cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11567403.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: The Key Role of VEGF in the Cross Talk between Pterygium and Dry Eye and Its Clinical Significance

description: <b><i>Purpose:</i></b> To examine whether dry eye severity is a risk factor for pterygium activity and whether vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is crucial in the cross talk between pterygium and dry eye. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A total of 103 patients with primary pterygium (Pteg) were included in the study group; they were divided into 2 groups according to the complication of dry eye (DE) (Pteg + DE group, Pteg – DE group). Further, 60 patients with just dry eye (DE group) and 60 normal individuals (normal) were included as 2 control groups. DE severity and pterygium activity were measured, and unstimulated tear samples and pterygium tissues were collected for cytokine detection. <b><i>Results:</i></b> (1) Tear detection: VEGF expression increased in the Pteg + DE group compared to the Pteg – DE, DE, and normal control groups; VEGF was especially increased in the active Pteg + DE group. VEGF concentration was positively correlated with pterygium activity. (2) Tissue detection: the mRNA expression of VEGF was upregulated in the active pterygium group. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Inflammation played an important role in the development of dry eye and pterygium. VEGF was the core molecule in the cross talk, which might explain the high incidence of the coexistence of these 2 diseases.
DOI: 10.17028/rd.lboro.11567121
title: Mathematics learning support and dyslexia. Appendices.

description: Abstract:This research identifies, through an extensive series of exploratory and explanatory case studies, the mathematical difficulties that might be encountered by dyslexic engineering students. It details support mechanisms that may be put in place to help these students reach their full potential and makes suggestions for the introduction of measures at institutional level to ensure compliance with current legislation. This is an area, identified from the literature search, that has not, until now, been the focus of any substantial research activity and thus the findings form an original and significant contribution to knowledge in this field. The findings are not only intrinsically interesting but will also be of use to practitioners of mathematics, support staff, staff developers and policy makers in higher education. A literature review gives historical background on the development of education in general, and mathematics in particular, in the UK. The main theories and problems associated with developmental dyslexia are also given. Surveys were undertaken to determine the extent of mathematics learning support in UK universities and also to determine the extent of the provision of mathematics support to dyslexic students. Using case study research and by providing one-to-one mathematics support, the difficulties encountered by dyslexic students were investigated. Related work is an exploratory study into the use of different media combinations in Computer Assisted Assessment. Additionally, an in-depth case study of the Mathematics Learning Support Centre at Loughborough University has been undertaken and is reported in detail with recommendations for changes suggested. The results of this research show that mathematics learning support is widespread and often essential to bridge the gap between school mathematics and university level mathematics but specialist mathematical support for dyslexic students is rarely available. It is determined that dyslexic students can be impeded in their learning and understanding of mathematics as a direct result of their dyslexia. Recommendations for further study in some areas and future lines of inquiry in others are suggested.<br>
DOI: 10.17028/rd.lboro.11567121.v1
title: Mathematics learning support and dyslexia. Appendices.

description: Abstract:This research identifies, through an extensive series of exploratory and explanatory case studies, the mathematical difficulties that might be encountered by dyslexic engineering students. It details support mechanisms that may be put in place to help these students reach their full potential and makes suggestions for the introduction of measures at institutional level to ensure compliance with current legislation. This is an area, identified from the literature search, that has not, until now, been the focus of any substantial research activity and thus the findings form an original and significant contribution to knowledge in this field. The findings are not only intrinsically interesting but will also be of use to practitioners of mathematics, support staff, staff developers and policy makers in higher education. A literature review gives historical background on the development of education in general, and mathematics in particular, in the UK. The main theories and problems associated with developmental dyslexia are also given. Surveys were undertaken to determine the extent of mathematics learning support in UK universities and also to determine the extent of the provision of mathematics support to dyslexic students. Using case study research and by providing one-to-one mathematics support, the difficulties encountered by dyslexic students were investigated. Related work is an exploratory study into the use of different media combinations in Computer Assisted Assessment. Additionally, an in-depth case study of the Mathematics Learning Support Centre at Loughborough University has been undertaken and is reported in detail with recommendations for changes suggested. The results of this research show that mathematics learning support is widespread and often essential to bridge the gap between school mathematics and university level mathematics but specialist mathematical support for dyslexic students is rarely available. It is determined that dyslexic students can be impeded in their learning and understanding of mathematics as a direct result of their dyslexia. Recommendations for further study in some areas and future lines of inquiry in others are suggested.<br>
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11567046
title: Supplementary Material for: Baseline Mac-2 Binding Protein Glycosylation Isomer Level Stratifies Risks of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients with Oral Antiviral Therapy

