cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5129050
title: Supplementary Material for: Biochemical Screening for Pulmonary Hypertension in Preterm Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Elevated levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and decreased levels of amino acid precursors of nitric oxide (NO) have been associated with PH, but have not been studied in infants with PH secondary to BPD. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> The aim of this study was to identify a biochemical marker for PH in infants with BPD. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Twenty infants, born at &lt;27 weeks' gestational age (GA) and/or with a birth weight (BW) ≤750 g, who met the criteria for BPD at 36 weeks' corrected GA (CGA) were enrolled in this cross-sectional pilot study. A screening echocardiogram was conducted at 36-38 weeks' CGA and plasma NT-proBNP and amino acid levels were obtained within 1 week of the screening echocardiogram. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Five infants (25%) had echocardiographic evidence of PH. GA and BW were not significantly different between the 2 groups (a PH group and a No PH group). NT-proBNP was significantly elevated in the PH group (median 1,650 vs. 520 pg/ml; p = 0.001) but citrulline levels were significantly lower (median 21 vs. 36 μmol/l; p = 0.005). Arginine levels were not significantly different between the groups (median 78 vs. 79 μmol/l; p = 1). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> NT-proBNP and the NO precursor citrulline may be cost-effective biochemical markers for screening for the presence of PH in preterm infants who have BPD. If validated in a larger study, such biochemical markers may, in part, replace PH screening echocardiograms in these patients.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5129044
title: Supplementary Material for: Diastolic Dysfunction and Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (DD) is associated with an increased mortality in general population and patients with myocardial infarct. In the present study, we investigated whether DD is associated with outcomes after ischemic stroke. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Five hundred and three acute ischemic stroke patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (≥50%) were retrospectively included. Echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging were used to evaluate and grade diastolic function. Ordinal logistic and Cox regression analyses were used to examine relations between DD and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 3 months and mortality after stroke, respectively. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Mean age was 67.2 ± 11.8 years and 63% were men. Among parameters of diastolic function, early mitral inflow velocity/early diastolic mitral annulus velocity (E/e') was independently related with higher mRS score at 3 months and mortality after ischemic stroke. The highest quartile of E/e' (&gt;14) was independently associated with higher mRS score (adjusted OR 3.86, 95% CI 2.27-6.54) as well as with mortality (hazards ratio [HR] 2.87, 95% CI 1.17-7.04) as compared to the lowest quartile of E/e' (&lt;8.8). In addition, moderate-to-severe DD grade was related to higher mRS score (adjusted OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.15-5.06) and mortality (HR 6.63, 95% CI 1.80-24.43) compared to the normal diastolic function. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> In patients with ischemic stroke, DD is associated with functional outcome at 3 months and mortality. Our data suggest that more attention should be given to DD in patients with ischemic stroke.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5129053.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: TGFβ-Induced Actin Cytoskeleton Rearrangement in Podocytes Is Associated with Compensatory Adaptation of Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism

description: <b><i>Background/Aims:</i></b> In podocytes, the overexpression of TGFβ ligands and receptors during glomerulosclerosis could be a causal factor for injury induction and perpetuation in glomerular tufts. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are emerging as potential therapeutic targets in glomerular injury, and TGFβ has been shown to modulate mitochondrial metabolism in different cell types. This study aims at investigating the role of TGFβ in podocyte energy metabolism and cytoskeleton dynamics. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Mitochondrial function and cytoskeleton dynamics were analyzed in TGFβ-treated WT and Smad2/3 double KO podocytes. <b><i>Results:</i></b> TGFβ treatment in podocytes induced a significant Smad-dependent increase of mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate (OCR). ATP content was unchanged and increased respiration was not associated with increased mitochondrial mass. Increased cellular reactive oxygen species induced by Smad-mediated TGFβ signaling were reverted by NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin. TGFβ treatment did not induce mitochondrial oxidative stress, and Smad2/3-dependent TGFβ signaling and increased mitochondrial OCR were found to be associated with actin cytoskeleton dynamics. The role of motor proteins myosin II and dynamin in TGFβ-induced actin polymerization was demonstrated by specific inhibition, resulting in actin stabilization and normalization of mitochondrial OCR. