cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5126197
title: Supplementary Material for: Drug-Eluting Stent, but Not Bare Metal Stent, Accentuates the Systematic Inflammatory Response in Patients

description: <b><i>Objective:</i></b> The systematic pro-inflammatory responses after percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents (DES) remain poorly defined. Therefore, we compared the systematic pro-inflammatory state of circulating mononuclear cells (MNCs) between DES and bare metal stent (BMS) implantation. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Patients with indications for treatment with stents were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to placement of DES or BMS. The primary endpoint was a change of pro-inflammatory state at 12 weeks post-procedure. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Thirty-six consecutive patients received DES or BMS. At 12 weeks after stent implantation, the lipid profile and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) improved significantly in both groups. The mRNA levels and plasma concentrations of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-a and matrix metalloproteinase-9 were significantly elevated in the DES group, which was not observed in the BMS group. An increase in NF-γB binding activity and a decrease in PPAR-γ expression in MNCs were observed in the DES group, along with increases in IγB phosphorylation and p50 expression. However, similar changes were not observed in the BMS group. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Systematic inflammatory responses were accentuated after the patients were treated percutaneously with DES, despite their improved lipid profile and hs-CRP. These data may provide fundamental information for optimizing therapeutic strategy in the era of DES.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5126194
title: Supplementary Material for: Impact of Age, Race and Ethnicity on Dialysis Patient Survival and Kidney Transplantation Disparities

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Prior studies show that African-American and Hispanic dialysis patients have lower mortality risk than whites. Recent age-stratified analyses suggest this survival advantage may be limited to younger age groups, but did not concurrently compare Hispanic, African-American, and white patients, nor account for differences in nutritional and inflammatory status as potential confounders. Minorities experience inequities in kidney transplantation access, but it is unknown whether these racial/ethnic disparities differ across age groups. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The associations between race/ethnicity with all-cause mortality and kidney transplantation were separately examined among 130,909 adult dialysis patients from a large national dialysis organization (entry period 2001-2006, follow-up through 2009) within 7 age categories using Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for case-mix and malnutrition and inflammatory surrogates.<b><i> Results:</i></b> African-Americans had similar mortality versus whites in younger age groups (18-40 years), but decreased mortality in older age groups (&gt;40 years). In contrast, Hispanics had lower mortality versus whites across all ages. In sensitivity analyses using competing risk regression to account for differential kidney transplantation rates across racial/ethnic groups, the African-American survival advantage was limited to &gt;60-years age categories. African-Americans and Hispanics were less likely to undergo kidney transplantation from all donor types versus whites across all ages, and these disparities were even more pronounced for living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Hispanic dialysis patients have greater survival versus whites across all ages; in African-Americans, this survival advantage is limited to patients &gt;40 years of age. Minorities are less likely to undergo kidney transplantation, particularly LDKT, across all ages.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5126191
title: Supplementary Material for: Enhancement of Drug-Specific Lymphocyte Proliferation Using CD25<sup>hi</sup>-Depleted CD3<sup>+</sup> Effector Cells

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> The lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) is used for in vitro diagnosis of drug hypersensitivity reactions. While its specificity is over 90%, sensitivity is limited and depends on the type of reaction, drug and possibly time interval between the event and analysis. Removal of regulatory T cells (Treg/CD25<sup>hi</sup>) from in vitro stimulated cell cultures was previously reported to be a promising method to increase the sensitivity of proliferation tests. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> The aim of this investigation is to evaluate the effect of removal of regulatory T cells on the sensitivity of the LTT. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Patients with well-documented drug hypersensitivity were recruited. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells, isolated CD3<sup>+</sup> and CD3<sup>+</sup> T cells depleted of the CD25<sup>hi</sup> fraction were used as effector cells in the LTT. Irrelevant drugs were also included to determine specificity. <sup>3</sup>H-thymidine incorporation was utilized as the detection system and results were expressed as a stimulation index (SI). <b><i>Results:</i></b> SIs of 7/11 LTTs were reduced after a mean time interval of 10.5 months (LTT 1 vs. LTT 2). Removal of the CD25<sup>hi</sup> fraction, which was FOXP3<sup>+</sup> and had a suppressive effect on drug-induced proliferation, resulted in an increased response to the relevant drugs. Sensitivity was increased from 25 to 82.35% with dramatically enhanced SI (2.05 to 6.02). Specificity was not affected. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Removal of Treg/CD25<sup>hi</sup> cells can increase the frequency and strengths of drug-specific proliferation without affecting specificity. This approach might be useful in certain drug hypersensitivity reactions with borderline responses or long time interval since the hypersensitivity reaction.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5126197.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Drug-Eluting Stent, but Not Bare Metal Stent, Accentuates the Systematic Inflammatory Response in Patients

