cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5129242.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Presence of Atrial Fibrillation at the Time of Dialysis Initiation Is Associated with Mortality and Cardiovascular Events

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Death in dialysis patients results mainly from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. To our knowledge, no prospective study has compared the rates of mortality or cardiovascular events between patients with and without atrial fibrillation (AF) at the time of dialysis initiation. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This study included 1,516 patients who were initiated into dialysis between October 2011 and August 2013. Rates of mortality and cardiovascular events were compared between patients with and without AF, and between AF patients with and without warfarin (WF) treatment. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The study comprised 1,025 men and 491 women with a mean age of 67.5 ± 13.1. Of these patients, 93 had AF, while 1,423 did not; 22.6% of the former group and 9.7% of the latter group died by March 2014 (p &lt; 0.01). Cardiovascular events occurred in 34.4% of patients with AF and 15.1% of patients without (p &lt; 0.01). Even after adjustments for various factors, AF remained an independent risk factor for mortality (hazard ratio (HR) 1.873, 95% CI 1.168-3.002, p &lt; 0.01). It was also an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events (HR 1.872, 95% CI 1.262-2.778, p &lt; 0.01). No difference in any parameter was noted between the groups that did and did not receive WF treatment. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Patients with AF at the time of dialysis initiation show a poor prognosis and are at high risk of cardiovascular events. Therefore, AF should be taken into consideration in dialysis patients.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5129230
title: Supplementary Material for: Risk Factors Associated with Left-Sided Cardiac Valve Calcification: A Case Control Study

description: <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> To identify risk factors associated with cardiac valve calcification that is easily detectable through routine blood tests in patients who received valve replacement therapy. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Four hundred patients with valvular heart disease who underwent valve replacement surgery between December 2009 and January 2013 were enrolled in this study. Of these, 77 had valve calcification; the other 323 did not. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess for risk factors associated with valve calcification. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In our study population, rheumatic valve lesions were the most common reason for valve replacement. Degenerative nonstenotic valve lesion was a protective factor and degenerative stenotic valve lesion was a strong risk factor for valve calcification. Serum levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) of between 30 and 46 IU/l and &gt;90 IU/l and total bilirubin (TBIL) of between 15 and 20 μmol/l were positively correlated with valve calcification. Meanwhile, serum calcium (Ca<sup>2+</sup>) levels of between 2.3 and 2.4 mmol/l were negatively correlated with rheumatic valve calcification. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Degenerative stenotic lesion is a risk factor and degenerative nonstenotic lesion a protective factor for cardiac valve calcification. Serum GGT and TBIL levels are positively correlated and serum Ca<sup>2+</sup> levels negatively correlated with rheumatic cardiac valve calcification.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5129233.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Survival in Frontotemporal Dementia Phenotypes: A Meta-Analysis

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Survival in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is not well understood. We conducted a mixed effects meta-analysis of survival in FTD to examine phenotype differences and contributory factors. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Cochrane databases were searched for studies describing survival or natural history of behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD), progressive non-fluent aphasia (PNFA), semantic dementia (SD), FTD with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FTD-ALS), progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration. There were no language restrictions. <b><i>Results:</i></b> We included 27 studies (2,462 subjects). Aggregate mean and median survival were derived for each phenotype and, for comparison, Alzheimer's disease (AD) (using data from the selected studies). Survival was shortest in FTD-ALS (2.5 years). Mean survival was longest in bvFTD and PNFA (8 years) and median survival in SD (12 years). AD was comparable in survival to all except FTD-ALS. Age and sex did not affect survival; the education effect was equivocal. Heterogeneity in FTD survival was largely, but not wholly, explained by phenotypes. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Survival differs for FTD phenotypes but, except for FTD-ALS, compares well to AD survival. Elucidating the potential causes of within-phenotype heterogeneity in survival (such as complicating features and comorbidities) may open up opportunities for tailored interventions.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5129236.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Decreased Toll-Like Receptor 2 and Toll-Like Receptor 7/8-Induced Cytokines in Parkinson's Disease Patients

