cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.4775713.v1
title: Prevalence and predictors of complementary and alternative medicine/non-pharmacological interventions use for menopausal symptoms within the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening

description: <b>Objectives:</b> The negative publicity about menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) has led to increased use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) and non-pharmacological interventions (NPI) for menopausal symptom relief. We report on the prevalence and predictors of CAM/NPI among UK postmenopausal women. <b>Method:</b> Postmenopausal women aged 50–74 years were invited to participate in the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS). A total of 202 638 women were recruited and completed a baseline questionnaire. Of these, 136 020 were sent a postal follow-up-questionnaire between September 2006 and May 2009 which included ever-use of CAM/NPI for menopausal symptom relief. Both questionnaires included MHT use. <b>Results:</b> A total of 88 430 (65.0%) women returned a completed follow-up-questionnaire; 22 206 (25.1%) reported ever-use of one or more CAM/NPI. Highest use was reported for herbal therapies (43.8%; 9725/22 206), vitamins (42.6%; 9458/22 206), lifestyle approaches (32.1%; 7137/22 206) and phytoestrogens (21.6%; 4802/22 206). Older women reported less ever-use of herbal therapies, vitamins and phytoestrogens. Lifestyle approaches, aromatherapy/reflexology/acupuncture and homeopathy were similar across age groups. Higher education, Black ethnicity, MHT or previous oral contraceptive pill use were associated with higher CAM/NPI use. Women assessed as being less hopeful about their future were less likely to use CAM/NPI. <b>Conclusion:</b> One in four postmenopausal women reported ever-use of CAM therapies/NPI for menopausal symptom relief, with lower use reported by older women. Higher levels of education and previous MHT use were positive predictors of CAM/NPI use. UKCTOCS Trial registration: ISRCTN22488978
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.4775638
title: PowerPoint Slides for: Comparison of Total Kidney Volume Quantification Methods in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Disease for a Comprehensive Disease Assessment

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> In recent times, the scientific community has been showing increasing interest in the treatments aimed at slowing the progression of the autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Therefore, in this paper, we test and evaluate the performance of several available methods for total kidney volume (TKV) computation in ADPKD patients - from echography to MRI - in order to optimize patient classification. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Two methods based on geometric assumptions (mid-slice [MS], ellipsoid [EL]) and a third one on true contour detection were tested on 40 ADPKD patients at different disease stage using MRI. The EL method was also tested using ultrasound images in a subset of 14 patients. Their performance was compared against TKVs derived from reference manual segmentation of MR images. Patient clinical classification was also performed based on computed volumes. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Kidney volumes derived from echography significantly underestimated reference volumes. Geometric-based methods applied to MR images had similar acceptable results. The highly automated method showed better performance. Volume assessment was accurate and reproducible. Importantly, classification resulted in 79, 13, 10, and 2.5% of misclassification using kidney volumes obtained from echo and MRI applying the EL, the MS and the highly automated method respectively. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Considering the fact that the image-based technique is the only approach providing a 3D patient-specific kidney model and allowing further analysis including cyst volume computation and monitoring disease progression, we suggest that geometric assumption (e.g., EL method) should be avoided. The contour-detection approach should be used for a reproducible and precise morphologic classification of the renal volume of ADPKD patients.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.4775635
title: PowerPoint Slides for: The Evolving Role of Rituximab in Adult Minimal Change Glomerulopathy

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Minimal-change glomerulopathy is defined histologically by the presence of normal glomeruli on light microscopy and diffuse podocyte effacement on electron microscopy. Although effective in children, corticosteroid treatment in adults is more variable and time to response can be prolonged. Data to support rituximab use in adults with corticosteroid-dependent or resistant minimal-change glomerulopathy are limited. Here, we describe the clinical course of adults with corticosteroid-dependent or -resistant minimal-change glomerulopathy who received rituximab. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed from all adult patients with native kidney, biopsy-proven, minimal-change glomerulopathy who were administered rituximab between 2009 and 2014 and cared for at the UNC Kidney Center. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Ten patients with corticosteroid-resistant (<i>n</i> = 5) or corticosteroid-dependent (<i>n</i> = 5) idiopathic minimal-change glomerulopathy were treated with rituximab between 2009 and 2014. Rituximab treatment induced remission in all 10 patients with a median time to remission of 2 months. The median time from rituximab to corticosteroid discontinuation was 3.5 months. The median remission time was 29 months and follow-up time was 39.5 months. No serious adverse events attributable to rituximab were observed. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Rituximab induced remission in all patients with corticosteroid-dependent or -resistant minimal-change glomerulopathy, and may hold great therapeutic potential with good efficacy and minimal toxicity. Mounting evidence implies that a well-conducted randomized controlled clinical trial using rituximab in adults with minimal-change glomerulopathy in both corticosteroid-resistant and corticosteroid-dependent patients is warranted.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.4775638.v1
title: PowerPoint Slides for: Comparison of Total Kidney Volume Quantification Methods in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Disease for a Comprehensive Disease Assessment

