bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioceramic hydroxyapatite-based scaffold with a porous structure using honeycomb as a natural polymeric Porogen for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Sari Mona , Hening Puspa , Chotimah  , Ana Ika Dewi , Yusuf Yusril 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background
The application of bioceramic hydroxyapatite (HA) derived from materials high in calcium to tissue engineering has been of concern, namely scaffold. Scaffold pores allow for cell mobility metabolic processes, and delivery of oxygen and nutrients by blood vessel. Thus, pore architecture affects cell seeding efficiency, cell viability, migration, morphology, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, angiogenesis, mechanical strength of scaffolds, and, eventually, bone formation. Therefore, to improve the efficacy of bone regeneration, several important parameters of the pore architecture of scaffolds must be carefully controlled, including pore size, geometry, orientation, uniformity, interconnectivity, and porosity, which are interrelated and whose coordination affects the effectiveness of bone tissue engineering. The honeycomb (HCB) as natural polymeric porogen is used to pore forming agent of scaffolds. It is unique for fully interconnected and oriented pores of uniform size and high mechanical strength in the direction of the pores. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the effect of HCB concentration on macropore structure of the scaffolds.

Methods

Bioceramic hydroxyapatite (HA) was synthesized from abalone mussel shells (
Halioitis asinina
) using a precipitation method, and HA-based scaffolds were fabricated with honeycomb (HCB) as the porogen agent. Pore structure engineering was successfully carried out using HCB at concentrations of 10, 20, and 30 wt%.

Results
The Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis revealed that the Ca/P molar ratio of HA was 1.67 (the stoichiometric ratio of HA). The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra results for porous HA-based scaffolds and synthesized HA showed that no chemical decomposition occurred in the HA-based scaffold fabrication process. The porosity of the scaffold tended to increase when higher concentrations of HCB were added. XRD data show that the HCB was completely degraded from the scaffold material. The cell metabolic activity and morphology of the HA + HCB 30 wt% scaffold enable it to facilitate the attachment of MC3T3E1 cells on its surface.

Conclusion
HCB 30 wt% is the best concentration to fabricate the scaffold corresponding to the criteria for pores structure, crystallographic properties, chemical decomposition process and cell viability for bone tissue engineering.
Comparison of modern high-speed vitrectomy systems and the advantages of using dual-bladed probes
Authors: Oravecz R. , Uthoff D. , Schrage N. , Dutescu R. M. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Purpose
This study analyzes the efficiency of different vitrectomy systems and compares single with double-bladed cutters.

Methods
The systems EVA™ (DORC), Constellation® Vision System (ALCON), megaTRON S4HPS (Geuder) and Stellaris® PC (Bausch and Lomb) were used. We chose 20G and 23G probes, since not all systems had switched to a smaller G at the time the study was conducted in 2016. Cut rates were varied in increments of 1000 cuts/min from 500 cpm to the system’s maximum and vacuum pressures were varied in increments of 100 mmHg, from 100 to 600 mmHg up to the individual system’s maximum. In this study water, egg white, Pluronic®−F127 gel and isolated porcine vitreous were used as models of human vitreous. The vitrectomy efficiency was calculated from the aspirated mass (g) within 30 s. The aperture of the different vitrectomy probes was filmed with a high-speed camera.

Results
The area under the curve analysis showed differences in efficiency between vitrectomy systems. For water, a reverse relationship between the aspirated mass and cut rate was shown. By contrast, for most systems aspirated egg white and porcine vitreous showed a non-linear increase or decrease for 4000 cpm and above. For all vitreous surrogates, EVA™’s double-bladed probe aspirated significantly (p < 0.001) more vitreous than its mono-bladed probe. Video recordings showed less vitreous traction for double- in contrast to single-bladed probes.