description: <b><i>Objective:</i></b> The systematic pro-inflammatory responses after percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents (DES) remain poorly defined. Therefore, we compared the systematic pro-inflammatory state of circulating mononuclear cells (MNCs) between DES and bare metal stent (BMS) implantation. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Patients with indications for treatment with stents were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to placement of DES or BMS. The primary endpoint was a change of pro-inflammatory state at 12 weeks post-procedure. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Thirty-six consecutive patients received DES or BMS. At 12 weeks after stent implantation, the lipid profile and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) improved significantly in both groups. The mRNA levels and plasma concentrations of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-a and matrix metalloproteinase-9 were significantly elevated in the DES group, which was not observed in the BMS group. An increase in NF-γB binding activity and a decrease in PPAR-γ expression in MNCs were observed in the DES group, along with increases in IγB phosphorylation and p50 expression. However, similar changes were not observed in the BMS group. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Systematic inflammatory responses were accentuated after the patients were treated percutaneously with DES, despite their improved lipid profile and hs-CRP. These data may provide fundamental information for optimizing therapeutic strategy in the era of DES.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5126203.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Factors Influencing the Accuracy of Fetal Weight Estimation with a Focus on Preterm Birth at the Limit of Viability: A Systematic Literature Review

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Fetal weight estimation (FWE) is an important factor for clinical management decisions, especially in imminent preterm birth at the limit of viability between 23<sup>0/7</sup> and 26<sup>0/7</sup> weeks of gestation. It is crucial to detect and eliminate factors that have a negative impact on the accuracy of FWE. <b><i>Data Sources:</i></b> In this systematic literature review, we investigated 14 factors that may influence the accuracy of FWE, in particular in preterm neonates born at the limit of viability. <b><i>Results:</i></b> We found that gestational age, maternal body mass index, amniotic fluid index and ruptured membranes, presentation of the fetus, location of the placenta and the presence of multiple fetuses do not seem to have an impact on FWE accuracy. The influence of the examiner's grade of experience and that of fetal gender were discussed controversially. Fetal weight, time interval between estimation and delivery and the use of different formulas seem to have an evident effect on FWE accuracy. No results were obtained on the impact of active labor. <b><i>Discussion:</i></b> This review reveals that only few studies investigated factors possibly influencing the accuracy of FWE in preterm neonates at the limit of viability. Further research in this specific age group on potential confounding factors is needed.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5126182
title: Supplementary Material for: Altered MicroRNA Expression of Nasal Mucosa in Long-Term Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) commonly coexist and can be taken as manifestations of one syndrome. Evidence exists that microRNAs (miRNAs) are important in controlling inflammatory processes and they are considered promising biomarkers. However, little is known about the differences in miRNA expression in patients with chronic allergic airway disease. This study evaluated the inflammatory and miRNA profiles of the nasal mucosa of patients with long-term asthma with and without AR. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We analyzed inflammatory cells, cytokines, and miRNAs in nasal biopsies and measured exhaled and nasal nitric oxide levels during the nonpollen season in 117 middle-aged men who had suffered mainly from allergic asthma for approximately 20 years and also in 33 healthy controls. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The differences in the number of nasal eosinophils and cytokine expression levels were modest in nasal biopsies taken from asthmatics. Downregulation of miR-18a, miR-126, let-7e, miR-155, and miR-224 and upregulation of miR-498, miR-187, miR-874, miR-143, and miR-886-3p were observed in asthmatic patients in comparison to controls. The differences in miRNA expression were mainly similar in asthmatics with and without AR. With regard to asthma severity, a trend of increased miRNA expression in persistent asthma was seen, whereas the downregulation of certain miRNAs was most distinct in nonpersistent-asthma patients. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Differences in miRNA expression in the nasal mucosa of subjects with long-term asthma and AR can be seen also when no markers of Th2-type inflammation are detected. Asthma severity had only a minor impact on miRNA expression.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5126191.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Enhancement of Drug-Specific Lymphocyte Proliferation Using CD25<sup>hi</sup>-Depleted CD3<sup>+</sup> Effector Cells

