cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5126941
title: Supplementary Material for: Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESA) for Preventing the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease: A Meta-Analysis of 19 Studies

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> The effect of anemia correction on kidney function in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients remains unclear. As 19-40% of patients with CKD receive an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA), this is a potentially important consideration. <b><i>Summary:</i></b> We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials to January 1, 2014 in adult patients with CKD stages 1 to 4. Selection criteria for studies: randomized controlled trials of at least 2 months duration. Patients were allocated to ESA versus placebo, no treatment, or different ESA doses with the purpose of achieving a higher versus a lower hemoglobin target. The analyzed outcomes were the need for renal replacement therapy, doubling of serum creatinine, change in GFR (ml/min), mortality and withdrawal of treatment due to adverse events. A total of 19 trials (n = 8,129 participants with CKD stage 1-4) were reviewed. There was no difference in the risk of end-stage kidney disease (RR, 0.97 [CI 0.83-1.20], 17 trials, 8,104 participants), change in GFR (Mean Difference [MD] -0.45 [-2.21, 1.31], 9 trials, 1,848 participants) or withdrawal of treatment due to adverse events (RR, 1.18 [CI 0.77-1.81], 10 trials, n = 1,958 participants) for patients at higher hemoglobin (Hb) targets. Furthermore, no statistically significant differences in mortality (Risk Ratio [RR] 1.10 [CI 0.90-1.35], 16 trials, n = 8,082 participants) were observed. <b><i>Key Messages:</i></b> There is no evidence that ESA treatment affects renal function in patients with CKD. Use of these agents should not therefore be influenced by considerations about influencing CKD progression.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5126947
title: Supplementary Material for: Hearing Aid Use in Everyday Life: Managing Contextual Variability

description: <b><i>Background and Objective:</i></b> We investigated usage of and satisfaction with hearing aid devices in everyday life among older adults with hearing loss. Our research further advances the role of hearing contexts for hearing aid use and satisfaction. A central assumption was that hearing aid owners adapt the usage of the hearing aid devices to contextual demands of hearing depending on their personal resources. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> In a sample of 158 hearing aid owners aged 50-88 years, we examined proactive hearing aid use in everyday life and its association with the usage of, and satisfaction with, hearing aids. The study was administered online. Using an adapted version of the day-reconstruction method, participants reported hearing episodes during the preceding day. Hearing aid use was assessed via the proportion of waking time with hearing aids. Satisfaction with hearing aids was measured via the Satisfaction with Daily Amplification scale. <b><i>Results:</i></b> When using the hearing aids more often, and when reporting greater satisfaction, older adults indicated more diverse listening situations and experienced less variability in hearing quality with hearing aids. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Our findings suggest that hearing aid owners may proactively use the hearing devices to master situation-specific demands and difficulties in hearing quality. Such findings underline that hearing aid use and satisfaction depend on the extent to which the devices help to manage everyday life successfully.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5126935
title: Supplementary Material for: Association of Filaggrin Variants with Asthma and Rhinitis: Is Eczema or Allergic Sensitization Status an Effect Modifier?

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Associations of variants of the filaggrin gene, i.e. <i>FLG</i> with asthma and rhinitis have been shown to be modulated by eczema status. However, it is unknown whether allergic sensitization status modifies this association. The aim of this study was to determine whether <i>FLG</i> variants need eczema and/or allergic sensitization as a necessary component to execute adverse effects on coexisting and subsequent asthma and rhinitis. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> In the Isle of Wight birth cohort, repeated measurements of asthma, rhinitis, eczema and allergic sensitization (documented by skin-prick tests) were taken in 1,456 children at the ages of 1, 2, 4, 10 and 18 years. Filaggrin haploinsufficiency was defined as having at least the minor allele of R501X, 2282del4 or S3247X variants. log-binomial regression models were used to test associations and statistical interactions. <b><i>Results:</i></b><i>FLG</i> variants increased the risk of asthma [risk ratio (RR) 1.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06-1.80] and rhinitis (RR 1.37, 95% CI 1.16-1.63). In the delayed-effects models, ‘<i>FLG</i> variants plus allergic sensitization' and ‘<i>FLG</i> variants plus eczema' increased the risk of subsequent asthma by 4.93-fold (95% CI 3.61-6.71) and 3.33-fold (95% CI 2.45-4.51), respectively, during the first 18 years of life. In contrast, neither eczema nor allergic sensitization in combination with <i>FLG</i> variants increased the risk of later rhinitis. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Allergic sensitization and eczema modulated the association between <i>FLG</i> variants and asthma but not rhinitis. Our results imply that the mechanisms and pathways through which <i>FLG</i> variants predispose to an increased risk of asthma and rhinitis may be different.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5126938
title: Supplementary Material for: Effectiveness of Text versus Pictorial Health Warning Labels and Predictors of Support for Plain Packaging of Tobacco Products within the European Union

