bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Profile of Critical Thinking Skills Associated with Science Learning Outcomes of Junior High School Students in Mataram City
Authors: Hidayani Sari , Jamaluddin J. , Ramdani Agus
Published: January 2021

Efforts to develop critical thinking skills are still educational goals which are expected to improve learning outcomes which have an impact on the performance and quality of students. It is important to measure critical thinking skills so that the right techniques can be found to develop and improve these thinking skills. This study aims to describe critical thinking skills and their relationship with science learning outcomes of SMPN students in the city of Mataram. This type of research is a quantitative descriptive study with a sample of 418 Grade VII students and 435 Grade VIII students who were determined using purvosive techniques. Collecting data using test instruments that have been validated by experts and tested for reliability. The results showed that the critical thinking skills profile of the students of SMPN Mataram City was classified as moderate, with an average score of 68.83 for grade seven (VII) and 70.69 for grade eight (VIII). So it can be said that the relationship between critical thinking skills and science learning outcomes is very low as indicated by the R square value. R square for class VII is 0.074, which means that critical thinking skills have an effect of 7% on science learning outcomes. R square for class VII is 0.097, which means that critical thinking skills have an effect of 9% on science learning outcomes. The critical thinking skills of SMPN students in Mataram City needs to be improved by improving the learning process and learning evaluation tools.
MILITARY EXERCISES AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF UKRAINE (2014–2016)
Authors: POPKO Serhii
Published: January 2021

The features of the participation of military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) in multinational military exercises held in our country and abroad in 2014–2016 are considered. The occupation of the Crimean Peninsula by the Russian Federation (RF), the veiled appearance of Russian troops on the territory of Donetsk and Lugansk regions, which marked the beginning of the so-called "Hybrid warfare" forced the leadership of our state to intensify contacts with the member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and pay considerable attention to multinational training, as within the framework of the Partnership for Peace program. During military exercises («Saber Guardian / Rapid Trident»), «Flaming Thunder», «Flaming Sword», «Anakonda», «Hunter», «Combined Resolve» etc.), military personnel exchange knowledge and combat experience, strengthening partnerships, compatibility, and ability of the military of Ukraine, NATO member states, and their partners to work together.

The features of the AFU servicemen's peacekeeping activities at the initial stage of the modern Russian-Ukrainian war (United Nations operations in Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, Afghanistan, the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo etc.) are considered. It was stated that during peacekeeping operations, military personnel mainly patrolled the areas of responsibility, transported United Nations (UN) personnel, escorted humanitarian aid, controlled the ceasefire, as well as the withdrawal of troops.

Keywords: NATO, Ukraine, Partnership for Peace, international military exercises, peacekeeping operations, Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Análise de cor e aceitabilidade de molho agridoce de abacaxi com pimenta elaborado com diferentes espessantes
Authors: Silva Luíz Guilherme Malaquias da , Zandomenegui Henrique Costa Silva , Vieira Brenda Regina Aires , Rocha Marcela Costa , Nachtigall Aline Manke
Published: January 2021

A demanda elevada por alimentos saudáveis é um fator relevante para o desenvolvimento de produtos alimentícios. Neste sentido, os vegetais são ricos em nutrientes que lhes conferem propriedades funcionais. Portanto, objetivou-se elaborar um molho para carnes, de abacaxi com pimenta, e avaliar a sua coloração e aceitabilidade sensorial. Foram elaboradas três formulações com as mesmas condições de processamento e variação nos espessantes empregados (F1 - Goma Xantana; F2 – Goma Carragena; F3 – Carboximetilcelulose). Os molhos foram elaborados pela mistura dos ingredientes a frio. Avaliaram-se os parâmetros instrumentais de cor (L*, a*, b*, H°, C*), com colorímetro Minolta CR400. O teste de aceitação dos atributos aroma, cor, sabor, consistência e aspecto global, foi realizado fazendo uso de uma escala hedônica de 9 pontos e o teste de intenção de compra com escala de atitude de 5 pontos, ambos com 80 consumidores. Os molhos apresentaram coloração amarela, com maior luminosidade (45,38) e intensidade (39,55) de cor observada no molho elaborado com Goma Carragena, enquanto a maior tonalidade (85,02) foi percebida no molho produzido com Goma Xantana. Os molhos apresentaram boa aceitação para todos os atributos, com índice de aceitabilidade superior a 70%, exceto para a consistência do molho elaborado com Goma Carragena (67%). Não foram verificadas diferenças significativas entre a intenção de compra das amostras (F1- 3,70; F2- 3,54; F3- 3,43). Portanto, o estudo demonstra a importância da escolha do espessante para a elaboração de molhos e a necessidade de adequação da formulação elaborada com a Goma Carragena.
Clinical features of arterial hypertension in patients with various forms of glomerulopathy
Authors: Evsikov E. M. , Teplova N. V. , Vechorko V. I. , Korsakova L. V. , Artamonova N. G.
Published: January 2021

The literature review provides data from studies on the clinical characteristics and features of the course of arterial hypertension in patients with chronic glomerulonephritis. The information on the clinical, instrumental and morphological variants of the malignant and therapy-resistant course of hypertension, possible mechanisms of the formation of the drug resistance syndrome are presented. The role of 24-hour blood pressure monitoring methods for elimination of resistance and its prevention was evaluated.
Leader's competencies. Approaches to effective management of medical organization
Authors: Emanuel A. V. , Shvabskiy O. R. , Averyanova A. V. , Maskin M. S.
Published: January 2021

