatment, compared to those given sham tDCS (SMD = 2.99, 95% CI = 1.86–4.11). The study showed a greater improvement in swallowing function in post‐stroke dysphagia given tDCS some days after treatment, compared to those given sham tDCS (SMD = 2.01, 95% CI = 0.87–3.16). The study showed a greater improvement in swallowing function in post‐stroke dysphagia given repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) immediately after treatment, compared to those given sham rTMS (SMD = 4.17, 95% CI = 3.11–5.23). The study showed a greater improvement in swallowing function in post‐stroke dysphagia given rTMS some days after treatment, compared to those given sham rTMS (SMD = 1.77, 95% CI = 0.94–2.60).ConclusionsIn conclusion, our study showed the beneficial effects of non‐invasive brain stimulation on difficulty swallowing for stroke patients and speculated about the potential application of non‐invasive brain stimulation on post‐stroke dysphagia improvement.
Adherence and potential factors of adherence to a resistance, coordination and endurance training in older retirement home residents over 6 months
Authors: Weiß Michael , Mende Esther , Schaller Nina , Krusemark Helge , Spanier Bianca , Zelger Otto , Bischof Jan , Haller Bernhard , Halle Martin , Siegrist Monika 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionHigh exercise adherence is a key factor for effective exercise programmes. However, little is known about predictors of exercise adherence to a multimodal machine‐based training in older retirement home residents.AimsTo assess exercise adherence and potential predictors of adherence. Furthermore, to evaluate user acceptance of the multimodal training and the change in exercise self‐efficacy.MethodsIn this sub‐analysis of the bestform‐F study, a total of 77 retirement home residents ≥65 years (mean age: 85.6 ± 6.6 years, 77.9% female) participated in a 6‐month machine‐based resistance, coordination and endurance training. Attendance to the training was documented for each training session. To identify potential predictors a multiple linear regression model was fitted to the data. Analyzed predictors included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), physical function, exercise self‐efficacy, and physical activity history. Different domains of user acceptance (e.g. safety aspects, infrastructure) and exercise self‐efficacy were assessed by a questionnaire and the exercise self‐efficacy scale (ESES), respectively.ResultsMean exercise adherence was 67.2% (median: 74.4%). The regression model (R2 = 0.225, p = 0.033) revealed that the 6‐minute walk test (6‐MWT) at baseline significantly predicted exercise adherence (β: 0.074, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.006–0.142, p = 0.033). Different user domains were rated at least as good by 83.9%–96.9% of participants, reflecting high acceptance. No statistically significant change was found for exercise self‐efficacy over 6 months (mean change: 0.47 ± 3.08 points, p = 0.156).ConclusionRetirement home residents attended more than two thirds of offered training sessions and physical function at baseline was the key factor for predicting adherence. User acceptance of the training devices was highly rated. These findings indicate good potential for implementation of the exercise programme.
Is it Antislavic racism, or how to speak about liminality, stigma, and racism in Europe
Authors: Nowicka Magdalena 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis article discusses the present‐day positionality of Polish immigrants in Germany and the discursive possibilities for articulating their experiences of discrimination as racism. As interviews with these immigrants do not capture explicit accounts of racism, and there is practically no research on racism directed at Eastern Europeans in Germany, this article scrutinizes the epistemological context in which the voicing of discrimination is embedded. They include the imagined liminality of Poland in Europe, the binary and coloured understandings of racism in Poland and Germany, and the socialisation of Poles to lean towards silence on racism. Based on empirical data, the article discusses three intersecting forms of experiences of racism: disappearance through effort, devaluation of experience, and cultural precarity. Finally, the article argues that metaphors of liminality, stigma, stickiness and cultural precarity offer a nuanced understanding of Eastern European positionalities in Western Europe.
Cortical cell size regulates root metabolic cost
Authors: Sidhu Jagdeep Singh , Lynch Jonathan P. 
Published: February 2024

SUMMARYIt has been hypothesized that vacuolar occupancy in mature root cortical parenchyma cells regulates root metabolic cost and thereby plant fitness under conditions of drought, suboptimal nutrient availability, and increased soil mechanical impedance. However, the mechanistic role of vacuoles in reducing root metabolic cost was unproven. Here we provide evidence to support this hypothesis. We first show that root cortical cell size is determined by both cortical cell diameter and cell length. Significant genotypic variation for both cortical cell diameter (~1.1‐ to 1.5‐fold) and cortical cell length (~ 1.3‐ to 7‐fold) was observed in maize and wheat. GWAS and QTL analyses indicate cortical cell diameter and length are heritable and under independent genetic control. We identify candidate genes for both phenes. Empirical results from isophenic lines contrasting for cortical cell diameter and length show that increased cell size, due to either diameter or length, is associated with reduced root respiration, nitrogen content, and phosphorus content. RootSlice, a functional‐structural model of root anatomy, predicts that an increased vacuolar: cytoplasmic ratio per unit cortical volume causes reduced root respiration and nutrient content. Ultrastructural imaging of cortical parenchyma cells with varying cortical diameter and cortical cell length confirms the in silico predictions and shows that an increase in cell size is correlated with increased vacuolar volume and reduced cytoplasmic volume. Vacuolar occupancy and its relationship with cell size merits further investigation as a phene for improving crop adaptation to edaphic stress.