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Tobacco product warning labels are a key health communication medium with plain packaging noted as the next step in the evolution of tobacco packaging. We assessed the self-reported impact of text versus pictorial health warnings and the determinants of support for plain packaging of tobacco products in the European Union (EU). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The Special Eurobarometer 385 survey was analyzed for 26,566 adults from 27 EU countries in 2012. The self-reported impact of warning labels (text or pictorial) and determinants of EU-wide support for plain packaging were assessed using multivariate logistic regression. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Current smokers in countries where cigarette pictorial warnings were implemented had higher odds of reporting that health warning labels had any effect on their smoking behavior (making a quit attempt or reducing number of cigarettes smoked per day) compared to respondents in countries with text-only warning labels (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI: 1.10-1.56). Population support for plain packaging of tobacco packs was higher in countries where cigarette pictorial warnings already existed (aOR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.07-1.28). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> These findings indicate that the implementation of pictorial warnings at an EU level may have a positive behavioral impact among smokers and pave the way for population support for plain packaging in the EU.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5126938.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Effectiveness of Text versus Pictorial Health Warning Labels and Predictors of Support for Plain Packaging of Tobacco Products within the European Union

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Tobacco product warning labels are a key health communication medium with plain packaging noted as the next step in the evolution of tobacco packaging. We assessed the self-reported impact of text versus pictorial health warnings and the determinants of support for plain packaging of tobacco products in the European Union (EU). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The Special Eurobarometer 385 survey was analyzed for 26,566 adults from 27 EU countries in 2012. The self-reported impact of warning labels (text or pictorial) and determinants of EU-wide support for plain packaging were assessed using multivariate logistic regression. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Current smokers in countries where cigarette pictorial warnings were implemented had higher odds of reporting that health warning labels had any effect on their smoking behavior (making a quit attempt or reducing number of cigarettes smoked per day) compared to respondents in countries with text-only warning labels (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI: 1.10-1.56). Population support for plain packaging of tobacco packs was higher in countries where cigarette pictorial warnings already existed (aOR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.07-1.28). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> These findings indicate that the implementation of pictorial warnings at an EU level may have a positive behavioral impact among smokers and pave the way for population support for plain packaging in the EU.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5126944
title: Supplementary Material for: The Mini-Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination: A New Assessment Tool for Dementia

description: <b><i>Background/Aims:</i></b> We developed and validated the Mini-Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (M-ACE) in dementia patients. Comparisons were also made with the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). <b><i>Method:</i></b> The M-ACE was developed using Mokken scaling analysis in 117 dementia patients [behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), n = 25; primary progressive aphasia (PPA), n = 49; Alzheimer's disease (AD), n = 34; corticobasal syndrome (CBS), n = 9] and validated in an independent sample of 164 dementia patients (bvFTD, n = 23; PPA, n = 82; AD, n = 38; CBS, n = 21) and 78 controls, who also completed the MMSE. <b><i>Results: </i></b>The M-ACE consists of 5 items with a maximum score of 30. Two cut-offs were identified: (1) ≤25/30 has both high sensitivity and specificity, and (2) ≤21/30 is almost certainly a score to have come from a dementia patient regardless of the clinical setting. The M-ACE is more sensitive than the MMSE and is less likely to have ceiling effects. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The M-ACE is a brief and sensitive cognitive screening tool for dementia. Two cut-offs (25 or 21) are recommended. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5126941.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESA) for Preventing the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease: A Meta-Analysis of 19 Studies

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> The effect of anemia correction on kidney function in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients remains unclear. As 19-40% of patients with CKD receive an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA), this is a potentially important consideration. <b><i>Summary:</i></b> We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials to January 1, 2014 in adult patients with CKD stages 1 to 4. Selection criteria for studies: randomized controlled trials of at least 2 months duration. Patients were allocated to ESA versus placebo, no treatment, or different ESA doses with the purpose of achieving a higher versus a lower hemoglobin target. The analyzed outcomes were the need for renal replacement therapy, doubling of serum creatinine, change in GFR (ml/min), mortality and withdrawal of treatment due to adverse events. A total of 19 trials (n = 8,129 participants with CKD stage 1-4) were reviewed. There was no difference in the risk of end-stage kidney disease (RR, 0.97 [CI 0.83-1.20], 17 trials, 8,104 participants), change in GFR (Mean Difference [MD] -0.45 [-2.21, 1.31], 9 trials, 1,848 participants) or withdrawal of treatment due to adverse events (RR, 1.18 [CI 0.77-1.81], 10 trials, n = 1,958 participants) for patients at higher hemoglobin (Hb) targets. Furthermore, no statistically significant differences in mortality (Risk Ratio [RR] 1.10 [CI 0.90-1.35], 16 trials, n = 8,082 participants) were observed. <b><i>Key Messages:</i></b> There is no evidence that ESA treatment affects renal function in patients with CKD. Use of these agents should not therefore be influenced by considerations about influencing CKD progression.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5126926
title: Supplementary Material for: Chondroitin Sulfate Microparticles Modulate Transforming Growth Factor-β<sub>1</sub>-Induced Chondrogenesis of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Spheroids