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> The lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) is used for in vitro diagnosis of drug hypersensitivity reactions. While its specificity is over 90%, sensitivity is limited and depends on the type of reaction, drug and possibly time interval between the event and analysis. Removal of regulatory T cells (Treg/CD25<sup>hi</sup>) from in vitro stimulated cell cultures was previously reported to be a promising method to increase the sensitivity of proliferation tests. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> The aim of this investigation is to evaluate the effect of removal of regulatory T cells on the sensitivity of the LTT. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Patients with well-documented drug hypersensitivity were recruited. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells, isolated CD3<sup>+</sup> and CD3<sup>+</sup> T cells depleted of the CD25<sup>hi</sup> fraction were used as effector cells in the LTT. Irrelevant drugs were also included to determine specificity. <sup>3</sup>H-thymidine incorporation was utilized as the detection system and results were expressed as a stimulation index (SI). <b><i>Results:</i></b> SIs of 7/11 LTTs were reduced after a mean time interval of 10.5 months (LTT 1 vs. LTT 2). Removal of the CD25<sup>hi</sup> fraction, which was FOXP3<sup>+</sup> and had a suppressive effect on drug-induced proliferation, resulted in an increased response to the relevant drugs. Sensitivity was increased from 25 to 82.35% with dramatically enhanced SI (2.05 to 6.02). Specificity was not affected. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Removal of Treg/CD25<sup>hi</sup> cells can increase the frequency and strengths of drug-specific proliferation without affecting specificity. This approach might be useful in certain drug hypersensitivity reactions with borderline responses or long time interval since the hypersensitivity reaction.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5126200.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Etiologic Spectrum and Prognosis of Longitudinally Extensive Transverse Myelopathies

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Patients with a first episode of longitudinal extensive transverse myelopathy (LETM) were reviewed with two objectives: to evaluate the clinical spectrum of LETM and to analyze the related clinical and laboratory variables that can be used as functional prognostic markers. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A retrospective review was conducted of clinical, radiologic and biochemical data of patients admitted for LETM between 1993 and 2011. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Our cohort included 72 patients [median age 41 years, interquartile range (IQR) 29-61.5]. Median follow-up was 34 months (IQR 17.2-63). The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was ≥2 at the end of follow-up in 72.2%. The final diagnosis was idiopathic LETM in 22 patients, multiple sclerosis in 18, parainfectious disease in 11, systemic disease in 9, spinal cord infarction and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders in 3 patients each, and acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis, dural fistula, and tumor-related LETM in 2 patients each. Unfavorable outcome was associated with mRS ≥2 at admission [odds ratio (OR) 1.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16-1.66] and older age (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01-1.11). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Idiopathic LETM was the most frequent diagnosis at the end of follow-up. Older age and clinically severe disease at onset were independent prognostic factors of poorer functional recovery.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5126185
title: Supplementary Material for: Improved FcγRIIb Targeting Functionally Translates into Enhanced Inhibition of Basophil Activation

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Mast cells and basophils express the high-affinity IgE receptor, FcεRI, as well as the low-affinity IgG receptor, FcγRIIb. While FcεRI is responsible for IgE-dependent degranulation upon coaggregation with allergens, FcγRIIb has been shown to downregulate degranulation through cross-linking with FcεRI. A previously developed fusion protein consisting of an anti-IgE DARPin linked to the human IgG<sub>1</sub>-Fc part (DE53-Fc) has been shown to simultaneously target FcεRI and FcγRIIb with low affinity and to thereby prevent basophil activation. The affinity of a ligand for its receptor is known to be critical for the functional consequences of the binding. So we generated two mutated DE53-Fc molecules with either an improved (DE53-Fc mut+) or a reduced (DE53-Fc mut-) binding to FcγRIIb and assessed their potential to inhibit IgE-dependent basophil activation. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> DE53-Fc was modified by introducing single site-directed point mutations in the Fc part. The mutated constructs were used to assess kinetic parameters as well as the inhibitory capacity on basophil activation and the production of leukotriene C<sub>4</sub> (LTC<sub>4</sub>) and IL-13. <b><i>Results:</i></b> DE53-Fc mut+ showed increased affinity for FcγRIIb as well as an enhanced potential to inhibit IgG<sub>1</sub> binding to FcγRIIb, resulting in improved efficacy in functional assays. Furthermore, DE53-Fc mut+ decreased de novo-synthesized LTC<sub>4</sub> as well as the cytokine IL-13, suggesting that it might be an inhibitor of the allergic late-phase reaction. <b><i>Conclusion: </i></b>Our data suggest that improved binding to FcγRIIb at constant low-affinity binding to IgE leads to more efficient coaggregation of FcεRI-FcγRIIb and results in the enhanced inhibition of basophil activation.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5126188
title: Supplementary Material for: The Genetic Variants of Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin Protein in Children with Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is expressed by airway epithelial cells and plays a key role in immunological events in asthma. Data on the genetic variants of TSLP and its association with asthma and allergic rhinitis are scarce. We aimed to investigate the effects of the genetic variants of TSLP in children with asthma and allergic rhinitis. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The genetic variants of the TSLP gene were determined by sequencing 25 asthmatic and 25 healthy children. In an association study, a population of 506 asthmatics and 157 healthy controls was screened for the following single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): rs3806933 and rs2289276 in the promoter region; rs11466741, rs11466742, and rs2289278 in intron 2; rs10073816, rs11466749, and rs11466750 in exon 4, and rs11466754 in 3′-UTR. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction analysis, presence of the rs11466749 AA genotype with atopy was significantly associated with a diagnosis of asthma (testing set accuracy: 0.720 and cross validation: 9/10). Two functional SNPs showed a gender-specific association with allergy, i.e. the rs3806933 CC genotype with asthma in boys (p = 0.032, nonsignificant after multiple testing) and the rs2289276 CC genotype with higher eosinophil numbers in asthmatic girls (p = 0.003). The presence of allergic rhinitis in asthmatic children strengthened the association of the rs11466749 GG genotype with asthma (p = 0.001), and rs2289276 was significantly associated with lower FEV<sub>1</sub> levels in asthmatics without allergic rhinitis (p = 0.003). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Variants in the gene encoding the TSLP protein may have differential effects on asthma phenotypes depending on gender, atopy, and the presence of allergic rhinitis.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5126176
title: Supplementary Material for: Impact of Delivery Models on Understanding Genomic Risk for Type 2 Diabetes

