cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5121577
title: Supplementary Material for: Sodium Setpoint and Sodium Gradient: Influence on Plasma Sodium Change and Weight Gain

description: <i>Background/Aims:</i> In hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration patients, the plasma sodium (PNa) measured before dialysis can be regarded as the sodium setpoint. By the end of dialysis, the PNa typically approximates the prescribed dialysate sodium (DNa), the difference between DNa and PNa being considered the sodium gradient. We determined the relationship between setpoint, gradient and pre- to postdialysis PNa change (delta PNa), and studied associations with dialysis-related variables. <i>Methods:</i> Cohort study. Measurements from 132 patients during 12 consecutive treatments included PNa and DNa concentrations, pre- to postdialysis body weight and predialysis systolic blood pressure. <i>Results:</i> Sodium setpoints were normally distributed (137.9 ± 2.4 mmol/l), DNa prescriptions were non-normally distributed (138.9 ± 1.8 mmol/l). The sodium gradient correlated strongly with delta PNa (r = 0.76, p &lt; 0.001). Both sodium gradient and delta PNa correlated with relative interdialytic weight gain (IDWG; r = 0.25, p = 0.004, and r = 0.44, p &lt; 0.001, respectively), but not with predialysis systolic blood pressure. These correlations were consistent after exclusion of patients with urine volume &gt;500 ml/day and patients undergoing sodium profiling, and increased after exclusion of patients with hemodiafiltration protocols. Predictors for having higher relative IDWG (≧2.8%) were delta PNa concentrations ≧0 mmol/l and younger age. Predictors for having a delta PNa concentration ≧0 mmol/l were lower sodium setpoints, higher DNa prescriptions, use of Nikkiso machines, sodium profiling and younger age. Patients with positive delta PNa despite negative gradients were significantly younger, used more Nikkiso machines and presented with higher IDWG. <i>Conclusion:</i> IDWG correlated with the sodium gradient and more strongly with delta PNa, suggesting the need for studying other outcomes, such as morbidity and mortality.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5121574.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: ‘Executive’ Functions and Normal Aging: Selective Impairment in Conditional Exclusion Compared to Abstraction and Inhibition

description: <i>Background:</i> Some executive functions may be selectively impaired in normal aging over and above the general cognitive decline. <i>Methods:</i> We examined the performance of healthy high functioning young (n = 77) and older (n = 57) individuals on three ‘executive’ tests: conditional exclusion, abstraction, and inhibition of prepotent responses. We compared their relationships to each other and to other cognitive functions including attention, psychomotor speed and working memory. <i>Results:</i> Conditional exclusion was significantly more impaired than abstraction or inhibition in the elderly compared to the younger group and unlike them, showed a nonlinear relationship with age. These findings were independent of other cognitive functions. Analysis of PCET performance characteristics showed that older individuals were particularly impaired in attaining the last of the three achievable categories, were slower, and had fewer error monitoring resources compared to the younger group. <i>Conclusions:</i> Conditional exclusion shows an age-related pattern of impairment distinct from inhibition and abstraction. We propose that in healthy well-functioning individuals, it taps processes integrating task set establishment and shifting in context of accumulating information. It may thus be useful as a specific marker of complex cognitive functions in studies of normal cognitive aging and in early detection of cognitive dysfunction.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5121577.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Sodium Setpoint and Sodium Gradient: Influence on Plasma Sodium Change and Weight Gain

