scholarly journals Anchoring effects in the assessment of papers: The proposal for an empirical survey of citing authors

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0257307
Author(s):  
Lutz Bornmann ◽  
Christian Ganser ◽  
Alexander Tekles
Keyword(s):  
Control Group ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Empirical Survey ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Email Address ◽  
Access Code ◽  
Quality Assessments ◽  
Publishing Journal

In our planned study, we shall empirically study the assessment of cited papers within the framework of the anchoring-and-adjustment heuristic. We are interested in the question whether citation decisions are (mainly) driven by the quality of cited references. The design of our study is oriented towards the study by Teplitskiy, Duede [10]. We shall undertake a survey of corresponding authors with an available email address in the Web of Science database. The authors are asked to assess the quality of papers that they cited in previous papers. Some authors will be assigned to three treatment groups that receive further information alongside the cited paper: citation information, information on the publishing journal (journal impact factor), or a numerical access code to enter the survey. The control group will not receive any further numerical information. In the statistical analyses, we estimate how (strongly) the quality assessments of the cited papers are adjusted by the respondents to the anchor value (citation, journal, or access code). Thus, we are interested in whether possible adjustments in the assessments can not only be produced by quality-related information (citation or journal), but also by numbers that are not related to quality, i.e. the access code. The results of the study may have important implications for quality assessments of papers by researchers and the role of numbers, citations, and journal metrics in assessment processes.

Variations in Mineral/heavy metals profiling and preventive role of trichomes in Peach Fruits treated with CaC2

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Irfan ◽  
Safdar Abbas ◽  
Beenish Jehan Azhar ◽  
Shakeel Ahmad ◽  
Hafsa Muhammad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Fine Powder ◽  
Calcium Carbide ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Tandem Accelerator ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Elemental Profiling

Background: Phytonutrients in peach fruits have health promoting antioxidants against various chronic diseases. However, there is no extensive data to show the nutritional values of Local peach cultivars after post-harvest treatments. Objective: Mainly this study was objective to determine the effect of calcium carbide on nutritional value and quality of fruits of Pakistani peach cultivars. Methods: The peach fruits were collected from three different peach orchids of KPK and the fruits were divided into 4 groups while 5th group was collected from local fruit shop. Each experimental group was treated with different concentration of calcium carbide whereas control group was not treated. The peel and pulp samples were oven dried and ground to fine powder separately. The elemental compositions were determined using Particle Induced X-ray emission and Pelletron Tandem Accelerator. Result: Sixteen elements were identified in peach fruits and the elements were Al, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, and Se. In peel, concentration of some elements increased or decreased after treatment with CaC2 while in pulp the conc. of nearly all detected elements was increased in treated samples. We found significantly high amount of heavy metals traces including As, Se, Co, Si, and P in peach fruits treated with CaC2. Interestingly, the presence of trichomes in peach skin prevents the transfer of these heavy metals deep into the pulp which was also verified by the elemental profiling of nectarines. Conclusion: Conclusively, the artificial ripening with CaC2 changed the nutritional value of peach fruits that has higher health risks if consume with the peel. According to our best knowledge, this is the first report that highlights the effects of CaC2 which deteriorate the nutritional value of peach fruits in Pakistan.

scholarly journals The Role of Bamboo Shoot Gigantochloa apus Extract in Decreasing MDA and Increasing IL-10 at The Atherosclerosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-27
Author(s):  
Edy Soesanto ◽  
Edi Dharmana ◽  
Soeharyo Hadisaputro ◽  
Siti Fatimah Muis
Keyword(s):  
Atherogenic Diet ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Antioxidant Compounds ◽  
Bamboo Shoot ◽  
Control Group Design ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
New Zealand White Rabbits ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Free Radical Formation

Introduction: Bamboo shoot Gigantochloa apus extract has antioxidant compounds that act as lipid peroxidation inhibitors and reduce free radical formation so that it can be used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress in the atherosclerosis. Aim: Knowing the effect of bamboo shoot Gigantochloa apus extract in reducing MDA levels and IL-10 increasing levels in rabbits given atherogenic diet. Methods: This experiment used randomized pre-test and post-test with control group design, in 24 New Zealand White rabbits divided into 4 groups randomly. MDA and IL-10 levels were examined by the ELISA method. Results and conclusion: Bamboo shoot Gigantochloa apus extract can reduce MDA levels and increase IL-10 levels significantly in accordance with increasing doses. The increase of MDA levels in the control group with all treatment groups was different (p = 0.0001), and between the treatment groups and other treatment groups there were also differences (p

scholarly journals Effects of Red Fruit (Pandanus conoideus Lam) Oil on Malondialdehyde Level and Spermatozoa Quality in Mice (Mus musculus) Exposed to Monosodium Glutamate

