bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Challenges in PhD education due to COVID-19 - disrupted supervision or business as usual: a cross-sectional survey of Swedish biomedical sciences graduate students
Authors: Börgeson Emma , Sotak Matus , Kraft Jamie , Bagunu Grace , Biörserud Christina , Lange Stephan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: It remains unclear to what extent the SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the normal progression of biomedical and medical science graduate programs and if there was a lasting impact on the quality and quantity of supervision of PhD-students. To date, multiple editorials and commentaries indicate the severity of the disruption without providing sufficient evidence with quantifiable data. Methods: An online survey was submitted to the administrative offices of biomedical and medical PhD-programs at eight major universities in Sweden to gauge the impact of the pandemic on the students. It consisted of multiple-choice and open-ended questions where students could provide examples of positive and/or negative supervision strategies. Open answered questions were coded as either examples of positive or negative support.Results: PhD students were divided into two groups: those with improved or unchanged supervision during the pandemic (group 1, n=167), versus those whose supervision worsened (group 2, n=69). Group 1 received more help from supervisors and more frequent supervision via both online and alternative platforms (email/messages and telephone). There was no significant difference in educational-stage, gender or caretaking responsibilities between the groups.Conclusions: It is important for the scientific community to learn how to provide the best possible supervision for PhD students during the pandemic. Our data suggests that more frequent supervision, and using a diverse array of meeting platforms is helpful. In addition, it is important for the students to feel that they have their supervisor’s emotional support. Several students also expressed that they would benefit from an extension of their PhD programs due to delays caused by the pandemic.
Excess Noise Factor in Avalanche Photodiodes with Dead Space Effect
Authors: Angadi Vignesh Reddy 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This project aims to develop a graphical user interface(GUI) for MATLAB programs written by J. S. Marsland as part of his research on the excess noise factor in avalanche photodiodes (APDs). The GUI will be developed using the GUIDE package supplied with MATLAB. The GUI will then be used to compare this research with other work —for example, the Monte Carlo calculations performed by the research group at the French Aerospace Laboratory (ONERA). A comparison with other works will require the digitisation of graphs, some of which have been published in academic journals.
Comparison of Ticagrelor and Clopidogrel on Platelet Function and Prognosis of Patients with Unstable Angina
Authors: ling lin , Ming LIU , Chun LI , Zicheng LING 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Objective To compare the effect of ticagrelor and clopidogrel on platelet inhibition and cardiovascular prognosis and bleeding in patients with unstable angina. Methods Patients diagnosed as unstable angina and undergoing successful PCI were selected from January 2016 to December 2018. Totally 212 patients received ticagrelor (90mg twice daily) and 210 received clopidogrel (75mg daily). Thrombo-elastography (TEG) and light transmission aggregometry (LTA) were used to measure platelet aggregation rate (PAR) induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and arachidonic acid (AA). High-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT), pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) and heart-type fatty acid binding protein(H-FABP)were measured to assess myocardium injury peri-PCI. Patients were followed up in hospital and 12 months after discharge for cardiovascular prognosis and bleeding events. Results There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics between the two groups. Compared with clopidogrel, PAR in ticagrelor group was inhibited more significantly (P < 0.001). Hs-TnT, NT-proBNP, CRP, and h-FABP elevated post PCI in both groups (P < 0.05 vs. Pre-PCI in each group), of which hs-TnT (P < 0.001) and h-FABP (P < 0.001) in clopidogrel group elevated more significantly. Both MACE in hospital and at 12-months follow up showed no significant difference between the two groups. Total bleeding events were increased in hospital in ticagrelor group (P < 0.05). Both minor bleeding and total bleeding were significantly elevated at 12-month follow up in ticagrelor group (P < 0.05). Conclusions Ticagrelor was effective in platelet suppression than clopidogrel and reduced peri-PCI myocardial injury in patients with unstable angina. However, ticagrelor showed no advantages in reducing in hospital and 12-months MACE and increased in hospital and 12-months bleeding events.
