cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5124643
title: Supplementary Material for: Effect of Vitamin D Receptor Activator Therapy on Vitamin D Receptor and Osteocalcin Expression in Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells of Hemodialysis Patients

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> The effects of vitamin D receptor (VDR) and osteocalcin (OC) expression as well as VDR agonist (VDRA) therapy on circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) has not been elucidated yet. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We therefore analyzed EPCs in 30 healthy controls and 82 patients undergoing dialysis (no VDRA therapy: 28; oral calcitriol: 30, and intravenous paricalcitol, PCTA: 24). The percentage of EPCs (CD34+/CD133-/KDR+/CD45-) expressing VDR or OC, and VDR and OC expression defined by mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) were analyzed using flow cytometry. The in vitro effect of VDRAs was evaluated in EPCs isolated from each patient group. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The percentage of VDR+ EPCs correlated positively with VDRA therapy and 25(OH)D, and negatively with diabetes, C-reactive protein, hemoglobin and osteopontin. VDR-MFI correlated positively with VDRA therapy, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 25(OH)D, and negatively with diabetes and osteopontin. The percentage of OC+ EPCs correlated positively with the calcium score, PTH and phosphate, and negatively with 25(OH)D. OC-MFI correlated positively with calcium score, PTH, phosphate and hemoglobin, and negatively with albumin, 25(OH)D and osteopontin. Cell cultures from patients without VDRA therapy had the highest levels of calcium deposition and OC expression, which both significantly decreased following in vitro VDRA administration: in particular extracellular calcium deposition was only reduced by adding PCTA. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Our data suggest that 25(OH)D serum levels and VDRA therapy influence VDR and OC expression on circulating EPCs. Since OC expression may contribute to vascular calcification, we hypothesize a putative protective role of VDRA therapy.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5124649
title: Supplementary Material for: Zur Lage der Komplementärmedizin in Deutschland

description: Mit der Novellierung des Arzneimittelgesetzes von 1976 und der Aufnahme der Fächer Naturheilverfahren und Homöopathie in die Approbationsordnung für Ärzte (ÄAppO) von 1988 wurden verhältnismäßig günstige politische Rahmenbedingungen für die Komplementärmedizin in Deutschland geschaffen. Eine umfassende Integration in den akademischen Betrieb erfolgte jedoch nicht. Denn die Universitäten und der Gesetzgeber zeigten augenscheinlich nur wenig Interesse an komplementärmedizinischen Themen, sodass komplementärmedizinische Forschungsvorhaben und Professuren immer noch nahezu vollständig aus Drittmitteln finanziert werden müssen.Trotz des Erfolgs vieler von privater Hand geförderter Projekte, können diese kaum eine nachhaltige Entwicklung in Gang setzen: Mit den Protagonisten und der Drittmittelfinanzierung verschwinden zumeist auch die geschaffenen institutionellen Strukturen. Obwohl die Nachfrage seitens der Bevölkerung groß ist, strich die Bundesregierung 2002 die Homöopathie als Pflichtfach aus der ÄAppO und schränkte im Zuge der Gesundheitsreform 2004 die Erstattungsfähigkeit von Naturheilmitteln durch die gesetzliche Krankenversicherung stark ein. Zudem etablierte sich in der deutschen Medienlandschaft zunehmend der Trend, unsauber recherchierte, reißerische Artikel gegen die Komplementärmedizin zu publizieren. Beklagenswert erscheint auch die mangelnde Einigkeit der komplementärmedizinischen Szene sowie die Unfähigkeit, basale Datensammlung im klinischen Alltag zu betreiben, um Zahlen vorzulegen, die gegenüber der Politik und der akademischen Welt weitergehende Bemühungen rechtfertigen könnten. Positiv ist hervorzuheben, dass der wissenschaftliche Standard in der komplementärmedizinischen Forschung fast durchgängig hoch ist und dass die aus Drittmitteln geförderten Projekte überzeugende Ergebnisse zeitigen.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5124661.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: The Tat Pathway Is Prevalent in <b><i>Listeria monocytogenes</i></b> Lineage II and Is Not Required for Infection and Spread in Host Cells