description: <i>Background/Aims:</i> In hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration patients, the plasma sodium (PNa) measured before dialysis can be regarded as the sodium setpoint. By the end of dialysis, the PNa typically approximates the prescribed dialysate sodium (DNa), the difference between DNa and PNa being considered the sodium gradient. We determined the relationship between setpoint, gradient and pre- to postdialysis PNa change (delta PNa), and studied associations with dialysis-related variables. <i>Methods:</i> Cohort study. Measurements from 132 patients during 12 consecutive treatments included PNa and DNa concentrations, pre- to postdialysis body weight and predialysis systolic blood pressure. <i>Results:</i> Sodium setpoints were normally distributed (137.9 ± 2.4 mmol/l), DNa prescriptions were non-normally distributed (138.9 ± 1.8 mmol/l). The sodium gradient correlated strongly with delta PNa (r = 0.76, p &lt; 0.001). Both sodium gradient and delta PNa correlated with relative interdialytic weight gain (IDWG; r = 0.25, p = 0.004, and r = 0.44, p &lt; 0.001, respectively), but not with predialysis systolic blood pressure. These correlations were consistent after exclusion of patients with urine volume &gt;500 ml/day and patients undergoing sodium profiling, and increased after exclusion of patients with hemodiafiltration protocols. Predictors for having higher relative IDWG (≧2.8%) were delta PNa concentrations ≧0 mmol/l and younger age. Predictors for having a delta PNa concentration ≧0 mmol/l were lower sodium setpoints, higher DNa prescriptions, use of Nikkiso machines, sodium profiling and younger age. Patients with positive delta PNa despite negative gradients were significantly younger, used more Nikkiso machines and presented with higher IDWG. <i>Conclusion:</i> IDWG correlated with the sodium gradient and more strongly with delta PNa, suggesting the need for studying other outcomes, such as morbidity and mortality.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5121580.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Comparison of Immunosorbent Assays for the Quantification of Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s Disease in Human Cerebrospinal Fluid

description: <i>Background:</i> The clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease in early stages may be substantiated by the quantification of the biomarkers Abeta42, Abeta40 and total-Tau (t-Tau) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Different commercially available immunosorbent assays yield reliable results, yet the absolute values obtained may differ in between tests. <i>Methods:</i> We used CSF samples from patients that reported to our memory clinic. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays obtained from Innogenetics were used for the quantification of Abeta42 and t-Tau, test kits from IBL International were used to determine Abeta42 and Abeta40 concentrations. The multiplex assay system obtained from Mesoscale Discovery (MSD) Systems was used for the quantification of all three biomarkers. <i>Results:</i> For all biomarkers, the absolute values obtained with different test systems differ. However, the data sets highly correlate for all comparisons, with the MSD test system proving to be slightly more sensitive. Correlation coefficients (c) for the Abeta42 and Abeta40 quantifications lie between c = 0.80 and c = 0.87, and for the t-Tau quantifications we determined c = 0.99. <i>Conclusion:</i> We conclude that all assays evaluated give reliable results, yet absolute values obtained have to be assessed differently within the framework of diagnostic procedures, depending on the system used.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5121562
title: Supplementary Material for: CD22 Regulates Adaptive and Innate Immune Responses of B Cells

description: B cells sense microenvironments through the B cell receptor (BCR) and Toll-like receptors (TLRs). While signals from BCR and TLRs synergize to distinguish self from nonself, inappropriate regulation can result in development of autoimmune disease. Here we show that CD22, an inhibitory co-receptor of BCR, also negatively regulates TLR signaling in B cells. CD22-deficient <i>(Cd22</i><sup>–/–</sup><i>)</i> B cells exhibit hyperactivation in response to ligands of TLRs 3, 4 and 9. Evidence suggests that this results from impaired induction of suppressors of cytokine signaling 1 and 3, well-known suppressors of TLR signaling. Antibody-mediated sequestration of CD22 on wild-type (WT) B cells augments proliferation by TLR ligands. Conversely, expression of CD22 in a <i>Cd22</i><sup>–/–</sup> B cell line blunts responses to TLR ligands. We also show that lipopolysaccharide-induced transcription by nuclear factor-ĸB is inhibited by ectopic expression of CD22 in a TLR4 reporter cell line. Taken together, these results suggest that negative regulation of TLR signaling is an intrinsic property of CD22. Since TLRs and BCR activate B cells through different signaling pathways, and are differentially localized in B cells, CD22 exhibits a broader regulation of receptors that mediate adaptive and innate immune responses of B cells than previously recognized.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5121568
title: Supplementary Material for: Mobile Intimal Flap in the Brachiocephalic Artery Diagnosed by Ultrasonography