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> TGFβ-induced rearrangements of actin cytoskeleton are controlled by Smad2/3 signaling pathways and coupled with the activation of mitochondrial ATP synthesis as bioenergetic adaptation to ATP consumption by ATP- and GTP-dependent motor proteins, myosin II and dynamin.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5129035
title: Supplementary Material for: Patterns and Mechanisms of Artificial Kidney Failure during Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> We aimed to describe the previously unstudied relationship between circuit pressures and circuit clotting, here labeled as ‘artificial kidney failure' (AKF), in patients receiving continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We performed an observational study of CRRT-treated critically ill patients to continuously record the multiple CRRT circuit pressures. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Three patterns of access outflow dysfunction (AOD) were also noted: severe, moderate and mild. Compared with circuits without AOD, circuits experiencing at least one AOD episode had shorter lifespans (14.2 ± 12.7 vs. 21.3 ± 16.5 h, p = 0.057). This effect was more obvious with moderate or severe AOD (8.7 ± 4.6 vs. 20.6 ± 15.7 h, p = 0.007). If any AOD events occurred within the first 4 h, the sensitivity and specificity in predicting early-immediate AKF were 53.4 and 94.4%, respectively. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Early and intermediate AKF during CRRT is most likely dependent on AOD, which is a frequent event with variable severity.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5129029
title: Supplementary Material for: Internet-Delivered Disease Management for Recurrent Depression: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Strategies to improve the life of patients suffering from recurrent major depression have a high relevance. This study examined the efficacy of 2 Internet-delivered augmentation strategies that aim to prolong symptom-free intervals. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Efficacy was tested in a 3-arm, multicenter, open-label, evaluator-blind, randomized controlled trial. Upon discharge from inpatient mental health care, 232 adults with 3 or more major depressive episodes were randomized to 1 of 2 intervention groups (SUMMIT or SUMMIT-PERSON) or to treatment as usual (TAU) alone. Over 12 months, participants in both intervention arms received, in addition to TAU, intense monitoring via e-mail or a smartphone, including signaling of upcoming crises, assistance with personal crisis management, and facilitation of early intervention. SUMMIT-PERSON additionally offered regular expert chats. The primary outcome was ‘well weeks', i.e. weeks with at most mild symptoms assessed by the Longitudinal Interval Follow-Up Evaluation, during 24 months after the index treatment. <b><i>Results:</i></b> SUMMIT compared to TAU reduced the time with an unwell status (OR 0.48; 95% CI 0.23-0.98) through faster transitions from unwell to well (OR 1.44; 95% CI 0.83-2.50) and slower transitions from well to unwell (OR 0.69; 95% CI 0.44-1.09). Contrary to the hypothesis, SUMMIT-PERSON was not superior to either SUMMIT (OR 0.77; 95% CI 0.38-1.56) or TAU (OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.31-1.24). The efficacy of SUMMIT was strongest 8 months after the intervention. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The fully automated Internet-delivered augmentation strategy SUMMIT has the potential to improve TAU by reducing the lifelong burden of patients with recurrent depression. The fact that the effects wear off suggests a time-unlimited extension.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5129032
title: Supplementary Material for: Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Following Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: Assessment of Risk Factors and Their Impact on Patient Outcomes