description: <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are expressed in several immune cells including blood monocytes and resident macrophages, such as microglia in the central nervous system. TLRs recognize pathogen- or damage-associated molecular patterns, leading to the release of inflammatory and toxic molecules, which can contribute to neuroinflammation associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). The aim of this study was to compare the potential of peripheral blood cells from PD patients or healthy subjects to produce cytokines after exposure to TLR agonists, and to investigate TLR2 and TLR4 expression on monocyte subsets. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Twenty-one patients and 21 healthy controls were recruited. Patients were evaluated according to the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, and Hoehn and Yahr stage. Cytokines were measured in supernatants of whole blood cultures after incubation with TLR2, TLR4, or TLR7/8 agonists, by cytometric bead array. Expression of CD14, CD16, TLR2, and TLR4 was analyzed by cytometry. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Patient blood cells produced lower levels of cytokines in response to TLR2 and also after TLR7/8/R848 activation than controls. Percentages of CD14<sup>+</sup>CD16<sup>+</sup> or CD14<sup>+</sup>CD16<sup>-</sup> monocytes and TLR2 and TLR4 expression were similar between patients and controls. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Blood leukocyte TLR2 and TLR7/8 responses are impaired in PD. This was neither associated with imbalance in monocyte subsets nor with TLR2/TLR4 expression on these cells. The association between a decreased TLR response in periphery and damage of brain in PD must be further investigated.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5129224
title: Supplementary Material for: Alterations in Monocyte Phenotypes and Functions after a Hip Fracture in Elderly Individuals: A 6-Month Longitudinal Study

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Healthy elderly individuals are particularly prone to catastrophic events at any moment of their lives. One stressful event for individuals aged 65 and older is a fall that results in a fracture of the hip (HF). HF causes a state of inflammation that may affect immune responses. In this connection, we have reported that HF induced alterations in neutrophil functions. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> To assess the impact of HF on classical (cM), intermediate (iM) and non-classical (ncM) monocyte subsets. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Distribution, functions (chemotaxis, phagocytosis, superoxide production and cytokine production), phenotype and activation (NF-κB and PI3K) were evaluated in monocyte subsets before surgery and 6 weeks and 6 months after the event. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The distribution of cM and ncM was unchanged, but iM transiently increased before surgery. Sustained increases (iM response to CCL2 and CX3CL1) and decreases (cM and ncM response to CCL2) in chemotaxis were observed. Phagocytosis and superoxide production were impaired in cM but not in iM or ncM. Sustained expression of HLA-DR occurred in cM but not in iM and ncM. Sustained decreased expression of CD11b occurred only in ncM. Sustained decreases (cM and ncM) and increases (iM) in CCR2 expression were observed. An elevated expression of CX3CR1 was found only in iM. cM produced elevated quantities of TNFα. There was a transient oxidative burst of production before surgery in iM and a sustained decrease in ncM. IL-10 production was severely impaired in cM and decreased in iM prior to surgery. Sustained activation (cM), inhibition (ncM) and transient activation (iM) of NF-κB were observed. Activation of PI3K was severely impaired in cM and ncM but was sustained in iM. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> HF had more impact on cM and ncM functions than on iM. HF triggered a switch in cM functions from phagocytic to inflammatory elevated TNFα-producing cells. These changes may impact clinical outcomes of HF with respect to inflammation, opportunistic infections and physical recovery.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5129227
title: Supplementary Material for: A Review on Breast Cancer Care in Africa