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Genetic information, typically communicated in-person by genetic counselors, can be challenging to comprehend; delivery of this information online - as is becoming more common - has the potential of increasing these challenges. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> To address the impact of the mode of delivery of genomic risk information, 300 individuals were recruited from the general public and randomized to receive genomic risk information for type 2 diabetes mellitus in-person from a board-certified genetic counselor or online through the testing company's website. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Participants were asked to indicate their genomic risk and overall lifetime risk as reported on their test report as well as to interpret their genomic risk (increased, decreased, or same as population). For each question, 59% of participants correctly indicated their risk. Participants who received their results in-person were more likely than those who reviewed their results on-line to correctly interpret their genomic risk (72 vs. 47%, p = 0.0002) and report their actual genomic risk (69 vs. 49%, p = 0.002). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The delivery of personal genomic risk through a trained health professional resulted in significantly higher comprehension. Therefore, if the online delivery of genomic test results is to become more widespread, further evaluation of this method of communication may be needed to ensure the effective presentation of results to promote comprehension.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5126179
title: Supplementary Material for: Ultrasonographic Study of Initial Size and Postnatal Growth of Kidneys in Preterm Infants

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Preterm birth is known to be associated with risks of impaired nephrogenesis. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> To determine the normal range of renal sizes at birth in preterm infants as well as their short-term postnatal renal growth, to assess the correlation between initial renal size and growth parameters at birth and to compare the initial and serial renal sizes between appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) preterm infants. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Initial ultrasonography (US) was prospectively performed in 125 preterm infants within the first 72 h of life and every 2 weeks thereafter until a postmenstrual age (PMA) of 37 weeks was reached. Correlation between renal size and growth parameters was investigated. Renal lengths of AGA and SGA preterm infants were compared with those of age-matched fetuses described in the literature. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The renal sizes at birth in preterm infants are presented. Multiple regression analysis showed the strongest correlation between initial renal size and birth weight (p &lt; 0.0001). Initial renal lengths of AGA infants were not significantly different from those of age-matched fetuses at ≥30 weeks' gestational age (GA), whereas those of SGA infants were significantly smaller at ≥28 weeks' GA. Serial renal lengths of SGA infants were significantly smaller than fetal renal lengths at ≥30 weeks' GA. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> With US, the normal range of initial renal sizes of AGA preterm infants was defined according to GA. In contrast to AGA infants, SGA infants showed smaller initial renal sizes and no significant catch-up growth until a PMA of 37 weeks.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5126176.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Impact of Delivery Models on Understanding Genomic Risk for Type 2 Diabetes

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Genetic information, typically communicated in-person by genetic counselors, can be challenging to comprehend; delivery of this information online - as is becoming more common - has the potential of increasing these challenges. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> To address the impact of the mode of delivery of genomic risk information, 300 individuals were recruited from the general public and randomized to receive genomic risk information for type 2 diabetes mellitus in-person from a board-certified genetic counselor or online through the testing company's website. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Participants were asked to indicate their genomic risk and overall lifetime risk as reported on their test report as well as to interpret their genomic risk (increased, decreased, or same as population). For each question, 59% of participants correctly indicated their risk. Participants who received their results in-person were more likely than those who reviewed their results on-line to correctly interpret their genomic risk (72 vs. 47%, p = 0.0002) and report their actual genomic risk (69 vs. 49%, p = 0.002). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The delivery of personal genomic risk through a trained health professional resulted in significantly higher comprehension. Therefore, if the online delivery of genomic test results is to become more widespread, further evaluation of this method of communication may be needed to ensure the effective presentation of results to promote comprehension.