2018 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Widayati Agustina ◽  
Widjiati Widjiati ◽  
Alfiah Hayati
Keyword(s):  
Mus Musculus ◽  
Monosodium Glutamate ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Distilled Water ◽  
Control Group Design ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Group Design ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Fruit Oil

This study aimed to determine the effects of red fruit (Pandanus conoideus Lam) oil on MDA levels and spermatozoa quality in mice (Mus musculus) exposed to MSG. The quality includes motility, viability, concentration, and morphology of spermatozoa. This experimental study used randomized post-test only control group design. The subjects of this study were 25 mice (Mus musculus), divided into 5 groups (5 mice per group). K- group received distilled water for 35 days. K+ group received 4 mg/g BW MSG for 21 days. P1, P2, and P3 treatment groups received 4 mg/g BW MSG for 21 days and 0.02; 0.04; 0.08 ml/g BW red fruit oil, respectively, from day 22 to 35. The results showed that mean spermatozoa morphology in K-, K+, P1, P2, P3 groups were as follows: 0.86; 0.56; 0.67; 0.61; and 0.87 (%). The spermatozoa concentrations were sequentially as follows: 21; 10; 15; 32,8,19 (107 cells/ml). The spermatozoa's vitalities were as follows: 0,64; 0,14; 0,24; P2: 0.36; 0.68 (%). MDA levels were respectively: 0.29; 0.60; 0.35; 0.23; and 0.19 (nm). As a conclusion, testicular MDA levels in mice exposed to MSG and given with red fruit oil were lower than those in mice exposed to MSG without receiving red fruit oil. The quality of spermatozoa in mice exposed to MSG and receiving red fruit oil was higher than that of mice exposed to MSG without being given with red fruit oil.

Renal function in the laboratory rat: a student exercise.

1995 ◽  
Vol 268 (6) ◽  
pp. S49 ◽  
Author(s):  
R L Walker ◽  
M E Olson
Keyword(s):  
Renal Function ◽  
Fluid Intake ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Extracellular Fluid ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Laboratory Rats ◽  
Group A

Because of the increased concern over use of human body fluids in physiology teaching laboratories, we developed an exercise in renal function that utilizes laboratory rats. The purpose is to demonstrate the role of the kidneys in the homeostatic control of extracellular fluid volume, plasma ionic concentrations, and osmolarity. Three treatment groups are utilized: a volume-expanded (access to 1 g/100 ml sucrose) group, a volume-expanded and salt-loaded (access to 0.9 g/100 ml NaCl) group, and a volume-depleted (water-deprived) group. A normovolemic control group (access to tap water) is also included. Rats are housed individually in metabolic cages that allow accurate measurement of fluid intake and urine output. Blood samples are removed via cardiac puncture. The animals recover from this procedure and can be reutilized within 2-3 wk. When class data are pooled, clear trends are seen that demonstrate the volume-, osmo-, and ionoregulatory abilities of the kidneys.

scholarly journals Methylglyoxal-Induced Retinal Angiogenesis in Zebrafish Embryo: A Potential Animal Model of Neovascular Retinopathy

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Li ◽  
Yantao Zhao ◽  
Shengmin Sang ◽  
TinChung Leung
Keyword(s):  
Control Group ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Fluorescence Signal ◽  
Zebrafish Model ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Vegf Signaling ◽  
Vascular Area ◽  
Glycation End Products ◽  
Retinal Angiogenesis

Methylglyoxal (MG) is an intermediate of glucose metabolism and the precursor of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) found in high levels in blood or tissue of diabetic patients. MG and AGEs are thought to play a major role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. In order to determine if zebrafish is valuable to help us understand more about retinopathy, we evaluate if MG induces abnormal vascular change and angiogenesis in zebrafish in a short incubation period. We also used an inhibitor of VEGFR (PTK787) to explore the mechanistic role of VEGF in MG-induced pathogenesis. A transgenic Tg(flk1:GFP) zebrafish line was used, and the embryos were incubated with MG solution and in combination with glucose (to mimic hyperglycemia). Retinal vascular structure visible with fluorescence signal was imaged using fluorescence microscopy. The percentage of vascular area was calculated and found elevated in the MG treatment groups than that in the control group (p<0.01) which indicated increased angiogenesis induced by MG treatment. PTK787 blocked the proangiogenic effects of MG treatment. This study suggests that MG has a potential proangiogenic effect via VEGF signaling in the retina of zebrafish embryos. Therefore, this zebrafish model may be used to study neovascular retinopathy.