description: Medicine
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5121571.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Pregabalin Antagonizes Copper-Induced Toxicity in the Brain: In vitro and in vivo Studies

description: <i>Background:</i> Copper plays key roles in brain metabolism. Disorders of copper metabolism impact on neural signaling. The intracellular and extracellular concentrations of copper are tightly regulated. Pregabalin is a drug with multiple modes of action and has a high-affinity binding site for the alpha2delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels. <i>Methods:</i> Assessment of neuroprotective effects of pregabalin using cell culture, transcription studies, microdialysis and neurophysiological assessment in rats. <i>Results:</i> In vitro, copper decreased markedly the survival of neuronal cells and enhanced the production of nitric oxide (NO). Transcription of NO synthase (NOS) 1–3 and PGC-1a (a key regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis) was activated. In vivo, copper impaired the NMDA-mediated regulation of glutamate in the brain, increased the production of NO and enhanced markedly the excitability of the motor cortex. Pregabalin had antagonistic effects both in vitro and in vivo. <i>Conclusion:</i> Our experiments highlight that pregabalin antagonizes the neurotoxic effects of copper. We argue that pregabalin exerts neuroprotective effects by silencing the overexcitability state induced by copper. We propose a possible use of pregabalin for treatment of disruption of copper homeostasis.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5121559
title: Supplementary Material for: Oral Administration of Bacterial Lysates Attenuates Experimental Food Allergy

description: <i>Background:</i> Modulating early immune response by application of bacteria and their by-products has been suggested as a preventive strategy against the development of allergic diseases. In light of this, the aim of the study was to test the effects of oral administration of bacterial lysates (BL) in a rat model of food allergy. <i>Methods:</i> BL or PBS were administered orally to neonatal Brown Norway rats up to an age of 42 days. Additionally, animals were sensitized 3 times (days 35, 40 and 45) intraperitoneally with ovalbumin (OVA). On days 60 and 61, rats were locally challenged with OVA by gavage feeding. <i>Results:</i> Detection of increased allergen-specific Ig serum levels and proliferative responses of spleen mononuclear cells confirmed systemic sensitization. In serum of animals that received BL in addition to OVA sensitization, the levels of allergen-specific IgE and IgG were significantly reduced compared to animals which were not exposed to BL. Allergen-stimulated lymphocytes from spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes of BL-treated animals showed a significantly elevated cytokine production of IL-10. To assess local functional changes of the intestinal barrier we measured the intestinal permeability, which was increased in OVA-sensitized and challenged animals compared to nonsensitized controls, yet significantly reduced in sensitized animals which received BL. <i>Conclusion:</i> These data suggest that local administration of BL (pathogen-associated molecular patterns) in the intestine exhibits immuno-modulating effects. Furthermore, pathophysiological features of food allergy, such as the loss of gut mucosal integrity, might be reduced by the treatment with BL.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5121565
title: Supplementary Material for: Bilateral Internuclear Ophthalmoplegia in a Patient with Devic’s Neuromyelitis Optica

description: An unusual presentation of Devic’s neuromyelitis optica (NMO) disease associated with bilateral internuclear ophthalmoplegia (INO) is described. A 32-year-old pregnant patient was diagnosed with NMO. First symptoms were headache and sudden visual loss in her right eye (RE). Eighteen months ago, she reported other neurologic symptoms such as paresthesia. Based on her visual field, fundoscopy and Ishihara test, she was diagnosed with retrobulbar neuritis of the RE. After delivery, new neurologic symptoms resembling transverse myelitis appeared. She was treated with methylprednisolone and plasmapheresis, which improved her visual acuity; however, a sudden bilateral INO appeared, with adduction defect and nystagmus with abduction in both eyes. No improvement was obtained after treatment with azathioprine and rituximab. Paresis of the legs and the right arm persisted, but double vision and OIN gradually disappeared. At the end, the patient had a residual exophoria in the RE and nystagmus with abduction in the left eye. Prevalence of NMO is lower than one case per one million inhabitants, and it is not likely to affect the encephalic trunk; furthermore, bilateral INO in NMO is rare. Two major criteria and at least two of the three minor ones are required to confirm a NMO diagnosis, and our patient fulfilled these diagnosis criteria.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5121556
title: Supplementary Material for: Immunomodulatory Effects of <i>Lactobacillus</i> and <i>Bifidobacterium </i>on Both Murine and Human Mitogen-Activated T Cells