description: <b><i>Background and Aims:</i></b> Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) is a novel biomarker correlating with liver fibrosis stages. However, little is known about how it predicts risks of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients receiving long-term antiviral treatment. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> The study contained 2 parts. The first part was to explore whether M2BPGi could be an HCC predictor in 899 CHB patients receiving long-term entecavir therapy. The second part was to validate the findings in an independent cohort of 384 on-treatment CHB patients with more severe liver disease. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In the discovery cohort, there were 64 patients developing HCC within an average follow-up of 7.01 years. Our data showed that M2BPGi level was positively associated with HCC development. When stratifying the patients by an M2BPGi level of 1.73 (the third quartile), the high M2BPGi group was shown to have an increased HCC risk compared to the low M2BPGi group with hazard ratio of 5.80 (95% CI 3.50–9.60). Furthermore, we found that the M2BPGi level complements PAGE-B score, a well-validated HCC prediction model, to predict HCC development. Lastly, the cutoff was validated in the independent cohort, especially those with an intermediate PAGE-B score. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> In CHB patients receiving long-term antiviral treatment, serum M2BPGi level not only serves as an independent HCC predictor but also complements PAGE-B in stratifying HCC risks.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11566926
title: Source Data-Figures-Bissaro-Kommedal et al (2020).xlsx

description: Source Data underlying Figures 2, 3, 4, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, and Supplementary Figures 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, and Supplementary Table 1 in the manuscript "Controlled Depolymerization of Cellulose by Light-Driven Lytic Polysaccharide Oxygenases" (2020) by <b> B. Bissaro, E. Kommedal, </b><b>Å. K. Røhr and V.G.H. Eijsink. </b><br><b> </b>
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11566926.v1
title: Source Data-Figures-Bissaro-Kommedal et al (2020).xlsx

description: Source Data underlying Figures 2, 3, 4, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, and Supplementary Figures 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, and Supplementary Table 1 in the manuscript "Controlled Depolymerization of Cellulose by Light-Driven Lytic Polysaccharide Oxygenases" (2020) by <b> B. Bissaro, E. Kommedal, </b><b>Å. K. Røhr and V.G.H. Eijsink. </b><br><b> </b>
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11566773
title: Supplementary Material for: Evaluation of the in vitro Function of Platelet Concentrates from Pooled Buffy Coats or Apheresis

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Platelet concentrates play an important role in transfusion medicine. Their short lifespan and lack of robustness require efforts to ensure adequate product quality. In this study, we compared the in vitro quality of the main concentrate types, pooled platelet concentrate (PPC) from whole blood donations, and platelet concentrate from single-donor apheresis (APC). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Twenty PPCs and 20 APCs prepared in plasma were analyzed on days 2, 4, and 7 of storage. Variables related to metabolism, degranulation, platelet aggregation, P-selectin expression, and annexin V binding were analyzed. Morphology was assessed by transmission electron microscopy of ultrathin sections. A microfluidic device was applied to test the effects of shear stress on platelet function. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The metabolic parameters indicated stable storage conditions throughout the 7-day period. The resting discoid form was the prevailing morphology on days 2 and 4 in the PPCs and APCs. Chemokine release and receptor shedding of soluble P-selectin and soluble CD40L equally increased in PPCs and APCs. Aggregation responses to ADP and collagen were heterogeneous, with marked losses in collagen responsiveness on day 4 in individual concentrates. Baseline expression of P-selectin in PPCs and APCs was low, and inducibility of P-selectin was well preserved until day 4. Under shear stress, equal adhesiveness and stability were found with platelets from PPCs and APCs. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Platelets from PPCs and APCs showed similar in vitro function and stability parameters. However, platelet concentrates presented a high variability and individual concentrates an impaired functional capability. Identifying the factors contributing to this would help increase product reliability.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11566767
title: Supplementary Material for: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Survival of Cancer Patients Treated with a Fermented <b><i>Viscum album</i></b> L. Extract (Iscador): An Update of Findings