Melatonin treatment improves the shelf-life and postharvest quality of table grape (Vitis labrusca L. cv. ‘Fengzao’)

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 665-676
Author(s):  
Ya-Dan Sun ◽  
Da-Long Guo ◽  
Sheng-Di Yang ◽  
He-Cheng Zhang ◽  
Lei-Lei Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Shelf Life ◽  
Soluble Solids ◽  
Postharvest Quality ◽  
Vitis Labrusca ◽  
Physiological Indicators ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Table Grapes

BACKGROUND: Melatonin (MT) is an endogenous indoleamine that regulates senescence progression and stress response in plants. OBJECTIVE: Here, we investigated the effect of MT on the shelf-life and postharvest quality of table grapes (Vitis labrusca L. cv. ‘Fengzao’). METHODS: After harvesting, ‘Fengzao’ grapes were immersed in MT solution at various concentrations (0 [as control], 0.05, 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mM for 2 h and stored at 24±1 for 15 days. Physiological indicators including weight loss rate, firmness, contents of total soluble solids (TSSs), ascorbic acid (AsA), malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and activities of catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were investigated. Additionally, the DNA methylation rate of ‘Fengzao’ grapes were measured using the methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism (MSAP) technique. RESULTS: Application of MT effectively delayed grape senescence in all treatment groups compared with the control, with the longest delay observed in the 0.5 mM treatment. Additionally, the rate of DNA methylation decreased in all the 0.5 mM MT treatment groups, indicating a potential role of MT in demethylation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the exogenous application of MT can delay the senescence of grapes during postharvest.

scholarly journals Blood pressure decrease with ingestion of a soya product (kinako) or fish oil in women with the metabolic syndrome: role of adiponectin and nitric oxide

2012 ◽  
Vol 108 (8) ◽  
pp. 1435-1442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andréa Name Colado Simão ◽  
Marcell Alysson Batisti Lozovoy ◽  
Larissa Danielle Bahls ◽  
Helena Kaminami Morimoto ◽  
Tathiana Name Colado Simão ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Fish Oil ◽  
Inflammatory Markers ◽  
Inflammatory Marker ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
The Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Baseline Values

The aim of the present study was to verify the effects of fish oil and a soya-based product on inflammatory markers and endothelial function measured by NO in women with the metabolic syndrome (MetS). A total of sixty-five women (mean age: 47·9 (sd9·98) years) were studied in a 90-d parallel, randomised design. A control group maintained their usual diet; the second group received 29 g/d of soyabean (kinako); the third group received 3 g/d of fish oiln-3 fatty acids; and the fourth group received fish oil (3 g/d) and kinako (29 g/d). Anthropometric, blood pressure (BP), inflammatory markers, anti-inflammatory marker (adiponectin) and NO concentrations were evaluated. In relation to the baseline values, the group that received fish oil and kinako concomitantly presented a statistically significant decrease in systolic BP (SBP;P < 0·05), whereas there was a significant decrease in diastolic BP (DBP) in the control group (P < 0·05), kinako group (P < 0·01) and fish oil group (P < 0·01) after 90 d. There was a significant increase in adiponectin (P < 0·01) and NO values (P < 0·05) after 90 d in the kinako and fish oil groups. Differences between treatment groups verified a significant decrease (P < 0·05) in DBP in the kinako group after 90 d when compared to the results obtained from the fish oil and kinako groups. In conclusion, the findings of increased serum adiponectin and NO metabolite levels after 90 d, both in the fish oil and soya groups, reinforce the importance of the influence of adiponectin and NO levels on BP decrease in patients with the MetS.

scholarly journals Long-term quality of life in patients with vestibular schwannoma: an international multicenter cross-sectional study comparing microsurgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, observation, and nontumor controls

2015 ◽  
Vol 122 (4) ◽  
pp. 833-842 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew L. Carlson ◽  
Oystein Vesterli Tveiten ◽  
Colin L. Driscoll ◽  
Frederik K. Goplen ◽  
Brian A. Neff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Stereotactic Radiosurgery ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Individual Treatment ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Disease Specific