description: <i>Background:</i> Beneficial effects of probiotics have been reported for patients with allergic diseases and intestinal disorders. There is increasing interest in studying the role of different strains or combined probiotic administration on immunoregulation. In this study, we investigated whether probiotics modulate the immune response through regulating T cell proliferation and differentiation. <i>Methods:</i> We examined the effect of probiotic I (a combination of <i>Lactobacillus acidophilus</i> and <i>Bifidobacterium bifidus</i>) and probiotic II (a combination of <i>L. acidophilus</i> and <i>B. infantis</i>) on cell survival and proliferation, the progression of the cell cycle, and the production of Th1/Th2 cytokines by mitogen-stimulated murine spleen cells and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). <i>Results:</i> Our experimental results showed that high concentrations (≧1 × 10<sup>6</sup> CFU/ml) of probiotic I or II inhibited mitogen-induced cell proliferation and arrested the cell cycle at the G0/G1 stage in both mitogen-stimulated spleen cells and PBMCs. In the results of low concentrations (&lt;1 × 10<sup>6</sup> CFU/ml), probiotic I or II enhanced the production of IFN-γ but inhibited the production of IL-4. Our results indicated that high concentrations of probiotic I or II treatment could attenuate mitogen-induced overactive immune responses. On the other hand, low concentrations of probiotic I or II treatment could promote a shift in the Th1/Th2 balance toward Th1-skewed immunity. <i>Conclusion:</i> Dose selection is an important issue for probiotic studies. Our results indicated that probiotics have beneficial effects on regulating T cell-mediated immune responses by attenuating mitogen-induced overactive immune responses and promoting Th1 immune responses.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5121559.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Oral Administration of Bacterial Lysates Attenuates Experimental Food Allergy

description: <i>Background:</i> Modulating early immune response by application of bacteria and their by-products has been suggested as a preventive strategy against the development of allergic diseases. In light of this, the aim of the study was to test the effects of oral administration of bacterial lysates (BL) in a rat model of food allergy. <i>Methods:</i> BL or PBS were administered orally to neonatal Brown Norway rats up to an age of 42 days. Additionally, animals were sensitized 3 times (days 35, 40 and 45) intraperitoneally with ovalbumin (OVA). On days 60 and 61, rats were locally challenged with OVA by gavage feeding. <i>Results:</i> Detection of increased allergen-specific Ig serum levels and proliferative responses of spleen mononuclear cells confirmed systemic sensitization. In serum of animals that received BL in addition to OVA sensitization, the levels of allergen-specific IgE and IgG were significantly reduced compared to animals which were not exposed to BL. Allergen-stimulated lymphocytes from spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes of BL-treated animals showed a significantly elevated cytokine production of IL-10. To assess local functional changes of the intestinal barrier we measured the intestinal permeability, which was increased in OVA-sensitized and challenged animals compared to nonsensitized controls, yet significantly reduced in sensitized animals which received BL. <i>Conclusion:</i> These data suggest that local administration of BL (pathogen-associated molecular patterns) in the intestine exhibits immuno-modulating effects. Furthermore, pathophysiological features of food allergy, such as the loss of gut mucosal integrity, might be reduced by the treatment with BL.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5121565.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Bilateral Internuclear Ophthalmoplegia in a Patient with Devic’s Neuromyelitis Optica