description: <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> To identify perioperative risk factors for postoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and suggest possible modifications to reduce morbidity. <b><i>Material and Methods:</i></b> We prospectively analysed perioperative data such as history of pervious stone surgery, number and configuration of stones, presence of stent or nephrostomy, any previous positive urine culture, intraoperative renal pelvic urine and stone culture, aspiration of turbid urine on initial puncture, number of tracts required and clearance of stones, operative time and intraoperative hypotension and tachycardia of all patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy over a period of 15 months. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 182 patients were included, average stone size was 2.8 cm, 36.2% had staghorn stones and 15.9% had an indwelling stent or nephrostomy. Despite sterile preoperative urine culture, renal pelvic urine culture (RPUC) was positive in 14.8% (27 patients) and stone culture was positive in 21.9% (40 patients). SIRS developed in 17.5% (32 patients) and septic shock in 1.09% (2 patients). On analysis younger age, positive RPUC and stone culture, longer operative time and intraoperative tachycardia correlated significantly with the development of SIRS. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Intra-operative cultures are only therapy-guiding cultures during SIRS, as preoperative urine cultures seldom accurately depict bacteriological status of upper tracts and thus should be obtained in all patients.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5129038
title: Supplementary Material for: Early Hemodynamic Changes during Head-Up Tilt Table Testing Can Predict a Neurocardiogenic Response in an African-American Patient Population

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Head-up tilt table testing (HUTT) is time-consuming and associated with increased patient morbidity. Hemodynamic changes that occur during the early phase of HUTT may be predictive of neurocardiogenic syncope. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A retrospective chart review was performed in 119 consecutive African Americans ( 57 ± 19) who underwent HUTT for evaluation of syncope of unknown etiology. Positive responses were defined as the development of symptoms linked with a systolic blood pressure (BP) &lt;90 mm Hg, heart rate &lt;50 b.p.m. or sinus arrest &gt;3 s. Hemodynamic variables during the passive phase of HUTT were analyzed and results were then classified as a function of various predictors. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Sixty-two subjects (52%) had positive HUTT, and 57 (48%) had negative HUTT. Early changes in BP variables from baseline significantly predicted HUTT responses (p &lt; 0.05). There was also a significant interaction between age and BP. An algorithm based on age and BP was developed which had positive and negative predictive values of 67.7 and 93%, respectively, with an accuracy of 79.8%. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> A novel algorithm utilizing the patients' age and changes in both systolic and diastolic BP during the early phase of HUTT enables the prediction of HUTT results without the use of vasoactive stimulation, allowing for rapid diagnosis, decreased patient morbidity and reduction in costs.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5129044.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Diastolic Dysfunction and Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (DD) is associated with an increased mortality in general population and patients with myocardial infarct. In the present study, we investigated whether DD is associated with outcomes after ischemic stroke. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Five hundred and three acute ischemic stroke patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (≥50%) were retrospectively included. Echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging were used to evaluate and grade diastolic function. Ordinal logistic and Cox regression analyses were used to examine relations between DD and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 3 months and mortality after stroke, respectively. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Mean age was 67.2 ± 11.8 years and 63% were men. Among parameters of diastolic function, early mitral inflow velocity/early diastolic mitral annulus velocity (E/e') was independently related with higher mRS score at 3 months and mortality after ischemic stroke. The highest quartile of E/e' (&gt;14) was independently associated with higher mRS score (adjusted OR 3.86, 95% CI 2.27-6.54) as well as with mortality (hazards ratio [HR] 2.87, 95% CI 1.17-7.04) as compared to the lowest quartile of E/e' (&lt;8.8). In addition, moderate-to-severe DD grade was related to higher mRS score (adjusted OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.15-5.06) and mortality (HR 6.63, 95% CI 1.80-24.43) compared to the normal diastolic function. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> In patients with ischemic stroke, DD is associated with functional outcome at 3 months and mortality. Our data suggest that more attention should be given to DD in patients with ischemic stroke.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5129026
title: Supplementary Material for: Heat Shock Factor 1 Deficiency Affects Systemic Body Temperature Regulation