description: <b><i>Purpose:</i></b> We aimed at updating the evidence found in controlled studies addressing general and event-free survival of cancer patients treated with the fermented mistletoe extract Iscador. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The databases Embase, PubMed, CAMbase, Scopus, AMED and Cochrane were searched for clinical studies on cancer patients treated with Iscador. Quality of studies and risk of bias were evaluated according to the Cochrane guidelines and the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Outcome data were expressed as hazard ratios (HR) and the respective 95% confidence intervals (CI). Meta-analysis was carried out using a random-effects model. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Eighty-two controlled studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 32 with 55 strata provided data for extracting HR and CI. The overall HR was 0.59 (95% CI: [0.53; 0.65], <i>p</i> &lt; 0.0001) in favour of Iscador treatment. Heterogeneity of study results was moderate (<i>I</i><sup>2</sup> = 50.9%; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.0001, τ<sup>2</sup> = 0.053). Meta-regression did not reveal significant effects of sample size or study design. However, significant differences were found between cancer entities (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.01), with most pronounced effects in cervical (HR = 0.43) and less pronounced effects in lung cancer (HR = 0.84). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> We found almost identical effects on cancer survival based on a broader database of higher quality. However, none of the studies was blinded and, therefore, there might be risk of performance bias. Implications for cancer survivors are as follows: findings indicate that adjuvant treatment of cancer patients with Iscador can be associated with a better survival.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11566764
title: When parks work: effect of anthropogenic disturbance on occupancy of tropical forest mammals

description: Data (forest mammal detection histories and covariates) used to build species-specific auto-logistic occupancy models.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11566767.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Survival of Cancer Patients Treated with a Fermented <b><i>Viscum album</i></b> L. Extract (Iscador): An Update of Findings

description: <b><i>Purpose:</i></b> We aimed at updating the evidence found in controlled studies addressing general and event-free survival of cancer patients treated with the fermented mistletoe extract Iscador. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The databases Embase, PubMed, CAMbase, Scopus, AMED and Cochrane were searched for clinical studies on cancer patients treated with Iscador. Quality of studies and risk of bias were evaluated according to the Cochrane guidelines and the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Outcome data were expressed as hazard ratios (HR) and the respective 95% confidence intervals (CI). Meta-analysis was carried out using a random-effects model. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Eighty-two controlled studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 32 with 55 strata provided data for extracting HR and CI. The overall HR was 0.59 (95% CI: [0.53; 0.65], <i>p</i> &lt; 0.0001) in favour of Iscador treatment. Heterogeneity of study results was moderate (<i>I</i><sup>2</sup> = 50.9%; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.0001, τ<sup>2</sup> = 0.053). Meta-regression did not reveal significant effects of sample size or study design. However, significant differences were found between cancer entities (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.01), with most pronounced effects in cervical (HR = 0.43) and less pronounced effects in lung cancer (HR = 0.84). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> We found almost identical effects on cancer survival based on a broader database of higher quality. However, none of the studies was blinded and, therefore, there might be risk of performance bias. Implications for cancer survivors are as follows: findings indicate that adjuvant treatment of cancer patients with Iscador can be associated with a better survival.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11566749
title: Data for a paper submitted to JGR:Atmospheres