Due to the increasing demands on the heads of medical organizations in terms of ensuring the proper quality of medical care, there is a need to pay more and more attention to the leadership qualities of not only the direct head of the institution. It is equally important to form the leader’s competencies among managers at any level: deputy chief medical oficer, head of the medical department, head nurses, and technical service manager.
Comparative analysis of patient satisfaction with COVID-19 medical care provided in telemedicine center
Authors: Starshinin A. V. , Tyazhelnikov A. A. , Pogonin A. V. , Kostenko E. V.
Published: January 2021

The article presents the results of a dynamic analysis of the satisfaction of patients diagnosed with CAVID‑19 with the quality of medical services provided remotely at the telemedicine centre in Moscow in 2020.

Purpose of research. Conduct a dynamic assessment of patient satisfaction with the quality of remote medical services provided in different time periods.

Material and methods. The results of an anonymous survey of 424 patients on the quality of remote medical services were dynamically evaluated. The first group (138) received medical care from 01.04 to 30.04, the second one (286) – from 01.06 to 30.06 of 2020 after the implementation of measures to improve them. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0.

Results. When analysing the results, a high level of patient satisfaction was revealed, but there was a significant (p < 0.05) difference in the level of satisfaction between the groups. The factors of connection between telemedicine services and patient satisfaction were identified, which served as the basis for organizational measures.

Conclusion. Providing medical services using telemedicine technologies can be considered as one of the most effective ways to provide medical care.
Violation of nutritional status and glycemia depending on duration of chronic pancreatitis course
Authors: Dontsova E. R. , Remizov O. V. , Novoselya N. V. , Abrahamyan V. V.
Published: January 2021

The article is devoted to one of the most important problems in modern gastroenterology a violation of nutritional status and glycaemia in chronic pancreatitis.
Peningkatan Pengetahuan Lansia Tentang Kesiapsiagaan Bencana Nasional Covid-19 di Desa Rumpa Kecamatan Mapili Kabupaten Polman
Authors: Fredy Akbar K  , Hamdan Nur  , Agustan Idawati , Dinda Cendana Wangi
Published: January 2021

Upaya memutuskan mata rantai penyebaran corona virus dan mengurangi jumlah korban, dilakukan melalui beberapa kebijakan dan kegiatan baik dari sector pemerintahan maupun sektor kesehatan, diantaranya proses belajar  di rumah, pembatasan aktivitas diluar rumah, kegiatan ibadah didalam rumah, dan bekerja harus dirumah ditutupnya akses jalan dalam kurun waktu tertentu, pembatasan jam transportasi beropasi, pembatasan jumlah transportasi dan karantina kesehatan serta kewajiban rapid tes saat akan bepergian keluar provinsi. Namun perlunya pengetahuan lebih mengenai Covid-19 sangat diperlukan terkhususnya bagi lansia yang merupakan kelompok rentan terpapar corona virus. Tujuan pengabdian masyarakat ini adalah untuk memahami karakteristik lansia yang hadir dalam kegiatan tersebut dan meningkatkan pengetahuan Lansia mengenai kesiapsiagaan bencana Covid-19. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode ceramah dan diskusi. Jumlah peserta sebanyak 20 orang dan dilaksanakan di aula assamalewuang desa Rumpa. Hasil yang diperoleh karakteristik peserta pengabdian masyarakat adalah sebagai berikut: usia peserta berkisar 63 sampai dengan 80 tahun dan tingkat pendidikan antara SD dan SMP. Rerata nilai pretest adalah 68,5 dan Rerata nilai posttest 89. Terjadi peningkatan nilai rerata skor 20,5, sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa pemberian pengetahuan dapat meningkatkan pengetahuan Lansia mengenai kesiapsiagaan bencana  Covid-19.
Changes in Bacterial Community Structure and Enriched Functional Bacteria Associated With Turfgrass Monoculture
Authors: Jeon Chang-Wook , Kim Da-Ran , Bae Eun-Ji , Kwak Youn-Sig
Published: January 2021

There is increasing attention being paid to utilizing microbial communities to improve plant health while reducing management inputs. Thus, the objectives of this research were to assess changes in the rhizosphere bacterial community structure associated with long-term turfgrass monoculture and to demonstrate the feasibility of using functional bacteria as beneficial biocontrol agents. Large patch disease, caused by the fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia solani AG2-2, is a significant threat to turfgrass cultivation. Rhizosphere samples were collected from 2-, 13- and 25-year turfgrass (Zoysia japonica) monocultures. The 13-year monoculture field had a higher pathogen population density than both the 2- and 25-year monoculture fields. Analyses of the rhizosphere bacterial communities revealed that Streptomyces was dominant in the 2-year field and Burkholderia was enriched in the 25-year field. Based on the culturable rhizosphere bacteria, Streptomyces neyagawaensis J6 and Burkholderia vietnamiensis J10 were obtained from the 2- and 25-year fields, respectively. Application of S. neyagawaensis J6 and B. vietnamiensis J10 led to excellent inhibition of large patch disease as well as enhanced tolerance against drought and temperature stresses. The results showed that the selected bacteria could be developed as biocontrol and abiotic stress tolerance agents for turfgrass cultivation.
Single-Mode Semiconductor Nanowire Lasers With Coupled Cavities
Authors: Ullah Salman , Pian Sijie , Dai Fang , Wang Yilun , Ma Yaoguang , Yang Qing
Published: January 2021