description: <b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) is a ubiquitous heat-sensitive transcription factor that mediates heat shock protein transcription in response to cellular stress, such as increased temperature, in order to protect the organism against misfolded proteins. In this study, we analysed the effect of HSF1 deficiency on core body temperature regulation. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> Body temperature, locomotor activity, and food consumption of wild-type mice and HSF1-deficient mice were recorded. Prolactin and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were measured by ELISA. Gene expression in brown adipose tissue was analysed by quantitative real-time PCR. Hypothalamic HSF1 and its co-localisation with tyrosine hydroxylase was analysed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. <b><i>Results:</i></b> HSF1-deficient mice showed an increase in core body temperature (hyperthermia), decreased overall locomotor activity, and decreased levels of prolactin in pituitary and blood plasma reminiscent of cold adaptation. HSF1 could be detected in various hypothalamic regions involved in temperature regulation, suggesting a potential role of HSF1 in hypothalamic thermoregulation. Moreover, HSF1 co-localises with tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in dopamine synthesis, suggesting a potential role of HSF1 in the hypothalamic control of prolactin release. In brown adipose tissue, levels of prolactin receptor and uncoupled protein 1 were increased in HSF1-deficient mice, consistent with an up-regulation of heat production. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Our data suggest a role of HSF1 in systemic thermoregulation.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5129035.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Patterns and Mechanisms of Artificial Kidney Failure during Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> We aimed to describe the previously unstudied relationship between circuit pressures and circuit clotting, here labeled as ‘artificial kidney failure' (AKF), in patients receiving continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We performed an observational study of CRRT-treated critically ill patients to continuously record the multiple CRRT circuit pressures. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Three patterns of access outflow dysfunction (AOD) were also noted: severe, moderate and mild. Compared with circuits without AOD, circuits experiencing at least one AOD episode had shorter lifespans (14.2 ± 12.7 vs. 21.3 ± 16.5 h, p = 0.057). This effect was more obvious with moderate or severe AOD (8.7 ± 4.6 vs. 20.6 ± 15.7 h, p = 0.007). If any AOD events occurred within the first 4 h, the sensitivity and specificity in predicting early-immediate AKF were 53.4 and 94.4%, respectively. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Early and intermediate AKF during CRRT is most likely dependent on AOD, which is a frequent event with variable severity.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5129038.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Early Hemodynamic Changes during Head-Up Tilt Table Testing Can Predict a Neurocardiogenic Response in an African-American Patient Population

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Head-up tilt table testing (HUTT) is time-consuming and associated with increased patient morbidity. Hemodynamic changes that occur during the early phase of HUTT may be predictive of neurocardiogenic syncope. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A retrospective chart review was performed in 119 consecutive African Americans ( 57 ± 19) who underwent HUTT for evaluation of syncope of unknown etiology. Positive responses were defined as the development of symptoms linked with a systolic blood pressure (BP) &lt;90 mm Hg, heart rate &lt;50 b.p.m. or sinus arrest &gt;3 s. Hemodynamic variables during the passive phase of HUTT were analyzed and results were then classified as a function of various predictors. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Sixty-two subjects (52%) had positive HUTT, and 57 (48%) had negative HUTT. Early changes in BP variables from baseline significantly predicted HUTT responses (p &lt; 0.05). There was also a significant interaction between age and BP. An algorithm based on age and BP was developed which had positive and negative predictive values of 67.7 and 93%, respectively, with an accuracy of 79.8%. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> A novel algorithm utilizing the patients' age and changes in both systolic and diastolic BP during the early phase of HUTT enables the prediction of HUTT results without the use of vasoactive stimulation, allowing for rapid diagnosis, decreased patient morbidity and reduction in costs.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5129026.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Heat Shock Factor 1 Deficiency Affects Systemic Body Temperature Regulation