description: Open the data using Origin.<br>Inclluding the data calculated in this manuscript (The polarity reversal of lightning-generated sky wave).<br><br>
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11566764.v1
title: When parks work: effect of anthropogenic disturbance on occupancy of tropical forest mammals

description: Data (forest mammal detection histories and covariates) used to build species-specific auto-logistic occupancy models.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11566740
title: Supplementary Material for: Hospital Utilization and Costs in Older Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease Choosing Conservative Care or Dialysis: A Retrospective Cohort Study

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Nondialytic conservative care has been recognized as a viable alternative to chronic dialysis in older patients with end-stage kidney disease, but little is known about its consequences on hospital utilization and costs. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We performed a retrospective cohort study to compare outpatient and inpatient hospital utilization, place of death, and hospital costs in patients aged ≥70 years old who chose conservative care (<i>n</i> = 100) or dialysis (<i>n</i> = 162) after shared decision making in a nonacademic teaching hospital between 2008 and 2016. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Patients who chose conservative care were older than patients who chose dialysis (82.5 vs. 76.3 years). Comorbidity did not differ between the 2 patient groups. The incidence rates of outpatient visits per year were 7.1 in patients who chose conservative care and 10.7 in patients who chose dialysis (incidence rate ratio 0.67, 95% CI 0.55–0.81). The incidence rates of in-hospital days per year were, respectively, 6.0 and 9.8 (incidence rate ratio 0.50, 95% CI 0.29–0.88). Also in the final month of life, patients on conservative care had less outpatient visits, were less frequently hospitalized, and died less frequently in hospital than the dialysis patient group. The cost rates per year, measured from original treatment decision, were EUR 5,859 in conservative care patients and EUR 28,354 in patients who chose dialysis comprising both the predialysis and dialysis period (cost rate ratio 0.42, 95% CI 0.27–0.65). Patients who chose dialysis had higher costs on dialysis sessions, outpatient care, inpatient care, laboratory tests, and medical imaging. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Patients who decided to forego dialysis and chose conservative care had less outpatient and inpatient hospital utilization than patients who chose dialysis, including less intensive hospital utilization near the end of life. Both overall and nondialysis-related costs were lower in patients on a conservative care pathway.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11566722
title: Supplementary Material for: MicroRNA-384-5p Promotes Endothelial Progenitor Cell Proliferation and Angiogenesis in Cerebral Ischemic Stroke through the Delta-Likeligand 4-Mediated Notch Signaling Pathway

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> MicroRNAs (miRs) have a crucial regulatory role in endothelial cell function and tumor angiogenesis by inhibiting the expressions of their target genes. The participation of microRNA-384-5p (miR-384-5p) has been prominently reported in various ischemia-induced diseases such as myocardial ischemia and atherosclerosis. Hence, the present study aimed at exploring the effect of miR-384-5p on proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in cerebral ischemic stroke and investigating the associated underlying mechanism. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model was established, with determination of the expression of cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) proteins. Next, the MCAO mice and EPCs separated from MCAO mice were injected or transfected with mimics or inhibitors of miR-384-5p, or small interference RNA Delta-likeligand 4 (si-DLL4) in order to evaluate their effect on brain infarct size, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. The relationship among miR-384-5p, DLL4, and the Notch signaling pathway was then verified by a series of experiments. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In MCAO mice, an increased brain infarct size and cell apoptosis in brain tissues were evident, with decreased expression of miR-384-5p, VEGF, and CD31, as well as increased DLL4 expression. After miR-384-5p mimic or si-DLL4 treatment, the brain infarct size and cell apoptosis in the brain tissues were reduced in compliance with an increased expression of VEGF and CD31. Our findings demonstrated that miR-384-5p negatively regulated the expression of DLL4, which further downregulated the Notch signaling pathway. When miR-384-5p was overexpressed or DLL4 silenced, the cell proliferation and angiogenesis of EPCs were promoted and cell apoptosis was inhibited. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Our study demonstrated that overexpressed miR-384-5p targeting DLL4 could stimulate proliferation and angiogenesis, while inhibiting apoptosis of EPCs in mice with cerebral ischemic stroke through the Notch signaling pathway.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11566740.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Hospital Utilization and Costs in Older Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease Choosing Conservative Care or Dialysis: A Retrospective Cohort Study