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> In recent times, the scientific community has been showing increasing interest in the treatments aimed at slowing the progression of the autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Therefore, in this paper, we test and evaluate the performance of several available methods for total kidney volume (TKV) computation in ADPKD patients - from echography to MRI - in order to optimize patient classification. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Two methods based on geometric assumptions (mid-slice [MS], ellipsoid [EL]) and a third one on true contour detection were tested on 40 ADPKD patients at different disease stage using MRI. The EL method was also tested using ultrasound images in a subset of 14 patients. Their performance was compared against TKVs derived from reference manual segmentation of MR images. Patient clinical classification was also performed based on computed volumes. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Kidney volumes derived from echography significantly underestimated reference volumes. Geometric-based methods applied to MR images had similar acceptable results. The highly automated method showed better performance. Volume assessment was accurate and reproducible. Importantly, classification resulted in 79, 13, 10, and 2.5% of misclassification using kidney volumes obtained from echo and MRI applying the EL, the MS and the highly automated method respectively. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Considering the fact that the image-based technique is the only approach providing a 3D patient-specific kidney model and allowing further analysis including cyst volume computation and monitoring disease progression, we suggest that geometric assumption (e.g., EL method) should be avoided. The contour-detection approach should be used for a reproducible and precise morphologic classification of the renal volume of ADPKD patients.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.4775632
title: The factors that determine the intensities of deer browsing and debarking on broadleaf tree around artificial grasslands

description: In the recent years, the deer browsing and debarking became the serious problem for forest regeneration, due to their direct damage on trees and saplings and/or the indirect effects through the domination of unpalatable understory vegetation. The intensities of browsing and debarking are affected by various factors, including region-specific vegetation features: for example, the understory cover by dwarf bamboo, which is tolerant for deer browsing, is common in Japanese temperate forests. However, the effects of these factors have rarely been examined at the same time. In the present study, we examined the effects of tree size, tree species, the distance from artificial grasslands, and the domination of dwarf bamboo on the intensities of browsing and debarking by sika deer (<i>Cervus nippon</i>) in broadleaf deciduous forests surrounded by artificial grasslands in Yamanashi Prefecture, central Japan. The occurrence probability of debarking was high in forests located near artificial grasslands and differed greatly by tree species. Maximum height and coverage of dwarf bamboo were not affected by the distance from the nearest artificial grassland. The numbers of saplings were low in the forests located near artificial grasslands and with tall dwarf bamboo. The occurrence probability of browsing on saplings was low in the forests with tall dwarf bamboo. Our study showed that the intensities of deer browsing and debarking were severe near artificial grasslands because the attraction of deer and the domination of unpalatable dwarf bamboo were affected by tree size and its species.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.4775635.v1
title: PowerPoint Slides for: The Evolving Role of Rituximab in Adult Minimal Change Glomerulopathy

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Minimal-change glomerulopathy is defined histologically by the presence of normal glomeruli on light microscopy and diffuse podocyte effacement on electron microscopy. Although effective in children, corticosteroid treatment in adults is more variable and time to response can be prolonged. Data to support rituximab use in adults with corticosteroid-dependent or resistant minimal-change glomerulopathy are limited. Here, we describe the clinical course of adults with corticosteroid-dependent or -resistant minimal-change glomerulopathy who received rituximab. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed from all adult patients with native kidney, biopsy-proven, minimal-change glomerulopathy who were administered rituximab between 2009 and 2014 and cared for at the UNC Kidney Center. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Ten patients with corticosteroid-resistant (<i>n</i> = 5) or corticosteroid-dependent (<i>n</i> = 5) idiopathic minimal-change glomerulopathy were treated with rituximab between 2009 and 2014. Rituximab treatment induced remission in all 10 patients with a median time to remission of 2 months. The median time from rituximab to corticosteroid discontinuation was 3.5 months. The median remission time was 29 months and follow-up time was 39.5 months. No serious adverse events attributable to rituximab were observed. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Rituximab induced remission in all patients with corticosteroid-dependent or -resistant minimal-change glomerulopathy, and may hold great therapeutic potential with good efficacy and minimal toxicity. Mounting evidence implies that a well-conducted randomized controlled clinical trial using rituximab in adults with minimal-change glomerulopathy in both corticosteroid-resistant and corticosteroid-dependent patients is warranted.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.4775614
title: Supplementary Material for: Relative Strengths and Regulation of Different Promoter-Associated Sequences for Various blaSHV Genes and Their Relationships to β-Lactam Resistance