Semiconductor nanowires are one of the most fascinating topics over the past few decades. As miniaturized coherent light sources, semiconductor nanowires have been attracting tremendous attention in recent years for scientific and technological interest as potential ultra-compact, low cost, high efficiency, and low power consumption. Among different types of lasers, one-dimensional nanowires are of great interest as a promising material for next-generation nanophotonics and nanoelectronics applications due to their unique optical and electrical properties. Semiconductor nanowire lasers with single-mode output are vital in a variety of practical applications ranging from signal processing, spectroscopy, displays, optical sensing, on-chip communications, and biological studies. This article reviews the basic technology and research progress of single-mode semiconductor nanowire lasers. Afterward, the key methods and development of the different types of coupling to achieved single-mode laser output are elaborated. Finally, the challenges faced by each scheme are summarized.
A Qualitative Transcriptional Signature for the Risk Assessment of Precancerous Colorectal Lesions
Authors: Guan Qingzhou , Zeng Qiuhong , Jiang Weizhong , Xie Jiajing , Cheng Jun , Yan Haidan , He Jun , Xu Yang , Guan Guoxian , Guo Zheng , Ao Lu
Published: January 2021

It is meaningful to assess the risk of cancer incidence among patients with precancerous colorectal lesions. Comparing the within-sample relative expression orderings (REOs) of colorectal cancer patients measured by multiple platforms with that of normal colorectal tissues, a qualitative transcriptional signature consisting of 1,840 gene pairs was identified in the training data. Within an evaluation dataset of 16 active and 18 inactive (remissive) ulcerative colitis subjects, the median incidence risk score of colorectal carcinoma was 0.6402 in active ulcerative colitis subjects, significantly higher than that in remissive subjects (0.3114). Evaluation of two other independent datasets yielded similar results. Moreover, we found that the score significantly positively correlated with the degree of dysplasia in the case of colorectal adenomas. In the merged dataset, the median incidence risk score was 0.9027 among high-grade adenoma samples, significantly higher than that among low-grade adenomas (0.8565). In summary, the developed incidence risk score could well predict the incidence risk of precancerous colorectal lesions and has value in clinical application.
Use of Multivariable Mendelian Randomization to Address Biases Due to Competing Risk Before Recruitment
Authors: Schooling C. M. , Lopez P. M. , Yang Z. , Zhao J. V. , Au Yeung Shiu Lun , Huang Jian V.
Published: January 2021

Background:Mendelian randomization (MR) provides unconfounded estimates. MR is open to selection bias when the underlying sample is selected on surviving to recruitment on the genetically instrumented exposure and competing risk of the outcome. Few methods to address this bias exist.

Methods:We show that this selection bias can sometimes be addressed by adjusting for common causes of survival and outcome. We use multivariable MR to obtain a corrected MR estimate for statins on stroke. Statins affect survival, and stroke typically occurs later in life than ischemic heart disease (IHD), making estimates for stroke open to bias from competing risk.

Results:In univariable MR in the UK Biobank, genetically instrumented statins did not protect against stroke [odds ratio (OR) 1.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80–2.20] but did in multivariable MR (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.68–0.98) adjusted for major causes of survival and stroke [blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and smoking initiation] with a multivariable Q-statistic indicating absence of selection bias. However, the MR estimate for statins on stroke using MEGASTROKE remained positive and the Q statistic indicated pleiotropy.

Conclusion:MR studies of harmful exposures on late-onset diseases with shared etiology need to be conceptualized within a mechanistic understanding so as to identify any potential bias due to survival to recruitment on both genetically instrumented exposure and competing risk of the outcome, which may then be investigated using multivariable MR or estimated analytically and results interpreted accordingly.
Abnormal Topological Organization of Sulcal Depth-Based Structural Covariance Networks in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Wang Erlei , Jia Yujing , Ya Yang , Xu Jin , Mao Chengjie , Luo Weifeng , Fan Guohua , Jiang Zhen
Published: January 2021

Recent research on Parkinson's disease (PD) has demonstrated the topological abnormalities of structural covariance networks (SCNs) using various morphometric features from structural magnetic resonance images (sMRI). However, the sulcal depth (SD)-based SCNs have not been investigated. In this study, we used SD to investigate the topological alterations of SCNs in 60 PD patients and 56 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HC). SCNs were constructed by thresholding SD correlation matrices of 68 regions and analyzed using graph theoretical approaches. Compared with HC, PD patients showed increased normalized clustering coefficient and normalized path length, as well as a reorganization of degree-based and betweenness-based hubs (i.e., less frontal hubs). Moreover, the degree distribution analysis showed more high-degree nodes in PD patients. In addition, we also found the increased assortativity and reduced robustness under a random attack in PD patients compared to HC. Taken together, these findings indicated an abnormal topological organization of SD-based SCNs in PD patients, which may contribute in understanding the pathophysiology of PD at the network level.
FTY720 Prevents Spatial Memory Impairment in a Rat Model of Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion via a SIRT3-Independent Pathway
Authors: Zhang Miao , Hu Yuan , Zhang Jiahui , Zhang Junjian
Published: January 2021