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> The global incidence of breast cancer (BC) is rising, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The purpose of this review is to summarize existing publications on BC care in Africa. <b><i>Patients and Methods:</i></b> A systematic search in MEDLINE and smaller databases was carried out to identify African studies on BC treatment, and an additional PubMed search was performed for relevant topics on BC care. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 219 publications, mainly from North and West Africa, were found by systematic search. We also selected articles on BC epidemiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, and cancer control in Africa. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Publications on BC treatment are mostly from hospital case series. Evidence on treatment from prospective randomized trials that address the specific characteristics of African patients is lacking. The epidemiologic data shows rising incidences in Africa. The prevalence of risk factors is changing by age group, geographic region, and over time. The clinical picture of BC differs from that of Western countries due to the high proportion of young patients (on account of the African population with a high proportion of young people) and late presentation. Global collaborative efforts are needed to address the rising need for improved BC care in Africa.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5129230.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Risk Factors Associated with Left-Sided Cardiac Valve Calcification: A Case Control Study

description: <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> To identify risk factors associated with cardiac valve calcification that is easily detectable through routine blood tests in patients who received valve replacement therapy. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Four hundred patients with valvular heart disease who underwent valve replacement surgery between December 2009 and January 2013 were enrolled in this study. Of these, 77 had valve calcification; the other 323 did not. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess for risk factors associated with valve calcification. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In our study population, rheumatic valve lesions were the most common reason for valve replacement. Degenerative nonstenotic valve lesion was a protective factor and degenerative stenotic valve lesion was a strong risk factor for valve calcification. Serum levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) of between 30 and 46 IU/l and &gt;90 IU/l and total bilirubin (TBIL) of between 15 and 20 μmol/l were positively correlated with valve calcification. Meanwhile, serum calcium (Ca<sup>2+</sup>) levels of between 2.3 and 2.4 mmol/l were negatively correlated with rheumatic valve calcification. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Degenerative stenotic lesion is a risk factor and degenerative nonstenotic lesion a protective factor for cardiac valve calcification. Serum GGT and TBIL levels are positively correlated and serum Ca<sup>2+</sup> levels negatively correlated with rheumatic cardiac valve calcification.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5129218
title: Supplementary Material for: The Human Glycoprotein Salivary Agglutinin Inhibits the Interaction of DC-SIGN and Langerin with Oral Micro-Organisms

description: Salivary agglutinin (SAG), also known as gp340 or SALSA, is a glycoprotein encoded by the <i>Deleted in Malignant Brain Tumours 1</i> gene and is abundantly present in human saliva. SAG aggregates bacteria and viruses, thereby promoting their clearance from the oral cavity. The mucosa lining the oral cavity contains dendritic cells (DC) and Langerhans cells (LC), which express the C-type lectin receptors (CLR) DC-SIGN and Langerin, respectively. Both DC-SIGN and Langerin recognise mannose and fucose carbohydrate structures on pathogens and self-glycoproteins to regulate immunity and homeostasis. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether SAG interacts with these CLR and whether this interferes with the binding to oral pathogens. We show that whole parotid saliva and SAG, when coated to microplates, strongly interact with DC-SIGN and Langerin, probably via mannose and fucose structures. Also, primary human DC and LC bind parotid saliva and SAG via DC-SIGN and Langerin, respectively. Furthermore, SAG binding to DC-SIGN or Langerin prevented binding to the micro-organisms <i>Candida albicans</i> and <i>Escherichia coli</i> which express mannose and fucose-containing glycan structures. Thus, binding of saliva glycoprotein SAG to DC-SIGN and Langerin may inhibit pathogen-DC/LC interactions, and could prove to be a new immunomodulatory mechanism of SAG.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5129221
title: Supplementary Material for: Febuxostat Prevents Renal Interstitial Fibrosis by the Activation of BMP-7 Signaling and Inhibition of USAG-1 Expression in Rats