description: <b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) is a ubiquitous heat-sensitive transcription factor that mediates heat shock protein transcription in response to cellular stress, such as increased temperature, in order to protect the organism against misfolded proteins. In this study, we analysed the effect of HSF1 deficiency on core body temperature regulation. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> Body temperature, locomotor activity, and food consumption of wild-type mice and HSF1-deficient mice were recorded. Prolactin and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were measured by ELISA. Gene expression in brown adipose tissue was analysed by quantitative real-time PCR. Hypothalamic HSF1 and its co-localisation with tyrosine hydroxylase was analysed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. <b><i>Results:</i></b> HSF1-deficient mice showed an increase in core body temperature (hyperthermia), decreased overall locomotor activity, and decreased levels of prolactin in pituitary and blood plasma reminiscent of cold adaptation. HSF1 could be detected in various hypothalamic regions involved in temperature regulation, suggesting a potential role of HSF1 in hypothalamic thermoregulation. Moreover, HSF1 co-localises with tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in dopamine synthesis, suggesting a potential role of HSF1 in the hypothalamic control of prolactin release. In brown adipose tissue, levels of prolactin receptor and uncoupled protein 1 were increased in HSF1-deficient mice, consistent with an up-regulation of heat production. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Our data suggest a role of HSF1 in systemic thermoregulation.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5129017
title: Supplementary Material for: Donepezil Adherence, Persistence and Time to First Discontinuation in a Three-Year Follow-Up of Older People

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Donepezil is indicated for the management of mild to moderate dementia, particularly in Alzheimer's disease. Several studies have described low adherence rates with donepezil. <b><i>Aim:</i></b> To examine and measure donepezil adherence, persistence and time to first discontinuation in older New Zealanders. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> An inception cohort of 1,999 new users of donepezil, aged 65 years or older, were identified from the Pharmaceutical Collections and National Minimum Dataset from 1 November 2010 to 31 December 2013. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analysis were used to estimate the cumulative probability and risk of time to first discontinuation of donepezil therapy. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The mean age of the cohort was 79.5 ± 6.4 years and included 42.7% females. Adherence was high (89.0%), while the proportion of donepezil dispensings (81.0-32.5%) declined between 6 and 36 months. Persistence between the 1st and 6th dispensing visit decreased by 19.0%, and 11.0% of the total cohort had a gap of 31 days or more. The adjusted risk of time to first discontinuation in the non-adherent group was 2.2 times (95% CI 1.9-2.6) that of the adherent group. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The non-adherent new donepezil users, on average, discontinued faster than the adherent group. Time to first discontinuation in this study was higher compared to discontinuation rates observed in clinical trials.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5129020
title: Supplementary Material for: LL-37 Triggers Formation of <b><i>Streptococcus pyogenes</i></b> Extracellular Vesicle-Like Structures with Immune Stimulatory Properties

description: Reports have shown that the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 is abundantly expressed but has limited bactericidal effect in <i>Streptococcus pyogenes</i> infections. At sub-inhibitory concentrations, LL-37 has been reported to alter virulence gene expression. Here, we explored the interaction of <i>S. pyogenes</i> strains with LL-37, focusing on bacterial growth, cell surface alterations and pro-inflammatory responses. Bioscreen turbidity measurements of strain 5448 cultured in the presence or absence of LL-37 confirmed the poor antimicrobial effect, and revealed a significant increase in turbidity of bacterial cultures exposed to sub-inhibitory concentrations of LL-37. However, this was not linked to increased bacterial counts. Electron microscopy of LL-37-exposed bacteria revealed the presence of vesicle-like structures on the bacterial surface. The vesicles stained positive for LL-37 and were released from the bacterial surface. Concentrated supernatants enriched in these structures had a broader protein content, including several virulence factors, compared to supernatants from untreated bacteria. The supernatants from LL-37-exposed bacteria were pro-inflammatory and elicited resistin and myeloperoxidase release from neutrophils. This is the first report on <i>S. pyogenes</i> extracellular vesicle-like structures formed at the bacterial surface in response to LL-37. The associated increased pro-inflammatory activity further implicates LL-37 as a potential factor involved in <i>S. pyogenes</i> pathogenesis.