description: <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i>, a foodborne pathogenic bacterium, remains a serious public health concern due to its frequent occurrence in food products coupled with a high mortality rate. Bacterial pathogenicity depends greatly on the ability to secrete virulence factors to or beyond the bacterial cell surface. The Tat pathway, one of the secretion systems present in <i>L. monocytogenes</i>, was until now only investigated <i>in silico</i>. In <i>L. monocytogenes</i> strain EGDe two genes constitute this pathway, <i>tatC</i><i>(lmo0361)</i> and <i>tatA</i><i>(lmo0362)</i>. Here we show that <i>tatC</i> and <i>tatA</i> are cotranscribed in a bicistronic- and growth-phase-dependent manner, being downregulated in the stationary phase. An EGDe <i>tatAC</i> mutant strain (EGDe Δ<i>tatAC</i>) was constructed, confirming that the Tat pathway is not essential for <i>L.</i><i>monocytogenes</i> survival or biofilm-forming ability. When compared to the wild-type EGDe, deletion of <i>tatAC</i> did not decrease the virulence potential of EGDe Δ<i>tatAC</i> in HT-29 human epithelial cell line and even increased (p &lt; 0.05) the virulence potential for mice. Moreover, we show that <i>tat</i> genes are prevalent in <i>L. monocytogenes</i> strains belonging to genetic lineage II and are generally absent from lineage I, which is more associated with human cases, thus excluding the possibility of using the Tat system as a target for novel antimicrobial compounds targeting <i>L.</i><i>monocytogenes</i>.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5124637
title: Supplementary Material for: The Relationship of NT-proBNP and Dialysis Parameters with Outcome of Incident Haemodialysis Patients: Results from the Membrane Permeability Outcome Study

description: <b><i>Background/Aims:</i></b> The association of raised levels of natriuretic peptides with elevated risk of mortality was investigated in the present analysis of the Membrane Permeability Outcome study. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> N-terminal probrain type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was measured in 618 incident haemodialysis patients, randomised to either high-flux or low-flux. Characteristics of patients with NT-proBNP levels below or above the median were descriptively analysed and survival analysis was performed. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Median NT-proBNP value was 2,124 pg/ml, with 1,854 pg/ml in the high-flux and 2,919 pg/ml in the low-flux group. Survival probability was lowest in patients with both a history of cardiovascular disease and NT-proBNP values above the median (p &lt; 0.001). A multivariate Cox proportional hazard model showed interaction between presence of cardiovascular diseases and NT-proBNP levels above the median. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> NT-proBNP is an independent predictor of mortality also in incident haemodialysis patients. Lower concentrations associated with high-flux dialysis suggest a possible biological link to improved survival in this group.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5124646
title: Supplementary Material for: Immunotherapy with a Recombinant Hybrid Molecule Alleviates Allergic Responses More Efficiently than an Allergenic Cocktail or Pollen Extract in a Model of <b><i>Chenopodium album</i></b> Allergy

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> The aim of this study is to assess the therapeutic potential of a recombinant hybrid molecule (rHM) alongside an allergenic cocktail from recombinant wild-type allergens as well as pollen extract on <i>Chenopodium album</i> allergy, using a BALB/c mouse model. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The BALB/c mice had already been sensitized to <i>C. album</i> via intraperitoneal injections of alum-adsorbed allergenic cocktail and immunotherapy procedure was followed by subcutaneous injections of the rHM, allergenic cocktail and pollen extract at weekly intervals. Humoral immune responses were determined via measurement of specific antibodies in serum. Splenocytes of immunized mice were stimulated in vitro and then proliferation responses, cytokine secretion and mRNA expression of genes involved in immunotherapy were examined by ELISA and real-time PCR. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Sensitized mice were identified with high specific IgE against allergenic cocktail when compared with healthy mice. Immunotherapy with the rHM induced the highest ratio of the IgG2a/IgG1 levels compared to allergenic cocktail or <i>C. album</i> pollen extract. The rHM was able to induce proliferative responses as well as the allergenic cocktail in cultured splenocytes. Immunotherapy with the rHM significantly improved secretion of IFN-γ and IL-10, while secretion of IL-13 rapidly diminished. Interestingly, mRNA expression of GATA3 was strongly decreased in rHM-treated mice whereas mRNA expression of T-bet and Foxp3 was significantly increased. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Our results prove that immunotherapy with the rHM effectively controlled allergic responses by shifting from a Th2-like immune response to a Th1-dominated immune response.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5124649.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Zur Lage der Komplementärmedizin in Deutschland