description: <b><i>Aims:</i></b> This work investigated the relative strengths of different <i>bla</i><sub>SHV</sub> promoter-associated sequences and their regulation function in <i>bla</i><sub>SHV</sub> expression and β-lactam resistance. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Recombinant plasmids with the promoter-associated sequences (P-W, P-S, P-IS, and P-WPD), <i>tac</i> promoter, and combined fragments of promoter and <i>bla</i><sub>SHV</sub> were separately constructed and transformed into <i>Escherichia coli</i> DH5α. The relative strengths of the promoters indicated by the intensities of green fluorescent protein and the mRNA expression levels of <i>bla</i><sub>SHV</sub> were compared. The minimum inhibitory concentration and extended spectrum β-lactamase phenotypes were evaluated. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The relative strengths were ranked as P-<i>tac</i> &gt; P-WPD &gt; P-IS &gt; P-S &gt; P-W. The mRNA expression and β-lactam resistance levels of the different promoter-associated sequence groups were generally consistent with the strength rank, but the extent of <i>gfp</i> and <i>bla</i><sub>SHV</sub> mRNA levels varied significantly in each group. The β-lactam resistance levels were inconsistent with the strength rank in certain <i>bla</i><sub>SHV</sub> groups. In relation to the different promoter-associated sequences,<i> bla</i><sub>SHV-ESBLs</sub> displayed significantly different change modes of β-lactam resistance compared with <i>bla</i><sub>SHV-non-ESBLs</sub>. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The mRNA expression and β-lactam resistance of the <i>bla</i><sub>SHV</sub> showed consistencies and inconsistencies with the strengths of the promoter-associated sequences. The mechanisms accounting for these discrepancies need further investigation.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.4775632.v1
title: The factors that determine the intensities of deer browsing and debarking on broadleaf tree around artificial grasslands

description: In the recent years, the deer browsing and debarking became the serious problem for forest regeneration, due to their direct damage on trees and saplings and/or the indirect effects through the domination of unpalatable understory vegetation. The intensities of browsing and debarking are affected by various factors, including region-specific vegetation features: for example, the understory cover by dwarf bamboo, which is tolerant for deer browsing, is common in Japanese temperate forests. However, the effects of these factors have rarely been examined at the same time. In the present study, we examined the effects of tree size, tree species, the distance from artificial grasslands, and the domination of dwarf bamboo on the intensities of browsing and debarking by sika deer (<i>Cervus nippon</i>) in broadleaf deciduous forests surrounded by artificial grasslands in Yamanashi Prefecture, central Japan. The occurrence probability of debarking was high in forests located near artificial grasslands and differed greatly by tree species. Maximum height and coverage of dwarf bamboo were not affected by the distance from the nearest artificial grassland. The numbers of saplings were low in the forests located near artificial grasslands and with tall dwarf bamboo. The occurrence probability of browsing on saplings was low in the forests with tall dwarf bamboo. Our study showed that the intensities of deer browsing and debarking were severe near artificial grasslands because the attraction of deer and the domination of unpalatable dwarf bamboo were affected by tree size and its species.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.4775530
title: A UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)-approved operations manual for safe deployment of lightweight drones in research

description: The academic literature of late is rich with examples of lightweight drones being used to capture data to support scientific research. Drone science is a blossoming field, but alongside a long-standing public concern about drone safety, the research community and our collaborators are increasingly calling for a ‘code of best practice’ for researchers who fly drones (no matter how small). Researchers who have long enjoyed the freedom of operating separately from ‘hobbyist’ and ‘commercial’ operators are now finding that their institutions and collaborators are demanding evidence of operational competence. In the UK, such competence can be formally accredited by obtaining a UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ‘permission for aerial work’ (PfAW). Part of this process requires that the operators produce an ‘operations manual’ (OM) – a lengthy document explaining protocols for safe drone deployment, alongside maintenance and flight records. This article provides the frontispiece to an OM produced as part of a successful PfAW accreditation process. We share our OM, which is available as supplemental material to this article, in the spirit of research as a collaborative endeavour, with the aim that it will assist others facing the same stringent checks as ourselves, whilst also serving as a guide to safe flying that can be adapted and adopted by others.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.4775530.v1
title: A UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)-approved operations manual for safe deployment of lightweight drones in research