Deep learning in geodesy
Authors: Sorkhabi Omid Memarian 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Deep learning (DL) can be a way to automate the analysis of predictions. DL algorithms are in the hierarchy of increasing complexity and abstraction while traditional machine learning is linear. In this study, the downscaling of the GRACE-FO satellite was investigated using a convolutional neural network (CNN). Three solutions were used for downscaling with CNN. Down-scaling accuracy is estimated to be 0.1 degree and its absolute error is 1 mm. The results show that this method can improve the GRACE-FO spatial resolution problem with higher efficiency and make it easier to analyze the results. Also, DL can solve many geodesy problems.
Seasonal Distributions, and Risk Assessment of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in the Surficial Sediments from the Turag River, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Nushrat Jahan , Shammi Mashura , Rahman Md. Mostafizur , Akbar Md. Ahedul , Uddin Md. Khabir 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) assessment in sediments of Turag River, Dhaka, Bangladesh has been conducted for the first time. This River provides critical ecological services to agriculture, industry, and transportation. However, the Turag River is one of the most industrially polluted rivers surrounding Dhaka in Bangladesh. In this study, six PCB congeners namely PCB 10, PCB 28, PCB 52, PCB 138, PCB 153, and PCB 180, were analyzed in surface sediments by GC-ECD at 9 sampling sites. Pre-monsoon and post-monsoon season sampling were collected in this study. The total concentrations of PCBs varied from 344.49 to 0.22 ng/g dw and 10.6 to 1.68 ng/g dw in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon, respectively. The paramount contributor congener to the total PCBs was PCB 180 and was found at all sites. The ecological risk assessment indicated a high potential risk in pre-monsoon (Eri = 277.32) and low potential risk in post-monsoon (Eri = 25.69). Sediment quality guideline quotients (SQGQs) showed that PCBs in pre-monsoon would cause no or moderate biological effects on organisms at most sampling sites except in surface sediments of site S5 (high biological effects), while no adverse ecotoxicological effect was observed in post-monsoon. Considering both probable effect level (PEL) and threshold effect level (TEL), the new sediment quality guideline quotient (NSQGQ) showed that in post-monsoon PCBs contamination would cause moderate biological effects, while in pre-monsoon the findings remained consistent with the findings of SQGQ. This study gave a quick look at the PCB contamination scenario in the Turag River sediments and also allowed for a comparison between the investigated River and other rivers worldwide.
Modulation of Initial Movement for Double Potential Targets With Specific Time Constraints
Authors: Onagawa Ryoji , Kudo Kazutoshi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In goal-directed behavior, individuals are often required to plan and execute a movement with multiple competing reach targets simultaneously. The time constraint assigned to the target is an important factor that affect the initial movement planning, but the adjustments made to the starting behavior considering the time constraints specific to each target have not yet been clarified. The current study examined how humans adjusted their motor planning for double potential targets with independent time constraints under a go-before-you-know situation. The results revealed that the initial movements were modulated depending on the time constraints for potential targets. However, under tight time constraints, the performance in the double-target condition was lower than the single-target condition, which was a control condition implemented to estimate performance when one target is ignored. These results indicate that the initial movement for multiple potential targets with independent time constraints can be modified, but the planning is suboptimal.
Comparison Between Ranibizumab Biosimilar, Innovator Ranibizumab and Bevacizumab in a Real World Situation
Authors: Ratra Dhanashree , Roy Krishnakanta , Giridhar Sneha , Madaan Sushant 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
PurposeTo analyze the efficacy of biosimilar ranibizumab as compared to innovator ranibizumab and bevacizumab.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients treated with biosimilar ranibizumab for wet age related macular degeneration (AMD) and macular edema (ME) and compared them with ranibizumab and bevacizumab treated patients.ResultsOut of 202 patients, 67 (33.2%) received biosimilar ranibizumab (BSR), 69 (34.2%) ranibizumab (RBZ) and 66 (32.7%) bevacizumab (BEV). All patients received 3 consecutive injections followed by pro re nata dosing. The follow up ranged from 3 -24 months. The mean number of injections were 6.68 RBZ, 6.4 BEV and 4.7 BSR. At 3 months, nAMD (n=115, 56.9%) and ME (n= 87, 43.1%) groups showed significant improvement in vision and central foveal thickness (CFT) across all 3 agents. After ≥ 6 months, the effects were maintained in AMD group but not in ME group. Maximum effect was seen at 1 month. At no point of time, significant difference was noted among the 3 anti VEGF agents. No major safety concerns were noted.ConclusionsBiosimilar ranibizumab is comparable to innovator ranibizumab and bevacizumab in efficacy and safety. It can be added to the list of available anti VEGF agents for the treatment of vascular disorders.