description: An unusual presentation of Devic’s neuromyelitis optica (NMO) disease associated with bilateral internuclear ophthalmoplegia (INO) is described. A 32-year-old pregnant patient was diagnosed with NMO. First symptoms were headache and sudden visual loss in her right eye (RE). Eighteen months ago, she reported other neurologic symptoms such as paresthesia. Based on her visual field, fundoscopy and Ishihara test, she was diagnosed with retrobulbar neuritis of the RE. After delivery, new neurologic symptoms resembling transverse myelitis appeared. She was treated with methylprednisolone and plasmapheresis, which improved her visual acuity; however, a sudden bilateral INO appeared, with adduction defect and nystagmus with abduction in both eyes. No improvement was obtained after treatment with azathioprine and rituximab. Paresis of the legs and the right arm persisted, but double vision and OIN gradually disappeared. At the end, the patient had a residual exophoria in the RE and nystagmus with abduction in the left eye. Prevalence of NMO is lower than one case per one million inhabitants, and it is not likely to affect the encephalic trunk; furthermore, bilateral INO in NMO is rare. Two major criteria and at least two of the three minor ones are required to confirm a NMO diagnosis, and our patient fulfilled these diagnosis criteria.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5121550
title: Supplementary Material for: Abiotic Stress and Induced DNA Hypomethylation Cause Interphase Chromatin Structural Changes in Rice rDNA Loci

description: Global climate change, i.e. higher and more variable temperatures, and a gain in soil salinity are increasing plant stress with direct consequences on crop yield and quality levels. Rice productivity is strongly affected by abiotic stress conditions. The regulation of chromatin structure in response to environmental stress is poorly understood. We investigated the interphase chromatin organization from rice plants in non-stress versus stress conditions. We have used a cytogenetic approach, based on fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with 45S, 5S rDNA and centromeric probes on rice tissue sections. The abiotic stress conditions included cold, heat and mild salinity and were applied during seed germination. In contrast to cold, saline and heat stresses caused extensive decondensation of 45S rDNA chromatin and also an increase in the distance between the 2 homologous 5S rDNA loci. 5-Azacytidine (5-AC), a DNA hypomethylating drug, greatly increased 45S rDNA chromatin decondensation and interestingly was able to induce polarization of centromeres in rice interphase nuclei. The abiotic stresses tested did not perturb the spatial position of centromeres, typically with circular arrangement around the nucleolus. The results suggest a role for chromatin plasticity in a world of climate changes.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5121556.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Immunomodulatory Effects of <i>Lactobacillus</i> and <i>Bifidobacterium </i>on Both Murine and Human Mitogen-Activated T Cells

description: <i>Background:</i> Beneficial effects of probiotics have been reported for patients with allergic diseases and intestinal disorders. There is increasing interest in studying the role of different strains or combined probiotic administration on immunoregulation. In this study, we investigated whether probiotics modulate the immune response through regulating T cell proliferation and differentiation. <i>Methods:</i> We examined the effect of probiotic I (a combination of <i>Lactobacillus acidophilus</i> and <i>Bifidobacterium bifidus</i>) and probiotic II (a combination of <i>L. acidophilus</i> and <i>B. infantis</i>) on cell survival and proliferation, the progression of the cell cycle, and the production of Th1/Th2 cytokines by mitogen-stimulated murine spleen cells and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). <i>Results:</i> Our experimental results showed that high concentrations (≧1 × 10<sup>6</sup> CFU/ml) of probiotic I or II inhibited mitogen-induced cell proliferation and arrested the cell cycle at the G0/G1 stage in both mitogen-stimulated spleen cells and PBMCs. In the results of low concentrations (&lt;1 × 10<sup>6</sup> CFU/ml), probiotic I or II enhanced the production of IFN-γ but inhibited the production of IL-4. Our results indicated that high concentrations of probiotic I or II treatment could attenuate mitogen-induced overactive immune responses. On the other hand, low concentrations of probiotic I or II treatment could promote a shift in the Th1/Th2 balance toward Th1-skewed immunity. <i>Conclusion:</i> Dose selection is an important issue for probiotic studies. Our results indicated that probiotics have beneficial effects on regulating T cell-mediated immune responses by attenuating mitogen-induced overactive immune responses and promoting Th1 immune responses.