description: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been previously explored as a part of cell-based therapies for the repair of damaged cartilage. Current MSC chondrogenic differentiation strategies employ large pellets; however, we have developed a technique to form small MSC aggregates (500-1,000 cells) that can reduce transport barriers while maintaining a multicellular structure analogous to cartilaginous condensations. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of incorporating chondroitin sulfate methacrylate (CSMA) microparticles (MPs) within small MSC spheroids cultured in the presence of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β<sub>1</sub> on chondrogenesis. Spheroids with MPs induced earlier increases in collagen II and aggrecan gene expression (chondrogenic markers) than spheroids without MPs, although no large differences in immunostaining for these matrix molecules were observed by day 21 between these groups. Collagen I and X were also detected in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of all spheroids by immunostaining. Interestingly, histology revealed that CSMA MPs clustered together near the center of the MSC spheroids and induced circumferential alignment of cells and ECM around the material core. This study demonstrates the use of CSMA materials to further examine the effects of matrix molecules on MSC phenotype as well as potentially direct differentiation in a more spatially controlled manner that better mimics the architecture of specific musculoskeletal tissues.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5126929
title: Supplementary Material for: ECSIT Bridges RIG-I-Like Receptors to VISA in Signaling Events of Innate Antiviral Responses

description: Upon binding to RNA structures from invading viruses, RIG-I and MDA5 are recruited to mitochondria to interact with VISA and initiate antiviral type I interferon (IFN) responses. How this process is mediated is less understood. In this report, we demonstrate that ECSIT is an essential scaffolding protein that mediates the association of VISA and RIG-I or MDA5. Overexpression of ECSIT potentiated virus-triggered activation of IFN-regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and expression of <i>IFNB1</i>, whereas knockdown of ECSIT impaired viral infection-induced activation of IRF3 and expression of <i>IFNB1</i> as well as cellular antiviral responses. Mechanistically, ECSIT was associated with VISA on mitochondria and important for bridging RIG-I and MDA5 to VISA. Our findings suggest that ECSIT mediates virus-triggered type I IFN induction by bridging RIG-I and MDA5 to the VISA complex, and provide new insights into the molecular events of innate antiviral immune responses.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5126932
title: Supplementary Material for: Defective Inflammatory Monocyte Development in IRF8-Deficient Mice Abrogates Migration to the West Nile Virus-Infected Brain

description: IRF8 (interferon-regulatory factor-8) plays a critical role in regulating myeloid cell differentiation. However, the role of this transcription factor in the development of Ly6C+ inflammatory monocytes and their migration to the infected brain has not been examined. We have previously shown that West Nile virus (WNV) infection of wild-type (WT) mice triggers a significant increase in numbers of Ly6C+ monocytes in the bone marrow. These cells traffic via the blood to the infected brain, where they give rise to proinflammatory macrophages. Here, we show that WNV-infected IRF8-deficient (IRF8-/-) mice had significantly reduced numbers of Ly6C+ monocytes in the periphery, with few of these cells found in the blood. Furthermore, low numbers of inflammatory monocyte-derived macrophages were observed in the brains of IRF8-/- mice throughout infection. Adoptive transfer of IRF8-/- Ly6C+ monocytes demonstrated that these cells were intrinsically unable to traffic to the inflamed brain. Low expression of the chemokine receptor CCR2 and integrin VLA-4 by IRF8-/- monocytes likely contributed to this defect, as the interactions between these proteins and their ligands are critical for monocyte egress and migration to inflammatory foci. These data highlight a critical role for IRF8 in inflammatory monocyte differentiation and migration during WNV infection.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5126944.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: The Mini-Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination: A New Assessment Tool for Dementia