description: Mit der Novellierung des Arzneimittelgesetzes von 1976 und der Aufnahme der Fächer Naturheilverfahren und Homöopathie in die Approbationsordnung für Ärzte (ÄAppO) von 1988 wurden verhältnismäßig günstige politische Rahmenbedingungen für die Komplementärmedizin in Deutschland geschaffen. Eine umfassende Integration in den akademischen Betrieb erfolgte jedoch nicht. Denn die Universitäten und der Gesetzgeber zeigten augenscheinlich nur wenig Interesse an komplementärmedizinischen Themen, sodass komplementärmedizinische Forschungsvorhaben und Professuren immer noch nahezu vollständig aus Drittmitteln finanziert werden müssen.Trotz des Erfolgs vieler von privater Hand geförderter Projekte, können diese kaum eine nachhaltige Entwicklung in Gang setzen: Mit den Protagonisten und der Drittmittelfinanzierung verschwinden zumeist auch die geschaffenen institutionellen Strukturen. Obwohl die Nachfrage seitens der Bevölkerung groß ist, strich die Bundesregierung 2002 die Homöopathie als Pflichtfach aus der ÄAppO und schränkte im Zuge der Gesundheitsreform 2004 die Erstattungsfähigkeit von Naturheilmitteln durch die gesetzliche Krankenversicherung stark ein. Zudem etablierte sich in der deutschen Medienlandschaft zunehmend der Trend, unsauber recherchierte, reißerische Artikel gegen die Komplementärmedizin zu publizieren. Beklagenswert erscheint auch die mangelnde Einigkeit der komplementärmedizinischen Szene sowie die Unfähigkeit, basale Datensammlung im klinischen Alltag zu betreiben, um Zahlen vorzulegen, die gegenüber der Politik und der akademischen Welt weitergehende Bemühungen rechtfertigen könnten. Positiv ist hervorzuheben, dass der wissenschaftliche Standard in der komplementärmedizinischen Forschung fast durchgängig hoch ist und dass die aus Drittmitteln geförderten Projekte überzeugende Ergebnisse zeitigen.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5124619
title: Supplementary Material for: Intentional Weight Loss and Dose Reductions of Antihypertensive Medications: A Retrospective Cohort Study

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Though it is well known that weight loss tends to decrease blood pressure, the quantitative association between the magnitude of weight loss and the effect on the need for antihypertensive medications is not well studied. We analyzed this association among overweight and obese attendees at two outpatient weight management centers. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Case records of patients with a body mass index &gt;25 at baseline were analyzed. The weight loss intervention consisted of a calorie-restricted diet (~1,000 kcal/day deficit), a behavior modification plan, and a plan for increasing physical activity. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The study cohort consisted of 100 participants, and the mean follow-up period was 15 ± 3.5 months. Significant weight loss (12.2 ± 3.4 kg) and systolic/diastolic blood pressure reductions (9.1/6.3 mm Hg) were observed by study exit. For 5, 10, and 15% weight loss, respectively, 3, 39, and 39% of the patients achieved at least 1 discontinuation of any antihypertensive medication, and 8, 42, and 21 dose reductions were achieved. Dose reductions or discontinuations occurred in all classes of antihypertensive medications with similar magnitudes of weight loss. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Intentional weight loss can potentially result in dose reductions/discontinuations of antihypertensive medications. Our results should be validated with data from larger randomized controlled studies and may help to inform the conduct of a systematic review of prior randomized controlled trials that contain data on medication changes accompanying weight loss.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5124634
title: Supplementary Material for: Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based versus Computed Tomography-Based Thrombolysis in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Comparison of Safety and Efficacy within a Cohort Study