description: The academic literature of late is rich with examples of lightweight drones being used to capture data to support scientific research. Drone science is a blossoming field, but alongside a long-standing public concern about drone safety, the research community and our collaborators are increasingly calling for a ‘code of best practice’ for researchers who fly drones (no matter how small). Researchers who have long enjoyed the freedom of operating separately from ‘hobbyist’ and ‘commercial’ operators are now finding that their institutions and collaborators are demanding evidence of operational competence. In the UK, such competence can be formally accredited by obtaining a UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ‘permission for aerial work’ (PfAW). Part of this process requires that the operators produce an ‘operations manual’ (OM) – a lengthy document explaining protocols for safe drone deployment, alongside maintenance and flight records. This article provides the frontispiece to an OM produced as part of a successful PfAW accreditation process. We share our OM, which is available as supplemental material to this article, in the spirit of research as a collaborative endeavour, with the aim that it will assist others facing the same stringent checks as ourselves, whilst also serving as a guide to safe flying that can be adapted and adopted by others.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.4775446
title: Investigating the effect of regional native accents on sentence comprehension in children with language impairment

description: <i>Purpose</i>: Research has shown that accent variation can affect typically developing (TD) children’s understanding of language, as well as that of children with speech difficulties, neuro-typical adults and those with aphasia and dementia. This study aims to investigate the effect of regional native accents on sentence comprehension in children with language impairment (LI), an area not previously explored. <i>Method</i>: Forty-three children with LI (mean age 6.04) and forty-five younger TD children (mean age 4.10), matched on a measure of sentence comprehension, completed a sentence comprehension task spoken in three regional accents. Instructions were spoken in the children’s local Irish accent, a neutral-Irish accent and an unfamiliar Northern-Irish (NI) accent. Instructions were adapted from the Token Test and were matched on syllable length and complexity. <i>Result</i>: The two groups performed similarly overall on the task. Children had significantly greater difficulty understanding instructions spoken in the NI accent than in either of the other two accents. The ability to process accent variation was significantly associated with receptive language and phonological short term memory ability. <i>Conclusions</i>: Variation in regional accents may be negatively impacting the performance of children on language comprehension assessments. Potential effects on diagnostic or clinical decisions will require further exploration.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.4775446.v1
title: Investigating the effect of regional native accents on sentence comprehension in children with language impairment

description: <i>Purpose</i>: Research has shown that accent variation can affect typically developing (TD) children’s understanding of language, as well as that of children with speech difficulties, neuro-typical adults and those with aphasia and dementia. This study aims to investigate the effect of regional native accents on sentence comprehension in children with language impairment (LI), an area not previously explored. <i>Method</i>: Forty-three children with LI (mean age 6.04) and forty-five younger TD children (mean age 4.10), matched on a measure of sentence comprehension, completed a sentence comprehension task spoken in three regional accents. Instructions were spoken in the children’s local Irish accent, a neutral-Irish accent and an unfamiliar Northern-Irish (NI) accent. Instructions were adapted from the Token Test and were matched on syllable length and complexity. <i>Result</i>: The two groups performed similarly overall on the task. Children had significantly greater difficulty understanding instructions spoken in the NI accent than in either of the other two accents. The ability to process accent variation was significantly associated with receptive language and phonological short term memory ability. <i>Conclusions</i>: Variation in regional accents may be negatively impacting the performance of children on language comprehension assessments. Potential effects on diagnostic or clinical decisions will require further exploration.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.4775437
title: GENESIS - the GENEric SImulation System for modelling state transitions.

description: This software is a highly-configurable way of modelling transitions between states, given known transition probabilities. It could therefore be used to model a disease progression and/or recovery in a population, or maybe an environmental process. A test suite is included. You can have multiple branching and also bi-directional transitions. Full instructions are given in the README.txt file. You will need to have Perl installed, and a C++ 11 compiler. This software has been tested on both Windows and Linux. You need to have a “state transition table” called stt.txt, and an example is provided. You also need a configuration file config.txt, which sets the initial parameters for the program, and again an example is provided.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.4775431
title: A planet population dichotomy from isotopic enrichment?

description: Talks given in Copenhagen, Leiden, Les Houches and Budapest.