Vascular dementia (VD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are the most prevalent types of late-life dementia. Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) contributes to both AD and VD. Recently, accumulating evidence has indicated that fingolimod (FTY720) is neuroprotective in acute cerebral ischemic stroke animal models, and the drug is now being used in clinical translation studies. However, fewer studies have addressed the role of FTY720 in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH)-related brain damage. In the present study, to investigate whether FTY720 can improve CCH-induced spatial memory loss and its underlying mechanism, two-vessel occlusion (2VO) rats were administered intraperitoneal FTY720 (1 mg/kg) for 7 consecutive weeks from post-operative day 8. Spatial memory was tested using the Morris Water Maze (MWM), and the rats' brains were harvested to allow molecular, biochemical, and pathological tests. We found that FTY720 treatment significantly reduced the escape latency and increased the target quadrant swimming time of the 2VO rats in the MWM task. The improvement in memory performance paralleled lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and Iba-1 positive cells in the hippocampus of the 2VO rats, indicating that FTY720 had a beneficial effect in mitigating neuroinflammation. Furthermore, we found that FTY720 alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction in 2VO rats, as manifested by lower malondialdehyde levels, higher ATP content, and upregulation of ATP synthase activity in the hippocampus after treatment. FTY720 had no effect on the CCH-induced decrease in the activity of hippocampal Sirtuin-3, a master regulator of mitochondrial function and neuroinflammation. In summary, the results showed that FTY720 can improve CCH-induced spatial memory loss. The mechanism may involve Sirtuin-3-independent regulation of mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus. The present study provides new clues to the pathological mechanism of CCH-induced cognitive impairment.
Retinal Thickness Changes Over Time in a Murine AD Model APPNL-F/NL-F
Authors: Salobrar-García Elena , López-Cuenca Inés , Sánchez-Puebla Lídia , de Hoz Rosa , Fernández-Albarral José A. , Ramírez Ana I. , Bravo-Ferrer Isabel , Medina Violeta , Moro María A. , Saido Takaomi C. , Saito Takashi , Salazar Juan J. , Ramírez José M.
Published: January 2021

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) may present retinal changes before brain pathology, suggesting the retina as an accessible biomarker of AD. The present work is a diachronic study using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) to determine the total retinal thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in an APPNL−F/NL−F mouse model of AD at 6, 9, 12, 15, 17, and 20 months old compared to wild type (WT) animals.

Methods: Total retinal thickness and RNFL thickness were determined. The mean total retinal thickness was analyzed following the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study sectors. RNFL was measured in six sectors of axonal ring scans around the optic nerve.

Results: In the APPNL−F/NL−F group compared to WT animals, the total retinal thickness changes observed were the following: (i) At 6-months-old, a significant thinning in the outer temporal sector was observed; (ii) at 15-months-old a significant thinning in the inner temporal and in the inner and outer inferior retinal sectors was noticed; (iii) at 17-months-old, a significant thickening in the inferior and nasal sectors was found in both inner and outer rings; and (iv) at 20-months-old, a significant thinning in the inner ring of nasal, temporal, and inferior retina and in the outer ring of superior and temporal retina was seen. In RNFL thickness, there was significant thinning in the global analysis and in nasal and inner-temporal sectors at 6 months old. Thinning was also found in the supero-temporal and nasal sectors and global value at 20 months old.

Conclusions: In the APPNL−F/NL−F AD model, the retinal thickness showed thinning, possibly produced by neurodegeneration alternating with thickening caused by deposits and neuroinflammation in some areas of the retina. These changes over time are similar to those observed in the human retina and could be a biomarker for AD. The APPNL−F/NL−F AD model may help us better understand the different retinal changes during the progression of AD.
Structural and Functional Features of Developing Brain Capillaries, and Their Alteration in Schizophrenia
Authors: Carrier Micaël , Guilbert Jérémie , Lévesque Jean-Philippe , Tremblay Marie-Ève , Desjardins Michèle
Published: January 2021

Schizophrenia affects more than 1% of the world’s population and shows very high heterogeneity in the positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms experienced by patients. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying this neurodevelopmental disorder are largely unknown, although it is proposed to emerge from multiple genetic and environmental risk factors. In this work, we explore the potential alterations in the developing blood vessel network which could contribute to the development of schizophrenia. Specifically, we discuss how the vascular network evolves during early postnatal life and how genetic and environmental risk factors can lead to detrimental changes. Blood vessels, capillaries in particular, constitute a dynamic and complex infrastructure distributing oxygen and nutrients to the brain. During postnatal development, capillaries undergo many structural and anatomical changes in order to form a fully functional, mature vascular network. Advanced technologies like magnetic resonance imaging and near infrared spectroscopy are now enabling to study how the brain vasculature and its supporting features are established in humans from birth until adulthood. Furthermore, the contribution of the different neurovascular unit elements, including pericytes, endothelial cells, astrocytes and microglia, to proper brain function and behavior, can be dissected. This investigation conducted among different brain regions altered in schizophrenia, such as the prefrontal cortex, may provide further evidence that schizophrenia can be considered a neurovascular disorder.
Ocrelizumab in Multiple Sclerosis: A Real-World Study From Spain
Authors: Sempere Angel P. , Berenguer-Ruiz Leticia , Borrego-Soriano Ines , Burgos-San Jose Amparo , Concepcion-Aramendia Luis , Volar Lucian , Aragones Miguel , Palazón-Bru Antonio
Published: January 2021

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the tolerability, safety, and effectiveness of ocrelizumab for primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) and relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) in a clinical practice setting.

