Critical Period Research Articles

Empirical Research on Factors Influencing Chinese Farmers’ Adoption of Green Production Technologies

During a critical period of structural reform in China’s agricultural supply chain, accelerating the promotion and application of green production technologies emerges as a pivotal strategy to ensure the quality and safety of agricultural products while advancing agricultural modernization. This study empirically examines the factors influencing farmers’ adoption of green production technologies using an ordered logistic model based on survey data collected from 533 respondents in Shandong Province. The survey targeted regions where major economic crops such as corn and soybeans are cultivated, employing simple random sampling to ensure the data’s representativeness and reliability. The findings underscore several critical factors influencing farmers’ willingness to adopt green production technologies, including the presence of quality inspections, evaluations of restrictions on prohibited pesticide use, sales performance of green products, availability of government subsidies, and traceability of agricultural products. To foster greater adoption of green production technologies and propel the transformation of China’s agriculture, it is recommended to advocate and guide green agricultural practices, enhance green agricultural subsidy policies, and strengthen agricultural product market management systems. These measures are essential for ensuring sustainable agricultural development in China.

Dendritic morphology of developing hippocampal neurons in Cyp11a1 null mice.

Neurosteroids have a variety of neurological functions, such as neurite growth, neuroprotection, myelination, and neurogenesis. P450scc, encoded by CYP11A1 gene, is the cholesterol side chain cleavage enzyme that catalyzes the first and rate limiting step in the steroidogenesis. In this study, we examine the dendritic morphology in developing hippocampal neurons of Cyp11a1 null mice at P15, a critical period for synapse formation and maturation. Knockout mice were maintained until P15 with hormone administration. The Golgi-Cox method stained CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus to reveal dendritic morphology. We demonstrated that Cyp11a1 null mice usually die within 7 days after birth and thus collected brain samples at postnatal day 5 (P5) for examination. There were significant shrinkage of dendrite size and diminishment of dendritic branching in CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus of Cyp11a1 null mice, suggesting a developmental delay. We wonder if this delay may catch up later in life. Since the age of P15 is a critical period for synapse formation and maturation, the Cyp11a1 null mice were rescued by receiving hormone administration until P15 that the dendritic morphology in the developing hippocampal neurons could be examined. The results indicated that the total dendritic length, number of dendritic branches, as well as dendritic arborization in the CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons are significantly decreased in P15 knockout mice when compared to the wild type. The spine densities were also significantly decreased. In addition, the western blot analysis revealed decrease PSD-95 expression levels in the knockout mice compared to the wild type at P15. These results suggested that Cyp11a1 deficiency impairs the dendritic structures in the developing hippocampal pyramidal neurons.

Tutor auditory memory for guiding sensorimotor learning in birdsong.

Memory-guided motor shaping is necessary for sensorimotor learning. Vocal learning, such as speech development in human babies and song learning in bird juveniles, begins with the formation of an auditory template by hearing adult voices followed by vocally matching to the memorized template using auditory feedback. In zebra finches, the widely used songbird model system, only males develop individually unique stereotyped songs. The production of normal songs relies on auditory experience of tutor's songs (commonly their father's songs) during a critical period in development that consists of orchestrated auditory and sensorimotor phases. "Auditory templates" of tutor songs are thought to form in the brain to guide later vocal learning, while formation of "motor templates" of own song has been suggested to be necessary for the maintenance of stereotyped adult songs. Where these templates are formed in the brain and how they interact with other brain areas to guide song learning, presumably with template-matching error correction, remains to be clarified. Here, we review and discuss studies on auditory and motor templates in the avian brain. We suggest that distinct auditory and motor template systems exist that switch their functions during development.

T168 - An Evaluation of the “Critical Period” in Contingency Management

T168 - An Evaluation of the “Critical Period” in Contingency Management

Selonsertib, an ASK1 Inhibitor, Ameliorates Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Asthma during Challenge and Sensitization Periods.

Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) is an upstream signaling molecule in oxidative stress-induced responses. Because oxidative stress is involved in asthma pathogenesis, ASK1 gene deficiency was investigated in animal models of allergic asthma. However, there is no study to investigate whether ASK1 inhibitors could be applied for asthma to date. Selonsertib, a potent and selective ASK1 inhibitor, was applied to BALB/c mice of an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma model. Selonsertib suppressed antigen-induced degranulation of RBL-2H3 mast cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The administration of selonsertib both before OVA sensitization and OVA challenge significantly reduced airway hyperresponsiveness, and suppressed eosinophil numbers and inflammatory cytokine levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Histopathologic examination elucidated less inflammatory responses and reduced mucin-producing cells around the peribronchial regions of the lungs. Selonsertib also suppressed the IgE levels in serum and the protein levels of IL-13 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. These results suggest that selonsertib may ameliorate allergic asthma by suppressing immune responses and be applicable to allergic asthma.