Conclusion
We can demonstrate differences in the efficiency of vitrectomy depending on the vitrectomy system used. Double-bladed probes were more efficient and probably safer than single-bladed probes.
Repellency and insecticidal properties of seed oil of Jatropha curcas L. against American cockroach, Periplaneta americana L.
Authors: Ubulom Peace Mayen Edwin , Yaro Clement Ameh , Udoh Unyime-Abasi Philip 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
This study evaluated the effect of Jatropha curcas seed oil against adult American cockroach, Periplaneta americana, a mechanical disease vector, using three bioassay methods to determine the repellent activity, contact and fumigant toxicity. This involved the use of J. curcas oil solution (diluted with acetone (20%)) and J. curcas pure oil. For repellency test, concentrations 0.30, 0.60 and 0.90% v/v were used for the oil solution while 1.0 and 2.0 ml concentrations were used for the pure oil. All test groups were exposed for 15 min. Contact toxicity test involved the use of 0.30, 0.60, 0.90, 1.20 and 1.50% v/v concentrations for the oil solution while 1 and 2 ml concentrations were used for the pure oil. Exposure period for all test groups was 24–120 h. For the fumigant test, 0.15% v/v and 0.5 ml concentrations were used for the oil solution and pure oil groups respectively; exposure period for the test groups was 24–120 h. All test and the control groups had ten cockroaches (P. americana) per group with four replicates.

Results
Repellency was higher in test groups treated with pure J. curcas oil than in groups treated with the oil solution with repellency of 70–100% and 60–100% respectively after 15 min exposure period. For the contact test, a higher mortality rate was observed with the oil solution than the pure oil. Mortality was lower for 1 ml of pure oil with 20% at 24 h and 40% at 120 h than 2 ml of pure oil with 30% mortality at 24 h and 50% mortality at 120 h. A 100% mortality was recorded in the highest concentration (1.50% v/v) at 120 h. Fumigation test with 0.15% v/v of oil solution resulted in 20% mortality at 120 h while fumigation test with 0.5 ml of J. curcas pure oil resulted in 60% mortality at 120 h.

Conclusion
J. curcas seed oil possesses repellent and insecticidal properties against P. americana . Thus, the menace caused by this mechanical disease vector could be reduced using J. curcas seed oil.
Efficacy of the parasitoid, Trichogrammatoidea bactrae Nagaraja (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) on the cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) egg masses
Authors: Mohamed Hend O. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
The Egyptian cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is one of the major insect pests, causing a significant damage on different cultivated agricultural crops. Developing an alternative non-chemical tool, an effective and environmentally friendly method to suppress pest's infestation is essentially needed. Therefore, biological control by releasing the egg parasitoids could be the most promising tool for integrated pest management.

Results
This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of the egg parasitoid, Trichogrammatoidea bactrae Nagaraja (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) as a bio-control agent against S. littoralis egg masses with different physical characteristics (number of egg layer and degree of scale density) in a no-choice and choice tests, under laboratory conditions. Also, the parasitoids’ fitness in terms of parasitism percentage, developmental period, adults’ emergence percentage, female offspring percentage, and longevity were investigated. The results revealed that T. bactrae wasps had a great ability to parasitize S. littoralis egg masses, but with different rates, related to their layers and scales’ thickness in both tests. The highest parasitism percentage was observed on one-layer eggs, followed by two layers. However, 3-layer eggs were the least preferable one. High numbers of adult emergencies (> 80%) were observed in all tested egg masses, except in the case of 3 layers with high scales. Furthermore, female-biased sex ratios were noticed at all examined eggs, with only the exception of high-scaly eggs with a single layer that recorded the lowest rate (≤ 45%). Besides, the survival of adult female parasitoids was not significantly affected in both tests.