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> In acute ischemic stroke, brain imaging is mandatory in the decision whether to perform intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. The most widespread used imaging modality to exclude intracranial hemorrhage is plain computed tomography (CT). However, there is an ongoing debate whether the information provided by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could improve the selection of patients for thrombolysis. We investigated whether the choice of imaging modality (MRI vs. CT) affects therapy safety and the patients' outcome. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Analyses are based on data from a prospective, single-center observational study that included all patients with acute ischemic stroke who received intravenous thrombolysis within 4.5 h. Stroke severity was assessed by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Safety was assessed by rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (SICH), brain edema with mass effect and 7-day mortality. Outcome was assessed at 3 months as mortality and proportion of independent patients (modified Rankin Scale score between 0 and 2). <b><i>Results:</i></b> We analyzed 345 patients of whom 141 received multimodal MRI and 204 received plain CT prior to treatment. Groups did not differ significantly in terms of age, neurological deficit, rate of elevated glucose level or rate of very high blood pressure. However, patients with CT-based thrombolysis had significantly higher rates of cardiac comorbidities (coronary artery disease, heart failure). In the MRI group, we observed a lower rate of 7-day mortality (1 vs. 10%; p = 0.001), a lower rate of SICH (1 vs. 6%; p = 0.010) and a nonsignificantly lower rate of brain edema with mass effect (2 vs. 6%; n.s.). In multivariable analysis, 7-day mortality was independently associated with MRI-based thrombolysis, even if cardiac comorbidities were taken into account. For mortality at 3 months, there was a nonsignificant difference in favor of the MRI group (16 vs. 23%; n.s.). In multivariable analyses, mortality at 3 months was independently associated with older age, higher stroke severity, brain edema with mass effect, SICH, pneumonia and coronary artery disease. Neither mortality nor independent outcome was influenced by initial imaging modality. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Thrombolysis based on multimodal MRI is associated with reduced rates of SICH and early death. Our results suggest that these complications affect survival principally in the acute phase after thrombolysis. However, nonneurological and especially cardiac comorbidities also influence survival after stroke and are underrepresented in stroke patients undergoing MRI. Selection bias has to be considered.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5124640
title: Supplementary Material for: Freely-Available, True-Color Volume Rendering Software and Cryohistology Data Sets for Virtual Exploration of the Temporal Bone Anatomy

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Cadaveric dissection of temporal bone anatomy is not always possible or feasible in certain educational environments. Volume rendering using CT and/or MRI helps understanding spatial relationships, but they suffer in nonrealistic depictions especially regarding color of anatomical structures. Freely available, nonstained histological data sets and software which are able to render such data sets in realistic color could overcome this limitation and be a very effective teaching tool. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> With recent availability of specialized public-domain software, volume rendering of true-color, histological data sets is now possible. We present both feasibility as well as step-by-step instructions to allow processing of publicly available data sets (Visible Female Human and Visible Ear) into easily navigable 3-dimensional models using free software. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Example renderings are shown to demonstrate the utility of these free methods in virtual exploration of the complex anatomy of the temporal bone. After exploring the data sets, the Visible Ear appears more natural than the Visible Human. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> We provide directions for an easy-to-use, open-source software in conjunction with freely available histological data sets. This work facilitates self-education of spatial relationships of anatomical structures inside the human temporal bone as well as it allows exploration of surgical approaches prior to cadaveric testing and/or clinical implementation.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5124637.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: The Relationship of NT-proBNP and Dialysis Parameters with Outcome of Incident Haemodialysis Patients: Results from the Membrane Permeability Outcome Study