Treatment for Complex Elbow Fractures Involving Both a Hinged External Fixator and Internal Fixation
Authors: He Xiao , Fen Quan , Yang Jiarui , Lei Yutian , Heng Lisong , Zhu Yangjun , Zhang Kun 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
PurposeTo explore the clinical outcomes of a hinged external fixator combined with internal fixation in treating complex elbow fractures.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of 42 cases of complex elbow fractures treated in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2019. Twenty-four cases were treated with a hinged external fixator combined with internal fixation (external fixation group), including 14 cases of the terrible triad of the elbow, 5 cases of posterior Monteggia fracture, and 5 cases of transolecranon fracture-dislocation. Eighteen cases were treated with adjustable brace fixation combined with internal fixation (brace group), including 11 cases of the terrible triad of the elbow, 3 cases of posterior Monteggia fracture and 4 cases of transolecranon fracture-dislocation. All patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation, and the patients with postoperative elbow instability underwent fixation with a hinged external fixator or adjustable brace. Preoperative and surgical data were collected. At the last follow-up, elbow motion (extension-flexion, rotation) was recorded in the two groups of patients, and the Mayo Elbow Function Score (MEPS) was used to assess elbow joint function.ResultsAll patients were followed up for 12 to 55 months (mean 28.2 months). The bones healed in all patients with fractures; the healing time was 12.9±1.9 weeks for the external fixation group and 12.2±1.8 weeks for the brace group, and the difference was not statistically significant (P＞0.05). The average flexion-extension range of the elbow joint in the external fixation group was 128.8°±15.7°, the average rotation range of the forearm was 142.7° ± 21.5°, and the average MEPS score was 89.8±11.3 points (range 60-100 points); 14 cases were excellent, 7 cases were good, 2 cases were fair, and 1 case was poor. The excellent and good rate was 87.5%. In the brace group, the average flexion-extension range of the elbow joint was 110.3°±37.0°, the average rotation range of the forearm was 125.6°±30.5°, and the average MEPS score was 81.1±15.5 points (50-100 points); 8 cases were excellent, 5 cases were good, 2 cases were fair, and 3 cases were poor. The excellent and good rate was 72.2%. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P <0.05).ConclusionsThe combination of an external fixator and internal fixation in the treatment of unstable complex elbow fractures can better restore the stability and function of elbow joints than can adjustable brace fixation.
Effects of Tea Polyphenols on the Activities of Antioxidant Enzymes and the Expression of Related Gene in the Leaves of Wheat Seedlings Under Salt Stress
Authors: Zhang Ya , Li Guiying , Si Lianbang , Liu Na , Gao Tianpeng , Yang Yingli 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Longchun 30, a new wheat variety, was used to investigate seedling growth, element absorption and antioxidant response under 150 mM NaCl and tea polyphenols (TP) (25 and 100 mg L− 1) treatments alone or in combination, thus revealing TP-alleviating mechanism on the salt damage to plants. 150 mM NaCl stress alone inhibited the seedling growth, increased sodium content and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, but reduced potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) levels at different culture times, thus resulting in the oxidative damage to the leaves. Even though TP treatment alone led to the significant increase of ROS generation, TP-treated leaves exhibited the reduction of relative electrical conductivity and no change of malondialdehyde content. Moreover, high TP concentration alone stimulated the seedling growth. In addition, the activities and gene expression of superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase (POD) as well as diamine oxidase and polyamine oxidase were changed to different degrees due to NaCl or TP treatment alone. Further study showed that the presence of TP promoted the seedling growth, increased K+ and Ca2+ contents, and led to the reduction of ROS accumulation. Taken together, salinity-inhibitory effect on the growth of wheat seedlings might be associated with salt-induced imbalance of element content and the increase of oxidative damage resulting from ROS accumulation, while the application of TP effectively alleviated salinity-inhibitory effect on the seedling growth and improved the tolerance of wheat seedlings to salt environment, which might be associated with the increases of K+ and Ca2+ contents as well as the reduction of oxidative damage in the leaves of wheat seedlings under NaCl and TP treatment in combination.