Conclusions
T. bactrae could be used as a bio-control agent against S. littoralis egg masses with different physical characteristics based on the achieved results.
The quality of online consumer health information at the intersection of complementary and alternative medicine and arthritis
Authors: Ng Jeremy Y. , Vacca Alexandra , Jain Tanya 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundComplementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is prevalent among patients living with arthritis. Such patients often seek information online, for the purpose of gaining a second opinion to their healthcare provider or even self-medication. Little is known about the quality of web-based consumer health information at the intersection of CAM and arthritis; thus, investigating the quality of websites containing this information was the purpose of this study.MethodsFour unique search terms were searched on Google across four English-speaking countries. We assessed the first 20 results of each search, including them if they contained CAM consumer health information for the treatment and/or management of arthritis. Eligible websites were assessed in duplicate using the DISCERN instrument, which consists of 16-items designed to assess quality.ResultsOf total of 320 webpages, 239 were duplicates, and a total of 38 unique websites were deemed eligible and assessed using the DISCERN instrument. The mean summed DISCERN scores across all websites was 55.53 (SD = 9.37). The mean score of the overall quality of each website was 3.71 (SD = 0.63), thus the majority of websites are ranked as slightly above ‘fair’ quality.ConclusionEligible websites generally received scores better than ‘moderate’ in terms of overall quality. Several shortcomings included a lack of transparency surrounding references used and underreporting of risks associated with treatment options. These results suggest that health providers should be vigilant of the variable quality of information their patients may be accessing online and educate them on how to identify high quality resources.
Abdominal symptoms during Sjogren’s syndrome: a pilot study
Authors: Parreau Simon , Jacques Jérémie , Dumonteil Stéphanie , Palat Sylvain. , Geyl Sophie , Gondran Guillaume , Bezanahary Holy , Liozon Eric , Azaïs Julie , Colombie Stéphanie , Jauberteau Marie-Odile , Loustaud-Ratti Véronique , Ly Kim-Heang , Fauchais Anne-Laure 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Abdominal symptoms in patients with primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) are poorly documented. The objective of the study was to describe the abdominal symptoms of patients with pSS and to assess their association with characteristics of the disease.

Methods
One hundred and fifty patients with pSS were evaluated using a composite global symptom score for abdominal symptoms and their severity. Data concerning the clinical and biological characteristics of pSS and abdominal disorders were also collected.

Results
Of the patients with pSS, 95% suffered from abdominal symptoms (median global symptom score 7.5 ± 5.5 points out of 30). More than half of the patients experienced abdominal tension (68%), upper abdominal pain (54%), abdominal discomfort (58%) and/or constipation (54%). Regarding the pSS activity, in relation to European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Sjögren syndrome disease activity index score items, general and central nervous system involvement wereassociated with a high global symptom score. The EULAR Sjogren Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI) symptom score was positively correlated with the global symptom score (p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed a significant association between a high global symptom score and SSA seronegativity, gastroparesis, and ESSPRI score (p < 0.01 for each).

Conclusions
The majority of patients with pSS suffered abdominal symptoms. There is currently no therapeutic recommendation because of the lack of information on the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.