Family Influence on Student Mental Health and Academic Achievement in University Transition

This study explores the crucial role of social support in facilitating the transition of adolescents from high school to university, focusing on two respondents, BM and MM. BM, in his second semester at a state university, struggles with the challenges of living independently in a boarding house, feeling significant emotional strain due to limited parental communication. MM, a student at a private university, maintains a close and supportive relationship with his father, despite the absence of his mother since he was two years old. The research highlights the importance of different types of social support—appraisal, belonging, and tangible—in aiding students' adaptation to university life. Appraisal support involves the availability of someone to discuss problems, while belonging support encompasses emotional and task-related assistance from family members. Tangible support refers to material assistance provided by parents. The findings indicate that effective social support, particularly from family, is essential for promoting mental health, academic success, and overall well-being during this critical transition period. The study underscores the need for future research to explore these dynamics further, considering broader cultural and socio-economic contexts that influence the availability and effectiveness of social support.

An Early Anticipation of Market Socialism? Liberalism, Heresy, and Knowledge in John Stuart Mill's Political Economy of Socialism

John Stuart Mill is considered one of the most important representatives of the classical school of political economy. His intellectual development exhibited a gradual transition toward more socialistic views. This transition was partly the result of his interaction with French utopian socialists, which led Mill to theoretically construct an economic system lying between what is now called market capitalism and revolutionary socialism. For Mill, socialism would be a new organic period after the transitory and critical period of the “stationary state.” This paper delineates the core tenets of Mill's stationary state and presents it as an early anticipation of what from the 1920s on is called “market socialism.” Mill's optimistic vision of the stationary state was based on the spread of associations, the socialization of knowledge among all people, competition, and the importance of individuality. These elements are connected with Mill's idiosyncratic, liberal and utilitarianist vision of (market) socialism which prepares the ground for his socialist utopia based on the ideal “from each according to his capacities; to each according to his needs.”

Osteocalcin: A novel biomarker of adolescent psychopathology

Osteocalcin is a bone-derived hormone implicated in the acute stress response and recently linked to adult depression. Yet it is unclear whether osteocalcin is a biomarker of other forms of psychopathology and whether osteocalcin-psychopathology associations emerge during developmentally sensitive periods earlier in life. Thus, in the current pilot study we examined salivary osteocalcin and psychiatric symptoms and disorders among 48 early adolescents during a period of stress. A logistic regression indicated lower osteocalcin was associated with meeting criteria for a psychiatric disorder, OR = 0.43, 95% CI [.002,.924], and showed moderate-to-large cross-sectional associations with a range of elevated psychopathology symptoms, Bs ≥ |-3.44|, ps ≤.034. Multilevel linear growth models indicated that low osteocalcin prospectively predicted an even greater range of psychopathology symptoms at one-year follow-up as well as increases in some symptoms over time, Bs ≥ |-1.83|, ps ≤.021. Findings introduce osteocalcin as a biomarker of diverse forms of psychopathology in youth. Osteocalcin is a potential transdiagnostic mechanism through which dysregulated responses to stress could cause or exacerbate various types of psychopathology, highlighting a promising target for clinical assessment and early intervention.

Socialization and Counseling to Enhance Teenagers' Understanding of the Dangers of Addictive Substances for Students of Harapan Tiga Private High School

Community Service aims to enhance students' understanding of Harapan Tiga Private High School's dangers of addictive substances and their impact on physical and mental health. Additionally, community service strives to encourage positive attitudes and behaviors so that students can face pressures and temptations without resorting to addictive substances. Adolescence is a critical period where teenagers undergo various developmental tasks and social pressures, including the risk of drug abuse. Through a comprehensive program of socialization and counseling, students are provided with information about types of addictive substances, their negative impacts, and strategies to combat peer pressure. The implementation method involves a collaborative approach with the school, preparation stages, activity planning, and partner participation. The results of these activities show an increase in students' understanding of the dangers of addictive substances, positive attitude changes, and the establishment of cooperation between the school, parents, and the community in preventing drug abuse among teenagers. Teaching knowledge about addictive substances and their misuse from an early age, through both formal and informal education, plays an important role in shaping teenagers' understanding of the dangers of addictive substances. By increasing understanding and awareness among teenagers, it is expected that the risk of drug abuse will decrease and their quality of life will improve. In conclusion, the results of community service show a significant increase in students' understanding of the dangers of addictive substances and the formation of positive attitudes, thereby preventing drug abuse among teenagers.