Clinical Features and Outcomes Based on Liver Injury Patterns in Liver Injury Caused by Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Ito Takanori , Ishigami Masatoshi , Yamamoto Takafumi , Mizuno Kazuyuki , Yamamoto Kenta , Imai Norihiro , Ishizu Yoji , Honda Takashi , Kawashima Hiroki , Yasuda Satoshi , Toyoda Hidenori , Yokota Kenji , Hase Tetsunari , Nishio Naoki , Maeda Osamu , Kato Masashi , Hashimoto Naozumi , Hibi Hideharu , Kodera Yasuhiro , Sone Michihiko , Ando Yuichi , Akiyama Masashi , Shimoyama Yoshie , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe clinical course of liver injury induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) varies among individuals, and there were few reports on the therapeutic effects of corticosteroids based on the patterns of liver injury.MethodsWe evaluated the characteristics and clinical course of immune-related liver injury in 1087 patients treated with ICIs for advanced malignancies between August 2014 and December 2020. ResultsDuring the follow-up period (median, 270 days), 56 patients (5.2%) had immune-related liver injury (≥Grade 3). The liver-injury patterns were hepatocellular (n = 25, 44.6%), mixed (n = 10, 17.9%), or cholestatic (n = 21, 37.5%), and the median time to onset of liver injury was 36, 85, and 53 days, respectively; the hepatocellular pattern occurred earlier than the other types (P = 0.036). Corticosteroids were administered to 29 (51.8%) patients. While liver injury was improved in almost all patients with the hepatocellular pattern (n = 13/14, 92.9%), that failed to show improvement in over half of the patients with the non-hepatocellular patterns (mixed, n = 8; cholestatic, n = 7), and three patients with mixed patterns needed secondary immunosuppression with mycophenolate mofetil. Liver biopsies performed in 13 patients mainly showed lobular injury, endothelialitis, and spotty necrosis with infiltration of T cells positive for CD3 and CD8, but not CD4 or CD20. Conclusion﻿The incidence pattern and therapeutic response to corticosteroids in immune-related liver injury differs according to the injury type. Although corticosteroids were effective for the hepatocellular pattern, an additional strategy for refractory non-hepatocellular patterns is needed.
Isotherm, Kinetics, and Adsorption Mechanism Studies of DTPA-Modified Banana/Pomegranate Peels as Efficient Adsorbents for Removing Cd(II) and Ni(II) from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Wang Fanghui , Wu Peng , Shu Lin , Guo Qingbin , Huang Di , Liu Huanhuan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Two novel absorbents were synthesized for the first time by banana and pomegranate peels using diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) modification to eliminate Cd(II) and Ni(II) of sewage. The DTPA-modified peels performed significantly higher adsorption capacity than unmodified materials. Adsorption isotherm and kinetics models were simulated to determine their removal efficiency and potential for recovery of these two heavy metals. As the results, the adsorption reached equilibrium within 5 minutes and was well described by the pseudo-second order model and Langmuir isotherm. The surface morphology analysis of the synthetic materials by Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, implied that ion exchange, complexation and physical adsorption may together contribute to Cd(II) and Ni(II) loading on DTPA-modified peels. This study demonstrates the feasibility of waste peels as cost-efficient bio-absorbents to remove Cd(II) and Ni(II) in sewage systems, and discovers potential adsorption mechanism of efficiency improvements after DTPA modification.