description: <b><i>Background/Aims:</i></b> The association of raised levels of natriuretic peptides with elevated risk of mortality was investigated in the present analysis of the Membrane Permeability Outcome study. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> N-terminal probrain type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was measured in 618 incident haemodialysis patients, randomised to either high-flux or low-flux. Characteristics of patients with NT-proBNP levels below or above the median were descriptively analysed and survival analysis was performed. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Median NT-proBNP value was 2,124 pg/ml, with 1,854 pg/ml in the high-flux and 2,919 pg/ml in the low-flux group. Survival probability was lowest in patients with both a history of cardiovascular disease and NT-proBNP values above the median (p &lt; 0.001). A multivariate Cox proportional hazard model showed interaction between presence of cardiovascular diseases and NT-proBNP levels above the median. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> NT-proBNP is an independent predictor of mortality also in incident haemodialysis patients. Lower concentrations associated with high-flux dialysis suggest a possible biological link to improved survival in this group.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5124640.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Freely-Available, True-Color Volume Rendering Software and Cryohistology Data Sets for Virtual Exploration of the Temporal Bone Anatomy

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Cadaveric dissection of temporal bone anatomy is not always possible or feasible in certain educational environments. Volume rendering using CT and/or MRI helps understanding spatial relationships, but they suffer in nonrealistic depictions especially regarding color of anatomical structures. Freely available, nonstained histological data sets and software which are able to render such data sets in realistic color could overcome this limitation and be a very effective teaching tool. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> With recent availability of specialized public-domain software, volume rendering of true-color, histological data sets is now possible. We present both feasibility as well as step-by-step instructions to allow processing of publicly available data sets (Visible Female Human and Visible Ear) into easily navigable 3-dimensional models using free software. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Example renderings are shown to demonstrate the utility of these free methods in virtual exploration of the complex anatomy of the temporal bone. After exploring the data sets, the Visible Ear appears more natural than the Visible Human. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> We provide directions for an easy-to-use, open-source software in conjunction with freely available histological data sets. This work facilitates self-education of spatial relationships of anatomical structures inside the human temporal bone as well as it allows exploration of surgical approaches prior to cadaveric testing and/or clinical implementation.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5124646.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Immunotherapy with a Recombinant Hybrid Molecule Alleviates Allergic Responses More Efficiently than an Allergenic Cocktail or Pollen Extract in a Model of <b><i>Chenopodium album</i></b> Allergy

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> The aim of this study is to assess the therapeutic potential of a recombinant hybrid molecule (rHM) alongside an allergenic cocktail from recombinant wild-type allergens as well as pollen extract on <i>Chenopodium album</i> allergy, using a BALB/c mouse model. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The BALB/c mice had already been sensitized to <i>C. album</i> via intraperitoneal injections of alum-adsorbed allergenic cocktail and immunotherapy procedure was followed by subcutaneous injections of the rHM, allergenic cocktail and pollen extract at weekly intervals. Humoral immune responses were determined via measurement of specific antibodies in serum. Splenocytes of immunized mice were stimulated in vitro and then proliferation responses, cytokine secretion and mRNA expression of genes involved in immunotherapy were examined by ELISA and real-time PCR. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Sensitized mice were identified with high specific IgE against allergenic cocktail when compared with healthy mice. Immunotherapy with the rHM induced the highest ratio of the IgG2a/IgG1 levels compared to allergenic cocktail or <i>C. album</i> pollen extract. The rHM was able to induce proliferative responses as well as the allergenic cocktail in cultured splenocytes. Immunotherapy with the rHM significantly improved secretion of IFN-γ and IL-10, while secretion of IL-13 rapidly diminished. Interestingly, mRNA expression of GATA3 was strongly decreased in rHM-treated mice whereas mRNA expression of T-bet and Foxp3 was significantly increased. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Our results prove that immunotherapy with the rHM effectively controlled allergic responses by shifting from a Th2-like immune response to a Th1-dominated immune response.