Self-Perception Profile, Body Image Perception and Satisfaction in Relation to Body Mass Index: An Investigation in a Sample of Adolescents from the Campania Region, Italy

(1) Background: Body image dissatisfaction has been commonly reported in adolescents with overweight/obesity and has been related to a lack of motivation to change lifestyle behaviors. Plus, a better perception of physical fitness has been related to a higher self-perception in physical aspect and social items in youths. (2) Methods: A total of 120 (59.2% males, mean age of 12.3 ± 0.9 years) middle-school adolescents participated in the present study. Anthropometric measurements were assessed following the standard procedures. Body weight perception and body image satisfaction were assessed using the Silhouette Figure Body Images Test. Self-perception profile, perceived physical fitness, and perceived difficulties in conducting physical tasks were assessed by using structured questionnaires. (3) Results: Overweight was present in 27.5% adolescents and obesity in 32.5%. A total of 89.7% of adolescents with obesity did not have a real perception of his/her weight status and 84.6% of adolescents with obesity were not satisfied with his/her body image. The self-perception of physical appearance, perceived difficulties in running, perceived overall fitness, and perceived speed/agility were lower in adolescents who were unsatisfied with their body image. Body image satisfaction was positively associated with the self-perception of physical appearance and overall fitness and negatively associated with perceived difficulties in running, independently of sex, age, and BMI. (4) Conclusions: Adolescents with obesity did not have a real perception of their weight status and were unsatisfied with their body image. The positive association between body satisfaction, a better perception of overall fitness, and less difficulties in conducting physical tasks suggests the protective role of the components of physical activity and health-related fitness on body acceptance in a critical period of life.

Baby Massage Education for Baby Growth and Development at Clinic Sahabat Bunda

Baby growth and development is an indicator of baby health. Data from WHO shows that a number of toddlers experience motor disorders, which can include fine motor skills and gross motor skills. Infancy is considered a critical and environmentally sensitive period, so optimizing care during this period has a significant impact on the child's well-being. Baby massage is recognized as a useful therapy for encouraging children's growth and development. However, mothers' low knowledge of independent baby massage techniques can affect their skills in carrying out baby massage. Therefore, an educational approach through counseling is considered an effective strategy for increasing mothers' understanding and skills. Community service activities (PKM) carried out at the Sahabat Bunda Midwife Clinic involve material presentations, question and answer discussions, and demonstrations as learning methods. The results of the PKM show that the material presented can be well understood and responded to by mothers. Positive feedback received indicates achievement of extension targets. Significantly, mothers' knowledge and skills regarding baby massage increased, as seen from their ability to answer questions and carry out baby massage demonstrations. It is hoped that through this PKM activity, mothers can be independent in carrying out baby massage, so that they can make a positive contribution to the optimal growth and development of their babies.

Baby Massage Education for Baby Growth and Development at Clinic Sahabat Bunda

Baby growth and development is an indicator of baby health. Data from WHO shows that a number of toddlers experience motor disorders, which can include fine motor skills and gross motor skills. Infancy is considered a critical and environmentally sensitive period, so optimizing care during this period has a significant impact on the child's well-being. Baby massage is recognized as a useful therapy for encouraging children's growth and development. However, mothers' low knowledge of independent baby massage techniques can affect their skills in carrying out baby massage. Therefore, an educational approach through counseling is considered an effective strategy for increasing mothers' understanding and skills. Community service activities (PKM) carried out at the Sahabat Bunda Midwife Clinic involve material presentations, question and answer discussions, and demonstrations as learning methods. The results of the PKM show that the material presented can be well understood and responded to by mothers. Positive feedback received indicates achievement of extension targets. Significantly, mothers' knowledge and skills regarding baby massage increased, as seen from their ability to answer questions and carry out baby massage demonstrations. It is hoped that through this PKM activity, mothers can be independent in carrying out baby massage, so that they can make a positive contribution to the optimal growth and development of their babies.

Regional Benthic δ18O Stacks for the “41‐Kyr World”—An Atlantic‐Pacific Divergence Between 1.8 and 1.9 Ma

AbstractBenthic δ18O stacks are the benchmarks by which paleoceanographic data are stratigraphically aligned and compared. However, a recent study found that between 1.8 and 1.9 million years ago (Ma) several Ceara Rise records differed substantially from the widely used LR04 global stack. Here, we use new Bayesian stacking software to construct regional stacks and demonstrate a geographical divergence in benthic δ18O features from 1.8 to 1.9 Ma. The pattern of isotopic stage features observed in the Ceara Rise is widespread throughout the Atlantic and differs notably from Pacific records. We propose that this regional difference in isotopic stages may be the result of relatively strong precession forcing and weaker obliquity forcing between 1.8 and 1.9 Ma. In accordance with the Antiphase Hypothesis, our results highlight a period of apparent sensitivity to regional precession forcing that is masked during most of the 41‐Kyr world due to the amplitude modulation of obliquity forcing.