Preparation and Characterization of Hollow MgO/SiO2 Nanocomposites and using as Reusable Catalyst for Synthesis of 1H-Isochromenes
Authors: Mohammadi Somaye , Naeimi Hossein 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In the present study, hollow MgO/SiO2 nanocatalyst with great base properties was made. This heterogeneous catalyst was a synthesis in several steps to create a great active area and decrease the density of the catalyst. The base hollow catalyst framework for the reaction of cyclohexanone, malononitrile and benzaldehyde to the synthesis of 1H-isocromene from Michael addition and aldol reaction at room temperature. All the reaction flowing was excellent in the yield of productand reaction times. At the end of the reaction, the nanocatalyst separated by simple filtration and reuse in several runs elsewhere.
Comparison of Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII), Early Warning Score (ANDC) and Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) in Hospitalized Patients with Malignancy, and Their Influence on Mortality from COVID-19
Authors: Bilge Muge , Akilli Isil Kibar , Yesilova Aylia , Yasar Kadriye Kart 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic is a serious cause of increased mortality in patients having malignancy. Therefore, to help predict the clinical progression of those patients with COVID-19 who have multiple comorbidities as cancer, we need various indices whose parameters we can easily measure and rapidly calculate. We evaluated several biological indicators based on inflammation and/or nutritional status, such as systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), early warning score (ANDC) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with and without malignancies for a prognostic significance. Methodology: This is a retrospective and observational study on 186 patients with SARS-CoV-2, who were diagnosed with COVID-19 by real-time PCR testing and hospitalized due to COVID-19 pneumonia. 75 patients had various malignancies, and the rest (111), having a similar age and comorbidity profile based on propensity score matching, had no malignancy. Results: None of the measures as neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (MLR), monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), SII, PNI or ANDC was found to be significantly different between two groups. Mortality ratio was found to be significantly higher in malignancy group (17,3%). Odds ratio for the mortality, OR:2,39 (%95 CI:1,80 -3,16) was found to be significantly higher for the malignancy group, even though the duration of hospitalization was statistically similar for both groups. PNI was found to be significantly lower for deceased patients compared with survivors in the malignancy group. Contrarily, ANDC was found to be significantly higher for deceased patients in the malignancy group. Conclusions: PNI and ANDC have independent predictive power on determining the in-hospital death in COVID-19 malignancy cases. It is suggested that ANDC seems to be a more sensitive score than SII in COVID-19 cases with malignancies.
Identification and evaluation of an appropriate housekeeping gene for real-time gene profiling of hepatocellular carcinoma cells cultured in three-dimensional scaffold
Authors: Badekila Anjana Kaveri , Rai Praveen , Kini Sudarshan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Assessing an optimal reference gene as an internal control for target gene normalization is important during quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) of three-dimensional cell culture. Especially, gene profiling of cancer cells under a complex 3D microenvironment in a polymer scaffold provides a deeper understanding of recapitulation of in vivo tumors. In this aspect, expression of six housekeeping genes (HKG’s): glyceraldehyde-3-phosphodehydrogenase (GAPDH), β-actin (ACTB), beta-2-microglobulin (B2M), 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA), peptidyl-propyl-isomerase A (PPIA), and ribosomal protein L13 (RPL-13)) during the monolayer culture (two-dimensional), and alginate-carboxymethylcellulose scaffold based three-dimensional (3D) cell culture conditioned up to 21 days was analyzed for hepatocellular carcinoma (Huh-7) cell line. The real-time gene expression using RT-qPCR of HCC spheroids in 3D culture were analyzed by determining the primer efficiency, melting curve and quantification cycle analysis of the selected candidate HKG’s. Further, RT-qPCR data were validated using analysis softwares i.e., geNorm and NormFinder for statistical significance. The study indicated RPL-13, 18S rRNA and B2M to be stable among selected referral HKG candidates and considered them as potential internal controls during varying cell culture conditions.