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is a common pathology associated with end-stage renal diseases. The activation of bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7)-Smad1/5/8 pathway seems to alleviate RIF. Uterine sensitization-associated gene-1 (USAG-1), a kidney-specific BMPs antagonist, is associated with the development and prognosis of several renal diseases. Febuxostat is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that can attenuate the renal dysfunction of patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of febuxostat on renal fibrosis and to clarify the mechanisms underlying these effects. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Rats were randomly divided into 6 groups termed a sham-operated group, a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) group, 3 doses of febuxostat groups (low, intermediate and high doses) and a sham group treated with high-dose febuxostat. After 14 days, renal function, relative kidney weight, accumulation of glycogen and collagens were examined by different methods. Expression of α-SMA, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), BMP-7 and USAG-1 was detected by western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively. The phosphorylation level of Smad1/5/8 was also quantified by western blotting. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The renal function was declined, and large amounts of glycogen and collagens were deposited in the kidneys of UUO rats compared with the rats in the sham group. Besides, expression of α-SMA and USAG-1 in these kidneys was elevated, and the TGF-β1 was also activated, while the BMP-7-Smad1/5/8 pathway was inhibited. Febuxostat reversed the changes stated earlier, exhibiting protective effects on RIF induced by UUO. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Febuxostat was able to attenuate RIF caused by UUO, which was associated with the activation of BMP-7-Smad1/5/8 pathway and the inhibition of USAG-1 expression in the kidneys of UUO rats.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5129212
title: Supplementary Material for: Which Aspects of Stroke Do Animal Models Capture? A Multitracer Micro-PET Study of Focal Ischemia with Endothelin-1

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Cortical injections of the vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 (ET1) have widely been used to induce focal circumscribed ischemic lesions in the motor cortex of rodents in the context of stroke recovery studies. In order to apply this model correctly, it is essential to understand the time course of regional flow changes and of the development of penumbra and infarction. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Multitracer micro-PET of ET1 focal ischemia in rats was performed using [<sup>11</sup>C]-flumazenil ([<sup>11</sup>C]FMZ) as a flow- and viability tracer and [<sup>18</sup>F]-fluoromisonidazole ([<sup>18</sup>F]FMISO) as hypoxia marker in order to characterize the physiological time-course of this model. Nine adult Sprague-Dawley rats received stereotaxic injections of ET1 into the right primary motor cortex, 3 served as controls. PET imaging was started 2, 3 and 20 h after the last ET1 injection. Histology was obtained at the end of the scans. Standardized uptake value ratios reflecting cerebral blood flow (CBF), [<sup>11</sup>C]FMZ-binding and [<sup>18</sup>F]FMISO-retention were calculated for the region of hypoperfusion and the normoperfused cortex. <b><i>Results:</i></b> CBF in the hypoperfused cortex was significantly reduced (p &lt; 0.01) at 5 h (0.58 ± 0.025), 6 h (0.54 ± 0.043) and 23 h (0.66 ± 0.024) compared to controls (1.00 ± 0.011) and moderately reduced (p &lt; 0.05) in the remainder of the affected hemisphere at 5 h (0.93 ± 0.036). [<sup>11</sup>C]FMZ-binding was within the control range at all time points. Significant [<sup>18</sup>F]FMISO-retention (1.16 ± 0.091, p &lt; 0.05) was observed only after 6 h in the ischemic core that later turned into infarct. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> ET1 injections yield reproducible, slowly developing ischemic lesions with constant levels of hypoperfusion. This multitracer micro-PET study suggests that the ET1 model is appropriate for inducing chronic circumscribed ischemic lesions but seems to be less suited for studying acute stroke pathophysiology.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5129215
title: Supplementary Material for: Primary FSGS in Nephrotic Adults: Clinical Profile, Response to Immunosuppression and Outcome