Harnessing Soil Diversity: Innovative Strategies for Potato Blight Management in Central-Eastern Poland

Faced with increasing climate challenges, this pioneering study introduces groundbreaking approaches to ensure the resilience of potato crops in east-central Poland. Our research was aimed at developing an innovative, cost-effective system tailored to the diverse local conditions of this region. Conducted between 2018 and 2020, the study analyzed integrated and organic production systems across different soil types and potato varieties. The experiment was conducted using a randomized block design with three replications in two locations. Integrated production systems involve the strategic use of mineral fertilization and chemical protection to optimize crop growth and health, whereas organic production systems rely solely on natural inputs and biological pest control methods. Integrated practices, enhanced by mineral fertilization and chemical protection, notably delayed the onset of late blight by 16 days and extended the critical infection period by 17% compared to their organic counterparts. Remarkably, the integrated systems resulted in a 49% increase in total production and a 52% increase in commercial yields, demonstrating their effectiveness in enhancing crop resilience. Different potato varieties exhibit varied responses to cultivation systems, influencing both yield and disease resistance. Further investigation into these varietal responses can help optimize cultivation practices, leading to improved efficiency and sustainability in potato farming. Location and soil conditions have a significant impact on potato yield and the spread of potato blight. Specific soil properties such as pH levels, organic matter content, soil texture (clay, silt, and sand composition), moisture retention capacity, and nutrient availability are crucial in determining potato productivity and disease dynamics. Further research into these soil properties and the adaptation of varieties to local conditions can contribute to increased productivity and stability in potato production. This study not only paves the way toward sustainable agriculture but also highlights the crucial role of soil diversity in shaping resilient farming practices. Potato producers in the eastern-central region of Poland should implement integrated production systems using mineral fertilization and chemical plant protection, adapted to local soil conditions and potato varieties. These practices can delay the appearance of late blight and increase the total and marketable potato yield. Further research on soil properties and variety adaptation may increase production stability and efficiency. Promoting soil diversity and modern technologies will ensure resilient and sustainable agricultural production in the face of climate change.

Purinosomes and Purine Metabolism in Mammalian Neural Development: A Review.

Neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) in specific brain regions require precisely regulated metabolite production during critical development periods. Purines-vital components of DNA, RNA, and energy carriers like ATP and GTP-are crucial metabolites in brain development. Purine levels are tightly controlled through two pathways: de novo synthesis and salvage synthesis. Enzymes driving de novo pathway are assembled into a large multienzyme complex termed the "purinosome." Here, we review purine metabolism and purinosomes as spatiotemporal regulators of neural development. Notably, around postnatal day 0 (P0) during mouse cortical development, purine synthesis transitions from the de novo pathway to the salvage pathway. Inhibiting the de novo pathway affects mTORC1 pathway and leads to specific forebrain malformations. In this review, we also explore the importance of protein-protein interactions of a newly identified NSPC protein-NACHT and WD repeat domain-containing 1 (Nwd1)-in purinosome formation. Reduced Nwd1 expression disrupts purinosome formation, impacting NSPC proliferation and neuronal migration, resulting in periventricular heterotopia. Nwd1 interacts directly with phosphoribosylaminoimidazole-succinocarboxamide synthetase (PAICS), an enzyme involved in de novo purine synthesis. We anticipate this review will be valuable for researchers investigating neural development, purine metabolism, and protein-protein interactions.

Association Between Respiratory Infections and Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex and heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder. Its incidence has dramatically risen during the last few decades. ASD is a multifactorial disorder. In addition to genetic factors, the environment plays a key role during critical periods of neurodevelopment. The prenatal environment, as well as perinatal and postnatal exposures to infection and inflammation, are increasingly identified as potential risk factors for autism and can influence development and increase neurodevelopmental disorders. Immune dysfunction and dysregulation are considered an important factor contributing to the pathogenesis of autism and may influence the course and severity of the disease. This study aims to analyze the data available in the scientific literature regarding the correlation between respiratory infections and autism.