Methods: In this retrospective observational study, we analyzed clinical and MRI data in all patients with PPMS and RMS who had received at least one infusion of ocrelizumab in two health areas in south-eastern Spain. Patients involved in any ocrelizumab trial and those patients with a follow-up shorter than 6 months were excluded.

Results: The cohort included 70 patients (42 women) who had received ocrelizumab; 30% had PPMS and 70%, RMS. At baseline, patients' mean age was 47.1 years in the PPMS group and 39.2 years in the RMS group, while the median EDSS was 3.0 and 2.5, respectively. Median follow-up was 13.6 months. The median number of treatment cycles was three. Most patients remained free from clinical and MRI activity after ocrelizumab initiation. Baseline MRI showed T1 Gd-enhancing lesions in 57% of the patients; by the first MRI control at 4–6 months, all patients except one were free of T1 Gd-enhancing lesions (69/70, 98.6% P < 0.001). The proportion of patients with NEDA was 94% in the group of RMS patients who were followed for at least 1 year. Ocrelizumab was generally well-tolerated; the most common adverse events were infusion-related reactions and infections, none of which were serious.

Conclusions: Our real-world study supports the tolerability, safety, and effectiveness of ocrelizumab in clinical practice.
Remedial Effect of Intravenous Cyclophosphamide in Corticosteroid-Refractory Patients in the Acute Phase of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder-Related Optic Neuritis
Authors: Wang Ling , Liu Kaiqun , Tan Xiao , Zhou Lin , Zhang Yuxin , Liu Xiaoning , Fu Yue , Qiu Wei , Yang Hui
Published: January 2021

Background: To investigate the remedial efficacy and safety of intravenous cyclophosphamide (CP) in the acute phase in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder-related optic neuritis (NMOSD-ON) who are refractory to intravenous methylprednisolone (MP) treatment.

Design: This study was a single-center, retrospective, observational case-control cohort study.

Methods: Thirty-six patients who had acute NMOSD-ON attacks and were refractory to MP treatment were included. Patents were divided into two groups: the remedial CP group, and the MP group. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), mean deviation (MD) of the visual field (VF), visual evoked potential amplitude (VEP-A), visual evoked potential latency (VEP-T), and average thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) at onset, 1 month (m), 3 m, and 6 m after the attack were analyzed. Routine blood test results, liver and kidney function, routine urinalysis results and general condition were analyzed for safety issues at each follow-up. Fisher's exact test, the Mann-Whitney U test, the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test were used for statistical analysis.

Results: The remedial CP group showed significant improvement over 6 m with regard to BCVA and MD (P < 0.05),whereas MP group only showed significant improvement in MD (P < 0.05). Regarding remedial CP intervention time window, the CP ≤ 30 days group showed significant improvement over 6 m with regard to BCVA (P = 0.002), MD (P = 0.003), and VEP-A (P = 0.036), while those CP > 30 days group did not. Both two subgroups showed significantly RNFL thickness reduction, however, BCVA, MD, VEP-A, VEP-T, and RNFL thickness showed no significant differences between the two subgroups at any follow-up point (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: CP within 30 days of attack onset is safe and might have a beneficial degree of therapeutic efficacy for acute-phase treatment of NMOSD-ON that is refractory to MP treatment alone.
Germinal Center Cells Turning to the Dark Side: Neoplasms of B Cells, Follicular Helper T Cells, and Follicular Dendritic Cells
Authors: Munguía-Fuentes Rosario , Maqueda-Alfaro Raúl Antonio , Chacón-Salinas Rommel , Flores-Romo Leopoldo , Yam-Puc Juan Carlos
Published: January 2021

Gaining knowledge of the neoplastic side of the three main cells—B cells, Follicular Helper T (Tfh) cells, and follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) —involved in the germinal center (GC) reaction can shed light toward further understanding the microuniverse that is the GC, opening the possibility of better treatments. This paper gives a review of the more complex underlying mechanisms involved in the malignant transformations that take place in the GC. Whilst our understanding of the biology of the GC-related B cell lymphomas has increased—this is not reviewed in detail here—the dark side involving neoplasms of Tfh cells and FDCs are poorly studied, in great part, due to their low incidence. The aggressive behavior of Tfh lymphomas and the metastatic potential of FDCs sarcomas make them clinically relevant, merit further attention and are the main focus of this review. Tfh cells and FDCs malignancies can often be misdiagnosed. The better understanding of these entities linked to their molecular and genetic characterization will lead to prediction of high-risk patients, better diagnosis, prognosis, and treatments based on molecular profiles.
Hybridization History and Repetitive Element Content in the Genome of a Homoploid Hybrid, Yucca gloriosa (Asparagaceae)
Authors: Heyduk Karolina , McAssey Edward V. , Grimwood Jane , Shu Shengqiang , Schmutz Jeremy , McKain Michael R. , Leebens-Mack Jim
Published: January 2021