description: <b><i>Aim:</i></b> Primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a common cause of nephrotic proteinuria in adults. Most studies on FSGS have combined pediatric and adult patients. This study aims at assessing the response to immunosuppression and its impact on renal survival in adults with primary FSGS. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Patients with nephrotic proteinuria with primary FSGS seen from January 2010 to December 2014 were included. Clinical, laboratory and treatment details were recorded. Deterioration in renal function was defined as ≥50% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or progression to end-stage renal disease. <b><i>Results:</i></b> There were 116 patients with median follow-up of 23.6 (6-65.1) months. Baseline proteinuria was 5.1 ± 2.6 g/day and eGFR was 96.9 ± 35.1 ml/min/1.73 m<sup>2</sup>. One hundred one (94.4%) patients had received angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker (ACEi/ARB). One hundred fourteen patients received steroids. Forty two of 114 patients (36.8%)were steroid resistant. Thirty eight received calcineurin inhibitors (CNI). Seventeen (44.7%) were CNI resistant of which 2 achieved remission with alternate immunosuppression. Eleven (9.5%) patients had worsening renal function - 9 had no remission, 2 had PR with none in CR (30 vs. 5.6% vs. 0, respectively, log-rank, p &lt; 0.001). ACEi/ARBs use and remission of proteinuria were independently associated with better renal survival. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Achieving remission, whether complete or partial, is the critical factor in predicting renal survival in nephrotic adults with primary FSGS. Steroid-resistant patients have reasonable renal survival, if proteinuria is reduced with timely use of alternate immunosuppression. CNI resistance is a major hurdle in management with limited treatment options.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5129221.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Febuxostat Prevents Renal Interstitial Fibrosis by the Activation of BMP-7 Signaling and Inhibition of USAG-1 Expression in Rats

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is a common pathology associated with end-stage renal diseases. The activation of bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7)-Smad1/5/8 pathway seems to alleviate RIF. Uterine sensitization-associated gene-1 (USAG-1), a kidney-specific BMPs antagonist, is associated with the development and prognosis of several renal diseases. Febuxostat is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that can attenuate the renal dysfunction of patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of febuxostat on renal fibrosis and to clarify the mechanisms underlying these effects. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Rats were randomly divided into 6 groups termed a sham-operated group, a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) group, 3 doses of febuxostat groups (low, intermediate and high doses) and a sham group treated with high-dose febuxostat. After 14 days, renal function, relative kidney weight, accumulation of glycogen and collagens were examined by different methods. Expression of α-SMA, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), BMP-7 and USAG-1 was detected by western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively. The phosphorylation level of Smad1/5/8 was also quantified by western blotting. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The renal function was declined, and large amounts of glycogen and collagens were deposited in the kidneys of UUO rats compared with the rats in the sham group. Besides, expression of α-SMA and USAG-1 in these kidneys was elevated, and the TGF-β1 was also activated, while the BMP-7-Smad1/5/8 pathway was inhibited. Febuxostat reversed the changes stated earlier, exhibiting protective effects on RIF induced by UUO. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Febuxostat was able to attenuate RIF caused by UUO, which was associated with the activation of BMP-7-Smad1/5/8 pathway and the inhibition of USAG-1 expression in the kidneys of UUO rats.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5129227.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: A Review on Breast Cancer Care in Africa

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> The global incidence of breast cancer (BC) is rising, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The purpose of this review is to summarize existing publications on BC care in Africa. <b><i>Patients and Methods:</i></b> A systematic search in MEDLINE and smaller databases was carried out to identify African studies on BC treatment, and an additional PubMed search was performed for relevant topics on BC care. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 219 publications, mainly from North and West Africa, were found by systematic search. We also selected articles on BC epidemiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, and cancer control in Africa. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Publications on BC treatment are mostly from hospital case series. Evidence on treatment from prospective randomized trials that address the specific characteristics of African patients is lacking. The epidemiologic data shows rising incidences in Africa. The prevalence of risk factors is changing by age group, geographic region, and over time. The clinical picture of BC differs from that of Western countries due to the high proportion of young patients (on account of the African population with a high proportion of young people) and late presentation. Global collaborative efforts are needed to address the rising need for improved BC care in Africa.