Trial registration
NCT03157011. Date of registration: July 17, 2017.
Why ability point estimates can be pointless: a primer on using skill measures from large-scale assessments in secondary analyses
Authors: Lechner Clemens M. , Bhaktha Nivedita , Groskurth Katharina , Bluemke Matthias 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMeasures of cognitive or socio-emotional skills from large-scale assessments surveys (LSAS) are often based on advanced statistical models and scoring techniques unfamiliar to applied researchers. Consequently, applied researchers working with data from LSAS may be uncertain about the assumptions and computational details of these statistical models and scoring techniques and about how to best incorporate the resulting skill measures in secondary analyses. The present paper is intended as a primer for applied researchers. After a brief introduction to the key properties of skill assessments, we give an overview over the three principal methods with which secondary analysts can incorporate skill measures from LSAS in their analyses: (1) as test scores (i.e., point estimates of individual ability), (2) through structural equation modeling (SEM), and (3) in the form of plausible values (PVs). We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each method based on three criteria: fallibility (i.e., control for measurement error and unbiasedness), usability (i.e., ease of use in secondary analyses), and immutability (i.e., consistency of test scores, PVs, or measurement model parameters across different analyses and analysts). We show that although none of the methods are optimal under all criteria, methods that result in a single point estimate of each respondent’s ability (i.e., all types of “test scores”) are rarely optimal for research purposes. Instead, approaches that avoid or correct for measurement error—especially PV methodology—stand out as the method of choice. We conclude with practical recommendations for secondary analysts and data-producing organizations.
Growth differentiation factor 15: an emerging diagnostic biomarker of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients
Authors: Abou Zaghla Heba M. Adel , El Sebai Aziza Ahmed , Ahmed Ossama Ashraf , Ahmed Ayat Fawzy , Saab Azza Abdel Rahman 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis are of the major health concern worldwide. Assessment of liver fibrosis is necessary to determine disease severity and prognosis at the time of presentation to determine suitable treatment. Liver biopsy is considered as standard golden method in diagnosis of liver fibrosis. However, this procedure is invasive; thus, multiple laboratory and radiologic tests are used to help determination of the degree of fibrosis. Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in regulating inflammatory and apoptotic pathways. It is suggested that GDF-15 plays an important role in pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. In this study, we aimed to evaluate efficiency of growth differentiation factor 15 in diagnosing liver fibrosis. The study was a case-control study conducted on 55 chronic HCV patients recruited from hepatitis C virus clinic at Faculty of Medicine Ain Shams Research Institute (MASRI), and 30 healthy subjects age- and sex-matched. The patients were classified into three subgroups according to the degree of liver fibrosis assessed by fibro-scan. Serum concentration of GDF-15 was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results
Our results revealed a highly significant statistical rise in GDF-15 levels among studied chronic HCV patients with liver fibrosis when compared to the control group (p < 0.01). Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between the degree of fibrosis assessed by fibro-scan and GDF-15 serum levels. Levels of GDF-15 were significantly higher in patients with mild degree of fibrosis (patients’ subgroup І) when compared with the controls’ group (p < 0.01) suggesting the role of this marker in early detection of liver fibrosis. A statistically significant increase in serum GDF-15 levels was noticed among patients with advanced fibrosis “subgroup ІІІ” compared to those with mild fibrosis “subgroup І” (p < 0.05). The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of GDF-15 were 96.7%, 98.2%, respectively at a cut-off value of 150 ng/L for discrimination between patients’ and controls’ groups.

Conclusion
Growth differentiation factor 15 could be a potential marker of liver fibrosis especially in early detection as its levels were significantly higher in patients’ group with liver fibrosis than controls’ group and there was a significant positive correlation between the degree of liver fibrosis and GDF-15 serum levels.
Requirement of CRAMP for mouse macrophages to eliminate phagocytosedE. colithrough an autophagy pathway
Authors: Chen Keqiang , Yoshimura Teizo , Gong Wanghua , Tian Cuimeng , Huang Jiaqiang , Trinchieri Giorgio , Wang Ji Ming 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTHost-derived antimicrobial peptides play an important role in the defense against extracellular bacterial infections. However, the capacity of antimicrobial peptides derived from macrophages as potential antibacterial effectors against intracellular pathogens remains unknown. In this study, we report that normal (wild-type, WT) mouse macrophages increased their expression of cathelin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP, encoded by Camp) after infection by viable E. coli or stimulation with inactivated E. coli and its product lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a process involving activation of NF-κB followed by protease-dependent conversion of CRAMP from an inactive precursor to an active form. The active CRAMP was required by WT macrophages for elimination of phagocytosed E. coli, with participation of autophagy-related proteins ATG5, LC3-II and LAMP-1, as well as for aggregation of the bacteria with p62 (also known as SQSTM1). This process was impaired in CRAMP−/− macrophages, resulting in retention of intracellular bacteria and fragmentation of macrophages. These results indicate that CRAMP is a critical component in autophagy-mediated clearance of intracellular E. coli by mouse macrophages.
Characterization of Organic Biomolecules (Monosaccharide, Fatty Acid, and Amino Acid) by Losses on Ignition under Stepwise Increases in Temperature
Authors: Satoh Yuhi , Wada Shigeki 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The characteristics of loss on ignition (LOI) at 200–500 °C of three types of authentic organic biomolecules (monosaccharides: MSs, fatty acids: FAs, and amino acids: AAs) are evaluated and compared to those of reference organic natural samples. FAs and branched-chain AAs degraded almost completely by 300 °C, whereas MSs and unbranched AAs degraded at a slower rate. The exponential regression coefficients matched closely between the references and the authentic compounds, and lipid content was correlated with rate of LOI.
FERNANDES, Florestan. O QUE É REVOLUÇÃO?. SÃO PAULO: EXPRESSÃO POPULAR, 2018.
Authors: Oliveira Tiago Fávero de 
Published: January 2021