Hybridization in plants results in phenotypic and genotypic perturbations that can have dramatic effects on hybrid physiology, ecology, and overall fitness. Hybridization can also perturb epigenetic control of transposable elements, resulting in their proliferation. Understanding the mechanisms that maintain genomic integrity after hybridization is often confounded by changes in ploidy that occur in hybrid plant species. Homoploid hybrid species, which have no change in chromosome number relative to their parents, offer an opportunity to study the genomic consequences of hybridization in the absence of change in ploidy. Yucca gloriosa (Asparagaceae) is a young homoploid hybrid species, resulting from a cross between Yucca aloifolia and Yucca filamentosa. Previous analyses of ∼11 kb of the chloroplast genome and nuclear-encoded microsatellites implicated a single Y. aloifolia genotype as the maternal parent of Y. gloriosa. Using whole genome resequencing, we assembled chloroplast genomes from 41 accessions of all three species to re-assess the hybrid origins of Y. gloriosa. We further used re-sequencing data to annotate transposon abundance in the three species and mRNA-seq to analyze transcription of transposons. The chloroplast phylogeny and haplotype analysis suggest multiple hybridization events contributing to the origin of Y. gloriosa, with both parental species acting as the maternal donor. Transposon abundance at the superfamily level was significantly different between the three species; the hybrid was frequently intermediate to the parental species in TE superfamily abundance or appeared more similar to one or the other parent. In only one case—Copia LTR transposons—did Y. gloriosa have a significantly higher abundance relative to either parent. Expression patterns across the three species showed little increased transcriptional activity of transposons, suggesting that either no transposon release occurred in Y. gloriosa upon hybridization, or that any transposons that were activated via hybridization were rapidly silenced. The identification and quantification of transposon families paired with expression evidence paves the way for additional work seeking to link epigenetics with the important trait variation seen in this homoploid hybrid system.
Reintroduced Native Populus nigra in Restored Floodplain Reduces Spread of Exotic Poplar Species
Authors: Vanden Broeck An , Cox Karen , Van Braeckel Alexander , Neyrinck Sabrina , De Regge Nico , Van Looy Kris
Published: January 2021

ExoticPopulustaxa pose a threat to the success of riparian forest restoration in floodplain areas. We evaluated the impact of exoticPopulustaxa on softwood riparian forest development along the river Common Meuse after introducing nativePopulus nigraand after the re-establishment of the natural river dynamics. We sampled 154 poplar seedlings that spontaneously colonized restored habitat and assessed their taxonomy based on diagnostic chloroplast and nuclear microsatellite markers. Furthermore, by using a paternity analysis on 72 seedlings resulting from six open pollinatedP. nigrafemales, we investigated natural hybridization between frequently planted cultivated poplars and nativeP. nigra. The majority of the poplar seedlings from the gravel banks analyzed where identified asP. nigra; only 2% of the sampled seedlings exhibited genes of exotic poplar species. Similarly, the majority of the seedlings from the open pollinated progenies were identified asP. nigra. For three seedlings (4%), paternity was assigned to a cultivar ofP.×canadensis. Almost two decades after reintroducingP. nigra, the constitution of the seed and pollen pools changed in the study area in favor of reproduction of the native species and at the expense of the exotic poplar species. This study indicates that, although significant gene flow form exotic poplars is observed in European floodplains, restoration programs of the nativeP. nigracan vigorously outcompete the exotic gene flows and strongly reduce the impact of exoticPopulustaxa on the softwood riparian forest development.
Parentage Atlas of Italian Grapevine Varieties as Inferred From SNP Genotyping
Authors: D’Onofrio Claudio , Tumino Giorgio , Gardiman Massimo , Crespan Manna , Bignami Cristina , de Palma Laura , Barbagallo Maria Gabriella , Muganu Massimo , Morcia Caterina , Novello Vittorino , Schneider Anna , Terzi Valeria
Published: January 2021