description: <b><i>Background/Aims:</i></b> We developed and validated the Mini-Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (M-ACE) in dementia patients. Comparisons were also made with the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). <b><i>Method:</i></b> The M-ACE was developed using Mokken scaling analysis in 117 dementia patients [behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), n = 25; primary progressive aphasia (PPA), n = 49; Alzheimer's disease (AD), n = 34; corticobasal syndrome (CBS), n = 9] and validated in an independent sample of 164 dementia patients (bvFTD, n = 23; PPA, n = 82; AD, n = 38; CBS, n = 21) and 78 controls, who also completed the MMSE. <b><i>Results: </i></b>The M-ACE consists of 5 items with a maximum score of 30. Two cut-offs were identified: (1) ≤25/30 has both high sensitivity and specificity, and (2) ≤21/30 is almost certainly a score to have come from a dementia patient regardless of the clinical setting. The M-ACE is more sensitive than the MMSE and is less likely to have ceiling effects. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The M-ACE is a brief and sensitive cognitive screening tool for dementia. Two cut-offs (25 or 21) are recommended. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5126923
title: Supplementary Material for: Retinal Ganglion Cell Distribution and Spatial Resolving Power in Deep-Sea Lanternfishes (Myctophidae)

description: Topographic analyses of retinal ganglion cell density are very useful in providing information about the visual ecology of a species by identifying areas of acute vision within the visual field (i.e. areas of high cell density). In this study, we investigated the neural cell distribution in the ganglion cell layer of a range of lanternfish species belonging to 10 genera. Analyses were performed on wholemounted retinas using stereology. Topographic maps were constructed of the distribution of all neurons and both ganglion and amacrine cell populations in 5 different species from Nissl-stained retinas using cytological criteria. Amacrine cell distribution was also examined immunohistochemically in 2 of the 5 species using anti-parvalbumin antibody. The distributions of both the total neuron and the amacrine cell populations were aligned in all of the species examined, showing a general increase in cell density toward the retinal periphery. However, when the ganglion cell population was topographically isolated from the amacrine cell population, which comprised up to 80% of the total neurons within the ganglion cell layer, a different distribution was revealed. Topographic maps of the true ganglion cell distribution in 18 species of lanternfishes revealed well-defined specializations in different regions of the retina. Different species possessed distinct areas of high ganglion cell density with respect to both peak density and the location and/or shape of the specialized acute zone (i.e. elongated areae ventro-temporales, areae temporales and large areae centrales). The spatial resolving power was calculated to be relatively low (varying from 1.6 to 4.4 cycles per degree), indicating that myctophids may constitute one of the less visually acute groups of deep-sea teleosts. The diversity in retinal specializations and spatial resolving power within the family is assessed in terms of possible ecological functions and evolutionary history.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5126926.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Chondroitin Sulfate Microparticles Modulate Transforming Growth Factor-β<sub>1</sub>-Induced Chondrogenesis of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Spheroids

description: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been previously explored as a part of cell-based therapies for the repair of damaged cartilage. Current MSC chondrogenic differentiation strategies employ large pellets; however, we have developed a technique to form small MSC aggregates (500-1,000 cells) that can reduce transport barriers while maintaining a multicellular structure analogous to cartilaginous condensations. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of incorporating chondroitin sulfate methacrylate (CSMA) microparticles (MPs) within small MSC spheroids cultured in the presence of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β<sub>1</sub> on chondrogenesis. Spheroids with MPs induced earlier increases in collagen II and aggrecan gene expression (chondrogenic markers) than spheroids without MPs, although no large differences in immunostaining for these matrix molecules were observed by day 21 between these groups. Collagen I and X were also detected in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of all spheroids by immunostaining. Interestingly, histology revealed that CSMA MPs clustered together near the center of the MSC spheroids and induced circumferential alignment of cells and ECM around the material core. This study demonstrates the use of CSMA materials to further examine the effects of matrix molecules on MSC phenotype as well as potentially direct differentiation in a more spatially controlled manner that better mimics the architecture of specific musculoskeletal tissues.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5126914
title: Supplementary Material for: Sequence and Expression of Two <b><i>cry8</i></b> Genes from <b><i>Bacillus thuringiensis</i></b> INTA Fr7-4, a Native Strain from Argentina

description: We found and characterized two <i>cry8</i> genes from the <i>Bacillus thuringiensis</i> strain INTA Fr7-4 isolated in Argentina. These genes, <i>cry8Kb3</i> and <i>cry8Pa3</i>, are located in a tandem array within a 13,200-bp DNA segment sequenced from a preparation of total DNA. They encode 1,169- and 1,176-amino-acid proteins, respectively. Both genes were cloned with their promoter sequences and the proteins were expressed separately in an acrystalliferous strain of <i>B. thuringiensis </i>leading to the formation of ovoid crystals in the recombinant strains<i>. </i>The toxicity against larvae of <i>Anthonomus grandis </i>Bh. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) of a spore-crystal suspension from the recombinant strain containing <i>cry8Pa3</i> was similar to that of the parent strain INTA Fr7-4.