Resenha da obra "O que é revolução?" de Florestan Fernandes. A importância do pensamento e da militância de Florestan Fernandes para a história da democracia no país é reconhecida por muitos teóricos e cidadãos. Num momento de crise democrática e de novos padrões de socialização, refletir sobre “O que é revolução” é atual e necessário. A obra em análise foi originalmente publicada, em parceria com Caio Prado Júnior, no ano de 1981 dentro do livro “Clássicos sobre a revolução brasileira” (PRADO JÚNIOR; FERNANDES, 2000). Utilizou-se, nesta resenha, a nova edição de 2018 da Editora Expressão Popular (FERNANDES, 2018), dentro da qual foi publicada apenas o texto do sociólogo paulista. O autor analisa, em seu texto, a trajetória histórica da revolução burguesa no capitalismo dependente brasileiro, sinalizando para a necessária revolução operária, vista como caminho para a realização de um Estado democrático independente. O livro é dividido em seis partes, apresentadas pelo autor como questões, a saber: o que se deve entender por revolução?; “quem faz” a revolução?; é possível “impedir” ou “atrasar” a revolução?; como “fortalecer a revolução” e “leva-la até o fim”?; revolução nacional ou revolução proletária?; como “lutar pela revolução proletária” no Brasil?. Nesta resenha, optou-se por dar centralidade à obra, com muitas citações do texto original, a partir do agrupamento de temas que são relevantes, sem se preocupar em acompanhar cada parte de modo específico.
No-core fiber interferometry pH sensor based on a polyvinyl alcohol/polyacrylic acid and silica/polyvinyl alcohol/polyacrylic acid hydrogel coating
Authors: Abdzaid Thimar A. , Taher Hanan J. 
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we present an investigation on the sensing performance of a pH sensor based on a modal interferometer formed by a simple NO-core fiber interferometer (NCFI) that operates in transmission mode. The fundamental configuration of this sensor encompasses a single-mode-no-core-single-mode fiber (SMF-NCF-SMF “SNCS”) segment chain. The chemical etching method has been used with hydrofluoric (HF) acid to prepare diverse NCF diameters. This was proposed to expand the evanescent fields and enhance sensor sensitivity. Then, the two diverse segments of etched NCF were cladded with polymeric composite fabricated by polyvinyl alcohol/polyacrylic acid (PVA/PAA) hydrogel and pure silica nanoparticles embedded in polyvinyl alcohol/polyacrylic acid (

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is more appropriate for the base sensing, in which these coating materials show enhancement in the sensitivity above the NCF structure before an uncoated sensor due to greater enhancement of the evanescent field affected by the coating layer. The experimental results demonstrate a high average sensitivity of 3.42 nm/pH unit for the 11 w.t.% PVA/PAA coated sensor in the pH range from 1 to 7 and 3.2 nm/pH unit in the pH range from 8 to 14. The sensor also displays high repeatability and stability and low cross-sensitivity to temperature. The simple fabrication and high sensitivity of this sensor may prompt many potential applications in the fields of biology and chemistry.