OBJECT The optimal treatment for sporadic vestibular schwannoma (VS) is highly controversial. To date, the majority of studies comparing treatment modalities have focused on a narrow scope of technical outcomes including facial function, hearing status, and tumor control. Very few publications have investigated health-related quality of life (HRQOL) differences between individual treatment groups, and none have used a disease-specific HRQOL instrument. METHODS All patients with sporadic small- to medium-sized VSs who underwent primary microsurgery, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), or observation between 1998 and 2008 were identified. Subjects were surveyed via postal questionnaire using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), the 10-item Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System short form (PROMIS-10), the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI), and the Penn Acoustic Neuroma Quality-of-Life (PANQOL) scale. Additionally, a pool of general population adults was surveyed, providing a nontumor control group for comparison. RESULTS A total of 642 respondents were analyzed. The overall response rate for patients with VS was 79%, and the mean time interval between treatment and survey was 7.7 years. Using multivariate regression, there were no statistically significant differences between management groups with respect to the PROMIS-10 physical or mental health dimensions, the SF-36 Physical or Mental Component Summary scores, or the PANQOL general, anxiety, hearing, or energy subdomains. Patients who underwent SRS or observation reported a better total PANQOL score and higher PANQOL facial, balance, and pain subdomain scores than the microsurgical cohort (p < 0.02). The differences in scores between the nontumor control group and patients with VS were greater than differences observed between individual treatment groups for the majority of measures. CONCLUSIONS The differences in HRQOL outcomes following SRS, observation, and microsurgery for VS are small. Notably, the diagnosis of VS rather than treatment strategy most significantly impacts quality of life. Understanding that a large number of VSs do not grow following discovery, and that intervention does not confer a long-term HRQOL advantage, small- and medium-sized VS should be initially observed, while intervention should be reserved for patients with unequivocal tumor growth or intractable symptoms that are amenable to treatment. Future studies assessing HRQOL in VS patients should prioritize use of validated disease-specific measures, such as the PANQOL, given the significant limitations of generic instruments in distinguishing between treatment groups and tumor versus nontumor subjects.

scholarly journals Increase in neutrophil count after repeated exposure of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice to artemisinin

2017 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 49
Author(s):  
Lilik Maslachah ◽  
Rahmi Sugihartuti
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Exposure ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Control Group Design ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Neutrophil Percentage ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Treatment Control Group ◽  
Albino Strain

<p>Background <br />Leukocytes play an important role in the elimination of malaria infection. The leukocyte profile upon elimination of the malaria parasites that have been exposed to antimalarials and are subsequently capable of faster growth has not been researched. The aim of this research was to evaluate the role of mouse leukocytes in the elimination of parasites as shown by the leukocyte profile.</p><p>Methods <br />An experimental research with post test only control group design was conducted involving 24 male mice of the Swiss Albino strain weighing 20 g -30 g, and 2.5 months old. They were randomized into four groups: two control groups (K1, KP) and two treatment groups (P1, P4). Artemisinin at a dose of 0.04 mg/g body weight was given to the mice for 3 days, starting 2 days after infection. The leukocyte profile was observed on the 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 10th day after infection. The results were analyzed by two-way Anova.</p><p>Results <br />As shown in treatment control group KP and treatment group P4, P. berghei that had been passaged in the mice and were still viable after repeated exposure to artemisinin, may cause changes in leukocyte profile. On the 10th day of infection, the neutrophil percentage in group P1 showed a significantly different decrease when compared with the other groups (K1, KP and P4) (p&lt;0.05).</p><p>Conclusion <br />Repeated exposure to artemisinin of mice infected with P. berghei can cause changes in neutrophil profile in mice.</p>

scholarly journals A 150 kDa Protein Derived from Bull Seminal Plasma Extended the Survival Time of Kacang Goat Sperm Stored at 5°C

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Suherni Susilowati ◽  
Imam Mustofa ◽  
Wurlina Wurlina ◽  
Indah Norma Triana ◽  
Suzanita Utama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Artificial Insemination ◽  
Skim Milk ◽  
Egg Yolk ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Genetic Quality ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Igf I ◽  
Complex Protein

Artificial insemination has proven to be an effective method for increasing population size and genetic quality of Kacang goats. However, innovation is required to maintain the quality of Kacang goat semen in storage. This study aimed to examine the effects of supplementing the 150 kDa protein assumed as IGF-I complex derived from bull seminal plasma in skim milk-egg yolk extender on the quality of Kacang goat sperm stored at 5°C. Twelve ejaculates collected from three Kacang goats were divided into three groups. In the control group (T0), the ejaculates were extended with skim milk-egg yolk only. In the treatment groups (T1 and T2), the ejaculates were extended with skim milk-egg yolk supplemented with the IGF-I complex protein at 12 μg and 24 μg/100 mL, respectively. The extended semen was stored at 5°C, and the viability, motility, intactness of the plasma membrane, malondialdehyde concentration, and apoptotic sperm percentage were evaluated daily for five days. The results showed that the T1 was the most effective treatment for maintaining Kacang goat semen at a quality acceptable for artificial insemination over five days of storage at 5°C. However, the T0 and T2 groups retained acceptable qualities for only three days at 5°C. It could be concluded that supplementation of 12 μg of the 150 kDa protein derived from bull seminal plasma per 100 mL extender successfully extended the life span of Kacang goat sperm for five days.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document