The Italian grape germplasm is characterized by a high level of richness in terms of varieties number, with nearly 600 wine grape varieties listed in the Italian National Register of Grapevine Varieties and with a plethora of autochthonous grapes. In the present study an extended SNP genotyping has been carried out on Italian germplasm of cultivated Vitis vinifera subsp. sativa and Vitis hybrids. Several hundred Italian varieties maintained in the repositories of scientific Institutions and about one thousand additional varieties derived from previous studies on European, Southern Italy, Magna Graecia and Georgian germplasm were considered. The large genotyping data obtained were used to check the presence of homonyms and synonyms, determine parental relationships, and identify the main ancestors of traditional Italian cultivars and closely-related accessions. The parentage among a set of 1,232 unique varieties has been assessed. A total of 92 new parent-offspring (PO) pairs and 14 new PO trios were identified. The resulted parentage network suggested that the traditional Italian grapevine germplasm originates largely from a few central varieties geographically distributed into several areas of genetic influence: “Strinto porcino” and its offspring “Sangiovese”, “Mantonico bianco” and “Aglianico” mainly as founder varieties of South-Western Italy (IT-SW); Italian Adriatic Coast (IT-AC); and Central Italy with most varieties being offsprings of “Visparola”, “Garganega” and “Bombino bianco”; “Termarina (Sciaccarello)” “Orsolina” and “Uva Tosca” as the main varieties of North-Western Italy (IT-NW) and Central Italy. The pedigree reconstruction by full-sib and second-degree relationships highlighted the key role of some cultivars, and, in particular, the centrality of “Visparola” in the origin of Italian germplasm appeared clear. An hypothetical migration of this variety within the Italian Peninsula from South to North along the eastern side, as well as of “Sangiovese” from South to Central Italy along the Western side might be supposed. Moreover, it was also highlighted that, among the main founders of muscat varieties, “Moscato bianco” and “Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria)” have spread over the whole Italy, with a high contribution by the former to germplasm of the North-Western of the peninsula.
Exploring Brand Hate and the Association Between Similar Competitor Offer and Brand Equity: A Moderated-Mediation Model
Authors: Husnain Mudassir , Wang Zanxin , Poulova Petra , Syed Fauzia , Akbar Ahsan , Akhtar Muhammad Waheed , Akbar Minhas , Usman Muhammad
Published: January 2021

Using the assumptions of Sternberg (2003) Duplex Theory of Hate, the present study reveals the combined effects of similar competitor offer and narcissistic personality on brand equity through the underlying mechanism of brand hate. Specifically, we hypothesize that brand hate mediates the relationship between similar competitor offer and brand equity. Moreover, we propose that similar competitor offer and brand hate relationship are stronger for narcissistic individuals. By employing a multi-wave time-lagged research design, we collected data from a sample of (N = 338) dairy product consumers in Pakistan. The findings of moderated-mediation regression analyses indicate that (a) Brand hate mediates the relationship between similar competitor offer and brand equity; and (b) Narcissistic personality moderates a similar competitor offer and brand hate relationship such that a high similar competitor offer led to greater brand hate when narcissism was high. Furthermore, conditional indirect effects reveal that brand hate mediates the relationship between similar competitor offer and brand equity only with individuals exhibiting narcissistic personality traits. The current study offers great insights to managers that by managing similar competitor offer, they can manage the development of brand hate, which can subsequently effect brand equity. Moreover, by profiling customers on the basis of their personalities, marketing managers can effectively invest only in customers with positive tendencies. The current study is unique in that it highlights new avenues in existing research by extending the nascent domain of brand hate in consumer–brand relationships.
Positive Youth Development in Croatia: School and Family Factors Associated With Mental Health of Croatian Adolescents
Authors: Novak Miranda , Parr Nicholas J. , Ferić Martina , Mihić Josipa , Kranželić Valentina
Published: January 2021

Introduction

A framework for understanding the interrelationship of individual and environmental factors that influence adolescent health and well-being, as well as opportunities for policy-level interventions, is known as Positive Youth Development (PYD). The current study represents one of the largest studies of Croatian adolescents to date, and aimed to examine associations between school and family factors linked to PYD, and mental health outcomes experienced by Croatian youth.

Methods

A multi-site survey study was conducted among adolescents (N = 9,655) residing in the five most populous cities in Croatia, with the aim of examining cross-sectional associations of family and school factors with adolescent mental health. The mean age of participants was 16.3 years (SD = 1.2), and 52.5% of participants were female. School and family factors included school attachment, school commitment, family communication, and family satisfaction. Depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed as outcomes. Multigroup structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine relations of interest among female and male adolescents.

Results

Among school factors, increased school attachment was found to be significantly associated with reduced depression, anxiety, and stress for female adolescents, and with decreased depression and stress for male adolescents. Increased school commitment was significantly associated with decreased depression and anxiety for female adolescents; conversely, an increase in school commitment was associated with an increase in anxiety and stress for male adolescents. Increases in family communication were significantly associated with reduced depression, anxiety, and stress only for male adolescents, while increased family satisfaction was significantly associated with reduced depression, anxiety, and stress for female adolescents and with decreased depression and stress for male adolescents.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that interventions for mental health promotion and prevention of internalizing problems should address both school and family contexts, and may be more effective when accounting for differing developmental experiences of female and male adolescents.
Optimal Topology Formation and Adaptation of Integrated Access and Backhaul Networks
Authors: Simsek Meryem , Narasimha Murali , Orhan Oner , Nikopour Hosein , Mao Wei , Talwar Shilpa
Published: January 2021

With the increasing densification of cellular networks, it has become exceedingly difficult to provide traditional fiber backhaul access to each cell site, which is especially true for small cell base stations (SBSs). The increasing maturity of millimeter wave (mmWave) communication coupled with multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) and beamforming technologies has opened up the possibility of providing high-speed wireless backhaul to such cell sites. The third-generation partnership project (3GPP) is defining an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) architecture for the fifth-generation (5G) cellular networks, in which the same infrastructure and spectral resources are used for both the access and the backhaul. In IAB networks, SBSs, so-called IAB nodes, act either as relay nodes carrying the traffic through multiple hops from a macrocell to an end user and vice versa or as access points to serve user equipments (UEs) in their proximity. To this end, the topology of such IAB networks is essential to enable efficient traffic flow and minimize congestion or increase robustness to backhaul link failure. In this paper, we propose a topology formation algorithm together with methodologies to implement it in real networks and compare it with a standard random sequence approach as well as with an optimal topology obtained using dynamic programming. Our simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms the random sequence approach by 26% on average in terms of lower bound of the network capacity and is up to 99.7% close to the optimal solution, while being significantly less complex.
Human Papillomavirus Is Dangerous—But a Vaccine Can Save You!
Authors: Neunez Marie , Nasif Susan , Smeesters Pierre R. , Stevens Hilde
Published: January 2021