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Nondialytic conservative care has been recognized as a viable alternative to chronic dialysis in older patients with end-stage kidney disease, but little is known about its consequences on hospital utilization and costs. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We performed a retrospective cohort study to compare outpatient and inpatient hospital utilization, place of death, and hospital costs in patients aged ≥70 years old who chose conservative care (<i>n</i> = 100) or dialysis (<i>n</i> = 162) after shared decision making in a nonacademic teaching hospital between 2008 and 2016. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Patients who chose conservative care were older than patients who chose dialysis (82.5 vs. 76.3 years). Comorbidity did not differ between the 2 patient groups. The incidence rates of outpatient visits per year were 7.1 in patients who chose conservative care and 10.7 in patients who chose dialysis (incidence rate ratio 0.67, 95% CI 0.55–0.81). The incidence rates of in-hospital days per year were, respectively, 6.0 and 9.8 (incidence rate ratio 0.50, 95% CI 0.29–0.88). Also in the final month of life, patients on conservative care had less outpatient visits, were less frequently hospitalized, and died less frequently in hospital than the dialysis patient group. The cost rates per year, measured from original treatment decision, were EUR 5,859 in conservative care patients and EUR 28,354 in patients who chose dialysis comprising both the predialysis and dialysis period (cost rate ratio 0.42, 95% CI 0.27–0.65). Patients who chose dialysis had higher costs on dialysis sessions, outpatient care, inpatient care, laboratory tests, and medical imaging. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Patients who decided to forego dialysis and chose conservative care had less outpatient and inpatient hospital utilization than patients who chose dialysis, including less intensive hospital utilization near the end of life. Both overall and nondialysis-related costs were lower in patients on a conservative care pathway.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11566632
title: Supplementary Material for: Clinical Use and Barriers of Thoracic Ultrasound: A Survey of Italian Pulmonologists

description: <b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Thoracic ultrasound is accurate in the diagnosis of a wide range of respiratory diseases. Yet the extent of its use is unknown. Through a national survey, we aimed to explore the clinical use of thoracic ultrasound and the barriers to the diffusion of the technique in Italy. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Accademia di Ecografia Toracica (AdET) developed a self-administered survey which was sent by email to Italian pulmonologists via national scientific societies and networks. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Of the 2010 physicians invited, 514 completed the survey (26% response rate). According to 99% of responders, thoracic ultrasound had a relevant clinical role. Seventy-nine percent of the responders used thoracic ultrasound at least once a month. The main settings were: 53% pulmonology ward, 15% outpatient clinic, 15% interventional pulmonology room, 10% internal medicine ward, 4% respiratory intensive care units, and 9% other. Thoracic ultrasound was primarily used: (1) with both diagnostic and interventional aims (72%), (2) as diagnostic imaging (17%), and (3) as guidance for interventional procedures (11%). The main clinical applications were: (1) diagnosis and management of pleural effusion, (2) pneumothorax, (3) pneumonia, (4) cardiac failure, and (5) acute dyspnea. Twenty-one percent of the responders do not use thoracic ultrasound. The main reported bar­riers were: (1) availability of an ultrasound system (52%), (2) lack of protected time and training (22%), and (3) use of the technique by other specialists (15%). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Thoracic ultrasound is widely used by Italian pulmonologists and considered a clinically relevant tool. The availability of dedicated ultrasound systems seems to be a major limit of the use of the technique.