Adolescents’ short-form video addiction and sleep quality: the mediating role of social anxiety

BackgroundAdolescence is a critical period for individual growth and development. Insufficient sleep adversely affects adolescents’ physical development, blood pressure, vision, and cognitive function. This study examined the effect of short-form video addiction on adolescents’ sleep quality, as well as the mediating role of social anxiety, to identify methods for improving adolescents’ sleep quality in the Internet era.MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted in this cross-sectional study on 1629 adolescents recruited from three high schools. Their short-form video addiction, social anxiety, and sleep quality were evaluated using corresponding scales. Pearson correlation analysis was carried out to analyze the relationships among short‐form video addiction, sleep quality, and social anxiety. Mediating effect analysis was constructed using AMOS 20.0 statistical software.ResultsParticipants’ sleep quality score is 6.12 ± 3.29 points. The detection rate of sleep quality among them is 31.06%. Short‐form video addiction, sleep quality, and social anxiety are significantly correlated (r = 0.439, 0.404, 0.457, P < 0.001). The direct effect of short-form video addiction on sleep quality is 0.248, accounting for 62.4% of the total effect. The indirect effect exerted through social anxiety is 0.149, accounting for 37.6%.ConclusionsSleep disorders are very common among Chinese adolescents. Short‐form video addiction is positively correlated with adolescents’ sleep quality and social anxiety. Social anxiety partially mediates the relationship between short-form video addiction and sleep quality. The adverse effects of short-form video addiction and social anxiety on the sleep quality of this group must be minimized. Schools are recommended to implement measures to promote sleep quality among adolescents.

Genomic Convergence in Hibernating Mammals Elucidates the Genetics of Metabolic Regulation in the Hypothalamus.

Elucidating the genetic basis of mammalian metabolism could help define mechanisms central to health and disease. Here, we define conserved cis-regulatory elements (CREs) and programs for mammalian metabolic control. We delineate gene expression and chromatin responses in the mouse hypothalamus for 7 steps of the Fed-to-Fasted-to-Refed (FFR) response process. Comparative genomics of hibernating versus non-hibernating lineages then illuminates cis-elements showing convergent changes in hibernators. Hibernators accumulated loss-of-function effects for specific CREs regulating hypothalamic FFR responses. Multi-omics approaches pinpoint key CREs, genes, regulatory programs, and cell types in the divergence of hibernating and homeothermic lineages. The refeeding period after extended fasting is revealed as one critical period of chromatin remodeling with convergent genomic changes. This genetic framework is a step toward harnessing hibernator adaptations in medicine.

Unveiling the enigma of acute kidney disease: predicting prognosis, exploring interventions, and embracing a multidisciplinary approach.

Acute kidney disease (AKD) is a critical transitional period between acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. The incidence of AKD following acute kidney injury is approximately 33.6%, and it can occur without identifiable preceding acute kidney injury. The development of AKD is associated with increased risks of chronic kidney disease, dialysis, and mortality. Biomarkers and subphenotypes are promising tools to predict prognosis in AKD. The complex clinical situations in patients with AKD necessitate a comprehensive and structured approach, termed "KAMPS" (kidney function check, advocacy, medications, pressure, sick day protocols). We introduce "MAND-MASS," an acronym devised to summarize the reconciliation of medications during episodes of acute illness, as a critical component of the sick day protocols at AKD. A multidisciplinary team care, consisting of nephrologists, pharmacists, dietitians, health educators, and nurses, is an optimal model to achieve the care bundle in KAMPS. Although the evidence for patients with AKD is still lacking, several potential pharmacological agents may improve outcomes, including but not limited to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists. In conclusion, accurate prognosis prediction and effective treatment for AKD are critical yet unmet clinical needs. Future studies are urgently needed to improve patient care in this complex and rapidly evolving field.

The role of school leader support on teacher’s engagement during intervention implementation

ABSTRACT Teacher engagement in the implementation phase of educational interventions has been demonstrated as fundamental to the success of an intervention. However, less is known about what resources or processes can support teacher’s work engagement at this critical time period. In this study, we investigated the role of school leader support on teacher engagement during the implementation of a complex co-teaching intervention for literacy improvement. Data were collected from 150 elementary classrooms from 53 municipalities in southern Norway. Grounded in the Job-Demands Resource model, we used structural equation modeling to investigate associations between leader support, teachers’ perceived usefulness of the co-teaching intervention, and teachers’ work engagement. Contrary to our hypothesis, school leader support was not directly associated with teachers’ work engagement. However, school leader support was positively associated with teachers’ perceived usefulness of co-teaching, and the perception of usefulness was positively related to teachers’ work engagement. In summary, the perceived usefulness of co-teaching fully mediated the association between leader support and teachers’ work engagement. These findings suggest that effective school leaders should inquire and prioritize about teachers’ belief systems when launching change efforts. Ideally, we recommend that teachers be part of the conversation and decision-making in the early stages of interventions.