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a virus that can cause disease in the skin and mucus membranes of both women and men. There are more than 100 types of HPV. While most of them cause harmless infections, some types of HPV are more harmful and can lead to cancers. HPV infection cannot be cured. The only solution is to prevent infection by vaccinating girls and boys at the age of 9–15. HPV vaccination prevents the infection and also stops the spread of the virus from one person to another. This article will help you to understand the basics about HPV, the diseases it causes, and why the HPV vaccine is an important solution.
Prevalence of Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine Dysmorphism and Development of a Novel Classification System: An Anatomic Study of 1,797 Cadaveric Specimens
Authors: Knapik Derrick M. , Fortun Chad M. , Schilf Christopher R. J. , Nho Shane J. , Salata Michael J.
Published: January 2021

Purpose: Subspine impingement occurs due to a morphologically abnormal anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS), capable of causing impingement against the distal femoral neck. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the prevalence of AIIS dysmorphism based on specimen sex, race, and age, while introducing a novel anatomic-based classification system.

Methods: A total of 1,797 adult cadaveric specimens (n = 3,594 hemipelvises) were analyzed. AIIS with the potential for subspine impingement (SSI) was recorded in each specimen by two independent authors. Specimens with AIIS dysmorphism were then reexamined to determine SSI subtype using a novel descriptive anatomic classification system.

Results: AIIS dysmorphism was present in 6.4% (n = 115 of 1,797 specimens) of specimens and 5.2% (n = 186 of 3,594) of hemipelvises. Dysmorphism was significantly more common in male specimens (p = 0.04) and African–American specimens (p = 0.04). No significant overall difference in prevalence was appreciated based on specimen age (p = 0.89). Subtype classification found that 67% of hemipelvises possessed a columnar type AIIS, 30% were bulbous and 3% hook type. Males possessed a significantly higher prevalence of columnar type AIIS dysmorphism (p < 0.001). No significant overall differences in anatomic classification were appreciated based on race (p = 0.12) or when analyzed based on age (p = 0.34).

Conclusion: AIIS dysmorphism was present in 6.4% of the 1,797 cadaveric specimens evaluated. African-American and male specimens possessed significantly higher prevalence of AIIS dysmorphism, with no significant difference based on specimen age. Columnar type AIIS dysmorphism was most common. Anatomic classification was not significantly different based on specimen race or age.

Level of Evidence: Case Series, Level IV.
Assessment of Rumen Mucosa, Lung, and Liver Lesions at Slaughter as Benchmarking Tool for the Improvement of Finishing Beef Cattle Health and Welfare
Authors: Magrin Luisa , Brscic Marta , Lora Isabella , Prevedello Paola , Contiero Barbara , Cozzi Giulio , Gottardo Flaviana
Published: January 2021

Abattoirpost-morteminspections offer a useful tool for animal disease surveillance. The present cross-sectional study aimed at assessing the prevalence of rumen mucosa, lung, and liver lesions in 153 randomly selected batches of finishing beef cattle through apost-morteminspection at the abattoir. At least 15 animals per batch were inspected at slaughter by two veterinarians for a total of 2,161 animals (1,376 bulls; 785 heifers) coming from 80 Italian commercial farms. Rumens were inspected by recording as binary variables (presence/absence) signs of hyperkeratosis, ruminitis, ulcer, and star scars. Similarly, lungs were inspected for signs of pneumonia and livers for signs of lipidosis, abscesses, and/or adherence. Hyperkeratosis of the mucosa and signs of ruminitis were detected in 58 and 30% of the inspected rumens, respectively. Ruminal star scars were more prevalent in bulls than in heifers (18 vs. 11%;P< 0.05). Signs of severe pneumonia were observed in 10% of the lungs; abscess and/or adherence in 4% of the livers. Hyperkeratosis of rumen mucosa was correlated to signs of ruminitis, and signs of ruminitis were correlated to star scars. No correlations were found between hepatic lesions and any other rumen or lung disorders. The wide variability observed among batches for the prevalence of specific lesions suggested the development of a benchmarking system to provide feedback to the farm veterinarians, as these lesions can be reflective of a subclinical disease status not easy to be detected in the live animal. Quartiles of the batch prevalence of rumen, lung, and liver alterations (if ≥1%) were calculated as a benchmarking tool, and third quartile value was proposed as an alarm threshold for each lesion. The use of the benchmarking system could allow to allocate each inspected batch to a specific “health class.” Critical batches with a prevalence above the alarm threshold for a given lesion should be reported to veterinarians of the origin farms where actions should be taken in order to identify and lower the risk factors for that specific health issue. Knowledge ofpost-morteminspection data along with the implementation of the proposed benchmarking system should help farm veterinarians to improve herd management from a health and welfare perspective.